The Strength of the Few

Hierarchy, Book 2

By: James Islington

Narrated by: Euan Morton

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.

Excellent continuation

Thoroughly enjoyed book 2 which was suspenseful and extremely well written. A bit confusing but highly entertaining with Euan Morton adding depth with his outstanding narration. This book sets up book 3, which hopefully will not take too long to be released. Highly recommend this series.

Uneven pacing and development

I was anxious to read this sequel as I liked the first book so very much. I found this one picked up and elaborated on hints in the previous book in interesting ways. However the characters seemed to go in and out of focus for me (maybe the pacing) with new insights battling repeated struggles. Also, I’m not at all squeamish but I thought too much time was spent on awful situations and too little on central pieces of the puzzle plot which was frustrating (especially at the end).

Incredible Story

I love this book series. James Islington continues to deliver with book 2. He’s grown so much as an author and it shows. Excellent narration again as well. 5 stars isn’t enough.

Hooked from the first page

Everything about this book and series is immaculate. Read it immediately; you won't regret it.

NEED THE THIRD BOOK NOW

What a wild ride - from start to finish it was the only thing I could think about. Hail Vis!