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Books Like The Will of the Many

9 books 4 my picks Each one shows who backs it By Sandro Andreatta, historian Updated

Finished James Islington's Roman-inspired academy story and want more? Every book below has been recommended to Will of the Many readers by Instagram book creators or readers on Reddit, or is regularly read alongside it by readers on Goodreads. Each card says which, and what is different. The list is spoiler-free.

The closest matches

Cover of Red RisingRed Rising

Red Rising

Pierce Brown Start with Red Rising (science fiction)

My pick

Like The Will of the Many
a low-caste outsider hides his identity to enter the elite school of the ruling caste, and the school turns deadly.
The difference
science fiction on Mars, and far more violent; book one is a brutal contest.

Recommended by

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Cover of The Shadow of What Was LostThe Shadow of What Was Lost

The Shadow of What Was Lost

James Islington Start with The Licanius trilogy, book 1 (complete)

Like The Will of the Many
the same author's style, and a world whose mysteries come apart slowly.
The difference
several intertwined viewpoints and time-related magic, rather than one narrator in an academy.

Recommended by

Also onBooks like The Poppy War

Gifted students and hard schools

Cover of The Name of the WindThe Name of the Wind

The Name of the Wind

Patrick Rothfuss Start with The Kingkiller Chronicle, book 1

My pick

Like The Will of the Many
a brilliant young narrator tells his own life story, much of it about getting into and through a university of magic.
The difference
a slower, more lyrical book with no rebellion plot; the series is unfinished.

Recommended by

Clever heroes and loyal friends

Readers on Reddit recommend these to Will of the Many fans for the wit and the friendships.

Cover of The Lies of Locke LamoraThe Lies of Locke Lamora

The Lies of Locke Lamora

Scott Lynch Start with Gentleman Bastard, book 1

Like The Will of the Many
a brilliant lead who wins by outthinking everyone around him, with friendship at the center.
The difference
con artists in a Venice-like canal city, not an academy; the story turns dark later.

Recommended by

  • Readers on Reddit

Also onGrimdark Fantasy Books

Cover of Theft of SwordsTheft of Swords

Theft of Swords

Michael J. Sullivan Start with Riyria Revelations, book 1 (complete)

Like The Will of the Many
a conspiracy that grows from one crime into something much larger.
The difference
two established adult partners, a thief and a mercenary, and a lighter, bantering tone.

Recommended by

  • Readers on Reddit

Big series readers pick up next

Recommended by readers on Reddit, and readers who loved these on Goodreads also loved The Will of the Many.

Cover of Mistborn: The Final EmpireMistborn: The Final Empire

Mistborn: The Final Empire

Brandon Sanderson Start with the Mistborn trilogy, book 1

My pick

Like The Will of the Many
a young woman from the bottom of an oppressive empire joins a plot against the people on top.
The difference
a heist crew and a precise magic system instead of an academy.

Recommended by

  • My pick: Sandro has read it and recommends it
  • Readers on Reddit
  • Readers on Goodreads

Also onBooks like Red Rising

Cover of The Stormlight ArchiveThe Stormlight Archive

The Stormlight Archive

Brandon Sanderson Start with The Way of Kings

My pick

Like The Will of the Many
an underdog at the bottom of a rigid hierarchy, ancient secrets, and war on a vast scale.
The difference
very long, many viewpoints, and the series isn't finished.
Awards
The Way of Kings: David Gemmell Legend Award, 2011.

Recommended by

  • My pick: Sandro has read it and recommends it
  • Readers on Reddit
  • Readers on Goodreads

Also onMilitary Fantasy Books

FAQ

What should I read after The Will of the Many?

Red Rising by Pierce Brown is recommended most often, by four Instagram creators, readers on Reddit and Goodreads readers. Islington's earlier Licanius trilogy, starting with The Shadow of What Was Lost, is the pick for his style.

What is the sequel to The Will of the Many?

The Strength of the Few, book two of the Hierarchy series.

Is The Will of the Many like Red Rising?

Yes, closely: both follow a lowborn hero hiding his identity inside an elite school run by the ruling class. Red Rising is science fiction and much more violent.

Sources

  • Recommendations: the Instagram posts linked on each card; reader threads on r/HierarchySeries (credited as Readers on Reddit); reader signals from Goodreads "Readers who enjoyed ... also enjoyed" lists for Red Rising, Mistborn, The Way of Kings and The Rage of Dragons.
  • Book descriptions: publisher descriptions and reviews collected in the site's book catalog.

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