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For light to thrive, darkness must be embraced.

The Fifth Pillar was stronger than they anticipated…much stronger.

Now in order for Monty to deal with the power of the White Heart coursing through his body, he must seek out a primal and dangerous power.

The power of the Dark Flame.

There’s only one problem, to release the power of the Dark Flame and siphon the energy of the White Heart, Monty must complete an ancient ritual.

If he fails the ritual, the power of the Dark Flame will consume him—ending his life.

If he succeeds, he will be transformed by the power of the White Heart into his worse nightmare.

Monty will fall into darkness, becoming a darkmage.

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 27, 2026

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About the author

Orlando A. Sanchez

108 books602 followers
Orlando 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.

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5 stars
206 (69%)
4 stars
72 (24%)
3 stars
16 (5%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Todd.
2,344 reviews8 followers
June 20, 2026
After the events of the previous Monty holds the power of the White Heart and it will eventually destroy him.

Over his head again Strong will put it all on the line to save his bond brother (potentially from himself). I swear TK spoke more in this book than all her previous appearances combined.
18 reviews13 followers
May 31, 2026
Magical insanely the best series I ever read!

In this book,I really, really started to dislike Dex! I haven't read one of the books in this series without becoming emotionally involved, seriously,I have never felt so emotional ,ever, reading a book.I'm talking every book in this series is so outrageously Good,best book,series I have Ever read,and I have read Hundreds of books.I am a book reader,lover,since 4th grade,and I'm a grandmother now,with some adult aged grandchildren. I am in awe of this author!
694 reviews13 followers
May 29, 2026
Wow! What a ride! Such a great story. We learn more about Simon, and Dex. Some amazing fights! Can’t wait for more!
596 reviews32 followers
June 1, 2026
This book starts where Chaos Rising left off. Monty has taken on too much power and needs help to keep from becoming a Dark Mage. What transpires next will keep you on your toes with a twist you won't see coming. Simon is going to face some very powerful beings and maybe start to understand more about the power in the world that he, Monty, and Peaches survive in. As usual, this story is fast-paced and leaves us drooling for more. There is a cliff hugger ending to this book, so be prepared. The story arc is being told over three books, this being the first.
384 reviews
June 7, 2026
As ever, another exciting instalment of the Monty saga. I have faith in Simon to bring Monty out of the Darkflame eventually. I love his sarcasm and his ability to be strong, in the faith of destruction and stand by Tristan no matter what. Simon doesn't realise the depths that everyone will go to get what they want, but it all works for the best in the end. Or so we hope, but as we know meat is life, so it will.
Profile Image for Patricia.
82 reviews3 followers
June 11, 2026
I just enjoy this series .. Some series I’ve read seem to diminish as the series continues but Mr . Sanchez never disappoints.. and this book just grabs your attention and doesn’t let go.. all the characters are well written and the plot is griping .. and of course my interest is peaked because I need to know asap what happened to Monty.. or as Peaches calls him the angry man .. can’t wait to find out !
240 reviews2 followers
May 31, 2026
A mind spinner

Oh where will these tales take us next and is so much more than Monty’s taken in too much dark energy what do we do. Simon’s growth is bounding ahead in giant leaps.
Masterful writing that doesn’t just grip you but shakes, swings and caresses along the way.
The next 3 instalments can’t come soon enough
648 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2026
Good grief this went dark...

Can this story go any further into the world of the darkness? The magic in this just keeps going to Montagues darkness and nothing seems to help. And then the story ended, again!! So we the reader have to wait for the next book. Not sure this is fair to us. But if I want to know more I have to wait, so I get to wait...
Profile Image for Trevor.
1,515 reviews2 followers
June 1, 2026
With Monty fighting the White Hearts effects, Simon needs to step up to save the day and restore Monty and stop him going dark. The question is, who can he trust and what are Dexter's true intentions.
3 reviews
June 1, 2026
Awesome as ever!

Absolutely love the Montague and Strong series,as always this book did not disappoint, loved the way we saw more of Dex as the Harbinger and saw his power.

Write faster please,i need part 2!
76 reviews
June 4, 2026
I hate cliffhangers!

This series is playing He!! with my blood pressure. Our poor protagonists can’t catch a break. Monty was barely “in” this one despite being the focus of most conversations. SMH. I’m still going to read the next one.
Profile Image for Deborah.
3,905 reviews506 followers
June 4, 2026
So it’s book 31 and still going strong 😁
Here Monty is struggling with the power of the White Heart. And the battle is on to stop him turning dark. But it’s Dex, yes Dex not Peaches who steals the show.
I hate cliffhangers so I’m hoping the next one is out soon.
Profile Image for Enid Rodriguez.
45 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2026
Wow!

As much as I dislike cliffhangers, this one is excellent. Dex is more amazing than I expected. And the first glimpses on the real mage world are astounding.
Hurry up, Orlando!
32 reviews
June 11, 2026
Curses are bad

Not only this book but entire series is action packed and moves from one scene to the next. Often not sure if the characters will survive. Read the series beginning with book one. Remember meat is life!
200 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2026
Amazing

The series just doesn't disappoint. The writing, plotting and character development Have been consistent across all of the books and I look forward to more.
19 reviews
June 2, 2026
Fun and scary

I love this series. I am very concerned for Monty, but I also know Simon will always have his. I can't wait for the next story.
Profile Image for Rachel.
1,045 reviews65 followers
June 3, 2026
Whoa, Dex

Okay, I want to be Dex when I grow up. That was a pretty clear demonstration of the different power levels at play!
216 reviews
June 5, 2026
4.5 stars

Oh where, oh where has Monty gone! Ugggh, no we have to wait until the next book to find out.

Definitely keeps you on the edge, can't wait for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews