James Islington

The Strength of the Few by James Islington is the gripping second installment in the Hierarchy series, following the protagonist's victory in the Iudicium, which triggers an ancient device to replicate him across three worlds: Obiteum, Luceum, and Res. Each version navigates distinct challenges—hiding, fighting, scheming politically, training, and surviving brutal conflicts—while grappling with themes of identity, grief, choice, and the magic system powered by Will. James Islington delivers a massive, ambitious epic blending deep character arcs, political intrigue, and escalating violence, hailed as a 2025 fantasy standout for its multi-perspective first-person narration and emotional depth.