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Montague & Strong Detective Agency #17
Blood Lessons
The hardest lessons are taught in blood..
The power unleashed during the Ascendance, lingers.
After defeating the Revenant, Monty realizes Simon’s blood has been poisoned—tainted.
Simon is slowly transforming. His body is harnessing dark magic in ways thought unimaginable.
Now, Monty is faced with the hardest choice.
Let the poison run its course, transforming Simon into a dark immortal, increasing his power, but drawing the attention of those who would want him dead, or allow Simon to take the blood lessons, risking his friend’s life? Can Monty help Simon before he’s too far gone or will Simon become an unstoppable threat?
Monty must act fast, before the power poisoning Simon’s blood becomes too powerful to stop and eliminates them all.
The power unleashed during the Ascendance, lingers.
After defeating the Revenant, Monty realizes Simon’s blood has been poisoned—tainted.
Simon is slowly transforming. His body is harnessing dark magic in ways thought unimaginable.
Now, Monty is faced with the hardest choice.
Let the poison run its course, transforming Simon into a dark immortal, increasing his power, but drawing the attention of those who would want him dead, or allow Simon to take the blood lessons, risking his friend’s life? Can Monty help Simon before he’s too far gone or will Simon become an unstoppable threat?
Monty must act fast, before the power poisoning Simon’s blood becomes too powerful to stop and eliminates them all.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2022
293 people are currently reading
79 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
October 17, 2022
Poor Simon and Monty can’t catch a break. This one got pretty intense at moments but with our two favorite boys and their constant but humorous bickering made for some good entertainment. I pray the wait for the next book isn’t long cause I’m already excited for the next installment. Now, we have to fix my Monty.
October 17, 2022
Blood Lessons by Orlando A Sanchez is so good that I read it in one sitting. It is nonstop action from start to finish. And we learned more about both Simon and Monty, and other characters.
Of course the bad guy-Edith (this is great! I never before read a story with a bad guy named Edith), has plans within plans, and is just not a nice person.
As usual, Simon makes his smart comments, in between fighting for his life. Simon also continues to grow in power and knowledge, and finally understands that everything is connected.
You will love this book.
Of course the bad guy-Edith (this is great! I never before read a story with a bad guy named Edith), has plans within plans, and is just not a nice person.
As usual, Simon makes his smart comments, in between fighting for his life. Simon also continues to grow in power and knowledge, and finally understands that everything is connected.
You will love this book.
January 2, 2023
Okay, so this is book 17 and I’m still reading. So obviously I like this series but…
I didn’t like this one (well apart from the last 20%). I’m assuming it’s me not the book since all the other reviews are 5*.
I simply just didn’t enjoy it. It felt like lots of talking/telling/info dumping. And it lost my interest completely. I finished it because I intend to continue on. Although like I said I enjoyed the last bit.
I’m gutted. I’ve had minor complaints before. I mean I’m on book 17 so it’s unlikely it was all going be perfect.
I’m glad the end picked up now I’m truly looking forward to the next one. And it stopped this being a 2* review
I didn’t like this one (well apart from the last 20%). I’m assuming it’s me not the book since all the other reviews are 5*.
I simply just didn’t enjoy it. It felt like lots of talking/telling/info dumping. And it lost my interest completely. I finished it because I intend to continue on. Although like I said I enjoyed the last bit.
I’m gutted. I’ve had minor complaints before. I mean I’m on book 17 so it’s unlikely it was all going be perfect.
I’m glad the end picked up now I’m truly looking forward to the next one. And it stopped this being a 2* review
November 23, 2022
This series
Is one of the better ones out there. It’s easy to read, and it doesn’t take itself seriously. There is so much fun to be had reading Monty, Strong and Peaches. Oh, and all the other recurring characters.
If you enjoy a fun read that doesn’t take too long to get through, pick up Tombstones & Butterflies. It’s the first in the series and with these guys, you really should read the books in order.
Hey Orlando! Keep them coming. I know it takes a while to write it out, edit and rewrite, etc., but it’s so hard to wait on the next one! Thanks for the ride.
Is one of the better ones out there. It’s easy to read, and it doesn’t take itself seriously. There is so much fun to be had reading Monty, Strong and Peaches. Oh, and all the other recurring characters.
If you enjoy a fun read that doesn’t take too long to get through, pick up Tombstones & Butterflies. It’s the first in the series and with these guys, you really should read the books in order.
Hey Orlando! Keep them coming. I know it takes a while to write it out, edit and rewrite, etc., but it’s so hard to wait on the next one! Thanks for the ride.
October 28, 2022
Here we are with another exciting adventure for the destructive duo, or Trio of Terror as Orlando refers to them.
After the events of the previous book runic poison is coursing through Simon's veins and it will kill him if left untreated. Of course this doesn't stop various enemies from trying to end them.
Much destruction, many laughs, another Valkyrie appearance and not enough consumption of javambrosia. I have decided that Simon's superpower is the ability to piss folks off.
After the events of the previous book runic poison is coursing through Simon's veins and it will kill him if left untreated. Of course this doesn't stop various enemies from trying to end them.
Much destruction, many laughs, another Valkyrie appearance and not enough consumption of javambrosia. I have decided that Simon's superpower is the ability to piss folks off.
October 17, 2022
And Simon grows...
Simon is pretty much the center of this book and, he is so much more than he was.
He has learned to control his smart mouth and this not mage has become so amazingly powerful. Peaches is the greatest and bestest boi ever, he deserves all the meat.
Fast paced, full of action, will not disappoint
Simon is pretty much the center of this book and, he is so much more than he was.
He has learned to control his smart mouth and this not mage has become so amazingly powerful. Peaches is the greatest and bestest boi ever, he deserves all the meat.
Fast paced, full of action, will not disappoint
November 8, 2022
Love Montague and Strong
Another awesome adventure by the destructive duo, though thankfully no city buildings/blocks this time!
As always a page turner that you can't put down, more interesting changes for both Simon and Monty that have me impatient for the next few books to find out what happens and how they're effected by what went on in this story.
Another awesome adventure by the destructive duo, though thankfully no city buildings/blocks this time!
As always a page turner that you can't put down, more interesting changes for both Simon and Monty that have me impatient for the next few books to find out what happens and how they're effected by what went on in this story.
December 27, 2022
Monty and Simon live dangerously
In spite of warnings, threats and direct orders, Simon and Monty continue to use advanced/restricted magic in and around New York. Of course, they’re always being attacked by a nearly invincible, homicidal entity. So, it should be okay, right? Nope, but that’s what makes it so much fun to read.
In spite of warnings, threats and direct orders, Simon and Monty continue to use advanced/restricted magic in and around New York. Of course, they’re always being attacked by a nearly invincible, homicidal entity. So, it should be okay, right? Nope, but that’s what makes it so much fun to read.
December 9, 2022
Love this series. The action is always intense and the humor is well timed with some laugh out loud moments. I just wish the books were longer. Finished this one in a day.
October 17, 2022
Simon is still fighting having poisoned himself when an evil venomancer steps into the picture. Both Simon and Monty are being targeted by several groups, claiming they have gone dark, and they are on the run to stay away from them and find a cure for Simon. They have about run out of options when they end up at the Wordweavers and make a stand. The fight is brutal, and the ending will leave you stunned! Another great story by Orlando!
November 1, 2022
Another excellent episode in the M&S series. Not a stand-alone.
In this dark entry to the M&S Series, author Orlando Sanchez focuses on Simon “I’m not a mage” Strong’s newest magical problem, which has agonizing physical affects. Happily, Simon’s character has been growing during the more recent books. I prefer this slightly more thoughtful Simon, with a bit less snark and sass, as he begins to fully-realize how much trouble he and Monty are in.
This storyline is filled with multiple spell-castings by powerful mages, including Aria and the wordweavers. The Big Bad is master venomancer—Edith Alnwick of the Crimson Phoenix—a power-mad, narcissistic sociopath. I liked Quan of the White Phoenix participating in Simon’s “recovery” process. With Monty about, I was awaiting Dex. But Josephine? Oh my! I’d have thought Monty had learned that spells cast-in-haste have unforeseen consequences. Especially when he’s battling an older, more powerful mage with deeper knowledge. But noooo.
I read this book at a slower pace than usual because of the numerous, oft intertwining magical-concepts—much presented in dialogue form. Add complex power-politics amongst the various magical groups, plus intra-organizational struggles to control specific hierarchies.
I docked a star for the cliffhanger. Yes, I do realize that this is a series.
In this dark entry to the M&S Series, author Orlando Sanchez focuses on Simon “I’m not a mage” Strong’s newest magical problem, which has agonizing physical affects. Happily, Simon’s character has been growing during the more recent books. I prefer this slightly more thoughtful Simon, with a bit less snark and sass, as he begins to fully-realize how much trouble he and Monty are in.
This storyline is filled with multiple spell-castings by powerful mages, including Aria and the wordweavers. The Big Bad is master venomancer—Edith Alnwick of the Crimson Phoenix—a power-mad, narcissistic sociopath. I liked Quan of the White Phoenix participating in Simon’s “recovery” process. With Monty about, I was awaiting Dex. But Josephine? Oh my! I’d have thought Monty had learned that spells cast-in-haste have unforeseen consequences. Especially when he’s battling an older, more powerful mage with deeper knowledge. But noooo.
I read this book at a slower pace than usual because of the numerous, oft intertwining magical-concepts—much presented in dialogue form. Add complex power-politics amongst the various magical groups, plus intra-organizational struggles to control specific hierarchies.
I docked a star for the cliffhanger. Yes, I do realize that this is a series.
October 25, 2022
Marked. Hunted. Attacked. These are the days in the life of one Simon Strong, supposedly normal, vanilla human, but so much more. Bond brother to mage Tristan Montague, bondmate of the Almighty Peaches the Hellhound puppy, immortal, acquaintance and enemy to gods, mages and magical beings alike, Simon has to muster all his resources and many of his allies in order to overcome impossible odds. He must acquire and understand the most dangerous lessons, the Blood Lessons, in order to defeat powerful villains and prevent the deaths of his loved ones and, possibly, the total destruction of his plane of existence.
In this latest installment of the Montague & Strong saga, Orlando A. Sanchez puts you in an amusement ride seat, fastens your seatbelt and pushes the ‘On’ button, launching you upwards at dizzying speed. Thing is, the ride doesn’t end at the top, but carries on up, until you reach escape velocity and start asking “What happens next?”
In this latest installment of the Montague & Strong saga, Orlando A. Sanchez puts you in an amusement ride seat, fastens your seatbelt and pushes the ‘On’ button, launching you upwards at dizzying speed. Thing is, the ride doesn’t end at the top, but carries on up, until you reach escape velocity and start asking “What happens next?”
October 28, 2022
Wow, this series just gets more interesting with each book. Now, Simon, even though he's been cursed immortal, may be dying from a mysterious poison. Simon and Monty have an ominous choice to make: let the poison run its course with potentially catastrophic consequences or have Simon take the 'blood lessons' and possibly lose his life? Simon must wrestle with his frustration and feeling victimized by what's happening to him and do his best to embrace the chaos and danger of his life if he is to learn enough to continue breathing. If you like fast-paced, somewhat dark, urban fantasy with a wonderfully written and interesting mix of characters, with evil to root against and sometimes morally gray heroes, this is the book and series for you! I highly recommend it.
October 24, 2022
M&S Case Files Book 17
First, I want to say this book went by way too fast, not because it is short or anything of that nature, but because the pace was absolutely relentless! I loved it!
Secondly, if you have read the other books, you know already, so go buy this & have fun. If you are new to the series & start here, you will kick yourself because you didn't follow my advice & go back to the beginning.
Finally, I have devoured thousands of books, The Dresden Files,The Iron Druid Chronicles, Narnia, Pern, TLoTR & so many more whose names I can't remember, but this series is one of my top 3. Buy it.
First, I want to say this book went by way too fast, not because it is short or anything of that nature, but because the pace was absolutely relentless! I loved it!
Secondly, if you have read the other books, you know already, so go buy this & have fun. If you are new to the series & start here, you will kick yourself because you didn't follow my advice & go back to the beginning.
Finally, I have devoured thousands of books, The Dresden Files,The Iron Druid Chronicles, Narnia, Pern, TLoTR & so many more whose names I can't remember, but this series is one of my top 3. Buy it.
November 1, 2022
Wonderfully warped!
Ah the Boys!
Trouble always finds trouble.
My heart goes out to Cecil, R.I.P. Mobula, you didn't last long. He needs to think of Dark GOAT when he makes the Mark II. Especially for Tristan, Simon and Peaches 😂😂
The enemy is something of the law. But even the law can be corrupt.
Verity wants our men dead. No second chances just dead, permanently.
Simon is poisoned, by his own hand.
Tristan, he never saw it coming, can he return to full health????
I can't wait for book 18! Seriously, 17 enthralling books have flown by and I adore each and every one.
Peaches rules!
Ah the Boys!
Trouble always finds trouble.
My heart goes out to Cecil, R.I.P. Mobula, you didn't last long. He needs to think of Dark GOAT when he makes the Mark II. Especially for Tristan, Simon and Peaches 😂😂
The enemy is something of the law. But even the law can be corrupt.
Verity wants our men dead. No second chances just dead, permanently.
Simon is poisoned, by his own hand.
Tristan, he never saw it coming, can he return to full health????
I can't wait for book 18! Seriously, 17 enthralling books have flown by and I adore each and every one.
Peaches rules!
May 23, 2025
This was the first time that I was honestly disappointed by this series. They made such a huge deal out of Simon's poisoning and then it was solved in a blink and you miss it way. It was actually such a non-event that I didn't even realize he was cured until I arrived at the end of the book and thought, "Wait, that was IT?! You kiddin' me?" It made Quan's holding back downright ridiculous and I didn't get why she didn't offer Simon the blood lessons the moment she realized he was poisoned since all it boiled down to was one session with little to no effort on her part. It was incredibly frustrating.
October 17, 2022
Blood lessons, the latest instalment in the Montague and Strong stories has yet again not failed to deliver in another action packed and witty account of their adventures. If you’re a seasoned veteran of Orlando’s stories you already know what to expect and you will not be left wanting. The astronomical Sunatran bill reaches new heights whilst all the time the dynamic duo bring skylines to new lows. If you’re new to Orlando’s stories, well… buckle up. It’s gonna be a wild ride from beginning to end!
October 18, 2022
The downpour of consequence continues to rain upon M&S, illustrating that every action has an equally unwanted reaction. Going forth to address Simon's runic poisoning while enemies bear down on them, they seek different experts, some known while others are not, for answers. But, with their list of enemies increasing almost exponentially, can they trust anyone, or is betrayal the expected answer henceforth? They may get the answers they yearn for, but recent history dictates that those also would arrive with a new storm of consequence.
An adventure that runs full-tilt from cover to cover.
An adventure that runs full-tilt from cover to cover.
October 25, 2022
Worth the wait
This book was definitely worth the wait. So we start out with Simon being poisoned and dying. The only thing keeping him alive is his gift / curse. While Simon and Monty seek an antidote or cure for the poison, and Verity continues to chase them down. Bent on the destruction of them both, and not letting Simons curs turn him into something horrible, verity is relentless. Thei is a must read to find out what they will do and how they will survive, if they do.
This book was definitely worth the wait. So we start out with Simon being poisoned and dying. The only thing keeping him alive is his gift / curse. While Simon and Monty seek an antidote or cure for the poison, and Verity continues to chase them down. Bent on the destruction of them both, and not letting Simons curs turn him into something horrible, verity is relentless. Thei is a must read to find out what they will do and how they will survive, if they do.
November 5, 2022
This is outrageously funny and amazingly imaginative. Great read.
This is the 17th book in the M&S series. Each book is entertaining enough to be read as a standalone but are immensely more enjoyable if read in order.
Somehow Orlando Sanchez finds new and more diabolical situations to put our beloved characters into and let's us watch them figure their way out. Every book has new twist that adds more weapons to M&S arsenal which often gets them into trouble. Thankfully Karma has her way of teaching Strong lessons along the way.
This is the 17th book in the M&S series. Each book is entertaining enough to be read as a standalone but are immensely more enjoyable if read in order.
Somehow Orlando Sanchez finds new and more diabolical situations to put our beloved characters into and let's us watch them figure their way out. Every book has new twist that adds more weapons to M&S arsenal which often gets them into trouble. Thankfully Karma has her way of teaching Strong lessons along the way.
November 16, 2022
I enjoyed the visit
It was great to have another adventure with Simon, Monty and Peaches. I love the fact that they always have each others backs. Reading these books is like visiting family with all the humor, chaos and love that comes with family. You get to catch up with old friends and see how life has been treating them and be thankful that their life is that exciting and not yours. I look forward to the next one. I can't wait to see what old and new friends show up. Meat is life!
It was great to have another adventure with Simon, Monty and Peaches. I love the fact that they always have each others backs. Reading these books is like visiting family with all the humor, chaos and love that comes with family. You get to catch up with old friends and see how life has been treating them and be thankful that their life is that exciting and not yours. I look forward to the next one. I can't wait to see what old and new friends show up. Meat is life!
October 17, 2022
blood and pain are brutal teachers
I am not a mage… Simon’s goto answer for everything it seems, along with you can’t spell damage without a mage. As I sit here pondering the lessons learned here, the biggest one is Orlando A Sanchez writes like a master symphony composer blending everything into a glorious saga that has you reading faster and faster sitting on the edge o your seat holding your breath as everything unfolds… ahhh no spoilers here… just admiration. Bravo Zulu
I am not a mage… Simon’s goto answer for everything it seems, along with you can’t spell damage without a mage. As I sit here pondering the lessons learned here, the biggest one is Orlando A Sanchez writes like a master symphony composer blending everything into a glorious saga that has you reading faster and faster sitting on the edge o your seat holding your breath as everything unfolds… ahhh no spoilers here… just admiration. Bravo Zulu
October 17, 2022
This book is so good! I don't want to give any spoilers because you need to be surprised as the story unfolds. It picks up where the last one ended. Simon is having to deal with the life-or-death repercussions of their past actions while they're all trying to stay one step ahead of those trying to kill them. This non-stop action will have you saying, " Wow, what just happened." I can't wait to see what Monty's future will hold.
October 22, 2022
Wow! This story was riding a yacht in Class 42 rapids!
So. Much. Happening. This was a truly action-packed story, maybe more so than any previous M&S book -- and if you've been reading this series, you know that's saying something. I won't give any details here - no spoilers - but wow. I kept having to back up and re-read a page or two or three, because I was "You're doing WHAT now?" (And no, it wasn't because my brain was getting Zillerfied. Well, not most of the times.)
So. Much. Happening. This was a truly action-packed story, maybe more so than any previous M&S book -- and if you've been reading this series, you know that's saying something. I won't give any details here - no spoilers - but wow. I kept having to back up and re-read a page or two or three, because I was "You're doing WHAT now?" (And no, it wasn't because my brain was getting Zillerfied. Well, not most of the times.)
December 21, 2022
Montague and Strong and Peaches triple threat
Well the story ends with Monty losing his Mage Power, Simon is still poisoned. Dex and Josephine came to the rescue to stop the Stormblood. Aria gained an apprentice and no Wordeeavers lives were lost. A lot of questions still need to be answered. Verity is still around and after both Monty and Simon and Peaches. More of the story to unfold in the next books. Until then still a fan of MSP.
Well the story ends with Monty losing his Mage Power, Simon is still poisoned. Dex and Josephine came to the rescue to stop the Stormblood. Aria gained an apprentice and no Wordeeavers lives were lost. A lot of questions still need to be answered. Verity is still around and after both Monty and Simon and Peaches. More of the story to unfold in the next books. Until then still a fan of MSP.
May 12, 2024
Another great entry in the Deadpool/Gandalf series!! Just kidding, no copyright infringements were made. In all honesty, I do love this series for what is a buddy-cop series in the likes of Lethal Weapon, but with magic. And a hellhound who happens to steal every scene. To the amazing author, Orlando Sanchez, for writing this series that allows me to laugh and get out of my own headspace when I need it most
October 20, 2022
AWESOME!!
Orlando Sanchez has completely surpassed the superb previous stories in the Montague and Strong series!! Blood Lessons is breathtaking in brutality, and the fight sequences are off the charts!
Simon is finally coming to terms with his ever increasing powers and lessons! Monty risks all....again!
Well done O!!
Orlando Sanchez has completely surpassed the superb previous stories in the Montague and Strong series!! Blood Lessons is breathtaking in brutality, and the fight sequences are off the charts!
Simon is finally coming to terms with his ever increasing powers and lessons! Monty risks all....again!
Well done O!!
October 21, 2022
Fascinating
I truly believe that Orlando has raised the bar for his future M&S tales. "Blood Lessons" succeeds on so many different levels that it is almost too difficult to explain ... so I am not going to even try. All I can say is that I am truly looking forward to the next books in this series.
Well done, Sir!
I truly believe that Orlando has raised the bar for his future M&S tales. "Blood Lessons" succeeds on so many different levels that it is almost too difficult to explain ... so I am not going to even try. All I can say is that I am truly looking forward to the next books in this series.
Well done, Sir!
October 21, 2022
What happens next?
The author has really kept us on a wild & exciting ride this time. The ending has left our guys in an unexpected state. That means that the next book is going to start at max speed from the very beginning & based on previous storylines, will probably have us redlining from page two. Can't wait!!!
The author has really kept us on a wild & exciting ride this time. The ending has left our guys in an unexpected state. That means that the next book is going to start at max speed from the very beginning & based on previous storylines, will probably have us redlining from page two. Can't wait!!!
October 22, 2022
This was a tense read...
I've been in love with this series since book one. Orlando is really doing a great job of growing the characters, but in a way that sneaks up on you. They are always action packed...this one was just one long crisis with unexpected twists and turns. I also learned the plural of staff!
I've been in love with this series since book one. Orlando is really doing a great job of growing the characters, but in a way that sneaks up on you. They are always action packed...this one was just one long crisis with unexpected twists and turns. I also learned the plural of staff!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews