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Rule of the Council #2
Blood Betrayal
She will teach them the meaning of fear—it will be the last thing they learn.
Michiko Nakatomi—an ancient vampire and leader of the Dark Council—is missing. After she gave up control of the blood blades—weapons designed to destroy supernaturals—the Dark Council challenged Michiko’s leadership…and her right to exist.
Rising tensions within the alliance of vampires, mages, and weres are threatening to tear the Dark Council apart. Some within the Council feel it’s time for supernaturals to step out of the shadows and take what’s rightfully theirs by invoking the Blood Protocol—an ancient ritual created to eliminate mankind.
Alone, Michiko must face overwhelming odds, bitter betrayals, and unrelenting assassins to prevent the Dark Council from plunging the world into another Supernatural War—one that could destroy them all.
Michiko Nakatomi—an ancient vampire and leader of the Dark Council—is missing. After she gave up control of the blood blades—weapons designed to destroy supernaturals—the Dark Council challenged Michiko’s leadership…and her right to exist.
Rising tensions within the alliance of vampires, mages, and weres are threatening to tear the Dark Council apart. Some within the Council feel it’s time for supernaturals to step out of the shadows and take what’s rightfully theirs by invoking the Blood Protocol—an ancient ritual created to eliminate mankind.
Alone, Michiko must face overwhelming odds, bitter betrayals, and unrelenting assassins to prevent the Dark Council from plunging the world into another Supernatural War—one that could destroy them all.
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2020
186 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Orlando A. Sanchez
106 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 38 reviews
July 11, 2022
3.75*
I’m really enjoying this spin-off series just hoping I don’t have to wait too long for the rest. It it’s straight onto the third book for me now.
I’m really enjoying this spin-off series just hoping I don’t have to wait too long for the rest. It it’s straight onto the third book for me now.
May 24, 2020
Cliffhanger ending for Part 2 of Orlando Sanchez’s “Rule of the Council” serial
3.5 stars
When Orlando Sanchez’s M&S novels and related novellas or short stories are released, I’m there to buy and read them. I enjoy his writing, his fascinating characters, and their amusing new adventures—particularly the Montague & Strong books with Peaches.
This is the second book of the trilogy featuring Nakatomi Michiko, Director of the Dark Council, and her protégée, Byako—White Tiger. Other characters include Roxanne DeMarco of Haven, Aria the Wordweaver, and Cecil of SuNaTran, plus mentions of the Destructive Duo & Hellhound.
I’m rating this 3 stars, as I did Part 1, because I would rather pay more for a complete book, than for several cliffhanger episodes. I’ll be there for Book #3 of “Rule of the Council.”
3.5 stars
When Orlando Sanchez’s M&S novels and related novellas or short stories are released, I’m there to buy and read them. I enjoy his writing, his fascinating characters, and their amusing new adventures—particularly the Montague & Strong books with Peaches.
This is the second book of the trilogy featuring Nakatomi Michiko, Director of the Dark Council, and her protégée, Byako—White Tiger. Other characters include Roxanne DeMarco of Haven, Aria the Wordweaver, and Cecil of SuNaTran, plus mentions of the Destructive Duo & Hellhound.
I’m rating this 3 stars, as I did Part 1, because I would rather pay more for a complete book, than for several cliffhanger episodes. I’ll be there for Book #3 of “Rule of the Council.”
May 25, 2020
I feel like each book I read by this author, he gets better and better. The second in this series was well written, exciting and introduced new levels of bad people for Michiko and her second to battle it out with. A sign of a really good book is when you can't wait until the next one comes out to find out what happens. I just wished Monty and Simon would make an appearance as they are badass and would get this battle taken care of in a jiffy. Oh, no, the keep getting pushed aside as they are "too explosive" for everyone. Well, we'll see what happens as Michiko tries to save her brother and save the world. This is definitely well worth reading.
May 24, 2020
This book is part 2 of the story. You will need to read part one first as this book picks right up from the first part ended. Michiko is in a race against time to find her brother and stop the Blood Protocol ritual from taking place. Death, destruction, and betrayal all await Michiko. This book ends in a cliffhanger setting us up for the final 3rd part. I enjoyed getting to know Michiko better and seeing the other characters in their own settings outside of the Montague & Strong stories. Looking forward to part 3!
June 1, 2020
No one can hurt you like family
...even a centuries old vampire can learn that lesson. Faced with the impending doom the likes of which only the Avengers have yet faced, Michiko, the exiled Director, must fight to prevent a world ending plan. What she finds is that it is easy to gird yourself for battle when you are fighting the bad guys. What do you do when the bad guy was at Thanksgiving last year??? Read on to find out which direction the Reaping Wind chooses to blow when faced with impossible options. Part Two will knock your socks off!
...even a centuries old vampire can learn that lesson. Faced with the impending doom the likes of which only the Avengers have yet faced, Michiko, the exiled Director, must fight to prevent a world ending plan. What she finds is that it is easy to gird yourself for battle when you are fighting the bad guys. What do you do when the bad guy was at Thanksgiving last year??? Read on to find out which direction the Reaping Wind chooses to blow when faced with impossible options. Part Two will knock your socks off!
May 27, 2020
Still on the run, Michiko has to dodge all sorts of insanity just to survive. Couple that with figuring out the real reason the Council wants her retired and trying to foil their scheme, she has her work cut out for her. We see bits of her past, offering insight as to how her character developed, as well as directly affecting her present circumstances in unforeseen ways. With all of her training, even Chi can be outmaneuvered.
A riveting read. Looking forward to the next installment.
A riveting read. Looking forward to the next installment.
August 1, 2021
Michiko’s mini series
Byako, Michiko’s second is our fill in the blanks literary device in Book Two of the Rule of Council box set. We learn of Michiko’s training, family and former colleagues through Byako’s questions which instigate Michiko’s memories. The purpose of this Montague and Strong diversion is to build Michiko’s character without taking away from the main series’ pacing. It’s fun to meet new tangent characters in this supernatural world.
Byako, Michiko’s second is our fill in the blanks literary device in Book Two of the Rule of Council box set. We learn of Michiko’s training, family and former colleagues through Byako’s questions which instigate Michiko’s memories. The purpose of this Montague and Strong diversion is to build Michiko’s character without taking away from the main series’ pacing. It’s fun to meet new tangent characters in this supernatural world.
May 24, 2020
Trust no one
Oh boy, Michiko has really got her hands full. Very powerful people are willing to help her though. Just hope she can get everything in place before the bad guys can get their stuff together. The worst kind of betrayal is from family and that's what Michiko has just found out, the efforts to destroy the Dark Council are being led by a member of her own family.
Oh boy, Michiko has really got her hands full. Very powerful people are willing to help her though. Just hope she can get everything in place before the bad guys can get their stuff together. The worst kind of betrayal is from family and that's what Michiko has just found out, the efforts to destroy the Dark Council are being led by a member of her own family.
May 24, 2020
Really enjoyed the second instalment of Chi’s story. She does get herself into sticky situations. This book cannot be read as a standalone, you need to read Blood Ascension first. Also this is a series so expect a cliffhanger. Luckily Mr S doesn’t keep us hanging round too long. Loved it, can’t wait for book 3 to see how it all pans out.
May 26, 2020
Non stop action sequences, and the requisite snarkasm
The second in a three book series has our Heroine and her trusty sidekick in more trouble than ever. Will the dark council implode? Will the light council intervene? Will Simon and Michiko finally explore their bond? Find out. The ending will topsy your turvey
The second in a three book series has our Heroine and her trusty sidekick in more trouble than ever. Will the dark council implode? Will the light council intervene? Will Simon and Michiko finally explore their bond? Find out. The ending will topsy your turvey
May 26, 2020
Forward progress and more depth
I am very much enjoying to depth of Michikos character and her interactions with characters we have met in previous books by the author. Her perspective is so unique, aged like a fine wine, or whiskey. The third part of this story is much anticipated by the MOB, (Orlando's Facebook group) and I can say, I wholeheartedly agree.
I am very much enjoying to depth of Michikos character and her interactions with characters we have met in previous books by the author. Her perspective is so unique, aged like a fine wine, or whiskey. The third part of this story is much anticipated by the MOB, (Orlando's Facebook group) and I can say, I wholeheartedly agree.
June 7, 2020
heroine noir
michiko fights the currents of council politics that move fluidly against her. slipping between the eddies of intrigue with swift and lethal violence. drifting in her wake of destruction, with equal lethality byako develops as an intriguing character. curses mr. sanchez you had me at "the sun crept over the horizon..."
michiko fights the currents of council politics that move fluidly against her. slipping between the eddies of intrigue with swift and lethal violence. drifting in her wake of destruction, with equal lethality byako develops as an intriguing character. curses mr. sanchez you had me at "the sun crept over the horizon..."
June 9, 2020
Edge of the seat excitement!
Orlando Sanchez” stories remind me of The Star Wars saga in all the best possible ways. There are layers and layers of connections that you don’t have to recognize to enjoy the story. All the best sagas are like this...Tolkien, Logsdon, and Jordan. Thank you Orlando Sanchez for entertaining me in a most satisfying fashion.
Orlando Sanchez” stories remind me of The Star Wars saga in all the best possible ways. There are layers and layers of connections that you don’t have to recognize to enjoy the story. All the best sagas are like this...Tolkien, Logsdon, and Jordan. Thank you Orlando Sanchez for entertaining me in a most satisfying fashion.
June 11, 2020
Great read
I have enjoyed getting to know Michiko in this series. IMr . Sanchez has written another great book. I loved his M&S series and have enjoyed this swerve into the Perdue of the dark circle and their inner working. I look forward to the third and final book in this series. Thank you for another great read Mr. Sanchez, I really appreciate how your works draw me in.
I have enjoyed getting to know Michiko in this series. IMr . Sanchez has written another great book. I loved his M&S series and have enjoyed this swerve into the Perdue of the dark circle and their inner working. I look forward to the third and final book in this series. Thank you for another great read Mr. Sanchez, I really appreciate how your works draw me in.
