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Orphan X #1
Orphan X
Who is Orphan X?
The Nowhere Man is a legendary figure spoken about only in whispers. It’s said that when he’s reached by the truly desperate and deserving, the Nowhere Man can and will do anything to protect and save them. But he’s not merely a legend.
Evan Smoak is a man with skills, resources, and a personal mission to help those with nowhere else to turn. He’s also a man with a dangerous past. Chosen as a child, he was raised and trained as an Orphan, an off-the-books black box program designed to create the perfect deniable intelligence asset: An assassin. Evan was Orphan X—until he broke with the program and used everything he learned to disappear. But now someone is on his tail. Someone with similar skills and training who will exploit Evan’s secret new identity as the Nowhere Man to eliminate him.
The Nowhere Man is a legendary figure spoken about only in whispers. It’s said that when he’s reached by the truly desperate and deserving, the Nowhere Man can and will do anything to protect and save them. But he’s not merely a legend.
Evan Smoak is a man with skills, resources, and a personal mission to help those with nowhere else to turn. He’s also a man with a dangerous past. Chosen as a child, he was raised and trained as an Orphan, an off-the-books black box program designed to create the perfect deniable intelligence asset: An assassin. Evan was Orphan X—until he broke with the program and used everything he learned to disappear. But now someone is on his tail. Someone with similar skills and training who will exploit Evan’s secret new identity as the Nowhere Man to eliminate him.
480 pages, Paperback
First published January 19, 2016
5768 people are currently reading
37910 people want to read
About the author
Gregg Hurwitz
304 books6,861 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 5,078 reviews
February 22, 2023
Orphan X (Book 1)
Gregg Hurwitz (Author), Scott Brick (Narrator)
Evan Smoak may look unremarkable, just an ordinary man that wouldn't attract attention, but there is nothing ordinary about him. From the time he was "adopted" by Jack when he was twelve, he's been trained as an assassin, trained to accept that he will always be alone, that he has a single purpose, and that he must always follow the rules that Jack laid out to him.
Jack's been gone for awhile and Evan has gone rogue from the organization that gave him his orders and expected nothing but obedience. Now, Evan is still an assassin but he's moved to a higher moral ground, one where knows for sure that the people he eliminates really deserve to be eliminated. Or that is the way it was until it wasn't any longer.
His funds are limitless and so are his resources. He takes only one job at a time and sees it to the end before he starts another one. But now a wrench has been thrown into his carefully designed way of doing things. He's been found out and someone is out to kill him and they hurt innocent people to get to him. I made it through this action packed book and the epilogue has me wanting to get to the next one as soon as I can.
*** Four weeks ago I listened to Scott Brick narrate The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry and there were times when I was listening to this book that my brain wanted to see A.J. as Evan, which didn't really work very well but it did give this story a kind of Twilight Zone effect.
Published Jan 19, 2016
This was a Kindle Unlimited audiobook.
Gregg Hurwitz (Author), Scott Brick (Narrator)
Evan Smoak may look unremarkable, just an ordinary man that wouldn't attract attention, but there is nothing ordinary about him. From the time he was "adopted" by Jack when he was twelve, he's been trained as an assassin, trained to accept that he will always be alone, that he has a single purpose, and that he must always follow the rules that Jack laid out to him.
Jack's been gone for awhile and Evan has gone rogue from the organization that gave him his orders and expected nothing but obedience. Now, Evan is still an assassin but he's moved to a higher moral ground, one where knows for sure that the people he eliminates really deserve to be eliminated. Or that is the way it was until it wasn't any longer.
His funds are limitless and so are his resources. He takes only one job at a time and sees it to the end before he starts another one. But now a wrench has been thrown into his carefully designed way of doing things. He's been found out and someone is out to kill him and they hurt innocent people to get to him. I made it through this action packed book and the epilogue has me wanting to get to the next one as soon as I can.
*** Four weeks ago I listened to Scott Brick narrate The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry and there were times when I was listening to this book that my brain wanted to see A.J. as Evan, which didn't really work very well but it did give this story a kind of Twilight Zone effect.
Published Jan 19, 2016
This was a Kindle Unlimited audiobook.
November 7, 2018
For the first 100 or so pages I was seriously debating giving up on this book. I found Evan Smoak pretentious with his drinking only vodka that has been made from four varieties of French wheat and distilled nine times, micro oxygenated and charcoal-filtered. Really! On page 33 when he tops his delicately seared ahi steak with a garnish of parsley I went back to read the reviews and found many, many people raving about the book and giving it five stars. They couldn't all be wrong so I ploughed on.
And it did get better. Once some action started the book became readable and by the end it was actually good. So good that on the high of the final pages I nearly gave it 4 stars. But then I remembered the vodka and gave it 3.
Despite all this I will have to read the next one - I have to find out what happens!!!
Edit 27/1/18 Although I still stand by my comments about this book I have now read book 2 which is absolutely brilliant. I gave it 5 stars and am about to move on to book 3:)
And it did get better. Once some action started the book became readable and by the end it was actually good. So good that on the high of the final pages I nearly gave it 4 stars. But then I remembered the vodka and gave it 3.
Despite all this I will have to read the next one - I have to find out what happens!!!
Edit 27/1/18 Although I still stand by my comments about this book I have now read book 2 which is absolutely brilliant. I gave it 5 stars and am about to move on to book 3:)
December 18, 2020
5 HUGE Stars! Believe the hype on this one!!! Orphan X is phenomenal! This is a crazy fast paced thriller! The story grabbed me from the very start and never let go!
Evan Smoak is taken out of a bad life in Baltimore at the young age of 12 and he is taken to DC where he is trained in a secret Government program to be an assassin. He is mentored by a man named Jack, who becomes a father figure to him. When this program is disbanded, Evan moves to California where he chooses to use these skills and the financial resources he is given to do good. Evan follows a series of commandments that he has learned from Jack to do these missions to help people who have no one else to turn to.
This novel will keep you guessing and make your heart pound! It twists and turns and boy is it fun! I must admit I had a crush on Evan midway through!
This is supposedly going to be made into a movie. The word out is that Bradley Cooper will be starring and producing. I would truly love to see him in the role of Evan! Check out this article: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat...
I listened to the audio. Scott Brick did a fantastic job narrating! He gets 10 Stars!!!
Very Highly Recommended for thriller/spy/action lovers!
Evan Smoak is taken out of a bad life in Baltimore at the young age of 12 and he is taken to DC where he is trained in a secret Government program to be an assassin. He is mentored by a man named Jack, who becomes a father figure to him. When this program is disbanded, Evan moves to California where he chooses to use these skills and the financial resources he is given to do good. Evan follows a series of commandments that he has learned from Jack to do these missions to help people who have no one else to turn to.
This novel will keep you guessing and make your heart pound! It twists and turns and boy is it fun! I must admit I had a crush on Evan midway through!
This is supposedly going to be made into a movie. The word out is that Bradley Cooper will be starring and producing. I would truly love to see him in the role of Evan! Check out this article: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat...
I listened to the audio. Scott Brick did a fantastic job narrating! He gets 10 Stars!!!
Very Highly Recommended for thriller/spy/action lovers!
September 5, 2020
Sleek, Shiny, and Explosive!
Orphan X is an action-packed thriller about a former government assassin turned do-gooder assassin who becomes the target in another assassin’s end game.
Evan Smoak is a former assassin with a heart of gold. Once part of The Orphan program, an elite, secretive government run assassin training program, the former cold-blooded killer now uses his skills to help those in need. But when he receives a suspicious request for help, he pushes his instincts aside leading him into the hands of the enemy. Now he must fight for his life.
When I first started reading this, the thought that “I wasn’t cool enough to be reading this book kept running through my head.” In Orphan X, Hurwitz creates a sleek world with sleek characters. Everything from Evan’s apartment to his weapons, to his beloved vodka, was sleek, shiny, and out of the norm, which was a little off putting at first. But I quickly realized that Evan's character was out of the norm, which I found refreshing and intriguing. Even though he detailed descriptions of technology and fighting styles went over my head, I quickly warmed to Evan and decided to keep plugging away.
Hurwitz is successful in humanizing Evan’s character. This element shines through in Evan’s interactions with children and some other characters who play prominent roles in this story. Ultimately, these moments are what warmed my heart and made me root for him and wade through the many pages of the fight and chase scenes. I especially loved Evan's relationship with Peter.
The plot is a little convoluted and one must suspend their disbelief to fully enjoy. I had no problem doing this.
This is a tense, fast-paced read that kept me riveted. I can't wait to see where Evan Smoak's next mission takes him.
Orphan X is an action-packed thriller about a former government assassin turned do-gooder assassin who becomes the target in another assassin’s end game.
Evan Smoak is a former assassin with a heart of gold. Once part of The Orphan program, an elite, secretive government run assassin training program, the former cold-blooded killer now uses his skills to help those in need. But when he receives a suspicious request for help, he pushes his instincts aside leading him into the hands of the enemy. Now he must fight for his life.
When I first started reading this, the thought that “I wasn’t cool enough to be reading this book kept running through my head.” In Orphan X, Hurwitz creates a sleek world with sleek characters. Everything from Evan’s apartment to his weapons, to his beloved vodka, was sleek, shiny, and out of the norm, which was a little off putting at first. But I quickly realized that Evan's character was out of the norm, which I found refreshing and intriguing. Even though he detailed descriptions of technology and fighting styles went over my head, I quickly warmed to Evan and decided to keep plugging away.
Hurwitz is successful in humanizing Evan’s character. This element shines through in Evan’s interactions with children and some other characters who play prominent roles in this story. Ultimately, these moments are what warmed my heart and made me root for him and wade through the many pages of the fight and chase scenes. I especially loved Evan's relationship with Peter.
The plot is a little convoluted and one must suspend their disbelief to fully enjoy. I had no problem doing this.
This is a tense, fast-paced read that kept me riveted. I can't wait to see where Evan Smoak's next mission takes him.
July 24, 2018
Orphan X by Gregg Hurwitz is a 2016 Minotaur publication.
Spare, but very potent thriller!
The Nowhere Man- He’s the guy you call when you are desperate- very desperate- life and death desperate- with no other recourse.
Some call him a legend…
Ethan Smoak was chosen as a child to be a part of a special ops mission. He’s been specially trained- as an assassin. These days he uses his training to live under the radar, helping those in extreme and dire situations. The only payment he requires is that they 'pay if forward', so to speak, by finding someone else in need of Ethan’s specialized skills so that he can continue fulfilling his mission.
However, someone has Ethan in their sights- and there is only one kind of person out there who could have located him- another Orphan. Not only has he been found, his ‘clients’ are being used as pawns to fish him out into the open…
I try not to judge a book by its cover- but sometimes, apparently, I judge them by the title. For some reason, anytime this series popped up on my radar, I ignored it because the title made the book sound like a science fiction novel. I never bothered reading the synopsis, or any further research. I just made a presumption and went with it. Thankfully, the publisher sent out a promotional email about this series and this time, I didn’t dismiss it out of hand.
As it turns out, this is a very compelling thriller, nothing like SF or Dystopian, which are the two genres I am less likely to read. Yikes! Glad I discovered the truth, otherwise I’d have missed out on this awesome book!
Evan Smoak is sort of like ‘The Equalizer’ on steroids. His training, unlike that of the other “Orphans”, left his deep seated moral code intact. He carries guilt and remorse with him everywhere, as well as his conscience. He’s one of the good guys, but don’t get on his bad side. His humanity is evident, but he still strictly adheres to the rules instilled within him by his handler- Jack- a man who was more like a father to him.
Still, Evan’s personality is muted, as he fiercely controls all his emotions. The secondary characters provide the dramatic dialogue, while Evan internalizes and reminds himself of how to respond to complex situations. There is no reliance on gimmicks, no slick polish or shine, the dialogue is sparse, to the point, without a lot of time spent on descriptive text. The story moves at an incredibly swift pace, formatted almost like long form vignettes. It was a unique presentation, for sure, but it also helped to create a tense, suspenseful atmosphere, adding just the right amount of poignancy to the story, allowing me to fall under Ethan’s spell. I found myself cheering him on, developing a connection to him, caring about what may happen to him as he continues his lonely journey.
This book is nothing at all like what I expected and is very different from the thrillers I ordinarily read. That may be part of the attraction, I think, but, I am very impressed, so far, and can see myself becoming fully invested in the series the further it goes along.
4 stars
Spare, but very potent thriller!
The Nowhere Man- He’s the guy you call when you are desperate- very desperate- life and death desperate- with no other recourse.
Some call him a legend…
Ethan Smoak was chosen as a child to be a part of a special ops mission. He’s been specially trained- as an assassin. These days he uses his training to live under the radar, helping those in extreme and dire situations. The only payment he requires is that they 'pay if forward', so to speak, by finding someone else in need of Ethan’s specialized skills so that he can continue fulfilling his mission.
However, someone has Ethan in their sights- and there is only one kind of person out there who could have located him- another Orphan. Not only has he been found, his ‘clients’ are being used as pawns to fish him out into the open…
I try not to judge a book by its cover- but sometimes, apparently, I judge them by the title. For some reason, anytime this series popped up on my radar, I ignored it because the title made the book sound like a science fiction novel. I never bothered reading the synopsis, or any further research. I just made a presumption and went with it. Thankfully, the publisher sent out a promotional email about this series and this time, I didn’t dismiss it out of hand.
As it turns out, this is a very compelling thriller, nothing like SF or Dystopian, which are the two genres I am less likely to read. Yikes! Glad I discovered the truth, otherwise I’d have missed out on this awesome book!
Evan Smoak is sort of like ‘The Equalizer’ on steroids. His training, unlike that of the other “Orphans”, left his deep seated moral code intact. He carries guilt and remorse with him everywhere, as well as his conscience. He’s one of the good guys, but don’t get on his bad side. His humanity is evident, but he still strictly adheres to the rules instilled within him by his handler- Jack- a man who was more like a father to him.
Still, Evan’s personality is muted, as he fiercely controls all his emotions. The secondary characters provide the dramatic dialogue, while Evan internalizes and reminds himself of how to respond to complex situations. There is no reliance on gimmicks, no slick polish or shine, the dialogue is sparse, to the point, without a lot of time spent on descriptive text. The story moves at an incredibly swift pace, formatted almost like long form vignettes. It was a unique presentation, for sure, but it also helped to create a tense, suspenseful atmosphere, adding just the right amount of poignancy to the story, allowing me to fall under Ethan’s spell. I found myself cheering him on, developing a connection to him, caring about what may happen to him as he continues his lonely journey.
This book is nothing at all like what I expected and is very different from the thrillers I ordinarily read. That may be part of the attraction, I think, but, I am very impressed, so far, and can see myself becoming fully invested in the series the further it goes along.
4 stars
October 22, 2022
Pre-teen orphan Evan was recruited by a unverified US government Black Ops and trained as an elite assassin; many years letter after going rogue and leaving he is living a secret life as a protector of the weak whilst living in a secure apartment community. His latest case however goes awry when he finds himself and his client under sniper fire! As his once non-existent personal life interferes with now frenzied vigilante life, can Evan stay on the ball?
A page turning read that shows off Hurwitz's storytelling skills with this interesting and thought provoking thriller that dares to ask of your stereotypical good-looking white male special ops expert... is there more to life! Very readable, and a very well crafted series launch. A very strong Three Star, 7.5 out of 12.
2021 read
A page turning read that shows off Hurwitz's storytelling skills with this interesting and thought provoking thriller that dares to ask of your stereotypical good-looking white male special ops expert... is there more to life! Very readable, and a very well crafted series launch. A very strong Three Star, 7.5 out of 12.
2021 read
January 26, 2016
Holy freaking crap. This book absolutely rocked—every heart-racing, pulse-pounding second!
When Evan Smoak (not his real name) was young, a man rescued him from a troubled life. The man became a surrogate father to Evan, training him in every imaginable form of self-defense, weaponry, and intelligence. In short, he trained Evan how to kill, as part of an off-the-books program called the Orphan Program, which took children from difficult life situations and taught them to be employed as assassins. As far as the program was concerned, the Orphans were known only by letters—Evan became Orphan X.
Evan was one of the best assets the program had ever seen. Yet as he began to question who was hiring the Orphans to kill their targets, and why these people were selected, he realized that this wasn't the life for him.
But he needed to do something with his skills, so he became the Nowhere Man, the last resort for a person in desperate trouble. No one knows who the Nowhere Man is, but they know if they call him, he will help rescue them from a seemingly helpless situation. And all he asks in return is that the beneficiary of his services pay it forward, by passing his contact information to one person in need.
It's a fulfilling but lonely existence. He's become so good at compartmentalizing, at keeping the outside world at a safe distance, that he is utterly unprepared when complications in the form of personal connections start popping up. And then comes the ultimate test, when he realizes someone is hunting him, someone who knows he was Orphan X, and is using his work as the Nowhere Man to exploit and expose him. But suddenly all of the tricks and plans and rules he has followed don't seem to be working the way they usually do. Someone thinks the way he does, and is determined to destroy him.
Orphan X hit all of the right notes for me—fantastic action, more than a few twists, some excellent character development, and some pretty cool gadgetry. In lesser hands, Evan could have been turned into a stereotypical assassin-with-a-heart, but Gregg Hurwitz gave him a lot of complexity, which made him all the more fascinating.
If you like this type of book, pick up Orphan X . I had never heard of Gregg Hurwitz before reading this, and now, I believe, more people will know his name, because this is one that will knock you flat. (And I'm already casting the movie version in my head.)
See all of my reviews at http://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blo....
When Evan Smoak (not his real name) was young, a man rescued him from a troubled life. The man became a surrogate father to Evan, training him in every imaginable form of self-defense, weaponry, and intelligence. In short, he trained Evan how to kill, as part of an off-the-books program called the Orphan Program, which took children from difficult life situations and taught them to be employed as assassins. As far as the program was concerned, the Orphans were known only by letters—Evan became Orphan X.
Evan was one of the best assets the program had ever seen. Yet as he began to question who was hiring the Orphans to kill their targets, and why these people were selected, he realized that this wasn't the life for him.
But he needed to do something with his skills, so he became the Nowhere Man, the last resort for a person in desperate trouble. No one knows who the Nowhere Man is, but they know if they call him, he will help rescue them from a seemingly helpless situation. And all he asks in return is that the beneficiary of his services pay it forward, by passing his contact information to one person in need.
It's a fulfilling but lonely existence. He's become so good at compartmentalizing, at keeping the outside world at a safe distance, that he is utterly unprepared when complications in the form of personal connections start popping up. And then comes the ultimate test, when he realizes someone is hunting him, someone who knows he was Orphan X, and is using his work as the Nowhere Man to exploit and expose him. But suddenly all of the tricks and plans and rules he has followed don't seem to be working the way they usually do. Someone thinks the way he does, and is determined to destroy him.
Orphan X hit all of the right notes for me—fantastic action, more than a few twists, some excellent character development, and some pretty cool gadgetry. In lesser hands, Evan could have been turned into a stereotypical assassin-with-a-heart, but Gregg Hurwitz gave him a lot of complexity, which made him all the more fascinating.
If you like this type of book, pick up Orphan X . I had never heard of Gregg Hurwitz before reading this, and now, I believe, more people will know his name, because this is one that will knock you flat. (And I'm already casting the movie version in my head.)
See all of my reviews at http://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blo....
May 19, 2021
Orphan X is the type of book where an unassuming dude with a particular set of skills does a shoulder roll from one room to another to avoid a spray of bullets. Seeing as how my tumbling days are behind me now that I’ve started receiving mail from the AARP (seriously tho, why???), I like to live vicariously through this type of character from time to time.
Published in 2016, Orphan X lays the groundwork for a series that is now six books long and, from what I hear, just keeps getting better. I get it. Our shoulder roller, Evan Smoak aka The Nowhere Man aka Orphan X, is as altruistic as he is badass. How can you not like a weaponized human who’ll take time out of his busy butt-kicking schedule to babysit his neighbor’s kid?
Is the storyline entirely original? No. Can I rattle off a dozen similar guys? You bet. But who cares? Gregg Hurwitz certainly doesn’t, given that he even dedicates the book to the various Bournes, Bonds, and Bauers that have previously blazed this vigilante trail.
Now will I follow Orphan X to read Book 2 in the series? Sure. I’m down for following the Nowhere Man wherever he’s headed.
Blog: https://www.confettibookshelf.com/
IG: @confettibookshelf
Published in 2016, Orphan X lays the groundwork for a series that is now six books long and, from what I hear, just keeps getting better. I get it. Our shoulder roller, Evan Smoak aka The Nowhere Man aka Orphan X, is as altruistic as he is badass. How can you not like a weaponized human who’ll take time out of his busy butt-kicking schedule to babysit his neighbor’s kid?
Is the storyline entirely original? No. Can I rattle off a dozen similar guys? You bet. But who cares? Gregg Hurwitz certainly doesn’t, given that he even dedicates the book to the various Bournes, Bonds, and Bauers that have previously blazed this vigilante trail.
Now will I follow Orphan X to read Book 2 in the series? Sure. I’m down for following the Nowhere Man wherever he’s headed.
Blog: https://www.confettibookshelf.com/
IG: @confettibookshelf
August 25, 2020
4.5*
I know, I know! I’m late to the party reading this book!🙋🏻♀️
Silly me… I thought it was just another political thriller - my least favorite!🙄 But I was sooooo wrong! Gregg Hurwitz creates a recipe not only for an incredible lead character but for a franchise series just itching to be made into a movie.
Here’s the recipe: Add one part Bourne Identity to one part Mission Impossible. Shake vigorously in a cocktail shaker. Garnish with both Jack Reacher and Superman and voila, 🧚🏼 you now have Orphan X.
Evan was hand-selected as a youngster by his handler, Jack. And over time, molded into one of the world’s top assassins. Eventually Evan becomes disenchanted with the dirty business of killing for hire and is ready to leave the life, using his skills instead to only help people. Not so fast, friend. Are you naive enough to believe you can just walk away?
I absolutely loved Evan’s character! Fierce and tough as steel, but endowed with a heart of gold that just melted mine. I adored the relationship he had with his young neighbor Peter. It brought out a softer, kinder side of the hardened killing machine Evan had become. And Peter’s mom Mia? What can I say? I’m a hopeless romantic...so you know I’m rooting for them all the way!
A buddy read with Susanne (thank you for gifting me this book). We are now planning to binge the entire series!
I know, I know! I’m late to the party reading this book!🙋🏻♀️
Silly me… I thought it was just another political thriller - my least favorite!🙄 But I was sooooo wrong! Gregg Hurwitz creates a recipe not only for an incredible lead character but for a franchise series just itching to be made into a movie.
Here’s the recipe: Add one part Bourne Identity to one part Mission Impossible. Shake vigorously in a cocktail shaker. Garnish with both Jack Reacher and Superman and voila, 🧚🏼 you now have Orphan X.
Evan was hand-selected as a youngster by his handler, Jack. And over time, molded into one of the world’s top assassins. Eventually Evan becomes disenchanted with the dirty business of killing for hire and is ready to leave the life, using his skills instead to only help people. Not so fast, friend. Are you naive enough to believe you can just walk away?
