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""Orphan X is the most gripping, high-octane thriller I've read in a long, long time. Hang onto your seat because Gregg Hurwitz will take you on a dizzying ride you'll not soon forget!" -Tess Gerritsen 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 no 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 part of the off-the-books black box Orphan program, designed to create the perfect deniable intelligence assets---i.e. assassins. He was Orphan X. Evan broke with the program, using everything he learned to disappear. Now, however, someone is on his tail. Someone with similar skills and training. Someone who knows Orphan X. Someone who is getting closer and closer. And will exploit Evan's weakness---his work as The Nowhere Man---to find him and eliminate him. Grabbing the reader from the very first page, Orphan X is a masterful thriller, the first in Gregg Hurwitz's electrifying new series featuring Evan Smoak"--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Cherylk
I have a few of this author's books on my shelf. I have not read any yet but I had planned on checking this author out. Especially when I have heard good things about this author from the internet and a fellow reader friend. I just seemed to never find the time or chance to read any of the books
The beginning of this book had my attention. I thought I can't wait to see where this story was going to lead. Which to be honest I found myself indifferent to Evan. I did not feel for him and what he had went through in his childhood to space him into the person he was in the present but at the same time I did not feel a strong presence with him in the story. In fact, I thought the other person gunning for Evan had a stronger presence. Yet the last third of the story did make up for some of these short comings with Evan showing why he should be feared.
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that I had from this author. I finally found a chance with this new book. It really grabbed my attention. The beginning of this book had my attention. I thought I can't wait to see where this story was going to lead. Which to be honest I found myself indifferent to Evan. I did not feel for him and what he had went through in his childhood to space him into the person he was in the present but at the same time I did not feel a strong presence with him in the story. In fact, I thought the other person gunning for Evan had a stronger presence. Yet the last third of the story did make up for some of these short comings with Evan showing why he should be feared.
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LibraryThing member martinhughharvey
I came to enjoy this book more as I progressed through it. I was a little frustrated at the outset as I found it too contrived and not too believable - but hey, it's fiction! I also had recently finished the superb Thomas Perry's 'Shadow Woman' which has similarities in that the hero 'saves'
There's a bit of 'far-fetched' in the hero's lifestyle which I found somewhat difficult. There's also explicit violence.
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persons in huge danger. While this book was no Perry book it was a satisfactory read and while not very challenging it was easy to read.There's a bit of 'far-fetched' in the hero's lifestyle which I found somewhat difficult. There's also explicit violence.
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LibraryThing member Twink
I've enjoyed a number of Gregg Hurwitz's previous books - he has penned quite a few page turning thrillers.
His latest book, Orphan X, has just released. It's the first in a planned series - and I'd say it's off to a great start!
Evan was plucked from an orphanage at twelve by a shadowy arm of the US
Evan was one of the most successful 'graduates' of the program - until he'd had enough and decided to disappear. Now, he uses his skill set to help those who can't help themselves - he's The Nowhere Man. And that was working - until his past decided to catch up with him. Now, someone has turned the tables and is trying to kill him....
Evan is a strong protagonist - skilled, resourceful, driven - all the characteristics that an action driven lead should possess. But there is a flip side to Evan - he does have a conscience and is determined to protect 'innocents'. It is this flip side that allows the reader to like Evan and hope that he escapes whoever is pursuing him.
And what a pursuit! Action and more action! And all of drawn and depicted so clearly that I could easily picture it in my mind. Hurwitz has done his research as well - there were numerous technological tools and obscure skills used that were well detailed. The story isn't straight forward though - who he can trust is a problem for Evan. Are the innocents he's trying to protect really what they claim? Or are they the assassins sent to kill him? The twists of the plot kept me guessing until the final chapters. The book ends on a nice little unexpected scene that just whets the reader's appetite for the next in the series. If you enjoy the Jason Bourne and Jack Reacher novels, will enjoy this one.
The movie rights to Orphan X have already been snapped up - Bradley Cooper to produce.
His latest book, Orphan X, has just released. It's the first in a planned series - and I'd say it's off to a great start!
Evan was plucked from an orphanage at twelve by a shadowy arm of the US
Show More
government - a covert group runs The Orphan Program. Their mandate? To train assassins.Evan was one of the most successful 'graduates' of the program - until he'd had enough and decided to disappear. Now, he uses his skill set to help those who can't help themselves - he's The Nowhere Man. And that was working - until his past decided to catch up with him. Now, someone has turned the tables and is trying to kill him....
Evan is a strong protagonist - skilled, resourceful, driven - all the characteristics that an action driven lead should possess. But there is a flip side to Evan - he does have a conscience and is determined to protect 'innocents'. It is this flip side that allows the reader to like Evan and hope that he escapes whoever is pursuing him.
And what a pursuit! Action and more action! And all of drawn and depicted so clearly that I could easily picture it in my mind. Hurwitz has done his research as well - there were numerous technological tools and obscure skills used that were well detailed. The story isn't straight forward though - who he can trust is a problem for Evan. Are the innocents he's trying to protect really what they claim? Or are they the assassins sent to kill him? The twists of the plot kept me guessing until the final chapters. The book ends on a nice little unexpected scene that just whets the reader's appetite for the next in the series. If you enjoy the Jason Bourne and Jack Reacher novels, will enjoy this one.
The movie rights to Orphan X have already been snapped up - Bradley Cooper to produce.
Show Less
LibraryThing member karen813
Evan Smoak, otherwise known as Orphan X or the Nowhere Man, was trained from a young age to be an assassin. When he is no longer interested in following orders he goes out on his own, using his unique skill set to help people in the worst circumstances. The only payment he demands is that they find
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another person in need of help and direct them to him. After helping a young girl Evan finds that his past may be catching up with him and he may be the next victim in need of help. This was full of action and adventure. Evan is a very likeable character and I enjoyed watching him grow through the novel as he realized that existing as an island might not be the best way to live your life. I look forward to more books about Evan Smoak, all in all a very satisfying read! Show Less
LibraryThing member BillieBook
If Jason Bourne and Jack Reacher had a baby, it would be Evan Smoak. Great fun and I look forward to more books featuring the Nowhere Man.
LibraryThing member alanteder
This is the usual sort of lone-assassin turned good-guy (in this case, doing a version of "The Equalizer") having to take on an entire army of other assassins, some of whom are part of their own previous secret government unit. If it is the first time you've read or seen one of these it may be more
An extra point for Evan Smoak's bed which hangs in the air supported by magnets. Presumably that is a symbol of how he is untouchable and is an island alone from the rest of the world. That at least was a memorable image.
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impressive. If it's the 100th time it feels like just more of the same.An extra point for Evan Smoak's bed which hangs in the air supported by magnets. Presumably that is a symbol of how he is untouchable and is an island alone from the rest of the world. That at least was a memorable image.
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LibraryThing member vcg610
Gregg Hurwitz has created a suspense thriller that introduces another anti-hero in the vein of Jason Bourne...a loner created by a mysterious group, which might be the government but deep cover government if it is. When we meet Orphan X, aka, Evan Smoak, he has already been removed from the
He has the skills, he has the smarts, and has no family or loved ones to complicate his life. No one will search for or worry about him in spite of the dangerous situations in which he frequently finds himself. But that begins to change as he meets more and more of the folks who share his address in a fairly exclusive high rise apartment.
In addition to that, he gets two calls in short order for people in desperate need of help. In his carefully orchestrated plan, only one of the calls should have come to him.
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program, but he continues to find desperately helpless people and rescue them regardless of the danger involved.He has the skills, he has the smarts, and has no family or loved ones to complicate his life. No one will search for or worry about him in spite of the dangerous situations in which he frequently finds himself. But that begins to change as he meets more and more of the folks who share his address in a fairly exclusive high rise apartment.
In addition to that, he gets two calls in short order for people in desperate need of help. In his carefully orchestrated plan, only one of the calls should have come to him.
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LibraryThing member Susan.Macura
This is a wonderful action-packed story about an assassin, Evan Smoak, who once worked for the government in a secret capacity who left that life for reasons that made it impossible for him to continue in that line of work. Instead he becomes a man of mystery who lives a very uncomplicated but
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secretive lifestyle in the open, opting to help people in distress who have nowhere else to turn. However, in this first novel in what I hope becomes a series, his past catches up to him, and in an exciting game of cat-and-mouse, Smoak must outwit his pursuers to survive. Great story. Show Less
LibraryThing member bearlyr
I loved this tale, drama and suspense... spy type novel, but not really. This is a hard one to put down, which about says it all!
LibraryThing member tottman
I’ve been a fan of Gregg Hurwitz since his first book, The Tower came out in 1999. I was drawn in by an outstanding premise and a page-turning thriller. Even though the book had some flaws, it was clear that this was a very talented writer. Fast forward to 2016 and Hurwitz is one of the best
Hurwitz has always been a master of inventive plots and breakneck action. Orphan X has that in spades. Evan Smoak is one of my favorite new characters. An orphan plucked from the streets and trained in isolation as part of a covert organization that may or may not be tied to the U.S. Government. Evan grows up to be one of the organization’s most skilled and deadly operatives. When he learns that the jobs he’s been ordered to do may not be as righteous as he had believed, he takes all the skills he’s acquired and disappears, choosing to use his skills to help those who have nowhere else to turn. He becomes “The Nowhere Man”. When one of those jobs puts him back on the radar of the organization he left behind, it’s going to take everything he’s got just to stay alive.
Orphan X is the best thriller I’ve read this year. Evan Smoak is a larger than life character who is smart, skilled and deadly. The supporting characters are equally fleshed out and Smoak’s opponents are clearly competent and dangerous making for realistically exciting clashes. The book moves along at a breakneck pace that makes you hold your breath as the suspense builds before the action explodes across the pages. Hurwitz works in enough of Smoak’s backstory to let you catch your breath before the next leap forward in the action. Reading this book will make you feel like you are seeing Ian Fleming’s James Bond or Lee Child’s Jack Reacher for the first time.
If you like larger-than-life heroes and plenty of action, pick up Orphan X. You won’t be disappointed. I can’t wait to read the next book. Highly recommended.
I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book.
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writers in the business and Orphan X with its hero, Evan Smoak is one of the best books out this year.Hurwitz has always been a master of inventive plots and breakneck action. Orphan X has that in spades. Evan Smoak is one of my favorite new characters. An orphan plucked from the streets and trained in isolation as part of a covert organization that may or may not be tied to the U.S. Government. Evan grows up to be one of the organization’s most skilled and deadly operatives. When he learns that the jobs he’s been ordered to do may not be as righteous as he had believed, he takes all the skills he’s acquired and disappears, choosing to use his skills to help those who have nowhere else to turn. He becomes “The Nowhere Man”. When one of those jobs puts him back on the radar of the organization he left behind, it’s going to take everything he’s got just to stay alive.
Orphan X is the best thriller I’ve read this year. Evan Smoak is a larger than life character who is smart, skilled and deadly. The supporting characters are equally fleshed out and Smoak’s opponents are clearly competent and dangerous making for realistically exciting clashes. The book moves along at a breakneck pace that makes you hold your breath as the suspense builds before the action explodes across the pages. Hurwitz works in enough of Smoak’s backstory to let you catch your breath before the next leap forward in the action. Reading this book will make you feel like you are seeing Ian Fleming’s James Bond or Lee Child’s Jack Reacher for the first time.
If you like larger-than-life heroes and plenty of action, pick up Orphan X. You won’t be disappointed. I can’t wait to read the next book. Highly recommended.
I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book.
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LibraryThing member gmmartz
Orphan X is Reacher-lite: Smoak is smaller physically, has more money, isn't intimidating in appearance, has a different 'code', is younger, has undergone far more training, but in the end isn't quite up to Reacher's standard. Don't get me wrong- this is a good read if you like breathlessly written
The plot is complex but well crafted, with nicely developed characters. The writing is mediocre but seems to match the pace of the story. However, the quality of the dialogue is inconsistent. I have a few issues with Orphan X:
- the 'tool sets' brought by the major players were pretty unbelievable, as were some of the resolutions to problem situations
- I loathe long written descriptions of action sequences that in real-time would last a minute but in book time go on for several pages. A few of these are present.
- a few of the situations just weren't believable
- too many times where tools used by Smoak (facial recognition tech, for example) were for some reason not used by law enforcement or his adversaries.
In all, a decent read if you're able to avoid getting wrapped up storyline gaps and unbelievable action sequences.
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thrillers and, in general, most characters in this genre don't stack up to Reacher anyway. The plot is complex but well crafted, with nicely developed characters. The writing is mediocre but seems to match the pace of the story. However, the quality of the dialogue is inconsistent. I have a few issues with Orphan X:
- the 'tool sets' brought by the major players were pretty unbelievable, as were some of the resolutions to problem situations
- I loathe long written descriptions of action sequences that in real-time would last a minute but in book time go on for several pages. A few of these are present.
- a few of the situations just weren't believable
- too many times where tools used by Smoak (facial recognition tech, for example) were for some reason not used by law enforcement or his adversaries.
In all, a decent read if you're able to avoid getting wrapped up storyline gaps and unbelievable action sequences.
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LibraryThing member Carlathelibrarian
When Evan was young, a man rescued him from the orphanage. He was living a tough life and was happy to go with him. The man, Jack John, became a surrogate father to Evan, he also became his handler. This was an off the books, black ops training program which took children from difficult life
Using the skills that Jack had taught him, wanting to honour Jack and help others, 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. The only way someone can contact him is if he/she is given his contact information by the previous beneficiary of his services. Once they have passed on the number, there is no contact between them anymore.
It's a lonely existence, but it is the only existence he knows. When he begins to have feelings for Mia, a single mother in his building and her young son, he is not sure what to do. He does not want to get involved, but he is pulled by the innocence and genuineness of both of them. When something goes awry with his latest client and he realizes that the sniper shooting at them in a restaurant is really after him, he is upset that he is put his newest client in danger. What happens next will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I really liked Evan. He was caring and compassionate when he did not want to be, put himself out there to help others, was smart and did not give up. Mia and Peter were the relief in his life and were very likeable. Peter was a curious, funny yet very innocent. Mia had to be strong for Peter, but was just like the rest of us, vulnerable and let it out when she thought no one was around. The suspense was well written and kept you guessing right to the end. There was a little too much killing for my taste, which is why I gave it 4 stars and not 5, but it was an essential part of the plot.
If you like thrillers with a lot of action and killing, you will love this book. Even though I am not a big fan of a lot of violence, I still liked it and am getting ready to read the next one in the Evan Smoak Series. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
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situations and taught them to be employed as assassins. He trained him in every imaginable form of self-defense, weaponry, meditation, hand-to-hand combat and intelligence. Evan became one of the best operatives in the Orphan Program. Evan took the last name of Smoak as they never used their real names. As far as the program was concerned, the Orphans were known only by letters—Evan became Orphan X. When the program was disbanded and Jack killed, Evan went into hiding. He grew restless and knew he needed to do something. Using the skills that Jack had taught him, wanting to honour Jack and help others, 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. The only way someone can contact him is if he/she is given his contact information by the previous beneficiary of his services. Once they have passed on the number, there is no contact between them anymore.
It's a lonely existence, but it is the only existence he knows. When he begins to have feelings for Mia, a single mother in his building and her young son, he is not sure what to do. He does not want to get involved, but he is pulled by the innocence and genuineness of both of them. When something goes awry with his latest client and he realizes that the sniper shooting at them in a restaurant is really after him, he is upset that he is put his newest client in danger. What happens next will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I really liked Evan. He was caring and compassionate when he did not want to be, put himself out there to help others, was smart and did not give up. Mia and Peter were the relief in his life and were very likeable. Peter was a curious, funny yet very innocent. Mia had to be strong for Peter, but was just like the rest of us, vulnerable and let it out when she thought no one was around. The suspense was well written and kept you guessing right to the end. There was a little too much killing for my taste, which is why I gave it 4 stars and not 5, but it was an essential part of the plot.
If you like thrillers with a lot of action and killing, you will love this book. Even though I am not a big fan of a lot of violence, I still liked it and am getting ready to read the next one in the Evan Smoak Series. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
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LibraryThing member JudithDCollins
A special thank you to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Classic. Bold. Innovative. Action-Packed Adventure. Explosive. Suspenseful. Impressive. Non-Stop thrills. Electrifying. My New Hero!
Loved the author's note: “To all the bad boys and
For centuries, notable orphans and foundlings include world leaders, celebrated writers, entertainers, figures in science and business, as well as innumerable fictional characters in literature and comics. We love and root for them.
However, wait until you meet Gregg Hurwitz’s latest new hero and series, (Evan Smoak #1) ORPHAN X.
Strikingly different and unconventional. Fearless. Daring. Courageous. First Class! Yes, it is worthy of all the hype, and the movie deal with possible Bradley Cooper (which is no surprise)! Think, Jason Bourne (Matt Damon), a CIA assassin in the action spy thriller film by Robert Ludlum.
An orphan represents the powerlessness of a childhood. At the same time, many literary orphans are resilient characters, who despite their relative lack of power, find the emotional resources to beat the odds, and make their way in the world. Resilient, ten-fold!
Orphan X The new 2016 Super Star. Up there with Lee Child’s Jack Reacher, David Baldacci’s Will Robie, James Bond, and the "best of the best". High-octane thriller!
Evan Smoak is a twelve- year- old boy, from East Baltimore, an orphan, the smallest of the kids, the last one picked for sports. It was only through a savage set of challenges that he found his way into this seat (with Jack, the Mystery Man); that he’d managed to get himself chosen. He destination is unknown. However, anything is better than the present.
A top-secret government operation, The Orphan Program, trained by the US military as killers. Mission: to assassinate government’s designated enemies. He is trained, skilled, intelligent, and resourceful.
Now, left with no handler, no contacts inside the government, no nation that wasn’t actively hunting him, even the one he served. He was in a word, untethered. He recalls Jack’s voice, “Get over yourself, son. There is no emotion more useless than self-pity.”
Evan moves to LA, getting away from DC, an operational alias built with pieces of his true self. A cover. He stayed mission ready, kept fit, and trained. He never knew who would come looking. He stayed alert, vigilant, kept his ear to the ground to listen for underworld tremors. Word had filtered back to him, the Orphan Program had been dismantled, the operators scattered to the four winds. He had not learned the fate of the other Orphans; however, he imagined they sold their specialized services to the highest bidder, or had retired to a beach in a quiet corner of the world. Neither option appealed to him.
So, he decided to put his training to personal use. A pro-bono freelancer, helping others who could not help themselves. Evan is flying solo—with the perks at his fingertips. A dangerous past, highly trained skills, and resources. Nowhere Man. A personal mission--to help those with nowhere else to turn.
The Tenth Commandment loomed above all else. Never let an innocent die.
A man with a dangerous past. A savior of the victims, innocent ones—from corruption to sex slaves, while saving himself. However, he may be targeted and these people are no slouches. Someone knows him. Someone wants him eliminated.
WOW! A James Bond / Jason Bourne type-thriller; the adventure, sex, action, adrenaline-fueled and as an added bonus, the psychological side--emotional human dynamics, making for an absorbing page-turner.
Entertaining! Skillfully crafted, twist and turns, with a great cast of well-developed secondary characters and an unstoppable main protagonist.
Hurwitz’s most exhilarating book yet! Super star “author” and “new hero” will be at the top of book and movie lists, for years to come. Can’t wait for Evan Smoak #2 - his next adventure.
Loved this recent review quote by Patrick Anderson Washington Post, 1/6/2016. Sums up the novel, perfectly:
“It’s a strong story, one that allows for an abundance of conflict and suspense, but Hurwitz’s work is especially striking in the level of detail he lavishes on people, weapons, food, drink, sex, violence and just about everything else. I’ve always thought that one reason for Tom Clancy’s success was the endless detail he provided about military hardware, and that the James Bond novels benefited from the loving attention Ian Fleming devoted to the martinis, expensive cars and gorgeous women he so admired. Hurwitz outdoes both writers in intricate descriptions.”
Classic. Bold. Innovative. Action-Packed Adventure. Explosive. Suspenseful. Impressive. Non-Stop thrills. Electrifying. My New Hero!
Loved the author's note: “To all the bad boys and
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girls, rule breakers and vigilantes, for being so wicked that they’re good.”For centuries, notable orphans and foundlings include world leaders, celebrated writers, entertainers, figures in science and business, as well as innumerable fictional characters in literature and comics. We love and root for them.
However, wait until you meet Gregg Hurwitz’s latest new hero and series, (Evan Smoak #1) ORPHAN X.
Strikingly different and unconventional. Fearless. Daring. Courageous. First Class! Yes, it is worthy of all the hype, and the movie deal with possible Bradley Cooper (which is no surprise)! Think, Jason Bourne (Matt Damon), a CIA assassin in the action spy thriller film by Robert Ludlum.
An orphan represents the powerlessness of a childhood. At the same time, many literary orphans are resilient characters, who despite their relative lack of power, find the emotional resources to beat the odds, and make their way in the world. Resilient, ten-fold!
Orphan X The new 2016 Super Star. Up there with Lee Child’s Jack Reacher, David Baldacci’s Will Robie, James Bond, and the "best of the best". High-octane thriller!
Evan Smoak is a twelve- year- old boy, from East Baltimore, an orphan, the smallest of the kids, the last one picked for sports. It was only through a savage set of challenges that he found his way into this seat (with Jack, the Mystery Man); that he’d managed to get himself chosen. He destination is unknown. However, anything is better than the present.
A top-secret government operation, The Orphan Program, trained by the US military as killers. Mission: to assassinate government’s designated enemies. He is trained, skilled, intelligent, and resourceful.
Now, left with no handler, no contacts inside the government, no nation that wasn’t actively hunting him, even the one he served. He was in a word, untethered. He recalls Jack’s voice, “Get over yourself, son. There is no emotion more useless than self-pity.”
Evan moves to LA, getting away from DC, an operational alias built with pieces of his true self. A cover. He stayed mission ready, kept fit, and trained. He never knew who would come looking. He stayed alert, vigilant, kept his ear to the ground to listen for underworld tremors. Word had filtered back to him, the Orphan Program had been dismantled, the operators scattered to the four winds. He had not learned the fate of the other Orphans; however, he imagined they sold their specialized services to the highest bidder, or had retired to a beach in a quiet corner of the world. Neither option appealed to him.
So, he decided to put his training to personal use. A pro-bono freelancer, helping others who could not help themselves. Evan is flying solo—with the perks at his fingertips. A dangerous past, highly trained skills, and resources. Nowhere Man. A personal mission--to help those with nowhere else to turn.
The Tenth Commandment loomed above all else. Never let an innocent die.
A man with a dangerous past. A savior of the victims, innocent ones—from corruption to sex slaves, while saving himself. However, he may be targeted and these people are no slouches. Someone knows him. Someone wants him eliminated.
WOW! A James Bond / Jason Bourne type-thriller; the adventure, sex, action, adrenaline-fueled and as an added bonus, the psychological side--emotional human dynamics, making for an absorbing page-turner.
Entertaining! Skillfully crafted, twist and turns, with a great cast of well-developed secondary characters and an unstoppable main protagonist.
Hurwitz’s most exhilarating book yet! Super star “author” and “new hero” will be at the top of book and movie lists, for years to come. Can’t wait for Evan Smoak #2 - his next adventure.
Loved this recent review quote by Patrick Anderson Washington Post, 1/6/2016. Sums up the novel, perfectly:
“It’s a strong story, one that allows for an abundance of conflict and suspense, but Hurwitz’s work is especially striking in the level of detail he lavishes on people, weapons, food, drink, sex, violence and just about everything else. I’ve always thought that one reason for Tom Clancy’s success was the endless detail he provided about military hardware, and that the James Bond novels benefited from the loving attention Ian Fleming devoted to the martinis, expensive cars and gorgeous women he so admired. Hurwitz outdoes both writers in intricate descriptions.”
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LibraryThing member cindysprocket
This was my first Hurwitz. What a way to start, a great thriller, lots of action and hard to put down.
LibraryThing member labdaddy4
A fast paced - action filled thriller with enough character development and plot twists to make it very engaging. I am looking forward to read some of the authors earlier books as well as his sequel to this one - "Nowhere Man".
LibraryThing member adpaton
A Jesuit said it first “Give me the child for the first seven years and I’ll give you the man”, so the premise of Orphan X is hardly original but the idea of young orphans being taken in and moulded will always intrigue.
Orphan X was trained as a Black Ops assassin until the death of his
When his interference is noticed, he becomes a target himself, hunted by other Orphans. Not a new idea but a good bloody read.
Orphan X was trained as a Black Ops assassin until the death of his
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mentor and a crisis of conscience transform him into a fixer, a highly-trained altruistic vigilante-cum super hero. When his interference is noticed, he becomes a target himself, hunted by other Orphans. Not a new idea but a good bloody read.
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LibraryThing member Darcia
I don't know how Gregg Hurwitz's books have escaped my attention before now. This is the first book of his that I've read, but it will absolutely not be the last.
This book hits all the triggers for me: captivating characters, compelling plot, thought-provoking content, and not a moment to breathe
Evan is an unforgettable, complicated character. He's light and dark and shrouded in shadows. He's the bad boy hero we can't help but love.
The plot has many layers, without ever feeling confusing or overly complicated. Hurwitz pulled off what many thriller authors struggle with by making this story completely believable. The fact that this could happen (or might already have) made it all the more terrifying.
While the book did have a complete ending, it also left the door wide open for a sequel. I hope to be spending more time with Evan in the near future.
*I was provided with an advanced copy of this book from the publisher, via Amazon Vine, in exchange for my honest review.*
This book hits all the triggers for me: captivating characters, compelling plot, thought-provoking content, and not a moment to breathe
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easy.Evan is an unforgettable, complicated character. He's light and dark and shrouded in shadows. He's the bad boy hero we can't help but love.
The plot has many layers, without ever feeling confusing or overly complicated. Hurwitz pulled off what many thriller authors struggle with by making this story completely believable. The fact that this could happen (or might already have) made it all the more terrifying.
While the book did have a complete ending, it also left the door wide open for a sequel. I hope to be spending more time with Evan in the near future.
*I was provided with an advanced copy of this book from the publisher, via Amazon Vine, in exchange for my honest review.*
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LibraryThing member kmajort
4.5, I'm thinking, and looking forward to book 2, "The Nowhere Man".
Don't know that I'll bother with 1.5 (prequel?), as I feel there was enough background in this book, and sometimes more is too much.
Reminds me of the Bourne series - movies, as I've still not read the books (on The List). Sorry if
Which I hope will happen with Orphan X.
A secret training operation, that remains murky and.... sketchy. An almost-creepy recruitment program. A non-traditional family (several, really), and the lesson that commandments need to be modified to guidelines....
Recommended for Jason Bourne, Harry Bosch & Jane Whitefield fans.
Don't know that I'll bother with 1.5 (prequel?), as I feel there was enough background in this book, and sometimes more is too much.
Reminds me of the Bourne series - movies, as I've still not read the books (on The List). Sorry if
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this pains you Mr. Hurwitz, but I assure, it is a high compliment. I love those stories, and it's a malleable set of plots that can go on and on.Which I hope will happen with Orphan X.
A secret training operation, that remains murky and.... sketchy. An almost-creepy recruitment program. A non-traditional family (several, really), and the lesson that commandments need to be modified to guidelines....
Recommended for Jason Bourne, Harry Bosch & Jane Whitefield fans.
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LibraryThing member TheTreeReader
Unfortunately I wasn’t blown away by this first book, I definitely liked it enough that I flew through it. Nothing super amazing happens in it, but the amount of action and Evan Smoak (who I loved) makes this story so enjoyable that I just couldn’t put it down.
If you want a book with a lot of
If you want a book with a lot of
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action and an amazing main character, you should check this book out. I’ve read the whole trilogy and it gets better. Show Less
LibraryThing member buffalogr
My first Hurwitz experience and I was not overwhelmed. An off the books program trained Evan as an assassin and the plot revolves around killing him. Good idea. Then, he goes rogue. It just seemed to drag a bit. I'll give this one a "meh" and maybe go on to book #2.
LibraryThing member cathyskye
I was in the mood for a good thriller and liked the synopsis of Hurwitz's Orphan X. This fast-paced story did deliver, but not quite as much as I'd expected. Hurwitz doles out Evan's backstory sparingly, which only makes readers want more. However, it is enough to wow you with the character's
Where the soufflé fell for me was in the too-numerous-to-count fight scenes. Hurwitz wants us to know exactly how extensive Evan's hand-to-hand combat skills are, and each fight scene is laced with mixed martial art terms like "wing chan oblique kick." Over and over and over again. This is all well and good if you are a fan and want to be able to picture the fight in your mind, but I definitely do not fit that category. One movie scene comes to mind. Raiders of the Lost Ark. Indiana Jones is cornered in a bazaar by a sword-wielding showoff. Jones doesn't have time to wait for the nitwit to stop strutting his stuff, so he pulls out his gun and shoots him. Problem solved. Since this is the fight scene category I belong in, you can see where these minutely-described scenes in Orphan X made my eyes cross in boredom.
Since I have a feeling that these fight scenes will continue as the series progresses, I will leave Evan Smoak here in book one. But I am certainly glad that I made his acquaintance, and I wish him well.
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abilities and to make you want to hug the little boy he once was. As a result of his training, Evan really doesn't know how to play well with others. Actually, he doesn't know how to play with others at all, and we see this during his interactions with the other residents of the building in which he lives. There's the grumpy old lady who seems to lay in wait for him at the elevator so she can complain non-stop, but we normal folk would have problems with her, too. No, it's when Evan becomes acquainted with divorced lawyer Mia and her inquisitive eight-year-old son Peter that we see how much he has to fight against that long-ago training of his.Where the soufflé fell for me was in the too-numerous-to-count fight scenes. Hurwitz wants us to know exactly how extensive Evan's hand-to-hand combat skills are, and each fight scene is laced with mixed martial art terms like "wing chan oblique kick." Over and over and over again. This is all well and good if you are a fan and want to be able to picture the fight in your mind, but I definitely do not fit that category. One movie scene comes to mind. Raiders of the Lost Ark. Indiana Jones is cornered in a bazaar by a sword-wielding showoff. Jones doesn't have time to wait for the nitwit to stop strutting his stuff, so he pulls out his gun and shoots him. Problem solved. Since this is the fight scene category I belong in, you can see where these minutely-described scenes in Orphan X made my eyes cross in boredom.
Since I have a feeling that these fight scenes will continue as the series progresses, I will leave Evan Smoak here in book one. But I am certainly glad that I made his acquaintance, and I wish him well.
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LibraryThing member dmclane
Fast paced, quick read, leaving the reader looking for more, exactly what the first book of a series should be. I'm looking for the next installments so you can guess how I feel about this story. Fairly standard plot concerning the creation of government assassins, who unsurprisingly begin to fight
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among themselves due to incompetent management or just lack thereof. Characters are sympathetic and easily related to as our their motives. All told an enjoyable read. Show Less
LibraryThing member gpangel
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
However, someone has him in their sights- and there is only one kind of person out there who could have located Ethan- someone just like him. 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 I judge them by the title. For some reason, anytime this series popped up on my radar, I ignored it because the title made me think the book was probably a science fiction novel. I never bothered reading the synopsis or do 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 even remotely close to 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 a 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, which 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
Show More
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 him in their sights- and there is only one kind of person out there who could have located Ethan- someone just like him. 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 I judge them by the title. For some reason, anytime this series popped up on my radar, I ignored it because the title made me think the book was probably a science fiction novel. I never bothered reading the synopsis or do 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 even remotely close to 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 a 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, which 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
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LibraryThing member FiLoMa
This is a really great thriller. I found it action packed and a really good story line. I was pretty blind going in to the book, only knowing what the synopsis said. I think it was the best way.
I did find the start quite slow. I wasn't until the end of chapter 3 that I was hooked and wanted to keep
I did find the start quite slow. I wasn't until the end of chapter 3 that I was hooked and wanted to keep
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reading so I knew what was going to happen next. The character building was good, I came to really like and root for Evan. The story is very violent and at times quite graphic, but to me it value added and not detracted. I found that I wasn't surprised by the ending, but I was ok with that. I am very keen to see where the second book takes the character(s) and the story line. Show Less
LibraryThing member jfe16
Once an orphan child, chosen and trained as part of an off-the-books intelligence program, Evan Smoak used his skills to disappear. Now he’s the Nowhere Man, the elusive legend who will do anything to protect and save the deserving who have nowhere else to turn.
But it seems that his work as the
The first in a captivating new series, the inventive plot, interesting characters, and non-stop action all combine to tell a compelling story filled with thrills, chills, and intrigue. Unexpected twists, complex, well-developed characters, and the ever-mounting suspense keep the pages turning in this unputdownable tale that’s part James Bond, part Jason Bourne, part Jack Reacher, and consummately brilliant.
Highly recommended.
But it seems that his work as the
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Nowhere Man has put him in the crosshairs of someone with similar training and skills. Someone who will stop at nothing to eliminate him.The first in a captivating new series, the inventive plot, interesting characters, and non-stop action all combine to tell a compelling story filled with thrills, chills, and intrigue. Unexpected twists, complex, well-developed characters, and the ever-mounting suspense keep the pages turning in this unputdownable tale that’s part James Bond, part Jason Bourne, part Jack Reacher, and consummately brilliant.
Highly recommended.
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Awards
RUSA CODES Reading List (Winner — 2017)