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Orphan X #6
Prodigal Son
Listening Length: 13 hours and 43 minutes
Forced into retirement, Evan Smoak gets an urgent request for help from someone he didn't even suspect existed.
As a boy, Evan Smoak was pulled out of a foster home and trained in an off-the-books operation known as the Orphan Program. He was a government assassin, perhaps the best, known to a few insiders as Orphan X. He eventually broke with the Program and adopted a new name – The Nowhere Man―and a new mission, helping the most desperate in their times of trouble. But the highest power in the country has made him a tempting offer - in exchange for an unofficial pardon, he must stop his clandestine activities as The Nowhere Man. Now Evan has to do the one thing he’s least equipped to do—live a normal life.
But then he gets a call for help from the one person he never expected. A woman claiming to have given him up for adoption, a woman he never knew—his mother. Her unlikely request: help Andrew Duran—a man whose life has gone off the rails, who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, bringing him to the deadly attention of very powerful figures. Now a brutal brother & sister assassination team are after him and with no one to turn to, and no safe place to hide, Evan is Duran’s only option. But when the hidden cabal catches on to what Evan is doing, everything he’s fought for is on the line—including his own life.
Forced into retirement, Evan Smoak gets an urgent request for help from someone he didn't even suspect existed.
As a boy, Evan Smoak was pulled out of a foster home and trained in an off-the-books operation known as the Orphan Program. He was a government assassin, perhaps the best, known to a few insiders as Orphan X. He eventually broke with the Program and adopted a new name – The Nowhere Man―and a new mission, helping the most desperate in their times of trouble. But the highest power in the country has made him a tempting offer - in exchange for an unofficial pardon, he must stop his clandestine activities as The Nowhere Man. Now Evan has to do the one thing he’s least equipped to do—live a normal life.
But then he gets a call for help from the one person he never expected. A woman claiming to have given him up for adoption, a woman he never knew—his mother. Her unlikely request: help Andrew Duran—a man whose life has gone off the rails, who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, bringing him to the deadly attention of very powerful figures. Now a brutal brother & sister assassination team are after him and with no one to turn to, and no safe place to hide, Evan is Duran’s only option. But when the hidden cabal catches on to what Evan is doing, everything he’s fought for is on the line—including his own life.
Audible Audio
First published January 26, 2021
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About the author
Gregg Hurwitz
304 books6,834 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 1,552 reviews
December 28, 2020
PLEASE DON'T MAKE ME WAIT TOO LONG FOR BOOK #7!
"The greater the gift, the greater the curse."
Prodigal Son is the 6th book in the Evan Smoak series.
Still grappling with the choice to go straight or to keep being "the Nowhere Man," Evan Smoak, a former government assassin turned do-gooder assassin, aka "The Nowhere Man," finds himself at a crossroads until a disturbing phone call compels him to take on one more case, forcing him to face long-buried childhood memories and secrets.
Prodigal Son fills in a lot of the background information on Evan’s childhood and how he became an Orphan. This book has a different tone, as it is more emotional and focuses on the little boy who fought to survive. We learn how Evan was “chosen” and get more details about some of the horrors he experienced in foster care.
This book is packed with action and adrenaline, balanced out by visits from our favorite characters and friends, adding much-needed warmth and humor. Evan's misfit family expands as he makes some new friends, and I am interested to see how they add to the mix.
Evan to embrace more of his human side, making his choice to give up being The Nowhere Man even more apparent until…..CLIFFHANGER!
Prodigal Son ends with a cliffhanger, one that made me anxious. Evan’s character felt a little stuck, but this book certainly sets us up for his next chapter in a big way! I hope we don’t have to wait too long for book #7 because I need to know WHAT HAPPENS next!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
"The greater the gift, the greater the curse."
Prodigal Son is the 6th book in the Evan Smoak series.
Still grappling with the choice to go straight or to keep being "the Nowhere Man," Evan Smoak, a former government assassin turned do-gooder assassin, aka "The Nowhere Man," finds himself at a crossroads until a disturbing phone call compels him to take on one more case, forcing him to face long-buried childhood memories and secrets.
Prodigal Son fills in a lot of the background information on Evan’s childhood and how he became an Orphan. This book has a different tone, as it is more emotional and focuses on the little boy who fought to survive. We learn how Evan was “chosen” and get more details about some of the horrors he experienced in foster care.
This book is packed with action and adrenaline, balanced out by visits from our favorite characters and friends, adding much-needed warmth and humor. Evan's misfit family expands as he makes some new friends, and I am interested to see how they add to the mix.
Evan to embrace more of his human side, making his choice to give up being The Nowhere Man even more apparent until…..CLIFFHANGER!
Prodigal Son ends with a cliffhanger, one that made me anxious. Evan’s character felt a little stuck, but this book certainly sets us up for his next chapter in a big way! I hope we don’t have to wait too long for book #7 because I need to know WHAT HAPPENS next!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2020
Gregg Hurwitz brings back Evan Smoak, the Nowhere Man, in his Orphan X series, a favourite with me, despite the fact that this one ends with a cliffhanger, my least favourite type of ending, although it does mean, I hope, that there will be at least one more in this fabulous series. What I loved about this one is that in a narrative which shifts from the past and the present, it throws a spotlight on Evan's desperate childhood experiences at The Pride House Group Home, a group of boys, all destined to end up with a future of hardship, criminality and no prospects, unless they are chosen by a mystery man that urban legend has it picks and trains a boy, promising the possibility of wealth and privilege. Against all the odds, Evan manages to be chosen but only because he was willing to do whatever he had to do to secure his place, his past and the lost boys of the group home are to inform and change his present and who he is.
Having managed to gain an unofficial pardon from the President, the price of which is that he ceases to be the Nowhere Man, Evan is enjoying the fruits of his wealth, his exclusive vodkas, his high rise penthouse at Castle Heights, which is fine, but it is not enough, and it fails to satisfy his inner need to use his highly unusual skill set and training for good. So whilst he initially ignores calls from a woman claiming to be his birth mother wanting him to help Andrew Duran, most likely a scam, he can't quite let it go. It turns out Veronica is his mother, his emotions are ambivalent and haywire, this is the woman who abandoned him, but it soon becomes clear to him that Duran, suspected of murder, really does need his help. In a story that involves the US military, the worrying developments in drone warfare, the powerful and ruthless Dr Brendan Molleken, a sadistically cruel Declan and Queenie Gentner, wetwork contractors, Evan is aided by the young Joey, computer hacker extraordinaire, Tommy, his armaments supplier, and the talented Orphan V, Candy McClure.
One of the reasons I love this series is the character development that takes place, and in this addition, the OCD Evan, who has sought to made himself invulnerable at every level, particularly emotionally, begins to understand the wisdom that our vulnerabilities are what makes us human, allow us to make meaningful connections with others, to express love, and an important element on the path of healing. These are huge steps forward for Evan as he comes to terms with the fact that he can no longer identify as a loner, he is part of a family and all that entails, his relationship with Joey faces stresses that require him to change, and Mia's son, Peter, helps him to see himself more clearly and become more self aware. This is a wonderfully entertaining thriller that I loved, and I am eagerly anticipating the next in the series! Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
Having managed to gain an unofficial pardon from the President, the price of which is that he ceases to be the Nowhere Man, Evan is enjoying the fruits of his wealth, his exclusive vodkas, his high rise penthouse at Castle Heights, which is fine, but it is not enough, and it fails to satisfy his inner need to use his highly unusual skill set and training for good. So whilst he initially ignores calls from a woman claiming to be his birth mother wanting him to help Andrew Duran, most likely a scam, he can't quite let it go. It turns out Veronica is his mother, his emotions are ambivalent and haywire, this is the woman who abandoned him, but it soon becomes clear to him that Duran, suspected of murder, really does need his help. In a story that involves the US military, the worrying developments in drone warfare, the powerful and ruthless Dr Brendan Molleken, a sadistically cruel Declan and Queenie Gentner, wetwork contractors, Evan is aided by the young Joey, computer hacker extraordinaire, Tommy, his armaments supplier, and the talented Orphan V, Candy McClure.
One of the reasons I love this series is the character development that takes place, and in this addition, the OCD Evan, who has sought to made himself invulnerable at every level, particularly emotionally, begins to understand the wisdom that our vulnerabilities are what makes us human, allow us to make meaningful connections with others, to express love, and an important element on the path of healing. These are huge steps forward for Evan as he comes to terms with the fact that he can no longer identify as a loner, he is part of a family and all that entails, his relationship with Joey faces stresses that require him to change, and Mia's son, Peter, helps him to see himself more clearly and become more self aware. This is a wonderfully entertaining thriller that I loved, and I am eagerly anticipating the next in the series! Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
December 6, 2020
All right Evan Smoak…you’ve got yourself in some sticky situations before. But this time, all I can say is “good luck pal!”🙈
Book six of the Orphan X series is every bit the white-knuckled, action packed romp as all its predecessors! Can’t poor Evan ever have a normal life? Maybe one that oh, I don’t know…doesn’t involves killing? Even after relinquishing his dark ops “Nowhere Man” persona he still carries the phone...just in case.
And as you probably guessed, retirement isn’t in his short term plan. And now, as he knew it would, the phone is ringing once again. And this time it’s as personal as it can get.
If you’re a fan of this series you won’t be disappointed. All the high-wire action you’d expect. And sprinkled with a hint of possible romance for all of you who want to see Evan explore love. Or is that just me💁🏻♀️
To give you the best reading experience, I recommend starting at the beginning of the series. Although the author does provide enough background detail that it can certainly stand on its own.
The ending is of course a nail-biter that has me waiting impatiently for the next release! Please hurry Mr. Hurwitz!
A fantastic buddy read with Susanne that we both loved!
Thank you to Minotaur Books for an ARC to read and review.
Book six of the Orphan X series is every bit the white-knuckled, action packed romp as all its predecessors! Can’t poor Evan ever have a normal life? Maybe one that oh, I don’t know…doesn’t involves killing? Even after relinquishing his dark ops “Nowhere Man” persona he still carries the phone...just in case.
And as you probably guessed, retirement isn’t in his short term plan. And now, as he knew it would, the phone is ringing once again. And this time it’s as personal as it can get.
If you’re a fan of this series you won’t be disappointed. All the high-wire action you’d expect. And sprinkled with a hint of possible romance for all of you who want to see Evan explore love. Or is that just me💁🏻♀️
To give you the best reading experience, I recommend starting at the beginning of the series. Although the author does provide enough background detail that it can certainly stand on its own.
The ending is of course a nail-biter that has me waiting impatiently for the next release! Please hurry Mr. Hurwitz!
A fantastic buddy read with Susanne that we both loved!
Thank you to Minotaur Books for an ARC to read and review.
December 19, 2020
Review posted on: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Simply Electrifying.
What happens when everything Evan Smoak thought he knew about himself and his past is torn asunder?
In “Prodigal Son,” Evan opens up, faces the truth and takes care of his own.
This time, it’s personal.
Stunning, brilliant, heart-rending and pulse pounding this suspenseful addition to the Orphan X series delivers in a way that none of the other books in the series have so far.
This book will in fact make your eyes POP and your heart stop (just for a second though, I swear..). That my friends is a promise.
A highly entertaining buddy read with Kaceey that gave us lots to discuss.
A huge thank you goes out to Martin Quinn at Minotaur Books for the arc.
Published on Goodreads on 12.5.20.
Excerpt to be published on Insta.
Simply Electrifying.
What happens when everything Evan Smoak thought he knew about himself and his past is torn asunder?
In “Prodigal Son,” Evan opens up, faces the truth and takes care of his own.
This time, it’s personal.
Stunning, brilliant, heart-rending and pulse pounding this suspenseful addition to the Orphan X series delivers in a way that none of the other books in the series have so far.
This book will in fact make your eyes POP and your heart stop (just for a second though, I swear..). That my friends is a promise.
A highly entertaining buddy read with Kaceey that gave us lots to discuss.
A huge thank you goes out to Martin Quinn at Minotaur Books for the arc.
Published on Goodreads on 12.5.20.
Excerpt to be published on Insta.
March 25, 2023
The Prodigal Son returns but with it the other definitions of ‘prodigal’ ring true with excessive violence and some overwritten action scenes.
However, we have a very likeable central character (although I wish it had not been that same trope with another crime buster forced out of retirement). I also liked the writing style, flow and level of suspense created through the writing and this had a very intriguing plot but just too many bullets in a lot of them. So in all very good and 3.5 / 4 stars.
I just wish I had the same 5 star experience as my other GR friends.
Full RTC after holidays.
However, we have a very likeable central character (although I wish it had not been that same trope with another crime buster forced out of retirement). I also liked the writing style, flow and level of suspense created through the writing and this had a very intriguing plot but just too many bullets in a lot of them. So in all very good and 3.5 / 4 stars.
I just wish I had the same 5 star experience as my other GR friends.
Full RTC after holidays.
May 12, 2021
Prodigal Son by Gregg Hurwitz is a 2021 Minotaur Books publication.
Just when I thought I was out…
Evan is trying to seize the day! He has finally been given the chance to live a normal life, after retiring the “NOWHEREMAN” hotline and receiving a pardon from the powers that be.
Then…. He gets a shocking phone call from someone he never thought he would meet…
Risking his freedom, he agrees to the request to help Andrew Duran, a man who is the target of a pair of assassins only because he was in the wrong place, at the wrong time. Naturally, once Evan steps in, he draws unwelcome attention, and the race is on… again.
Evan found 'normalcy' was a little like a double edged sword. There is still the part of him that yearns to utilize his expert training, to continue to help people, craving the adrenaline and action, while the other part of him is enjoying his freedom, the feeling of a burden lifted, relishing the opportunity to live a different sort of life. It’s a conflict he’s wrestled with for a long time.
He doesn’t get much of a chance to adjust to civilian life, if you will, when he’s stunned by a new and startling revelation.
Knowing the risks, Evan can't seem to help himself, especially under the circumstances. Whoever is after Andrew, means serious business...
As usual the action is non-stop, and intense! Despite that, there is always, always, a moment or two of reflections and deep thought, as Evan ponders the two sides of humanity and his representation of that duality.
“Evan’s training had taught him to cover every operational contingency, but the feat of laying bare one’s heart seemed rife with greater dangers yet."
By contrast the Joey/Evan relationship continues to provide enormous entertainment, and some super sharp, witty, and poignant dialogue. I love it when they work together!! I know, I’ve said that before, they really do make a great team.
Now that Evan has been plunged back into his old life, it looks as if his two realities will continue to jockey for position over his life….
Provided he still has a life to live!!
Another outstanding installment in a series that continues to knock my socks off! I do hope book seven is on its way soon!!
4.5 stars
Just when I thought I was out…
Evan is trying to seize the day! He has finally been given the chance to live a normal life, after retiring the “NOWHEREMAN” hotline and receiving a pardon from the powers that be.
Then…. He gets a shocking phone call from someone he never thought he would meet…
Risking his freedom, he agrees to the request to help Andrew Duran, a man who is the target of a pair of assassins only because he was in the wrong place, at the wrong time. Naturally, once Evan steps in, he draws unwelcome attention, and the race is on… again.
Evan found 'normalcy' was a little like a double edged sword. There is still the part of him that yearns to utilize his expert training, to continue to help people, craving the adrenaline and action, while the other part of him is enjoying his freedom, the feeling of a burden lifted, relishing the opportunity to live a different sort of life. It’s a conflict he’s wrestled with for a long time.
He doesn’t get much of a chance to adjust to civilian life, if you will, when he’s stunned by a new and startling revelation.
Knowing the risks, Evan can't seem to help himself, especially under the circumstances. Whoever is after Andrew, means serious business...
As usual the action is non-stop, and intense! Despite that, there is always, always, a moment or two of reflections and deep thought, as Evan ponders the two sides of humanity and his representation of that duality.
“Evan’s training had taught him to cover every operational contingency, but the feat of laying bare one’s heart seemed rife with greater dangers yet."
By contrast the Joey/Evan relationship continues to provide enormous entertainment, and some super sharp, witty, and poignant dialogue. I love it when they work together!! I know, I’ve said that before, they really do make a great team.
Now that Evan has been plunged back into his old life, it looks as if his two realities will continue to jockey for position over his life….
Provided he still has a life to live!!
Another outstanding installment in a series that continues to knock my socks off! I do hope book seven is on its way soon!!
4.5 stars
July 5, 2021
Remember the fourth of Jack's Ten Commandments Evan? "Never make it personal." Well in this book you make it very personal indeed (at least Mr Hurwitz does) and I enjoyed the book a little less than I usually do because of it.
Of course Prodigal Son is loaded to the brim with danger, action, and excitement but I prefer the hero when he is at the top of his game and not spending his down time worrying about personal relationships.
On the other hand I did enjoy the inserts about Evan before Jack took him into his new life. That was great back story and told us a lot about why Evan is the way he is today. The humorous dialogue between Evan and Joey provides some much needed relief between action scenes too.
And then there is the ending which deserves to be a movie scene in itself. The climax of the book is over, we move into a quiet finale and then ...........well if you have read it you know, and if you have not then I am not going to spoil it for you. Suffice it to say the next book cannot come quickly enough.
Of course Prodigal Son is loaded to the brim with danger, action, and excitement but I prefer the hero when he is at the top of his game and not spending his down time worrying about personal relationships.
On the other hand I did enjoy the inserts about Evan before Jack took him into his new life. That was great back story and told us a lot about why Evan is the way he is today. The humorous dialogue between Evan and Joey provides some much needed relief between action scenes too.
And then there is the ending which deserves to be a movie scene in itself. The climax of the book is over, we move into a quiet finale and then ...........well if you have read it you know, and if you have not then I am not going to spoil it for you. Suffice it to say the next book cannot come quickly enough.
December 26, 2020
4.5★
“Evan looked down at them, doing his best not to consider how satisfying it felt to knock the rust off his fighting-muscle memory. It had all the dark deliciousness of giving in to a bad habit. He knew too well the costs of surrendering to it and yet couldn’t shake the sense right now, with the night air keen at the back of his throat and the rush of blood in his veins, that this was in fact the thing he was meant to do. The greater the gift, the greater the curse.”
Evan Smoak had retired from the Orphan Program. No more Nowhere Man. No more answering the RoamZone phone from calls for help to 1-855-2-NOWHERE.
“So he’d agreed to leave his work as the Nowhere Man behind.
He was ready to try to lead an ordinary life, whatever that was. A life he’d never thought he could have, never thought he deserved. One without knife wounds and concussions. Without a threat around every corner, the reek of death one wrong turn away.
People would have to go about helping themselves the ways they had before he’d come along. Or the ways they hadn’t.”
He’s been good at avoiding conflict and keeping a low profile. We actually get some more back story, learn more about the home where he was dumped as a baby and the boys he grew up with. He was a little fellow, and it’s interesting to see how he managed to be chosen (not) for the Orphan Program.
You can’t help feeling for the boys in the home. We learn more about some individuals, who were the weakest, who were the bullies (one of whom was chosen for the Orphan Program).
“The home is a perpetual testing ground, every insecurity exposed, every vulnerability jabbed until it broke you or you broke it.”
The regular characters appear, and his extended family gets drawn in a little closer in spite of his resistance. I’m fond of them all and always nervous when they’re in jeopardy. If you don’t want to live dangerously, don’t get close to a guy like Evan Smoak.
Of course, how would you know? You’d never pick him in a crowd, which was, of course, the point.
“Evan had an average build, the better to blend in. Just an ordinary guy, not too handsome. He kept his muscles toned but not pronounced. When he was dressed, it was hard to discern just how fit he was.”
He does try hard now to be ordinary.
“Several evenings ago he’d even raised the retractable flat-screen TV from its slit in the floor and watched a Buster Keaton movie.
That was him now. Mr. Ordinary.
Especially if you overlooked the bullet-resistant laminated polycarbonate thermoplastic resin composing the windows, the discreet armor sunscreens made of a rare titanium variant, the motion-and shatter-detection sensors rigged in the frames, the base-jumping parachute stowed behind the inset panel of the planter strategically positioned on the south-facing balcony.”
Ah, that’s more like it! Here comes the tech, the invincibility (well, almost), the paranoia. When his RoamZone rings to request/require his immediate presence in Buenos Aires, we just know his retirement was premature. He answers the call, knocks the rust off (as in the opening quote), and off we go on another terrifying mission.
He becomes increasingly aware of what it meant for him and the others to grow up the home, a place where they felt abandoned, unwanted, and undeserving of love. He begins to itch to change that, becoming philosophical from time to time, not entirely sure why.
Evan Smoak is a terrific character, a hero and protector and assassin. He doesn’t need to know absolutely everything about weaponry and IT and cutting-edge tech, but he knows the people who do and he understands enough to make use of their assistance.
The situation he is finally trying to infiltrate and disrupt is disturbingly real. In fact, it’s downright terrifying. And talk about a cliffhanger . . . GASP!
Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the preview copy from which I’ve quoted. All I have left to say is there had better be a follow-up soon!
“Evan looked down at them, doing his best not to consider how satisfying it felt to knock the rust off his fighting-muscle memory. It had all the dark deliciousness of giving in to a bad habit. He knew too well the costs of surrendering to it and yet couldn’t shake the sense right now, with the night air keen at the back of his throat and the rush of blood in his veins, that this was in fact the thing he was meant to do. The greater the gift, the greater the curse.”
Evan Smoak had retired from the Orphan Program. No more Nowhere Man. No more answering the RoamZone phone from calls for help to 1-855-2-NOWHERE.
“So he’d agreed to leave his work as the Nowhere Man behind.
He was ready to try to lead an ordinary life, whatever that was. A life he’d never thought he could have, never thought he deserved. One without knife wounds and concussions. Without a threat around every corner, the reek of death one wrong turn away.
People would have to go about helping themselves the ways they had before he’d come along. Or the ways they hadn’t.”
He’s been good at avoiding conflict and keeping a low profile. We actually get some more back story, learn more about the home where he was dumped as a baby and the boys he grew up with. He was a little fellow, and it’s interesting to see how he managed to be chosen (not) for the Orphan Program.
You can’t help feeling for the boys in the home. We learn more about some individuals, who were the weakest, who were the bullies (one of whom was chosen for the Orphan Program).
“The home is a perpetual testing ground, every insecurity exposed, every vulnerability jabbed until it broke you or you broke it.”
The regular characters appear, and his extended family gets drawn in a little closer in spite of his resistance. I’m fond of them all and always nervous when they’re in jeopardy. If you don’t want to live dangerously, don’t get close to a guy like Evan Smoak.
Of course, how would you know? You’d never pick him in a crowd, which was, of course, the point.
“Evan had an average build, the better to blend in. Just an ordinary guy, not too handsome. He kept his muscles toned but not pronounced. When he was dressed, it was hard to discern just how fit he was.”
He does try hard now to be ordinary.
“Several evenings ago he’d even raised the retractable flat-screen TV from its slit in the floor and watched a Buster Keaton movie.
That was him now. Mr. Ordinary.
Especially if you overlooked the bullet-resistant laminated polycarbonate thermoplastic resin composing the windows, the discreet armor sunscreens made of a rare titanium variant, the motion-and shatter-detection sensors rigged in the frames, the base-jumping parachute stowed behind the inset panel of the planter strategically positioned on the south-facing balcony.”
Ah, that’s more like it! Here comes the tech, the invincibility (well, almost), the paranoia. When his RoamZone rings to request/require his immediate presence in Buenos Aires, we just know his retirement was premature. He answers the call, knocks the rust off (as in the opening quote), and off we go on another terrifying mission.
He becomes increasingly aware of what it meant for him and the others to grow up the home, a place where they felt abandoned, unwanted, and undeserving of love. He begins to itch to change that, becoming philosophical from time to time, not entirely sure why.
Evan Smoak is a terrific character, a hero and protector and assassin. He doesn’t need to know absolutely everything about weaponry and IT and cutting-edge tech, but he knows the people who do and he understands enough to make use of their assistance.
The situation he is finally trying to infiltrate and disrupt is disturbingly real. In fact, it’s downright terrifying. And talk about a cliffhanger . . . GASP!
Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the preview copy from which I’ve quoted. All I have left to say is there had better be a follow-up soon!
February 8, 2021
This was another hit from Hurwitz!! This series keeps getting better and What the hec.... The ending??? I need book #7 ASAP
My sixth book in this exciting, action packed series. Evan Smoak gets a little more personal and this one has a touch of a sentimental side. Don't worry though, there are plenty of pulse-pounding scenes and that page turning action that is a staple in this series.
We learn even more about Evan's past and the author always does a great job of filling in Evan's back story for those who haven't read the series (I highly recommend reading them in order though).
The ending left me breathless, impatient and ready for the next installment!!
Thanks so much to NG and the publisher for my copy. OUT NOW as of Jan. 26,2021
December 18, 2020
This is the sixth book in the Orphan X series (I thought number five was the last since he retired. Silly me). Evan Smoak was a small-for-his-age 12-year-old orphan when he was snatched up and trained to be an-off-the-books assassin for the government. He gave up being Orphan X and switched to being The Nowhere Man, who helped people in desperate need of help that his incredible training and endless financial resources could provide. But he’d given up even that for a nonofficial presidential pardon. In this book, someone claiming to be his birth mother gets a hold of him, and asks him to help out another person in dire need of assistance from extremely deadly people.
He calls in old friends from his Orphan and Nowhere Man days and grudgingly helps this person at extreme mortal risk himself (as always). All the while he contemplates his feelings toward his birth mother and an Orphan who is just 16 who he helps out and who helps him out with her master hacking and other computer abilities.
As with the other books in this series, it’s well written and moves quickly. It’s a fun read. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES JANUARY 26, 2021.
He calls in old friends from his Orphan and Nowhere Man days and grudgingly helps this person at extreme mortal risk himself (as always). All the while he contemplates his feelings toward his birth mother and an Orphan who is just 16 who he helps out and who helps him out with her master hacking and other computer abilities.
As with the other books in this series, it’s well written and moves quickly. It’s a fun read. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES JANUARY 26, 2021.
September 4, 2020
I realize I am reviewing this book early, but I just couldn't hold back from reading it.
Once again Gregg Hurwitz has managed to create a page turning story featuring the infamous Evan Smoak. Evan is supposedly retired but alas he is once again called into play by a most unusual source, his mother Veronica. He is tempted to give up the retired life, one he is ill equipped to deal with, and accomplish one more rescue, one more time being the Nowhere Man, one more time employing the skills he learned as Orphan X.
As always with Evan there are thrills and chills up the wazoo and each time the intrepid intriguing Evan takes on the baddies of the world, it's a battle of wits, brawn, and death defying feats. This time a nanotechnology company and it ruthless leader, is the target. In this dangerous bold pursuit to save the man his mother has asked him to, Evan is aided by the indomitable Joey and as the story proceeds we learn more about their budding relationship and the concept that both Evan and Joey are learning to care for each other even though they never knew how to express or understand their feelings. It's a wonderful relationship and adds a sense of both happiness and fun as these two have such an amusing repartee between them.
We also learn a bit more about Evan's early life and how he eventually became Orphan X. All in all, this is a engaging and engrossing read and the legacy of this series continues to be one that grips and seduces the reader into wanting more. Considering this is the sixth book in this series, it is both brilliant and fantastic that Mr Hurwitz has been able to keep Evan's momentum going and makes those who are fans of this series wait with baited breath for book number seven.
Thank you to Gregg Hurwitz, Minotaur Books, and Netgalley for a copy of this book due out January 26,2021.
Once again Gregg Hurwitz has managed to create a page turning story featuring the infamous Evan Smoak. Evan is supposedly retired but alas he is once again called into play by a most unusual source, his mother Veronica. He is tempted to give up the retired life, one he is ill equipped to deal with, and accomplish one more rescue, one more time being the Nowhere Man, one more time employing the skills he learned as Orphan X.
As always with Evan there are thrills and chills up the wazoo and each time the intrepid intriguing Evan takes on the baddies of the world, it's a battle of wits, brawn, and death defying feats. This time a nanotechnology company and it ruthless leader, is the target. In this dangerous bold pursuit to save the man his mother has asked him to, Evan is aided by the indomitable Joey and as the story proceeds we learn more about their budding relationship and the concept that both Evan and Joey are learning to care for each other even though they never knew how to express or understand their feelings. It's a wonderful relationship and adds a sense of both happiness and fun as these two have such an amusing repartee between them.
We also learn a bit more about Evan's early life and how he eventually became Orphan X. All in all, this is a engaging and engrossing read and the legacy of this series continues to be one that grips and seduces the reader into wanting more. Considering this is the sixth book in this series, it is both brilliant and fantastic that Mr Hurwitz has been able to keep Evan's momentum going and makes those who are fans of this series wait with baited breath for book number seven.
Thank you to Gregg Hurwitz, Minotaur Books, and Netgalley for a copy of this book due out January 26,2021.
June 22, 2021
One of my least favorite "X" to date. To top it off, a bit of a cliffhanger at the end. Why? 4 of 10 stars
September 5, 2023
the setup…
Evan Smoak is “officially” retired, by choice since he ended the rogue orchestrators of the Orphan Program that created him and because he’ll lose his presidential immunity if he doesn’t. But when he receives a call on his special line from a mysterious woman he tracks down in South America, Evan accepts her request to help out her friend’s son, Andrew Duman. It seemed an easy enough assignment…until it wasn’t.
the heart of the story…
Evan was just trying to figure out what was next for himself when his world was turned upside down. That woman who reached out to him claimed to be the one who’d given him up for adoption, which sent him reeling. Then Joey starts secretly dating a guy who’s too old for her. Lastly, that “trouble” Andrew was in involved two known hired assassins connected with a top secret highly classified program. He just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and the consequences were deadly for anyone associated with him now, including Evan. Nice retirement.
the narration…
Scott Brick is the voice of this series, in my head as well as by contract. He’s perfect as Evan, even Joey, and I love his storytelling style.
the bottom line…
Evan’s carefully controlled world is turned upside down here. The threats he faced were beyond formidable and I’ll never look at a dragonfly the same way again. The fighting is fierce and he gets a lot of help from friends. But it’s the new knowledge about his ancestry that throws him off balance, unleashing deeply stored emotions he’s ill prepared to manage. But, wow! That ending…every time I think this series can’t best itself, it topples the last. I’m hurrying on to the next book!
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Evan Smoak is “officially” retired, by choice since he ended the rogue orchestrators of the Orphan Program that created him and because he’ll lose his presidential immunity if he doesn’t. But when he receives a call on his special line from a mysterious woman he tracks down in South America, Evan accepts her request to help out her friend’s son, Andrew Duman. It seemed an easy enough assignment…until it wasn’t.
the heart of the story…
Evan was just trying to figure out what was next for himself when his world was turned upside down. That woman who reached out to him claimed to be the one who’d given him up for adoption, which sent him reeling. Then Joey starts secretly dating a guy who’s too old for her. Lastly, that “trouble” Andrew was in involved two known hired assassins connected with a top secret highly classified program. He just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and the consequences were deadly for anyone associated with him now, including Evan. Nice retirement.
the narration…
Scott Brick is the voice of this series, in my head as well as by contract. He’s perfect as Evan, even Joey, and I love his storytelling style.
the bottom line…
Evan’s carefully controlled world is turned upside down here. The threats he faced were beyond formidable and I’ll never look at a dragonfly the same way again. The fighting is fierce and he gets a lot of help from friends. But it’s the new knowledge about his ancestry that throws him off balance, unleashing deeply stored emotions he’s ill prepared to manage. But, wow! That ending…every time I think this series can’t best itself, it topples the last. I’m hurrying on to the next book!
Posted on Blue Mood Café
April 18, 2022
The ORPHAN X series is one of my favorite spy/assassin series. Evan Smoak (the former Orphan X) was taken out of foster care as a child and trained to be a black ops government assassin. After decades of sneaking into countries and doing the government’s dirty work, he retired and now tries to help those who are being threatened… until recently when he fully retired. But then Evan gets a call from a woman claiming to be his birth mother, with a contact for someone who needs his help. I’ve read all 7-8 books in this series including the novellas and my favorite ones are the books where the spy work is balanced with Evan’s emotional life and scenes that dig into his past, so this book was absolutely a winner, and had some interesting twists I wasn’t expecting. As always, the tradecraft, fight scenes and knowledge of weapons was top notch. I always love the scenes with Evan and Joey, a former Orphan program trainee who at 16 is all alone in the world and has a kind of little sister relationship with Evan. Also still on the back burner… Evan’s relationship with Mia the district attorney who lives in his building. With a scary military tech as an opponent and a surprising twist at the end, this was a fun ride!
July 27, 2023
UPDATE 28/07/2023 - This one was a cracker even on second read!
Onions people! ONIONS!
So many layers peeled back in this book. Evan is thrown into emotional turmoil and we see a completely different side to him. This one was truly brilliant!
Onions people! ONIONS!
So many layers peeled back in this book. Evan is thrown into emotional turmoil and we see a completely different side to him. This one was truly brilliant!
February 9, 2021
3.5 ⭐
Solid action and great cast. Too bad the author had to put X in such a weird circumstances of being "human" AND semi retired. The worst part, we the reader are reminded repeatedly...
Evan Smoak aka Orphan X aka the Nowhere Man is a "retired" trained assassin. Retirement was involuntary and he couldn't operate anymore. In return, he received an informal presidential pardon (what he did in book 4).
Evan's childhood circle and microdrone technologies are the center of Prodigal Son. I can't get enough of Evan's past & present so this part was a treat for me. We get flashbacks of twelve year-old Evan days at The Pride House Group Home as well as huge development for current Evan 🤐. The tech part was frightening but just okay.
While Evan tries to live a normal life, he was once again contacted through his 1-855-2-NOWHERE number by a woman in Argentina. The number only given to those in desperate situation and needed of his help.
Just when I thought this book was "meh", the ending made me want to read the next one ASAP! With good chunk of backstory and gripping cliffhanger, I'm bumping to 4 stars.
(Who did it? ... so dead in the next book.)
Solid action and great cast. Too bad the author had to put X in such a weird circumstances of being "human" AND semi retired. The worst part, we the reader are reminded repeatedly...
Evan Smoak aka Orphan X aka the Nowhere Man is a "retired" trained assassin. Retirement was involuntary and he couldn't operate anymore. In return, he received an informal presidential pardon (what he did in book 4).
Evan's childhood circle and microdrone technologies are the center of Prodigal Son. I can't get enough of Evan's past & present so this part was a treat for me. We get flashbacks of twelve year-old Evan days at The Pride House Group Home as well as huge development for current Evan 🤐. The tech part was frightening but just okay.
While Evan tries to live a normal life, he was once again contacted through his 1-855-2-NOWHERE number by a woman in Argentina. The number only given to those in desperate situation and needed of his help.
Just when I thought this book was "meh", the ending made me want to read the next one ASAP! With good chunk of backstory and gripping cliffhanger, I'm bumping to 4 stars.
(Who did it? ... so dead in the next book.)
January 25, 2021
3.5 stars
In this 6th book in the 'Orphan X' series, Evan Smoak protects the life of an impound lot worker who witnessed a crime. The book can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the series is beneficial.
*****
When Evan Smoak was a spindly twelve-year-old living in an orphanage - where he slept on the floor between bunks - he was 'rescued' and placed in a black ops program that trained orphans to be highly skilled assassins. Evan was dubbed Orphan X.
After doing his assassin job for many years, Orphan X left the black ops program and set himself up as 'The Nowhere Man', a badass who helps people in trouble. When a person in dire straits is given Evan's number by a former client, the call goes to Evan's uber-encrypted RoamZone phone, which he answers with the phrase "Do you need my help?" The 'help' always involves Orphan X killing people, so it's frowned on by the authorities.
Evan's controversial work puts him the sights of government assassins until Evan makes a deal with President Victoria Donahue-Carr. POTUS grants Evan an unofficial pardon with the stipulation that he has to give up being the Nowhere Man.
In accordance with his deal, Evan stops answering the RoamZone phone. However one caller is very persistent, phoning again and again. When Evan finally responds, the caller claims to be his mother, who gave him up as an infant. The woman, whose name is Veronica LeGrande, has a mission for Evan.
Veronica implores Evan to protect a man called Andrew Duran, who's the target of assassins. Duran was working at a Los Angeles impound lot when he was visited by two people claiming to be U.S. Marshals.
The supposed marshals coerced Andrew into informing them when a man named Jake Hargreave was coming to pick up his battered truck. Duran complied, and when Hargreave showed up at the impound lot, he was killed.
Duran - who saw the murder - was targeted as well, but managed to escape. Now the killers are after him.
When Evan meets his mother, he experiences all kinds of emotions. Evan longs for the connection, but is angry that Veronica abandoned him to a miserable life in a downtrodden orphan asylum.
Evan has flashbacks to the institute, where he was housed with a bunch of 'lost boys' who were always clawing for food, space, and the chance to get out.
This is the first time we get a clear look at Evan's childhood, and his acceptance into the Orphan Program, and it helps us understand the direction his life took.
In any case, Evan agrees to protect Andrew Duran, who's an impoverished alcoholic living in a hovel above a Chinese restaurant. Duran scrimps and saves to provide child support for his 11-year-old daughter Sophia, but is too embarrassed by his circumstances to actually SEE the girl. Moreover, Duran is so depressed he doesn't even want Evan's help.
Evan forges on regardless, and gets assistance from his 16-year-old protégé Josephine (Joey), who's one of the best computer hackers in the world.
Evan discovers that Jake Hargreave was killed because he was about to expose a controversial government program involving killer microdrones that mimic dragonflies.
Proponents of the scheme are determined to go forward, and will kill anyone who gets in the way. They're now after Duran and his protector Orphan X.
As always in this series, there's plenty of action, including hand-to-hand fighting and skirmishes with (almost) surreal advanced weaponry, some of which is provided by Orphan X's friend Tommy Stojack - who's on the cutting edge of weapon design. Beautiful former Orphan V, Candy McClure, helps Evan as well.
We also get to see Evan's fortress penthouse apartment, which has a secret surveillance/computer/weapons room; a parachute to jump off the building; and a freezer room filled with expensive vodka.
When Evan isn't actively pursuing his mission he shows his softer side, which includes looking after the welfare of Joey and her pooch Dog; visiting his neighbor Mia and her 9-year-old son Peter; attending the moving party of an elderly Jewish woman in his building; chatting with the doorman; and so on. Most of this is very difficult for Orphan X, whose upbringing gave him no facility for social interactions.
There are plenty of twists in the story, and a dramatic finale that has me anxious to read the next book in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley, Gregg Hurwitz, and Minotaur Books for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/
August 2, 2020
Hurwitz' Orphan X series is always there for when you want a quick-reading action-packed thriller. Evan Smoak was whisked away from his orphanage (or really nasty group home) to be trained as a virtuoso assassin. Having quit that profession, Smoak has remade himself as the Nowhere Man, a sort of caped crusader without the costume and with a high rise condo instead of a bat cave. He's the legendary nowhere man who offers help to the desperate who have nowhere else to turn to. Put aside any concerns for where his endless monies come from, his surveillance gadgets, his James Bond like weapons, and enjoy the thrill ride. In the sixth episode in this series, our superhero finds out things about his origins that perhaps he didn't want to know. And, tackles a James Bond type mad scientist super villain with a doomsday weapon.
February 3, 2022
An other excelent book in this ceries. The nowhere Man has been called out of retirement to do what he does best, to help someone stay alive.
The book is full of action, intreague and even a little love.
I highly recommend this read. It will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The book is full of action, intreague and even a little love.
I highly recommend this read. It will keep you on the edge of your seat.
March 1, 2021
Gregg Andrew Hurwitz is one of my all-time favourite authors and I loved this 6th book in his "Orphan X" series!
Forced into retirement as the Nowhere Man, assassin Evan Smoak receives an urgent request for help from someone he didn't even know existed. Smoak finds his past tangled up in his current mission and his extremely interesting back story is revealed.
Fast-paced and thrilling with a jaw dropping ending!
With each book I love this series more and more and can't recommend it highly enough!
Forced into retirement as the Nowhere Man, assassin Evan Smoak receives an urgent request for help from someone he didn't even know existed. Smoak finds his past tangled up in his current mission and his extremely interesting back story is revealed.
Fast-paced and thrilling with a jaw dropping ending!
With each book I love this series more and more and can't recommend it highly enough!
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April 22, 2023
5-Stars - I thought this audiobook was Excellent!
Prodigal Son (Orphan X, #6) by Gregg Andrew Hurwitz
Audiobook - 13:42 Hours - Narrated by Scott Brick
I thought long and hard before rating this book as a 5-Stars listen, because I wanted to be quite certain that "Prodigal Son",(Orphan X, #6), lived up to its predecessors, "Orphan X #1 to #5", each of which I had previously rated as 5-Stars.
I am certain this book would be a great read, but since I am unable to read*, I want to compliment most highly the audiobook narration by Scott Brick. The range and depth of his emotional interpretations, and his dynamic methods of portraying them, are such vital and energetic forces in his reading of the Orphan X series, that I simply cannot imagine any other narrator, and I am familiar with many of them, who could live up to the expectations created by Scott Brick in "Orphan X, #1" and carried out through the series so far.
In an interview with the author at the end of the audiobook, Gregg Hurwitz indicates quite clearly that the Orphan X series will continue and alludes to some further development of the characters of "Orphan V (Candy McClure)" and "Tommy Stojack", the friend who supplies specialised weapons and ammunition to "Orphan X (Evan Smoak)". I am so looking forward to listening to the next book, title unknown (to me anyway), and the pressure that will come from assessing "Orphan X, #7" for yet another possible 5-Stars rating.
*Physically, I find it almost impossible to actually "read" books, either paper or e-reader based, and all my books listed and/or reviewed on Goodreads are audiobooks. Most of my GR friends know this, but I think it is worth stating for those who don't, that narration is a key issue for me as it impacts so much on whether I really enjoy a book or not.
Prodigal Son (Orphan X, #6) by Gregg Andrew Hurwitz
Audiobook - 13:42 Hours - Narrated by Scott Brick
I thought long and hard before rating this book as a 5-Stars listen, because I wanted to be quite certain that "Prodigal Son",(Orphan X, #6), lived up to its predecessors, "Orphan X #1 to #5", each of which I had previously rated as 5-Stars.
I am certain this book would be a great read, but since I am unable to read*, I want to compliment most highly the audiobook narration by Scott Brick. The range and depth of his emotional interpretations, and his dynamic methods of portraying them, are such vital and energetic forces in his reading of the Orphan X series, that I simply cannot imagine any other narrator, and I am familiar with many of them, who could live up to the expectations created by Scott Brick in "Orphan X, #1" and carried out through the series so far.
In an interview with the author at the end of the audiobook, Gregg Hurwitz indicates quite clearly that the Orphan X series will continue and alludes to some further development of the characters of "Orphan V (Candy McClure)" and "Tommy Stojack", the friend who supplies specialised weapons and ammunition to "Orphan X (Evan Smoak)". I am so looking forward to listening to the next book, title unknown (to me anyway), and the pressure that will come from assessing "Orphan X, #7" for yet another possible 5-Stars rating.
*Physically, I find it almost impossible to actually "read" books, either paper or e-reader based, and all my books listed and/or reviewed on Goodreads are audiobooks. Most of my GR friends know this, but I think it is worth stating for those who don't, that narration is a key issue for me as it impacts so much on whether I really enjoy a book or not.
January 26, 2021
Evan Smoak went from being the abandoned baby with no past, to living in a group home and becoming a boy with no future; to becoming a government trained assassin known as Orphan X and removing the future of others. Finally realizing his life as an assassin leads nowhere and to nothing, he left the program and became the Nowhere Man in truth. He became the man of last resort at the end of a phone number for those in desperate need of help. Until the President of the United States made him a deal: quit being the Nowhere Man and he would receive an unofficial Presidential pardon, giving Evan his life back and an opportunity to start over.
In Prodigal Son Orphan X #6, Evan quickly realizes that no longer being the Nowhere Man also means being the grey man. The almost nothing man. The extremely wealthy Evan has no idea how to relate to other people, so he lives in his 7000 sq ft Los Angeles aerie indulging his OCD tendencies and his hobby of collecting and drinking very high end vodka.
A blast from the past catches Evan by surprise, mom, who gave him up at one week, has contacted him and needs his help in saving the life of a very down and out guy, Andre. In small world fashion, Andre lived in the same Baltimore group home as did Evan.
Prodigal Son has the usual entertaining and imaginative showdowns, incursions and hacking scenes. There is an especially funny fight scene involving Teslas. (Okay, I might have a sick sense of humor)
Smoak is torn “between what he needs and what he wants” (approximate quote). As Evan sees his need and talents for violence come back to him, he also starts to understand his need to stop shielding his heart and start to build the family of that heart.
It’s amusing to see how Smoak has gone from 0 to 60 in his feelings of responsibility and love for his young ward, Joey. Those feeling have always have always been there, it just seem to take a slightly older college boy to bring them to the fore. Who knew an Orphan X book could be a tearjerker; a real one, not one mining cheap emotions?
The science and the weapons information are almost more than up to date, and make for fascinating games of real or not real for readers. Just the other day I saw an article about dragonfly drones-but not ones with ethical decision making capabilities. Here is my petty little question. With all that great information available wouldn’t someone catch that poinsettia’s don’t have a scent? Maybe that booboo didn’t make it to the final version of the book.
In Prodigal Son you will find a continuation of one of the best action packed series, one with a growing heart.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC. The opinion of this review are my own.
In Prodigal Son Orphan X #6, Evan quickly realizes that no longer being the Nowhere Man also means being the grey man. The almost nothing man. The extremely wealthy Evan has no idea how to relate to other people, so he lives in his 7000 sq ft Los Angeles aerie indulging his OCD tendencies and his hobby of collecting and drinking very high end vodka.
A blast from the past catches Evan by surprise, mom, who gave him up at one week, has contacted him and needs his help in saving the life of a very down and out guy, Andre. In small world fashion, Andre lived in the same Baltimore group home as did Evan.
Prodigal Son has the usual entertaining and imaginative showdowns, incursions and hacking scenes. There is an especially funny fight scene involving Teslas. (Okay, I might have a sick sense of humor)
Smoak is torn “between what he needs and what he wants” (approximate quote). As Evan sees his need and talents for violence come back to him, he also starts to understand his need to stop shielding his heart and start to build the family of that heart.
It’s amusing to see how Smoak has gone from 0 to 60 in his feelings of responsibility and love for his young ward, Joey. Those feeling have always have always been there, it just seem to take a slightly older college boy to bring them to the fore. Who knew an Orphan X book could be a tearjerker; a real one, not one mining cheap emotions?
The science and the weapons information are almost more than up to date, and make for fascinating games of real or not real for readers. Just the other day I saw an article about dragonfly drones-but not ones with ethical decision making capabilities. Here is my petty little question. With all that great information available wouldn’t someone catch that poinsettia’s don’t have a scent? Maybe that booboo didn’t make it to the final version of the book.
In Prodigal Son you will find a continuation of one of the best action packed series, one with a growing heart.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC. The opinion of this review are my own.
January 21, 2021
One of the masters of adventure, Gregg Hurwitz, is back with this the 6th in the successful Orphan X series, you can read as a stand alone but increasingly l think you need to know the previous stories to fully appreciate the newer ones
Evan is also back ( of course he is the leading man ) and with him some of the characters we have previously met and a host of new ones in this book which for me veered more to his private life than any previous book, we learnt about his pre Orphan X life and the complex Veronica, his Mum and also I felt saw way more of his emotional side, we met more of the real Evan, the story wrapped around all this is as always fast paced, hi tech and thrilling
Which altogether when you’re a fan of his books as well as addicted to the series make for a near perfect 461 pages of brilliance
Roll on Book 7
10/10
5 Stars
Evan is also back ( of course he is the leading man ) and with him some of the characters we have previously met and a host of new ones in this book which for me veered more to his private life than any previous book, we learnt about his pre Orphan X life and the complex Veronica, his Mum and also I felt saw way more of his emotional side, we met more of the real Evan, the story wrapped around all this is as always fast paced, hi tech and thrilling
Which altogether when you’re a fan of his books as well as addicted to the series make for a near perfect 461 pages of brilliance
Roll on Book 7
10/10
5 Stars
October 22, 2024
Evan Smoak, The Nowhere Man. Needs no introduction. I love this author for his supreme character driven capability in deriving amazing characters. Evan Smoak is layered and complex, as his relationship with himself, and Joey. This is what makes this series for me. Yes, a man who can kill, protect, maim and carry out amazing missions. All these things without batting an eyelid. And then there’s his ‘normal’ interactions with Mia Hall and her son Peter. I love this!
Evan Smoak was plucked from a nowhere life at age 12. He learned to become a fearless killer. Evan did not have parents, but he did have Jack Johns to guide him. Evan learned a different love, and this love is now imparted on Joey, another one of the orphans. This is a blossoming and quiet relationship, he can give her what he never had.
I’m not talking about the plot here, which is ok as there are enough reviews out there. I will say, though, I love how he is out doing amazing things and he comes back to the apartment building, pretends to come home from a normal job, and tends to his first aid. This series is everything. Also, on the last two audios, there were fan/author discussions on character development and future ideas. Excellent narration by Scott Brick as always. Faultless.
If you are keen on action, excitement and keen observation on the human psyche, and the innate nuance of some outstanding characters, I highly recommend this series.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox app and my local library.
Evan Smoak was plucked from a nowhere life at age 12. He learned to become a fearless killer. Evan did not have parents, but he did have Jack Johns to guide him. Evan learned a different love, and this love is now imparted on Joey, another one of the orphans. This is a blossoming and quiet relationship, he can give her what he never had.
I’m not talking about the plot here, which is ok as there are enough reviews out there. I will say, though, I love how he is out doing amazing things and he comes back to the apartment building, pretends to come home from a normal job, and tends to his first aid. This series is everything. Also, on the last two audios, there were fan/author discussions on character development and future ideas. Excellent narration by Scott Brick as always. Faultless.
If you are keen on action, excitement and keen observation on the human psyche, and the innate nuance of some outstanding characters, I highly recommend this series.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox app and my local library.
January 26, 2021
Have you read any of the Orphan X books by Gregg Hurwitz? I hadn’t until I had the opportunity to read Prodigal Son which I learned is actually the sixth book in the series. Let’s just say that I will now be going back to read the other five because I have to read more about Evan Smoak!
Well I’ll start off with what you are probably wondering—how was it jumping into a series on book 6? Surprisingly, it wasn’t a problem at all! While I can’t speak for all five books before this, I certainly felt this story worked as a standalone.
The book opens with a young Evan Smoak, who we learn is an orphan who was taken from foster care at the young age of 12 and trained by Jack Johns, known as the Mystery Man, to be a deadly assassin that frankly seems super-human. Part of this stems from the fact that Evan’s more human traits (empathy, caring) to make him a government-sponsored killing machine. This was all through a secretive operation known as the Orphan Program.
After years as the assassin known as Orphan X, Evan has broken free and repurposed himself as an avenger of those in need. Now, Evan has left both of these persona behind to live the life that got taken from him when he was just a boy.
When a woman calling herself Veronica LeGrande reveals herself to be Evan’s mother who gave him up for adoption, she asks for help from the boy she abandoned many years ago. Her request seems strange—she asks him to help a man who was a resident at the same foster home that Evan lived in before he became Orphan X. This man, Andrew, is not an ordinary man. His life has put him directly in the path of a deadly assassin team, and Evan is his only hope. However, helping Andrew and Veronica may mean putting his own life and freedom on the line…
Fast-paced action and heart-pounding suspense—Prodigal Son is that perfect sort of escapist thriller where you can slip into a world much different from your own. I found Evan to be a surprisingly relatable character (I mean, as much as myself, a doctoral student quarantined at home can relate to a deadly orphan assassin), which wasn’t necessary but enhanced the book for me. I found this book had a surprising amount of emotion and sensitivity, and I really felt for this boy who was taught to disregard his desire to connect with other humans. Seeing him reclaim that as an adult was wonderful, until that phone call that launches this new adventure…
Thank you to Minotaur Books and Kaye Publicity for my copy. Opinions are my own.
Well I’ll start off with what you are probably wondering—how was it jumping into a series on book 6? Surprisingly, it wasn’t a problem at all! While I can’t speak for all five books before this, I certainly felt this story worked as a standalone.
The book opens with a young Evan Smoak, who we learn is an orphan who was taken from foster care at the young age of 12 and trained by Jack Johns, known as the Mystery Man, to be a deadly assassin that frankly seems super-human. Part of this stems from the fact that Evan’s more human traits (empathy, caring) to make him a government-sponsored killing machine. This was all through a secretive operation known as the Orphan Program.
After years as the assassin known as Orphan X, Evan has broken free and repurposed himself as an avenger of those in need. Now, Evan has left both of these persona behind to live the life that got taken from him when he was just a boy.
When a woman calling herself Veronica LeGrande reveals herself to be Evan’s mother who gave him up for adoption, she asks for help from the boy she abandoned many years ago. Her request seems strange—she asks him to help a man who was a resident at the same foster home that Evan lived in before he became Orphan X. This man, Andrew, is not an ordinary man. His life has put him directly in the path of a deadly assassin team, and Evan is his only hope. However, helping Andrew and Veronica may mean putting his own life and freedom on the line…
Fast-paced action and heart-pounding suspense—Prodigal Son is that perfect sort of escapist thriller where you can slip into a world much different from your own. I found Evan to be a surprisingly relatable character (I mean, as much as myself, a doctoral student quarantined at home can relate to a deadly orphan assassin), which wasn’t necessary but enhanced the book for me. I found this book had a surprising amount of emotion and sensitivity, and I really felt for this boy who was taught to disregard his desire to connect with other humans. Seeing him reclaim that as an adult was wonderful, until that phone call that launches this new adventure…
Thank you to Minotaur Books and Kaye Publicity for my copy. Opinions are my own.
August 25, 2020
Prodigal Son by Gregg Hurwitz Is the 6th book in the Orphan X Series.
I have been a fan of this series since the first book. They are full entertainment and have a pace that just does not let up.
The main character Evan Smoak as a boy is living in an orphan home, before his action-packed life is changed
In this book Evan has an unexpected call from a woman claiming to be his unknown mother
This is a series, and book that does not disappoint. They read as though they were written for the big screen – shall we see more of them in the future?
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and the author for my advanced copy to read and review.
#ProdigalSon #NetGalley
I have been a fan of this series since the first book. They are full entertainment and have a pace that just does not let up.
The main character Evan Smoak as a boy is living in an orphan home, before his action-packed life is changed
In this book Evan has an unexpected call from a woman claiming to be his unknown mother
This is a series, and book that does not disappoint. They read as though they were written for the big screen – shall we see more of them in the future?
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and the author for my advanced copy to read and review.
#ProdigalSon #NetGalley
December 24, 2020
He’s rich, he’s badass, and now he’s also a hard target of Brenden Molleken, a sinister biomimeticist. Evan Smoak, formerly known as The Nowhere Man – an assassin for hire, is asked to save a down-on-his-luck man, Andre Duran. What appears to be an innocuous mission turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse teaming with black ops intrigue.
Masterfully written, Prodigal Son combines the elements of science fiction, and military combat action into a thrilling novel. The characters are just enough not to overwhelm the reader. With each character having a unique feature or signature characteristic.
Prodigal Son is the sixth novel in the Orphan X series. And while it probably could be read as a standalone novel, I felt that I missed out on some finer details that were probably introduced in the earlier books.
Overall, I enjoyed Prodigal Son. Rated it three stars. However, my rating would probably be higher if I read the earlier novels.
I received a digital ARC from Minotaur Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Masterfully written, Prodigal Son combines the elements of science fiction, and military combat action into a thrilling novel. The characters are just enough not to overwhelm the reader. With each character having a unique feature or signature characteristic.
Prodigal Son is the sixth novel in the Orphan X series. And while it probably could be read as a standalone novel, I felt that I missed out on some finer details that were probably introduced in the earlier books.
Overall, I enjoyed Prodigal Son. Rated it three stars. However, my rating would probably be higher if I read the earlier novels.
I received a digital ARC from Minotaur Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
June 8, 2021
I.N.C.R.E.D.I.B.L.E 5 stars
This series just keeps getting better and better! The 'Prodigal son' returns with Orphan X, involved in a multi-continent spy and action thriller, that brings back old characters from the past, and continues to add layers of complexity and characterization to Evan Smoake's character. Whenever Evan tries to 'leave' his life of Orphan X behind, something just " pulls him right back in".
If you kids like heart pulsing action, deep character developments, humor and an intriguing multi-layered story- this one is for you.
This series just keeps getting better and better! The 'Prodigal son' returns with Orphan X, involved in a multi-continent spy and action thriller, that brings back old characters from the past, and continues to add layers of complexity and characterization to Evan Smoake's character. Whenever Evan tries to 'leave' his life of Orphan X behind, something just " pulls him right back in".
If you kids like heart pulsing action, deep character developments, humor and an intriguing multi-layered story- this one is for you.
November 30, 2020
This is the latest book in the Orphan X series by Gregg Hurwitz. It is a quick read with fast paced action throughout. It picks up with the Nowhere Man retired and trying to adjust to a normal life. But that does not last long as he deals with his past and both human and technological threats. One of my favorite series! Thanks to Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 27, 2021
This was another great installment to the series. I won't discuss the writing again except to say that I love the way Hurwitz draws you in and develops his characters.
I enjoyed watching Evan grow as a person and work on his relationship skills in this one. I have to admit that as much as I love Joey, she can grate on my nerves at times with her teenager attitude. Underneath that harsh exterior you know she has a soft core and is just protecting herself, but that doesn't stop her presentation from being annoying at times. I still love her, but I'm hoping she can be a little less abrasive in future installments.
There were a few twists in this book, however if you're paying attention you will likely see them coming. I liked where the twists took us in the story and I hope that part of the story is included in the future. I'm assuming it will be built upon and I think it will be interesting to go deeper into these new aspects of Evan's life.
I will give everyone a heads up that this book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers, but this one didn't really bother me. However, it did make me want to read the next one right away.
4.5★
Previous books:
Orphan X ★★★★
Buy a Bullet (1.5) ★★★★
The Nowhere Man ★★★★★
Hellbent ★★★★★
The Intern (3.5) ★★★
Out of the Dark ★★★★
Into the Fire ★★★★
The List (5.5) ★★★★★
Thank you to St. Martin's Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Initial review:
I received a widget for this book from St. Martin's Press / Minotaur Books and can't wait to read it! I love this series.
I enjoyed watching Evan grow as a person and work on his relationship skills in this one. I have to admit that as much as I love Joey, she can grate on my nerves at times with her teenager attitude. Underneath that harsh exterior you know she has a soft core and is just protecting herself, but that doesn't stop her presentation from being annoying at times. I still love her, but I'm hoping she can be a little less abrasive in future installments.
There were a few twists in this book, however if you're paying attention you will likely see them coming. I liked where the twists took us in the story and I hope that part of the story is included in the future. I'm assuming it will be built upon and I think it will be interesting to go deeper into these new aspects of Evan's life.
I will give everyone a heads up that this book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers, but this one didn't really bother me. However, it did make me want to read the next one right away.
4.5★
Previous books:
Orphan X ★★★★
Buy a Bullet (1.5) ★★★★
The Nowhere Man ★★★★★
Hellbent ★★★★★
The Intern (3.5) ★★★
Out of the Dark ★★★★
Into the Fire ★★★★
The List (5.5) ★★★★★
Thank you to St. Martin's Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Initial review:
I received a widget for this book from St. Martin's Press / Minotaur Books and can't wait to read it! I love this series.
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