hierarchy – GoodeyReads

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy
Length: 720 pages
Author: James Islington
Publisher: Saga Press
Release Date: November 11th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

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.

GREAT SEQUEL.

I had a good time with this one. Like most, I have been waiting for this book after loving The Will of the Many.

The progression of this book felt like another first book? But not in a bad way, just more setting up for the third (conclusion??) installment. I loved that this crossed realms and seeing the expansion of the magic and background of the world. I love Vis as a main character and seeing him in different stretches of his story only endeared me to him more.

Islington is not afraid to hold punches and the ending ramped up the action and heart stopping moments. Maybe a few shouts too.

*An audiobook note: while the audiobook narrator is fantastic, no issues there, I do think there was a disconnect on which realm I was in and it confused me often. I noticed that the physical copy didn’t denote which realm Vis was in at the top of the chapter but maybe it would be easier to physically read and catch where you are???

Overall audience notes:

Fantasy
Language: mild+
Romance: none
Violence: high

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Fantasy
Length: 630 pages
Author: James Islington
Publisher: S&S/Saga Press
Release Date: May 23rd, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

At the elite Catenan Academy, a young fugitive uncovers layered mysteries and world-changing secrets in this new fantasy series by internationally bestselling author of The Licanius Trilogy, James Islington.

AUDI. VIDE. TACE.

The Catenan Republic – the Hierarchy – may rule the world now, but they do not know everything.

I tell them my name is Vis Telimus. I tell them I was orphaned after a tragic accident three years ago, and that good fortune alone has led to my acceptance into their most prestigious school. I tell them that once I graduate, I will gladly join the rest of civilised society in allowing my strength, my drive and my focus – what they call Will – to be leeched away and added to the power of those above me, as millions already do. As all must eventually do.

I tell them that I belong, and they believe me.

But the truth is that I have been sent to the Academy to find answers. To solve a murder. To search for an ancient weapon. To uncover secrets that may tear the Republic apart.

And that I will never, ever cede my Will to the empire that executed my family.

To survive, though, I will still have to rise through the Academy’s ranks. I will have to smile, and make friends, and pretend to be one of them and win. Because if I cannot, then those who want to control me, who know my real name, will no longer have any use for me.

And if the Hierarchy finds out who I truly am, they will kill me.

WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

Not reading this book clearly. I am glad this has been rectified. I loved it. If you’re a Red Rising fan, I think this a must to try out too. I saw some small similarities but it is very much its own story and I loved that. I loved the dark academia setting and the Roman influence throughout.

The magic system is really interesting and I love how it wove back into the world building. It’s intricate while being easy to consume and I can’t wait to explore this world more. There were a lot of good twists and reveals that had me on the edge of my seat and I thought the action was written incredibly well.

I loved the audiobook and I’m excited to see where this story continues to go.

Overall audience notes: