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Hope springs eternal—even in the darkest moments.

When the Montague & Strong Detective Agency gets a visit from the Arctic Society of Sorcery to help them find a missing person, they realize the person they’ve been tasked with locating is the legendary Mr. K.-a mage known for his famous Ritual of Esper which occurs only once every fifty years.

The Arctic Society of Sorcery suspects the Greater Krampus, Wrakjan, is behind the abduction, in an effort to sabotage the ritual and unleash a wave of despair and triggering the Gloom.

With only a week to complete the ritual, Monty & Strong have little time to find Mr. K and no clue where to start the search. Fortunately, Cece, a Jotnar Ice Mage and Monty’s young apprentice, may have the key to the location of Mr. K. 

Together they must locate and rescue Mr. K before time runs out, and stop Wrakjan from corrupting the ritual, and plunging the world into darkness.

Failure is not an option.

68 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 9, 2020

248 people are currently reading
131 people want to read

About the author

Orlando A. Sanchez

106 books590 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
389 (61%)
4 stars
165 (26%)
3 stars
73 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Deborah.
3,845 reviews499 followers
January 12, 2022
Enjoyable short where once again Peaches steals the show.
6,726 reviews5 followers
February 3, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

This kindle e-book novella from my Kindle Unlimited account Montague and Strong 💪 case .

Montague and Strong are hired to find Mr. K for the ritual taking place in one week. They are involved with Tratian to find Mr. K. They are successful and all ends happy ☺.

I would recommend this group of novella Montague and Strong detective stories to readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024 😀😯👒😡
579 reviews32 followers
January 11, 2020
Go along on a case with Montague & Strong detectives. In this short novella, Monty and Simon must find a missing mage and make sure that the ritual of Esper takes place. To accomplish this within the week time frame they're going to need some help. CeCe will have to use some of her talents along with Dex, Peaches, and a couple of Fae that show up from an unexpected place!
Being that this is Monty and Simon a few things might not be as they seem, but they might lead Monty to learn something new about himself. I always consider it a good read when I get to spend time with the characters I enjoy. Oh and Peaches, Simon owes you some extra sausage!
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,005 reviews8 followers
January 12, 2020
Wrakjan The black sorcerer is trying to stop a ritual to keep the gloom away. This occurs in a fortress in the Arctic. Niklaus has been kidnapped or killed, the sorcerer that does the ritual. Now it is up to Monty to do the ritual, but he is determined to find and save his friend, either dead or alive. There are other players in this game...Faith, the catalyst, Orn a mighty warrior, Simon, Cece and Peaches. Is this a Christmas story? Perhaps. I know I enjoyed this story and had a hard time stopping to do my shred duties. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC book.
Profile Image for Carrie O’Leary.
Author 8 books87 followers
January 13, 2020
This is a fun short adventure with our tenacious trio, together with a couple of other familiar faces to lend a hand along the way. I wouldn’t recommend reading this as a stand-alone; you really need to read the whole series to understand the who’s who and to fully appreciate the banter and snark. As I definitely recommend this book, anyone reading this review who hasn’t read the series had better go and look for the first book, especially if you enjoy magic, somewhat explosive mayhem and oversized, very hungry puppies. Loved it!
64 reviews
January 14, 2020
As always

I enjoyed this book a little more if that is possible. Your books are awesome I love the star wars and Darth Vader remarks I especially love Peaches and his attempt to all Rags .I do think we need a little more about Rags if Peaches wants her.does he like her as much as Meat would be share if she went to the butcher shop with them I figure Cede is going to have bigger parts eventually.I love seeing the changes in everyone as I read each new book as always can't wait for the next one.You are writing to slow Lol
Profile Image for Ronald Enos.
45 reviews
February 10, 2020
Poor information can get you killed

The positive is a ritual that can prevent gloom for a while needs to be performed. Mr K is apparently captured, and normally performs said ritual. He sent word to ask Monty to perform it in his place, but the destructive duo decide to both free Kringle and perform the ritual. Things, as usual, aren't that simple. Strong is gaining magical power, but what will that mean in the future? Monty is also more than he wants to admit, but at least the future will be brighter.
1 review
January 11, 2020
Fantastic read

Fantastic read! Orlando Sanchez has developed endearing characters that are delightful to follow through various adventures ( misadventures!). Sanchez has created a complex world which transports the reader! The only “dislike”? is that it’s too short- I want more! Keep up the good work. I have enjoyed following this trio. I would recommend this to readers who have enjoyed Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files- similar attention to detail and character development.
Profile Image for Chris Christman.
Author 3 books6 followers
January 15, 2020
Another great short story set in the Montague and Strong world. It's mid winter at the North Pole and Mr. K is missing. It'll take the help of young Cece and Uncle Dex to open a portal to the Arctic palace of Wrakjan. Monty, Simon and Peaches can not fail. Mr. K must be rescued and the ritual completed to protect the world from the Gloom.
Another satisfying read from Urban Fantasy Author Orlando A. Sanchez
Profile Image for Claudia.
2,986 reviews38 followers
October 20, 2022
Niklaus? In the North Pole? Seriously? *dies laughing*

But seriously, aside from the unavoidable joke, there is a good story here, with a very Christmas-y feeling in the meaning of the ritual and the role played by the catalyst.

There are some powerful hints regarding Simon's growing powers and I'm intrigued about the direction the stories will take.

As always, lots of fun and very entertaining.
680 reviews13 followers
January 10, 2020
The guys are back home and things are already getting exciting! And Peaches is right in the middle of everything. I just love the conversations between Monty and Simon and between Simon and Peaches. Of course, Simon, Monty and Peaches save the day but how they get there is a great journey. Make time for this book because you won’t be able to put it down once you start it.
41 reviews
January 11, 2020
The usual wonderful story!

This is another fun M and S story. I love Peaches! It was nice to see a little of Cece and Dex too. The premise of the story makes it a perfect holiday tale. I am wondering what we will learn about Monty in the future. This could be very interesting. I am always anxious for the next book. Just read this book!
Profile Image for M.
1,576 reviews
January 14, 2020
Come May, will we celebrate a Revenge of the Sixth Day?

Another wonderful (longer) short story featuring Monty, Simon & Peaches—with help from Dex, Cece, and Olga. Yes, THAT Olga! Add fun tidbits about Herk & the Morrigan; more Strong snark, several new characters, and new lore/information about the M&S Universe. I do love how the MCs grow with the MS&P lore.

PS
Dare I ask, what is Monty?
Profile Image for Brett Wickersham.
96 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2020
Monty, Strong and Peaches return in another short from their world. Mr K, (Nicklaus) is missing at a time when an important ritual must be completed. It is up to our intrepid band, and a few friends to find him, and stop the Gloom from spreading over the world. This is a fun short with something of a holiday theme without being overly gaudy.
Profile Image for Richard.
191 reviews
January 26, 2020
Love it

Great short story. Takes place just after Golem. With every book, every adventure we learn mor and more about our favorite characters. Montague becomes more powerful, but struggles with his darker side. Strong comes to terms with who he is and what he can do. And Peaches gets more meat. Must read...
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,117 reviews
March 1, 2020
Holidays

An interesting short story for Simon, Monty, Peaches and a couple more characters. For a Christmas story with a twist it was not bad. You will learn that Monty is more than he appears to be and Dex will show up to have some fun as well. I think if you read it you will enjoy it as much as I did!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Meadows.
232 reviews11 followers
August 5, 2021
Another fun short story in the Montague and Strong world

Short stories never feel complete, but these tangent tales fill in some of the intentional blanks left by the author during the Montague and Strong series. Thanks for another fun short story in the Montague and Strong world.
121 reviews3 followers
January 10, 2020
Super fun short story. This episode has a great cast of characters. Our favorite leading men: Peaches, Monty, and Strong, but several of the best secondary characters as well:CeCe, Dex, and some new ones too. Lots of fun references and sarcastic humor. Great addition to the M&S story.
Profile Image for Larry.
3,054 reviews17 followers
January 10, 2020
The short story is well written, fleshed out interesting characters, and a story that flowed. However, it was not my cup of tea. NOT saying it wasn't good. Just saying it is not what I find interesting.
Profile Image for Victoria Mckenna.
69 reviews
January 11, 2020
So much fun to read

Simon, Monty, Peaches, Cece, Olga, Kringle, Orn and Faith must complete a ritual to hold back the Gloom. Of course chaos and mayhem ensues, with a splash of snark. Do not miss this one. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Mary Petruska.
40 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2020
Neat quick read

A delightfully neat little read in the M&S world. You don't have to have the prior books but hopefully this short will engage you enough to want to read all of them.
411 reviews5 followers
January 12, 2020
Fun!

This was a fun holiday themed Montague and Strong short! Adventure, danger, world saving, or at least uplifting, warped humor and sarcasm, and kick-butt women right in there with the guys.
Profile Image for Cat.
64 reviews2 followers
January 12, 2020
Christmas Cracker

Like every M&S story is always too short , I would gladly read it everyday , Meat really is life to a growing hellhound who becomes as snarky as his bondmate in each new book , wonder what exactly monty is ?? ...I'm sure all will be revealed in due course ...
Profile Image for Wendy Schindler.
361 reviews
January 14, 2020
Wondeful Christmas Time Tale!!

The Author gave us a wonderful Yule/Christmas gift in this story!
Pulling from many different Holiday cultures and Lore, this is the perfect gift from the Montegue and Strong Universe!
Profile Image for Justjeanette.
168 reviews4 followers
January 14, 2020
The trio of terror save the day, again.

I love this series. I love how we find out a little bit more about Simon and Tristan with each tale.
Both our boys are more than they know and I suspect fun times ahead as they learn about themselves.
In the meantime: MEAT is life.
Profile Image for Miguelular.
63 reviews2 followers
January 19, 2020
Just read it!

The mystery of Montague & Strong gets deeper and leaves us wanting more. You'll find no answers here only more questions. I hope the I.D.I.O.T.A s aren't around cause I leave my tea bag in the cup even after I pour the milk.
Profile Image for Niall Hegarty.
47 reviews
January 25, 2020
Brilliant

If your looking for a short story to leave you gripped an wanting more look no further. The books keep getting better an better an the questions mounting can’t wait to see where it leads.
2,289 reviews5 followers
February 8, 2020
I enjoy this series.

Monty and Strong are called on to save the world again. They meet fae and fun but Krumpus. Peaches is on hand to fight and demand meat. There is action and humor. This is an enjoyable quick read.
8 reviews
February 20, 2020
A great short story

I enjoyed jumping back there the world of Month and Strong. I ask love to hear what is going on with Peaches as well.I loved the use of Mr. K, and how Mr Sanchez worked him into their world.
65 reviews
March 9, 2020
#happyfriendmas

as always a nod to the easter eggs and the stirling humour, a most enjoyable read. cannot wait for the development of the most recent success of montague & strong, after all no good deed goes unpunished...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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