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Hierarchy Reading Order.

Expert Guideby James Islington
2 Entries
Ongoing
Quick Answer

Start Hierarchy by James Islington with "The Will of the Many", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.

The complete reading order for the Hierarchy series by James Islington. Below you'll find the authoritative guide on how to read the books in order, including publication dates and chronological timeline placements.

Official Verdict

Short Answer:
Start with "The Will of the Many"

To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.

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Community Consensus

Medium/High Debate

"The primary discussion revolves around the validity and methodology of a generated 'Hierarchy' or ranked list, with many users criticizing the results because participants did not rank their entries strictly. Separately, a strong consensus emerges regarding specific media recommendations, particularly concerning the starting point and commitment level required for the fantasy book series, The Wheel of Time, and certain anime titles."

Key Reddit Advice

For The Wheel of Time (WoT) series, if struggling with the first two books (The Great Hunt), commit to reading until Book 3 (The Dragon Reborn) or Book 4, as this is where the author 'hits his stride' and the series quality is widely agreed to improve significantly. For anime recommendations, specific commitment points include watching Madoka Magica until the end of episode 2 and Cowboy Bebop until episode 5.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Hierarchy conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Can I skip the short stories?

Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for Hierarchy. The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.

I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?

Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "The Will of the Many" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.

Why do people disagree on the order?

Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.

Curator's Strategy

Recommended Reading Order Strategy

The authoritative way to read the "Hierarchy" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Start with "The Will of the Many"Explore all by James Islington

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended. Compare →

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for fans. Compare →

Publication Reading Order2 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
Best Start Here
1

The Will of the Many

Pub: 2025★ 4.59

Stop, in the Name of God: Why Honoring the Sabbath Will Transform Your Life will help you discover how observing the Sabbath isn't a rejection of modern life but a rebellion against busyness and a pathway to genuine connection, peace, and presence. Through Stop in the Name of God, bestselling author Charlie Kirk guides you on how to unplug, recharge, and reconnect with God, family, and yourself in a way that nurtures your soul. In a world dominated by screens and constant noise, Stop in the Name of God presents the Sabbath as a radical act of resistance. Packed with practical insights and spiritual wisdom, Charlie Kirk demonstrates how honoring the Sabbath restores balance, reduces anxiety, and nourishes your soul. It's not just a day of rest-it's a lifeline to reclaiming what truly matters.

2

THE STRENGTH OF THE FEW

Pub: 2025★ 4.41

Plot details hidden until you finish "The Will of the Many".

The second book in the Hierarchy series. Vis Telimus must find out why he has been replicated across three separate worlds. Read by Euan Morton. 31 hours, 8 minutes unabridged.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to skip books in the Hierarchy series?

We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.

What is the best order to read Hierarchy?

The final answer for the best experience is to start with "The Will of the Many" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as James Islington intended.

Can I read Hierarchy books in any order?

No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.

Are there spin-offs or companion books?

Yes, the Hierarchy universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.