📖 Overview
James Islington is an Australian fantasy author who gained recognition for The Licanius Trilogy, a high fantasy series that began with The Shadow of What Was Lost. His work has been published by Orbit Books, and he has recently launched a new series called Hierarchy.
Initially working in the tech industry, Islington began his writing career at age 30 by self-publishing The Shadow of What Was Lost in 2014, which was later picked up by Orbit Books. He completed The Licanius Trilogy with An Echo of Things to Come (2017) and The Light of All That Falls (2019).
His debut series earned positive critical reception and established him in the fantasy genre. The Will of the Many, released in 2023, marks the beginning of his second major fantasy series.
Islington's writing is characterized by complex magic systems and intricate plotting within the high fantasy genre. He continues to write from Australia, where he lives with his family.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Islington's intricate plotting and magic system complexity in The Licanius Trilogy. Many note the series rewards careful reading with satisfying payoffs. Reviews often compare his work to Brandon Sanderson and Robert Jordan.
Readers liked:
- Time travel elements that connect meaningfully
- Character development across the trilogy
- Detailed magic system rules and consequences
- Plot threads that resolve in unexpected ways
Common criticisms:
- Steep learning curve in first book
- Too many concepts introduced early
- Some pacing issues in middle sections
- Character names can be confusing
Ratings:
Goodreads (The Shadow of What Was Lost): 4.15/5 from 41,000+ ratings
Amazon: 4.5/5 average across trilogy
Audible: 4.6/5 average
Reader quote: "Like putting together a complex puzzle where every piece matters" - Goodreads reviewer
The Will of the Many (2023) reviews note a more focused narrative but similar depth of worldbuilding, averaging 4.3/5 on Goodreads from 1,000+ ratings.
📚 Books by James Islington
The Licanius Trilogy:
The Shadow of What Was Lost (2014)
In a world where Augurs were once revered but are now forbidden, young student Davian discovers he possesses their dangerous magical abilities while uncovering ancient threats to his homeland.
An Echo of Things to Come (2017) Davian and his companions face growing dangers as they race to prevent an emerging evil while navigating complex political tensions and time-bending magic.
The Light of All That Falls (2019) The trilogy concludes as Davian and his allies confront the full scope of their enemies' plans while grappling with destiny and the true nature of their world.
The Hierarchy Series: The Will of the Many (2023) At a hidden school where students train in combat and magic, an orphan named Cyr must investigate a murder that threatens to expose dangerous secrets about the institution's true purpose.
An Echo of Things to Come (2017) Davian and his companions face growing dangers as they race to prevent an emerging evil while navigating complex political tensions and time-bending magic.
The Light of All That Falls (2019) The trilogy concludes as Davian and his allies confront the full scope of their enemies' plans while grappling with destiny and the true nature of their world.
The Hierarchy Series: The Will of the Many (2023) At a hidden school where students train in combat and magic, an orphan named Cyr must investigate a murder that threatens to expose dangerous secrets about the institution's true purpose.
👥 Similar authors
Brandon Sanderson utilizes detailed magic systems and multiple plotlines that intersect in unexpected ways throughout his series. His Mistborn and Stormlight Archive books feature characters discovering and mastering supernatural abilities while uncovering hidden truths about their world.
Robert Jordan created an expansive fantasy world with intricate political schemes and complex character relationships in The Wheel of Time series. His work contains prophecies, chosen ones, and magic users navigating conflicts that span multiple volumes.
Michael J. Sullivan writes self-contained series with carefully planned storylines that connect across multiple books. His Riyria series features time-bending elements and reveals that reshape the understanding of earlier events.
Brent Weeks constructs structured magic systems and plots that unfold through multiple perspectives and timelines. His Lightbringer series explores themes of power and destiny while maintaining focus on character development through magical training.
Brian McClellan combines military fantasy with detailed magic systems in his Powder Mage series. His books feature multiple viewpoint characters whose stories intersect while exploring themes of revolution and political upheaval.
Robert Jordan created an expansive fantasy world with intricate political schemes and complex character relationships in The Wheel of Time series. His work contains prophecies, chosen ones, and magic users navigating conflicts that span multiple volumes.
Michael J. Sullivan writes self-contained series with carefully planned storylines that connect across multiple books. His Riyria series features time-bending elements and reveals that reshape the understanding of earlier events.
Brent Weeks constructs structured magic systems and plots that unfold through multiple perspectives and timelines. His Lightbringer series explores themes of power and destiny while maintaining focus on character development through magical training.
Brian McClellan combines military fantasy with detailed magic systems in his Powder Mage series. His books feature multiple viewpoint characters whose stories intersect while exploring themes of revolution and political upheaval.