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Montague & Strong Detective Agency #7
Bullets & Blades
Sometimes magic doesn’t get the point across. Sometimes the point of a blade is required.
After unleashing the power of the neutralizer, Tristan finds himself without the ability to cast magic. Assured this is a temporary condition, Tristan and Simon decide it’s the perfect opportunity to take some much needed time off.
That is until a group of dark mages enters the city looking for Master Yat. Now the Montague & Strong Detective Agency must face and eliminate the threat. There’s only one problem. William Montague—Tristan’s lost brother is leading the mages.
Without magic, Tristan must face mages intent on killing his friend and teacher, find a way to restore his powers, and stop his brother from bringing a greater darkness to the city, dooming them all.
Sometimes the best answer isn’t a spell. Some situations can only be resolved with bullets and blades.
Join Montague & Strong in a thrilling adventure as they face off against dark mages, undead creatures, and a brother intent on a fatal family reunion!
After unleashing the power of the neutralizer, Tristan finds himself without the ability to cast magic. Assured this is a temporary condition, Tristan and Simon decide it’s the perfect opportunity to take some much needed time off.
That is until a group of dark mages enters the city looking for Master Yat. Now the Montague & Strong Detective Agency must face and eliminate the threat. There’s only one problem. William Montague—Tristan’s lost brother is leading the mages.
Without magic, Tristan must face mages intent on killing his friend and teacher, find a way to restore his powers, and stop his brother from bringing a greater darkness to the city, dooming them all.
Sometimes the best answer isn’t a spell. Some situations can only be resolved with bullets and blades.
Join Montague & Strong in a thrilling adventure as they face off against dark mages, undead creatures, and a brother intent on a fatal family reunion!
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2018
651 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Orlando A. Sanchez
105 books590 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 - 30 of 106 reviews
October 10, 2018
From laughing to being glued to the pages to see what happens next, I love this series. It is so entertaining. The characters and dimensions created by the author are vivid and compelling. This story picks up with Monty still in a weakened state, unable to cast. Monty being Monty, he is determined to help when called. But where he ends up is totally somewhere else! From Peaches, the hellhound to the Dark Goat Car, you will be transported along on this journey with Simon and Monty to save family and friends. Facing Draugar, Revenants, necromancers and a few other surprises along the way. This is a must read to see just what's left standing at the end. I can't wait to see how Monty handles the newest addition to his life!
October 10, 2018
Good gravy this is an addictive series!
In this book some of the author's darker thoughts color the storyline. He introduces zombies with a scary twist as well as pavormancy which delves into one's deepest fears and turns them back on you.
Of course, there is also the customary snark, brotherhood and massive amounts of destruction that we live for. And let's not forget Peaches, the hellhound extraordinaire, loved by us all...tell me you haven't wanted to learn how to make sausage for this lovable hellhound?
Another incredible installation in the Montague & Strong Detective series.
In this book some of the author's darker thoughts color the storyline. He introduces zombies with a scary twist as well as pavormancy which delves into one's deepest fears and turns them back on you.
Of course, there is also the customary snark, brotherhood and massive amounts of destruction that we live for. And let's not forget Peaches, the hellhound extraordinaire, loved by us all...tell me you haven't wanted to learn how to make sausage for this lovable hellhound?
Another incredible installation in the Montague & Strong Detective series.
January 5, 2022
Another ridiculous, crazy OTT adventure and I’m really enjoying the crazy.
Peaches once again completely steals the show.
Peaches once again completely steals the show.
October 10, 2018
Deathane😂😂😂
OMFG, I’m just blown away by how consistently good this series is. As always I was drawn in from the first page, this book has made me realize that it's the combination of Simon and Tristan that is detrimental to any location they inhabit. As Simon and Peaches race against time to rescue Tristan the property damage is kept to a minimal, Simon is at his wiseass best as he goes up against enemies that he has no chance of beating but that has never stopped him before and it's sure as hell not stopping him now. This is everything I’ve come to expect from Orlando Sanchez, absolute madness, mayhem, and hilarity. The ending left me desperate for more.
OMFG, I’m just blown away by how consistently good this series is. As always I was drawn in from the first page, this book has made me realize that it's the combination of Simon and Tristan that is detrimental to any location they inhabit. As Simon and Peaches race against time to rescue Tristan the property damage is kept to a minimal, Simon is at his wiseass best as he goes up against enemies that he has no chance of beating but that has never stopped him before and it's sure as hell not stopping him now. This is everything I’ve come to expect from Orlando Sanchez, absolute madness, mayhem, and hilarity. The ending left me desperate for more.
September 2, 2024
Peaches is the best!!
November 12, 2018
Great series!
Truly an entertaining, light hearted, hilarious read ("deathane" !?!?! 😂😂). I've enjoyed every book in this series and can't wait for the eighth. If you like a little bit of snark and humor with your adventures then this is for you. Pleasantly paced with great humor, imagination and the authors "Easter eggs" make this worth your time to read.
Truly an entertaining, light hearted, hilarious read ("deathane" !?!?! 😂😂). I've enjoyed every book in this series and can't wait for the eighth. If you like a little bit of snark and humor with your adventures then this is for you. Pleasantly paced with great humor, imagination and the authors "Easter eggs" make this worth your time to read.
October 11, 2018
Just Peachy
Loved it ...mad mages ,shieldbearers , psychotic family members & a good dose of hubris not to mention humour ...just be careful when simon is around master yat's stick is on overtime & karma ...well read it and see ...bring sausage there's a hungry hellhound .
Loved it ...mad mages ,shieldbearers , psychotic family members & a good dose of hubris not to mention humour ...just be careful when simon is around master yat's stick is on overtime & karma ...well read it and see ...bring sausage there's a hungry hellhound .
October 11, 2018
Exceeding expectations is becoming normal
With each installment of M&S you begin to expect a certain level of awesomeness, yet once again Orlando Sanchez has surpassed the crazed fans desperate wanting and delivered another nail biting, pulse pounding adventure worthy of a master.
With each installment of M&S you begin to expect a certain level of awesomeness, yet once again Orlando Sanchez has surpassed the crazed fans desperate wanting and delivered another nail biting, pulse pounding adventure worthy of a master.
October 17, 2022
Okay, Monty's family has updated from scary to terrifying.
This time Master Yat requires Simon and Monty's help, but Monty is still weak and has difficulties casting magic, there are revenants roaming the city and a powerful pavormancer after them.
I loved seeing Simon and Peaches running from location to location, looking for allies to save Monty (some of them truly powerful and very dangerous to piss off) without stopping for a second to think about consequences. If you still needed any proof of the deep bond between these characters this book will erase them.
Another fantastic story in this series, I seriously can't have enough of them!
This time Master Yat requires Simon and Monty's help, but Monty is still weak and has difficulties casting magic, there are revenants roaming the city and a powerful pavormancer after them.
I loved seeing Simon and Peaches running from location to location, looking for allies to save Monty (some of them truly powerful and very dangerous to piss off) without stopping for a second to think about consequences. If you still needed any proof of the deep bond between these characters this book will erase them.
Another fantastic story in this series, I seriously can't have enough of them!
October 11, 2018
As Monty deals with issues, it's Strong and Peaches who take the brunt of their latest case and the results are intense, insane, and hilarious. They bounce to and from sets around not only New York City but also the different planes, grabbing allies and assistance from wherever they can. Somehow, the stakes keep rising, the challenges become more dire, and the situations get crazier. A roller coaster ride, a literary Dark Goat.
April 2, 2020
Another adventure for the Montague and Strong Detective Agency. A weakened Tristan is kidnapped and taken to Sheol, a prison For supernatural beings. If he’s left there too Ling he’ll die. Simon rounds up what help he can and sets off to rescue his friend. That’s just one of the story lines. This is another exciting, fast paced story, I won’t share any more for fear of spoilers but there’s a neat hook at the end that has me scrambling for the next book in the series!
October 11, 2018
The story line is getting darker as the saga continues. I'm learning more about Simon & Monty's character as they face more difficult choices. Another well written book by Sanchez that reveals more about the familiar characters while introducing new material to develop upcoming installments.
November 7, 2018
Hard to believe that this the seventh entry in Orlando Sanchez's entertaining Montague and Strong detective agency series (although I'm not sure when they ever do any, well, detecting), which starts with Tristan Montague having (temporarily?) lost access to his magic, just as a group of dark Mages enter the city
What follows will be familiar to readers of the series: destruction, mayhem and, of course, the hellhound Peaches in the middle of it all.
What follows will be familiar to readers of the series: destruction, mayhem and, of course, the hellhound Peaches in the middle of it all.
July 8, 2021
This series is so much fun, and the banter sometimes makes me laugh out loud. I love the dialogue between Simon and Peaches. Cracks me up. Already have the next book and I'm set to devour it. I read a lot of urban fantasy, and this series is one of the best I've come across.
January 25, 2019
The light you bring
These are so much fun. But you know if you are trying to shine the light for people they can see it and feel it more clearly against a dark background. Bursts of light can be barely distinguish between each other. Just making the people in the story's a bit more real, their feeling felt more. Make your reader care more, more poignant. A bit more, will make the light you bring a higher level of impact. I think you may underestimate the capacity of your audience to handle that without being turned away. A little more depth for your characters will not change who wants to read them. The story about the man who lost his daughter was not impacting. A tiny bit sad. But that's ok. I don't think you are even close to turning readers off from your book for too hard content. Just make the characters more likeable and their struggle more heartfelt. More dire, urgent to keep the books fresh. Too much nothing happens will tire the reader out. But your aren't there yet. These are wonderful books. You have managed to keep Simon irritating against all the odds. A major feat. He is still wonderful lovable and filled with new surprises. In a very good story line. Thank you very enjoyable books. We do need the light in our lives, what you are doing, your purpose is not a light thing, it is just as important and impacting on peoples lives as the darker books cough cough literature. Don't let the snobs fool you or get knock you. Your job is as important. Thanks again
These are so much fun. But you know if you are trying to shine the light for people they can see it and feel it more clearly against a dark background. Bursts of light can be barely distinguish between each other. Just making the people in the story's a bit more real, their feeling felt more. Make your reader care more, more poignant. A bit more, will make the light you bring a higher level of impact. I think you may underestimate the capacity of your audience to handle that without being turned away. A little more depth for your characters will not change who wants to read them. The story about the man who lost his daughter was not impacting. A tiny bit sad. But that's ok. I don't think you are even close to turning readers off from your book for too hard content. Just make the characters more likeable and their struggle more heartfelt. More dire, urgent to keep the books fresh. Too much nothing happens will tire the reader out. But your aren't there yet. These are wonderful books. You have managed to keep Simon irritating against all the odds. A major feat. He is still wonderful lovable and filled with new surprises. In a very good story line. Thank you very enjoyable books. We do need the light in our lives, what you are doing, your purpose is not a light thing, it is just as important and impacting on peoples lives as the darker books cough cough literature. Don't let the snobs fool you or get knock you. Your job is as important. Thanks again
October 12, 2018
The boys are back in town!
Things are a little different this time around. Tristan Montague, the uber-powerful mage half of the Montague and Strong Detective Agency is recovering from his heroics in their battle with a ticked off dragon. It's not just rest he needs--he can't do more than the most basic casting of spells or risk a very painful and permanent end. Those who hold Tristan dear, task the other half of the agency, Simon Strong, with keeping Monty safe until he can recover. Unfortunately some bad blood from the past comes back for another shot at world domination and decides that Tristan would make an excellent bargaining chip. Now Simon has to do something we haven't seen much of. He has to take charge and give even those much more powerful than him direction and priorities all while watching his back and everyone else's as they are forced to deal with someone that gives a whole new meaning to the term "black sheep of the family". With the help of the best HellPup ever, Peaches, and some mages you would never EVER want to cross, Simon mounts a rescue operation for Tristan. The only catch? He will have to decide if giving the bad guys the very thing they need to take over the world is worth getting Tristan back. Get ready to meet an all new version of Simon--he's got a whole 'nother gear when you threaten his family and dang it, that arrogant, pretentious, know-it-all mage IS family! Grab on and hang tight--this is going to be one bumpy ride!
Things are a little different this time around. Tristan Montague, the uber-powerful mage half of the Montague and Strong Detective Agency is recovering from his heroics in their battle with a ticked off dragon. It's not just rest he needs--he can't do more than the most basic casting of spells or risk a very painful and permanent end. Those who hold Tristan dear, task the other half of the agency, Simon Strong, with keeping Monty safe until he can recover. Unfortunately some bad blood from the past comes back for another shot at world domination and decides that Tristan would make an excellent bargaining chip. Now Simon has to do something we haven't seen much of. He has to take charge and give even those much more powerful than him direction and priorities all while watching his back and everyone else's as they are forced to deal with someone that gives a whole new meaning to the term "black sheep of the family". With the help of the best HellPup ever, Peaches, and some mages you would never EVER want to cross, Simon mounts a rescue operation for Tristan. The only catch? He will have to decide if giving the bad guys the very thing they need to take over the world is worth getting Tristan back. Get ready to meet an all new version of Simon--he's got a whole 'nother gear when you threaten his family and dang it, that arrogant, pretentious, know-it-all mage IS family! Grab on and hang tight--this is going to be one bumpy ride!
