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The Strength of the Few

Hierarchy, Book 2

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The Strength of the Few

By: James Islington
Narrated by: Euan Morton
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About this listen

This highly anticipated follow-up to The Will of the Many—one of 2023’s most lauded and best-selling fantasy novels—follows Vis as he grapples with a dangerous secret that could unravel history across alternate dimensions.

Omne trium perfectum

The Hierarchy still call me Vis Telimus. Still hail me as Catenicus. They still, as one, believe they know who I am.

But with all that has happened—with what I fear is coming—I am not sure it matters anymore.

I am no longer one. I won the Iudicium and lost everything—and now, impossibly, the ancient device beyond the Labyrinth has replicated me across three separate worlds. A different version of myself in each of Obiteum, Luceum, and Res. Three different bodies, three different lives. I have to hide; fight; play politics. I have to train; trust; lie. I have to kill; heal; prove myself again, and again, and again.

I am loved, and hated, and entirely alone.

Above all, though, I need to find answers before it’s too late. To understand the nature of what has happened to me and why.

I need to find a way to stop the coming Cataclysm, because if all I have learned is true, I may be the only one who can.

©2025 James Islington (P)2025 Audible Inc. Action & Adventure Epic Fantasy Historical
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I really enjoyed the first book—the pacing, the historical depth, and the way the story unfolded all worked brilliantly. Unfortunately, this second instalment felt very different, and not in a good way. The narrative was messy and lacked the cohesion that made the first book so engaging.

Many of the technologies and concepts introduced earlier were barely referenced this time around, which made the world feel inconsistent. I also struggled to feel invested in the characters or their fates, as the emotional stakes never quite landed. The structure didn’t help either; at the start of each chapter, it was often difficult to tell which storyline or character arc we were jumping into, which made the overall plot harder to follow.

Spoiler: I can’t help but feel the series might have worked better if each book had focused on a single world, allowing for clearer storytelling and stronger character development.

Multiple story lines =. Giant mess

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I’m not sure how he did it but Islington managed to live up to the insane expectation I had after book 1. The story just as impactful and emotional with twists and turns from nowhere. I cared about so many characters and hung on absolutely every word said (I listened to the audiobook) - the ending leaves me begging for book 3 to be released in 2026 and not 2027 though!

Admittedly I found the beginning of this book hard to follow due to audio booking it and the different POVs but that soon dissolved and left a brilliantly crafted story.

Incredible read, highly recommend this series to anyone!

Incredible sequel

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thought might get confusing with story going off in 3 directions and doesn't state when changes but made it so understood instantly and was always intrigued to what was happening with it being like 3 storys in one. probably best book he's written and in my top 10 for sure. only issue is waiting for 3rd as finished in 3 days lol.

brilliant.

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..and I really liked it! Can’t wait until the next book comes!!! I’ve read a lot of fantasy, don’t even remember some of them but this really got to me.

A new way of following the main characters thoughts..

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Although I didn’t like how certain events fold the cliff hanger is nail bitting. Dying for the next two instalments

Sensational

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