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Axel Blaze #3
Hard Target
Don't go hunting a deadly prey.
When Blaze stops at an isolated gas station in the forests of Kentucky's Appalachians, he stumbles onto something sinister. Dangerous men with deadly intentions are stalking a strange group – two cops, a fugitive, and a lawyer. An ambush is underway; an execution is about to go down. Blaze isn’t one to look the other way. But before he knows it, he has a pack of mercenaries after him. From the Appalachians to the heart of Washington, DC, it becomes a relentless game of cat and mouse. But what the hunters don't realize is, they’ve taken on more than they can handle.
When it comes to deadly sport, Blaze is a master of the game – he’s no easy prey.
Following the success of Blaze Returns and Lethal Force, Bill Runner is back with the third novel in the Axel Blaze thriller series. The fast-paced, brutal action in the series is attracting fans of thriller novels worldwide.
When Blaze stops at an isolated gas station in the forests of Kentucky's Appalachians, he stumbles onto something sinister. Dangerous men with deadly intentions are stalking a strange group – two cops, a fugitive, and a lawyer. An ambush is underway; an execution is about to go down. Blaze isn’t one to look the other way. But before he knows it, he has a pack of mercenaries after him. From the Appalachians to the heart of Washington, DC, it becomes a relentless game of cat and mouse. But what the hunters don't realize is, they’ve taken on more than they can handle.
When it comes to deadly sport, Blaze is a master of the game – he’s no easy prey.
Following the success of Blaze Returns and Lethal Force, Bill Runner is back with the third novel in the Axel Blaze thriller series. The fast-paced, brutal action in the series is attracting fans of thriller novels worldwide.
220 pages, ebook
Published September 25, 2022
333 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Bill Runner
30 books57 followersBill Runner worked as an investigative journalist before turning to writing novels. He grew up on a regular diet of western novels and movies about lone rangers, which influenced the shaping of Blaze. Bill is an experienced mountain climber and has been a lifelong student of martial arts. Working the crime beat and studying the art of fighting helped make him the author of thriller novels, which are known for well-executed action sequences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 23, 2023
Firstly thank you to Net Galley, The publishers and the author for an ARC copy for an honest review, and I apologise for my delay.
Firstly I loved the book, the character, a great pace, great action, a strong main character.
Action thrillers are my favourite, and this hit the mark, with another series to catch up with, ordered book 4, 5 and 6th. Add this to the list of favourite characters, Jon Reznick, Nowhere Man, Gray Man, Jack Reacher, Will Robie, John Puller, Atlee Pine, Rachel Hatch and many more.
When Blaze stops at an isolated gas station in the forests of Kentucky's Appalachians, he stumbles on to something sinister. Dangerous men with deadly intentions are stalking a strange group – two cops, a fugitive, and a lawyer. An ambush is underway; an execution is about to go down. Blaze isn’t one to look the other way. But before he knows it, he has a pack of mercenaries after him. From the Appalachians to the heart of Washington, DC, it becomes a relentless game of cat and mouse. But what the hunters don't realize is, they’ve taken on more than they can handle.
When it comes to deadly sport, Blaze is a master of the game – he’s no easy prey.
Fast paced, non stop action, good nasty villains.
Five stars
Firstly I loved the book, the character, a great pace, great action, a strong main character.
Action thrillers are my favourite, and this hit the mark, with another series to catch up with, ordered book 4, 5 and 6th. Add this to the list of favourite characters, Jon Reznick, Nowhere Man, Gray Man, Jack Reacher, Will Robie, John Puller, Atlee Pine, Rachel Hatch and many more.
When Blaze stops at an isolated gas station in the forests of Kentucky's Appalachians, he stumbles on to something sinister. Dangerous men with deadly intentions are stalking a strange group – two cops, a fugitive, and a lawyer. An ambush is underway; an execution is about to go down. Blaze isn’t one to look the other way. But before he knows it, he has a pack of mercenaries after him. From the Appalachians to the heart of Washington, DC, it becomes a relentless game of cat and mouse. But what the hunters don't realize is, they’ve taken on more than they can handle.
When it comes to deadly sport, Blaze is a master of the game – he’s no easy prey.
Fast paced, non stop action, good nasty villains.
Five stars
November 28, 2023
Great variety in cases. Something local.
Good storyline with what is going on with
para-military groups supposedly working
for the government.
Good storyline with what is going on with
para-military groups supposedly working
for the government.
October 28, 2022
Title – Hard Target
Author – Bill Runner
Genre – Thriller
Word Count - 72,800
Rating – Five stars out of five
No. 44 - 2022
Posted 10/28/2022
My Impressions: Exciting, action filled, tough as nails
Main Characters:
Axel Blaze – Tough guy out for justice
Zoey Clark – Beautiful police officer
Mason Biggs – Hacker who gets into files the owner will kill for
Zeke Adkins – Another proficient good guy who likes to fight
Dirk Reynolds – Pedophile…need I say more?
Axel is on vacation in Kentucky and stumbles onto an ambush at a gas station along a backroad. He strides into battle mode and decimates the ex-military mercenaries. A cop is wounded and his novice partner is in over her head. They had been transporting a young man accused of murder and were badly outnumbered when they were isolated at the isolated gas station. And then along came long, lean, lanky, slow walkin, slow talkin, fast fightin Axel Blaze.
Mason Biggs got evidence against several pedophiles one of whom owns a company supplying mercenaries for hire. The hardened killers are large in numbers but no match for ex-special forces and ex-US Marshall Blaze. During the action, Axel must have knocked out at least 37 bad guys with a single punch to each head or banged their heads against anything harder than their skulls.
The action is fast paced and frequent until the end where Axel and Zeke team up to bring the perps to justice.
The editing and sentence structure are good
Character Development is good enough for the main characters and adequate for supporting characters.
Details and research are adequate for the story dominated by violent action.
The plot is standard kick butt action hero who you know is going to win.
The writing style is fast and quickly jumps from one action sequence to the next.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
Author – Bill Runner
Genre – Thriller
Word Count - 72,800
Rating – Five stars out of five
No. 44 - 2022
Posted 10/28/2022
My Impressions: Exciting, action filled, tough as nails
Main Characters:
Axel Blaze – Tough guy out for justice
Zoey Clark – Beautiful police officer
Mason Biggs – Hacker who gets into files the owner will kill for
Zeke Adkins – Another proficient good guy who likes to fight
Dirk Reynolds – Pedophile…need I say more?
Axel is on vacation in Kentucky and stumbles onto an ambush at a gas station along a backroad. He strides into battle mode and decimates the ex-military mercenaries. A cop is wounded and his novice partner is in over her head. They had been transporting a young man accused of murder and were badly outnumbered when they were isolated at the isolated gas station. And then along came long, lean, lanky, slow walkin, slow talkin, fast fightin Axel Blaze.
Mason Biggs got evidence against several pedophiles one of whom owns a company supplying mercenaries for hire. The hardened killers are large in numbers but no match for ex-special forces and ex-US Marshall Blaze. During the action, Axel must have knocked out at least 37 bad guys with a single punch to each head or banged their heads against anything harder than their skulls.
The action is fast paced and frequent until the end where Axel and Zeke team up to bring the perps to justice.
The editing and sentence structure are good
Character Development is good enough for the main characters and adequate for supporting characters.
Details and research are adequate for the story dominated by violent action.
The plot is standard kick butt action hero who you know is going to win.
The writing style is fast and quickly jumps from one action sequence to the next.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
November 24, 2023
Hard Target is one of the best action thrillers that I have ever read. This is the third in a series, but the first one that I read. That being said, It is a stand alone with only a few places where it referenced prior situations.
In this book, Blaze is driving through back roads when he encounters cars blocking the road. He is not the type of man to back away from the situation, so he makes his way by and continues on his way. Soon, things get stranger as he encounters mercenaries, police, and a fugitive. His instinct is right on the mark as he suspects an ambush. What is it about this nerdy young man that people want him dead? Turns out that he is innocent, being set up, and is embroiled in a huge coverup. Blaze takes him under his wing and tries to protect him as they fight against evil.
A very entertaining book. Lots of twists and turns. The writing is concise and straightforward. I appreciated the details given. I am definitely going to be reading more Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC of this book.
In this book, Blaze is driving through back roads when he encounters cars blocking the road. He is not the type of man to back away from the situation, so he makes his way by and continues on his way. Soon, things get stranger as he encounters mercenaries, police, and a fugitive. His instinct is right on the mark as he suspects an ambush. What is it about this nerdy young man that people want him dead? Turns out that he is innocent, being set up, and is embroiled in a huge coverup. Blaze takes him under his wing and tries to protect him as they fight against evil.
A very entertaining book. Lots of twists and turns. The writing is concise and straightforward. I appreciated the details given. I am definitely going to be reading more Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC of this book.
September 21, 2022
Ex military and former Marshall Axel Blaze's vacation was cut short when he's stopped by three burly men in the middle of the road. After refusing to turn around he's attacked but it didn't go well for the other men. His gut instinct told him an ambush was set up at the gas station.
Biggs is a genius tech who hacked into the Dark Hawks database retrieving damaging documents that would expose it's corruption. He's being framed with murder. With the Dark Hawks sights set on him he's a dead man.
Officer Zoey, Zeke, Biggs and Blaze race against the clock to find a USB before the Dark Hawks can retrieve it .
Action packed drama, mystery, suspense, betrayal, corruption and a touch of romance will keep you intrigued.
Loved the picture of Blaze with his skills, experience, physical stats and usually seen in.
Thank you Hidden Gems and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Biggs is a genius tech who hacked into the Dark Hawks database retrieving damaging documents that would expose it's corruption. He's being framed with murder. With the Dark Hawks sights set on him he's a dead man.
Officer Zoey, Zeke, Biggs and Blaze race against the clock to find a USB before the Dark Hawks can retrieve it .
Action packed drama, mystery, suspense, betrayal, corruption and a touch of romance will keep you intrigued.
Loved the picture of Blaze with his skills, experience, physical stats and usually seen in.
Thank you Hidden Gems and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 3, 2022
Brilliant narration from Kyle Snyder, he brings out the action, suspense and pace. Perfect
Ex-military and former Marshall Axel Blaze is on vacation and is just looking to fill up his truck but is stopped by three men in the middle of the road. His gut instinct told him an ambush was set up at the gas station.
A police car is being shot and its passenger Biggs is a tech who hacked into the Dark Hawks database retrieving damaging documents. With the Dark Hawks sights set on him he's a dead man.
Blaze goes through bad guys like it’s no one’s business. I love the idea of Blaze as a righteous hero who won’t stand by and watch when bad guys go about their evil ways. We have FBI, Marshals, mercenaries and the Russian mafia making an appearance.
Action. suspense and pace. Perfect
Ex-military and former Marshall Axel Blaze is on vacation and is just looking to fill up his truck but is stopped by three men in the middle of the road. His gut instinct told him an ambush was set up at the gas station.
A police car is being shot and its passenger Biggs is a tech who hacked into the Dark Hawks database retrieving damaging documents. With the Dark Hawks sights set on him he's a dead man.
Blaze goes through bad guys like it’s no one’s business. I love the idea of Blaze as a righteous hero who won’t stand by and watch when bad guys go about their evil ways. We have FBI, Marshals, mercenaries and the Russian mafia making an appearance.
Action. suspense and pace. Perfect
September 23, 2022
Blaze is here to stay! I loved the first two Axel Blaze thrillers and was really looking forward to Hard Target being released. I can happily say I wasn’t disappointed. So far as writing detailed action sequences is concerned, Bill Runner is incomparable. Blaze goes through bad guys like it’s no one’s business. I love the idea of Blaze as a righteous hero who won’t stand by and watch when bad guys go about their evil ways. This book had a broader scope with cops, FBI, Marshals, mercenaries and the Russian mafia making an appearance. The way Blaze goes about trapping and taking down the enemy, it’s clear he’s not just a fighter but a master manipulator as well. I loved the secondary characters, mostly his buddies from his army days. The author has again come up with a winner.
November 2, 2022
The first time I read this author and was surprised by the action of the book and the pace... I was able to read it in one afternoon and I did not want to stop once I began the story. Blaze is a good character and with this author, I will definitely read it again. The story is set in the Appalachian Mountains and begins in a small town and starts with just some men saying they cannot enter the town for gas. Those same men for the most part enjoy getting the shit kicked out of them multiple times instead of just leaving because they continue to think they can defeat him. It just goes on from there. Very much worth the read if you are into action, good characters all around even the bad guys. I received this book from Netgalley.com
July 22, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is Book #3 in the Axel Blaze series, and in this installment, Blaze finds trouble in the middle of nowhere (because he is a trouble magnet!) You don't need to read previous books, but it does help with world-building.
Another fun read, this book is pretty non-stop, and it is nice that it is in a different location (Kentucky this time) and a new opponent which keeps the series fresh. Runner does a great job with details and making the characters unique from each other, and characters in other installments of the series. There is everything I would expect in an action-crime-thriller book, and I think it is done quite well..
This is Book #3 in the Axel Blaze series, and in this installment, Blaze finds trouble in the middle of nowhere (because he is a trouble magnet!) You don't need to read previous books, but it does help with world-building.
Another fun read, this book is pretty non-stop, and it is nice that it is in a different location (Kentucky this time) and a new opponent which keeps the series fresh. Runner does a great job with details and making the characters unique from each other, and characters in other installments of the series. There is everything I would expect in an action-crime-thriller book, and I think it is done quite well..
May 5, 2025
Righteous Motive
This time, Blaze takes on a group of mercenaries who have no moral compass. The situation he finds himself embroiled is a computer nerd kid who has found some damaging info on the leader of this group. Blaze will do anything to take down a pedophile and agrees to help the kid prove he is innocent of murder, and get the truth out about the pedophile group, which includes some very important people. The new allies the Blaze works with are great characters. Once again, this book is nonstop action and a great plot. The analysis of situations and how Blaze approaches them in a very logical way is very insightful. This will appeal to military adrenaline junkies and justice seekers. Another great book by Runner.
This time, Blaze takes on a group of mercenaries who have no moral compass. The situation he finds himself embroiled is a computer nerd kid who has found some damaging info on the leader of this group. Blaze will do anything to take down a pedophile and agrees to help the kid prove he is innocent of murder, and get the truth out about the pedophile group, which includes some very important people. The new allies the Blaze works with are great characters. Once again, this book is nonstop action and a great plot. The analysis of situations and how Blaze approaches them in a very logical way is very insightful. This will appeal to military adrenaline junkies and justice seekers. Another great book by Runner.
October 3, 2022
Blaze is deadly! I had pre-ordered this book months back and went about reading it as soon as I got it. Axel Blaze breaks the bad guys like no one can. This novel is as fast-paced as the others. The action begins on page 1 and doesn’t stop until the epilogue, when Blaze finally indulges in some romance. The author has a mastery over action scenes. The way he describes each action in detail, it brings every fight to life. The action is brutal as Blaze doesn’t believe in being nice to the bad guys. His philosophy, You have to pay your dues, makes sense. I’m a fan of these thrillers. Keep on writing, Bill Runner.
October 1, 2022
A first read of a story by this author and he kept me turning the pages. I really liked the way Axel operated & his intuition of circumstances, the author has done a great job in creating this character.
Lots of action, corrupt officials and a small amount of romance and a few good guys who know how to make things happen.
I enjoyed this story so much I went looking for the first two books and have now read them. I now look forward to the next in the series.
I received a free copy through Hidden Gems for an honest review.
A note for the Author: Amazon rejected this review
Lots of action, corrupt officials and a small amount of romance and a few good guys who know how to make things happen.
I enjoyed this story so much I went looking for the first two books and have now read them. I now look forward to the next in the series.
I received a free copy through Hidden Gems for an honest review.
A note for the Author: Amazon rejected this review
October 24, 2022
Blaze is my new hero! Bill Runner is now on my favorite author list! I loved this plot. Very interesting! I was hooked from the very beginning. I loved the detail descriptions of his moves and what each does to a person. Blaze is an awesome main character. The action never stops and kept me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to go back and read the other books! I think for Bruce Willis’ Die Hard, Jean Claude Van Dam and Jason Statham fans - this one is for you!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
July 14, 2023
My Kind of Action!
Axel Blaze to the rescue again! Another no stop action/adventure worth reading! Reading about the things Blaze gets caught up in make me wish there really was someone around that can take out the trash. I just love it when the good guys can meet the bad guys on their own terms and the good guy wins out! Basic " good vs evil!" Those kinds of outcomes that makes Blaze great reading. Author, Bill Runner definitely hit a home run with this addition.
Axel Blaze to the rescue again! Another no stop action/adventure worth reading! Reading about the things Blaze gets caught up in make me wish there really was someone around that can take out the trash. I just love it when the good guys can meet the bad guys on their own terms and the good guy wins out! Basic " good vs evil!" Those kinds of outcomes that makes Blaze great reading. Author, Bill Runner definitely hit a home run with this addition.
December 10, 2023
Fast moving thriller.
A good fast moving thriller that has Blaze getting involved in matters not concerning him. Matters which leads him to prove the innocence of a young
hacker being set up for the murder of police officers and the recovery of a pen drive which would prove his innocence and the uncovering of corruption within the FBI.
A good fast moving thriller that has Blaze getting involved in matters not concerning him. Matters which leads him to prove the innocence of a young
hacker being set up for the murder of police officers and the recovery of a pen drive which would prove his innocence and the uncovering of corruption within the FBI.
November 18, 2024
Book 3
Book 3 was a fun read and had a few errors throughout. The plot and characters are developed well. The plot is a bit different with the big brother concept, but is fun. The characters are interesting in the "just following orders" concept for the bad guys. I look forward to the next book.
Book 3 was a fun read and had a few errors throughout. The plot and characters are developed well. The plot is a bit different with the big brother concept, but is fun. The characters are interesting in the "just following orders" concept for the bad guys. I look forward to the next book.
February 13, 2025
Fun and fast paced
Hard Target is another fun fast paced story. I like that the action starts early and keeps coming. My single complaint is that the author keeps describing the strikes over and over in every book. I know it's done for readers who didn't read prior books, but it gets annoying.
Hard Target is another fun fast paced story. I like that the action starts early and keeps coming. My single complaint is that the author keeps describing the strikes over and over in every book. I know it's done for readers who didn't read prior books, but it gets annoying.
June 4, 2025
Hard Target
OMG!!! I love, love, loved this book. I love Axel Blaze and all of the other characters. There was so much action and kept me excited and on the edge of my seat from beginning to end!!! I highly recommend this book/series and will definitely be reading more in this series myself!! Happy Reading!!!
OMG!!! I love, love, loved this book. I love Axel Blaze and all of the other characters. There was so much action and kept me excited and on the edge of my seat from beginning to end!!! I highly recommend this book/series and will definitely be reading more in this series myself!! Happy Reading!!!
September 7, 2025
I've read a lot of series books on crime drama, police procedural, military and etc. This was an excellent story. A lot of crime fighter have skills, usually brute force or special ops to back up the character. But this main character is one of the smartest I've read.
Bravo Bill Runner. Keep it going!
Bravo Bill Runner. Keep it going!
January 5, 2026
I’m not someone to mention anything plot wise about a book so I’m just gonna say grab this book IMMEDIATELY!!! Axel Blaze didn’t disappoint in this book. He is one incredibly bad dude!!! If you’re looking for something Shakespearean or something similar to Hemingway this isn’t your book but if you want no frills kick a@$ action then this is your book!!! He in just 3 books has gone to the top of my list of favorites.
October 21, 2022
A very very good book!
I love reading about Axel Blaze if you like good action books with no sex and A lot of action you will will love these books and I can't wait till the next one!
I love reading about Axel Blaze if you like good action books with no sex and A lot of action you will will love these books and I can't wait till the next one!
November 13, 2022
I always love a bad ass main character rarely makes mistakes. Blaze is a fun character who narrates his actions. Always one step ahead of the bad guys. A bit cliche and too redundant at times but fun escape read. Will read #4 when it comes out.
August 30, 2023
HIGHLY INTENSE THRILLER
Author continues to provide strong, righteous characters that protect the injured or threatened individuals from any evil that surrounds them. Another terrific thriller that will capture and hold a readers' attention.
Author continues to provide strong, righteous characters that protect the injured or threatened individuals from any evil that surrounds them. Another terrific thriller that will capture and hold a readers' attention.
January 29, 2024
Kentucky
Whàt you think is not what you get! Beautiful blonde hair with a boy cut police officer pulled out of a death sentence by a crooked war group and the US Marshal doing all the maiming of the pedophiles and killers is nothing but a boot wearing Cowboy 🤠!
Whàt you think is not what you get! Beautiful blonde hair with a boy cut police officer pulled out of a death sentence by a crooked war group and the US Marshal doing all the maiming of the pedophiles and killers is nothing but a boot wearing Cowboy 🤠!
February 26, 2024
Hard Target East Read!
Another outstanding fast paced adventure for Axel Blaze. Wrong place at the right time! A one man wrecking machine, believes in good over bad, and doesn't like bulllies!
Looking forward to the next one!
Another outstanding fast paced adventure for Axel Blaze. Wrong place at the right time! A one man wrecking machine, believes in good over bad, and doesn't like bulllies!
Looking forward to the next one!
November 27, 2024
Not quite up to Noble standards, but may get there.
Not quite up to the level of Jack Reacher or Mitch Rapp, yet. A little too predictable, still a good read and I’ll likely read some more.
Not quite up to the level of Jack Reacher or Mitch Rapp, yet. A little too predictable, still a good read and I’ll likely read some more.
October 23, 2022
good read
January 21, 2023
a real page turner.
January 24, 2023
Axel is a Hammer!
I still would love a more in depth look at our protagonist, but good clean fun even without it! Axel is an easy read, love it!
I still would love a more in depth look at our protagonist, but good clean fun even without it! Axel is an easy read, love it!
March 22, 2023
Trouble seems to know Axel's exact location even when he is feeling at peace with himself, his fellow man and life itself. The mercenaries had no chance with they put themselves on Axel's radar.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews