The Will of the Many

I went on the hype train with Christopher and it was a hell of a ride. I was hooked from the first chapter and devoured the book as fast as I possibly could, which means I'm currently very sleep deprived so I apologize if this is not the most coherent review.

This book has everything I love in fantasy: interesting magic system with a huge development potential, political intrigue, friendship, betrayals, mystery and a great title. This book reminded me a lot of other books, but if feels original and it was flawlessly executed. James Islington writing is very captivating and I loved how he guides us through the story-line, and how he plants clues and the seeds for future expansion.

I absolutely love the reluctant hero trope and Vis is no exception! He was one of my favorite things in the book and I loved to see everything unfold through his eyes. Although he's a bit of a Gary Sue, he's so instantly likable that I'm prepared to defend his honor to anyone who dares criticize him. I can't wait to keep seeing him grow into the amazing leader we already know he is.

The ending?? It's obviously a cliffhanger but it was incredibly good and I can't wait to see how everything will unfold.

The Will of the Many will live rent free in my brain until the second installment is out (I need it desperately).

This is a MUST read for Fantasy readers and I would advise you to go in as blind as you possibly can.

P.S - I have minor issues with the female characters in this book. I don't think James Islington did a great job describing them... they all have cascading hair (which may be brown, red and probably blond, but I'm not even sure). To be completely honest, they could be interchangeable and read mostly the same to me, except we are supposed to like some more than the others. However, we do have women in the story, and they have roles (albeit limited) besides looking pretty, working in pubs or being SA, so all in all, I can't complain.
I'm curious to know how he's going to develop their future roles as the whole society is highly patriarchal (this is no surprise as it is based on Roman Empire), but the school setting gives as a false sense of equality.