Jacob P’s Reviews > The Will of the Many > Status Update

Strong finish with emotional rollercoaster and some depression. There is a lot of mystery around the labyrinth and I suspect it leads to other dimensions/clones. The stakes got elevated and plot thickens heaps. Sets up the next couple books well because there are so many questions and the world building has been solid. Keen for the next one. Annoyed that Vis started off so strong though feels like a miss for his dev.

The last third of this book has been much more entertaining in nearly every way. The pacing feels better, the character interactions aren't flat but rather dynamic and showing context behind each person's history (wants, needs, desires), the plot be thickening and overall has been enjoying and engaging. I suspect a cliffhanger ending coming up which is fine as the next book is out soon but still many more to come

It's really grown on me, maintaining momentum and releasing my expectations/gripes with the (sometimes) lazy tropes employed makes this a really enjoyable listen. The whole sequence back in Vis's home was great followed by the board game competition with Belli was phenomenal. Didn't think he wouldn't honor the draw but big respect for not doing so as she betrayed his friend. Invested in where this will go from here

Vis is growing on me, I see the semblan of Darrow which I think is why I am liking him more and more. Far too much comes easy to him though so a lot of his trials and tribulations feel trivial. The mystery around religion and the reason why the labyrinth is so hard trained is engaging and paced well. The plot twists are consistent and not fully predictable which makes it feel fresh. Naming conventions = annoying

Pacing picked up and stayed healthy level post the 50% mark which is good. I'm actually interested in the academy and it's characters + Vis's relationships with them. The plot twist of his adopted mum was unexpected but the overarching plan she had devised I had predicted way back when. The plot line regarding his uncle's 'suicide' is increasingly more complex. Its engaging me now; naming conventions still suck

... What he says as truth. So when he says he's a good actor then for the sake of the story it's easier to accept it. The relationship with his classmates especially the 'bully' Eidhin are allowing Vis as a character to develop a little bit. Although since he is a bit of a Mary Sue it's hard for him to go anywhere from the top. It's entertaining with some intriguing plot lines so far. Hopefully the pace picks up

What has finally been made clear (at the 50% mark no less) is the story centers on a power struggle between several factions within the hierarchy system: the three branches of the Catenan Republic's government (Religion, Military, and Governance), an underground rebel group, and the internal politics of the elite academy. It's gotten better but I also had to reduce my expectations of the main character and take...

...hierarchy also, but in a way that Vis doesnt agree with (killing innocents). That said, the story is complex simply for the way that it is told, there are far too many characters to keep up with especially becuase they all have ancient greek sounding names. The magic system is still being fleshed out but i think it is cool and unique. Vis is still a mary sue but his backstory helps it slightly. Entertaining listen

Alright so Vis is now in the academy and he is slighly more likable. The story feels a bit more cohesive with the goal being Vis to get up the ranks to investigate his adopted fathers brothers 'suicide', all while Vis is trying to get back at the Hierarchy for his own parents' demise (which apparently they were royal and he a prince) and also playing nice with a rebellion faction which wants to stick it to the...

I suspect old mate killed himself to make Vis look good and get him in good standing to help the movement. I have to say that there are some crotches that the author uses too often for my liking in this book. 1. Vis seemingly passes out and wakes up between places too often, 2. Vis recognizing good acting or whether someone is lying as if it is gospel. These two things have been consistently leaned on so much.