The Strength of the Few is one of the most anticipated fantasy releases of 2025, written by bestselling author James Islington. Released on November 11, 2025, the novel is the powerful second installment in The Hierarchy series, following the widely acclaimed The Will of the Many.
If you’re looking for a detailed review, spoiler-free summary, themes, character insights, and whether this sequel is worth reading, this guide covers everything.
What Is The Strength of the Few?
The Strength of the Few is a 736-page epic fantasy novel that expands the world, magic, politics, and multiverse concepts introduced in Book 1. It pushes the story into deeper philosophical territory while delivering a cinematic fantasy experience.
This book continues the journey of Vis Telimus, advancing the plot with higher stakes, deeper mysteries, and a bold shift in narrative structure.
The Strength of the Few – Short Summary (Spoiler-Free)
In the aftermath of the catastrophic events of The Will of the Many, Vis Telimus awakens to a shocking and impossible new reality: three different versions of Vis now exist across three different worlds—Obiteum, Luceum, and Res.
Each version of Vis grows up in a different environment:
- One is hunted
- One is hidden
- One is shaped by the system he once fought
As Vis tries to survive in these parallel realities, he uncovers ancient truths about the Hierarchy, forbidden magic, alternate timelines, and a looming Cataclysm threatening all worlds.
Ultimately, each version of Vis must choose:
Power or sacrifice? Justice or survival? Unity or destruction?
What Makes This Sequel Stand Out?
1. A Brilliant Multiverse Structure
Three timelines. Three Vis characters. Three moral paths.
All moving toward one explosive destiny.
This gives the story emotional depth and massive world-building potential.
2. Bigger Political Intrigue & Power Struggles
Expect more betrayal, secret factions, hidden agendas, and dark truths about the Hierarchy.
3. Emotional & Psychological Complexity
Islington excels at making readers question:
“Who are we if our circumstances change?”
4. A Magic System That Evolves
New abilities, forbidden powers, and ancient forces are explored with far more detail.
5. Perfect for Fans Of:
- Brandon Sanderson
- Joe Abercrombie
- Pierce Brown
- Multiverse fantasy
- School-based or political fantasy
Characters to Watch in The Strength of the Few
Vis Telimus (x3)
A triple-layered character arc that explores identity, destiny, and the cost of power.
Richer Side Characters
The supporting cast plays a far bigger role, each influencing Vis in different worlds.
New Antagonists & New Alliances
The book introduces new villains, but the biggest enemy may be fate itself.
Themes Explored in The Strength of the Few
- Identity and self-determination
- Morality vs survival
- Rebellion and power structures
- Sacrifice and loyalty
- The fear of repeating fate
- How small choices create massive consequences
These themes elevate the book beyond a typical fantasy novel.
Is The Strength of the Few Worth Reading? (My Review)
Absolutely — this is one of 2025’s strongest fantasy releases.
James Islington has created:
✔ A deeper story
✔ A wider world
✔ A sharper emotional impact
✔ A more ambitious narrative
If you enjoyed Book 1, this is a must-read.
If you enjoy rich, character-driven epic fantasy, this might become one of your favorites of the decade.
Series Reading Order
- The Will of the Many – Book 1
- The Strength of the Few – Book 2
- (Upcoming) Book 3 in The Hierarchy series
Bibliographic information
| Title | The Strength of the Few |
| Author | James Islington |
| Publisher | Text Publishing Company, 2025 |
| ISBN | 1923058509, 9781923058507 |
| Length | 736 pages |
| Subjects | Fiction › Fantasy › Historical |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need to read The Will of the Many first?
Yes. Book 2 builds heavily on the events of the first book.
2. Is The Strength of the Few part of a trilogy?
Yes — it is Book 2 of The Hierarchy trilogy.
3. Is the book long?
Yes, at 736 pages, it’s a true epic fantasy.
4. Is there romance in the story?
Very light — the focus is politics, magic, and identity.
5. Is the book dark or violent?
The tone is intense, serious, and occasionally dark, similar to Red Rising or Mistborn.
Final Thoughts
The Strength of the Few is a bold, ambitious, emotionally rich continuation of James Islington’s epic fantasy universe.
It expands everything that made Book 1 beloved — and then goes much further.
For fans of high-level fantasy, multiverse storytelling, and morally complex heroes, this is easily one of the must-read books of 2025.
Check out: Great Big Beautiful Life Review
Get a Copy of the Book
You can use the link below to get a copy of The Strength of the Few on amazon