December 30, 2020
Trust no one
So Michiko learns that she was betrayed by someone she didn't expect. Trust no one comes to mind, and to hers. She will do what she has to do, but she is learning that the stakes are even higher than she first expected, and she will need to step up or lose everything.
She is forced to kill and to find some alliances in order to stop another war, but she will do what needs to be done, because there is other choice, really. We find ourselves with another cliffhanger, and again, it feels unnecessary. That's one of the reasons I don't give it a higher rating.
So Michiko learns that she was betrayed by someone she didn't expect. Trust no one comes to mind, and to hers. She will do what she has to do, but she is learning that the stakes are even higher than she first expected, and she will need to step up or lose everything.
She is forced to kill and to find some alliances in order to stop another war, but she will do what needs to be done, because there is other choice, really. We find ourselves with another cliffhanger, and again, it feels unnecessary. That's one of the reasons I don't give it a higher rating.
May 24, 2020
Such a great book on so many levels. Wonderful characters. Tight plot. Even good advice.
I always look forward to new books by Orlando Sanchez and have they have always been even more than I could ask for. Thanks Orlando for your amazing books.
I always look forward to new books by Orlando Sanchez and have they have always been even more than I could ask for. Thanks Orlando for your amazing books.
Read
May 25, 2020Wow!!! What a cliff!!!
Michiko is really in a tight spot, trying g to prevent a supernatural war. Finding out she's been betrayed cuts deep. Family kidnapped, assassins at every turn. And what an ending!!! Can't wait for book 3!!!!
Michiko is really in a tight spot, trying g to prevent a supernatural war. Finding out she's been betrayed cuts deep. Family kidnapped, assassins at every turn. And what an ending!!! Can't wait for book 3!!!!
June 9, 2020
Just excellent
Excellent story with a great plot and characters. Love that Sanchez brought us into the world of the Dark Counsel and Machiko. Another cliff hanger, but that makes me want the next one more.
Excellent story with a great plot and characters. Love that Sanchez brought us into the world of the Dark Counsel and Machiko. Another cliff hanger, but that makes me want the next one more.
June 18, 2020
Next chapter in the Michiko saga has her following up on the kidnapping of her brother and finding out who is behind the dark plan.
Thank you Orlando for another exciting book in the Montague and Strong world
Thank you Orlando for another exciting book in the Montague and Strong world
August 24, 2020
Blood Betrayal; Rule of The Council-Book t..
I chose this rating because it deserved it. Fast paced, exhilarating, totally captured my attention from the beginning. Will have to read the other.
I chose this rating because it deserved it. Fast paced, exhilarating, totally captured my attention from the beginning. Will have to read the other.
August 31, 2020
Another great instalment.
Love learning more about Michiko. Very interesting plus hints about other characters. Origami is character building? Another cliff hanger!!!! Just love all this guy's books. Totally awesome!
Love learning more about Michiko. Very interesting plus hints about other characters. Origami is character building? Another cliff hanger!!!! Just love all this guy's books. Totally awesome!
January 21, 2023
Blood Betrayal
This is series keeps getting better and better. Orlando Sanchez has me
hooked .
Michiko Nakatomi is a character that comes alive in these pages .
. This needs to become a regular series like Montague & Strong .
On to book 3
This is series keeps getting better and better. Orlando Sanchez has me
hooked .
Michiko Nakatomi is a character that comes alive in these pages .
. This needs to become a regular series like Montague & Strong .
On to book 3
May 24, 2020
Again the best
I enjoyed this story and liked how more information was made available on her character and the interactions with the other groups.
I enjoyed this story and liked how more information was made available on her character and the interactions with the other groups.
May 25, 2020
Short bur perfect with a cliffhanger at the end. I can't wait for next book!
May 25, 2020
More of our vampire
Chip's story continues to entrance and keep you engaged. Really liking her second and makes me want to learn origami. Can't wait for the finale.
Chip's story continues to entrance and keep you engaged. Really liking her second and makes me want to learn origami. Can't wait for the finale.
May 31, 2020
So good!
I love that we are getting to know the main character better than before. I like her 2nd 's banter too. Can't wait to read the third book!
I love that we are getting to know the main character better than before. I like her 2nd 's banter too. Can't wait to read the third book!
June 27, 2020
Too short!
But, oh so good! I love getting the back story and it adds another layer to the workings of the Montague and Strong world
But, oh so good! I love getting the back story and it adds another layer to the workings of the Montague and Strong world
June 27, 2020
Intriguing!
A satisfactory continuation from Book One. More intrigue and a few revelations. The story flows well and kept me engaged.
A satisfactory continuation from Book One. More intrigue and a few revelations. The story flows well and kept me engaged.
June 28, 2020
Great books
I have enjoyed all the books in the M&S series and Michiko's story is no exception. Keep them coming Orlando.
I have enjoyed all the books in the M&S series and Michiko's story is no exception. Keep them coming Orlando.
June 30, 2020
Great story!
I like how Orlando Sanchez develops his storyline and characters! Very enjoyable to read and the universe he has created is fun to read about.
I like how Orlando Sanchez develops his storyline and characters! Very enjoyable to read and the universe he has created is fun to read about.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews