Today is the 16th of May, 2026, and let me tell you, there’s something brewing in the fantasy world that you just can’t miss! If you’re a fan of epic tales and magical adventures, you might want to keep your eyes on James Islington’s latest work. The author, known for his popular Licanius Trilogy, has just dropped a new gem titled “The Will of the Many,” which is making waves as a Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Readers’ Favorite Fantasy (2023). Set in the intriguing Catenan Academy, the story follows a young refugee named Vis Telimus.
Vis has a backstory that’s as twisted as a rollercoaster. He pretends to be orphaned after a tragic accident three years ago, slipping into the Academy with a plan to blend in. But this isn’t just about fitting in; he’s on a quest for answers—a murder mystery that needs unraveling and a quest for an ancient weapon. Oh, and let’s not forget, he’s got a secret agenda to expose the dark truths of the Catenan Republic. Talk about high stakes! If anyone discovers his true identity, it could be lights out for him. Can you imagine the tension? You can find more details about this thrilling tale at the Chester County Brunch and a Book meetup.
Explore the Audiobook World
If reading isn’t your thing or if you just prefer to have someone else do the narrating, there’s a whole world of audiobooks waiting for you. Audible offers a fantastic selection of titles, including Islington’s works and other bestsellers. With different subscription plans available, you can easily find one that suits your needs. There’s a Premium Plus plan that you can try for free for a month, and after that, it’s just €9.95/month—totally cancelable whenever you want. Sounds tempting, right?
But wait, there’s more! If you go for the Premium Plus option, you get 12 credits a year, which means you can snag one audiobook a month from their entire catalog. And even if you decide to cancel, those audiobooks are still yours to keep. It’s like a little treasure chest that you can revisit anytime! You can learn all about these plans and more at Audible’s website.
Best Fantasy Reads of 2025
<pNow, let’s take a quick detour into the realm of upcoming fantasy books. The genre is bursting with creativity, as showcased by legends like J. R. R. Tolkien and Ursula K. Le Guin. In fact, Audible has compiled a list of the best new fantasy books for 2025, and it's a dazzling lineup. There’s “Eislotus – Wasser findet seinen Weg” by Liza Grimm, which dives into a world where humans wield elemental magic. Then there’s Brandon Sanderson’s “Winde und Wahrheit,” a continuation of the Stormlight Chronicles that promises escalating conflicts. Sounds like an adventure waiting to unfold!
And don’t miss out on “Onyx Storm” or the much-anticipated “Percy Jackson – Der Zorn der dreifachen Göttin,” which is making its return after 14 years! If you’re itching to discover what happens next, you can check out the full list at Audible’s blog. Seriously, there’s something for every fantasy lover’s taste this coming year!
So, whether you’re diving into Islington’s gripping narrative or exploring the expansive universe of audiobooks, one thing’s for sure—there’s never been a better time to get lost in a good story. Happy listening (or reading)!