I absolutely loved Evan’s character! Fierce and tough as steel, but endowed with a heart of gold that just melted mine. I adored the relationship he had with his young neighbor Peter. It brought out a softer, kinder side of the hardened killing machine Evan had become. And Peter’s mom Mia? What can I say? I’m a hopeless romantic...so you know I’m rooting for them all the way!
A buddy read with Susanne (thank you for gifting me this book). We are now planning to binge the entire series!
August 5, 2020
Thanks to my GR friends who recommended this one!
Super addictive with plenty of action and edge of your seat suspense.
Its the first in a series of six, so I'm happy to read them all....
Evan Smoak is such an awesome character. He reminds me of a super hero type. And I'd love to have the # to his black phone! He is always ready to rescue.
If you like action packed chapters, cat and mouse chases, characters to care and root for, and a bad a** on a mission, then this is for you!!
Marialyce, your review prompted me to first add this and then buy a copy. Not sure why it took me many months to finally pick it up, but once I did, I couldn't stop reading it!!
Released in 2016 and the latest (#6) will be out Jan 2021 (can't wait)!
October 6, 2019
If you’re looking for a thriller that has you furiously flipping pages, look no further. Evan Smoak was chosen as a child to be Orphan X, and was trained as an assassin for the government. The program is eventually shut down but Evan has a soft spot for desperate people who need help but have nowhere to turn. Working within a set of commandments that guide his actions, and with an incredible set of skills and resources, he works as a vigilante fighting for justice. All he asks of those he helps is they pay it forward by referring others who need his services.
While working a complicated case where it’s unclear who to trust, Evan discovers a former orphan wants him dead. The two match wits in an ever escalating game of cat and mouse, which drives much of the action.
This is the perfect blend of plot, character, suspense, and action. It had me riveted to the page from start to finish. Highly recommended! Thanks to Marialyce for recommending this book to me!
While working a complicated case where it’s unclear who to trust, Evan discovers a former orphan wants him dead. The two match wits in an ever escalating game of cat and mouse, which drives much of the action.
This is the perfect blend of plot, character, suspense, and action. It had me riveted to the page from start to finish. Highly recommended! Thanks to Marialyce for recommending this book to me!
March 14, 2016
I can't think of anything special about this story.
An off-books black op program takes children and trains them to be assassins, they grow up and perform their missions, and then the program ends.
It was hard to know Evan Smoak. He's mechanical, ever on edge, aware of his surroundings. He turns his skills toward helping those in need, but it still involves killing people. And even with all his training and experience, someone manages to find him, manipulate him, and come very close to killing him. Once in a while, a bit of humanity shows through, but it was hard to like Evan very much.
There were some technical descriptions of weapons, equipment, security measures and things like that. There were a few types of vodka. There were action scenes. The interspersed chapters of Evan's training and his relationship with his adoptive father were okay.
There's just nothing new here.
An off-books black op program takes children and trains them to be assassins, they grow up and perform their missions, and then the program ends.
It was hard to know Evan Smoak. He's mechanical, ever on edge, aware of his surroundings. He turns his skills toward helping those in need, but it still involves killing people. And even with all his training and experience, someone manages to find him, manipulate him, and come very close to killing him. Once in a while, a bit of humanity shows through, but it was hard to like Evan very much.
There were some technical descriptions of weapons, equipment, security measures and things like that. There were a few types of vodka. There were action scenes. The interspersed chapters of Evan's training and his relationship with his adoptive father were okay.
There's just nothing new here.
September 10, 2016
Evan Smoak is the best new series protagonist since Jack Reacher. I engulfed this book and cannot wait for the sequel! A total master class of thriller writing.
April 22, 2024
“The Nowhere Man is a legendary figure spoken about only in whispers. It’s said that when he’s reached by the truly desperate and deserving, he can and will do anything to protect and save them. But he’s not just a legend.
Evan Smoak is a man with skills, resources, and a personal mission to help those with nowhere else to turn. He’s also a man with a dangerous past. Pulled from a foster home by the US government when he was a boy, he was raised and trained to be part of a covert operation designed to create the perfect assassins-the Orphan Program. He was Orphan X.”
Orphan X is an amazing thriller with Evan Smoak as one of the best characters in the genre. The story is multi-layered, and the writing is eloquent, from the action sequences to moments so poignant that you’ll be swept away with emotion. A suspense novel so gripping that it can only described as a masterpiece.
“You know the two best words in the English language? ‘Next time,’ " Evan said. “ ‘Next time’ means the world is wide open to you. ‘Next time’ is possibility. ‘Next time’ is freedom."
Evan Smoak is a man with skills, resources, and a personal mission to help those with nowhere else to turn. He’s also a man with a dangerous past. Pulled from a foster home by the US government when he was a boy, he was raised and trained to be part of a covert operation designed to create the perfect assassins-the Orphan Program. He was Orphan X.”
Orphan X is an amazing thriller with Evan Smoak as one of the best characters in the genre. The story is multi-layered, and the writing is eloquent, from the action sequences to moments so poignant that you’ll be swept away with emotion. A suspense novel so gripping that it can only described as a masterpiece.
“You know the two best words in the English language? ‘Next time,’ " Evan said. “ ‘Next time’ means the world is wide open to you. ‘Next time’ is possibility. ‘Next time’ is freedom."
April 15, 2022
An update to say this series keeps getting better, and the most recent book, Into the Fire just got a 4.5~5★ from me!
3.5 to 4★
“As Jack used to say, The loudest sound you’ll ever hear in action is a click.”
Reading this is like reading a script for one of the big action films. A Bond, or a Die Hard, or a Mission Impossible. It’s plot, action, terror, blood and guts. A kid, an orphan, is selected and trained from the age of 8 to be a weapon (for good causes, we like to think). Jack, the recruiter, tells him.
“‘Your job is to learn a little bit about everything from people who know everything about something.’ Evan’s next years are spent doing precisely that.”
Evan. He’s given the name Evan Smoak and a list of commandments (not the usual 10, of course) to obey when carrying out assignments. I kind of liked Evan, who has built himself a fortress where he drinks extremely special vodka and keeps a precisely neat, stainless-steel penthouse apartment. Strong, practical, safe, but cold.
And that’s how Evan comes across. Strong, practical, safe, but cold. He’s been trained that way. Here’s an early session with a woman trainer.
“. . . she duct-tapes an orange over her eye, makes him tackle her and punch his thumb through it. ‘Good,’ she pants, sprawled in the dirt, her breath hot against his neck.‘Now stir your thumb. Curl it like a fishing hook. And pull out what you can.’ While he does, she screams and thrashes. He stops, mortified. Her one bare eye glares up at him. ‘You think it’ll be calm?’”
NO, MA’AM! Calm is not a word that ever comes up. I’m fine with the action and the mysteriousness of the Orphan program. Evan helps people in dire straits, for whom he is their last resort, and he commits himself fully to saving them with whatever means he has. And boy, does he have some means at hand!
The technological tricks are fascinating, but I did find them a bit too convenient. Whenever there was a problem, there seemed to be exactly the right piece of esoteric equipment in a pocket of his cargo pants – and I don’t mean a piece of rope like MacGyver would carry. I mean a sophisticated gadget like a heat-seeking missile. (Okay, I made that up. But you get the idea.)
Don’t get me wrong – the gadgets are great! Remember Q in the Bond stories? Well, it’s like he has Q in his pocket (or in one of his many secret escape vehicles or safe places). Fun but a bit over the top for me.
We’re told he is not an expert but then he hacks into systems all over the world, reroutes phones, bank accounts, etc. These aren’t spoilers – they come early in the book.
His access to police -
“Evan wasn’t a master hacker by any stretch of the imagination, but he’d made his way unattended into various cruisers and uploaded a piece of reverse SSH code into their laptops, leaving a virtual back door open for himself.”
And wouldn’t you like to hack into Costco?
“The phone number of the sender Evan sourced to a batch of prepaid phones bulk-sold to Costco last year. A simple bit of reverse-proxy code let him slip behind Costco’s firewall,”
But, there’s plenty of action, a few good people to care about and a hero who becomes even more of an orphan as the story progresses. And for those who want to know what kind of blood-and-guts action there is, here’s an example (that doesn’t spoil the story).
“The fist came in lazy and offline. Evan saw the angles with perfect clarity—a double-hand deflection, gooseneck the wrist, shatter the bone and rake the elbow tendons, then a chicken-wing arm control for the takedown, his knee crushing Johnny’s floating rib upon impact with the floor.”
He does warm up during the course of the book and starts to question what he does and why and how. Could be an interesting guy to follow.
Recommended for those who like this kind of breathless gallivanting and dodging bullets and calculating force and trajectory stuff. I believe it’s a series of 5 books. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the review copy. This was published in 2016, but there are more out there now and more to come!
======
2022 I have read most of the rest of the series and loved them!
3.5 to 4★
“As Jack used to say, The loudest sound you’ll ever hear in action is a click.”
Reading this is like reading a script for one of the big action films. A Bond, or a Die Hard, or a Mission Impossible. It’s plot, action, terror, blood and guts. A kid, an orphan, is selected and trained from the age of 8 to be a weapon (for good causes, we like to think). Jack, the recruiter, tells him.
“‘Your job is to learn a little bit about everything from people who know everything about something.’ Evan’s next years are spent doing precisely that.”
Evan. He’s given the name Evan Smoak and a list of commandments (not the usual 10, of course) to obey when carrying out assignments. I kind of liked Evan, who has built himself a fortress where he drinks extremely special vodka and keeps a precisely neat, stainless-steel penthouse apartment. Strong, practical, safe, but cold.
And that’s how Evan comes across. Strong, practical, safe, but cold. He’s been trained that way. Here’s an early session with a woman trainer.
“. . . she duct-tapes an orange over her eye, makes him tackle her and punch his thumb through it. ‘Good,’ she pants, sprawled in the dirt, her breath hot against his neck.‘Now stir your thumb. Curl it like a fishing hook. And pull out what you can.’ While he does, she screams and thrashes. He stops, mortified. Her one bare eye glares up at him. ‘You think it’ll be calm?’”
NO, MA’AM! Calm is not a word that ever comes up. I’m fine with the action and the mysteriousness of the Orphan program. Evan helps people in dire straits, for whom he is their last resort, and he commits himself fully to saving them with whatever means he has. And boy, does he have some means at hand!
The technological tricks are fascinating, but I did find them a bit too convenient. Whenever there was a problem, there seemed to be exactly the right piece of esoteric equipment in a pocket of his cargo pants – and I don’t mean a piece of rope like MacGyver would carry. I mean a sophisticated gadget like a heat-seeking missile. (Okay, I made that up. But you get the idea.)
Don’t get me wrong – the gadgets are great! Remember Q in the Bond stories? Well, it’s like he has Q in his pocket (or in one of his many secret escape vehicles or safe places). Fun but a bit over the top for me.
We’re told he is not an expert but then he hacks into systems all over the world, reroutes phones, bank accounts, etc. These aren’t spoilers – they come early in the book.
His access to police -
“Evan wasn’t a master hacker by any stretch of the imagination, but he’d made his way unattended into various cruisers and uploaded a piece of reverse SSH code into their laptops, leaving a virtual back door open for himself.”
And wouldn’t you like to hack into Costco?
“The phone number of the sender Evan sourced to a batch of prepaid phones bulk-sold to Costco last year. A simple bit of reverse-proxy code let him slip behind Costco’s firewall,”
But, there’s plenty of action, a few good people to care about and a hero who becomes even more of an orphan as the story progresses. And for those who want to know what kind of blood-and-guts action there is, here’s an example (that doesn’t spoil the story).
“The fist came in lazy and offline. Evan saw the angles with perfect clarity—a double-hand deflection, gooseneck the wrist, shatter the bone and rake the elbow tendons, then a chicken-wing arm control for the takedown, his knee crushing Johnny’s floating rib upon impact with the floor.”
He does warm up during the course of the book and starts to question what he does and why and how. Could be an interesting guy to follow.
Recommended for those who like this kind of breathless gallivanting and dodging bullets and calculating force and trajectory stuff. I believe it’s a series of 5 books. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the review copy. This was published in 2016, but there are more out there now and more to come!
======
2022 I have read most of the rest of the series and loved them!
July 20, 2019
After a slow start, this picks up into a worthwhile listen. While I like the character, I could do with less violence. 7 of 10 stars
April 3, 2016
Oh, publishers, if you print a quote from Robert Crais on the front cover: "the most exciting thriller since The Bourne Identity", you have only yourself to blame that The Bourne Identity is the standard a reader expects you to deliver against. I read The Bourne Identity. I loved The Bourne Identity. Orphan X? it's no The Bourne Identity.
In the interest of full disclosure, I abandoned Orphan X on page 40. For a contemporary novel of 354 pages that sells itself as a thriller, 10%+ is plenty long enough to determine whether: (a) it will deliver on the "thriller" label, (b) it's adequately plotted, and (c) if the lead character, Evan Smoak, is someone with whom I want to take this ride. My answers were, no, no, and no, and as I looked at the many novels on my bedside table that I could be instead reading, I determined to apply the "life is too short to spend it on bad thrillers" theory of book selection and abandonment.
As an aside, Orphan X name-dropped brand after brand after brand over the course of those early pages. (If Hurwitz isn't getting paid for product placements on a per-mention basis, he's missing out on a revenue opportunity.) For this reader, though, the book seemed immediately dated by these references. The sixth time in 20 pages in which Smoak picked up his "RoamZone phone", and not simply his "phone" was the signal to me to move on to a work that might actually evoke that good memory of reading The Bourne Identity for the first time.
I understand that some think it's unfair to review a book a reader didn't finish. We'll have to agree to disagree.
In the interest of full disclosure, I abandoned Orphan X on page 40. For a contemporary novel of 354 pages that sells itself as a thriller, 10%+ is plenty long enough to determine whether: (a) it will deliver on the "thriller" label, (b) it's adequately plotted, and (c) if the lead character, Evan Smoak, is someone with whom I want to take this ride. My answers were, no, no, and no, and as I looked at the many novels on my bedside table that I could be instead reading, I determined to apply the "life is too short to spend it on bad thrillers" theory of book selection and abandonment.
As an aside, Orphan X name-dropped brand after brand after brand over the course of those early pages. (If Hurwitz isn't getting paid for product placements on a per-mention basis, he's missing out on a revenue opportunity.) For this reader, though, the book seemed immediately dated by these references. The sixth time in 20 pages in which Smoak picked up his "RoamZone phone", and not simply his "phone" was the signal to me to move on to a work that might actually evoke that good memory of reading The Bourne Identity for the first time.
I understand that some think it's unfair to review a book a reader didn't finish. We'll have to agree to disagree.
August 27, 2020
Captivating, Controlled, Compelling.
A Thrill Ride a Minute, “Orphan X” will make your heart beat faster than taking a spin on your Peloton!
Evan Smoak is “The Nowhere Man.” He’s a myth - no one knows who he is though everyone is looking for him. Once an undercover government agent, he went underground ages ago putting his unique skills to good use, helping those who can’t help themselves.
After helping someone he only asks one thing, that they pass his number onto someone else in need.
Unfortunately for Evan, when he agrees to take on his latest case, he has no idea how dangerous it is or what the ramifications will be.
Evan Smoak is an extraordinary man. Always in control, regardless of the situation. Living by a code that cannot be broken. A man who chooses to help those in need instead of hurting them.
Needless to say, “Orphan X” surpassed all of my expectations. Wild, crazy, thrilling and wholly satisfying. My heart was in my throat for much of the novel. I was captivated and wholly intrigued.
Can I just say that I LOVE Evan Smoak?! I am sure I’m not alone in saying that either! I even loved his adoration for imported vodka and admit to googling each one out of sheer curiosity. (Lol.)
This was an amazing buddy read with Kaceey! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series with her to find out what happens next.
Published on Goodreads on 8.26.20.
A Thrill Ride a Minute, “Orphan X” will make your heart beat faster than taking a spin on your Peloton!
Evan Smoak is “The Nowhere Man.” He’s a myth - no one knows who he is though everyone is looking for him. Once an undercover government agent, he went underground ages ago putting his unique skills to good use, helping those who can’t help themselves.
After helping someone he only asks one thing, that they pass his number onto someone else in need.
Unfortunately for Evan, when he agrees to take on his latest case, he has no idea how dangerous it is or what the ramifications will be.
Evan Smoak is an extraordinary man. Always in control, regardless of the situation. Living by a code that cannot be broken. A man who chooses to help those in need instead of hurting them.
Needless to say, “Orphan X” surpassed all of my expectations. Wild, crazy, thrilling and wholly satisfying. My heart was in my throat for much of the novel. I was captivated and wholly intrigued.
Can I just say that I LOVE Evan Smoak?! I am sure I’m not alone in saying that either! I even loved his adoration for imported vodka and admit to googling each one out of sheer curiosity. (Lol.)
This was an amazing buddy read with Kaceey! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series with her to find out what happens next.
Published on Goodreads on 8.26.20.
April 11, 2025
Evan Smoak was part of the government's black ops 'Orphan Program', which recruited children and trained them to be world class assassins.
The Orphans learned how to use weapons of all kinds, became skilled in a variety of martial arts, were taught to blot out pain, became experts in surveillance and bugging, and so on. Dubbed 'Orphan X' Evan eventually carried out many killings assigned by his handler/father figure Jack Johns - who raised and trained Evan from a young age.
After Jack is killed in dodgy circumstances, Evan - who has plenty of money stashed in offshore banks - quits the Orphan Program and begins using his skills to help people. Calling himself 'The Nowhere Man' and working out of Los Angeles, Evan sets himself up in a reinforced, fortress-like, penthouse condominium apartment with all kinds of defensive doodads...just in case. This includes: a parachute to jump off the apartment's terrace.....
.....rappelling equipment to climb down the building's wall;
.....bullet proof windows;
.....a door that can withstand explosives;
.....a hidden back room with surveillance equipment; etc.
Evan also configures a completely untraceable cell phone so desperate people can call him for assistance.
Early in the story Evan is contacted by a 17-year-old sex slave - Morena Aguilar - who's trying to prevent her little sister from being forced into the trade.
To assist the girls Evan has to kill a dirty cop. He then asks Morena to pass his phone number on to ONE person who needs help - Evan's usual method of finding 'clients'.
Evan is then contacted by Katrin White, whose father is being held hostage until she pays off a huge gambling debt.
While Evan is trying to help Katrin, he realizes his own life is in danger. It seems another defector from the Orphan Program - 'Orphan O' (working with a team of killers) - is out to get him, apparently having been hired by one of Evan's many enemies.
Since it's a case of 'kill or be killed' Evan and Orphan O use all of their considerable skills to try to outmaneuver each other. Thus the reader is treated to scene after scene of reconnaissance, infiltration, safe houses, safe vehicles, explosions, snipers, stabbings, shootings, hand-to-hand combat, balcony hopping, double dealing and more....carried out with all manner of ingenious high tech toys. I was especially intrigued with the 'contact lens and paste on nails ensemble' used for texting in mid-air.
While all this is going on Evan keeps up a facade for his condominium neighbors, claiming to be an importer of industrial cleaning supplies. This sets the stage for some lighter moments in the story as Evan interacts with his condominium cohorts, including the condo board president (who calls lots of meetings); a nice Jewish lady (who complains a lot about her damaged door); and Assistant District Attorney Mia Hall and her little boy Peter (who takes to sending messages up to Evan's window via balloon).
The book is well-written, suspenseful, and exciting - highly recommended to fans of thrillers. I look forward to reading more of Evan Smoak's adventures.
Note: I like to think Evan Smoak has a connection with Felicity Smoak - the brilliant computer whiz who works with Green Arrow. But - since it's not his real name - probably not. LOL 😎
Thanks to Netgalley, the author (Gregg Hurwitz) and publisher (St. Martin's Press) for a copy of the book
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
February 6, 2017
U.S. Governmental Black Ops soldier goes rogue.
Uses his substantial training in taking up a new hobby... vigilante.
Some character development along the way with a nice twisting story line.
This book is the first in a series( I do not like series) but the cliff-hanger is actually a rather small one so that this would have worked well as a stand alone.
For me, it is reminiscent of 1970's/1980's Executioner Series written by Don Pendleton.
Orphan X is updated with the newer weaponry and electronics of the vigilante trade.
Gregg Hurwitz did a good job writing this book.
Being compared to Pendleton is an honor.
I've read somewhere Pendleton described as the definitive action/adventure writer.
I know I've read between 30 and 40 of his books. Mr.Hurwitz needs to busy himself.
Uses his substantial training in taking up a new hobby... vigilante.
Some character development along the way with a nice twisting story line.
This book is the first in a series( I do not like series) but the cliff-hanger is actually a rather small one so that this would have worked well as a stand alone.
For me, it is reminiscent of 1970's/1980's Executioner Series written by Don Pendleton.
Orphan X is updated with the newer weaponry and electronics of the vigilante trade.
Gregg Hurwitz did a good job writing this book.
Being compared to Pendleton is an honor.
I've read somewhere Pendleton described as the definitive action/adventure writer.
I know I've read between 30 and 40 of his books. Mr.Hurwitz needs to busy himself.
October 17, 2022
the setup…
Evan Smoak is The Nowhere Man, literally. He’s the product of a mysterious elite training program where young orphans are selected to leave their lives, undergo rigorous development for life and emerge as lethal assassins. It purportedly is part of a secret government initiative but Evan later had reason to question its mission. He was known as Orphan X before he decided to leave the program and learned that wasn’t a possibility, forcing him to take extreme measures to disappear and cloak himself in anonymity. Now he takes on projects to help the innocent, leaving it up to these victims to sort of pay it forward by giving out his secret number to only one person. They only know him as The Nowhere Man.
the heart of the story…
I don’t know what I was expecting (I went into the story blind) but this went well beyond anything I’d imagined! Others have compared it to Jason Bourne mixed with some other high octane action characters or series and they’re all correct. The story opens with his first mission, mixed with flashbacks to his trainer who had a profound impact on him, and I got a strong sense of who he was, what drives him and, of course, how utterly formidable he was as an avenger. I couldn’t help but root for him, especially when bad actors from the program come after him. His latest innocent proves a challenge as he vacillates between trusting her and not. I did the same.
the narration…
I’ve enjoyed Scott Brick’s performances before but this was different. It’s like he got under the skin of the character and became him. His voice will forever be Evan in my mind because his interpretation was dead on!
the bottom line…
I’ve not touched on even a small portion of everything going on in this story. It’s non stop action, thrills, intrigue and mystery. It all kept me breathless and edgy as it was impossible to predict what was around the next corner. I loved that in the midst of all this excitement was lots of insight into Evan the man and his humanity. It provides lots of balance and helped me form a connection and bond to him. The ending left me wanting to immediately jump into the next book, on audio of course. This was much, much more than I’d anticipated, and that’s a good thing. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Evan Smoak is The Nowhere Man, literally. He’s the product of a mysterious elite training program where young orphans are selected to leave their lives, undergo rigorous development for life and emerge as lethal assassins. It purportedly is part of a secret government initiative but Evan later had reason to question its mission. He was known as Orphan X before he decided to leave the program and learned that wasn’t a possibility, forcing him to take extreme measures to disappear and cloak himself in anonymity. Now he takes on projects to help the innocent, leaving it up to these victims to sort of pay it forward by giving out his secret number to only one person. They only know him as The Nowhere Man.
the heart of the story…
I don’t know what I was expecting (I went into the story blind) but this went well beyond anything I’d imagined! Others have compared it to Jason Bourne mixed with some other high octane action characters or series and they’re all correct. The story opens with his first mission, mixed with flashbacks to his trainer who had a profound impact on him, and I got a strong sense of who he was, what drives him and, of course, how utterly formidable he was as an avenger. I couldn’t help but root for him, especially when bad actors from the program come after him. His latest innocent proves a challenge as he vacillates between trusting her and not. I did the same.
the narration…
I’ve enjoyed Scott Brick’s performances before but this was different. It’s like he got under the skin of the character and became him. His voice will forever be Evan in my mind because his interpretation was dead on!
the bottom line…
I’ve not touched on even a small portion of everything going on in this story. It’s non stop action, thrills, intrigue and mystery. It all kept me breathless and edgy as it was impossible to predict what was around the next corner. I loved that in the midst of all this excitement was lots of insight into Evan the man and his humanity. It provides lots of balance and helped me form a connection and bond to him. The ending left me wanting to immediately jump into the next book, on audio of course. This was much, much more than I’d anticipated, and that’s a good thing. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
November 26, 2025
I Enjoyed the audio version but found it similar to super assassin TV shows. The reader, Scott Brick, was fantastic and I need to look for other books where his talent is used. My dilemma was I liked the book but at the same time I didn't like it. Once of the main characters I found to be not an easy character to empathize with and this made it not a strong storyline for me. The tension was so strong, and I was just engrossed then the storyline would slow down, and my attention would wander. I plan to continue the series as it ends not so much on a cliff hanger more it's unresolved business to be taken care of. 3.5* and round up due to my mixed feelings about the plotting.
July 30, 2018
Just amazing!! One of the best spy/mystery thrillers I've read in awhile. I'm not sure how Mr. Hurwitz hasn't been on my radar before now, but I will definitely be reading more!
The tension in this story starts strong and continues building without a moment to slow down. Just when you have caught your breath, a new threat manifests. The characters are all non-typical and I enjoyed seeing our hero Evan struggle with following either his "commandments" or his morals. The conclusion was totally unexpected! Highly recommend for readers looking for a high-action, page turning thriller!
Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.
The tension in this story starts strong and continues building without a moment to slow down. Just when you have caught your breath, a new threat manifests. The characters are all non-typical and I enjoyed seeing our hero Evan struggle with following either his "commandments" or his morals. The conclusion was totally unexpected! Highly recommend for readers looking for a high-action, page turning thriller!
Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 11, 2016
If you enjoy thrillers that have 15 page fight scenes full of carefully explained martial arts moves and weaponry, this book is for you. If you enjoy a protagonist who lives in an ultra-hip penthouse suite with poured concrete and gleaming stainless appliances while he sips rare imported vodka and nibbles organic masterpieces that he prepared, this book is for you. If the addition of a ditzy single mom DA neighbor with an adorable but ADHD son who will add complications to the plot is your cup of tea, read this book. If you are not bored by a plot that is so formulaic and drawn out that you want to weep, this book is for you. But if you want a book that is not simply a rehashed compilation of every Jason Bourne- Alex Delaware- Jack Reacher clone, read something else.
October 22, 2017
As long as you are prepared to accept that this is a totally over the top “boys own adventure” then it’s a lot of fun! It has elements of Oceans 11, James Bond and Marvel superhero comics fused together to make the world that is Evan Smoak’s.
Evan is part of the ‘Orphan’ program, taken from the mean streets as a youngster and trained to be a first class fighter and assassin. One with refined tastes in interior design, vodka and freshly prepared gourmet food as well as the best weapons, internet intelligence and spyware available. Named Orphan X, he is told he is one of the best the program has produced and for many years he did as he was asked taking out dictators, terrorists, drug lords and sex slave traffickers but now the Orphan network has been dismantled and Evan freelances, helping people out of life threatening situations, known only as the Nowhere Man. He is very, very careful and makes sure that no one knows his real name or where he lives but one day a job goes wrong and he realises that someone may be out to kill him.
A very fast paced, action packed thriller with lots of shooting and martial arts. Some of Evan’s escapes are just not believable but that all adds to the fun. As do the ‘normal’ people living in Evan’s apartment building – the martial arts kid who’s always offering to show Evan some moves, the old people who want him to come to the Building Management meetings to talk about what drinks to have available in the lobby and the cute kid and his single D.A. Mum who needs Evan’s help when some scary bad men threaten them one night. 4.5 ★
Evan is part of the ‘Orphan’ program, taken from the mean streets as a youngster and trained to be a first class fighter and assassin. One with refined tastes in interior design, vodka and freshly prepared gourmet food as well as the best weapons, internet intelligence and spyware available. Named Orphan X, he is told he is one of the best the program has produced and for many years he did as he was asked taking out dictators, terrorists, drug lords and sex slave traffickers but now the Orphan network has been dismantled and Evan freelances, helping people out of life threatening situations, known only as the Nowhere Man. He is very, very careful and makes sure that no one knows his real name or where he lives but one day a job goes wrong and he realises that someone may be out to kill him.
A very fast paced, action packed thriller with lots of shooting and martial arts. Some of Evan’s escapes are just not believable but that all adds to the fun. As do the ‘normal’ people living in Evan’s apartment building – the martial arts kid who’s always offering to show Evan some moves, the old people who want him to come to the Building Management meetings to talk about what drinks to have available in the lobby and the cute kid and his single D.A. Mum who needs Evan’s help when some scary bad men threaten them one night. 4.5 ★
July 12, 2023
UPDATE 12/07/23: Reread and loved it more second time around! I think it's because I knew where relationships were heading and how things were going to unfold.
Original Review
I'm quite late to the Orphan X party but I'm still gonna throw a few streamers into the air and blow into one of those annoying party kazoo thingys. Story summary: Butt-kicking, gun toting, hot 'bad' guy turns good because of his code of honour to protect the vulnerable and exploited and any damsel in mortal peril and in the meantime baddies attempt to thwart him at every turn while he wrestles with his inner dark demons all while cuddling kittens. Awwww. Cue the flag (country of your choice) fluttering in the background as our muscled, dark glasses wearing hero walks slowly on to the next city and the next person in need of saving. *slow claps* Loved it. Books 2 and 3 on hold.
Original Review
I'm quite late to the Orphan X party but I'm still gonna throw a few streamers into the air and blow into one of those annoying party kazoo thingys. Story summary: Butt-kicking, gun toting, hot 'bad' guy turns good because of his code of honour to protect the vulnerable and exploited and any damsel in mortal peril and in the meantime baddies attempt to thwart him at every turn while he wrestles with his inner dark demons all while cuddling kittens. Awwww. Cue the flag (country of your choice) fluttering in the background as our muscled, dark glasses wearing hero walks slowly on to the next city and the next person in need of saving. *slow claps* Loved it. Books 2 and 3 on hold.
October 23, 2018
I knew of Gregg Hurwitz through a couple of his classy Harlen Coben style thrillers, read years ago and have had my eye on this series for a while.
Orphan X is a slick, well written American thriller that reads like a slick, well made American tv mini series.
Evan Smoak, our hero, is an assassin .......... but that’s ok because he only assassinates really bad people!
He at first seems to be somewhere on the autistic spectrum with his compulsive tidiness, obsession with the most expensive brands, strictly minimalistic apartment and absurdly ordered life. He has no family, no friends and has a mysterious backstory that Hurwitz gradually teases out.
I thought I would get sick of the endless detailed descriptions of guns, body armour, knives, fight moves etc but these do seem to suit Evans singular mindset.
Suddenly, in this speedy narrative, some very, very bad people with equal command of the dark arts, dark web and with some very dark intentions are coming after Evan.
At the same time, Mia enters Evan’s clinically perfect world, a very attractive widow with a messy, complicated life and a young son who really needs a father figure ........ what could possibly go wrong?!
An enjoyable and exciting ride (a solid 3.5 star read) - I’ll be amazed if a tv series isn’t in production as I write this review .......
Orphan X is a slick, well written American thriller that reads like a slick, well made American tv mini series.
Evan Smoak, our hero, is an assassin .......... but that’s ok because he only assassinates really bad people!
He at first seems to be somewhere on the autistic spectrum with his compulsive tidiness, obsession with the most expensive brands, strictly minimalistic apartment and absurdly ordered life. He has no family, no friends and has a mysterious backstory that Hurwitz gradually teases out.
I thought I would get sick of the endless detailed descriptions of guns, body armour, knives, fight moves etc but these do seem to suit Evans singular mindset.
Suddenly, in this speedy narrative, some very, very bad people with equal command of the dark arts, dark web and with some very dark intentions are coming after Evan.
At the same time, Mia enters Evan’s clinically perfect world, a very attractive widow with a messy, complicated life and a young son who really needs a father figure ........ what could possibly go wrong?!
An enjoyable and exciting ride (a solid 3.5 star read) - I’ll be amazed if a tv series isn’t in production as I write this review .......
March 5, 2022
I loved this book! Cat and mouse the entire way and there were times I forgot to breathe. This is my first read by this author and I’m glad I am late to the party so I can binge the additional books in the story.
The Nowhere Man is who you call when you are in trouble. Evan, at a young age was recruited into a special program to right wrongs and even the score for people in trouble. He learns many things from fighting to internal control. He also Lear s a set of commandments that govern him. The tenth commandment is never let an innocent die. But this is sometimes easier said than done and in this case, who is the innocent?
The books is well-plotted and the character grew on me. I loved the high-tech toys and the morals of the story.
On to book #2!
October 25, 2016
Oh this book was a lot of fun! I listened to the audio version of this as I was unable to read actual words due to debilitating morning sickness, and the narration was absolutely fantastic!
Evan Smoak is the Nowhere Man. Brought up as a child in the "Orphan Program", Evan has some killer James Bond/Jason Bourne skills. Since the orphan program was disbanded, he uses these skills to help people in need. People in extremely desperate situations. Unfortunately someone is tracking him... Someone as dangerous as he is.
Well, this one certainly sucked me in. Perhaps it was the fact I was so sick and needed another world to escape to, but it was exactly what I needed to listen to at the time. I was completely hooked. I loved the story, I loved the narrator, the romance, the action, the violence... Loved it all.
But... The reason I give this 4.5 and not a full perfect score, is the predictability aspect. Of course I'm fairly sure that 99.9 % of people figured out who the boss was, and at least 50% could also guess the big twist right at the end. There was only one or two people it could have POSSIBLY been right!? It was so extremely predictable I was BEGGING for there to be some other spin or twist which would make it less obvious, but alas - I was disappointed. For me to deduct only 0.5 Stars however is saying something, because I usually deduct a lot more for something as major as that. But I just liked it so darn much, so it didn't really take much away from the story for me. There were also a few minor twists that also held me.
The narrator Scott Brick was a FANTASTIC choice. And there is a sequel coming out! I may have to listen to the audio of that one too and hope that Scott is doing the sequel!
Would I recommend Orphan X?
YES YES YES Lots of fun! I can easily see it being made into some sort of blockbuster action flick which I would happily pay to see at the movies. Thoroughly enjoyed!
I listened to the audio version of Orphan X on audible.com, purchased at my own expense. Well worth the credit!
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Evan Smoak is the Nowhere Man. Brought up as a child in the "Orphan Program", Evan has some killer James Bond/Jason Bourne skills. Since the orphan program was disbanded, he uses these skills to help people in need. People in extremely desperate situations. Unfortunately someone is tracking him... Someone as dangerous as he is.
Well, this one certainly sucked me in. Perhaps it was the fact I was so sick and needed another world to escape to, but it was exactly what I needed to listen to at the time. I was completely hooked. I loved the story, I loved the narrator, the romance, the action, the violence... Loved it all.
But... The reason I give this 4.5 and not a full perfect score, is the predictability aspect. Of course I'm fairly sure that 99.9 % of people figured out who the boss was, and at least 50% could also guess the big twist right at the end. There was only one or two people it could have POSSIBLY been right!? It was so extremely predictable I was BEGGING for there to be some other spin or twist which would make it less obvious, but alas - I was disappointed. For me to deduct only 0.5 Stars however is saying something, because I usually deduct a lot more for something as major as that. But I just liked it so darn much, so it didn't really take much away from the story for me. There were also a few minor twists that also held me.
The narrator Scott Brick was a FANTASTIC choice. And there is a sequel coming out! I may have to listen to the audio of that one too and hope that Scott is doing the sequel!
Would I recommend Orphan X?
YES YES YES Lots of fun! I can easily see it being made into some sort of blockbuster action flick which I would happily pay to see at the movies. Thoroughly enjoyed!
I listened to the audio version of Orphan X on audible.com, purchased at my own expense. Well worth the credit!
For more reviews check out my
BLOG
February 6, 2018
Gregg Hurwitz is an author that I have been meaning to read for a while, an author on my radar with books that I have been recommended and seen some great reviews. So I went for the Orphan books knowing this would be my type of book. I was right !
Gregg Hurwitz brings us a cracking novel with a great character Evan Smoak, adopted as a child by a shadowy figure called Jack and trained to be an assassin as part of a secret US government scheme. Known as Orphan X meaning there were at least 23 others of the Orphan programme, but that was years ago now he is leading normal life and became an adult, he took a fake last name and became "the Nowhere Man." When he's assigned to kill a fellow orphan, he refuses, resulting in the death of his handler whom Evan Smoak considered his father (Jack). He goes underground and leaves the orphans behind.
Evan moves to California and devotes himself to good works – taking out a slum-landlord paedophile cop, for example, after his victim calls Evan’s special number. However, his meticulously compartmentalised life makes him vulnerable … Orphan X is tight and tense in all the right places. But it wouldn’t work half as well if we didn’t feel Evan’s pain and share his panic as the worst-case scenario unfolds: another former Orphan, with a less noble agenda, seems to be hunting him. Orphan X is weapons-grade thriller-writing from a modern master but also a quite character living in an apartment with an collection of various individuals who know nothing about him and his lifestyle.
A thrilling, great paced thriller with a character who is no superhero just a great new action character.
Good , yes I am already on Book 2... The Nowhere Man... That tells you everything !
PS David Baldacci, a great author.... Thanks... You said I would "Thank You"
A clear four stars, and nearly five!
Gregg Hurwitz brings us a cracking novel with a great character Evan Smoak, adopted as a child by a shadowy figure called Jack and trained to be an assassin as part of a secret US government scheme. Known as Orphan X meaning there were at least 23 others of the Orphan programme, but that was years ago now he is leading normal life and became an adult, he took a fake last name and became "the Nowhere Man." When he's assigned to kill a fellow orphan, he refuses, resulting in the death of his handler whom Evan Smoak considered his father (Jack). He goes underground and leaves the orphans behind.
Evan moves to California and devotes himself to good works – taking out a slum-landlord paedophile cop, for example, after his victim calls Evan’s special number. However, his meticulously compartmentalised life makes him vulnerable … Orphan X is tight and tense in all the right places. But it wouldn’t work half as well if we didn’t feel Evan’s pain and share his panic as the worst-case scenario unfolds: another former Orphan, with a less noble agenda, seems to be hunting him. Orphan X is weapons-grade thriller-writing from a modern master but also a quite character living in an apartment with an collection of various individuals who know nothing about him and his lifestyle.
A thrilling, great paced thriller with a character who is no superhero just a great new action character.
Good , yes I am already on Book 2... The Nowhere Man... That tells you everything !
PS David Baldacci, a great author.... Thanks... You said I would "Thank You"
A clear four stars, and nearly five!
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