The Will of the Many

At the elite Catenan Academy, students are prepared to be the future leaders of the Hierarchy empire. The curriculum reveals a layered set of mysteries that turn murderous. Vis, the adopted son of Magnus Quintus Ulcisor, is trained to enter the academy to discover the hidden agenda and what happened to his brother. He must learn the use of Will, a practice that encompasses their energy, drive, focus, initiative, ambition, and vitality, to excel at the Academy. Will can be voluntarily "ceded" to someone else, growing in power towards superhuman levels.

Format: Hardback
Length: 640 pages
Publication date: 22 June 2023
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

At the esteemed Catenan Academy, where students are nurtured to become the future leaders of the vast Hierarchy empire, the curriculum unveils a intricate tapestry of mysteries that gradually escalate into deadly intrigue. This captivating new fantasy masterpiece is penned by the bestselling author of The Licanius Trilogy, James Islington.

Vish, the adopted son of Magnus Quintus Ulcisor, a prominent senator within the Hierarchy, is destined to enroll at the renowned Catenan Academy to assist Ulciscor in uncovering the enigmatic purpose behind the secluded island institution. Concealed beneath his intentions, Vish yearns to discover the truth behind the untimely demise of his brother, who met a tragic end at the academy. He firmly believes that Quintus Veridius Julii, the current Principalis of the academy, possesses far more knowledge than he is willing to disclose.

The rigorous syllabus presented at the Academy poses a formidable challenge that Vis eagerly embraces, but it is the training in the wielding of Will, a practice that Vis finds utterly abhorrent, that he must master to excel. Will, a concept that encompasses an individual's energy, drive, focus, initiative, ambition, and vitality, can be voluntarily "ceded" to another person. A single recipient can absorb ceded Will from multiple sources, gradually ascending to extraordinary levels of power. Within the hierarchical structure of the Hierarchy, one's level of Will, or legal rank, determines their fate, shaping their existence or demise. However, there exist individuals who are steadfast in their pursuit to dismantle this hierarchical system, as well as those within the Academy who exploit it to gain dominance on a global scale.

James Islington's meticulously crafted new epic fantasy series delves deep into the intricate world of the Catenan Academy, where secrets and power intertwine, and the fate of entire empires hangs in the balance. Prepare to be captivated by this thrilling tale of ambition, betrayal, and the ultimate battle for dominance as Vis embarks on a perilous journey to unravel the mysteries that lie within the academy's walls.

Weight: 812g
Dimension: 164 x 240 x 46 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781982141172