The Will of the Many books in order (Hierarchy)

An unfinished trilogy. Publication order is the only path. Islington’s Licanius trilogy is a different, finished door — not Hierarchy book 0.

Short version of book one: Where to buy The Will of the Many. This page is the published novels.

The published novels

A third novel has been discussed as the close of the trilogy. It is not on this table until it is a book you can hold. Do not wait for it before opening book one.

Common mistakes

• Starting with The Strength of the Few.
• Treating Licanius as a required prequel.
• Postponing book one until the trilogy is “done.”

What to read next

1. Red Rising (Pierce Brown) — If you want another school-of-empire climb, unfinished at the far end.
2. The Poppy War (R. F. Kuang) — If you want a finished grim school-to-war trilogy.
3. [The Licanius Trilogy (James Islington)] — If you want his finished three, as itself.
4. Mistborn Era 1 (Brandon Sanderson) — If you want a finished magic-system trilogy while you wait.
5. Stop after book one if the voice is not for you. You do not owe an unfinished trilogy.

FAQ

The Will of the Many books in order?
The Will of the Many (2023), then The Strength of the Few. Publication order. The trilogy is unfinished. Licanius is a different series, not a prequel.

Is the series finished?
No. Start at The Will of the Many (2023). Two novels are published; The Strength of the Few is book two.

Do I need Licanius first?
No.

Sources

• James Islington — author site. Opened 2026-09-13.
• Simon & Schuster, The Will of the Many — publisher page for book one. Opened 2026-09-13.