The Hierarchy Series

🏆 #1 Bestseller

The Strength of the Few reached #1 on Audible's bestseller charts on release day (November 11, 2025) in three categories: Historical Fantasy, Action & Adventure Fantasy, and Epic Fantasy.

#1 Historical Fantasy #1 Action & Adventure Fantasy #1 Epic Fantasy

✦ Exclusive Interview

Euan Morton on Narrating the Hierarchy Series

How does a Tony-nominated Broadway actor approach the solitary craft of audiobook narration? In this candid conversation recorded after The Strength of the Few topped Audible's charts, Euan discusses his work on James Islington's bestselling series, his creative process in the recording booth, his thoughts on AI in the industry, and much more.

The Audiobooks

Euan Morton narrates the audiobook editions of James Islington's Hierarchy series. The first book, The Will of the Many, was released on May 23, 2023. Euan's narration won the 🏆 AudioFile Earphones Award.

The sequel, The Strength of the Few, was released on November 11, 2025. It debuted at #1 on Audible in three categories and became an instant #1 New York Times bestseller (Simon & Schuster).

About the Series

The Hierarchy series is an epic fantasy set in Caten, a fictional society inspired by the Roman Republic. In this world, the lower classes must cede a portion of their mental and physical energy—known as Will—to the classes above them (Simon & Schuster). The story follows Vis Telimus, a young man with a hidden past who infiltrates the prestigious Catenan Academy to uncover dangerous secrets.

The series has been praised for its intricate world-building, complex magic system, and themes of power, sacrifice, and identity. The Strength of the Few became an instant #1 New York Times bestseller upon its release (Simon & Schuster).

In November 2025, Sony Pictures acquired the film adaptation rights to the Hierarchy series (The Hollywood Reporter).

The Will of the Many (Book 1)

The Will of the Many book cover by James Islington

At the elite Catenan Academy, a young fugitive uncovers layered mysteries and world-changing secrets. Vis Telimus tells the Hierarchy he was orphaned after a tragic accident and that good fortune led to his acceptance into their most prestigious school. He tells them he will gladly join civilized society in allowing his Will to be leeched away and added to the power of those above him. But the truth is that Vis has been sent to the Academy to find answers—and he has secrets of his own that could get him killed (Simon & Schuster).

"Euan Morton performs a fantastic Roman-inspired epic about an elite school and a young man who is driven to uncover secrets. Morton's patient but tense narration complements this tightly plotted and intricate novel to perfection. His gravelly voice imbues the engaging story with a powerful performance. [...] Morton's narration makes it exceedingly difficult to hit pause."

— AudioFile Magazine (Earphones Award)

The Strength of the Few (Book 2)

The Strength of the Few book cover by James Islington

This highly anticipated sequel follows Vis as he grapples with a dangerous secret that could unravel history across alternate dimensions. With the threat of the Cataclysm looming, Vis must navigate treacherous political landscapes, forge uncertain alliances, and prove himself again and again (Simon & Schuster).

"Bestseller Islington's brilliant middle volume of his Hierarchy trilogy clears the high bar set by the first installment. Evocative prose and nuanced ruminations on the nature of power and sacrifice enhance Islington's complex multiverse worldbuilding. Readers will be on the edge of their seats—and impatient to learn how Islington pulls off the saga's conclusion."

— Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Islington rewards patient readers with a compelling story, a cast of complex and diverse characters, and a glimpse into how far a good man can go before he's lost."

— Kirkus Reviews

About James Islington

James Islington is an Australian author. He is known for The Licanius Trilogy (The Shadow of What Was Lost, An Echo of Things to Come, and The Light of All That Falls) and the Hierarchy series. His work has been translated into seventeen languages, and he has sold more than two million books worldwide. He lives on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia, with his wife and two children.

Islington's writing influences include Raymond E. Feist, Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson, and Patrick Rothfuss. He originally self-published The Shadow of What Was Lost in 2014 before signing with Orbit Books.