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Axel Monk #1
Monk Assassin
Axel Monk is 'The Freelancer' - An elite assassin with a strict code and unique talent for cleanly eliminating targets.
It's a job that requires professional perfection and total detachment, and Monk is the best in the business.
But Monk has grown tired. He yearns for a life outside the shadows, a chance at redemption and peace.
The burnout is real.
And retirement is calling him.
When he delivers this shocking ultimatum to "The Conglomerate" – the enigmatic international agency that employs him – they agree, on one one last mission, one final job to tie up loose ends.
Unbeknownst to Monk, the people he once trusted have a sinister agenda.
As soon as his last mission is complete, every highly trained assassin within The Conglomerate is unleashed to eliminate Monk.
These merciless killers, once colleagues, now relentlessly pursue their former ally.
As Monk's world spirals into chaos, he must confront the ultimate
It's a job that requires professional perfection and total detachment, and Monk is the best in the business.
But Monk has grown tired. He yearns for a life outside the shadows, a chance at redemption and peace.
The burnout is real.
And retirement is calling him.
When he delivers this shocking ultimatum to "The Conglomerate" – the enigmatic international agency that employs him – they agree, on one one last mission, one final job to tie up loose ends.
Unbeknownst to Monk, the people he once trusted have a sinister agenda.
As soon as his last mission is complete, every highly trained assassin within The Conglomerate is unleashed to eliminate Monk.
These merciless killers, once colleagues, now relentlessly pursue their former ally.
As Monk's world spirals into chaos, he must confront the ultimate
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2024
108 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 23, 2024
Action-packed, heart-racing action has Monk on the run to do 'one final job' for The Conglomerate. Unbeknownst to him, HIS Final Job, with assassins at every turn and a huge bounty on his head, and an innocent teen clinging to him for safety.
Monk is arguably THE deadliest assassin, but being plunked in Pakistan with a teenager in tow is no easy feat, even for him.
I didn't want to put this book down at all, but I had to.
Fabulous story, plot(s), characters, and again, ACTION. LOTS of action.
Fans of Don Pendleton's Mack Bolan series will feel right at home with Monk..
Ready to dive into the next book!
Monk is arguably THE deadliest assassin, but being plunked in Pakistan with a teenager in tow is no easy feat, even for him.
I didn't want to put this book down at all, but I had to.
Fabulous story, plot(s), characters, and again, ACTION. LOTS of action.
Fans of Don Pendleton's Mack Bolan series will feel right at home with Monk..
Ready to dive into the next book!
September 7, 2024
Riveting!
This new series has us rooting for Axel Monk from the beginning itself. The story is fast-paced and action-packed. Monk agrees to carry out one last assignment before retiring, but what follows are some unexpected twists.
I have come to love Austin's writing soon after I finished reading the first book in the Sam Wick series. Just like his other books, Monk Assassin is a real page-turner.
If you are a fan of intense action, you must give it a try. I'm sure you'll not be disappointed.
This new series has us rooting for Axel Monk from the beginning itself. The story is fast-paced and action-packed. Monk agrees to carry out one last assignment before retiring, but what follows are some unexpected twists.
I have come to love Austin's writing soon after I finished reading the first book in the Sam Wick series. Just like his other books, Monk Assassin is a real page-turner.
If you are a fan of intense action, you must give it a try. I'm sure you'll not be disappointed.
August 22, 2024
Monk Assassin - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Axel Monk aka 'The Freelancer', is a disenfranchised assassin and fugitive from justice, who's now determined to unearth his mother's true killer.
Unwillingly forced to carry out one more assignment before being released from his employer's hold over him, will Monk comply - or rebel?
It's action and excitement all the way as a believable plot and great characters are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Grab a copy of Chase Austin's Monk Assassin to see what I'm talking about... it's simply too good to miss!
Axel Monk aka 'The Freelancer', is a disenfranchised assassin and fugitive from justice, who's now determined to unearth his mother's true killer.
Unwillingly forced to carry out one more assignment before being released from his employer's hold over him, will Monk comply - or rebel?
It's action and excitement all the way as a believable plot and great characters are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Grab a copy of Chase Austin's Monk Assassin to see what I'm talking about... it's simply too good to miss!
August 18, 2024
I definitely recommend this book.
Axel Monk is an elite assassin who eliminates targets.
After the initial scene setting the book is full of action.
I found it hard to put the book down as I wanted to know what happened in following chapters.
Storyline excellent and the characters believable with lots of twists and turns with dead ends.
Could not fault this book and I await the next book to find out how Axel gets on.
Axel Monk is an elite assassin who eliminates targets.
After the initial scene setting the book is full of action.
I found it hard to put the book down as I wanted to know what happened in following chapters.
Storyline excellent and the characters believable with lots of twists and turns with dead ends.
Could not fault this book and I await the next book to find out how Axel gets on.
August 11, 2024
Excellent beginning to the first book in the Axel Monk (Freelancer) series. Axel is an intriguing and complicated character that I want to know more about. Story has an interesting plot with combination of suspense, fast paced action and twists and turns. I like Chase Austin’s writing style and looking forward to the next Axel Monk thriller.
July 31, 2024
What a start to a new series, getting to know Axel Monk. While he is hoping to retire the conglomerate has other ideas. An exciting story where nothing seems to go to plan. Can't wait to read the next book in the series which Chase assures me he is working on.
July 27, 2024
Axel Monk is a very experienced assassin with lots of skills. Also he has a very strategic mind. He wants to start a new life, but cutting the ropes with his past proves to be very difficult. As the story unfolds it seems no one can be trusted. Set in Pakistan this is a very exciting story with almost continuous action and betrayal. Almost impossible to stop reading. Can’t wait to read more of Axel. Chase, thanks for letting me beta read this exciting story.
July 26, 2024
Good action packed story
Received book for a voluntary and honest ARC review.
The book starts with Axel Monk deciding to leave the Conglomerate. He receives his final assignment but not a decision on whether he can leave.
From that point on, the action just keep building and the plot changes keep Monk barreling to the end. A great start to a new series.
The book is entertaining and I didn’t want to put it down. I enjoyed reading the book.
Received book for a voluntary and honest ARC review.
The book starts with Axel Monk deciding to leave the Conglomerate. He receives his final assignment but not a decision on whether he can leave.
From that point on, the action just keep building and the plot changes keep Monk barreling to the end. A great start to a new series.
The book is entertaining and I didn’t want to put it down. I enjoyed reading the book.
July 20, 2024
I love this author. His new series is a gripping page turner. Monk is the perfect assassin working for the conglomerate, who reach out and touch the everything on the world stage and Monk is their sharpest weapon. But he is beginning to wonder if his employer is on the side of good. A great first offering in this series from Austin!
July 27, 2024
Monk is a gifted operator who works for a shadowy organization called the conglomerate, He accepts what he believes is his final mission. His handlers at the conglomerate have other ideas. Monk shows why he earns top dollar.
August 21, 2024
Concept: 3.5 stars
Execution: 2.5 stars
I like Chase Austin, think he has definite promise as a writer (as suggested by the Sam Wick books), but this "Monk Assassin", the start of a new series, is a bit of a misfire.
The story itself is fairly simple: send someone into Pakistan to extract a politician in disgrace there and get him out of the country. Clearly inspired by the (cough, cough) two Netflix films starring Chris Hemsworth, where the best of the best of the best (sorry, couldn't resist) takes on jobs that are considered impossible/suicide missions, here we have Axel Monk and his bottomless backpack (clearly inspired by Tom Merrilin from Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time - if I remember rightly, the guy who always found an orange every time he stuck his hand in his bag) attempting to extract Imran... sorry, Ramiz Raja Khan from house arrest before anything worse should happen to him at the hands of (presumably) the Pakistan military.
Unfortunately, this book is a fine idea of when traditional publishing would have got things right: an editor would have cleared up a great deal of the problems here, tightened the story and actually made the "top assassin" in the pay of the all-seeing, all-controlling Conglomerate seem like he was exactly that; a copy-editor and a proofreader could then have dealt with the remaining issues. I have a lot of time for the self-published authors out there (and read a fair amount of them to boot - about to read one by Jon Cronshaw right after this, as it happens), but I was reading "77 North" by DL Marshall at the same time and while they share a lot in common, it is in the editing that the difference is really made. Equally, for mad, against-the-clock action as "Monk Assassin" aims to be, then you could do worse than also try Simon Kernick.
Hopefully book 2 will signal more of a return to form for Mr Austin!
P.S. The only author I know who can successfully write over 100 chapters in a book of length and truly make it work is one J Maberry, though even he is occasionally hit by the "why is that chapter break here?" issue.
Execution: 2.5 stars
I like Chase Austin, think he has definite promise as a writer (as suggested by the Sam Wick books), but this "Monk Assassin", the start of a new series, is a bit of a misfire.
The story itself is fairly simple: send someone into Pakistan to extract a politician in disgrace there and get him out of the country. Clearly inspired by the (cough, cough) two Netflix films starring Chris Hemsworth, where the best of the best of the best (sorry, couldn't resist) takes on jobs that are considered impossible/suicide missions, here we have Axel Monk and his bottomless backpack (clearly inspired by Tom Merrilin from Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time - if I remember rightly, the guy who always found an orange every time he stuck his hand in his bag) attempting to extract Imran... sorry, Ramiz Raja Khan from house arrest before anything worse should happen to him at the hands of (presumably) the Pakistan military.
Unfortunately, this book is a fine idea of when traditional publishing would have got things right: an editor would have cleared up a great deal of the problems here, tightened the story and actually made the "top assassin" in the pay of the all-seeing, all-controlling Conglomerate seem like he was exactly that; a copy-editor and a proofreader could then have dealt with the remaining issues. I have a lot of time for the self-published authors out there (and read a fair amount of them to boot - about to read one by Jon Cronshaw right after this, as it happens), but I was reading "77 North" by DL Marshall at the same time and while they share a lot in common, it is in the editing that the difference is really made. Equally, for mad, against-the-clock action as "Monk Assassin" aims to be, then you could do worse than also try Simon Kernick.
Hopefully book 2 will signal more of a return to form for Mr Austin!
P.S. The only author I know who can successfully write over 100 chapters in a book of length and truly make it work is one J Maberry, though even he is occasionally hit by the "why is that chapter break here?" issue.
July 17, 2024
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story begins with Monk asking the "Commissioner of the Conglomerate" for permission to leave. Monk is told that it needs to be taken up with the Board. Meanwhile, Monk receives a new assignment to bring out the ex-PM of Pakistan who is under house arrest in his mansion. Monk on his way to the assignment hears a woman screaming and he could not ignore it. He rushed in and then vanquished the men that were bothering her. After this was done, he learns the girl was the daughter of the Head Pakistani General and it was his soldiers that were accosting her.
After notifying his handler, he was told that in addition to the ex-PM he also needed to bring the daughter, Sanam, as well. Read along and discover what Monk has planned to get the Ex-PM out and what assistance Monk receives. Learn what obstacle Monk needed to overcome if he was able to complete his mission.
The ending is unexpected and will lead into the next book in this series.
It's definitely worth reading!
This story begins with Monk asking the "Commissioner of the Conglomerate" for permission to leave. Monk is told that it needs to be taken up with the Board. Meanwhile, Monk receives a new assignment to bring out the ex-PM of Pakistan who is under house arrest in his mansion. Monk on his way to the assignment hears a woman screaming and he could not ignore it. He rushed in and then vanquished the men that were bothering her. After this was done, he learns the girl was the daughter of the Head Pakistani General and it was his soldiers that were accosting her.
After notifying his handler, he was told that in addition to the ex-PM he also needed to bring the daughter, Sanam, as well. Read along and discover what Monk has planned to get the Ex-PM out and what assistance Monk receives. Learn what obstacle Monk needed to overcome if he was able to complete his mission.
The ending is unexpected and will lead into the next book in this series.
It's definitely worth reading!
August 19, 2024
This is a book that will keep you awake at night not being able to put it down until finished. There is enough excitement and a bit of romance in this story to keep everyone entertained. When you decide to take on The Conglomerate and the Pakistani Army General then you had better know what you are doing and how you are going to come out of it alive. Deciding that a normal life with an agenda is more important than following orders as the assassin, The Freelancer, then that is when the excitement starts and especially if you are the next target.
Chase Austin has started a train reaction with Monk as I am sure there will be a whole series of them, which is a good thing as I for one am waiting for the next one!
Chase Austin has started a train reaction with Monk as I am sure there will be a whole series of them, which is a good thing as I for one am waiting for the next one!
July 29, 2024
Wow! Chase Austin's start of a mew series with MONK ASSASSIN is truly outstanding!
Assassin Axel Monk works with a group know as "The Conglomerate (TC)". His immediate problem is he has come to the realization that he is ready to retire and wants to leave the organization. But the basic question is, well, will they let him do it because no other members of the group has ever successfully done that. But TC told him he must do one possibly last job before it says "yes".
You need to read this book to follow Axel Mont's adventure. And you surely won't regret reading one of Chase Austin's greatest books.
Assassin Axel Monk works with a group know as "The Conglomerate (TC)". His immediate problem is he has come to the realization that he is ready to retire and wants to leave the organization. But the basic question is, well, will they let him do it because no other members of the group has ever successfully done that. But TC told him he must do one possibly last job before it says "yes".
You need to read this book to follow Axel Mont's adventure. And you surely won't regret reading one of Chase Austin's greatest books.
August 1, 2024
Totally captivating…
Chase Austin does it again by creating a highly skilled, best of the best, trained assassin…who finally wants out but those in “control” prefer to take him out instead. While presumably on his last mission, Monk encounters the unexpected and things don’t go as planned. Monk is exceptionally quick thinking and fast acting resulting in non-stop reading intrigue and entertainment. I especially like how the writing flows with short chapters and descriptive use of the English language…I appreciate the opportunity to read and review by offering my honest and voluntary opinions.
Chase Austin does it again by creating a highly skilled, best of the best, trained assassin…who finally wants out but those in “control” prefer to take him out instead. While presumably on his last mission, Monk encounters the unexpected and things don’t go as planned. Monk is exceptionally quick thinking and fast acting resulting in non-stop reading intrigue and entertainment. I especially like how the writing flows with short chapters and descriptive use of the English language…I appreciate the opportunity to read and review by offering my honest and voluntary opinions.
October 10, 2024
First class storyline
Axel Monk wants out of the clutches of the Conglomerate but first he has to complete one last mission for them but no one has ever left the Conglomerate and ultimately everything that he does to complete his mission is being undermined by his so called colleagues who have been given a different mission,kill Axel at the first opportunity.
However everyone forgets that Axel is the best of the best and is not so easy to kill,which leads the reader waiting for the follow on book to find out what happens next,will he succeed in evading the forces who are involved in trying to kill him.
Axel Monk wants out of the clutches of the Conglomerate but first he has to complete one last mission for them but no one has ever left the Conglomerate and ultimately everything that he does to complete his mission is being undermined by his so called colleagues who have been given a different mission,kill Axel at the first opportunity.
However everyone forgets that Axel is the best of the best and is not so easy to kill,which leads the reader waiting for the follow on book to find out what happens next,will he succeed in evading the forces who are involved in trying to kill him.
July 26, 2024
This is the first book in a new series and, after essential scene setting in the early stages to introduce the new lead character and his wish to retire from the secretive organisation that employs him, the action ramps up steadily, and at s fast pace, as Monk sets out to complete what he believes to be a final contract, complicated by helping a woman in a dangerous situation. There are many twists and turns and double crosses as the story progresses, and Monk has to use all his skills to survive. The scene is nicely set for a second book in the series.
July 31, 2024
Monk has been working for the conglomerate for ten years and feels he needs to get out. He is their top assassin known as the freelancer. He gets the jobs others can't do. He tells his handler that he wants out. He is told that he needs to do one last mission. He agrees to do the mission.
There are so many twist and turns that happen during the mission you will be surprised. There is a lot of action and you will be glued to the book all the way to the end. I can't wait till the next book in the series.
There are so many twist and turns that happen during the mission you will be surprised. There is a lot of action and you will be glued to the book all the way to the end. I can't wait till the next book in the series.
August 16, 2024
Axel Monk, an elite assassin who works for The Conglomerate, has grown weary of his job and wants to retire. His bosses agree, if he completes one last mission. However, unbeknownst to him, they have set him up with their own killer retirement plan. Once his mission is completed, all his assassin buddies will then take him out. There's plenty of action and thrills in this story as Monk dodges his killer coworkers to survive retirement. I look forward to the next book.
I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.
I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.
September 24, 2024
Fast moving thriller.
A good fast moving thriller that tests Monk on his abilities to complete a mission which unknown to himself has been doctored for him to fail and die simply because he asked to leave his employer the Conglomerate. During the mission he saves a young women from soldiers about to injure her and takes her with him which simply to keep her alive and who turns out to be the sole surviving daughter of a powerful man in charge of the army who wants her back. Twists and turns at every step.
A good fast moving thriller that tests Monk on his abilities to complete a mission which unknown to himself has been doctored for him to fail and die simply because he asked to leave his employer the Conglomerate. During the mission he saves a young women from soldiers about to injure her and takes her with him which simply to keep her alive and who turns out to be the sole surviving daughter of a powerful man in charge of the army who wants her back. Twists and turns at every step.
July 27, 2024
“Monk Assassin” by Chase Austin was a surprise, in that he wrote a book that was even better than the high mark I am used too. It held my body and mind captive till the last word. I have come to expect great reads from Chase and this is one of them. I belong to a readers group and I asked each one the them to get this for themselves. I have said before, get this read you will thank me later and it applies here and now.
August 6, 2024
Chase Austin’s first book in the new Axel Monk universe is amazing! This one is hard to put down. Monk is similar in many respects to Austin’s other character, Sam Wick. Monk asks to retire from his work as an assassin and is given what seems to be an impossible mission. Can he complete the mission successfully or will his employer “the Conglomerate” try to eliminate him instead? I really enjoyed Monk’s first adventure and I hope you do too.
July 17, 2024
I just got finished reading the ARC copy. Monk is an assassin and is sent to get Kahn out of the country. Kahn ends up turning on them. Monk found Sanum and took her with him. They found Saif. The three is trying to escape. This is a really good book. It had a lot of action and suspense. I would recommend this book. Can't wait for more.
July 26, 2024
Chase Austin does it again. Axel Monk is trying to leave the conglomerate but the don't have retirees. This action packed page-turner gets Axel and the Pakistani General's daughter Sonam to the Afghan border all ready for the next part of his retirement story. This is a must-read.
I received this book free as an advanced reader copy and leave this review voluntarily
I received this book free as an advanced reader copy and leave this review voluntarily
July 28, 2024
Axel Monk is the best assain in the world working for the Conglomerate. Axel is tired and wants to retire to enjoy his earned gains. He's given what he thought was his last assignment. His employers don't believe in retirement so Axel shows why he is rated as the best.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 30, 2024
Monk Assassin is the first book in the Axel Monk Thrillers series. This is a fast-paced and action-packed book which leaves the reader wanting to read more. The story captured my attention from the start and held it until the end. The book brings you along with Monk on a wild ride. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
July 31, 2024
This was awesome. Monk is the ultimate assassin...but as soon as he lets his employer know that he's had enough and wants out, his mission erupts in chaos. His 'one last job' becomes entangled with more double-crosses than a string of tic-tac-toe boards. I'd love this as a movie...or a TV series. And I'm anxiously waiting for the rest of the series.
August 2, 2024
Very realistic and interesting characters. Fast-paced plot that kept me thoroughly engaged throughout. Suspenseful and thrilling! Enjoyed every page of it!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
July 20, 2024
The opening novel in a new series central character Axel Monk, first impressions very good , story line strong with the usual action ,twist and turns keeping you guessing as to what comes next excellentreading ,highly recommended by myself.
July 24, 2024
When the hunter becomes the hunted, things quickly get tricky
Can a one time abandoned baby turned assassin survive being hunted by his own?
Costs and collateral damage come in human terms that can bleed and die.
Suspense filled drama and action.
Can a one time abandoned baby turned assassin survive being hunted by his own?
Costs and collateral damage come in human terms that can bleed and die.
Suspense filled drama and action.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews