The Hierarchy Trilogy in Order

About The Hierarchy Trilogy

Series Premise

In the vast Catenan Republic (the Hierarchy), a rigid, hierarchical society inspired by ancient Rome, power is derived from Will — a quantifiable resource that elites ("princes" and higher ranks) siphon from the lower classes through a system of oaths and hierarchies. The higher your rank, the more Will you can draw from those below you (e.g., Princeps receive from over 40,000 people). The protagonist, Vis Telimus, is a young fugitive with a hidden identity (he is the orphaned prince of a fallen kingdom destroyed by the Hierarchy). He infiltrates the elite Catenan Academy under a false name to uncover secrets, seek revenge, and potentially dismantle the system. The story follows his rise through the academy's deadly ranks, navigating murders, dangerous alliances, layered conspiracies, political machinations, and the ever-present threat that his true identity will be discovered — which would mean execution. The series explores themes of power, loyalty, rebellion, identity, and the moral cost of resisting (or joining) an oppressive empire.

Main Characters

> Vis Telimus (aka Vis under his false identity) — Protagonist; orphaned prince of a fallen kingdom, now a fugitive infiltrating the Academy. Intelligent, driven by revenge, and burdened by his hidden identity; must rise through the ranks while concealing his true origins.
> Aemilia — Key ally and love interest; sharp, capable, and tied to the academy's politics.
> Eidhin — Friend and fellow student; loyal but with his own secrets and family ties.
> The Hierarchy's elite — Princes, senators, and academy officials who wield immense Will and power; often antagonists or uneasy allies.
> Vis's past — His executed family and destroyed kingdom drive his mission.

Setting

The Catenan Republic — a sprawling, highly structured empire resembling a magical Roman Republic:
> The elite Catenan Academy — a prestigious, cutthroat school where students compete for rank and Will, filled with political maneuvering, deadly trials, and hidden dangers.
> The broader republic — vast cities, hierarchical society, and a system where the elite literally drain strength from the masses.
> Ancient ruins, hidden kingdoms, and political strongholds.
> The atmosphere is opulent yet oppressive — marble halls, rigid class structures, magical exploitation, and the constant tension of power and rebellion.

Tone & Themes

Intelligent, intricate, and gripping — epic fantasy with a cerebral, political edge and a sense of foreboding. The tone is serious and layered, blending high-stakes action, mystery, and moral complexity with a slow-burn tension and a feeling of inevitable tragedy. It features sharp prose, philosophical undertones (Will as a metaphor for exploitation), and occasional dry wit, but remains grounded and often dark — more mature and ambitious than light fantasy, appealing to fans of intricate world-building and character-driven intrigue.

The series is acclaimed for its Roman-inspired world-building, intricate magic system (Will as a quantifiable resource), layered mysteries, and strong character focus — perfect for fans of epic fantasy with political depth like The Licanius Trilogy (same author) or The Poppy War. It has mature content (violence, political brutality, death). The Will of the Many became a major bestseller and critical hit.