February 6, 2019
Real Family
Excellent book! The story behind this book is about family and not the one that is biological. Simon is going to do a lot of sleuthing because he must save family. Who is his family , well in this case it is Monty! You will meet another of Monty’s family but that doesn’t mean he is the nicest person around. Mystery abounds heart stones and Master Yat. Learn a bit about Master Yat and family and watch Simon grow in another way. He learns more about what Peaches can really do
Awesome work and I look forward to the next book in the series. More meat for Peaches,lol!
Excellent book! The story behind this book is about family and not the one that is biological. Simon is going to do a lot of sleuthing because he must save family. Who is his family , well in this case it is Monty! You will meet another of Monty’s family but that doesn’t mean he is the nicest person around. Mystery abounds heart stones and Master Yat. Learn a bit about Master Yat and family and watch Simon grow in another way. He learns more about what Peaches can really do
Awesome work and I look forward to the next book in the series. More meat for Peaches,lol!
November 6, 2019
Mr. Sanchez is a master storyteller. This time out, Simon needs to rescue Monty from The Pit, and he comes into some of his own in this book – and it shows how strong the bond between Simon, Monty and Peaches is becoming. I was all in – and Mr. Sanchez didn’t let me down. The great world building that continues on in each book, building upon what is already there, and the author promises us that we will learn more and more about these characters in every book and even though it seems Simon is going to get in trouble with his wise-ass ways, this book shows us that he’s so much more and stronger than you think. And Peaches? One of the greatest sidekicks ever.
October 12, 2018
Amazing
The latest book in the world of M&S gets better an better each time. With us seeing a little of the larger picture as it evolves .. if you like your books packed full of action explosions magic an mayhem look no further. I Can’t recommend it enough with a talented author who is creating more an more series for me to keep up with each day the operative an now DW(dread warlock)..
don’t know how you do it Orlando Sanchez I struggle to remember the shopping list at times let alone make all those series tie in or cross over!! Lol
The latest book in the world of M&S gets better an better each time. With us seeing a little of the larger picture as it evolves .. if you like your books packed full of action explosions magic an mayhem look no further. I Can’t recommend it enough with a talented author who is creating more an more series for me to keep up with each day the operative an now DW(dread warlock)..
don’t know how you do it Orlando Sanchez I struggle to remember the shopping list at times let alone make all those series tie in or cross over!! Lol
October 15, 2018
Another wild and crazy ride with the crew of the Montague and Strong Detective Agency. Tristan and Simon might, someday, actually be able to solve a paying case or two if they ever catch a break from saving the world. Today won't be that day. Tomorrow isn't looking good either.
Fans of Monty and Strong won't want to miss their most recent hair raising adventure. As usual, the fate of the world hangs in the balance and Tristan and Simon will have to push themselves to the limits to see if they've got what it takes to save the day. What they discover surprises even them.
Fans of Monty and Strong won't want to miss their most recent hair raising adventure. As usual, the fate of the world hangs in the balance and Tristan and Simon will have to push themselves to the limits to see if they've got what it takes to save the day. What they discover surprises even them.
March 12, 2025
These are still great fun reads, but there's no real staying power. All the plots move from action to action with a bunch of character drive-bys that don't allow for any real character development.
If you want a quick, exciting, escapist read, like an episode or two from a television series that you won't remember a couple years from now - this is it. If you want scenes you'll feel deeply, characters you'll talk about like they're old friends, and back story you'll pore over trying to gain insight into those same characters to see how they tick...keep browsing.
If you want a quick, exciting, escapist read, like an episode or two from a television series that you won't remember a couple years from now - this is it. If you want scenes you'll feel deeply, characters you'll talk about like they're old friends, and back story you'll pore over trying to gain insight into those same characters to see how they tick...keep browsing.
October 15, 2018
Orlandogasmic
This is the 7th book of the series and it is every bit as relevant and exciting as the first. The character development and story lines get you invested from the first paragraph. Just when you think you have the plot and characters figured out, they take a left and quick right , then off you go; back down the rabbit hole. Leaves you needing more. But before you start, remember: MEAT IS LIFE
This is the 7th book of the series and it is every bit as relevant and exciting as the first. The character development and story lines get you invested from the first paragraph. Just when you think you have the plot and characters figured out, they take a left and quick right , then off you go; back down the rabbit hole. Leaves you needing more. But before you start, remember: MEAT IS LIFE
October 18, 2018
Excellent!
The Montigue and Strong Detective Agency series gets better with every book. I love the characters and the story. They are magic, mayhem and monsters without being too crazy. They deliver action, excitement, and humor with some tender moments and it combines to make the fantasy seem real.
In Bullets and Blades, Strong proved he was more than the comedic clueless sidekick as he had only himself to rely on to save Monty.
I love this series.
The Montigue and Strong Detective Agency series gets better with every book. I love the characters and the story. They are magic, mayhem and monsters without being too crazy. They deliver action, excitement, and humor with some tender moments and it combines to make the fantasy seem real.
In Bullets and Blades, Strong proved he was more than the comedic clueless sidekick as he had only himself to rely on to save Monty.
I love this series.
January 23, 2019
Wonderful! (As always.) The sarcasm! The puns! The sausage! Orlando A. Sanchez maintains the dynamic between Monty and Simon expertly. And the Princess Bride references! (I really needed Peaches to look at Simon after the sausage debacle and say, "Meat. You keep using that word; I do not think it means what you think it means.") This series is a wonderful romp through magic and mayhem. Do yourself a favor and start at the beginning.
September 1, 2019
Mayhem and destruction are the name of the game when Montague and Strong are around, especially if one of them is threatened. Strong may be out classed and faced with an impossible mission but you know there will be destroyed buildings and carcasses littering his path.
Humor, snark, action and just plain chaos are expected in this series but that doesn't tell the other part of the story of why these books are good to read: the bonds of friendships that are just as strong as any family.
Humor, snark, action and just plain chaos are expected in this series but that doesn't tell the other part of the story of why these books are good to read: the bonds of friendships that are just as strong as any family.
September 15, 2023
Simon was incredible in this volume. I loved that it was his smarts and guts that won the day here. And the way he beat the unbeatable mage was fantastic. The others tend to disregard his abilities - well, outside his ability to destroy things (through no fault of his own, though!) - because he isn't a mage but sometimes, that comes in handy. Like here. Where it allowed him to think outside the box. Love this series so much!
October 12, 2018
A really fun story with some great Peaches’ moments. I kept laughing out loud. My favorite quote is “My saliva has healing properties”. I want to find my own Zen Meat Guru.
I am really enjoying learning more about Tristan and Simon and can’t wait for more adventures.
Do you think that the author has personal experience with deathane?
I am really enjoying learning more about Tristan and Simon and can’t wait for more adventures.
Do you think that the author has personal experience with deathane?
October 19, 2018
Sibling rivalry to another level
Another great read from Mr Sanchez. Monty loses his magic and is kidnapped, and Simon has to come to the rescue, while dodging undead mages and confronting Monty’s Brother William, bent on becoming a god. So much packed into this brilliant book. What’s not to enjoy.
Another great read from Mr Sanchez. Monty loses his magic and is kidnapped, and Simon has to come to the rescue, while dodging undead mages and confronting Monty’s Brother William, bent on becoming a god. So much packed into this brilliant book. What’s not to enjoy.
October 19, 2018
Awesome
Another book well done. We get to see Simon ride to the rescue to help Tristan and see more of what makes them tick. The action is fast paced as always and leaves you eagerly turning the pages to see what's going to happen next. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
Another book well done. We get to see Simon ride to the rescue to help Tristan and see more of what makes them tick. The action is fast paced as always and leaves you eagerly turning the pages to see what's going to happen next. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
October 19, 2018
Although the story is full of action, adventure, and urban fantasy mystery, it is mostly about what truly bonds a family, and it isn't always blood. Simon and Peaches shine in their interactions with key players of Monty's world, those we have met, others only hinted out heretofore. Excellent addition to the series. Enjoyed Simon's growth, and so glad books don't exude smells lol.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews