What do you think?
Rate this book
Montague & Strong Detective Agency #19
Lost Runes
What some call lost, others call hidden..
By returning to the foundations of the magical sects, Monty and Simon must locate one of the main sources of magic.
The lost runes.
There’s only one problem. The runes were never lost—they were hidden, kept away from mages and humanity because of the mind-numbing destructive power they contain.
The Keepers of Arcana, who hid them, want them to remain that way. They will destroy anyone who tries to harness their power—starting with Tristan Montague.
Now, Monty and Simon must find a way to unleash and control the power of the lost runes, accelerate Monty’s ability, avoid being disintegrated by the Keepers and pull all this off without obliterating, well…everything.
By returning to the foundations of the magical sects, Monty and Simon must locate one of the main sources of magic.
The lost runes.
There’s only one problem. The runes were never lost—they were hidden, kept away from mages and humanity because of the mind-numbing destructive power they contain.
The Keepers of Arcana, who hid them, want them to remain that way. They will destroy anyone who tries to harness their power—starting with Tristan Montague.
Now, Monty and Simon must find a way to unleash and control the power of the lost runes, accelerate Monty’s ability, avoid being disintegrated by the Keepers and pull all this off without obliterating, well…everything.
- GenresUrban FantasyFantasy
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2023
267 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Orlando A. Sanchez
105 books594 followersOrlando Sanchez has been writing ever since his teens when he was immersed in creating scenarios for playing Dungeon and Dragons with his friends every weekend. An avid reader, his influences are too numerous to list here. Some of the most prominent are: J.R.R. Tolkien, Jim Butcher, Kat Richardson, Terry Brooks, Piers Anthony, Lee Child, George Lucas, Andrew Vachss, and Barry Eisler to name a few in no particular order.
The worlds of his books are urban settings with a twist of the paranormal lurking just behind the scenes and generous doses of magic, martial arts, and mayhem.
Aside from writing, he holds a 2nd and 3rd Dan in two distinct styles of Karate. If not training, he is studying some aspect of the martial arts or martial arts philosophy.
He currently resides in Queens, NY with his family and can often be found in the local Starbucks where most of his writing is done.
Please visit his site at: www.OrlandoASanchez.com for more information about his books and upcoming releases.
The worlds of his books are urban settings with a twist of the paranormal lurking just behind the scenes and generous doses of magic, martial arts, and mayhem.
Aside from writing, he holds a 2nd and 3rd Dan in two distinct styles of Karate. If not training, he is studying some aspect of the martial arts or martial arts philosophy.
He currently resides in Queens, NY with his family and can often be found in the local Starbucks where most of his writing is done.
Please visit his site at: www.OrlandoASanchez.com for more information about his books and upcoming releases.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
May 22, 2024
It was another good read in the series. There were definitely a lot of moments that got my heart racing over whether or not they would actually get through this one. In addition, I love Peaches and the bond he has with Simon is so cute.
April 2, 2023
I’m ready for the next book! It’s always a pleasure to jump back into adventures with Monty, Simon and Peaches 🍑 Can Simon stop being the one to always need medical attention though? 😅 More Monty love is welcome. This one kept me on the edge with the trio preparing for their upcoming battle with big baddie doom and gloom, Tellus. That was pretty intense and awesome at the same time. I can’t wait for more! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 4, 2023
Hard to believe that this is the 19th entry in the world of the terrible trio. Not as much wanton property destruction as in books past but Monty and Stronk have managed to make another enemy.
April 1, 2023
Lost Runes by Orlando A Sanchez is great non-stop action from beginning to end. And such an amazing discussion; is some knowledge too dangerous, and just who should be the caretaker. We also learn more about Peaches. I love this series and this book fantastic!
September 20, 2023
Simon the whiny wanker
Wow it's book 19 I feel like you gave wasted so much of these books with needles filler ie just them talking let alone almost 3 to 4 books not even worth the space. The plot is all over the place, has too many elements that don't really help the flow of the series it just muddles it into a messy knot of crazy chaos and mostly goes no where.
1. Simon's development is just basically non existent
2. Simon and his Hellbound… no real significant improvement
3. Simon and his blade nominal if no real improvement
4. Simon "I'm not a mage" bs continues and his constant deflection to disregard his mistakes and blame others. Stupid man child
4. The successors and Chaos and others to many others who want them dead who has time to mature or get better if they are too busy to grow?
5. The over inflated over stuffed books just have way too much happening to have a clean story line. It's like you just jam packed it with every thoughts that came into your head not even to consider the possibility that there will be just way too many loose ends.
6. The story moves so fast and then bam the end, very disappointed.
Wow it's book 19 I feel like you gave wasted so much of these books with needles filler ie just them talking let alone almost 3 to 4 books not even worth the space. The plot is all over the place, has too many elements that don't really help the flow of the series it just muddles it into a messy knot of crazy chaos and mostly goes no where.
1. Simon's development is just basically non existent
2. Simon and his Hellbound… no real significant improvement
3. Simon and his blade nominal if no real improvement
4. Simon "I'm not a mage" bs continues and his constant deflection to disregard his mistakes and blame others. Stupid man child
4. The successors and Chaos and others to many others who want them dead who has time to mature or get better if they are too busy to grow?
5. The over inflated over stuffed books just have way too much happening to have a clean story line. It's like you just jam packed it with every thoughts that came into your head not even to consider the possibility that there will be just way too many loose ends.
6. The story moves so fast and then bam the end, very disappointed.
April 1, 2023
Awesome! Simon and Monty are again fighting for their lives against some pretty potent enemies in this rollercoaster of a story! Monty has been tasked with locating the lost/hidden Elder runes and he is beginning this quest when his uncle puts him in contact with a distant family member who happens to be a data broker, or an information dealer. Cousin Sebastian has a team that will help our heroes get to where they can begin their search for the first rune, when they run into the Arch Keeper, the man who holds all 5 of them! But he is on the run from the other Keepers, one in particular, who wants to let loose Chaos! Keeper Evergreen gifts our intrepid heroes with extra oomph to fight the bad guys and aid them in their search! And Monty picks the place for the battle, and some unlikely allies to help them out! Can they do it? Where does this epic battle take place? And where is our favorite character, Peaches, during all this mayhem and madness? He actually has a special role to play! Come along for the ride that is Lost Runes!
April 3, 2023
Monty is trying to find the 'lost' elder runes. Simon is fairly certain the elder runes are lost, or hidden, for a reason, and should stay that way, but loyally supports his friend Monty. Braving certain pain and possible doom, Monty and Simon, along with the Mighty Peaches, begin their search. But wait! Their landlord, Olga, has a request that could derail the search and they don't dare turn her down. And other, more powerful factions have the same goal, finding the lost runes, but have a sinister use for them. Can Simon and Monty placate Olga and be the first ones to find and protect the lost runes? Better yet, will they be able to survive the hunt against a superior power? If you like fast paced urban fantasy with wonderful, quirky characters, lots of tension, a good story, and terrific dialog - pick up this book! It's part of a long and engrossing series and is available on KU, so get started today, you'll be glad that you did.
April 3, 2023
Mont & Strong once more seek the lost and deadly Runes
We See the Pair open up with Monty's apprentice Cece who has just inadvertently blown a hole in the side of the Moscow, earning Olga's ire. Simon having encouraged her to "unleash the beast" by blasting his Dawnward. When she failed to shatter It, it ricocheted into the building , now Monty will need to fix it before Olga blows her stack. Upon doing so she informs the pair that she is going to visit her sisters for two weeks and Cece is their responsibility until she returns. At the same time they have to try and find the he other Majors Lost Runes as they were commanded by the Caretaker . so starts the next exciting chapter read on to find out what come next.
We See the Pair open up with Monty's apprentice Cece who has just inadvertently blown a hole in the side of the Moscow, earning Olga's ire. Simon having encouraged her to "unleash the beast" by blasting his Dawnward. When she failed to shatter It, it ricocheted into the building , now Monty will need to fix it before Olga blows her stack. Upon doing so she informs the pair that she is going to visit her sisters for two weeks and Cece is their responsibility until she returns. At the same time they have to try and find the he other Majors Lost Runes as they were commanded by the Caretaker . so starts the next exciting chapter read on to find out what come next.
April 1, 2023
This book picks up where the last book left us with Monty being directed to find the Lost Runes, all while trying to evade Verity. I enjoyed getting to spend time with Monty, Simon, and Peaches. It seemed like we got more dialogue between Simon and Monty which let us learn even more about them. Knowing this trio, in their journey to find the lost runes nothing will be easy, straightforward, or without immeasurable pain. The mighty Peaches' healing saliva may even be needed. We also got introduced to some new characters that I hope we see more of in the future. A great new addition to this series with a lot of potential for what comes next.
April 3, 2023
The storyline continues to satisfy the reader.
