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Orphan X #12
Last Man Standing
Not yet published
Expected 9 Feb 27Evan Smoak, a.k.a., Orphan X, grapples with his most dangerous mission yet, the latest in the bestselling series.
Do you need my help?
Those five words are the first thing anyone hears when they dial the encrypted line of the man known only as the Nowhere Man.
For years Evan Smoak―once the government’s deadliest black-ops assassin, Orphan X―has answered that call. The number passes in whispers from one desperate soul to the next: people with nowhere else to turn, facing threats no one else can stop. He takes the job, he finishes it, he vanishes. No trace. No thanks. No mercy for those who deserve none.
But this life has carved deep grooves. Every mission costs him another piece of normalcy, another chance at a future. Now Evan stands at a turning point, weighing the toll of the impossible against the humanity he’s never known how to embrace. Then Brooke Hawthorne dials the number.
A young woman held captive, forced into a scheme so dark it nearly defies belief. The men guarding her are professionals; the operation behind them is worse. Getting Brooke out is only the beginning.
Because the moment Evan moves, he draws the eye of “Boz”―the cold, meticulous architect pulling every string. A man who has spent years building something monstrous, and who views the Nowhere Man as an unacceptable threat.
Boz does not tolerate threats.
To protect Brooke, to shield the handful of people he’s allowed himself to care about, and to preserve the thin line of justice he still believes in, Evan will have to do what he does best. Because when the Nowhere Man answers the call, there is no half-measure. There is only the mission.
And this time, the mission is everything.
Do you need my help?
Those five words are the first thing anyone hears when they dial the encrypted line of the man known only as the Nowhere Man.
For years Evan Smoak―once the government’s deadliest black-ops assassin, Orphan X―has answered that call. The number passes in whispers from one desperate soul to the next: people with nowhere else to turn, facing threats no one else can stop. He takes the job, he finishes it, he vanishes. No trace. No thanks. No mercy for those who deserve none.
But this life has carved deep grooves. Every mission costs him another piece of normalcy, another chance at a future. Now Evan stands at a turning point, weighing the toll of the impossible against the humanity he’s never known how to embrace. Then Brooke Hawthorne dials the number.
A young woman held captive, forced into a scheme so dark it nearly defies belief. The men guarding her are professionals; the operation behind them is worse. Getting Brooke out is only the beginning.
Because the moment Evan moves, he draws the eye of “Boz”―the cold, meticulous architect pulling every string. A man who has spent years building something monstrous, and who views the Nowhere Man as an unacceptable threat.
Boz does not tolerate threats.
To protect Brooke, to shield the handful of people he’s allowed himself to care about, and to preserve the thin line of justice he still believes in, Evan will have to do what he does best. Because when the Nowhere Man answers the call, there is no half-measure. There is only the mission.
And this time, the mission is everything.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 9, 2027
About the author
Gregg Hurwitz
294 books7,269 followersGREGG 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.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely love the Orphan X series, and Last Man Standing was another fantastic addition. I always look forward to the next book in this series, and Gregg Hurwitz continues to deliver the kind of fast-paced, intense thriller that makes it very hard to put down.
Evan Smoak is one of those characters I never get tired of following. He may be incredibly skilled and dangerous, but there is also a very human side to Evan that has become such an important part of the series. I especially enjoy seeing how much he has changed over the course of the books while still remaining the Nowhere Man we know and love.
The mission involving Brooke kept me hooked, and Boz made for a formidable and unsettling opponent. There is plenty of action, danger, and suspense, but there is also the character development and emotional depth that have made this series stand out for me.
At this point, I don't even need to know much about the plot before picking up an Orphan X book. If Evan Smoak is involved, I'm in. I just hope I don't have to wait too long for the next one!
Another great Orphan X read. Highly recommended for fans of the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
Evan Smoak is one of those characters I never get tired of following. He may be incredibly skilled and dangerous, but there is also a very human side to Evan that has become such an important part of the series. I especially enjoy seeing how much he has changed over the course of the books while still remaining the Nowhere Man we know and love.
The mission involving Brooke kept me hooked, and Boz made for a formidable and unsettling opponent. There is plenty of action, danger, and suspense, but there is also the character development and emotional depth that have made this series stand out for me.
At this point, I don't even need to know much about the plot before picking up an Orphan X book. If Evan Smoak is involved, I'm in. I just hope I don't have to wait too long for the next one!
Another great Orphan X read. Highly recommended for fans of the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
Read
August 16, 2026This entry in the series was fantastic! I love the character growth. All of the side characters make an appearance in this one as well. So much fun!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In Greg Hurwitz's Last Man Standing (Minotaur Books 2027), Evan Smoak, aka Orphan X, gets the phone call, as he does in all twelve books of the Orphan X series. This one from Brenda, a desperate person with nowhere to turn except a phone number given her by a stranger that will connect her to another stranger who will help her. But Brenda has no alternatives so calls Nowhere Man. What results turns out to be much bigger than freeing Brenda from being forced to prey on the emotions of good people, swindle them of their money by convincing them she is desperate. Nowhere Man extricates her from this job, but finds she is just one of many. If he doesn't destroy the program, innocent people will continue to be robbed. He can't back away. It's not who is is, at least, not anymore, so he doesn't.
