The War Mage

Montague & Strong Detective Agency #0.4

by Orlando A. Sanchez

Haunted. Despised. Feared.

The Supernaturals are destroying humanity.

Meet Tristan Montague. Leader of the elite group of mages known as the Ordarum. The war against the Supernaturals has raged for years and humanity is losing.

When the Ordarum is given a suicide mission to recover an artifact that can end the war and hand victory to humanity-Tristan takes it, knowing it may be his last.
Now, together with his squad, they must face an unspeakable enemy, overwhelming odds, and secure an ultimate weapon-or die trying.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Fiction, Short Stories, Audiobook, Magic

47 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2018

About the author

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.

Reviews

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining fantastic listening 🎶🎧

This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account

Montague is going to war in New York City. They come down the Hudson River but things go bad. The battle goes on leading to an end.

I would recommend this novella and author to readers looking for something different. 2024

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise and compact

The War Mage: A Montague and Strong story by Orlando Sanchez is a concise and compact view into a page in the history of Tristan Montague during the Supernatural War. Monty is proud and fearless even when sent on a suicide mission. I’m glad the author is spoon feeding us character history in short stories that take place before and during the Montague and Strong Case Files Series.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I started reading book 1 Tombyards and Butterflies. But it soon became apparent I was missing something. I looked back to see if it was a crossover book. But there’s a lot of books so I started reading again. Eventually I did what I should have done in the first place and checked the whole series on Goodreads. Turns out there’s
#0.4 The War Mage
#0.5 No God is Safe
#0.6 The Date

The War Mage - it’s short but mighty. I loved this one and I’m moving straight onto No God is Safe now.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is nice to see Montague before he met Strong. My question is, when did the supernatural war happen? How much before Montague and Strong met.

[Ronie Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

His title was well won

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story, giving a little past history of Tristan Montague, the magic half of the Montague & Strong Detective Agency, when he was a Golden Circle battle mage. The start of the story might be a little slow and boring for those who just want some action and aren't interested in the planning and strategy of a dangerous mission. I was intrigued by the in depth detail the author put into the set up for the coming action. Attention to detail and not just rushing helter skelter from one wild and crazy action scene to another with no real explanations or even a little detail of why, how or what is the reason I very much enjoy and appreciate this author's work.

This short story gives us Montague's first betrayal by a Golden Circle comrad and it reveals the connection Montague has with a close relative of a character in the new Sanchez series, Night Warden Novels.

I believe this short story can be read and enjoyed by someone who has never read either the Montague & Strong Case Files or the Night Warden Novels so it works as a good introduction to the authors works and writing style.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

GR average rating is about accurate. I would give it 4.46 stars 😁 because there are no half stars, I did rate it higher because this book really sets the stage for the series - how some of the main characters came to be associated with each other (mainly Tristan aka Monty) and what lead them to be where they are in book 1. It also has a surprise a-ha! moment where we find out a bit of the backstory of one of the most mysterious side characters in the series. You don't actually realise it's the same character until the very end of the story!

The next short story is about how Monty and Strong met. Usually short stories in series are just fun little stories that you might want to read when you finish the series- it seems Sanchez really went further than that, and they seem to be an integral part of the series.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Haunted. Despised. Feared.
The Supernaturals are destroying humanity.
Meet Tristan Montague. Leader of the elite group of mages known as the Ordarum. The war against the Supernaturals has raged for years and humanity is losing.
When the Ordarum is given a suicide mission to recover an artifact that can end the war and hand victory to humanity-Tristan takes it, knowing it may be his last.
Now, together with his squad, they must face an unspeakable enemy, overwhelming odds, and secure an ultimate weapon-or die trying.

Heather's Notes
Definitely a good start to the series. I am looking forward to reading this

[Anne Sturtevant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really had no idea what to expect, other than the title suggested it might be right up my alley. I was not disappointed.

This was a short piece, focusing on the background of one of the main characters in a longer series. I liked it enough that I bought the first two in the series to see if it held up.

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

KU

[Noah Sturdevant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t mess with an angry mage

Monty was a bit scary before he teamed up with Simon. It is interesting to see him back in those times.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gives us Tristan as a Golden Circle battle mag during the war and helps us understand how he became the man we met in Tombyards & Butterflies: A Montague and Strong Detective Agency Novel.

It also surprise us with a revelation at the end of the story about one of the characters helping Tristan in his suicide mission.

Very, very good. And Kevin T. Collins' narration is excellent.

[Cathy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like these short trips into the characters' lives before meeting each other. It explains references from the main books. This series and the short stories have been so much fun to read. I am an old-time gamer and I have enjoyed these books like I am in a campaign. Onto another short before resuming the series.

