The Strength of the Few


The Strength of the Few is an epic fantasy novel by Australian author James Islington. Published in 2025 by Gallery / Saga Press, it is the second installment in The Hierarchy series, following The Will of the Many.

Background and publication

The novel continues the story and world introduced in The Will of the Many, expanding on the political, metaphysical, and historical implications of the Hierarchy’s system of power based on the extraction and accumulation of Will. Islington announced the title and publication timeline after the release and commercial success of the first volume.
The Strength of the Few was released in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats on November 11, 2025.

Premise

Set in the aftermath of the events of The Will of the Many, the novel follows Vis Telimus as the consequences of the Academy trials and the revelations surrounding the ancient labyrinths begin to reshape the balance of power within the Catenan Republic. As internal factions maneuver for control and long-suppressed forces move closer to open conflict, Vis is drawn deeper into the true nature of Synchronism and the legacy of the Cataclysm.
The narrative further explores the competing realms hinted at in the first novel, as well as the moral and political costs of a society built on compulsory submission and concentrated power.

Main characters

Res

Vis Telimus Catenicus – Former prince of Suus, in hiding until he was adopted by Ulciscor Telimus. Now a Sextus in Governance after winning the Iudicium competition in The Will of the ManyEidhin Breac – Sextus in Military, friend of Vis and his ally in finding out who was behind the events at the IudiciumAequa Claudius – Quintus in Governance, survivor of the naumachia, friend of Vis and his ally in finding out who was behind the events at the IudiciumEmissa Corenius – Sextus in Military, love interest to Vis before the events of the Iudicium Ulciscor Telimus – Magnus Quintus and Military senator. Adoptive father of Vis Telimus and consumed with finding out what really happened to his brother, Caeror. Lanistia Scipio – Sextus residing in Ulciscor's family estate. Tutor to Vis. Former classmate of the deceased Caeror Telimus.Relucia Telimus – Sextus, wife of Ulciscor, secretly a member of the Anguis rebel group resisting the Hierarchy. Veridius Julii – The Principalis, in charge of the Academy, Quintus in ReligionKadmos - Septimus in Military, Dispensator to the Telimus family and tutor to Vis. Livia Ericius - Septimus in Governance, sister to the deceased CallidusEricius - Magnus Tertius in Governance, father to Callidus and Livia, supervisor to VisIndol Quiscil - Sextus in Religion, friend of Vis and his ally in finding out who was behind the events at the IudiciumAmercus Decimus - Tertius in Religion, father of Iro, embittered toward Vis for his daughter's death at the naumachia Ostius - a mysterious ally of the Anguis, who can travel between Res and LuceumCristoval - former king of Suus, Vis' father, executed by the Hierarchy five years before the events of ''The Strength of the Few''

Luceum

Deaglán also known as Leathfhear – Vis' identity in Luceum after passing through the Gate between the worlds in The Will of the ManyTara - a student at Loch Traenala, daughter of King Rónán Gallchobhar - Champion of King RónánLir - a druid assigned to King RónánConor - a student at Loch TraenalaFearghus - a student at Loch TraenalaSeanna - a student at Loch TraenalaMiach - a student at Loch TraenalaConor - a student at Loch TraenalaGrainne - a woman who takes in Vis after his arrival in LuceumCian - a druid who assists Vis after he arrives in Luceum Pádraig - instructor at Loch TraenalaRuarc - a mysterious druid who some believe is exerting undue influence over the Grove and who appears to want Vis dead

Obiteum

Siamun - Vis' identity in Obiteum after passing through the Gate between the worlds in The Will of the ManyCaeror Telimus - brother of Ulciscor, has been surviving in Obiteum since passing through the Gate seven years previouslyAhmose - a iunctus and ally of Vis in DuatNetiqret - an assassin who assists Vis in Duat Kiya - a child iunctus who appears to obey Netiqret Nofret - a child living in QabrTash - a iunctus in Qabr Ka - the man in control of Duat who Caeror believes will cause the next Cataclysm

Themes

Like its predecessor, The Strength of the Few examines themes of complicity, authoritarianism, and resistance, focusing on the tension between individual agency and systemic coercion. The novel also develops the series’ exploration of power asymmetry, historical amnesia, and the ethical limits of technological and metaphysical control.

Audiobook

The audiobook edition of the book, narrated by Euan Morton, reached #1 on Audible's bestseller lists in three categories on its release day, November 11, 2025: Historical Fantasy, Action & Adventure Fantasy, and Epic Fantasy. That same month, Sony Pictures purchased the rights to adapt the series to film. In January 2026, two months after its release, the audiobook held the #2 position on Amazon's Epic Fantasy bestseller list, with its predecessor The Will of the Many maintaining the #1 spot.

Reception

Critical reception to The Strength of the Few has noted its expanded scope and deepened worldbuilding, particularly in its treatment of the Hierarchy’s origins and the evolving role of its protagonist. Reviewers have highlighted Islington’s continued emphasis on structured magic systems and political intrigue.

Series

  1. The Will of the Many
  2. ''The Strength of the Few''