A Kindle UK Storyteller FinalistA Missing Ferryman. An Undead Dilemma. An Immortal Detective.An emissary from the Dark Council has just materialized in the office of the Montague & Strong Detective Agency, and makes Simon Strong an offer he can’t refuse. Charon is missing. The legendary ferryman responsible for transporting sorcerer souls across the river Styx hasn’t been seen in days. And … transporting sorcerer souls across the river Styx hasn’t been seen in days. And with each passing hour, those unable to cross the river are left to walk among the living, tilting the world further out of balance.
Meet Simon Strong, an immortal, who is also the best private detective in New York City. Together with his surly partner-Tristan Montague, a mage of indeterminate age, they must find the Ferryman and get him back to work before another Supernatural War ravages the earth, destroys humanity, and Simon’s local coffee shop.
Time is running out. His landlord wants the rent and Karma with a capital K is paying him a visit, and she can be a real…
Join the Montague & Strong Detective Agency and help them locate Charon, so he can restore balance to the universe, put the dead sorcerers to rest, and maybe solve the age old conundrum-coffee or tea?
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I was sucked into this series immediately. Montague and Strong have such a great dynamic, and the action never stops.
If you’re into witty dialogue, a brash main character, and loads of magic and mythology, this is what you’re looking for!
Wish I hadn’t put off reading this series!
I’ve had this series for awhile, but hadn’t read them because…. well LIFE. I’m glad I finally started. Great MCs, an interesting cast with a whole new world to learn about. Highly entertaining!
Urban Fantasy’s Lee Child
Tombyards and Butterflies is the first book in the Montague & Strong Case Files series. It features Simon Strong, a private detective who is also immortal and his Mage partner Tristan Montague, or Monty as he is mostly referred to in the story.
The pacing on the story is quick and reminded me more of a Lee Child Jack Reacher Novel than a tradition Urban Fantasy novel due to each chapter ending on a cliffhanger. You will find yourself wanting to read ‘just one chapter’ to see what happens. There is a great cast of supporting characters which quickly draw you into the story. Interactions between some of the side characters and Simon and Monty were the best parts of the book for me.
I would have given this book 5 stars, but I had two problems. The biggest one was Simon Strong for most of the book is not a likable character with very few redeeming traits. Simon also happened to be the main character, as Montague through most of the book played a secondary role. I liked Monty and wished for more of him in the story. The second smaller issue was the main antagonist was a god, and has me wondering after taking on a god, where does the series realistically go from here?
If you are looking for a thrill ride of a read, then pick up this book, you won’t be disappointed.
I don’t know why I waited so long to read this book. Blurbs about this series pop up on Facebook and my Kindle recommendations fairly often. I finally picked it up and enjoyed it. A fun, exciting, fast-paced story with likeable lead characters. Note: it helps to read “No God is Safe” first, it gives the backstory on how Tristan and Simon met.
This was a blast from beginning to end!
A brilliant urban fantasy with some terrific repartee between the two main characters Simon and Monty. I think I laughed aloud for a good portion of the first chapter alone. Especially during the first werewolf chase!
Reminds me of Shayne Silvers’ Nate Temple series – same twisted humour, also packed with action and equally fun characters who have a habit of finding themselves in the centre of a magical disaster.
There were several ‘aha’ moments. Except I think you’re supposed to have those in your own private little mind. Mine snuck out and scared the cat!
A well crafted, fun and very compelling read. I’m now rather anxiously awaiting the next book to see just what mess these characters find themselves in next!
A voice in the urban fantasy genre that I am so happy to read. This book will shoot you out of the gate at full throttle and it’s a fun ride. Simon Strong is an immortal detective and his partner, Tristan Montague is a high level mage. With a mix of Norse and Greek mythology, this book never lets up and when you hit the 50% mark, be prepared to read until the end.
Strong action sequences, smart writing and a lot of humor make this a must read for urban fantasy lovers. How can you resist a vampire allergic to blood, or a Hellhound called Peaches? Even though Simon is immortal (cursed into it) – he definitely tries to avoid testing his immortality but with his mouth getting him into trouble and him running headlong into trouble, that is almost unavoidable.
This is a fun, well written urban fantasy, and I can’t wait to learn more about the characters in the books to come.
Good characters, good pace to story. Will probably continue series.
A supernatural detective agency in NYC is a great idea, this story had clues, bad guys and God’s, and really funny parts too. The two detectives rely on one another and will stop at nothing to protect or rescue each other. It’s an interesting read and I’d like to read the next one.
Chaos in NYC? Situation normal, at least for Montague and Strong. These supernatural detectives are in a fight for their lives and the world as Chaos arrives. Karma, Hades, a top Vamp and the NY Task Force are all there to complicate matters. Funny and irreverent, fans of “Supernatural” will be right at home with the snarky wit and kick butt action.
Fell into this series and have had a lot of fun!
I absolutely loved this new series i started, it’s hilariously funny. Peaches is my favorite considering it’s a hellhound gifted to Simon by hades. Simon and Monty are a hoot and kick ass when necessary, with mages, vampires and gods. “Whats not to like in this book.” As they help out local police with paranormal activity….so glad i stumbled onto this new entertaining series! The banter is non stop and I love it!
Book source ~ Kindle Unlimited
Simon Strong and Tristan Montague own a detective agency in New York. But they aren’t your run-of-the-mill PIs. They deal with the strange and the weird. You know, much like themselves. Monty is a battle mage and Simon is, well, a special case. Michiko Nakatomi, a powerful vampire on the Dark Council, has requested they pick up a shunned vampire. Right after doing this difficult job (but before they can get her settled), Karma shows up (it’s complicated) and tasks them with finding Charon. He’s missing and no one can find him. Well, isn’t that a shitter? That job leads them to Hades and even Death. With a capital D. You know, the guy, not the state of being. Though that last one is not out of the question before these jobs are done. Because wow, shit just hit the fan.
If you are a fan of Harry Dresden then this series should interest you. It tries a bit too hard and the writing is a tad lacking, but it’s still entertaining and fascinating. Simon is a rough around the edges smart ass and Monty is a badass, but refined. They make an interesting pair. There’s no back story as to how these two came to be friends let alone business partners, but it’s not really necessary to the storyline. It starts off running and doesn’t quit until the end. Non-stop magical danger with smartassery thrown in and magic, too. I’m sufficiently intrigued enough to continue on with book 2.
Tombyards & Butterflies by Orlando A Sanchez and narrated by Kevin T Collins is a great fantasy read with lots of gods, creatures, and magic! Plenty of action, friendship, evil, magic, spells, different gods, and unpredictable situations kept this book going at a good clip! Great dialogue, witty, and clever writing, and an excellent plot!
Narration was excellent too! Can’t wait for the next book!
Honestly, I am torn about this book. I wavered between three and four stars, but it ultimately came down closer to a three. It feels like an intriguing basis for an urban fantasy series, but at the same time, the world is not fleshed out. It’s action-packed, but light on details and some of the known details don’t make much sense. More time on the backstory and less on the action would have made all the difference to me.
Read my full review: https://rebeccasreadingcorner.blog/review-orlando-a-sanchez-tombyards-butterflies/
Great plot and characters
Oh my gosh! This series is terrific! Days are I wish I could escape to the Montague & Strong world. These books are best ready in order and be ready for cliff hangers from one to the next. It’s a roller coaster ride you’ll be glad you jumped on.
Fans of Harry Dresden should love this book! It grabbed me, shook me about, and threw me against a wall, gently lol. It also gave me a Warehouse 13 vibe that I loved. I like the snarky detective, civilized (until he is pissed off) mage, and the supporting cast of intelligent cop, genteel driver, ice queen diva, and the list goes on. Loved adding the mixed mythology icons to the group too. And who couldn’t love Peaches?? Can’t wait for book two!!!
Pleasant mix of classic hard boiled detective and urban fantasy, nothing earth shattering, just a fun easy read.
I really enjoyed the first 2 books in this series. They are quick reads and though no literary masterpieces, they are well written and very entertaining. The characters are fun, though not a lot of depth to them, yet. It is like a roller coaster ride, fast and fun.
Great read, hard to put down, anxiously awaiting more books in this series!