What do you think?
Rate this book
Montague & Strong Detective Agency #25
Shieldbearer
An Aspis never tires. He is the last to fall or falter. He is the shield between life and death.
The Grand Council has designated Simon and Monty as outcasts, deserving of erasure and death. Monty and Simon have vowed to do everything in their power stop the Grand Council.
Power is the issue.
In order to stand against the Grand Council, they must grow in power. In order to grow in power, Simon needs a teacher.
As an outcast, Simon must now perfect his dawnward—the defensive shield he has learned to cast.
There’s only one small problem—his outcast status means no one is willing to teach him the advanced version of the cast.
No one, except a mage known as the Spartan.
Now, Monty and Simon will travel to the hidden island of Naxos, where the Spartan is rumored to live. There, they will discover the truth behind the mysterious mage, and what it means to be a true shieldbearer.
The Grand Council has designated Simon and Monty as outcasts, deserving of erasure and death. Monty and Simon have vowed to do everything in their power stop the Grand Council.
Power is the issue.
In order to stand against the Grand Council, they must grow in power. In order to grow in power, Simon needs a teacher.
As an outcast, Simon must now perfect his dawnward—the defensive shield he has learned to cast.
There’s only one small problem—his outcast status means no one is willing to teach him the advanced version of the cast.
No one, except a mage known as the Spartan.
Now, Monty and Simon will travel to the hidden island of Naxos, where the Spartan is rumored to live. There, they will discover the truth behind the mysterious mage, and what it means to be a true shieldbearer.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2024
About the author
Orlando A. Sanchez
107 books597 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 39 reviews
November 22, 2024
I cannot believe I have now read 25 of these, it is such a good series. This one was a bit different from the others because we got see a lot of Kali interacting with Simon and learning more about his roll in the grand scheme of things. Plus, I love Peaches. Simon went through a lot of growth and of course, the Grand Council is still trying to erase him, Peaches, and Monty. They're afraid of what Simon might become, but I can't see Simon every using his abilities to hurt others. He's just too good. Definitely got my heart pounding towards the end, but it was another fun read. Unfortunately, they did not get much of a break in this one because they were sent straight to the mountains to be taught by Master Yat, the other monks, and a whole lot of pebbles. I can't wait to read the next one. I love Simon and Peaches, can't wait to see more of their bond.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2025
This book seemed like a “filler” episode, at least throughout the middle part. Kali’s “conversation” with Simon in the beginning was fun. I miss Karma though. We should get her occasionally just for the sass. The end brought in a character from the early books who is always welcome. I am looking forward to the next book especially because of that character...and they have friends! Poor Simon. This should be a series of painful lessons. Maybe one day he will actually think before speaking, but it is doubtful. If nothing else Simon’s head will get harder due to what will definitely transpire.
October 26, 2024
Well it’s book 25 and I’m still here and will continue to be here despite my low rating for this book.
My rating?
I look forward to these books. They’re quick easy and entertaining. Well usually they are. I struggled to get into this one. Apparently I don’t like Simon without Monty and Peaches, who knew? So this got off to a bad start for me and I struggled with the rest. It just felt like wash, rinse and repeat. Our guys need to get stronger… again. They’re facing a more dangerous enemy… again. It’s life or death… again.
I felt a bit disillusioned to be honest. I even stopped half way through and checked the reviews to see if it was just me. I found a review by Facil Yohannes which said everything I was feeling. So it wasn’t just me. There was also a comment giving the advice to think of it as a TV series. So that’s what I’ll do in future.
I’m sorry this review is bad but I really struggled with this book. That said I’m looking forward to the next one.
My rating?
I look forward to these books. They’re quick easy and entertaining. Well usually they are. I struggled to get into this one. Apparently I don’t like Simon without Monty and Peaches, who knew? So this got off to a bad start for me and I struggled with the rest. It just felt like wash, rinse and repeat. Our guys need to get stronger… again. They’re facing a more dangerous enemy… again. It’s life or death… again.
I felt a bit disillusioned to be honest. I even stopped half way through and checked the reviews to see if it was just me. I found a review by Facil Yohannes which said everything I was feeling. So it wasn’t just me. There was also a comment giving the advice to think of it as a TV series. So that’s what I’ll do in future.
I’m sorry this review is bad but I really struggled with this book. That said I’m looking forward to the next one.
October 31, 2024
Another book where one of the two needs to go somewhere to get more power because their enemies are getting stronger and more ruthless. This time it is Simon. But, perhaps the most important part of this is not so much getting stronger but growing up a bit. He has been whining ever since the beginning that he has no choice in the matter of how he got involved in this world and always blaming others for the destruction and disaster that is now his life. That got old a while ago. So finally, someone basically shoves his face into it and shows him he had lots of choices to get out of this. Not just at the beginning, but later too. It is time for him to grow up. Particularly because he had been through all sorts of stuff before he ever met Montague in the world of undercover and life saving agencies and even some exposure to supernatural things. I hope he never loses his snark but the whining just needs to go!
October 16, 2024
This story captivated me. I liked the pacing, the mix of new (H, Salya) and familiar (Dex, Ziller, Ezra) characters, and I enjoyed the various new settings. I think what interested me the most was Simon's quandary. He is more, much more than human now, and has unknown and untapped powers that he has to accept about himself before he can use them. His reluctant, but slowly growing awareness is a big part of the story and made it fascinating to me. I always enjoy more of Monty, Dex, and the Mighty Peaches and we get a good dose of them here. If you like fast-paced, snarky, and sometimes outright funny urban fantasy, with very well done characters and an interesting story - pick up this book! Better yet, if you are new to this series (lucky you!), start with the first book, Tombyards and Butterflies, put up a 'Do Not Disturb' sign, and dig in!
October 15, 2024
Once again into the abyss! Simon, Monty and poor Peaches are being hunted by the Grand Council. At first it was because of their links to Dex and what he had done in stealing the Golden Circle. Then, our heroes defeated the emissary sent to deal with them and earned their own kill orders. So, they've been sent to find the Spartan and the Hidden Hand to gain strength to deal with all the hubris being thrown at them. They find both, but it wasn't what was expected. Simon asked his usual question, "why does growth always equal pain?" And does he get it! And then they get shunted to Master Yat to learn more about how to grow with what was given, while Monty also grows in levels. Our courageous heroes definitely have it cut out for them!
October 21, 2024
A riveting story as always!
As with all of his books, I'm amazed at the stories that he creates. Each scenario is very vivid and imaginative. I love that Simon is finally coming to accept, although extremely, EXTREMELY begrudgingly, who he truly is and what role he has to play to protect his own. He is still resistant to the concept, but he's also opening up to his new reality that his responsibilities have increased tenfold and that he needs to get stronger and more fearsome than ever before. My only complaint, if I had to make one, is that the story is too short. Just when I am at the edge of my seat in anticipation of the next situation, the book ends! Great read, though! I can't wait until the next one!
As with all of his books, I'm amazed at the stories that he creates. Each scenario is very vivid and imaginative. I love that Simon is finally coming to accept, although extremely, EXTREMELY begrudgingly, who he truly is and what role he has to play to protect his own. He is still resistant to the concept, but he's also opening up to his new reality that his responsibilities have increased tenfold and that he needs to get stronger and more fearsome than ever before. My only complaint, if I had to make one, is that the story is too short. Just when I am at the edge of my seat in anticipation of the next situation, the book ends! Great read, though! I can't wait until the next one!
October 29, 2024
I love this series. I like everything he's written but the monty and strong books are the ones that started me on his series. This is book 25, where Simon finally stops thinking he is just a human caught up in mayhem and begins to be more than. Monty is there too, but this is about Simon and him becoming the star he is supposed to be and how he gets to that point. I love the humour and sarcasm and the fact that life is rough and difficult but he sticks with it.
Peaches is getting big too and Simon is gaining whole mage like skills of his own, but this particular story focuses on Simon and getting him ready for the hell that is about to be unleashed and him becoming a mini god in his own right.
Peaches is getting big too and Simon is gaining whole mage like skills of his own, but this particular story focuses on Simon and getting him ready for the hell that is about to be unleashed and him becoming a mini god in his own right.
December 16, 2024
I have read the whole series to date and this book was pretty much the same as all the rest, I enjoyed the book but I get frustrated with the, what I call silliness, it takes far to long to get past any issues, Simons character drones on about nothing, far to much.
Needs more forward movement and its about time Simons character accepts who he is, learns what he is and capable of, so the action proper can start, and he can actually win a fight as the lead or on his own.
Needs to quicken the paste and get to the conclusions without all the mind numbing, at time, illogical Simon logic or lack of it. I will continue to read as I like the characters apart from how long it takes to move forward.
Needs more forward movement and its about time Simons character accepts who he is, learns what he is and capable of, so the action proper can start, and he can actually win a fight as the lead or on his own.
Needs to quicken the paste and get to the conclusions without all the mind numbing, at time, illogical Simon logic or lack of it. I will continue to read as I like the characters apart from how long it takes to move forward.
October 28, 2024
Your Presence is Required “Kali”
Another great addition to the M&S Detective Agency novels. Simon is summoned to Kali. He learns much but is also has much to learn. He and Montague have won one battle, only to be thrusted into another. The Grand Council doesn’t take kindly to someone killing their emissaries, especially when the people that doe the killing are supposed to be killed themselves. The Council sends out a much bigger threat that neither Simon nor Tristan have the strength to face. They must become stronger.
Sanchez does an excellent job at telling the story of M&S. The only thing missing is more story. You get to the end and ya always wish for more.
Another great addition to the M&S Detective Agency novels. Simon is summoned to Kali. He learns much but is also has much to learn. He and Montague have won one battle, only to be thrusted into another. The Grand Council doesn’t take kindly to someone killing their emissaries, especially when the people that doe the killing are supposed to be killed themselves. The Council sends out a much bigger threat that neither Simon nor Tristan have the strength to face. They must become stronger.
Sanchez does an excellent job at telling the story of M&S. The only thing missing is more story. You get to the end and ya always wish for more.
November 27, 2024
Another Amazing Story
The great Orlando Sanchez does it again. This is a riveting, stay up past your bed time because you wanted to find out what happens next. Simon, Monty and Peaches have to get stronger in order to face the next Emissary the Grand Council sends. Simon has a conversation with Kali and starts to understand some of his choices. Simon has to go through a transference with H in his quest to become stronger.
I really enjoyed this story. Orlando Sanchez pens amazing characters and you feel like you are there seeing the story unfold. Start at the first book, read all the books in the M&S universe. You won't be disappointed.
The great Orlando Sanchez does it again. This is a riveting, stay up past your bed time because you wanted to find out what happens next. Simon, Monty and Peaches have to get stronger in order to face the next Emissary the Grand Council sends. Simon has a conversation with Kali and starts to understand some of his choices. Simon has to go through a transference with H in his quest to become stronger.
I really enjoyed this story. Orlando Sanchez pens amazing characters and you feel like you are there seeing the story unfold. Start at the first book, read all the books in the M&S universe. You won't be disappointed.
October 14, 2024
In this book, those after Simon, Tristan, and Peaches are stronger than ever. Both Tristan and Simon will need to level up their power. Simon must understand the consequences of his past decisions and accept what, becoming the Marked of Kali and the Aspis, really means. To learn how to fight those stronger enemies, they must find the only person left who can help Simon before it's too late. I enjoyed the information, action, and tension in this story. I'll leave you with a quote from the Mighty Peaches. "I'm still enjoying it, even if I eat it fast, Meat is joy, slow or fast."
October 13, 2024
Shieldbearer: A Montague & Strong Detective Agency Novel, Book 25, by Orlando A Sanchez is the best to date. Yep, this book is amazing. We get to learn a bit more about Simon and he is starting to realize what it means to be an Aspis. Simon, Monty, and Peaches have more to learn so that they grow in power, but they need a teacher; and who will teach them now that they are outcasts? So much to learn! So much to do! Just wow!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2024
That instant of stillness...
Orlando has well and truly upped his game for this instalment: the opposition is strong, stronger than Simon and Monty. Now, it is time for them to gain focus because the war is won before the first move is made.
We revisit No God is Safe looking at Simon's choices: the core of who he is and why?
Now, it is time to train, to stop being reactive, to bring the shield to bear.
Orlando has well and truly upped his game for this instalment: the opposition is strong, stronger than Simon and Monty. Now, it is time for them to gain focus because the war is won before the first move is made.
We revisit No God is Safe looking at Simon's choices: the core of who he is and why?
Now, it is time to train, to stop being reactive, to bring the shield to bear.
October 31, 2024
I am starting to get annoyed with Simon. I used to think he was funny. Now I think his constant questions, and inability to under obvious things, is getting ridiculous. In emergencies, when they have NOT time, the conversations where things are explained to Simon, or when he won't stop asking questions, is getting a bit old. I'm not going to stop reading M&S books but I am starting to see flaws that are taking away from my enjoyment of the books.
November 29, 2024
Simon, Simon, Simon
It’s time for Aspis, Shieldbearer and Hellhound bond mate to get with the programme. Simon is pushed to recognise his choices and led him in this path and perhaps there is the possibility he is longer entirely human.
Others are now impressed by the quality of enemies that are now after M&S.
Time to start owning Simon version 2.0 is here as long as the Deathwish javambrosia keeps flowing and of course not forgetting meat is life.
5⭐️ read.
It’s time for Aspis, Shieldbearer and Hellhound bond mate to get with the programme. Simon is pushed to recognise his choices and led him in this path and perhaps there is the possibility he is longer entirely human.
Others are now impressed by the quality of enemies that are now after M&S.
Time to start owning Simon version 2.0 is here as long as the Deathwish javambrosia keeps flowing and of course not forgetting meat is life.
5⭐️ read.
October 23, 2024
Great read
The story never ceases to amaze me. I always think Simon can't withstand anymore changes, and yet somehow he does.
I will keep reading as long as you keep writing.
Thank you for making my day a little brighter with every story.
Peaches is amazing and Monty keeps getting more and more human.
I look forward to the next book.
The story never ceases to amaze me. I always think Simon can't withstand anymore changes, and yet somehow he does.
I will keep reading as long as you keep writing.
Thank you for making my day a little brighter with every story.
Peaches is amazing and Monty keeps getting more and more human.
I look forward to the next book.
October 27, 2024
It's time for Simon to step up and power up. As the destructive trio take stock after being made outcasts, it is made clear that Simon needs to improve his understanding of his abilities and take ownership of his situation. Good story as ever, as the build up begins for another battle against the odds.
October 27, 2024
Finally
We get to see where Simon starts to really understand his purpose and all the work he still needs to do. If this preview is any indication, it’s going to be a super fun ride.
Thank you Orlando for writing such wonderful stories that draw you in and doesn’t let go. I’m always happy to see a new title of yours that I haven’t yet devoured!
We get to see where Simon starts to really understand his purpose and all the work he still needs to do. If this preview is any indication, it’s going to be a super fun ride.
Thank you Orlando for writing such wonderful stories that draw you in and doesn’t let go. I’m always happy to see a new title of yours that I haven’t yet devoured!
November 1, 2024
Strong finally owns up
As always Sanchez-San meets every expectation and then some. The only thing missing is Michiko, which I hope to see again in later books. Just so you know, I’m 72 years old, so I hope to be around to see what will happen next ( not planning on any sudden trips to meet Ezra, but you never know). Keep up the great work! Meat is life.
