The Strength of the Few (Hierarchy, #2) | A Brilliant Sequelf
As I flipped through the pages of The Strength of the Few, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. James Islington has been a beloved author of mine since his Licanius Trilogy days, and after devouring The Will of the Many, I knew this sequel would be something special. Spoiler alert: it exceeded my already high expectations. If you’re looking for the standout fantasy book of the year, I believe Islington has just secured that title.
From the very start, the novel grips you. Islington’s storytelling prowess shines as he picks up seamlessly from the jaw-dropping epilogue of The Will of the Many. The richness in narrative weaves together themes of adulthood, grief, choices, and justice, all while presenting gritty dilemmas that feel deeply relevant. I found myself enchanted by the philosophical depth echoing through lines like, “The power to protect is the highest responsibility.” This isn’t just fantasy; it’s a meditation on human responsibility, and oh, how Islington drives his points home.
I was particularly captivated by the character arc of Vis, whose journey takes center stage once again. His emotional struggles and moral compass, built through friendships both few and profound, offered a window into the burden of leadership. Islington’s ability to craft compelling characters is akin to the greats—think Kaladin Stormblessed or Aragorn—ensuring that Vis Telimus isn’t just another name on a page; he’s destined to become a mythic figure in fantasy literature.
The introduction of new POV characters Siamun and Deaglan brings fresh perspectives that seamlessly tie into Vis’s narrative, deepening the complexity of the world Islington has so lovingly crafted. Siamun’s chapters pull you into a world teeming with darkness and rich history, while Deaglan, with his Irish and Celtic-inspired backdrop, keeps you guessing. His seemingly disjointed storyline eventually weaves back into the larger tapestry, showing Islington’s skill in planning and execution.
Islington’s decision to use first-person present-tense narration for all three characters invigorates the reading experience. This technique creates an immediacy that makes every tension-filled moment feel like a heartbeat away. I was utterly absorbed, especially during the explosive Act III, which pulled me into a frenzied reading sprint that had me turning pages long into the night. The relentless chaos of this final act cemented the book as a benchmark in sequels—I lost track of time as adrenaline coursed through me.
Quotations like, “A society cannot make a man a monster, but it can give him the excuse to become one,” lingered in my mind long after reading, providing both a haunting reflection on human nature and an insight into the darkness that pervades Islington’s world.
For fans of epic fantasy, The Strength of the Few offers a culmination of everything we crave: intricate world-building, multi-dimensional characters, and a narrative that pushes boundaries. If you haven’t dived into The Hierarchy series yet, I can’t urge you enough—do so now! It feels like witnessing something monumental as Islington carves a space for himself among legends. Upon finishing, I found myself both satiated yet achingly aware of the painful wait for the next book.
In conclusion, this novel isn’t just for fantasy enthusiasts; it’s for anyone who relishes in excellent storytelling and layered characters. Prepare yourself for a journey that explores the depths of human emotion while challenging the very fabric of society. You won’t just read The Strength of the Few; you’ll feel it, and that impact is what makes it a definitive masterpiece. Hail, James Islington—this is your magnum opus in the making!
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