After giving the first book five stars—which is a big deal, especially since I haven't been feeling fantasy lately—I was so hyped for "The Strength of the Few (Hierarchy, Book 2)"! This one *really* fleshes out the world we started exploring in the first book. And while I loved that, it also got super confusing at times, and the pacing felt slow. So many terms and locations blurred together in my head. But, that aside, I'm still totally hooked on this world and discovering more about it! It's s...

This is going to be a long one, but I've been wrestling with these thoughts for days since getting an early copy of The Strength of the Few (Hierarchy, Book 2), and I can’t seem to shake them. I've been struggling to articulate how I truly feel about The Strength of the Few (Hierarchy, Book 2). Part of my reaction might be the sting of unmet expectations. I devoured *The Weight of the Mountain* the month it came out and have been eagerly anticipating the sequel ever since. I wasn’t blind to the...

Honestly, this is going to be one of the best books you read this year. I won’t spoil anything since I received an advance review copy. Someone remind me in November, after *The Strength of the Few (Hierarchy, Book 2)* is out for a few weeks, to go into more detail about it.

The anticipation was definitely worth it, though....

James Islington, you sick son of a bitch. Someone get me a cigarette. Seriously, after reading "The Strength of the Few (Hierarchy, Book 2)", I'm a wreck. Islington has done it again, delivering a gut-wrenching, emotionally charged sequel that leaves you gasping for air. If you're looking for epic fantasy book reviews, be warned: this one will leave you needing therapy. "The Strength of the Few (Hierarchy, Book 2)" by James Islington is not for the faint of heart.

If you told me a year ago that I’d be writing this review right now, I’d have laughed in your face. Back before I read The Strength of the Few (Hierarchy, Book 2), I would’ve sworn it would be the best book ever. I drew fanart, wrote fanfiction, and dove deep into fan theories after Book 1. Trust me, I'm just as shocked as you are. This book was a major letdown, and I’ve been bummed about it for days. Fair warning: this review contains major spoilers, so proceed at your own risk. I knew the th...

This series is rapidly climbing the ranks to become one of my all-time favorites. Seriously, READ THE STRENGTH OF THE FEW (Hierarchy, Book 2) by James Islington! You won't regret diving into this incredible story. If you're looking for a great fantasy book review, look no further.

Please, please let it be out by the start of next year! 😭 I'm already worried I'll forget stuff from the first book! That said, *The Strength of the Few (Hierarchy, Book 2)* by James Islington is absolutely going to be my most anticipated release next year! Seriously, this is one fantasy book review where I'm counting down the days.

I've never craved a sequel this much. At the same time, I'm also dreading it because then I'll have to endure the wait all over again. I need the complete series of "The Strength of the Few (Hierarchy, Book 2)" by James Islington in my life, like, yesterday. Seriously, as far as fantasy book reviews go, this one's easy: I need the next installment NOW!

RATING BREAKDOWN:Characters: 4⭐️Setting: 5⭐️Plot: 4⭐️Themes: 5⭐️Emotional Impact: 5⭐️Personal Enjoyment: 5⭐️Total Rounded Average: 4.75⭐️James Islington has officially cemented his place as one of the most innovative high fantasy authors around with this book. The directions he takes his magic system and world are completely fresh, and I mean that as the highest compliment, especially considering how much imagination and originality already exists in speculative fiction. *The Strength of the Few...

ARC provided by the publisher—Saga Press—in exchange for an honest review.We’re not even at the end of 2025 yet, but I truly believe The Strength of the Few by James Islington has already secured its place as the best fantasy book of the year. This is the finest sequel I’ve read since Brandon Sanderson's Words of Radiance and Ken Liu’s The Wall of Storms. “The power to protect is the highest responsibility.” I feel incredibly fortunate that a fantasy author as talented as James Islington conti...