As always Sanchez-San meets every expectation and then some. The only thing missing is Michiko, which I hope to see again in later books. Just so you know, I’m 72 years old, so I hope to be around to see what will happen next ( not planning on any sudden trips to meet Ezra, but you never know). Keep up the great work! Meat is life.
November 10, 2024
Fantastic series
I would post more reviews if they were not required to be so long.
That said, these have it all, magic, mayhem, love, friendship, laughter, adventure, explosions, unusual and fantastic cars, Gods, Godesses, enemy's of course. Tons of really bad guys, and a totally Awesome Hellhound.
Buy them!
Read and enjoy!
I would post more reviews if they were not required to be so long.
That said, these have it all, magic, mayhem, love, friendship, laughter, adventure, explosions, unusual and fantastic cars, Gods, Godesses, enemy's of course. Tons of really bad guys, and a totally Awesome Hellhound.
Buy them!
Read and enjoy!
November 11, 2024
All around quality read
The next chapter in this Monty Strong world is a great addition I can't wait to see what goes on after this it's a great standalone book as well as a part of the series a lot of amazing magic battles amazing powers that Simon's finally starting to learn and the battle form is the best
The next chapter in this Monty Strong world is a great addition I can't wait to see what goes on after this it's a great standalone book as well as a part of the series a lot of amazing magic battles amazing powers that Simon's finally starting to learn and the battle form is the best
October 14, 2024
A well made sheet can make a difference
Does that really matter to this book? No but it made me laugh out loud. This was a come to Jesus book with Simon and can't wait to see how further training goes
Does that really matter to this book? No but it made me laugh out loud. This was a come to Jesus book with Simon and can't wait to see how further training goes
October 17, 2024
Simon finally has to face just what he's become, as well as internalize the axiom that with great power comes great responsibility. The next installment should be even more interesting, with both Simon and Tristan given goals they need to meet if they're to stand against their foes. Bring it!
October 23, 2024
With the Grand Council sending another, stronger emissary after Monty and Strong it's determined that they need more training. Much chaos and humor ensues. Eventually maybe Strong will think before asking stupid questions.
October 23, 2024
Loved the book!
I love the whole gang of people living in your stories 😊. It's great that Simon is learning whe byn not to snark off. Peaches is such a great bond mate😊 and Tristln a good friend. I'm rooting for them😊
I love the whole gang of people living in your stories 😊. It's great that Simon is learning whe byn not to snark off. Peaches is such a great bond mate😊 and Tristln a good friend. I'm rooting for them😊
October 25, 2024
Finally Simon's lessons start
After 24 books off stuttering, Simon is almost ready to acknowledge his abilities and need for training. The biggest complaint is that the book was over too without but only own a slight cliffhanger .
After 24 books off stuttering, Simon is almost ready to acknowledge his abilities and need for training. The biggest complaint is that the book was over too without but only own a slight cliffhanger .
May 4, 2025
Finally, Simon starts paying attention!
Simon’s been more or less dragged along this whole time, but he starts to learn his power and make some of his own decisions. Not many yet, but at least it’s a start.
Simon’s been more or less dragged along this whole time, but he starts to learn his power and make some of his own decisions. Not many yet, but at least it’s a start.
July 16, 2025
Fun?
No not fun, at least for Simon, he seems to get the worst of it and his poor dog Peaches isn’t very sympathetic to his pain. At least he has good doggy spit to heal the worst of the wounds. Jump into this series and have fun! Or not lol
No not fun, at least for Simon, he seems to get the worst of it and his poor dog Peaches isn’t very sympathetic to his pain. At least he has good doggy spit to heal the worst of the wounds. Jump into this series and have fun! Or not lol
September 10, 2025
Simon really wants a vacation
Simon, Monty, and Peaches need to get stronger fast to thwart the council and the heavier hitters headed their way. Their circle is growing ever smaller but the power base is mind blowing.
Simon, Monty, and Peaches need to get stronger fast to thwart the council and the heavier hitters headed their way. Their circle is growing ever smaller but the power base is mind blowing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews