No matter how fast you are, you can’t outrun your past. When Ramirez receives a call from Shadow Company, he uncovers secrets from Simon’s covert operative days and an instruction: contact Simon.
An agent Simon thought dead, has resurfaced, looking for vengeance and his help.
Now, together with Monty, Simon must stop this agent from exacting revenge before it’s too late and countless lives are lost. Will Simon succeed in keeping his past hidden? Will the past come to haunt his present and destroy his future?
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.
Book 12 was going to be the the last one for me, it’s all getting a bit samey now. Peaches can only carry so many books. But then this one hinted at Simon’s past and I was intrigued. Would it bring more depth and development? Okay so the answer to that was no. But these are entertaining reads and I think maybe if I hadn’t read them all together it might have been better. There’s only one more left at the moment so I’ll read that and then see.
If you have ever read a Montague & Strong book then you have an idea what you are in for. Though, I will say, this is fairly light on a large destruction scale (but that doesn't mean there wasn't at least one landmark/monument/historic building destroyed...ummm, just badly damaged?). It was nice to get a look at Strong's past, but there wasn't a lot of detail.
When you are in the mood for destruction this is a great series to read.
This darker entry in the M&S series is not a stand-alone
This is a darker, bloodier read than other Montague & Strong books. It’s a re-read for me, this time in Audible format narrated by Kevin T. Collins, a brilliant narrator. This Simon-centric book shines an often too-revealing light on Simon’s covert operative past. His former employer and other xenophobic humans plan to foment a dragon war, no matter the collateral damage to NYC. The xenophobes threaten lives of innocents and friends of Simon and Tristan, blackmailing the duo to assassinate a dragon leader.
I enjoyed reading about various NYC settings, Simon’s snark, and new reveals about the protagonists, with ongoing character-building. But what’s with Ebonsoul causing breathlessness in Simon, making him stagger after a killing and an energy siphon?
That said, there were long narrative expositions that I didn’t appreciate, especially whilst listening to the audiobook. I picked up my Kindle and re-read Tristan’s explanation about The Hour, their archives, the secret architecture, and location. The Kindle version was smoother, possibly because I could speed-skim as needed.
Simon's past has been alluded to more than once but always in the passing. In this book, it comes full front to haunt him... and all those he loves and holds close to his heart.
Beware! hic sunt dracones! Between them and the xenophobic Shadowhunters, Monty (who isn't still fully recovered from his psychotic break schism ) and Simon (who still is not well-acquainted with his new powers) are between the proverbial rock and a hard place.
These two work so well together! I missed that in the previous two books, I missed the banter and the formidable team they make. We have that in spades here and the ally that Monty brought? *shudders* I almost pity those who dare to threaten their family. But they most certainly pay the price for their foolishness.
An enjoyable but massively destructive episode in the Montague and Strong Universe. Requiem: Book 13 of the Montague and Strong Detective Novel, tied up some of Simon’s old loose ends, while surrounded by ancient threats and new characters that I’m sure will be fodder for spin-off series.
Thank you, Orlando Sanchez, for making my summer. I’ll start looking at your tangent stories probably starting with Monty’s Ice Mage student.
Wow! Just wow! Some pretty-big issues are resolved in this book, but I really can’t wait until the next story. A lot of action, fun humor, some planning, great characters, and some interesting reveals. One thing is for sure, I’ll never be able to watch Chris Hemsworth in a Thor movie again without thinking of this book.
I was so happy to finally see this book out and I loved every minute of it. It takes off shortly after the last book and just like always, its out of the frying pan and into the fire for this duo. I love the fast pace, the action scenes, and the funny banter I have come to expect from these books. I was a little disappointed because there was a reference to something happening with Simon and Peaches sometime in the future in a past book, and I am waiting for it to happen. Luckily, these books are worth waiting for and I am looking forward to what will happen in the next one.
This is Orlando Sanchez at his A-game. Once more into the breech of battle our heroes have to go... with the stakes being very deadly in deed. Simon and Monty, with the awesome and fearsome Peaches shaking the earth by their side (do not mention diet), are backed into a corner by old enemies. Simon's days in Shadow Company come back to haunt him as he is manoeuvred like a chess piece into taking one last mission. Requiem is the epitome of the saying, Never back an honourable man (or in this case men) into corner because they will unleash hell to protect the ones they love. The banter is back, serious, snarky, humorous by turn. Questions about the past are answered but new ones arise. There is death and destruction, though Simon (and Monty) aren't responsible for ALL of it. Requiem is amazing. Also, we get to meet the inaugural winner of the M&S red-shirt competition... as said red-shirt I approve my glorious death. Go read: this is Orlando at his best.
It's another addition to the M & S library of awesomeness! It seems as though that in each novel the dire threats are getting worst! In each novel the megalomaniacs are stronger and stronger, which pits against the M & S +P strengths are getting closer to overwhelming and unmanageable! And that the villains are more and more crazy! Hell, Simon Stronk (hehehe!) now can shoot beams of power out his hands and shield himself with his "Kali shield" a violet colored dome!
Still don't know what Mr. Stronk (hahaha!) actually is, cuz he's not all human anymore... And Monty's powers could be on par with a Sith Lord...
So how will Orlando top this one? I'm going back to reread Requiem, to solidify this story in memory, again. And wait for the next novel of the M & S +P show!
I was simply enthralled by this installment of the Montague and Strong Detective Agency series. In this one, Monty is recovering from the schism he endured in the previous story. But when an agency and an issue from Simon's past ensnare him in a tangled mission with dire consequences for those he loves and for his city, Monty joins Simon and Peaches to try to find a way out of the mess. With their own lives at stake and an insanely powerful dragon out for their blood, they make a desperate deal with a terrifying entity in hopes of saving the lives of innocent people. This is one of their most exciting and chilling adventures so far. If you like witty dialogue, fascinating characters, and pulse-pounding urban fantasy, dive into this world of Montague and Strong!
Monty is at Haven secure and recovering from his "Schism" experience. Roxanne has him as watched over carefully by mage security so he doesn't leave until he is well. Simon goes to see him concerning a problem phone call he got and doesn't plan on anything else. Well, we know how well that goes down. Havoc reins. Now despite Simon's fears of Roxanne and Monty hurting himself, Monty has decided it is time for a violent adventure. Dragons, violent old acquaintances, old friends and, of course, a lot of destruction later we have another winner. Simon, Monty and Peaches take us on the adventure with them. Now I need to rest after an intense reading marathon in a "can't put the book down...again." I love this series and know others will too. Definitely well worth reading.
These books are like a Paranormal Version of Lethal Weapon
I've been reading these books since they 1st came out. Not to get all gushy, but once I start one of the M&S books, I just can't stop. They're like a big bag of salt & vinegar chips. 😁 I don't do spoilers or story synopsis, especially if you're this far into the series, you don't need that. I say Lethal Weapon tho because there is just something about the relationship dynamics & interaction between Simon & Tristan that really reminds me of the awesome on-screen chemistry between Mel Gibson & Danny Glover in the original Lethal Weapon movies. Only in this case there's the whole mage, cursed immortal & sausage-obsessed hellhound thing going on...
While Monty is recovering from a schism, Simon has been contacted by an old "friend" the Shadow Company asking him to take on one last mission. (well not really asking) As the story unfolds it seems like more than one side is looking for vengeance. With Simon, Monty, and Peaches trying to stay ahead of it all, the lives of everyone they care about are at stake. Even with the help of some very scary people, this may be too much for them to handle. A really good story with plenty of action. I enjoyed the dialogue between the characters and along the way we got to learn some new things about Simon, Monty & Peaches.
Simon Strong, Marked of Kali, Hellhound bonded, partner to Battle Mage Montague, lover of a vampire elder (her name escapes me at the moment..Michiko?) gets contacted by his old black ops organization, Shadow Company, for one last job. Immediately, he contacts Monty, who is still recovering from a schism (see book 12 for info), and off they go. Of COURSE there is a second (and third) more dangerous plot that Simon fails to grasp until he is knee deep in the Rapids of disaster. Magic, shootouts, magic shootouts, hellhound appetites, and corny Simon jokes are on the menu. Another fun romp, but why is it always racism/xenophobia? Sheesh, bad guys; get a clue.
This series is a never ending source of enjoyment. Each new book is better than the last. It’s so much fun to be back in the M & S World. The banter between Simon and Monty always makes me laugh, but it’s their deep friendship which makes these books so satisfying to read. Plus there is lots of action, secondary characters who are good enough to have their own series and then there is Peaches. You can’t go wrong when you have a hellhound who is the star of the story.
Wow, I mean just wow.. I truly believe Orlando’s imagination and story telling skills are more bottomless than Peaches stomach.. if you have never read these books start with Tombyard and Butterflies.. it will begin a journey that will thrill you, bring you to tears, make you laugh out loud and get you through the bad times when escapism is all you crave. Blessed be, enjoy the ride and escape the insanity of life with .. well much more fun insanity x
Isn't that the point. A book that makes you forget what's going on around you and keeps you wrapped up in another world, another life. This series of books is great. Read and listened to all of them so far. Starting the next now. The dangers keep escalating with every book. So it's not just some cookie cutter formula. Peaches is always a one of my favorite. Who wouldn't want a hilarious hellhound for a pet. Especially, one that will do anything to save you.
It’s been a long haul, but Montague and Strong are finally evolving. This is my favorite of the series thus far. As always, lots of action as well. For two mature men, they both are pretty stunted and immature in the relationship department and I would also love to see their love interests develop into 3-dimensional characters and for relationships to develop. Not too sure that the vampire is the best romantic for Strong, but would like to see this developed or axed so that he can find another prospective partner.
Requiem delivers. Another exciting, AKA: deadly adventure for Simon, Monty & Peaches. Action packed, extremely satisfying read, while continuing the over all arc of the storyline. Monty is recovering in Haven, when Simon's past he thought long buried, returns with deadly vengeance. A phone call that can't be ignored, a mission he can not refuse, friends he's not willing to put in danger. Storytelling at it's finest, a must read book.
Once again Mr. Sanchez has outdone himself with the telling of a story. This book was extremely difficult to put down. You open it up and just get sucked right into the story. It was nice to learn about some of Simon's backstop, as well as getting to know some of Monty's too. The humor and sarcasm were off the charts amazing as usual. Thank you again for the ride Mr. Sanchez, I can't wait for the next one.
This series continues to amaze and improve with each book, with each being just enough to entertain and keep wanting more, but just shy of enough to have you put the series down. Action so colorful your heart races with the action scenes like a Big Budget Hollywood movie, the book… no the Author is so good you could swear it has a soundtrack while you read it.
This rabbit hole of "what if ?" Is currently running full steam ahead to book 14 & I even took my time reading this one but still chomping at the bit as yes, questions were answered but then we got more fresh questions Tristan, Simon & Peaches are going to end up taking us on a long twisty, turny, meaty & cultural series of adventures
Keep on writing Mr Sanchez because without a doubt I'll keep on reading
Sometimes we just need to let our pasts go, unfortunately for Simon he has to confront his in this story. Due to the nature of the problem Monty has to pull out all the stops to give them a sliver of luck coming out of this. And what a grand time we had, explosions, mad zealots, Dragon's & a very scary goddess all join together to give our trio their newest brush with death. In the end though family is worth any sacrifice.
This may well be the most intense Montague & Strong story yet. Caught in a Catch-22 situation, everyone M&S care for is in the dangerous crosshairs of two rival groups. One of them is courtesy of Simon's past catching up to him, while the other is simple revenge for a past case. What do you do when stuck in a no-win scenario against adversaries whose power dwarfs yours? Try to change the game board and hope you survive the consequences.
This story flows so well and gives us some background on Monty and especially on Simon. Monty is recovering from his schism and Simkn is growing in his role as Marked of Kali. Peaches does his thing while hoping for yet more meat. I cannot say much without revealing spoilers but let me say this book is epic. I just wish I did not read it so fast. Thank you Orlando Sanchez for an amazing outing into to M&S world. I recommend this book highly.
I loved this book! We are more than a couple books into Monty and Simon stories. The last one left us wondering what direction things might take. I still wonder what might be coming, we've had some questionable things happen which are going to come back to bite our duo at some point, but we are loving the journey. I think understanding some of Simon's past is great. I can see why he left!!!
As usual Orlando Sanchez delivers an incredible adventure. This particular edition takes us back to Simon and Monty. It’s their story. It’s about their emotions, their friendship, their personalities, their differences, their similarities, their love for one and other, and their protective possessiveness for those whom they hold dear. It’s an exciting adventure, as usual, but filled with deep meaning. Absolutely Incredible!
Not sure what to add that hasn't already been said. This 13 book trilogy remains as exciting as ever. At this point, I'm not sure what is scarier, Montague becoming more powerful, Strong becoming something even more dangerous or Peaches eating tons of food but not showing his latest XL size. Readers who like urban fantasy with plenty of snark and destruction need to keep reading this series
This series I could rave about forever and still have so many more things to say. I totally adore this series which is a well written thought out roller coaster of a ride , that builds as you read each page and leaves you grasping for breath at the final page. It is a ride I highly recommend you take, believe me you will always want to be in the roller coaster with Monty and Simon.