The story is sad and desperate, and through it, Hurwitz begins to show the human side of Nowhere Man--how he reacts to this desperate client, how he sees another in the Orphan program as more than just a letter, how he dreams of having a real relationship with Mia. I guess that is my complaint. Hurwitz spends a lot of time on emotional backstory, developing atmosphere and the personal side of characters rather than the plot. That's important to a lot of readers, but not to me in this series, not at the expense of pacing and action. That's why I ranked it 4/5. For you, if you like character-driven, this may give you a solid and glowing 5/5.
The story is sad and desperate, and through it, Hurwitz begins to show the human side of Nowhere Man--how he reacts to this desperate client, how he sees another in the Orphan program as more than just a letter, how he dreams of having a real relationship with Mia. I guess that is my complaint. Hurwitz spends a lot of time on emotional backstory, developing atmosphere and the personal side of characters rather than the plot. That's important to a lot of readers, but not to me in this series, not at the expense of pacing and action. That's why I ranked it 4/5. For you, if you like character-driven, this may give you a solid and glowing 5/5.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Following Orphan X from his first adventure through this, his twelfth, has been an act of devilish delight. After all these years, the question remains irresistible: What will Evan Smoak be up to next? Last Man Standing rewards those of us who have accompanied Evan on his long and perilous journey, but Hurwitz also makes room for the newcomer encountering the legendary “Nowhere Man” for the first time.
When Evan’s RoamZone phone rings, he knows that somewhere, someone is desperate enough to have been given his number. This time the caller is a young woman being held captive as part of a particularly insidious criminal enterprise—one that preys not simply upon its victims’ money, but upon their loneliness, pain, and emotional vulnerabilities. The scheme reminded me of the recently published non-fiction Yahoo Boys, with its depiction of scammers manipulating strangers from afar. Here, however, the operation is controlled not by impoverished teenagers in Nigeria but by Boz, a repellent, cruel, and almost grotesquely memorable villain who has constructed an elaborate criminal enterprise that at times strains credulity. But Evan has never encountered a challenge from which he is inclined to retreat.
There is certainly no shortage of the ingenious plotting, suspense, violence, and breathtaking action that have become hallmarks of the Orphan X series. The second half in particular ratchets up the tension considerably—hang onto your seats. Yet what makes Last Man Standing especially compelling is that beneath the machinery of the thriller lies something far more intimate: a piercing examination of Evan’s continuing emotional evolution.
The man we first encountered twelve books ago was meticulously trained to survive by needing no one. Human connection was a liability; vulnerability was dangerous; emotion was something to master rather than experience. Over the course of the series, however, Hurwitz has slowly dismantled those defenses. Evan remains extraordinarily capable—almost preternaturally so—but increasingly his greatest challenges are not the enemies he can outfight or outthink. They are the people he has allowed himself to care about.
That transformation becomes especially apparent here. Evan draws upon characters from previous novels, and longtime readers will appreciate the added resonance that comes from knowing the history of these relationships. More significantly, he brings his assistant into the field for the first time. It may seem like a relatively small development amid all the mayhem, but emotionally it signals something profound: Evan is learning to trust, to depend upon others, and perhaps most difficult of all, to accept responsibility for people whose safety matters to him. The solitary Orphan is slowly constructing something that resembles a family.
Mia, too, plays a formidable role, although I confess that her characterization left me somewhat mystified. The emotional and physical nature of her relationship with Evan here seemed to me strikingly at odds with what had previously been established between them. Rather than feeling like the natural culmination of a carefully developed relationship, the change felt abrupt enough to pull me momentarily out of the story.
Still, it is precisely Evan’s growing capacity for intimacy that gives this series its remarkable staying power. Hurwitz could easily have allowed Orphan X to remain a brilliantly efficient killing machine moving from one spectacular mission to another. Instead, he has permitted his hero to change. With every novel, the armor cracks a little further. Evan is discovering that allowing other people into his life may require a kind of courage for which even the Orphan Program could never have trained him.
And therein lies the real suspense of Last Man Standing. We know Evan can confront killers. We know he can survive seemingly impossible odds. What we still do not know is whether the Nowhere Man can finally learn how to become simply a man—one capable of loving, trusting, belonging, and accepting all the vulnerability those things entail.
After twelve books, that emotional journey may be the most compelling adventure of all.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
When Evan’s RoamZone phone rings, he knows that somewhere, someone is desperate enough to have been given his number. This time the caller is a young woman being held captive as part of a particularly insidious criminal enterprise—one that preys not simply upon its victims’ money, but upon their loneliness, pain, and emotional vulnerabilities. The scheme reminded me of the recently published non-fiction Yahoo Boys, with its depiction of scammers manipulating strangers from afar. Here, however, the operation is controlled not by impoverished teenagers in Nigeria but by Boz, a repellent, cruel, and almost grotesquely memorable villain who has constructed an elaborate criminal enterprise that at times strains credulity. But Evan has never encountered a challenge from which he is inclined to retreat.
There is certainly no shortage of the ingenious plotting, suspense, violence, and breathtaking action that have become hallmarks of the Orphan X series. The second half in particular ratchets up the tension considerably—hang onto your seats. Yet what makes Last Man Standing especially compelling is that beneath the machinery of the thriller lies something far more intimate: a piercing examination of Evan’s continuing emotional evolution.
The man we first encountered twelve books ago was meticulously trained to survive by needing no one. Human connection was a liability; vulnerability was dangerous; emotion was something to master rather than experience. Over the course of the series, however, Hurwitz has slowly dismantled those defenses. Evan remains extraordinarily capable—almost preternaturally so—but increasingly his greatest challenges are not the enemies he can outfight or outthink. They are the people he has allowed himself to care about.
That transformation becomes especially apparent here. Evan draws upon characters from previous novels, and longtime readers will appreciate the added resonance that comes from knowing the history of these relationships. More significantly, he brings his assistant into the field for the first time. It may seem like a relatively small development amid all the mayhem, but emotionally it signals something profound: Evan is learning to trust, to depend upon others, and perhaps most difficult of all, to accept responsibility for people whose safety matters to him. The solitary Orphan is slowly constructing something that resembles a family.
Mia, too, plays a formidable role, although I confess that her characterization left me somewhat mystified. The emotional and physical nature of her relationship with Evan here seemed to me strikingly at odds with what had previously been established between them. Rather than feeling like the natural culmination of a carefully developed relationship, the change felt abrupt enough to pull me momentarily out of the story.
Still, it is precisely Evan’s growing capacity for intimacy that gives this series its remarkable staying power. Hurwitz could easily have allowed Orphan X to remain a brilliantly efficient killing machine moving from one spectacular mission to another. Instead, he has permitted his hero to change. With every novel, the armor cracks a little further. Evan is discovering that allowing other people into his life may require a kind of courage for which even the Orphan Program could never have trained him.
And therein lies the real suspense of Last Man Standing. We know Evan can confront killers. We know he can survive seemingly impossible odds. What we still do not know is whether the Nowhere Man can finally learn how to become simply a man—one capable of loving, trusting, belonging, and accepting all the vulnerability those things entail.
After twelve books, that emotional journey may be the most compelling adventure of all.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As always, I need to preface this by saying that I am a HUGE fan of this series and am especially fond of Evan Smoak (aka Orphan X or The Nowhere Man) as a character. He has undergone such a tremendous amount of growth since we first met him 12 books ago and it seems as if that growth is continuing to move him in a more “human” direction.
With that being said, this book (at least to me) seemed to lack some of the ingredients that has made every other book in this series so phenomenal. Instead of nonstop action and tension, there was action and philosophical musings…..a lot of philosophical musing. It felt like Evan was much more introspective, but in a way that didn’t feel as organic as it normally did.
I definitely have enjoyed Evan’s transition from lone operator to his now slow widening circle of people that he has allowed in. I LOVED it several books ago when we got to see Joey and Evan start to build the relationship that they have now - that was brilliant. For some reason though, THIS amount of growth felt a bit much. In this book, Evan partners with Mia, Candy (Orphan V), Joey, Luke Devine, Naomi Templeton, Aragon AND he has a dalliance with another contact/supplier Melinda that we met in previous books. That is A LOT. For a man known for going it alone, this marks a pretty significant change.
Speaking of Mia. One issue that I had was the inclusion of Mia for most of the book. If I remember correctly, after Mia’s surgery the two of them made a go of it but then Mia changed her mind and ended things. Now, when she knocks on his door, Evan invites her to go to New York with him - on a private plane - leaving immediately. The surprising thing was that she said yes. Not only does she travel with him on this new job and meet all of his super secret contacts, but she is involved and informed with everything that is going on (and it is a lot).
Mia. The woman whom Evan has tried religiously to keep his secret life a total secret from. The PROSECUTOR for the city. That Mia.
Don’t get me wrong. I have wanted the two of them to find a way to make it work forever. I LOVE Peter and love watching Evan’s interaction with the two of them. It has been heartbreaking at times seeing just how much Evan has secretly hoped for the family that he sees with them. But this radical change with Mia’s complete involvement with his less than legal actions……that had me struggling to understand it. It just didn’t FEEL right and that was where the disconnect happened.
So, yes, there were some new and different events in this book. BUT, to be fair, there was still a ton of drama, intrigue and action. The case that Evan finds himself involved with has to do with a young woman who was kidnapped and locked in a small room. She was then forced to work on a very intricate scam stealing money from gullible people. As Evan gets more involved, he realizes that this is only the tip of the iceberg and there are much bigger implications being developed that could be catastrophic.
While this was not my favorite book of the series, it was still an Orphan X book, and that made it wonderful. The flip side of Evan’s involvement with all of his friends was that we got to see them on page and that is always fun. I will now be patiently waiting (well, somewhat patiently) for the next book to see where things are going to go from here.
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 9, 2027.
With that being said, this book (at least to me) seemed to lack some of the ingredients that has made every other book in this series so phenomenal. Instead of nonstop action and tension, there was action and philosophical musings…..a lot of philosophical musing. It felt like Evan was much more introspective, but in a way that didn’t feel as organic as it normally did.
I definitely have enjoyed Evan’s transition from lone operator to his now slow widening circle of people that he has allowed in. I LOVED it several books ago when we got to see Joey and Evan start to build the relationship that they have now - that was brilliant. For some reason though, THIS amount of growth felt a bit much. In this book, Evan partners with Mia, Candy (Orphan V), Joey, Luke Devine, Naomi Templeton, Aragon AND he has a dalliance with another contact/supplier Melinda that we met in previous books. That is A LOT. For a man known for going it alone, this marks a pretty significant change.
Speaking of Mia. One issue that I had was the inclusion of Mia for most of the book. If I remember correctly, after Mia’s surgery the two of them made a go of it but then Mia changed her mind and ended things. Now, when she knocks on his door, Evan invites her to go to New York with him - on a private plane - leaving immediately. The surprising thing was that she said yes. Not only does she travel with him on this new job and meet all of his super secret contacts, but she is involved and informed with everything that is going on (and it is a lot).
Mia. The woman whom Evan has tried religiously to keep his secret life a total secret from. The PROSECUTOR for the city. That Mia.
Don’t get me wrong. I have wanted the two of them to find a way to make it work forever. I LOVE Peter and love watching Evan’s interaction with the two of them. It has been heartbreaking at times seeing just how much Evan has secretly hoped for the family that he sees with them. But this radical change with Mia’s complete involvement with his less than legal actions……that had me struggling to understand it. It just didn’t FEEL right and that was where the disconnect happened.
So, yes, there were some new and different events in this book. BUT, to be fair, there was still a ton of drama, intrigue and action. The case that Evan finds himself involved with has to do with a young woman who was kidnapped and locked in a small room. She was then forced to work on a very intricate scam stealing money from gullible people. As Evan gets more involved, he realizes that this is only the tip of the iceberg and there are much bigger implications being developed that could be catastrophic.
While this was not my favorite book of the series, it was still an Orphan X book, and that made it wonderful. The flip side of Evan’s involvement with all of his friends was that we got to see them on page and that is always fun. I will now be patiently waiting (well, somewhat patiently) for the next book to see where things are going to go from here.
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 9, 2027.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Orphan X is back! “Last Man Standing”, by Gregg Hurwitz, is the twelfth 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.
This time the call comes from a frightened young woman named Brooke, captured and forced to scam people out of their money, using AI to prey on their weaknesses and tailor their scam to each individual target. Trapped in an apartment complex with other women, she manages to get a burner cellphone and call the Nowhere Man as a last hope.
Attacking the guards and rescuing the women in this building isn’t the hardest part, for Evan soon discovers that this apartment building isn’t an isolated outpost, it’s part of a darker conspiracy run by the corpulent mastermind “Boz”, who has an even darker and more sinister plan brewing out in the Mexican desert. Calling on all of his friends and allies, can Evan stop the plan before it is unleashed on the unsuspecting world?
This chapter of the series is a lot more about emotional growth, and Evan moving from being a lone operator to depending on his friends and family(?). From the outset, he brings Joey along on the mission, something he has avoided religiously in the past. And yes, he calls on Candy (Orphan V), billionaire Luke Devine, FBI agent Naomi Templeton, and Aragon the ex-drug kingpin to all help in their own special ways.
But even more surprising, he invites Mia to come along, and that to me is the most shocking development of this book – it was VERY clear in the last book that Mia wanted no part of his life, and now she jumps into a plane and follows Evan across the country? Evan’s emotional growth is hard to swallow, but this 180-degree turn by Mia is absolutely mind-boggling and hard to swallow.
So, overall a mediocre outing this time. The villain was a stock bad guy, the action scenes were few, the ending was underwhelming. As I have said in a previous review, one does not read an Orphan X book hoping to focus on personal growth, and maybe this series is moving away from what made it unique in the past. We’ll see what happens next.
I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
This time the call comes from a frightened young woman named Brooke, captured and forced to scam people out of their money, using AI to prey on their weaknesses and tailor their scam to each individual target. Trapped in an apartment complex with other women, she manages to get a burner cellphone and call the Nowhere Man as a last hope.
Attacking the guards and rescuing the women in this building isn’t the hardest part, for Evan soon discovers that this apartment building isn’t an isolated outpost, it’s part of a darker conspiracy run by the corpulent mastermind “Boz”, who has an even darker and more sinister plan brewing out in the Mexican desert. Calling on all of his friends and allies, can Evan stop the plan before it is unleashed on the unsuspecting world?
This chapter of the series is a lot more about emotional growth, and Evan moving from being a lone operator to depending on his friends and family(?). From the outset, he brings Joey along on the mission, something he has avoided religiously in the past. And yes, he calls on Candy (Orphan V), billionaire Luke Devine, FBI agent Naomi Templeton, and Aragon the ex-drug kingpin to all help in their own special ways.
But even more surprising, he invites Mia to come along, and that to me is the most shocking development of this book – it was VERY clear in the last book that Mia wanted no part of his life, and now she jumps into a plane and follows Evan across the country? Evan’s emotional growth is hard to swallow, but this 180-degree turn by Mia is absolutely mind-boggling and hard to swallow.
So, overall a mediocre outing this time. The villain was a stock bad guy, the action scenes were few, the ending was underwhelming. As I have said in a previous review, one does not read an Orphan X book hoping to focus on personal growth, and maybe this series is moving away from what made it unique in the past. We’ll see what happens next.
I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Last Man Standing is the twelfth entry in the consistently excellent Orphan X series. All the books have a similar format: someone in need of help calls the phone of The Nowhere Man, Evan investigates while new readers are filled in on his background and continual readers see his human relationships slowly evolve, and ultimately there is a violent showdown with the bad guy(s).
As the series has gone on for more than a decade the nature of the crimes have changed to stay current: the plot of the last book involved the internet, and in this one the criminals utilize AI. My main issue with Last Man Standing (without giving too much away) is that it was not really clear to me what horrible thing Evan was trying to stop. Gregg Hurwitz does do bad guys really, really well though, and the stinky bad guy in this one is a great character.
This book is one of the longer ones in the series, and more space is given to Evan's personal development and relationships (though there is plenty of action). Long time readers will be rewarded to see the return of many familiar characters. Because of this, thriller fans who are not already Evan Smoak followers should not start here.
Overall I enjoyed this book (though the hugs to gunshots ratio may seem a bit out of whack to readers who favor action) and look forward to reading about who will call The Nowhere Man next.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an egalley of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
As the series has gone on for more than a decade the nature of the crimes have changed to stay current: the plot of the last book involved the internet, and in this one the criminals utilize AI. My main issue with Last Man Standing (without giving too much away) is that it was not really clear to me what horrible thing Evan was trying to stop. Gregg Hurwitz does do bad guys really, really well though, and the stinky bad guy in this one is a great character.
This book is one of the longer ones in the series, and more space is given to Evan's personal development and relationships (though there is plenty of action). Long time readers will be rewarded to see the return of many familiar characters. Because of this, thriller fans who are not already Evan Smoak followers should not start here.
Overall I enjoyed this book (though the hugs to gunshots ratio may seem a bit out of whack to readers who favor action) and look forward to reading about who will call The Nowhere Man next.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an egalley of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of “Last Man Standing”.
One of the true great mysteries is how the Orphan X series has not yet been adapted into a movie or streaming series. For many years now, this has been the best thriller series going, and the latest (12th) installment, “Last Man Standing”, is no exception.
This time around, Evan Smoak receives a call from a young woman named Brooke, who is being held captive on Long Island. After rescuing her, he quickly learns that this is only one tentacle of an expansive and terrifying criminal operation, headed by the sociopathic “Boz”. To bring down this evil enterprise, Evan has to enlist the support of all of people that make up his small circle of confidants, including.his sidekick Joey, on again/off again romantic interest Mia, frenemy Luke Devine, fellow Orphan Candy, and Aragon, one of his few true friends.
As always, the action is intense, pacing excellent, and characters very well-developed. There is also the usual superb balance between the “mission” scenes, and the hilarious “fish out of water” scenes where Evan tries to navigate social situations that are well outside of his comfort zone.
Overall, another excellent entry into the series. Highly recommended reading for anyone looking for a Jason Bourne/Jack Reacher type of entertainment experience.
4.5 stars (rounded up to 5).
One of the true great mysteries is how the Orphan X series has not yet been adapted into a movie or streaming series. For many years now, this has been the best thriller series going, and the latest (12th) installment, “Last Man Standing”, is no exception.
This time around, Evan Smoak receives a call from a young woman named Brooke, who is being held captive on Long Island. After rescuing her, he quickly learns that this is only one tentacle of an expansive and terrifying criminal operation, headed by the sociopathic “Boz”. To bring down this evil enterprise, Evan has to enlist the support of all of people that make up his small circle of confidants, including.his sidekick Joey, on again/off again romantic interest Mia, frenemy Luke Devine, fellow Orphan Candy, and Aragon, one of his few true friends.
As always, the action is intense, pacing excellent, and characters very well-developed. There is also the usual superb balance between the “mission” scenes, and the hilarious “fish out of water” scenes where Evan tries to navigate social situations that are well outside of his comfort zone.
Overall, another excellent entry into the series. Highly recommended reading for anyone looking for a Jason Bourne/Jack Reacher type of entertainment experience.
4.5 stars (rounded up to 5).
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Last Man Standing is the latest Orphan X thriller that explores the depths of human depravity.
Evan Smoak, aka, Orphan X and the Nowhere Man, receives a call on his RoamZone. In typical fashion, he answers with his "Do you need my help?"
What comes next is a cross country trip to rescue Brooke Hawthorne, a young women, trapped in a building, forced to defraud people around the country.
Using resources and can they now be called friends? Evan rescues Brooke and finds a system that is exploiting young women and stealing millions of dollars.
This is a classic Orphan X novel, with a greater conspiracy being unveiled as he helps those who call him. Not able to stand by, Evan dives in with both feet to help everyone he can, and destroy everything and everyone involved.
What began in past novels, continues in this one. Evan is forced to rely on others help throughout. Even more so than in the past. We see Joey accompanying Evan again on trips along with others that will surprise every Orphan X fan.
We see a new side of Evan. One willing to actually bush his personal boundaries, open his borders and allow help and even acknowledge his limitations.
Because of this, we see Evan in a new light. It is welcoming to read. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It was hard to put down, has plenty of action, surprises and even moments of despair.
Highly entertaining.
Evan Smoak, aka, Orphan X and the Nowhere Man, receives a call on his RoamZone. In typical fashion, he answers with his "Do you need my help?"
What comes next is a cross country trip to rescue Brooke Hawthorne, a young women, trapped in a building, forced to defraud people around the country.
Using resources and can they now be called friends? Evan rescues Brooke and finds a system that is exploiting young women and stealing millions of dollars.
This is a classic Orphan X novel, with a greater conspiracy being unveiled as he helps those who call him. Not able to stand by, Evan dives in with both feet to help everyone he can, and destroy everything and everyone involved.
What began in past novels, continues in this one. Evan is forced to rely on others help throughout. Even more so than in the past. We see Joey accompanying Evan again on trips along with others that will surprise every Orphan X fan.
We see a new side of Evan. One willing to actually bush his personal boundaries, open his borders and allow help and even acknowledge his limitations.
Because of this, we see Evan in a new light. It is welcoming to read. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It was hard to put down, has plenty of action, surprises and even moments of despair.
Highly entertaining.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Orphan X series is one of my favorites and admittedly, I have read some of the books more than once. Our main character, Evan Smoak, aka The Nowhere Man or Orphan X, now has a sterling reputation amongst the nefarious dudes most likely to encounter him as they pillage the world at large and threaten innocents. The Nowhere man seeks to rescue the innocent and correct the injustices perpetrated upon them. While he began this effort as a loner, he has accumulated relationships, often against his will. He was trained as a lone assassin and never developed social skills. Learning to embrace social niceties rather than just kill someone is an upward climb for him; yet he persists. And that really has become the plot of his later adventures, regardless of the menaces he tries to wipe out. LAST MAN STANDING has only a medium-interesting bad guy with a plan to overtake the world, but Evan’s growth and relationship building is wonderful. This book is best read as part of a series. Another fun and exciting book from author Hurwitz. I received my copy from the publisher though Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Evan Smoak is Orphan X. He handles problems for people. All they have to do is call the Nowhere Man and he shows up. Evan has been around for several short stories and “Last Man Standing” is his twelfth appearance headlining a novel.
And it is glorious.
Sure, there is violence and bad situations, but Hurwitz brings the sarcasm along with impossible situations that no one can or should survive. Well, unless you are Orphan X.
Each of these novels just keeps adding to the fun. Now, don’t take it that all of the situations are lighthearted. Nope. And that is part of the brilliance of Gregg Hurwitz. There is so much life and heart in all of his writings. He brings the fun, but he pulls at the heart strings at times.
This is another great adventure from a brilliant writer. If you have never read one of these books, you can jump in at any time and catch up later. Whatever you do, don’t you dare miss out.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
And it is glorious.
Sure, there is violence and bad situations, but Hurwitz brings the sarcasm along with impossible situations that no one can or should survive. Well, unless you are Orphan X.
Each of these novels just keeps adding to the fun. Now, don’t take it that all of the situations are lighthearted. Nope. And that is part of the brilliance of Gregg Hurwitz. There is so much life and heart in all of his writings. He brings the fun, but he pulls at the heart strings at times.
This is another great adventure from a brilliant writer. If you have never read one of these books, you can jump in at any time and catch up later. Whatever you do, don’t you dare miss out.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy!
Okay, okay, so this series will always be my favourite. Evan has to be one of my favourite characters ever. Throughout the books, he has evolved so much. Sometimes I do have to say, though, how far is too far?
As we go along, it doesn't really feel like the Nowhere Man anymore. I really do like the evolution, but I miss the old Evan sometimes.
I had struggles getting through the last two books, so I was kinda nervous to read this one. To my surprise, I ended up loving it. The ending worked very well in my opinion. It had some heartbreaking moments and some really funny moments as well. All well timed. Mia will always be my favourite character ever. I'm so glad she's back, even if it didn't make sense with the last book. Maybe there could have been more turmoil with her decision. Still, I hope to see her more in the future. If anything happens to her or Joey, I will be very upset haha.
I definitely will be reading the next books. I can't wait to see how Evan evolves with his next mission!
Okay, okay, so this series will always be my favourite. Evan has to be one of my favourite characters ever. Throughout the books, he has evolved so much. Sometimes I do have to say, though, how far is too far?
As we go along, it doesn't really feel like the Nowhere Man anymore. I really do like the evolution, but I miss the old Evan sometimes.
I had struggles getting through the last two books, so I was kinda nervous to read this one. To my surprise, I ended up loving it. The ending worked very well in my opinion. It had some heartbreaking moments and some really funny moments as well. All well timed. Mia will always be my favourite character ever. I'm so glad she's back, even if it didn't make sense with the last book. Maybe there could have been more turmoil with her decision. Still, I hope to see her more in the future. If anything happens to her or Joey, I will be very upset haha.
I definitely will be reading the next books. I can't wait to see how Evan evolves with his next mission!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another great book from Gregg Hurwitz! The Nowhere Man is back in great form, and continues his journey to learn to be human.
As usual with the Nowhere Man, the story begins with a phone call on the RoamPhone. A young woman is trapped in a scheme so horrific that death is a better alternative. The Nowhere Man answers the phone and thus begins his journey into hell..
I loved this book! I particularly love how Evan is working on retaining (and finding) his human-ness, as his mentor had told him to do. This book has the usual cast of characters - Joey, Mia and more - and particularly heinous villains. I love how Gregg Hurwitz describes things from Evan’s process for choosing just the right vodka, to how things make him feel (emotionally and physically) to what’s going on his head while he’s going after bad guys. It’s as if you are there in his head. I couldn’t put it down, and when I finished I wanted to read the next book ( which I am sure hasn’t been written yet). A really great read!
As usual with the Nowhere Man, the story begins with a phone call on the RoamPhone. A young woman is trapped in a scheme so horrific that death is a better alternative. The Nowhere Man answers the phone and thus begins his journey into hell..
I loved this book! I particularly love how Evan is working on retaining (and finding) his human-ness, as his mentor had told him to do. This book has the usual cast of characters - Joey, Mia and more - and particularly heinous villains. I love how Gregg Hurwitz describes things from Evan’s process for choosing just the right vodka, to how things make him feel (emotionally and physically) to what’s going on his head while he’s going after bad guys. It’s as if you are there in his head. I couldn’t put it down, and when I finished I wanted to read the next book ( which I am sure hasn’t been written yet). A really great read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the 12th book in the series and is by far the weakest of the group in my opinion. Over the course of the series the author has moved Evan Smoak (Orphan X) to slowly become more human and more prone to making mistakes. This book makes some major leaps out with his connection to some of the other ongoing characters that are hard to believe based on his past relationships with these people. This book bogs down badly in spots where the earlier books in the series were fast paced and engaging. Perhaps the author is trying to appeal to a wider audience, but it misses the boat for me (I wavered between 2 and 3 stars for the rating and decided to give the benefit of the doubt that he will rebound with the next one).
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Gregg Hurwitz develops Orphan X even more in this new novel by not only making his "niece/daughter" Joey operational, but by expanding his relationship with Mia. Not only do they discuss his "Nowhere Man" job, but he actually brings her along on the job. I really think Hurwitz does a good job of teaching Evan how to keep his humanity as well as learn more about what this means.
This definitely was a dark mission for him, but then again, the world itself is becoming dark. In keeping with the humanity theme, we see Evan using mediation and compromise as he continues to work with Naomi Templeton...aka the law. He uses violence only when needed in order to keep promises to Naomi and Mia. In doing this, he learns there are other ways that he can help and still solve the issue.
Finally, Hurwitz delves more into Joey as we see her desire to fit in, yet the difficulty because of her past. It is really great to see a character developed and changed in this manner.
This definitely was a dark mission for him, but then again, the world itself is becoming dark. In keeping with the humanity theme, we see Evan using mediation and compromise as he continues to work with Naomi Templeton...aka the law. He uses violence only when needed in order to keep promises to Naomi and Mia. In doing this, he learns there are other ways that he can help and still solve the issue.
Finally, Hurwitz delves more into Joey as we see her desire to fit in, yet the difficulty because of her past. It is really great to see a character developed and changed in this manner.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am really a fan of how Evan has been finding his human side in the last few books. Last Man Standing sees him evolve even more when he goes a long way from being the lone operator The Nowhere Man started out as. I know some people may not like this because "that's not the Nowhere Man," but for me, I'm loving the change. I think we're due for a book where something happens, maybe, that throws a wrench into his newfound "normalcy" though. I can see Mr. Hurwitz going many different ways with this. Any way he chooses, I'm here for it!
As for this book, it was a great story and I like how Evan's whole support system works together to help him accomplish his goal. It's also good to see that even at less than 100% Evan will always be The Nowhere Man.
Thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for this ARC! #netgalley #lastmanstanding
As for this book, it was a great story and I like how Evan's whole support system works together to help him accomplish his goal. It's also good to see that even at less than 100% Evan will always be The Nowhere Man.
Thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for this ARC! #netgalley #lastmanstanding
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a free ARC ebook of Last Man Standing from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Ah, Evan Smoak, how far you have come. This thrilling tale once again establishes Hurwitz as a wonderful writer. All of the Orphan X titles have danger and vodka, but this one provides Evan, the Nowhere Man, the opportunity to be part of a team. What once Evan thought to be unnecessary and distracting, turns out to be his strength and grit. As always, there are times Evan appears to be in a hopeless, impossible situation.
If you need something new to keep you up at night, then Hurwitz's tale of artificial intelligence in the hands of evil personified will make a great night's sleep a thing of the past.
Ah, Evan Smoak, how far you have come. This thrilling tale once again establishes Hurwitz as a wonderful writer. All of the Orphan X titles have danger and vodka, but this one provides Evan, the Nowhere Man, the opportunity to be part of a team. What once Evan thought to be unnecessary and distracting, turns out to be his strength and grit. As always, there are times Evan appears to be in a hopeless, impossible situation.
If you need something new to keep you up at night, then Hurwitz's tale of artificial intelligence in the hands of evil personified will make a great night's sleep a thing of the past.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Explosive and intense with plenty of heart, Last Man Standing is a propulsive thriller that keeps you in suspense and fill you with equal amounts of dread and hope. With this much-anticipated twelfth installment, Gregg Hurwitz raises the bar and once again proves why the Orphan X series stands among the very best in the thriller genre.
It’s another brilliant thriller knocked way out of the park by the masterful Gregg Hurwitz. A tape measure shot that long-time fans will drool over and newcomers to the series will marvel at, wondering how they have lived this long without Evan Smoak in their lives.
Explosive and intense with plenty of heart, Last Man Standing is a propulsive thriller that keeps you in suspense and fill you with equal amounts of dread and hope. With this much-anticipated twelfth installment, Gregg Hurwitz raises the bar and once again proves why the Orphan X series stands among the very best in the thriller genre.
It’s another brilliant thriller knocked way out of the park by the masterful Gregg Hurwitz. A tape measure shot that long-time fans will drool over and newcomers to the series will marvel at, wondering how they have lived this long without Evan Smoak in their lives.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Having been with Orphan X since the beginning, I've seen the machine like assassin with very sharp and defined edges trying to fit into society. It's been difficult and a long trek, but he has arrived in his 12th mission. Many of his previous missions were also clear cut objectives with clear cut rules. This latest mission however, mixes things up. It's a techno novel about AI, a love story, it's Batman and Robin (with help from Alfred AKA Devine) versus Clay face, it's a memorial about lost relationships. But mostly it's about becoming human. All the Orphan X characters are present, though some are just memories. A wild ride that will not disappoint.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy.
Last Man Standing brings back Orphan X and this series is always one of my favorites. Evan continues his evolution toward being part of a community and navigating the complexities of life — while he’ll still beat up the bad guys, he’s shifting more toward working as part of a team.
My absolute favorite books of the series might be behind me when Evan just brute forced his way through the bad guys, but the evolution over the past few books is still great and keeps me coming back.
An easy recommendation for Orphan X fans, and if you haven’t started the series yet, now is a great time.
Last Man Standing brings back Orphan X and this series is always one of my favorites. Evan continues his evolution toward being part of a community and navigating the complexities of life — while he’ll still beat up the bad guys, he’s shifting more toward working as part of a team.
My absolute favorite books of the series might be behind me when Evan just brute forced his way through the bad guys, but the evolution over the past few books is still great and keeps me coming back.
An easy recommendation for Orphan X fans, and if you haven’t started the series yet, now is a great time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC of the Orphan X series. Hurwitz writes another intense thriller with Orphan X continuing to slowly grapple with his emotions and social skills. In this novel Hurwitz explores current technology and its use by the massive scam and human slavery business while building Orphan X's struggles with how to mesh his skills as an assassin with his growing social connections with people. This novel is well written with good pacing, bringing together characters from previous books into Orphan X's current experience of rescuing someone while not simply killing everyone in the way.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was, as always, excited to read the next installment of the Orphan X Series, and it did not disappoint! Evan is continuing to move forward in his evolution from machine to human, and I, for one, like it. In this book, Evan is forced to rely on his outside friends and contacts, rather than go it alone. That doesn't mean he isn't still X, but he is transitioning into a more complete person. I can't wait to read the next exciting chapter of his story.
4-1/2 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read it and give my honest opinion on this book.
4-1/2 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read it and give my honest opinion on this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
With each new story, the Nowhere Man becomes more humanized, but still takes the call and asks “Do You Need My Help?” This time around it is a young woman who is forced into make scam calls to collect money for “Boz” one mean MF. Releasing her and others starts an avalanche of problems and with the help of some people (including one in the FBI), he takes down Boz and his empire. This one involves some crazy computer, AI stuff that blew my mind. Evan Smoak (The Nowhere Man) is still one of my favorite characters to read, but this story was not one of his better ones.
August 17, 2026
Any Orphan X new release is an instant must read. Gregg Hurwitz always knocks it out of the park. What I loved about this era in the Orphan X book is we get more of their “humanity” amidst their chaos. Overall well written and if i didn’t have patience, could have finished this in a day.
I received a free advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is a combination of Evan's brawn and brain and I found it just as fascinating as his taken no prisoners all physical books. He will have to use everything at his disposal to win the day this time. Can he fight and win with just his brain, or part of it?
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press Minotaur Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
Evan is back fighting the bad guys with the help of his crew. His emotional growth continues and there were some very tender moments.
4.5 stars
Evan is back fighting the bad guys with the help of his crew. His emotional growth continues and there were some very tender moments.
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