Novel Nook

By James Islington

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SPOILER ALERT!

Summary:

Following the events of the Iudicium and the triggering of the device within the Labyrinth, Vis finds himself split into three distinct yet separate versions; one occupying Res, one in Obiteum, and one in Luceum. Within the three worlds, the separate versions of Vis must navigate the systemic corruption of each, facing political intrigue and trials of survival, to attempt to stop the looming threat of extinction.

In Res, the modern day Republic, Vis navigates life after the Academy, attempting to climb the political ladder that is the Republic society. Multiple forces still pull on Vis to further their agendas, and Vis must reconcile his own morality to survive.

In Obiteum, Vis finds himself in a post-apocalyptic version of Res with Caeror (Ulcisor’s long lost brother) as his guide. Here, Vis grapples with the forces that enslave this world and fights to free it at great loss and personal pain.

In Luceum, a world loosely resembling Res but with an entirely different culture, Vis finds himself overcome with the loss he’s faced and struggles with finding purpose. Eventually reuniting with his father, Vis struggles with finding family and friendship while also fighting to help this world.

Setting:

Initially, I wasn’t completely sold on the multiple world setting of this novel. Going into the novel, I wasn’t sure how it would play out in a story like this. However, I think Islington did it correctly, and every world was similar enough as to not feel disjointed from one another, yet distinct enough for it not to feel pointless.

Each of the three worlds in this novel contribute something to the overall plot of the novel, and Islington’s navigation of the worlds was rewarding to read.

Magic System:

While much of the magic system is the same as in The Will of the Many, magic looks and feels different in each world. Will presents itself differently in each world, and the way a person can use Will is also different dependent upon the world they live in.

It’s interesting to see each version of Vis learn to use Will in each world, and I’m excited to see how Vis will bring them all together.

Themes:

Throughout all three world’s in this novel, Vis struggles with themes of loss through friends and family, as well as internal struggles.

The found family theme is also explored in this novel, especially in Vis’ travels in Luceum.

Take Away:

While I wasn’t completely sold on the multiple-world / multiple viewpoint narrative of this novel initially, by the end, I think the narrative contributed a lot towards the overall progression of the plot. We also learn a lot about Vis’ personal struggles and how he tackles them.

One of my favorite parts of this novel is how we’re left with a cliffhanger at the end of each world’s story, something I’ve never seen in a novel before. Instead of one cliffhanger, we got three!

I loved this book, and it was a great second in a series. I’m looking forward to the release of the next book, The Justice of the One, expected to be released in 2027.