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To fully appreciate the light, you must live in the dark.
Tristan Montague has fallen to the Dark Flame.
He wasn’t strong enough to resist the cast and it has begun to slowly transform him into a darkmage.
Even in this beginning stage, he is stronger than most mages who have dared face him.
There is only one chance.
Send a non-mage to bring him back to the light.
No living magic user can resist the pull of the Dark Flame, but Dexter Montague has a plan.
A plan that includes Simon.
As the immortal wielder of a necrotic seraph, Simon must learn to walk between the two worlds of life and death. If he masters this ability, he will be able to undo the power of the Dark Flame and break the hold it has on Monty.
If he can’t break the hold of the Dark Flame, Monty will succumb to the power of the Dark Flame, growing in darkness until every magic user on the plane will be forced to stand against him.
Or die trying.
Tristan Montague has fallen to the Dark Flame.
He wasn’t strong enough to resist the cast and it has begun to slowly transform him into a darkmage.
Even in this beginning stage, he is stronger than most mages who have dared face him.
There is only one chance.
Send a non-mage to bring him back to the light.
No living magic user can resist the pull of the Dark Flame, but Dexter Montague has a plan.
A plan that includes Simon.
As the immortal wielder of a necrotic seraph, Simon must learn to walk between the two worlds of life and death. If he masters this ability, he will be able to undo the power of the Dark Flame and break the hold it has on Monty.
If he can’t break the hold of the Dark Flame, Monty will succumb to the power of the Dark Flame, growing in darkness until every magic user on the plane will be forced to stand against him.
Or die trying.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2026
About the author
Orlando A. Sanchez
124 books602 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.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 19, 2026
The second book in the saving Monty trilogy doesn't feel like a connector. Plenty of typical Strong shenanigans.
July 30, 2026
Darkmage by Orlando Sanchez is amazing. Simon (Deathless) is growing and learning, although some of those lessons are painful. And now he learns that he will eventually become a void rifter.
I love the characters and the plot. And the little Shakespeare quotes, the real world references like Kaprekar’s Constant, etc are great!
So now that Monty has been saved by Simon, at least from this problem, there is so much more to look forward to. I love this series.
This is a great series and this book is amazing.
I love the characters and the plot. And the little Shakespeare quotes, the real world references like Kaprekar’s Constant, etc are great!
So now that Monty has been saved by Simon, at least from this problem, there is so much more to look forward to. I love this series.
This is a great series and this book is amazing.
August 10, 2026
I just love these books, 32 books in and it is still as gripping and interesting as it ever was to start with and we are busy cheering on Strong as he works to save Monty. He learns a lot about himself and what he can do, he is as strong as Monty is. In this, Tristan is succumbing to the flames, but Simon is not going to let that happen, he grabs him, but is he in time to save him? Well read it because you need to. I like that Simon is finally getting more mature and more capable, but still capable of pissing off everyone he doesn't like. Plenty of chaos and mayhem ensues like it should!!!!
August 17, 2026
I’m swimming against the tide a bit here (all the other reviews are 5*).
It took me a long time to get into this one. The fault could be with me but…
It’s my review so it’s 3*.
Why?
Early on this felt a bit more rinse and repeat than normal. Plus these guys work better together. I seem to struggle when they’re apart. But once the story got going I was all in. Simon has grown and Peaches steals every scene he’s in.
Just waiting for the next one……not a fan of cliffhangers I have to be honest.
It took me a long time to get into this one. The fault could be with me but…
It’s my review so it’s 3*.
Why?
Early on this felt a bit more rinse and repeat than normal. Plus these guys work better together. I seem to struggle when they’re apart. But once the story got going I was all in. Simon has grown and Peaches steals every scene he’s in.
Just waiting for the next one……not a fan of cliffhangers I have to be honest.
July 30, 2026
Did not see this coming. wow!
Simon did also not see this coming. Plus will Monty be able to fulfil his obligations to train CeCe? It’s very much a wait and see thing.
With a pep talk from Dex, a short learning through pain session, interrupted by goddess Kali, more pain, and, thankfully some help from a friend Simon just has to find Monty and bring him home. At least this time he’s dressed to impress in a Zegna runed suit.
PS the goat is still the greatest and still in one piece
Simon did also not see this coming. Plus will Monty be able to fulfil his obligations to train CeCe? It’s very much a wait and see thing.
With a pep talk from Dex, a short learning through pain session, interrupted by goddess Kali, more pain, and, thankfully some help from a friend Simon just has to find Monty and bring him home. At least this time he’s dressed to impress in a Zegna runed suit.
PS the goat is still the greatest and still in one piece
August 4, 2026
Excellent Ride, Again
Monty is in a bad way. Strong is the only one who can save him. Can he, with the help of maybe one other, find Strong and revers the Dark flame? Also, there are more than a couple of Mages that don’t want him to succeed. Strong struggles with his bond brother being controlled by a dark mage. As he goes to rescue him, he is besieged on all sides by people that don’t want him to succeed. This is a must read if you are a Montague and Strong fan.
Monty is in a bad way. Strong is the only one who can save him. Can he, with the help of maybe one other, find Strong and revers the Dark flame? Also, there are more than a couple of Mages that don’t want him to succeed. Strong struggles with his bond brother being controlled by a dark mage. As he goes to rescue him, he is besieged on all sides by people that don’t want him to succeed. This is a must read if you are a Montague and Strong fan.
