The War Shelf

Books Like The Will of the Many

9 books 4 my picks Every card says who recommends it

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

Red Rising

Pierce BrownStart 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

The Shadow of What Was Lost

James IslingtonStart 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

Empire of Silence

Christopher RuocchioStart with The Sun Eater, book 1 (seven books, complete)

Like The Will of the Many
a character-driven epic told in the first person, in a vast and dangerous empire.
The difference
science fiction, and a slow, reflective memoir with a long opening.

Recommended by

Gifted students and hard schools

The Name of the Wind

Patrick RothfussStart 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.

The Lies of Locke Lamora

Scott LynchStart 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

Theft of Swords

Michael J. SullivanStart 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.

Mistborn: The Final Empire

Brandon SandersonStart 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

The Stormlight Archive

Brandon SandersonStart 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

The Rage of Dragons

Evan WinterStart with The Burning, book 1

Like The Will of the Many
a low-ranked young man fights his way up a brutal hierarchy.
The difference
revenge drives everything, and the training is for war, not exams.
Awards
Named in TIME's 100 Best Fantasy Books (2020).

Recommended by

  • Readers on Reddit
  • Readers on Goodreads

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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