Wow, what an action packed, page turner book. Where at lot of authors stumble around book #10, here we are at book #19 and the story of Monty, Simon and Peaches keeps getting better. Our heroes have been tasked with locating and protecting the lost five major runes. The only problem, besides being lost? There are evil mages who not only want Monty and Simon dead, but they want the lost runes for themselves. Why? For ultimate power. And as we all know, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Can Monty and Simon resist turning dark? They will face the ultimate challenge and go to literal hell to battle the enemy.
Wow, what an action packed, page turner book. Where at lot of authors stumble around book #10, here we are at book #19 and the story of Monty, Simon and Peaches keeps getting better. Our heroes have been tasked with locating and protecting the lost five major runes. The only problem, besides being lost? There are evil mages who not only want Monty and Simon dead, but they want the lost runes for themselves. Why? For ultimate power. And as we all know, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Can Monty and Simon resist turning dark? They will face the ultimate challenge and go to literal hell to battle the enemy.
April 6, 2023
I’ve got to the point where as soon as another Montague & Strong book comes out it’s automatically my next read. I’ve grown to love this crazy trio, especially the cute and lovable Peaches.
I’ve given 4* because in the end I really enjoyed this book.
But…
I don’t know if it’s me (it’s probably me) but it took me a long time to settle in. Seemed to be a huge info dump and it kinda lost my interest. Now I know I’m like an annoying Goldilocks. I moan if it’s all action and no story. Now I’m moaning cos it’s all story no action (early on).
Anyway all turned out good and now I’m just waiting for the next one…
I’ve given 4* because in the end I really enjoyed this book.
But…
I don’t know if it’s me (it’s probably me) but it took me a long time to settle in. Seemed to be a huge info dump and it kinda lost my interest. Now I know I’m like an annoying Goldilocks. I moan if it’s all action and no story. Now I’m moaning cos it’s all story no action (early on).
Anyway all turned out good and now I’m just waiting for the next one…
July 12, 2023
The Boys and Peaches are back! Yay!!
Things, as usual, are looking decidedly bad for Tristan, Simon and my handsome Peaches.
This time it seems everyone and their Grandma wants them wiped of the face of the planet.
Nothing unusual, but one Muppet in particular, Gault, wants the elder stone the boys are looking for, so he can gain the others and kill millions of people 😯😯
This isn't going to happen on Montague and Strongs watch!
But it takes being chase by Gaults second, Tellus and Verity for things to come to ahead.
Oh and going to Hell, without the hand basket.
I love the way Mr Sanchez mixes humour and lethal force so artfully together to make cracking books.
Things, as usual, are looking decidedly bad for Tristan, Simon and my handsome Peaches.
This time it seems everyone and their Grandma wants them wiped of the face of the planet.
Nothing unusual, but one Muppet in particular, Gault, wants the elder stone the boys are looking for, so he can gain the others and kill millions of people 😯😯
This isn't going to happen on Montague and Strongs watch!
But it takes being chase by Gaults second, Tellus and Verity for things to come to ahead.
Oh and going to Hell, without the hand basket.
I love the way Mr Sanchez mixes humour and lethal force so artfully together to make cracking books.
April 4, 2023
Orlando does it again
Yeah. Here I am, 19 books in and absolutely hooked. This review is more for readers who are into the series. If you are new...start with Tombyards and Butterflies. You can thank me later.
If you are familiar with the trio of destruction, this book is...lacking. There is a lot of character growth, which is well done...Peaches as a teacher? Intriguing new characters are introduced (Orlando, if you read this, you know we will want more on them).. this book starts our heroes on a new journey.
Meat may be life, but this book is a great dessert.
Yeah. Here I am, 19 books in and absolutely hooked. This review is more for readers who are into the series. If you are new...start with Tombyards and Butterflies. You can thank me later.
If you are familiar with the trio of destruction, this book is...lacking. There is a lot of character growth, which is well done...Peaches as a teacher? Intriguing new characters are introduced (Orlando, if you read this, you know we will want more on them).. this book starts our heroes on a new journey.
Meat may be life, but this book is a great dessert.
April 23, 2023
Lost or Hidden Ruins are they worth it?
Simon, Monty and Peaches are continuing their journey to find the Lost Ruins or are they just hidden? The story starts with an explosion from and unlikely person and Monty, Simon and Peaches never slow down. The stakes are higher as a Keeper wants all the Ruins. Simon and Monty find themselves continuing to depend on each other and Peaches. A trip to hell seems like a good plan for a battle but what will Hades do when he discovers them? And who knew being bonded to a hellbound really made you one? Hang on!
