What to Read After The Will of the Many by James Islington
December 16, 2025
Loved The Will of the Many? Discover the best books to read next if you enjoyed its magic academy setting, Roman-inspired empire, secret rebellion, and high-stakes epic fantasy storytelling.
If you’ve just finished The Will of the Many (Book 1 in the Hierarchy series) by James Islington and are wondering what to read next, you’re not alone. The novel has quickly become one of the most talked-about epic fantasy releases in recent years, with readers searching for “books like The Will of the Many” and “what to read after The Will of the Many” in droves.
Combining a brutal magic system, a Roman-inspired empire, a dangerous academy setting, and a slow-burn story of rebellion, the book hits multiple reader-favourite sweet spots. This guide focuses on similar books and series that capture the same energy, themes, and tropes - perfect for easing a post-book hangover.
Why Readers Love The Will of the Many
Before diving into recommendations, it helps to understand why this book resonates so strongly.
Readers are drawn to:
A rigid, oppressive empire inspired by Roman history
A magic system tied to power, obedience, and sacrifice
A secret identity and hidden agenda
A high-pressure academy environment
Themes of rebellion, control, and moral compromise
These elements make The Will of the Many especially appealing to fans of epic fantasy, progression fantasy, and dark academia-adjacent stories.
Books to Read If You Liked The Will of the Many
Below are high-intent recommendations - books frequently searched alongside The Will of the Many and often loved by the same readers.
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
If you loved the oppressive class system and rebellion arc, Red Rising is often the first recommendation.
Why it fits:
Brutal hierarchical society
Secret infiltration of elite institutions
Revolutionary themes
High personal cost for power
Many readers describe The Will of the Many as Red Rising meets epic fantasy.
Red Rising
by Pierce Brown
The Red Rising series by Pierce Brown is a gripping sci-fi saga of rebellion, power, and survival, following Darrow as he fights to overthrow a brutal hierarchy and ignite change in a futuristic, oppressive society.
The Licanius Trilogy by James Islington
If you want to stay with the same author, this is essential reading.
Why it fits:
Complex magic systems
Time, fate, and moral ambiguity
Long-term payoffs and twists
Deep philosophical themes
Fans often search for "James Islington books to read next", making this a strong internal-link opportunity.
The Licanius Trilogy
The Licanius Trilogy by James Islington is an epic fantasy series of magic, prophecy, and political intrigue. Following a group of heroes unraveling ancient secrets, the trilogy blends high-stakes adventure, morally grey characters, and time-bending mysteries.
The Name of the Wind - Patrick Rothfuss
For readers who enjoyed the academy setting and gifted but constrained protagonist.
Why it fits:
Magic education and intellectual competition
A powerful but controlled protagonist
Mystery layered beneath the narrative
Slow-burn epic fantasy tone
The Name of the Wind
The Kingkiller Chronicle (Book 1)
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss is an epic fantasy where myth meets memory, following a legendary figure as he tells the true story behind his own fame.
The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang
If the darkness and cost of power stood out to you, this is a natural next step.
Why it fits:
Militaristic academy beginnings
Escalation into war and rebellion
Morally grey choices
Power that destroys as much as it gives
The Poppy War
by R. F. Kuang
The Poppy War series by R. F. Kuang is a grimdark epic fantasy inspired by Chinese history. Following Rin’s rise from poverty to power, the trilogy explores war, colonialism, trauma, and the devastating cost of vengeance and ambition.
Blood Song - Anthony Ryan
For fans of elite training, discipline, and secret histories.
Why it fits:
Intense training environments
Brotherhood and hierarchy
Reputation and myth-building
A focus on skill and progression
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
If you’re drawn to the intellectual tension and secret society aspects.
Why it fits:
Elite magical institutions
Dangerous power dynamics
Moral ambiguity
Characters with competing agendas
Atlas
by Olivie Blake
The Atlas series by Olivie Blake follows six magical scholars recruited to the secretive Alexandrian Society. This dark academic fantasy explores morality, power, and knowledge's cost through morally grey characters wielding reality-bending abilities.
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
For readers craving structured magic systems and rebellion against empire.
Why it fits:
Clear, rule-based magic
Oppressive ruling class
Revolution and sacrifice
Strategic, high-stakes storytelling
Mistborn (The Original Trilogy)
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson follows Vin, a street thief who discovers she's a Mistborn - able to burn metals for supernatural powers. This epic fantasy trilogy features heist elements, revolutionary intrigue, intricate magic systems, and shocking world transformation.
Common Tropes Shared with The Will of the Many
Readers often search by trope as much as by title. If you liked The Will of the Many, you’re likely drawn to:
Popular Tropes
Magic Academy
Oppressive Empire
Secret Identity
Rebellion Against Authority
Power at a Cost
Morally Grey Protagonist
Rigid Class Systems
If You Liked The Will of the Many, Try These Next
If you’re looking for quick guidance:
For rebellion & empire: Red Rising, Mistborn
For academy settings: The Name of the Wind, The Poppy War
For dark progression & power systems: Blood Song, The Licanius Trilogy
For secret societies & intrigue: The Atlas Six
What’s Next? The Strength of the Few (Hierarchy Series Book 2)
Following the success of The Will of the Many, readers won’t have long to wait for the next chapter in the Hierarchy series.
The Strength of the Few is the highly anticipated sequel and Book 2 in the Hierarchy Series. While full details remain closely guarded, the novel is expected to expand the political scope, deepen the rebellion, and further explore the brutal cost of power established in the first book.
Readers searching for:
The Will of the Many sequel
The Strength of the Few release
Hierarchy series reading order
will find this next installment essential reading.
If you enjoyed the academy intrigue, oppressive empire, and morally complex choices of The Will of the Many, The Strength of the Few promises higher stakes, wider consequences, and a deeper look at the systems controlling the world.