The Recital

Orphan X #8.5

by Gregg Hurwitz, Scott Brick (Narrator)

1 hour, 31 minutes

Joey Morales was the last recruit of the government's full black operation, the Orphan Program. Trained to be an assassin until she washed out, she was rescued by Evan Smoak, the former agent known as Orphan X. Now Joey, a world class hacker, starts training for one of her biggest challenges yet–having a normal life.

Still a teenager, she discovers she loves music as much as hacking, if not more so. But as she carves out a space for herself, the one thing missing is a family to support her endeavors. When a major recital comes up, she asks her rescuer turned adopted uncle, Evan, to recruit his various friends into another operation—attending her performance. And while Evan doesn’t understand why she wants them there, he won’t let her be disappointed… no matter what.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Short Stories, Mystery Thriller, Novella, Mystery, Audiobook

Audible Audio

First published November 7, 2023

About the author

GREGG HURWITZ is the New York Times #1 internationally bestselling author of over 25 thriller novels, including the Orphan X series. His novels have won numerous literary awards and have been published in 33 languages. Gregg currently serves as the Co-President of International Thriller Writers (ITW). Additionally, he’s written screenplays and television scripts for many of the major studios and networks, poetry, and is an award-winning documentary producer. Gregg has also written comics for AWA (including the critically acclaimed anthology NewThink), DC, and Marvel. Currently, Gregg is working against polarization in politics and culture. To that end, he's penned dozens of op eds and pieces for The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, The Bulwark, Salon, and others, and pieces of creative content which have won numerous industry awards and achieved several hundred million views on digital TV platforms. He also helped write the opening ceremony of the 2022 World Cup.

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done! A terrific mix of story with all the characters you love. Joey, a teen assassin is the star of this novella. Joey's antics can test my patience at times but her vulnerability will warm your heart. 🥰🎹

[Holly B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun little read for Orphan Fans! 🤩

We get to see a sweeter, more vulnerable side of both Joey and Evan.

Less than 100 pages and read in an afternoon!

Thanks to the publisher for sending me this surprise mail. 🩷

[John (JC) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another tasty morsel by Hurwitz. This book can be read as a stand alone but I suggest reading the whole series. This will allow you to have a greater understanding of the characters and their relationship with each other. The entire Orphan X series has been fantastic. That is why I wait impatiently for the next read in this series.

[Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.5 Stars for The Recital: Orphan X, Book 8.5 (audiobook) by Gregg Andrew Hurwitz read by Scott Brick.

I just loved this story, we finally get to see a vulnerable side to the computer hacker, Joey Morales. She has just learned to play the piano and is ready to give her first recital. And it’s really important for her to share this with her friends. She doesn’t have many friends and they are all assassins and criminals but it’s really important for them to come and support her.

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gregg Hurwitz is turning me into a puddle of emotions. I loved this one!

This is a must read if you’ve gotten this far into the series. I thought this short story is worth your time and money on.

[Choko · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** 4.55 ***

This is the highest I have rated a book in this series, but it's misleading. I just thought this was a perfect novella for how big of an emotional touch it packs for the short format. I absolutely loved the more cuddly feeling it evoked and totally hit the spot!👍😃❤️

[Abibliofob · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Recital by Gregg Hurwitz is by far the most humorous work in the series about Evan "Orphan X" Smoak. It is mostly concerning Joey and her relationship with Evan but it deals with a topic that is so funny in this world of dysfunctional assassins. I had a blast reading it.

[Donne · Rating 4 out of 5]

At 49pgs, this is a really short and sweet story for those die-hard X fans who can’t get enough of Evan Smoak and Joey and their people. This story actually takes place before Lone Wolf, I just didn’t get around to it until now. The summary pretty much says it all: Joey is having her first piano recital and is sad that she doesn’t have family like all the other recital participants. So, Evan does everything he can to make sure Joey has her own “people” at her recital and that the night turns out to be everything Joey dreamed it would be.

One of the best things that I have enjoyed about the Orphan X series is how the relationship between Evan and Joey has developed over the series. There are some that acquaint it to Evan as an “uncle person” (even Joey mentions that), but I have never seen it that way. I’ve always found that comparison kind of creepy. It reminds me of some single mother telling her kids to call her flavor of the week “uncle”. EEEWWWEEE!!! I’ve always seen their relationship as a big brother/little sister kind of relationship. I like thinking it like that and will continue to think of it like that regardless of what anyone else thinks, even Joey, I guess.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a piece that will only get the strongest response from those of us that have been with Evan and Joey from the beginning. Or, at least that was my first thought.

I don’t think a short piece like this can truly explain ALL of the feels that it brought out in me - especially if you do not truly understand these characters and all they have been through. Evan and Joey (at least) grew up with AWFUL circumstances and just now are trying so so hard to live and build relationships IN SPITE of that.

Joey, on the other hand, is a teenager and even though she is beyond brilliant, she’s still a teenager and Evan is totally clueless on how to navigate this.

Anyway, short story but I loved it!

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A shortie focused on Joey, yes please!

Showing up matters. This is a good reminder of that. And that is why I keep going to the boys’ games, as often as I can, even though it’s physically painful and exhausting. Because I know when they see me in the stands, they know I am there just for them. And every kid deserves someone in the stands just for them. It hurts my heart to think about the kids who never have anyone show up to support them. I know that isn’t always possible, but at least one time, every kid should see someone in the stands of whatever it is and know that someone showed up simply because they matter to that person.

Rating and thoughts: 8/19/26

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional overload!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

My People

Gregg Hurwitz wrote this short Orphan X story to give us a little extra insight into Josephine Morales and her relationship with X. Hurwitz wrote the characters and their personalities and their interpersonal relationships so well, that those of us who read the Orphan X series feel like we know these people personally.

In this book, to graduate from her school of fine arts, Josephine (Joey) wants X (Evan Smoak), Candy McClure (Orphan V), Tommy Stojack (the procurer of all things that go boom and the special trucks X drives), and Aragon Urea (former drug lord from south of the border somewhere) to all come to her graduation recital. This doesn’t sound like a big deal, and of course X will do even uncomfortable things for Joey, but everyone one else needs X to do a favor for them first. Very well written, a little action, but this was mostly to fill us in on our characters and how they fit together.

This was short and sweet and everything wrapped up in a bow, but darned if my action and adventure writer didn’t manage to make me cry. You’re the worst Hurwitz.

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad I grabbed this novela. The Evan and Joey banter back and forth is so fun. Can't wait for the next Orphan X novel early next year.

[Allison Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific short story.

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was interesting. Joey so wants a "normal" life, but with her past it isn't happening. I love how she picks these little moments to have the normal. Her wanting her people around her, very normal, it's just her people are far from normal. They all showed up, just was extraordinary, better was Joey blowing them away with her talent. All of them able to share this bit of normal due to Joey.

[Ken Karcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've already read my ARC of Lone Wolf, so I had to remember that this was occurring before that book. I must admit that I love this series, it's characters are so strong and complex. I love seeing Joey act her age, and Evan put himself out for someone more dear than he even realized. These little slices of normal life of people who are anything but. We get to see these familiar faces in situations where they have considerably less control than they would normally require. I honestly could read entire books where Joey and Evan bicker for 900 pages. Hurwitz has developed into an amazing author, and the Nowhere Man is his most complex and complete character. I only wish Peter and Mia had been included. I really liked how Joey interacted with him. I really love this series and look forward to reading these books for a long while.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s great to catch up w Joey and X. MC Josephine “Joey” Morales—teenager and sorta-niece of Evan Smoak—has no family to attend her first musical recital. How embarrassing! But she knows a few “people.” She invites her “uncle-person” and his odd friends—including a beautiful, scantily-clothed assassin named Candy McClure. You’re allowed an eye roll. Or two.

[Elinor · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time ever an Orphan X story is actually funny. Had a good laugh here! :)

[Matt Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

LISTEN. I just spent an hour grinning like an idiot because this novella is pure joy. My deadly, emotionally stunted murder son Evan Smoak is out here navigating a school recital like it is a high-risk op and I could not love it more.

Joey? Perfect. Evan? Peak awkward. My heart? Pulverized into glitter.

Hurwitz slipping these little novellas between the main books is the best gift. It is like an emotional palate cleanser before the next round of bloodshed. 5/5, play it again immediately.

[Curt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun quick read which shows another side of the Orphan X characters.

[Scott A. Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars. Extremely above average .5 Novella. One of my favorites.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this novella (#8.5) in Gregg Andrew Hurwitz's "Orphan X" series!

[Therese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the author had a lot of fun writing this one. I certainly had a lot of fun reading it! Joey isn’t your average teenager. Recruited and later rejected by the government’s black ops assassin program, she befriends Orphan X, the deadliest orphan of them all, forming a quasi family. In this short story, it’s time for Joey to perform in her school concert. As any kid would, she hopes that her people will be there in attendance. For Joey, that means two assassins, an arms dealer, and a cartel boss with his two thugs. She performs beautifully, and overcome with pride and love, X inches closer to becoming a little bit more human.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely one of my top tier series that I enjoy reading. I love the characters portrayed especially the eclectic Joey. She keeps Evan in touch with his humanity. "The Recital" gives a more humorous slant to the series which in a way makes it more relatable. Evan is a dark knight but one who is morally centered in finding justice for the overlooked and downtrodden. I am currently reading "Lone Wolf" and it is a real roller coaster of action and chilling suspense of what will happen next. I admit I am addicted to this series. John Wick eat your heart out!

[Alan Coll-Peacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the previous mini ebook that accompany the Orphan X series from Gregg Hurwitz, I made a point of saying that I'd wanted to see more around Joey and her character. I wanted to see more stories developing her with X/Evan alongside rather than always the main focus, and here in The Recital I got another small taste of what I was after.
While again I'm disappointed it's a short story and there could be so much more, it's another side to Joey and gives fans of the series a bit more of a human side to her, and even a bit of Evan too.
Also, for such a short ebook, it's great to see the whole crew here too, and not just to shoehorn them in, there's meaning there.
Another cracking little read, but again I can't rate this as a full 5 with it being so short. So 4/5 here from me.

[David N · Rating 1 out of 5]

really disappointing.

Charging $2.99 for what is little more than an introduction to characters I already know (with no story) so you can flog the preview of the next book is just wrong.

[Teresa Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have read every page that is comprised of the Orphan X Series so we couldn’t miss this Novella. This is by far the funniest with several laugh out loud moments and we could see a personal side of all of the major players that we have come to be fond of including Candy, KiKi, Special Ed, Aragon, Tommy, Joey and Evan.

Every adventure this crew goes on or is involved in is great but their personalities and what makes each one of the tick and grow is what keeps us coming back for another round.

[Nicki Thoirs · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 This was a quick and easy read.

Joey hasn't had the opportunity to be a normal teenager until recently. She has discovered a new passion for music and has an upcoming recital and wants her self-made family to attend.
While I found Joeys character to be a bit irritating at times, I warmed up to her moodiness in the end. It was a sweet story.

[SassafrasfromAmazon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0⭐️ Nothing much to rave about in this novella. There is no mystery and nothing engaging about it. One Orphan X scene where he flexes his muscles—it just wasn’t memorable. Notwithstanding, it was great that recurring characters, Tommy, Candy McClure, Josephine (Joey) and Aragón from previous books made appearances. Joey’s quest to find a softer version of her persona was gratifying.

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Joey. She’s smart and beautiful and funny. But I think what I like most about her is her ability to make un-feeling people feel such deep emotions that they don’t know what to do.

Evan saved Joey. But Joey has saved Evan too and it’s absolutely beautiful to read