Simon, Monty and Peaches are continuing their journey to find the Lost Ruins or are they just hidden? The story starts with an explosion from and unlikely person and Monty, Simon and Peaches never slow down. The stakes are higher as a Keeper wants all the Ruins. Simon and Monty find themselves continuing to depend on each other and Peaches. A trip to hell seems like a good plan for a battle but what will Hades do when he discovers them? And who knew being bonded to a hellbound really made you one? Hang on!
May 26, 2024
And Another One Bites the Dust
I am in love with this series. I will be disappointed once I'm all caught up.
Our Terrible Trio is back at it again, messing with stuff far beyond them and facing the consequences. The violent, often painful consequences. I am enthralled with this story and this long game that is being played. I cannot wait to unravel more and watch our boys and puppy kick a lot of ass along the way.
This story, as always, is rich with humor and heart. I love the relationship between the main three and their cohorts.
I am in love with this series. I will be disappointed once I'm all caught up.
Our Terrible Trio is back at it again, messing with stuff far beyond them and facing the consequences. The violent, often painful consequences. I am enthralled with this story and this long game that is being played. I cannot wait to unravel more and watch our boys and puppy kick a lot of ass along the way.
This story, as always, is rich with humor and heart. I love the relationship between the main three and their cohorts.
April 6, 2023
A breathing space?.....
.....or at least a a nano second to gulp some air.
Monty and Simon are continuing their rush into an incomprehensible destiny and doing it with vim and vigor, and a touch of brazen audacity 😅. Runes, Verity, Keepers, and Peaches' healing kisses play a big part in keeping S & M moving forward toward a showdown which will test their mettle. Let's hope Simon's enhanced power includes a module for creative strategy 😀
.....or at least a a nano second to gulp some air.
Monty and Simon are continuing their rush into an incomprehensible destiny and doing it with vim and vigor, and a touch of brazen audacity 😅. Runes, Verity, Keepers, and Peaches' healing kisses play a big part in keeping S & M moving forward toward a showdown which will test their mettle. Let's hope Simon's enhanced power includes a module for creative strategy 😀
April 6, 2023
Great - as usual! :-)
Orlando's books are great reads, usually fun (though sometimes with not-so-fun "serious" parts), and never entirely what you expect ... except if you "expect the unexpected" from him. I just finished reading "Lost Runes" -- and I'm already anxious for the next one so I can find out how Month, Simon, and Peaches are doing. (No cliff hanger here, but I am ... concerned.) :-)
Orlando's books are great reads, usually fun (though sometimes with not-so-fun "serious" parts), and never entirely what you expect ... except if you "expect the unexpected" from him. I just finished reading "Lost Runes" -- and I'm already anxious for the next one so I can find out how Month, Simon, and Peaches are doing. (No cliff hanger here, but I am ... concerned.) :-)
April 10, 2023
A man, a dog, and a magician? What could go wrong
I have thr joy of having followed this series from the beginning. The book is high powered and tightly written so you don't want to put it down. I've resorted to drinking Death Wish coffee to finish it.
I am sure my University students appreciate my being tired the next day as I am told I am more mellow. I explain I spent the night reading journal articles. Enough said.
I have thr joy of having followed this series from the beginning. The book is high powered and tightly written so you don't want to put it down. I've resorted to drinking Death Wish coffee to finish it.
I am sure my University students appreciate my being tired the next day as I am told I am more mellow. I explain I spent the night reading journal articles. Enough said.
April 12, 2023
Back to the the trio
Monty, Simon and the mighty Peaches are back into the crosshairs of, well, everyone. Simon is snarkier than ever as he attempted to survive their newest foes. Monty is taking chances and introduces Simon to another "fun" Montague relative. Peaches is enjoying is meat and trying to keep Simon alive. So many answers and so many questions. The next books can't he written fast enough.
Monty, Simon and the mighty Peaches are back into the crosshairs of, well, everyone. Simon is snarkier than ever as he attempted to survive their newest foes. Monty is taking chances and introduces Simon to another "fun" Montague relative. Peaches is enjoying is meat and trying to keep Simon alive. So many answers and so many questions. The next books can't he written fast enough.
May 15, 2023
Page turner
Another great Monty and Simon story. This was a nail bitter, stay up all night because I had to find out what happened next. Getting to meet Monty's cousin Sebastian and learning what he does, wondering what happened in the past between him and Monty, and why Dex had to get both of them to promise no violence against each other.
I have so many questions and can't wait for the next book. Highly recommend the M&S series.
Another great Monty and Simon story. This was a nail bitter, stay up all night because I had to find out what happened next. Getting to meet Monty's cousin Sebastian and learning what he does, wondering what happened in the past between him and Monty, and why Dex had to get both of them to promise no violence against each other.
I have so many questions and can't wait for the next book. Highly recommend the M&S series.
April 3, 2023
I loved this installment. I truly hope this gets picked up and put into a TV series. I love this story line, the characters, the spin offs, and the whole world Sanchez has built. This one has less action in the front and felt shorter, but the increased bond between Simon and Peaches and Tristian's attitude towards Peaches makes up for it in spades. LOVED IT!
April 4, 2023
Choices & consequences
WoW! This book is full of intrigue and decisions, the boys take opposite viewpoints but come together once more. We still have our mayhem but this time it's more controlled. New characters arrive & we meet another member of Monty's extended family. This one every bit as intriguing as Monty & Uncle Dex. I can hardly wait for the next book.
WoW! This book is full of intrigue and decisions, the boys take opposite viewpoints but come together once more. We still have our mayhem but this time it's more controlled. New characters arrive & we meet another member of Monty's extended family. This one every bit as intriguing as Monty & Uncle Dex. I can hardly wait for the next book.
April 4, 2023
wow
This book had me holding my breathe!!! Can’t wait for the next one but in the meantime I’m going to start reading from book 1 again . Monty and Simon sure know how to make enemies but our duo of destruction and peaches always come out on top . If you’re reading this book and haven’t read book 1-18 please do yourself a favour and start reading the rest in the series.
This book had me holding my breathe!!! Can’t wait for the next one but in the meantime I’m going to start reading from book 1 again . Monty and Simon sure know how to make enemies but our duo of destruction and peaches always come out on top . If you’re reading this book and haven’t read book 1-18 please do yourself a favour and start reading the rest in the series.
May 27, 2023
A new arc
This is the beginning of a new set of allies and enemies, as Monty, Strong, & Peaches look for the lost runes. Lots more questions come up, too! My biggest is why Hades gave Peaches to Simon — it becomes increasingly clear that Peaches makes Simon into an incredibly powerful force, and he’s Cerberus’ only current son. What did Hades see??
This is the beginning of a new set of allies and enemies, as Monty, Strong, & Peaches look for the lost runes. Lots more questions come up, too! My biggest is why Hades gave Peaches to Simon — it becomes increasingly clear that Peaches makes Simon into an incredibly powerful force, and he’s Cerberus’ only current son. What did Hades see??
July 25, 2023
Great read, as always.
I love this series. Fun, full of action and some character development. I feel sometimes things are repetitive, but maybe that is because I read 19 books one after another?! I am so excited about next book. This book took our heroes to another level, stakes are higher than ever and book is impossible to put down.
I love this series. Fun, full of action and some character development. I feel sometimes things are repetitive, but maybe that is because I read 19 books one after another?! I am so excited about next book. This book took our heroes to another level, stakes are higher than ever and book is impossible to put down.
March 17, 2024
Hooked on these stories and each tale better than the last
Excellent writing style, dialogue, greater character development. This one was more running around than exploring relationships and learning more about the characters than the more recent novels….but I sense some foreshadowing of introspection and peek into the past coming up.
Excellent writing style, dialogue, greater character development. This one was more running around than exploring relationships and learning more about the characters than the more recent novels….but I sense some foreshadowing of introspection and peek into the past coming up.
April 2, 2023
Another great book by Orlando Sanchez
Much action and our heroes keep learning and adjusting. Can't wait for the next book!
Everything is coming together (or falling apart) depending on how you look at it. Tristan and Simon's world is changing by leaps and bounds.
Much action and our heroes keep learning and adjusting. Can't wait for the next book!
Everything is coming together (or falling apart) depending on how you look at it. Tristan and Simon's world is changing by leaps and bounds.
April 5, 2023
19 books!
19 books and still going strong, and I'm still enjoying them. I get excited when I see a new book was released. Monty and Simon are my favorite detectives , and we can not forget about peaches.
19 books and still going strong, and I'm still enjoying them. I get excited when I see a new book was released. Monty and Simon are my favorite detectives , and we can not forget about peaches.
April 8, 2023
Outstanding Read
I believe each book in this series gets better and better. The story keeps you reading, the action keeps you engaged, and the humor makes the time spent with this book worth very second. Excellent, fun, exciting read.
I believe each book in this series gets better and better. The story keeps you reading, the action keeps you engaged, and the humor makes the time spent with this book worth very second. Excellent, fun, exciting read.
April 14, 2023
A Work of Art!
Each of our main characters continue to show greater depth while simultaneously increasing in power and understanding of the forces they are dealing with.
#meatislife
Each of our main characters continue to show greater depth while simultaneously increasing in power and understanding of the forces they are dealing with.
#meatislife
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews