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Orphan X #11
Antihero
Not yet published
Expected 10 Feb 26In the next in this
New York Times
best-selling series, Evan Smoak takes on his most complex mission yet—one where he has to not only protect but also avenge, and find a way to balance vengeance with mercy.
Once a black ops assassin for the government known as Orphan X, Evan Smoak broke with the program and went deep underground, using his operational rules and skills to help the truly desperate with nowhere else to turn.
When Luke Devine, one of the most powerful men in the world has a psychological crisis, Evan flies to the East Coast to meet Luke. While there, he learns of a young woman who was kidnapped off the New York City subway, clearly in danger and in need of aid. With no name and few clues, Evan and his team track down the missing woman, who was assaulted and abandoned. Evan offers his help—and sets out tracking down the young men responsible. But the woman insists that Evan abandon his usual methods—no vengeance and, in particular, no killing. Which will prove no easy feat given the mounting incoming threats from all sides. In a mission that takes Evan from coast to coast, from the poorest corners of society to the richest, Orphan X must figure out a way to protect the innocent, avenge the victimized, and balance justice, with a measure of mercy.
Once a black ops assassin for the government known as Orphan X, Evan Smoak broke with the program and went deep underground, using his operational rules and skills to help the truly desperate with nowhere else to turn.
When Luke Devine, one of the most powerful men in the world has a psychological crisis, Evan flies to the East Coast to meet Luke. While there, he learns of a young woman who was kidnapped off the New York City subway, clearly in danger and in need of aid. With no name and few clues, Evan and his team track down the missing woman, who was assaulted and abandoned. Evan offers his help—and sets out tracking down the young men responsible. But the woman insists that Evan abandon his usual methods—no vengeance and, in particular, no killing. Which will prove no easy feat given the mounting incoming threats from all sides. In a mission that takes Evan from coast to coast, from the poorest corners of society to the richest, Orphan X must figure out a way to protect the innocent, avenge the victimized, and balance justice, with a measure of mercy.
Audible Audio
Expected publication February 10, 2026
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About the author
Gregg Hurwitz
303 books6,888 followersGregg Hurwitz is the critically acclaimed, New York Times and internationally bestselling author of 20 novels, including OUT OF THE DARK (2019). His novels have been shortlisted for numerous literary awards, graced top ten lists, and have been published in 30 languages.
He is also a New York Times Bestselling comic book writer, having penned stories for Marvel (Wolverine, Punisher) and DC (Batman, Penguin). Additionally, he’s written screenplays for or sold spec scripts to many of the major studios, and written, developed, and produced television for various networks. Gregg resides in Los Angeles.
He is also a New York Times Bestselling comic book writer, having penned stories for Marvel (Wolverine, Punisher) and DC (Batman, Penguin). Additionally, he’s written screenplays for or sold spec scripts to many of the major studios, and written, developed, and produced television for various networks. Gregg resides in Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
September 15, 2025
When hope is lost, there is Evan Smoek, helping the lost, the troubled, the needy, and definitely smoking the evil.
In book eleven, Evan is called to the home of Luke Devine, one of the powerful men in the world where he encounters a young woman who tells him of her inability to help a young woman on a train. The woman, Anca, is experiencing a seizure and at her worst is kidnapped by a a bunch of thugs and taken to a place where she is brutalized and photographed for the evil world to see.
Evan and Joey are able to track her down and travel to NY where she had wandered the streets disheveled back to her apartment while no one tried to help her.
“Mercy is the stuff you give to people that don`t deserve it.” – Joyce Meyer
Both Evan and Joey will help her and both are set to extract revenge on those who not only attacked a helpless young woman but also left her alone to try and salvage herself. However, Anca makes Evan swear he won't kill these awful thugs.
Evan does what Even does as he protects Anca and discovers that within him is that empathy he believed himself to be bereft of. It's somewhat of a turning point for Evan as he finds himself caring and loving Joey and Anca, worried for them in this cruel world and continuing to avenge the poor and those hurt by the scum that walk among us.
(As I read the story, I couldn't help but think of our current events, especially that beautiful Iryna Zarutska with not a person trying to intervene, or help her in her final moments. My heart is broken thinking of her and Charlie Kirk, one murdered because of a skin color, and the other because of opinions. Hopefully, there are may Evans out there who are ready to stand up to evil in all its forms.)
In book eleven, Evan is called to the home of Luke Devine, one of the powerful men in the world where he encounters a young woman who tells him of her inability to help a young woman on a train. The woman, Anca, is experiencing a seizure and at her worst is kidnapped by a a bunch of thugs and taken to a place where she is brutalized and photographed for the evil world to see.
Evan and Joey are able to track her down and travel to NY where she had wandered the streets disheveled back to her apartment while no one tried to help her.
“Mercy is the stuff you give to people that don`t deserve it.” – Joyce Meyer
Both Evan and Joey will help her and both are set to extract revenge on those who not only attacked a helpless young woman but also left her alone to try and salvage herself. However, Anca makes Evan swear he won't kill these awful thugs.
Evan does what Even does as he protects Anca and discovers that within him is that empathy he believed himself to be bereft of. It's somewhat of a turning point for Evan as he finds himself caring and loving Joey and Anca, worried for them in this cruel world and continuing to avenge the poor and those hurt by the scum that walk among us.
(As I read the story, I couldn't help but think of our current events, especially that beautiful Iryna Zarutska with not a person trying to intervene, or help her in her final moments. My heart is broken thinking of her and Charlie Kirk, one murdered because of a skin color, and the other because of opinions. Hopefully, there are may Evans out there who are ready to stand up to evil in all its forms.)
November 2, 2025
Antihero by Author Gregg Hurwitz is a gut wrenching, action packed, heart stopping thriller. The eleventh book in the Orphan X series and quite possibly the most anguish filled book to date, the story grabbed me by the throat on the first page and never let go. I devoured this book in one sitting as there was never a time I felt I could hit pause and walk away in peace. Carve out alone time to read this one as it'll come for you like a long black train.
The government raised and trained Orphan X to be a Black Op assassin, a lethal machine that performed upon command, no questions asked. Leary of decisions made by his superiors, he grabbed the first opportunity to go solo and disappeared underground. When he resurfaced, X aka Evan Smoak had reinvented himself as the Nowhere Man, a lethal, mysterious, emotionless man on a mission to get vengeance and justice for victims of violence who have nowhere else to turn. The Nowhere Man lives by a stringent set of commandments, one of which is number four, "Never make it personal". A rule he finds increasingly difficult to adhere to after being summoned to the lair of Luke Devin who's suffering a psychotic break and in need of Evan to keep an eye on volatile world events until he recovers. While there, Evan learns of a woman repeatedly brutalized and violated by soulless thugs after having been kidnapped from the subway in New York City. Vowing to find the woman and annihilate her tormenters, X leaves Joey in charge at Devine's and returns to the city. After locating the battered, traumatized woman, Evan is speechless and unable to comprehend when she tells him justice belongs to a higher power, not humans. Standing her ground, she extracts a painful promise from Evan that leaves him struggling with a deluge of emotions he isn't trained to decipher or manage. For the first time in his life, the Nowhere Man faces the dilemma of completing his mission while keeping his promise as he grabbles with conflicting emotions within, including the realization that there are people in his life he cares for. With that knowledge comes the paralyzing fear of losing them. With time running out and X's enemies converging on him from every direction, he’s left vulnerable and off-balance, conditions foreign to him that prove life threatening as he repeatedly ignores the commandment to never make it personal.
Antihero is a major turning point in the life of Orphan X aka The Nowhere Man as he maneuvers a minefield of foreign emotions that conflict with his rigid training and mission. His disgust for the vile lowlifes that attack innocents propels him to use deadly force to prevent them from doing it again and yet his newly found humanity demands he find a way to balance the scales and avenge victims by inflicting pain, not final judgement. The developing relationship between X and Joey is heart touching, almost a father/daughter thing with Joey spreading her wings and Evan worrying about her safety. Another foreign emotion for him. As always, the pace is insane, increasing with each new revelation and shocking turn, and the tone is dire, at best.
