The Will of the Many by James Islington

Britt's take

Intricate, tense, and way more addictive than its page count suggests. A young fugitive infiltrates the most prestigious academy in an empire built on stolen power—and the tension never lets up. The world is layered, the magic system is clever, and the mysteries stack on top of each other until the ending dismantles everything you thought you knew. Best when you want fantasy that feels smart, immersive, and driven by intrigue more than romance.