[Diane C Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monty as War Mage

I really enjoyed the story and the interaction between Monty and Master Yat. Monty came to the rescue and the mission was a success and Master Yat got his revenge on the bad guy.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

So-so series about a mage and an immortal human who run a detective agency together in NYC.

[Violet Fresia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been hooked since I started this series, and I couldn't wait for this short story to come out. The reader has gotten hints about Montague's past in earlier books, so I was excited to read about such an important event from his backstory. Orlando Sanchez has created a rich well-developed world with relatable three-dimensional characters. It is a treat to be able to immerse yourself in his world. If you haven't tried this series, I highly recommend it. This story is the latest in one of the best series I have ever read.

[Denise King · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have read the Montague and Strong series, then you know Monty is a War Mage and fought in the paranormal war to keep humans safe. This short, fast paced, but action packed short story gives you a slice of his history through an assignment during the war. If you haven't read the series (then I highly recommend it), this is still a fun read about a small group of men in an impossible, suicidal mission to save humanity. Every inch worth the read!

[Natalie Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Case file to answer what British Mage Tristan Montague was like during the war way before he met and teamed up with Simon (Strong). This is outside of the timeline of the series about Monty and Strong which starts with Tombyards and Butterflies and so could be read at any time alongside the or as an introduction to them. As with all books in the series, this story is sure to entertain with action and humour.

[Teri G · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this newest entry in the Montague & Strong series is fairly short....it is packed with non-stop action. While the expected sarcasm abounds at times, I was very entertained with the characters, the well played action scenes and the overall fact that Tristan rocks Large!!!! Well written and highly entertaining....I recommend The War Mage heartily.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice short

This story is a great addition to both the M&S series backstory, and the mythos of the universe that author Sanchez continues to expand. Nice plot twists, and it definitely answered some questions I'd had about the characters' history. The story leaves some things unanswered, but they are open doorways rather than cliffhangers.

[Shawnie Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tristan!!!
LoL he is truly awesome and someone I would only want to be friends with, I don’t need him as an enemy. I loved the view into who he was before Simon, although I feel like the only thing that really changed was the amount of destruction.

Awesome short, can’t wait for the next
Way to go Orlando!

[Carrie O’Leary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who says that the instigators of all the Montague and Strong Detective Agency stories are Simon and Peaches. In this prequel novella that fills in some of Monty’s back story Tristan seems to get into plenty of trouble all by himself. A good fun, high action, quick read. Best read in conjunction with the rest of the series.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another superb Monty & Strong history

I love getting the back story to the M & S books through these short novellas. It's like sitting down for a beer or cup of coffee, depending on the time of day, and getting to ask one background question and get the full story. I can't wait for the next books in the series!

[Brandy Dalton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Montague Background

I loved getting a glimpse into the past of my favorite mage and half of the dynamic duo that is Monty and Strong. If you are new this stand alone novella is a good place to start. If you already know our dear tea loving mage this will give you extra insight into how/why he reacts like he does. Shaynetastic read!

[Maryann Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

The War Mage is a short book but has a lot going on for. Admittedly, Simon is not in this, but it does give some of Monty's history and what his part was in the war. And how friends can change you. Also, the best part is the surprising ending I never saw coming.

Another great book by Orlando loves how his short books help to fill in the spots.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monty Before Montague & Strong

A dark short story about Monty’s battle experiences during the paranormal war. Other men’s lives mean little to ranking leaders, including the commander who sends Monty and his team on an unsanctioned suicide mission. As expected, nothing goes as planned—except for a stunning betrayal. Worth reading if you like this series.

[sharon davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully fun

Love the Easter eggs and the great banter. I have only read seven books of this series in the past three days. I will have to read them all and all of the other series by this author. Thank you also for the semi obscure references to other places. I am so glad to learn more things. Thank heaven for Google
Addicted reader

[Dan Haller · Rating 5 out of 5]

MONTAGUE IS THE BA WAR MAGE

It's kind of surreal to find Monty's history while looking for the 9th M & S AGency book,but really great to find out that Monty really is who you think he is. This a definite "Monty" thriller. Proof of Sanchez's phenomenal ability to keep his characters alive and safe. Maybe I found this one when I needed it. FAMILY!

[jeanne evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't want to spoil the ending but...

I was amazed (actually stunned ) at the ending of the War Mage.
Read it...Read it....Read it.
I did so unintentionally after 16 other Montague and Strong Books.
Very important parts of many of the books fell into place. To say more would be to spoil it.

[Christian Hatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just read book one of this series, so I get to enjoy stepping back and reading the series in near chronological order. War Mage was a fun, quick read that didn't give as much backstory as I expected, but still gave a good sense of the character. The author is great at injecting humor into more serious or action-centric scenes, and it was worth pausing a couple times to imagine the scenes in detail for a good laugh.