Author Gregg Hurwitz has raised the bar high in Antihero gifting readers a masterfully written, gripping story that exposes unfamiliar, deeply buried layers in Orphan X. Readers are sucked into the action as the Nowhere Man learns to navigate his emotions and conduct missions in a new, less permanent manner while staying true to his training and commandments. In spite of all the brutality and violence in this book, there's an undertone of hope, respect, faith, and trust woven throughout. Antihero will be a favorite among fans of the series as well as readers who favor high action, take no prisoners’ thrillers. A 2025 favorite for this reader, and one of the author’s best to date.
Many thanks to Minotaur Books/St. Martin's Press for a complimentary arc of this title for review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own. This title is scheduled for release on February 10, 2026. My review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is now available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
The government raised and trained Orphan X to be a Black Op assassin, a lethal machine that performed upon command, no questions asked. Leary of decisions made by his superiors, he grabbed the first opportunity to go solo and disappeared underground. When he resurfaced, X aka Evan Smoak had reinvented himself as the Nowhere Man, a lethal, mysterious, emotionless man on a mission to get vengeance and justice for victims of violence who have nowhere else to turn. The Nowhere Man lives by a stringent set of commandments, one of which is number four, "Never make it personal". A rule he finds increasingly difficult to adhere to after being summoned to the lair of Luke Devin who's suffering a psychotic break and in need of Evan to keep an eye on volatile world events until he recovers. While there, Evan learns of a woman repeatedly brutalized and violated by soulless thugs after having been kidnapped from the subway in New York City. Vowing to find the woman and annihilate her tormenters, X leaves Joey in charge at Devine's and returns to the city. After locating the battered, traumatized woman, Evan is speechless and unable to comprehend when she tells him justice belongs to a higher power, not humans. Standing her ground, she extracts a painful promise from Evan that leaves him struggling with a deluge of emotions he isn't trained to decipher or manage. For the first time in his life, the Nowhere Man faces the dilemma of completing his mission while keeping his promise as he grabbles with conflicting emotions within, including the realization that there are people in his life he cares for. With that knowledge comes the paralyzing fear of losing them. With time running out and X's enemies converging on him from every direction, he’s left vulnerable and off-balance, conditions foreign to him that prove life threatening as he repeatedly ignores the commandment to never make it personal.
Antihero is a major turning point in the life of Orphan X aka The Nowhere Man as he maneuvers a minefield of foreign emotions that conflict with his rigid training and mission. His disgust for the vile lowlifes that attack innocents propels him to use deadly force to prevent them from doing it again and yet his newly found humanity demands he find a way to balance the scales and avenge victims by inflicting pain, not final judgement. The developing relationship between X and Joey is heart touching, almost a father/daughter thing with Joey spreading her wings and Evan worrying about her safety. Another foreign emotion for him. As always, the pace is insane, increasing with each new revelation and shocking turn, and the tone is dire, at best.
Author Gregg Hurwitz has raised the bar high in Antihero gifting readers a masterfully written, gripping story that exposes unfamiliar, deeply buried layers in Orphan X. Readers are sucked into the action as the Nowhere Man learns to navigate his emotions and conduct missions in a new, less permanent manner while staying true to his training and commandments. In spite of all the brutality and violence in this book, there's an undertone of hope, respect, faith, and trust woven throughout. Antihero will be a favorite among fans of the series as well as readers who favor high action, take no prisoners’ thrillers. A 2025 favorite for this reader, and one of the author’s best to date.
Many thanks to Minotaur Books/St. Martin's Press for a complimentary arc of this title for review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own. This title is scheduled for release on February 10, 2026. My review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is now available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
January 14, 2026
10/10: 5⭐️’s
Holy buckets of broccoli, I LOVED this book!!! My favorite of the series. Those that have read previous reviews from me for this series know that this is a top tier shelf series for me and therefore I seem to rate a little more critically. (Not sure how much that makes sense🤷♀️).
Have to hit pause on the review due to going to jv hockey. But I wanted to note my initial reaction upon finishing the book. TBC.
——————————————————-
I am not going to waste time on the synopsis of the book.
You can read the one provided. I have too many other things that I need to condense so I don’t get overly wordy.
There are so many ‘guest’ appearances by characters from previous books; I truly enjoyed how so many came up, even if it was just a little blip of a mention. It, simply put, was just fun. Like a, ‘hey, I remember you!’ moment.
It hurts to be human. It hurts to feel some of the feelings that being human comes with. But on the flip side, there is also joy. Happiness found in small moments. Evan is getting a full dunk into what it feels like to have such a range of human emotions and feelings, not just a dip your toe in slowly and test the waters, but a full body dunk in this book.
Anca, the grace that woman has makes me want to be a better person. A kinder person. What a strong woman this character was. The lessons she instills in Evan. The humanness she brings out in him.
And Joey. Love this character. Evan and Joey banter/conversations is one of my favorite parts of these books. I don’t know how the author does it, but he has created such a perfect duo with these two. The growth and love between these two shines so bright in this book. They make me laugh and cry and feel feelings.
When I saw the email from NetGalley saying I was approved for an early listen of the audiobook, I think I sat for 20 minutes in slight shock. Doing nothing but trying to contain my nervousness and a huge heap of excitement. I fully admit to not enjoying book 10 much, hence the nervousness for this one. But my excitement was overwhelming. I even had little butterflies in my stomach thing going on! Because I love this character and have grown quite fond of him and this series. I am glad I listened at regular speed and did not rush through it.
Also…Scott Brick….AMAZING. While his voice doesn’t always change a whole lot for some characters, he somehow captures them all individually. The tones and inflections and attitudes and the everything; it just is such a delight to have him be the voice of Orphan X and the rest of the characters.
A ginormous thank you to NetGalley and Macmillion Audio for allowing me to listen to this book early. It was such a treat and I am so grateful my request was approved. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Mr. Hurwitz, please keep the Orphan X books coming. I am ready for the next and hope you are busy working on that😂. I appreciate your talent and thank you for giving us this special character. I should say characters because Joey is pretty darn special and changes Evan in the best of ways!
Again thank you to GR friend, Terry, for recommending this series, I probably wouldn’t have tried this series on my own😊😊😊.
I am starting to feel a little thank you speechy or acknowledgement page-like. So I am going to shut up now because all I did was listen to and enjoy a book😂🤦🏼♀️.
One last thing though: always remember that kindness matters. Even the smallest of acts can be magic. be kind to yourself and others😊.
Publication date: February 10th, 2026
Rating and thoughts posted: 1/10/26
1/14/26:
*corrected spelling of Anca’s name
*for those not familiar with Orphan X, expect quite a bit of violence in these books. Some more than others, and varying types.
*Also made a couple small changes in review. probably should have taken out more of the cringy ‘reminds me of a thank you speech’ parts, but I was being sincere with what I said so most of it stays and I will have to get over feeling a bit embarrassed by it🤪.
Holy buckets of broccoli, I LOVED this book!!! My favorite of the series. Those that have read previous reviews from me for this series know that this is a top tier shelf series for me and therefore I seem to rate a little more critically. (Not sure how much that makes sense🤷♀️).
Have to hit pause on the review due to going to jv hockey. But I wanted to note my initial reaction upon finishing the book. TBC.
——————————————————-
I am not going to waste time on the synopsis of the book.
You can read the one provided. I have too many other things that I need to condense so I don’t get overly wordy.
There are so many ‘guest’ appearances by characters from previous books; I truly enjoyed how so many came up, even if it was just a little blip of a mention. It, simply put, was just fun. Like a, ‘hey, I remember you!’ moment.
It hurts to be human. It hurts to feel some of the feelings that being human comes with. But on the flip side, there is also joy. Happiness found in small moments. Evan is getting a full dunk into what it feels like to have such a range of human emotions and feelings, not just a dip your toe in slowly and test the waters, but a full body dunk in this book.
Anca, the grace that woman has makes me want to be a better person. A kinder person. What a strong woman this character was. The lessons she instills in Evan. The humanness she brings out in him.
And Joey. Love this character. Evan and Joey banter/conversations is one of my favorite parts of these books. I don’t know how the author does it, but he has created such a perfect duo with these two. The growth and love between these two shines so bright in this book. They make me laugh and cry and feel feelings.
When I saw the email from NetGalley saying I was approved for an early listen of the audiobook, I think I sat for 20 minutes in slight shock. Doing nothing but trying to contain my nervousness and a huge heap of excitement. I fully admit to not enjoying book 10 much, hence the nervousness for this one. But my excitement was overwhelming. I even had little butterflies in my stomach thing going on! Because I love this character and have grown quite fond of him and this series. I am glad I listened at regular speed and did not rush through it.
Also…Scott Brick….AMAZING. While his voice doesn’t always change a whole lot for some characters, he somehow captures them all individually. The tones and inflections and attitudes and the everything; it just is such a delight to have him be the voice of Orphan X and the rest of the characters.
A ginormous thank you to NetGalley and Macmillion Audio for allowing me to listen to this book early. It was such a treat and I am so grateful my request was approved. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Mr. Hurwitz, please keep the Orphan X books coming. I am ready for the next and hope you are busy working on that😂. I appreciate your talent and thank you for giving us this special character. I should say characters because Joey is pretty darn special and changes Evan in the best of ways!
Again thank you to GR friend, Terry, for recommending this series, I probably wouldn’t have tried this series on my own😊😊😊.
I am starting to feel a little thank you speechy or acknowledgement page-like. So I am going to shut up now because all I did was listen to and enjoy a book😂🤦🏼♀️.
One last thing though: always remember that kindness matters. Even the smallest of acts can be magic. be kind to yourself and others😊.
Publication date: February 10th, 2026
Rating and thoughts posted: 1/10/26
1/14/26:
*corrected spelling of Anca’s name
*for those not familiar with Orphan X, expect quite a bit of violence in these books. Some more than others, and varying types.
*Also made a couple small changes in review. probably should have taken out more of the cringy ‘reminds me of a thank you speech’ parts, but I was being sincere with what I said so most of it stays and I will have to get over feeling a bit embarrassed by it🤪.
October 1, 2025
Great continuation of X’s story! There was a bit more humanity in his character this time - good to see some growth and him able to care for others more than his precious aged vodka 😉 But that makes him unique!
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review!
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Really good however not a "fun" read.
I feel like I need a shower.
I feel like I need a shower.
August 21, 2025
4.75 Stars ⭐️
I am such a big fan of this series. I think I fell in love with Evan Smoak from the very beginning and it has been so wonderful to follow along as he is slowly beginning to learn how to care about those he considers his friends. Emotions are not something he was ever taught. In fact, it was the exact opposite - emotions could be deadly - and seeing him try to counter these life long behaviors has not been easy.
I'm also thrilled to be able to say that Mr. Hurwitz is back with another fantastic book. Unfortunately, the last book felt "off" to me and I had a hard time with some of the actions and behaviors of our favorite characters. That is NOT the case for Antihero.
This time, Evan and Joey travel to New York at the request of a character that we have previously met - Luke Devine. While there, they learn about a woman who may have been kidnapped from a subway car. The woman, Anca, suffers from a debilitating illness that causes her to have seizures up to 6 times a day. She has a laminated lanyard that she wears around her neck to inform people about what to do if and when she has a seizure. Unfortunately, she is completely at the mercy of total strangers while she is completely incapacitated and this time, the worst happens.
One thing that really hit me with this book was how unbelievably evil people can be. It was hard at times experiencing that level of vile and cruel behavior from the "bad guys". It is NOT easy to read. We also see that Evan is not immune to the horror of the things that Anca is put through and that makes things worse.
One of the absolute best things about this book was the exponential development of the friendship that Evan and Candy McClure (Orphan V) had tentatively started over the last several books. It was amazing to see the two of them figure out how to function completely out of their element as they dealt with the aftermath of Anca's situation. Watching their level of compassion and then confusion when dealing with Anca's completely foreign world view made me laugh. Anca makes Evan promise that he is not going to kill the bad guys and both Evan and Candy can not understand this. Anca completely believes in the concept of a higher power being the one who will judge and not them, so Evan makes sure that they only promise not to kill, and both he and Candy agree that maiming is still on the table.
We also get to see major development in the relationship between X and Joey. Their relationship is so beautiful. Two very broken people who have decided to trust each other, even though everything they have been taught, and everything that they have experienced in life has taught them the exact opposite.
Mia and Peter also make an appearance, and even though I'm not sure how I feel about those events, I LOVE seeing Peter interact with Evan. This book was jammed packed with major emotional upheaval for Evan and let's just say that it is not an easy road.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on February 10, 2026.
I am such a big fan of this series. I think I fell in love with Evan Smoak from the very beginning and it has been so wonderful to follow along as he is slowly beginning to learn how to care about those he considers his friends. Emotions are not something he was ever taught. In fact, it was the exact opposite - emotions could be deadly - and seeing him try to counter these life long behaviors has not been easy.
I'm also thrilled to be able to say that Mr. Hurwitz is back with another fantastic book. Unfortunately, the last book felt "off" to me and I had a hard time with some of the actions and behaviors of our favorite characters. That is NOT the case for Antihero.
This time, Evan and Joey travel to New York at the request of a character that we have previously met - Luke Devine. While there, they learn about a woman who may have been kidnapped from a subway car. The woman, Anca, suffers from a debilitating illness that causes her to have seizures up to 6 times a day. She has a laminated lanyard that she wears around her neck to inform people about what to do if and when she has a seizure. Unfortunately, she is completely at the mercy of total strangers while she is completely incapacitated and this time, the worst happens.
One thing that really hit me with this book was how unbelievably evil people can be. It was hard at times experiencing that level of vile and cruel behavior from the "bad guys". It is NOT easy to read. We also see that Evan is not immune to the horror of the things that Anca is put through and that makes things worse.
One of the absolute best things about this book was the exponential development of the friendship that Evan and Candy McClure (Orphan V) had tentatively started over the last several books. It was amazing to see the two of them figure out how to function completely out of their element as they dealt with the aftermath of Anca's situation. Watching their level of compassion and then confusion when dealing with Anca's completely foreign world view made me laugh. Anca makes Evan promise that he is not going to kill the bad guys and both Evan and Candy can not understand this. Anca completely believes in the concept of a higher power being the one who will judge and not them, so Evan makes sure that they only promise not to kill, and both he and Candy agree that maiming is still on the table.
We also get to see major development in the relationship between X and Joey. Their relationship is so beautiful. Two very broken people who have decided to trust each other, even though everything they have been taught, and everything that they have experienced in life has taught them the exact opposite.
Mia and Peter also make an appearance, and even though I'm not sure how I feel about those events, I LOVE seeing Peter interact with Evan. This book was jammed packed with major emotional upheaval for Evan and let's just say that it is not an easy road.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on February 10, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'll start by admitting I had no idea I was jumping in to a series at book 11. Woops 😬
BUT this is such a page turner. It never let's up and now I'll have to revisit the series from the beginning.
BUT this is such a page turner. It never let's up and now I'll have to revisit the series from the beginning.
August 18, 2025
Anka is a young woman who suffers from seizures. She’s paralyzed by fear of them happening when no one friendly or kind is around to help her.
Her biggest fear is realized when she begins to suffer from a seizure on the subway as four masked men enter her subway car.
Fading in and out of consciousness, Anka realizes she’s been abducted. When she finally awakens, her body is broken and her spirit shattered. She’s been violated.
Evan is called in to help locate the men and bring them to justice. His justice. But this time, things aren’t as clear cut for X. Humanity (his humanity) continues to gnaw at the edges.
As the novel progresses, we see Joey and Candy and other regular characters.
Heart-plundering action sequences and characters written for the big screen, Hurwitz never disappoints. Antihero is another fantastic book in the Orphan X series.
Thank you to St.Martin’s press for sending the ebook for my honest review.
Her biggest fear is realized when she begins to suffer from a seizure on the subway as four masked men enter her subway car.
Fading in and out of consciousness, Anka realizes she’s been abducted. When she finally awakens, her body is broken and her spirit shattered. She’s been violated.
Evan is called in to help locate the men and bring them to justice. His justice. But this time, things aren’t as clear cut for X. Humanity (his humanity) continues to gnaw at the edges.
As the novel progresses, we see Joey and Candy and other regular characters.
Heart-plundering action sequences and characters written for the big screen, Hurwitz never disappoints. Antihero is another fantastic book in the Orphan X series.
Thank you to St.Martin’s press for sending the ebook for my honest review.
November 19, 2025
This was a very hard read.
The degradation that this woman goes through will hit you in your heart and your stomach! I felt sick reading it.
However, it's also a very good read. As usual, our Orphan X is showing more and more heart and humanity - I adore him. We also got to spend time with some of the people around him and their characters just keep getting more and more real to me.
The story itself is exciting and had me wanting a whole lot of righteous vengeance.
While I'm not 100% certain that this would work as a standalone for someone new to the series (there's quite a bit of background you need to know), fans of the series should be very pleased.
Can't wait until the next book!
* ARC via Publisher
The degradation that this woman goes through will hit you in your heart and your stomach! I felt sick reading it.
However, it's also a very good read. As usual, our Orphan X is showing more and more heart and humanity - I adore him. We also got to spend time with some of the people around him and their characters just keep getting more and more real to me.
The story itself is exciting and had me wanting a whole lot of righteous vengeance.
While I'm not 100% certain that this would work as a standalone for someone new to the series (there's quite a bit of background you need to know), fans of the series should be very pleased.
Can't wait until the next book!
* ARC via Publisher
August 26, 2025
Five stars with some reservations. "Antihero" is hands down my favorite book in the series and marks the pinnacle of the series so far. My hesitation stems from the deeply disturbing and unsettling evil of the antagonists. However, these characters lay the groundwork for the profound exploration and deeper understanding of Evan, Josephine, and Candy. Chapter 44 left me shattered with its poignant pain, while Chapters 49 and 50 were equally exceptional. The amplified contrast between humanity's best and worst, and the protagonists' struggle to grapple with the consequences of their choices, is incredibly profound with Hurwitz excelling at dissecting and distilling the essence of human strength in the face of confrontation.
September 13, 2025
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Dark, harsh and haunting, Antihero is Orphan X’s most infuriating and shattering mission to date. It’ll rip you apart inside as it hits you with a barrage of emotional gut-punches. Gregg Hurwitz delivers a masterful novel that threatens to murder the Fourth Commandment: never make it personal.
This is one hell of a novel that blends raw emotion with quiet reflection. A story that mixes exhilaration with heartache in a way that’s impossible to shake. Antihero is a book that cannot soon be forgotten and promises to stick with you for a very long time. It’s a must read and perhaps Gregg Hurwitz’s best work to date.
Dark, harsh and haunting, Antihero is Orphan X’s most infuriating and shattering mission to date. It’ll rip you apart inside as it hits you with a barrage of emotional gut-punches. Gregg Hurwitz delivers a masterful novel that threatens to murder the Fourth Commandment: never make it personal.
This is one hell of a novel that blends raw emotion with quiet reflection. A story that mixes exhilaration with heartache in a way that’s impossible to shake. Antihero is a book that cannot soon be forgotten and promises to stick with you for a very long time. It’s a must read and perhaps Gregg Hurwitz’s best work to date.
September 25, 2025
I was given an early copy of Antihero from NetGalley for an honest review.
We see Evan fly out to New York to assist Luke Devine and once there, he quickly learns of a mysterious girl in trouble. Joey, for the first time, is in the field with Evan and because of the nature of the mission, really throws Evan and impacts him.
The mysterious girl, Anca, seems to impact Evan more than previous missions. For the first time, he is not abiding by a couple of his Commandments. His personality seems to be forced to change even more than in the past during this mission. He has to examine how he acts and we see him catching himself more than once, examining how he needs to act for the best outcome.
Throughout this, his phone is still ringing for help. Thankfully, these are quickly resolved and he is able to refocus again.
I struggled with this novel, only because of the nature of Anca's attack. I loved seeing how Evan was affected. I enjoyed how he was willing to change, to adapt, to be kind to her. We see a gentler side of Evan.
And even amidst all of that, we still see Evan being Orphan X. Recognizing threats and acting to alleviate the threat.
Without ginving a spoiler, the scene with Dirty Pete was written so well. How Evan was feeling, how he adjusted, how he fought, grabbed me and did not let go.
If this is not your first Orphan X novel, you will appreciate that there are many characters from past stories that make appearances. You will really appreciate the growth of Orphan X and I look forward to seeing how this changes him in the next story.
We see Evan fly out to New York to assist Luke Devine and once there, he quickly learns of a mysterious girl in trouble. Joey, for the first time, is in the field with Evan and because of the nature of the mission, really throws Evan and impacts him.
The mysterious girl, Anca, seems to impact Evan more than previous missions. For the first time, he is not abiding by a couple of his Commandments. His personality seems to be forced to change even more than in the past during this mission. He has to examine how he acts and we see him catching himself more than once, examining how he needs to act for the best outcome.
Throughout this, his phone is still ringing for help. Thankfully, these are quickly resolved and he is able to refocus again.
I struggled with this novel, only because of the nature of Anca's attack. I loved seeing how Evan was affected. I enjoyed how he was willing to change, to adapt, to be kind to her. We see a gentler side of Evan.
And even amidst all of that, we still see Evan being Orphan X. Recognizing threats and acting to alleviate the threat.
Without ginving a spoiler, the scene with Dirty Pete was written so well. How Evan was feeling, how he adjusted, how he fought, grabbed me and did not let go.
If this is not your first Orphan X novel, you will appreciate that there are many characters from past stories that make appearances. You will really appreciate the growth of Orphan X and I look forward to seeing how this changes him in the next story.
November 21, 2025
This book continues the Orphan X series and like the others is an engaging read. The basic plot is twofold in dealing with Luke Devine and his control over what is happening in the world and the porn industry. He is seeking four males who take an unconscious woman and make a porn film, but she doesn't want them killed.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, and my fiction book review blog.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, and my fiction book review blog.
August 25, 2025
Just when you think the author can't top the last book, he puts out another banger! This one was one of my favorites. I love how X continues to have more "real" feelings and enjoy seeing how he learns how to process them. I'm also intrigued by his ever evolving relationship with Joey, and really all the women in his life. Watching X learn how to be a person is very entertaining. After finishing this one, I wonder if X will continue down the road to discovering more humanity or will something else bring him back to the X of old? I can't wait to find out and eagerly await the next in the series!
Thanks to St.Martin's Press/Minotaur Books and Net Galley for this ARC! #antihero #netgalley
Thanks to St.Martin's Press/Minotaur Books and Net Galley for this ARC! #antihero #netgalley
September 11, 2025
In this suspended moment, a perfect X.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As a long time reader of the Orphan X series, I loved this book!
Tommy's funeral awakes some complicated emotions in The Nowhere Man as he ends up on a few scattered missions throughout Antihero.
The main mission (here we have to say that if you aren't able to comfortably read about sexual assault, PTSD, and other darkly related things, you just need to skip this book) revolves around a young lady who is abducted for use in a video for the dark web. It gets dark. Evan has no idea how to help someone like this, so he calls in Candy - who is just as lost.
I loved the two assassins finally having some kind of reconciliation though. And Joey coming into the fold a little more. Dog makes an appearance. Luke Devine is back. Who else... Aragon also has a cameo. I feel like X is getting a bit old and soft but he's adapting well to the continuing dangers he faces.
Mia is there too! This book literally made Evan face every single uncomfortable emotion ever and the past few books have been setting him up for this trial of humanity thing.
Overall it's got a lot of good things right along with the dark. Scott Brick once again does an amazing job bringing it all to life. There's just enough humor to balance all the dark.
I usually like to pick one thing to gripe about just so I'm not gushing without sense: and I guess in this case it's that I found the 'gang' chapters a little annoying. We needed their point of view to round things out but it doesn't mean I have to like them!
Overall I wouldn't recommend starting here if you've never read this series. Go back far enough to meet Joey and Tommy at least and then read forward for the best experience!
Tommy's funeral awakes some complicated emotions in The Nowhere Man as he ends up on a few scattered missions throughout Antihero.
The main mission (here we have to say that if you aren't able to comfortably read about sexual assault, PTSD, and other darkly related things, you just need to skip this book) revolves around a young lady who is abducted for use in a video for the dark web. It gets dark. Evan has no idea how to help someone like this, so he calls in Candy - who is just as lost.
I loved the two assassins finally having some kind of reconciliation though. And Joey coming into the fold a little more. Dog makes an appearance. Luke Devine is back. Who else... Aragon also has a cameo. I feel like X is getting a bit old and soft but he's adapting well to the continuing dangers he faces.
Mia is there too! This book literally made Evan face every single uncomfortable emotion ever and the past few books have been setting him up for this trial of humanity thing.
Overall it's got a lot of good things right along with the dark. Scott Brick once again does an amazing job bringing it all to life. There's just enough humor to balance all the dark.
I usually like to pick one thing to gripe about just so I'm not gushing without sense: and I guess in this case it's that I found the 'gang' chapters a little annoying. We needed their point of view to round things out but it doesn't mean I have to like them!
Overall I wouldn't recommend starting here if you've never read this series. Go back far enough to meet Joey and Tommy at least and then read forward for the best experience!
November 27, 2025
Evan Smoak is still doing new things in Antihero - Book 11 in the Orphan X series from Gregg Hurwitz.
"Evan helps a girl that was assaulted and abandoned. When he sets out to track down the men who hurt her, she insists that Evan doesn't kill any of them. Evan must figure out how to balance justice with a measure of mercy."
After the ending of the previous book, you had to wonder what direction Hurwitz was going to take Orphan X. I love that he continues to allow Evan to change and grow. He actually goes on a date in this book and dances. There's an unexpected moment with Candy. Evan is surprised by a victim's strength. There is still lots of action that we expect in an Orphan X book. And when he discovers a business that's monetizing video of assaults, he goes nuclear with Joey's help.
There are many uncomfortable moments with the morally bankrupt characters profiting off of the victimization of others. Hurwitz is frank with his treatment of it but never glosses it over.
Another great fast-paced Orphan X story.
"Evan helps a girl that was assaulted and abandoned. When he sets out to track down the men who hurt her, she insists that Evan doesn't kill any of them. Evan must figure out how to balance justice with a measure of mercy."
After the ending of the previous book, you had to wonder what direction Hurwitz was going to take Orphan X. I love that he continues to allow Evan to change and grow. He actually goes on a date in this book and dances. There's an unexpected moment with Candy. Evan is surprised by a victim's strength. There is still lots of action that we expect in an Orphan X book. And when he discovers a business that's monetizing video of assaults, he goes nuclear with Joey's help.
There are many uncomfortable moments with the morally bankrupt characters profiting off of the victimization of others. Hurwitz is frank with his treatment of it but never glosses it over.
Another great fast-paced Orphan X story.
August 31, 2025
Evan Smoak is back with a new case. Only this time, the person needing help doesn’t want Evan to kill. He ends up tracking a woman that disappeared from a New York subway. He travels coast to coast to find the men who did unspeakable things. Warning to readers: there are some chapters that may not set well with you. Still a great story and classic Evan with even more character development.
August 26, 2025
This entire series is just complete perfection.
If you’ve never read an Orphan X book, I highly recommend you do so.
Thank you (times a million) to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
If you’ve never read an Orphan X book, I highly recommend you do so.
Thank you (times a million) to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 1, 2025
ANTIHERO: AN ORPHAN X NOVEL by Gregg Hurwitz
Publication: 2/10/2026 by Minotaur Books
Page Count: 416
Audible Version by Macmillan Audio
Narrated: Scott Brick
Duration: 13 hours
He’s back! Evan Smoak, aka Orphan X returns for a highly anticipated eleventh high-octane breakneck-paced thriller. This is truly a guilty pleasure , akin to eating dessert before dinner. Evan isn’t a superhero, but rather a cross between James Bond and Robin Hood. He’s a highly skilled assassin, but with a moral compass and a highly honed desire to retain his humanity. Evan was a twelve-year-old boy, rescued form the projects of East Baltimore, only to undergo a seven-year grueling training course under the tutelage of his handler, Jack Jones. Jack was the closest thing to a father and family he had ever known. This was part of a clandestine black ops, “Orphan Program,” created by the Department of Defense. It created a cadre of assassins with unparalleled abilities that were both deniable and expendable. Each was sent out on a mission to destroy a “high-value target” without backup. As his trainer and a man of principle, Jack knew it was easy to train Evan to kill, but hard to have him retain his sense of humanity. Eventually, Evan wanted out after a decade of covert killing, no longer wishing to be a lethal weapon of the government. He embarked on his own program as a pro bono freelancer, helping those innocents, who found themselves in an impossible situation. He became known to his enemies, The Nowhere Man, remains on call 247 for the unfortunate, awaiting a 1-855-2-NOWHERE call on his high-tech, untraceable, an indestructible Roam Zone phone.
In this action-packed eleventh adventure he is summoned to the ultra-high tech lair of Luke Devin. Devin is a world class influencer and problem-solver of epic proportions. However, he is presently in a psychotic break-down and summons Evan to his side to temporarily take over his duties of managing volatile world events. Evan has also just learned of a devastating situation. An innocent young woman, in the throes of a seizure on the New York subway system, had been kidnapped and brutally beaten and raped by a group of soulless thugs. He had to takeover from Devine and at the same time find this victimized woman and seek out the animals to mete out justice. After finding the location of the woman with the aid of high tech surveillance equipment , he found it necessary to foster her physical and emotional care, and still abide by her highly principles values. He would’ve preferred to seek out these animals and kill them to prevent further victimization. She insisted that they should not be killed. Evan faced the dilemma of his life, completing his mission to eliminate their further potential threat and yet abide the wishes of the victim. All going against his usual methods fostered by his rigid training. How to balance the scales of justice and avenge the victim without eliminating these animals. This exposes emotions and actions very foreign to his usual missions.
Hurwitz proves to be a masterful storyteller, as he uncouples this riveting barnburner of a thriller. This tale is exquisitely plotted with unexpected twists and deceptions, laced with cinematic fight scenes, brimming with violence and suspense. Each sequential tale of Orphan X reveals the emotional growth in this complicated and flawed man. This eleventh installment can certainly be enjoyed and devoured as a standalone, as Hurwitz seamlessly supplies any necessary backstory. Be warned, fellow readers… you will be forced to quench your thirst and gobble up the previous novels.
I personally switched back and forth between reading on my kindle and listening to the audio version. But, for the last half, I couldn’t tear myself away from the audio, narrated by the amazing Scott Brick. Scott is a multi-award-winning narrator of over 800 books, with a background as an actor and writer. His wonderful voice inflections brought the multiple characters to life in the “theater of my mind.” He is a natural storyteller with a mesmerizing quality that reflects the ongoing emotion and passion of the book.
Thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for providing an Uncorrected Proof an Advance Audio version in exchange for an honest review.
Publication: 2/10/2026 by Minotaur Books
Page Count: 416
Audible Version by Macmillan Audio
Narrated: Scott Brick
Duration: 13 hours
He’s back! Evan Smoak, aka Orphan X returns for a highly anticipated eleventh high-octane breakneck-paced thriller. This is truly a guilty pleasure , akin to eating dessert before dinner. Evan isn’t a superhero, but rather a cross between James Bond and Robin Hood. He’s a highly skilled assassin, but with a moral compass and a highly honed desire to retain his humanity. Evan was a twelve-year-old boy, rescued form the projects of East Baltimore, only to undergo a seven-year grueling training course under the tutelage of his handler, Jack Jones. Jack was the closest thing to a father and family he had ever known. This was part of a clandestine black ops, “Orphan Program,” created by the Department of Defense. It created a cadre of assassins with unparalleled abilities that were both deniable and expendable. Each was sent out on a mission to destroy a “high-value target” without backup. As his trainer and a man of principle, Jack knew it was easy to train Evan to kill, but hard to have him retain his sense of humanity. Eventually, Evan wanted out after a decade of covert killing, no longer wishing to be a lethal weapon of the government. He embarked on his own program as a pro bono freelancer, helping those innocents, who found themselves in an impossible situation. He became known to his enemies, The Nowhere Man, remains on call 247 for the unfortunate, awaiting a 1-855-2-NOWHERE call on his high-tech, untraceable, an indestructible Roam Zone phone.
In this action-packed eleventh adventure he is summoned to the ultra-high tech lair of Luke Devin. Devin is a world class influencer and problem-solver of epic proportions. However, he is presently in a psychotic break-down and summons Evan to his side to temporarily take over his duties of managing volatile world events. Evan has also just learned of a devastating situation. An innocent young woman, in the throes of a seizure on the New York subway system, had been kidnapped and brutally beaten and raped by a group of soulless thugs. He had to takeover from Devine and at the same time find this victimized woman and seek out the animals to mete out justice. After finding the location of the woman with the aid of high tech surveillance equipment , he found it necessary to foster her physical and emotional care, and still abide by her highly principles values. He would’ve preferred to seek out these animals and kill them to prevent further victimization. She insisted that they should not be killed. Evan faced the dilemma of his life, completing his mission to eliminate their further potential threat and yet abide the wishes of the victim. All going against his usual methods fostered by his rigid training. How to balance the scales of justice and avenge the victim without eliminating these animals. This exposes emotions and actions very foreign to his usual missions.
Hurwitz proves to be a masterful storyteller, as he uncouples this riveting barnburner of a thriller. This tale is exquisitely plotted with unexpected twists and deceptions, laced with cinematic fight scenes, brimming with violence and suspense. Each sequential tale of Orphan X reveals the emotional growth in this complicated and flawed man. This eleventh installment can certainly be enjoyed and devoured as a standalone, as Hurwitz seamlessly supplies any necessary backstory. Be warned, fellow readers… you will be forced to quench your thirst and gobble up the previous novels.
I personally switched back and forth between reading on my kindle and listening to the audio version. But, for the last half, I couldn’t tear myself away from the audio, narrated by the amazing Scott Brick. Scott is a multi-award-winning narrator of over 800 books, with a background as an actor and writer. His wonderful voice inflections brought the multiple characters to life in the “theater of my mind.” He is a natural storyteller with a mesmerizing quality that reflects the ongoing emotion and passion of the book.
Thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for providing an Uncorrected Proof an Advance Audio version in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2025
Evan Smoak, also known as Orphan X and the Nowhere Man, is back in rare form as he’s called in by Luke Devine, a man he’s dealt with in the past who wields enormous power and wealth, to rescue him as he has fallen recklessly out of control due to both stimulant overdosing and a tyrannical rage. Luke has also summoned Orphan X to help a haunted young woman he’s hired for sex who witnessed, but failed to do anything to prevent, an epileptic young woman being kidnapped by a gang of teens off a subway car while in an epileptic episode.
Orphan X has both to wrest control from Luke as well as go on a hunt for the kidnapped girl. He brings along Josphine, a teen Orphan from the government assassination program that trained him, and who’s he informally adopted as a kind of niece. Orphan X needs her brilliant tech skills alongside him, but it’s the first time she’s been out in the field and that he has brought her along on one of his missions. He’s wary of both bringing her into Luke’s world of danger and exposing her to both sexual abuse the teens have perpetrated in order to sell views on porn sites.
In searching for the kidnapped girl, Evan relies on Josephine to tap into both Luke’s elaborate computer spy network and leverage his extensive personal connections with people in power. When he finally located the girl, she asks something of him in tracking down her assailants that confounds him. She’s very religious and thus it’s critical to her that Evan show mercy and not to kill them. Evan, who usually does away with the bad guys, has to pivot strategically to honor her request while also dealing with danger on all sides.
Fortunately the ever-resourceful Orphan X finds a way to make this work, elegantly and decisively, while hold firm to his moral compass of delivering justice.
An amazing 11th outing for Orphan X by Hurwitz!!
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy.
Orphan X has both to wrest control from Luke as well as go on a hunt for the kidnapped girl. He brings along Josphine, a teen Orphan from the government assassination program that trained him, and who’s he informally adopted as a kind of niece. Orphan X needs her brilliant tech skills alongside him, but it’s the first time she’s been out in the field and that he has brought her along on one of his missions. He’s wary of both bringing her into Luke’s world of danger and exposing her to both sexual abuse the teens have perpetrated in order to sell views on porn sites.
In searching for the kidnapped girl, Evan relies on Josephine to tap into both Luke’s elaborate computer spy network and leverage his extensive personal connections with people in power. When he finally located the girl, she asks something of him in tracking down her assailants that confounds him. She’s very religious and thus it’s critical to her that Evan show mercy and not to kill them. Evan, who usually does away with the bad guys, has to pivot strategically to honor her request while also dealing with danger on all sides.
Fortunately the ever-resourceful Orphan X finds a way to make this work, elegantly and decisively, while hold firm to his moral compass of delivering justice.
An amazing 11th outing for Orphan X by Hurwitz!!
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy.
September 5, 2025
I'll be honest—those early pages with the drugged-up thugs nearly lost me. But once Hurwitz gets Evan Smoak into his real mission, the story found its footing and evolved into something more meaningful than just another action-packed mission.
This isn't your typical Orphan X rampage. When Anca, the assault victim Evan wants to help, looks him dead in the eye and tells him he has no right to kill for her—that he's not a hero but an antihero—it's like watching someone pull the rug out from under everything we thought we knew about the Nowhere Man. She makes him promise not to kill her attackers, and watching Evan wrestle with that promise? Pure gold. This is moral complexity rather than black and white thinking and fundamentally challenges everything the Nowhere Man represents.
This moral tension becomes the novel's greatest strength. Evan's character development feels genuine as he grapples with concepts beyond his usual black-and-white worldview. Hurwitz skillfully shows us a man learning that "there is no weakness in emotion" and that his rigid code must evolve.
What got me most was seeing this unstoppable killing machine completely fall apart during a simple dinner date with Mia. The guy who can handle any life-or-death situation can't manage small talk over pasta. That scene alone is worth the price of admission because it shows just how broken Evan really is beneath all that deadly competence.
The author's exploration of vulnerability versus vengeance gives real depth to what could have been just another thriller. When Evan realizes his code "weighed more now" and creates a new commandment—"If you feel more, you have to feel more"—it represents genuine character growth that feels earned rather than forced.
Hurwitz succeeds in crafting a story that questions the very nature of heroism and justice. This isn't just about whether Evan will complete his mission, but whether he can evolve beyond the limiting confines of his own moral certainties. The result is a thriller that entertains while genuinely challenging both its protagonist and readers to consider the complex shades of gray between justice and vengeance.
A big thank you to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
This isn't your typical Orphan X rampage. When Anca, the assault victim Evan wants to help, looks him dead in the eye and tells him he has no right to kill for her—that he's not a hero but an antihero—it's like watching someone pull the rug out from under everything we thought we knew about the Nowhere Man. She makes him promise not to kill her attackers, and watching Evan wrestle with that promise? Pure gold. This is moral complexity rather than black and white thinking and fundamentally challenges everything the Nowhere Man represents.
This moral tension becomes the novel's greatest strength. Evan's character development feels genuine as he grapples with concepts beyond his usual black-and-white worldview. Hurwitz skillfully shows us a man learning that "there is no weakness in emotion" and that his rigid code must evolve.
What got me most was seeing this unstoppable killing machine completely fall apart during a simple dinner date with Mia. The guy who can handle any life-or-death situation can't manage small talk over pasta. That scene alone is worth the price of admission because it shows just how broken Evan really is beneath all that deadly competence.
The author's exploration of vulnerability versus vengeance gives real depth to what could have been just another thriller. When Evan realizes his code "weighed more now" and creates a new commandment—"If you feel more, you have to feel more"—it represents genuine character growth that feels earned rather than forced.
Hurwitz succeeds in crafting a story that questions the very nature of heroism and justice. This isn't just about whether Evan will complete his mission, but whether he can evolve beyond the limiting confines of his own moral certainties. The result is a thriller that entertains while genuinely challenging both its protagonist and readers to consider the complex shades of gray between justice and vengeance.
A big thank you to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2025
While some book series lean heavily on a formulaic approach to their protagonist's journeys, Gregg Hurwitz continues to take Evan Smoak to new and increasingly human levels. After the incredible and emotional journey the Nowhere Man took in Nemesis (Book #10), Evan's evolution continues as he grasps what it means to have human connections in our world while encountering his darkest post-Orphan chapter yet. And Candy's phone call is the highlight of the book. It's an amazing credit that a series in double digits is this well realized.
August 14, 2025
Initial thoughts: I've been reading Orphan X novels since 2018, time flies. I've been saying this for the past three books or so, but it truly just gets better and better. Woke up to an email from St. Martin's with a NetGalley and you bet I ran to download it, spent my entire day reading, all other plans abandoned. We've been seeing Evan grow significantly for several books now, but what I loved about this one in particular is how we also see the growth of him coming to terms with his relationships, the fact that there are people in the world he cares about.
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RTC
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC.
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RTC
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC.
October 15, 2025
Orphan X is back! “Antihero”, by Gregg Hurwitz, is the eleventh outing for Evan Smoak, ex-government assassin Orphan X who now goes by the title of Nowhere Man, a vigilante helping those who have been wronged by the powerful and have no place else to turn.
We start with a couple of violent scenarios to open up the action, one has the Nowhere Man save a fifteen-year-old kid from a ruthless street gang, the other, much darker, has a woman experiencing an epileptic seizure on a NYC subway just as a gang of boys decide to take her and sexually assault her.
But there was a witness to the girl in the train, who was unclear of the outcome but is now wracked with guilt. Luckily for her, she is heading out to “visit” Luke Devine, one of the most powerful and richest people in the world, who also happens to know the Nowhere Man. Luke is going through a bit of crisis himself; afraid of losing control he reaches out to Smoak to take him down off the ledge. Evan, along with Joey who wants to play a more active role as she is getting older, heads on out to Luke’s and quickly takes over.
Upon hearing the story of the subway attack, Evan leaves Joey in charge and pursues leads to find and assist the victim. Her name is Anca Dumitrescu, a pious and religious girl who won’t allow Evan to pursue her attackers without extracting a promise – no one is to die. Can Evan stop the bad guys without the violence that defines a large part of who he is?
And these really are some pretty bad guys; they kidnap and sexually assault girls, filming the action to upload and sell on the internet. Going deep into his support network, including Orphan V (Candy) for victim support and protection, drug kingpin Aragon Urrea’s money, Luke Devine’s money and power, and even his sworn enemy Naomi Templeton of the FBI, Evan has to come up with a new way of stopping the evil before more girls get hurt again.
Very little Nowhere Man in this chapter, more about Evan Smoak and his emotional growth as a human. Joey continues to grow up as well and opens up a whole new set of problems and issues. Mia and Peter have faded into the past, with only a brief interlude and a bittersweet farewell (for now?). Although there’s plenty of action and mayhem, this is a deeper and more introspective look at the violence that defines Evan and the effect on his life and those around him. When confronted with a genuinely good person, Evan has to ask himself if he is a good person as well, and maybe he doesn’t like the answer. Not sure if this is what I am looking for from this series, but hopefully the Nowhere Man plays a more active role as Evan continues to grow.
I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
We start with a couple of violent scenarios to open up the action, one has the Nowhere Man save a fifteen-year-old kid from a ruthless street gang, the other, much darker, has a woman experiencing an epileptic seizure on a NYC subway just as a gang of boys decide to take her and sexually assault her.
But there was a witness to the girl in the train, who was unclear of the outcome but is now wracked with guilt. Luckily for her, she is heading out to “visit” Luke Devine, one of the most powerful and richest people in the world, who also happens to know the Nowhere Man. Luke is going through a bit of crisis himself; afraid of losing control he reaches out to Smoak to take him down off the ledge. Evan, along with Joey who wants to play a more active role as she is getting older, heads on out to Luke’s and quickly takes over.
Upon hearing the story of the subway attack, Evan leaves Joey in charge and pursues leads to find and assist the victim. Her name is Anca Dumitrescu, a pious and religious girl who won’t allow Evan to pursue her attackers without extracting a promise – no one is to die. Can Evan stop the bad guys without the violence that defines a large part of who he is?
And these really are some pretty bad guys; they kidnap and sexually assault girls, filming the action to upload and sell on the internet. Going deep into his support network, including Orphan V (Candy) for victim support and protection, drug kingpin Aragon Urrea’s money, Luke Devine’s money and power, and even his sworn enemy Naomi Templeton of the FBI, Evan has to come up with a new way of stopping the evil before more girls get hurt again.
Very little Nowhere Man in this chapter, more about Evan Smoak and his emotional growth as a human. Joey continues to grow up as well and opens up a whole new set of problems and issues. Mia and Peter have faded into the past, with only a brief interlude and a bittersweet farewell (for now?). Although there’s plenty of action and mayhem, this is a deeper and more introspective look at the violence that defines Evan and the effect on his life and those around him. When confronted with a genuinely good person, Evan has to ask himself if he is a good person as well, and maybe he doesn’t like the answer. Not sure if this is what I am looking for from this series, but hopefully the Nowhere Man plays a more active role as Evan continues to grow.
I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
November 24, 2025
I won a copy of this in a Goodreads giveaway - thanks!
I won’t say too much about the story. I will say that I think it may be time for the Nowhere Man to retire. There’s no real story anymore, it’s just a lot of violent episodes with a vigilante who comes to save the day. The energy in this book wasn’t even as good as we’re starting to see Evan’s “softer side” and honestly o just didn’t care. This book felt too sensationalized. I actually had a hard time reading it at all due to the plot. Let’s wrap this up and move on to something else.
I won’t say too much about the story. I will say that I think it may be time for the Nowhere Man to retire. There’s no real story anymore, it’s just a lot of violent episodes with a vigilante who comes to save the day. The energy in this book wasn’t even as good as we’re starting to see Evan’s “softer side” and honestly o just didn’t care. This book felt too sensationalized. I actually had a hard time reading it at all due to the plot. Let’s wrap this up and move on to something else.
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January 19, 2026In ANTIHERO Book #11 in the thrilling sequel to Gregg Hurwitz's acclaimed series featuring Evan Smoak (Orphan X), readers are plunged into a gripping narrative where Evan grapples with his most ethically complex mission to date.
Following the tumultuous events of "Nemesis," he finds himself tasked with aiding a young woman who has been kidnapped and assaulted. Uniquely, she implores him to spare her attackers' lives, compelling Evan to reconcile his lethal abilities with a newfound sense of mercy and a transformative commandment.
As he navigates profound grief and external dangers, this journey pushes him to confront his own humanity and the true cost of honoring promises.
About...
My thoughts...
Fans will delight!
In this gripping narrative, we follow Evan Smoak, the enigmatic former black ops assassin known as Orphan X. This time, he confronts a profound moral dilemma when a victim he seeks to assist implores him to set aside his typical approach of lethal retribution.
The plot unfolds with exhilarating action and unexpected twists, as Smoak navigates the treacherous journey of tracking down her attackers. Throughout this thrilling pursuit, he wrestles with his deep-seated instincts, striving to find the delicate balance between justice and mercy.
The main themes in ANTIHERO revolve around the complex interplay of justice and mercy, the nature of vengeance, and the protagonist's journey toward humanity and connection.
Evan lives by a strict code of commandments to protect the innocent. In ANTIHERO, his moral compass is stretched to the brink, leading to self-doubt as he is forced to operate outside his usual rules, testing the limits of his personal ethics and the redemption he seeks.
My favorite, Josephine "Joey" Morales, serves as the emotional anchor and primary technical support for Evan Smoak. Her presence is crucial to the novel's exploration of Evan's humanity. In Antihero, Joey is seen "spreading her wings," which triggers a new, foreign emotion for Evan: genuine worry for her safety.
The takeaway message of Gregg Hurwitz's clever ANTIHERO is that true justice does not always require lethal vengeance, and that extending mercy, even to the undeserving, can be a more profound act of humanity and strength than simple retribution.
The book challenges the traditional revenge narrative by forcing its antihero, Evan, to find alternative, non-lethal solutions. Redemption is a complex process that requires individuals to continually question and evolve their moral codes. Empathy, connection, and balancing the innate desire for justice with the capacity for mercy is a powerful, transformative journey.
The title ANTIHERO directly refers to the protagonist, Evan Smoak, and the central internal conflict he faces in the novel: challenging his violent nature and exploring the meaning of justice versus vengeance.
The audiobook experience is truly masterful, as always!
I recently had the distinct pleasure of not only reading the book but also immersing myself in the audiobook, masterfully narrated by the talented Scott Brick (a personal favorite). His exceptional voice brings the characters to life, drawing you into a world filled with high-stakes action, moral complexity, and the intricate dance between vengeance and mercy. This combination results in a highly entertaining and compelling listening experience. The collaboration between Gregg Hurwitz, the creator of Orphan X, and Scott Brick is a dynamic duo that fans simply cannot get enough of.
I highly recommend this series; please start from the beginning, as you won't want to miss a thing!
Special thanks to Minotaur Books, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for providing me with advanced reading and listening copies in exchange for my honest thoughts.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Feb 10, 2026
Following the tumultuous events of "Nemesis," he finds himself tasked with aiding a young woman who has been kidnapped and assaulted. Uniquely, she implores him to spare her attackers' lives, compelling Evan to reconcile his lethal abilities with a newfound sense of mercy and a transformative commandment.
As he navigates profound grief and external dangers, this journey pushes him to confront his own humanity and the true cost of honoring promises.
About...
The novel begins with Evan Smoak, who operates as the "Nowhere Man" helping the desperate, flying to the East Coast to aid Luke Devine, a powerful man experiencing a psychological crisis.
While on the East Coast, Evan learns of a young woman who was kidnapped, assaulted, and abandoned after being taken from a New York City subway.
Evan and his team, which includes fan-favorite tech expert Joey, track down the young men responsible for the woman's ordeal. However, the victim insists that Evan not kill her attackers, forcing him to find an alternative form of justice.
The core of the plot revolves around Evan's internal struggle to reconcile his past as a ruthless assassin with his developing humanity and the victim's demand for mercy. This mission pushes his moral compass and tests his ability to operate without using lethal force, all while facing threats from the powerful and wealthy individuals involved.
Ultimately, Evan must find a way to protect the innocent, avenge the victimized, and balance justice with a measure of mercy, resulting in a unique and emotionally impactful resolution that challenges his core beliefs. The ending provides a satisfying conclusion to this personal and conflicted mission.
My thoughts...
Fans will delight!
In this gripping narrative, we follow Evan Smoak, the enigmatic former black ops assassin known as Orphan X. This time, he confronts a profound moral dilemma when a victim he seeks to assist implores him to set aside his typical approach of lethal retribution.
The plot unfolds with exhilarating action and unexpected twists, as Smoak navigates the treacherous journey of tracking down her attackers. Throughout this thrilling pursuit, he wrestles with his deep-seated instincts, striving to find the delicate balance between justice and mercy.
The main themes in ANTIHERO revolve around the complex interplay of justice and mercy, the nature of vengeance, and the protagonist's journey toward humanity and connection.
Evan lives by a strict code of commandments to protect the innocent. In ANTIHERO, his moral compass is stretched to the brink, leading to self-doubt as he is forced to operate outside his usual rules, testing the limits of his personal ethics and the redemption he seeks.
My favorite, Josephine "Joey" Morales, serves as the emotional anchor and primary technical support for Evan Smoak. Her presence is crucial to the novel's exploration of Evan's humanity. In Antihero, Joey is seen "spreading her wings," which triggers a new, foreign emotion for Evan: genuine worry for her safety.
The takeaway message of Gregg Hurwitz's clever ANTIHERO is that true justice does not always require lethal vengeance, and that extending mercy, even to the undeserving, can be a more profound act of humanity and strength than simple retribution.
The book challenges the traditional revenge narrative by forcing its antihero, Evan, to find alternative, non-lethal solutions. Redemption is a complex process that requires individuals to continually question and evolve their moral codes. Empathy, connection, and balancing the innate desire for justice with the capacity for mercy is a powerful, transformative journey.
The title ANTIHERO directly refers to the protagonist, Evan Smoak, and the central internal conflict he faces in the novel: challenging his violent nature and exploring the meaning of justice versus vengeance.
The audiobook experience is truly masterful, as always!
I recently had the distinct pleasure of not only reading the book but also immersing myself in the audiobook, masterfully narrated by the talented Scott Brick (a personal favorite). His exceptional voice brings the characters to life, drawing you into a world filled with high-stakes action, moral complexity, and the intricate dance between vengeance and mercy. This combination results in a highly entertaining and compelling listening experience. The collaboration between Gregg Hurwitz, the creator of Orphan X, and Scott Brick is a dynamic duo that fans simply cannot get enough of.
I highly recommend this series; please start from the beginning, as you won't want to miss a thing!
Special thanks to Minotaur Books, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for providing me with advanced reading and listening copies in exchange for my honest thoughts.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Feb 10, 2026
September 15, 2025
X and Joey have quite the job this time. X will struggle more on this job to help and do what is right by his rules. He may get help from a few friends. Read this to see what is happening.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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October 19, 2025Oh my God you are going to make me wait till February 😭😭😭 to read it . I can’t wait to read it 🙏🏻👍🏻❤️ my 5 stars will come after I read the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Feb. 24, 2026
“Antihero” is book number eleven in the Orphan X series by Gregg Hurwitz. Right off the bat, I’ll say that it isn’t necessary to read all of the Orphan X books that precede this one in order to keep up, as “Antihero” was my first Orphan X experience and I was never lost or confused at any point. The background history of Orphan X is explained briefly, and most of the characters seem new to the plot, as the protagonist seeks revenge on their injustice. I’m sure reading all the novels of the series in order would provide more detail and historical information, but I went in blind and still enjoyed “Antihero”.
Evan Smoak has many names- Orphan X, “The Man with no Name”- but absolutely no history. Raised in numerous foster homes, Evan was trained to be an elite martial artist with exceptional weaponry skills becoming a black ops’ assassin for the U.S government. Now, Evan has broken free of the program and has gone underground, providing his skills on an as-needed basis, seeking revenge for those who can’t get it themselves. Which is how Evan ends up assisting a young woman who was assaulted on the subway, and ends up taking down an entire online sex ring operation.
“Antihero” is narrated by Evan, the tough-as-nails man who has grown up alone, with no friends or family to support him, violence being the only thing he knows. That, however, does not completely take the humanity out of Evan, as his relationships with his teenage hacker, and other knowledgeable partners, play an impact on Evan’s choices and decisions. It was nice to see a trained assassin who was not completely cold and separated from the world around him.
There are some trigger warnings for this book, including sexual assault and sex trafficking and the physical after-effects are described in some detail, but Hurwitz was respectful and honest in his depiction, making his client (and survivor) a bad-ass; strong, capable and completely relatable. That and Evan is able to seek revenge for her, which provides a satisfying ending to the tragedy.
As mentioned, I have not read any of the previous “Orphan X” books, but “Antihero” was dramatic, action-packed and emotional. Hurwitz created a likable protagonist with a saviour complex, who will endear himself to readers right away. “Antihero” is well-researched and believable, with a compassionate edge.
Expected publication date: Feb. 24, 2026
“Antihero” is book number eleven in the Orphan X series by Gregg Hurwitz. Right off the bat, I’ll say that it isn’t necessary to read all of the Orphan X books that precede this one in order to keep up, as “Antihero” was my first Orphan X experience and I was never lost or confused at any point. The background history of Orphan X is explained briefly, and most of the characters seem new to the plot, as the protagonist seeks revenge on their injustice. I’m sure reading all the novels of the series in order would provide more detail and historical information, but I went in blind and still enjoyed “Antihero”.
Evan Smoak has many names- Orphan X, “The Man with no Name”- but absolutely no history. Raised in numerous foster homes, Evan was trained to be an elite martial artist with exceptional weaponry skills becoming a black ops’ assassin for the U.S government. Now, Evan has broken free of the program and has gone underground, providing his skills on an as-needed basis, seeking revenge for those who can’t get it themselves. Which is how Evan ends up assisting a young woman who was assaulted on the subway, and ends up taking down an entire online sex ring operation.
“Antihero” is narrated by Evan, the tough-as-nails man who has grown up alone, with no friends or family to support him, violence being the only thing he knows. That, however, does not completely take the humanity out of Evan, as his relationships with his teenage hacker, and other knowledgeable partners, play an impact on Evan’s choices and decisions. It was nice to see a trained assassin who was not completely cold and separated from the world around him.
There are some trigger warnings for this book, including sexual assault and sex trafficking and the physical after-effects are described in some detail, but Hurwitz was respectful and honest in his depiction, making his client (and survivor) a bad-ass; strong, capable and completely relatable. That and Evan is able to seek revenge for her, which provides a satisfying ending to the tragedy.
As mentioned, I have not read any of the previous “Orphan X” books, but “Antihero” was dramatic, action-packed and emotional. Hurwitz created a likable protagonist with a saviour complex, who will endear himself to readers right away. “Antihero” is well-researched and believable, with a compassionate edge.
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