August 7, 2026
This series is doing the impossible, multiple books released a year and still keeping the five-star writing and character development. Keep in mind this, the previous book, and the next book are basically a three-part story but each of the first two parts of the three part has included at least a nudge of the next book to make the stopping point more tolerable. As always can't wait for the next book 💜
August 4, 2026
Of of the frying pan into the Dark Flame!
One again a great story. What i love about these is that BOTH Tristan and Deathless are growing in knowledge and power. I'm eager to see Peachesmake his next transition and how that impacts Deathless and his increasing power.
One again a great story. What i love about these is that BOTH Tristan and Deathless are growing in knowledge and power. I'm eager to see Peachesmake his next transition and how that impacts Deathless and his increasing power.
August 6, 2026
Is he or isn't he? That's the ???
What the Heck!!!!!! The whole story 2 is dealing with the dark mage issue and we still need to know how Tristan will survive. And what happens to Simon. So now the insane adventure in this story just leads to book 3? I hate cliffhangers. But just Love these stories.
What the Heck!!!!!! The whole story 2 is dealing with the dark mage issue and we still need to know how Tristan will survive. And what happens to Simon. So now the insane adventure in this story just leads to book 3? I hate cliffhangers. But just Love these stories.
August 8, 2026
Brilliant as always!
Tristan is in trouble and Simon and Peaches need to help him.
After they find him, passing by LOTS of folks out to stop him getting to his bondbrother.
Another cracking adventure, with not the outcome, yet, we are hoping for!
Tristan is in trouble and Simon and Peaches need to help him.
After they find him, passing by LOTS of folks out to stop him getting to his bondbrother.
Another cracking adventure, with not the outcome, yet, we are hoping for!
August 8, 2026
With Monty slipping closer to the dark side, Simon must step up and save his bond brother. This will include a lot of training, which means a lot of pain. Can he reach Monty in time, stop the transfer that will kill him and stop the dark mages.
August 9, 2026
Darkmage
Another amazing story, written by Orlando Sanchez. Truly my favorite author, the man who gives life and tells extremely well written story. They allow me to secretly live as Simon and Tristan play twisting alive stories.
Another amazing story, written by Orlando Sanchez. Truly my favorite author, the man who gives life and tells extremely well written story. They allow me to secretly live as Simon and Tristan play twisting alive stories.
August 30, 2026
Great read!
If you haven’t started this series please do so! Amazing characters and story lines. Orlando Sanchez is a master storyteller and you will NOT be disappointed. Oh, and as a bonus, there is humor. Enjoy!!
If you haven’t started this series please do so! Amazing characters and story lines. Orlando Sanchez is a master storyteller and you will NOT be disappointed. Oh, and as a bonus, there is humor. Enjoy!!
September 14, 2026
Darkness is a choice
I really enjoyed this book, and the growth that Simon is going through (wonder of wonders!) I do feel like each book sounds more and more like my karate dojo, but that’s not a bad thing….
I really enjoyed this book, and the growth that Simon is going through (wonder of wonders!) I do feel like each book sounds more and more like my karate dojo, but that’s not a bad thing….
October 7, 2026
Another great addition
All I can say is the story keeps getting better and better with every book I love how much Simon is growing in power as well as a human being and I can't wait to see what the battle form fights are going to look like later on
All I can say is the story keeps getting better and better with every book I love how much Simon is growing in power as well as a human being and I can't wait to see what the battle form fights are going to look like later on
October 29, 2026
As always an adventure like no other.
Poor Simon. Just trying to help his bondbrother. Wading into ever deeper waters. Yet he's not a mage. But nonetheless growing in power. Despite his desire for a quieter life. Trouble always finds him.
Poor Simon. Just trying to help his bondbrother. Wading into ever deeper waters. Yet he's not a mage. But nonetheless growing in power. Despite his desire for a quieter life. Trouble always finds him.
July 29, 2026
new friends
Simon is coming into his own. Such a different side that’s we haven’t seen. The love and loyalty to Tristian his family is unshakeable. Loved this new Simon
Simon is coming into his own. Such a different side that’s we haven’t seen. The love and loyalty to Tristian his family is unshakeable. Loved this new Simon
July 30, 2026
Wow, the best.
Best series I have ever read. Orlando Sanchez you are truly a genius of imagination. I am humbled. Cannot wait for the next one. You should have t shirts.
Best series I have ever read. Orlando Sanchez you are truly a genius of imagination. I am humbled. Cannot wait for the next one. You should have t shirts.
August 8, 2026
Good read
But Im ready for Monty to be back, and for Simon to really put in the effort to learn about his and his hellhound's abilities.
Good storyline.
But Im ready for Monty to be back, and for Simon to really put in the effort to learn about his and his hellhound's abilities.
Good storyline.
August 27, 2026
Good read
Love the Montague & Strong books. Finish one and I can’t wait to read the next one. I love the way they’re written.
Love the Montague & Strong books. Finish one and I can’t wait to read the next one. I love the way they’re written.
September 11, 2026
Geez, this book moved lightning fast. It was like running a 5k in 10 minutes. I cannot wait for the next book.
Black and red are really not Tristan's colors. We need our dynamic trio back in full.
Black and red are really not Tristan's colors. We need our dynamic trio back in full.
October 14, 2026
Wow!
Talk about character development!
You’re not a mage.
Lol.
I loved it! No spoilers, but Strong really leveled up.
Meat is Life.
Talk about character development!
You’re not a mage.
Lol.
I loved it! No spoilers, but Strong really leveled up.
Meat is Life.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews