Series
Genres
Publication
Michael Joseph (2018), Edition: 01, 416 pages
Description
Fiction. Suspense. Thriller. HTML: Evan Smoak�??government assassin gone rogue�??returns in Hellbent, an engrossing, unputdownable thriller from Gregg Hurwitz, the latest in his #1 international bestselling Orphan X series. Taken from a group home at age twelve, Evan Smoak was raised and trained as an off-the-books government assassin: Orphan X. After he broke with the Orphan Program, Evan disappeared and reinvented himself as the Nowhere Man, a man spoken about only in whispers and dedicated to helping the truly desperate. But this time, the voice on the other end is Jack Johns, the man who raised and trained him, the only father Evan has ever known. Secret government forces are busy trying to scrub the remaining assets and traces of the Orphan Program and they have finally tracked down Jack. With little time remaining, Jack gives Evan his last assignment: find and protect his last protégé and recruit for the program. But Evan isn't the only one after this last Orphan�??the new head of the Orphan Program, Van Sciver, is mustering all the assets at his disposal to take out both Evan (Orphan X) and the target he is trying to… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member bucketofrhymes
Thanks to goodreads and the publisher for a free copy of Hellbent!
I admittedly have not read any of the previous Orphan X books, so I was a little bit out of my depth. But this is nothing if not a gripping read with compelling, mysterious, revenge-driven characters. Definitely recommended, and I
I admittedly have not read any of the previous Orphan X books, so I was a little bit out of my depth. But this is nothing if not a gripping read with compelling, mysterious, revenge-driven characters. Definitely recommended, and I
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will be picking up the rest of the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member Carlathelibrarian
Evan Smoak has gone through many transitions in his life. He was an orphan in a boys' home, he was taken from there at the age of 12 and trained to become a government assassin known as Orphan X. When he left the program, he became, The Nowhere Man, helping people who have nowhere else to turn. But
The same characters once again make an appearance, Mia and her son Peter, the locals in the apartment building, Tommy his go to guy for firearms and equipment as well as the addition of Joey, a sixteen year old girl who ran away from Van Scriver when he was training her to become an orphan operative. She is now on his radar and Evan has to protect her as well. The story grabbed me right from the beginning. The suspense and excitement keeps building throughout the story until you know Van Sciver and Evan Smoak will meet face to face. The story's plot is detailed and the characters are extremely interesting. I thought this was the end of the trilogy, but the ending leaves it open for another possible book in the series. Only time will tell. Once again there is a lot of violence in the story, so if that bothers you, then this book is not for you. The addition of Joey to this story makes it a little softer and we get to see another side of Evan. I recommend it to thriller/action/suspense lovers. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
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now Smoak is out for revenge. When the last book ended, Evan gets a call from his mentor, Jack Johns, who he thought was dead. He was very much alive, but before the call ended, he was captured and ended up dead. The man responsible was Charles Van Sciver or Orphan Y. It is all a plot to get Evan and kill Orphan X once and for all. The same characters once again make an appearance, Mia and her son Peter, the locals in the apartment building, Tommy his go to guy for firearms and equipment as well as the addition of Joey, a sixteen year old girl who ran away from Van Scriver when he was training her to become an orphan operative. She is now on his radar and Evan has to protect her as well. The story grabbed me right from the beginning. The suspense and excitement keeps building throughout the story until you know Van Sciver and Evan Smoak will meet face to face. The story's plot is detailed and the characters are extremely interesting. I thought this was the end of the trilogy, but the ending leaves it open for another possible book in the series. Only time will tell. Once again there is a lot of violence in the story, so if that bothers you, then this book is not for you. The addition of Joey to this story makes it a little softer and we get to see another side of Evan. I recommend it to thriller/action/suspense lovers. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
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LibraryThing member tottman
The Orphan X series by Gregg Hurwitz is one of the best action series of the last few years and the third book, Hellbent is the best one yet.
Evan Smoak is the Nowhere Man. A man trained literally from childhood to be a deadly off-the-books government assassin in the Orphan program. He broke away
Van Sciver has finally tracked down Jack Johns, Evan’s mentor and father figure. Johns reaches out to Evan with one final request: find and protect his new protege/recruit for the orphan program. What follows is a race back and forth across the country as Van Sciver and Smoak try again and again to turn the tables on each other and end the threat that they represent to each other.
There are a lot of great thriller series, but what sets Hurwitz’s books apart is the depth and humanity of the characters. Jack Johns trained Evan to be deadly, but he also attempted to leave his humanity intact. Evan’s constant struggle with his own humanity is front and center in Hellbent as Evan sees the lessons Johns tried to impart to him in the form of the protege left for him to protect. As he attempts to pass on these lessons he finds himself looking at Johns wisdom in a new light and finding deeper meaning in them for himself.
Hellbent is also filled with action from beginning to end. Guns, bombs, knives and hand to hand combat leap off the page. Neither the heroes nor the villains are perfect but they are both exceptionally skilled. The cat and mouse games between them heightens the excitement and leads to an explosive climax where the fate of most of the major players is in doubt. Hurwitz tells a complete and exciting story, but the ending leaves no doubt as to where the next book is going and I can’t wait. Jump into this series if you haven’t already. It’s a good one. Highly recommended.
One other note; This book contains chapter titles that each pertain to the chapter that follows. This is something that used to be commonplace but has practically disappeared. I loved it! I hope this starts a trend of bringing chapter titles back.
I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book from the publisher.
Evan Smoak is the Nowhere Man. A man trained literally from childhood to be a deadly off-the-books government assassin in the Orphan program. He broke away
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from the program and dedicated his life to helping people who have nowhere else to turn. But now the Orphan program is being shut down and the head of the program, former Orphan Charles Van Sciver, is determined to erase all remnants of the program, including Evan Smoak.Van Sciver has finally tracked down Jack Johns, Evan’s mentor and father figure. Johns reaches out to Evan with one final request: find and protect his new protege/recruit for the orphan program. What follows is a race back and forth across the country as Van Sciver and Smoak try again and again to turn the tables on each other and end the threat that they represent to each other.
There are a lot of great thriller series, but what sets Hurwitz’s books apart is the depth and humanity of the characters. Jack Johns trained Evan to be deadly, but he also attempted to leave his humanity intact. Evan’s constant struggle with his own humanity is front and center in Hellbent as Evan sees the lessons Johns tried to impart to him in the form of the protege left for him to protect. As he attempts to pass on these lessons he finds himself looking at Johns wisdom in a new light and finding deeper meaning in them for himself.
Hellbent is also filled with action from beginning to end. Guns, bombs, knives and hand to hand combat leap off the page. Neither the heroes nor the villains are perfect but they are both exceptionally skilled. The cat and mouse games between them heightens the excitement and leads to an explosive climax where the fate of most of the major players is in doubt. Hurwitz tells a complete and exciting story, but the ending leaves no doubt as to where the next book is going and I can’t wait. Jump into this series if you haven’t already. It’s a good one. Highly recommended.
One other note; This book contains chapter titles that each pertain to the chapter that follows. This is something that used to be commonplace but has practically disappeared. I loved it! I hope this starts a trend of bringing chapter titles back.
I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book from the publisher.
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LibraryThing member CathyGeha
HELLBENT by Gregg Hurwitz
Orphan X #3
About 1/10th of the way into this book I felt the need to tell my siblings about a new-to-me author that I thought they would like. I was that engaged and impressed by what I had read…as for the book…
Evan Smoak aka Orphan X aka The Nowhere Man is a trained
As I read I found out more about Evan and the more I learned the more I wanted to get to know him better. Not having read the first two books did not hinder me but I do want to find the books in the future and read them, too. As Evan sought more information about the death of his mentor he finds a clue from the deceased that sends him to pick up a package. Evan soon realizes that the package is really a teenage girl that has also been plucked from a foster home to become an operative…but she ran away, is being chased for elimination, damaged, lethal and wary. Watching Evan deal with Joey and actually beginning to care for her - almost as his trainer cared for him - was an intriguing and engaging.
This book is one that I could not put down. I cared about the characters and couldn’t wait to see what would happen next and just how Evan would manage to get revenge, take care of Joey, deal with a request that comes in to right a wrong as part of his pay it forward sideline, where the story would end and what might be suggested as a theme for the next book.
This book has graphic violence that includes torture and murder. It is excellently plotted and the writing style is a joy to read. I am eager to read whatever book by this author that happens to come my way.
So what did I hear back from that email I sent to my siblings? Well, this morning when I got up there was an email from my sister who told me she has read the first two books in the series, truly enjoyed them and is happy I found this series to read, too. And, I am happy I found this book to read because it provided me with a name to keep an eye out when looking for books to read.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-Minotaur Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Orphan X #3
About 1/10th of the way into this book I felt the need to tell my siblings about a new-to-me author that I thought they would like. I was that engaged and impressed by what I had read…as for the book…
Evan Smoak aka Orphan X aka The Nowhere Man is a trained
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assassin that has elements of many alpha heroes in series I have read but is still quintessentially and uniquely himself. He is a killer that lives by a set of “commandments”; he has trouble with emotions or at least reading his own; he helps others through a system he has devised that pays it forward and he is a man that in this book seeks justice and revenge for the death of a man that was closer to him than a father. As I read I found out more about Evan and the more I learned the more I wanted to get to know him better. Not having read the first two books did not hinder me but I do want to find the books in the future and read them, too. As Evan sought more information about the death of his mentor he finds a clue from the deceased that sends him to pick up a package. Evan soon realizes that the package is really a teenage girl that has also been plucked from a foster home to become an operative…but she ran away, is being chased for elimination, damaged, lethal and wary. Watching Evan deal with Joey and actually beginning to care for her - almost as his trainer cared for him - was an intriguing and engaging.
This book is one that I could not put down. I cared about the characters and couldn’t wait to see what would happen next and just how Evan would manage to get revenge, take care of Joey, deal with a request that comes in to right a wrong as part of his pay it forward sideline, where the story would end and what might be suggested as a theme for the next book.
This book has graphic violence that includes torture and murder. It is excellently plotted and the writing style is a joy to read. I am eager to read whatever book by this author that happens to come my way.
So what did I hear back from that email I sent to my siblings? Well, this morning when I got up there was an email from my sister who told me she has read the first two books in the series, truly enjoyed them and is happy I found this series to read, too. And, I am happy I found this book to read because it provided me with a name to keep an eye out when looking for books to read.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-Minotaur Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
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LibraryThing member TheTreeReader
I won a copy of this book from Goodreads which I am so thankful for because if I hadn’t I’m not sure when I would have picked these books up. Winning the third book bumped the first two up my wish list and now that I’ve read them, I can’t believe it took me winning this book to pick up the
Just like with the first two, I flew through this book. I didn’t want to put it down. It was so fast-paced and the action was incredible. And again, Evan Smoak! He is seriously one of the best characters I have ever read.
Unfortunately this one wasn’t the best. The second book, The Nowhere Man, is still my favorite. However, I did enjoy this one more than the first book, Orphan X.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed all three books and would definitely recommend them. And to be completely honest, I will probably be re-reading them at some point.
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other two. I really enjoyed these books.Just like with the first two, I flew through this book. I didn’t want to put it down. It was so fast-paced and the action was incredible. And again, Evan Smoak! He is seriously one of the best characters I have ever read.
Unfortunately this one wasn’t the best. The second book, The Nowhere Man, is still my favorite. However, I did enjoy this one more than the first book, Orphan X.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed all three books and would definitely recommend them. And to be completely honest, I will probably be re-reading them at some point.
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LibraryThing member Susan.Macura
This is third book in the Orphan X series, and it is the best so far! Evan Smoak is by far the best rogue assassin in the literary world. In this book he must deal with his nemesis after he kills the only person Smoak is close to - his handler Jack Jones. Along the way he finds himself with a
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sidekick - a 16-year-old girl who was rejected by the Orphan program and was scheduled to be eliminated. Teaming up, they must not only avenge Jones' death, but solve the problems for others as well as simply stay alive. The action is intense, the details exquisite and the storyline is awesome. I am very hopeful that there will be another as the book left us wondering how Smoak will deal with corruption in the highest levels of government. Show Less
LibraryThing member kmajort
I've been enjoying the Orphan X series; Hellbent really throws a monkey wrench into the mix! It had some slow, "really?" moments for me, but I burned through it, and was pleased with the ending, a 3.5, really. Great characters!
Recommended for Bourne fans.
Recommended for Bourne fans.
LibraryThing member she_climber
The sign of a good book is one entertains you and teaches you something. Hurwitz managed to both in spades with this latest Orphan X book. I found myself repeating searching Google images for things like "one wheeled motorcycles", "tattooing the whites of your eye", "floating beds", and "MS-13
Evan Smoak, aka Orphan X, with each book is finding his human side. Not easy for a child orphan raised darker-than-black-ops assassin. But despite his best effort to not make any connections with members of the civilized world, he keeps finding himself caring more than a cold-blooded murder should.
Joey by far was the star of this book though. I was a bit worried for awhile that Hurwitz was taking a page of Baldacci's Will Robie's series with her but I quickly got past that. This was much better. I won't say more about that though because to say more would spoil this read for others.
Even the acknowledgements at the back of the book are highly recommended reading. This is without a doubt my favorite of the series so far. He just keeps getting better and better.
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tattoos". Which in itself were all very interesting and entertaining. I won't even get into what these books most do for high-end vodka sales. Evan Smoak, aka Orphan X, with each book is finding his human side. Not easy for a child orphan raised darker-than-black-ops assassin. But despite his best effort to not make any connections with members of the civilized world, he keeps finding himself caring more than a cold-blooded murder should.
Joey by far was the star of this book though. I was a bit worried for awhile that Hurwitz was taking a page of Baldacci's Will Robie's series with her but I quickly got past that. This was much better. I won't say more about that though because to say more would spoil this read for others.
Even the acknowledgements at the back of the book are highly recommended reading. This is without a doubt my favorite of the series so far. He just keeps getting better and better.
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LibraryThing member dmclane
Third in a well written series, actually looking forward to more when available. Yes, the plot stretched the credible, but I am not able to think of a work that does not as well. Characters are well developed with understandable motives, desires, etc. It should be interesting to see what develops
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with the new villain as Evan polished off the old one. Also will the new girl in town steal the story or become one on her own. Lots to look forward to, completely enjoyable and surprisingly after three stories still not worn out. Show Less
LibraryThing member Darcia
Evan Smoak is part man, part machine, and 100% badass.
This book gives you no breathing room. It's not a book you relax into or meander through. The content is intense and the pace quick.
Evan doesn't tread lightly. His world is dark and dangerous, and Gregg Hurwitz doesn't spare details. We see
While this book could probably be read as a stand-alone, I highly suggest reading books 1 and 2 first. Evan's character has a unique and fascinating background. Hurwitz does weave some of the backstory into this book, so new readers wouldn't be totally lost, but you'd miss the intricacies of his character and his relationships.
I love how Evan's character is evolving through this series. In this third book, we see him struggle with his newfound desire for what he views as a normal life. But someone always needs the unique kind of help only he can offer. And, this time, his mission is a lot more personal.
This is definitely the kind of story that you live while reading, so you forget everything else and experience an adrenaline rush for a few hours.
*The publisher provided me with a review copy, via Amazon Vine, in exchange for my honest review.*
This book gives you no breathing room. It's not a book you relax into or meander through. The content is intense and the pace quick.
Evan doesn't tread lightly. His world is dark and dangerous, and Gregg Hurwitz doesn't spare details. We see
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the violence play out as Evan leaves destruction behind in his quest for vengeance. But this violence isn't at all gratuitous or needlessly graphic. We are placed in Evan's world, and it's not for the feint of heart. While this book could probably be read as a stand-alone, I highly suggest reading books 1 and 2 first. Evan's character has a unique and fascinating background. Hurwitz does weave some of the backstory into this book, so new readers wouldn't be totally lost, but you'd miss the intricacies of his character and his relationships.
I love how Evan's character is evolving through this series. In this third book, we see him struggle with his newfound desire for what he views as a normal life. But someone always needs the unique kind of help only he can offer. And, this time, his mission is a lot more personal.
This is definitely the kind of story that you live while reading, so you forget everything else and experience an adrenaline rush for a few hours.
*The publisher provided me with a review copy, via Amazon Vine, in exchange for my honest review.*
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LibraryThing member gpangel
Hellbent by Gregg Hurwitz is a 2018 Minotaur publication.
1-855-2-NOWHERE
This special number will connect you to The Nowhere Man- a man who helps those who require specialized assistance and have no other recourse.
However, the Nowhere Man also happens to be Orphan X- aka- Evan Smoak. At age
When Jack calls Evan he is in a dire situation. He orders Evan to collect a package- which turns out to be far more than Evan bargained for- a sixteen -year old girl named Joey.
Going after his arch enemy, Van Scriver, with razor sharp focus and the intense need for retribution, Evan finds Joey both a help and a hindrance, someone who pricks his stoic heart, bringing out feelings he has no name for, but who is also a liability in his plans to take out Van Scriver. If this weren’t enough suspense to keep one on edge, Evan also gets a call from a father who is afraid of losing his son to the romanticized lure of gang membership.
I have been dying to get back to this series. The second installment was very creative and entertaining, but, this third chapter in the series, settles in with some very poignant and tender moments and passages, amid some very intense action scenes and white- knuckle suspense.
There is a lot going on here, so beware starting this one if have things you need to get done. The chapters are short, which only compounded the problem, because it was just too tempting to read ‘just one more chapter’.
This is only the third book in the series, but I can see the advance planning, which is working out beautifully. The series has had some wobbly moments here and there, but I see it improving, getting stronger, with smarter, polished, and more complex plots. I can’t wait to unlock more Orphan X secrets, as the stakes are getting higher and higher, and maybe I’m looking forward to indulging my little crush on Evan Smoak!!
This is an outstanding addition to the series- Can’t wait to read book four!!
1-855-2-NOWHERE
This special number will connect you to The Nowhere Man- a man who helps those who require specialized assistance and have no other recourse.
However, the Nowhere Man also happens to be Orphan X- aka- Evan Smoak. At age
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twelve, Evan was plucked from the foster care system by Jack Jones and trained to be a government assassin. But Jack is the only person in the world who ever showed Evan the slightest bit of humanity, who loved Evan like he was his own son. Now, it is Jack who is calling The Nowhere Man… When Jack calls Evan he is in a dire situation. He orders Evan to collect a package- which turns out to be far more than Evan bargained for- a sixteen -year old girl named Joey.
Going after his arch enemy, Van Scriver, with razor sharp focus and the intense need for retribution, Evan finds Joey both a help and a hindrance, someone who pricks his stoic heart, bringing out feelings he has no name for, but who is also a liability in his plans to take out Van Scriver. If this weren’t enough suspense to keep one on edge, Evan also gets a call from a father who is afraid of losing his son to the romanticized lure of gang membership.
I have been dying to get back to this series. The second installment was very creative and entertaining, but, this third chapter in the series, settles in with some very poignant and tender moments and passages, amid some very intense action scenes and white- knuckle suspense.
There is a lot going on here, so beware starting this one if have things you need to get done. The chapters are short, which only compounded the problem, because it was just too tempting to read ‘just one more chapter’.
This is only the third book in the series, but I can see the advance planning, which is working out beautifully. The series has had some wobbly moments here and there, but I see it improving, getting stronger, with smarter, polished, and more complex plots. I can’t wait to unlock more Orphan X secrets, as the stakes are getting higher and higher, and maybe I’m looking forward to indulging my little crush on Evan Smoak!!
This is an outstanding addition to the series- Can’t wait to read book four!!
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LibraryThing member jfe16
Jack Johns is the closest thing to family for Evan Smoak, the one person who cared for him. But Jack, one of the few with knowledge of the Orphans, stands in the way of someone determined to remove all traces of that program. That knowledge, it would seem, costs him his life.
But Jack’s sent Evan
All the expected players are on hand for this, Evan Smoak’s third outing as the Nowhere Man. As with previous stories, there’s plenty of action and sufficient backstory for readers new to the series [but there are nuances and insights gained from reading the series in order].
The plot is timely and compelling, the characters well-developed and multi-dimensional. Evan’s introspective contemplation in this tale gives the character added depth and is certain to endear him to readers. The complex, intriguing narrative keeps the suspense mounting and offers readers unexpected twists and turns to keep those pages turning in this unputdownable installment of the series.
Highly recommended.
But Jack’s sent Evan
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on a mission and, despite his overwhelming sense of loss, the Nowhere Man is determined to fulfill the request. However, the package he’s sent to retrieve is not at all what he expects, and, while attempting to deal with that issue, Evan finds himself embroiled in the fallout from a request for help from a father desperate to rescue his son from a contemptible gang. All the expected players are on hand for this, Evan Smoak’s third outing as the Nowhere Man. As with previous stories, there’s plenty of action and sufficient backstory for readers new to the series [but there are nuances and insights gained from reading the series in order].
The plot is timely and compelling, the characters well-developed and multi-dimensional. Evan’s introspective contemplation in this tale gives the character added depth and is certain to endear him to readers. The complex, intriguing narrative keeps the suspense mounting and offers readers unexpected twists and turns to keep those pages turning in this unputdownable installment of the series.
Highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member DGRachel
The best one yet!
I love Evan Smoak. The Orphan X series is phenomenal and Hellbent may be the best one so far. The Nowhere Man ended on a cliffhanger that took my breath away and Hellbent had me in tears by chapter four. This is a taut, action-packed thriller that will keep you on the edge of your
I love Evan Smoak. The Orphan X series is phenomenal and Hellbent may be the best one so far. The Nowhere Man ended on a cliffhanger that took my breath away and Hellbent had me in tears by chapter four. This is a taut, action-packed thriller that will keep you on the edge of your
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seat, rip your heart out, and give you life again. The ending was perfect, but I really hope Hurwitz isn’t done writing Orphan X novels. I’m not ready to say goodbye to Evan! Show Less
LibraryThing member whybehave2002
I read. I gasped. I screamed "NO". I cried. Aaaaaahhhhhhh....and it was done. I am totally in love with this series!!! I feel Evan's intensity. The machine he was made into by his circumstances. He is a real-life superhero. I am rating it 5+++++.
LibraryThing member HeatherLINC
This is the second Orphan X novel that I have read and I really enjoyed this one. It was brutal at times but it was also a fast-paced, action-packed, pulse-pounding thriller. This time Orphan X had to protect sixteen-year-old Joey, an ex-orphan, from highly professional assassins.
Joey was a great
"Hellbent" was an entertaining read and I look forward to finding the next Evan Smoak adventure.
Joey was a great
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inclusion. She was a gifted computer hacker with a smart mouth but also with a vulnerable side to her. I loved how she interacted with Evan and made him feel out of his depth. She also brought out the softer side of Evan, giving him more emotional depth. I hope Joey appears in subsequent novels because I liked how the two balanced each other out."Hellbent" was an entertaining read and I look forward to finding the next Evan Smoak adventure.
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LibraryThing member amcheri
Another great episode in the Orphan X series. This one was the most emotional of the bunch so far. There was still plenty of bloody goodness but more opportunities for Evan to get in touch with his feelings and make some tough choices.
I think I might love Evan a little bit. But I also might love
If you enjoyed the first two, you know you're not going to stop reading the series and I don't think you'll be disappointed.
I think I might love Evan a little bit. But I also might love
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Candy McClure a little, too. I do have a soft spot for women who are damaged and might be fixable...If you enjoyed the first two, you know you're not going to stop reading the series and I don't think you'll be disappointed.
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LibraryThing member PinkPurlandProse
Many thanks to NetGalley, Gregg Hurwitz and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and independent of receiving an advance copy.
Evan Smoak is back as Orphan X in this third book in the series. It is really hard to recap this book
I really love this series. Each one keeps getting better and this was the best one yet. First you have all the action, suspense, mystery that you want with high tech gadgets and general badass-ness. Evan is an every man, not too tall, not too handsome but very lethal. He fights for those who can’t fight for themselves. He is holding on to his humanity and this book really explores that. I loved how his relationship with Joey developed throughout this story. I was worried that this would get repetitive with Charles hunting him down yet again, but Hurwitz finds a way to keep each book fresh and interesting. There was a satisfying conclusion and I can’t wait to start the next one in the series!
Evan Smoak is back as Orphan X in this third book in the series. It is really hard to recap this book
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without giving away spoilers so I’m going to keep it brief. Evan is still being pursued by Charles Van Sciver. Sanctioned by the government, Charles needs to eliminate Orphan X because he knows too much. Evan’s mentor, Jack, has led him to a young girl Joey. After she bottomed out of the new Orphan program, Jack protected her keeping her hidden. Now Evan has been tasked with getting her to safety. But Charles and his band of orphans are hot on his trail and will use every means at their disposal to wipe him out. Oh wait, his Nowhere phone has rung again. Can he help them, as well as Joey and stay alive?I really love this series. Each one keeps getting better and this was the best one yet. First you have all the action, suspense, mystery that you want with high tech gadgets and general badass-ness. Evan is an every man, not too tall, not too handsome but very lethal. He fights for those who can’t fight for themselves. He is holding on to his humanity and this book really explores that. I loved how his relationship with Joey developed throughout this story. I was worried that this would get repetitive with Charles hunting him down yet again, but Hurwitz finds a way to keep each book fresh and interesting. There was a satisfying conclusion and I can’t wait to start the next one in the series!
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LibraryThing member debbie13410
I liked all the drama and action of Orphan X's Hellbent except the why. Why is Van Scriver, Orphan Y, trying to kill other Orphans and Evan? I don't buy the reason. It was a stupid excuse to get Orphan X and Orphan Y after each other. His sidekick in this action is Joey, a sixteen year old girl who
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washed out of the Orphan program because she had a conscience. I really liked Joey but I don't like pages of computer hacking how tos (eye rolls). There is an Orphan X #4 so we know Evan survives. Till next time. Show Less
LibraryThing member AVoraciousReader
Book source ~ KU/Audible
For the first time since he became the Nowhere Man Evan knew the voice on the other end of his phone. It’s Jack Johns, his mentor and the man who Evan considered to be like a father to him. The only person in Evan’s world who he loved. And Jack was in trouble. Being
Oh, my. This is an emotional one, folks! Poor Evan is going to have his heart ripped out and put back in. Okay, not literally. Thought I better clarify that considering who we’re dealing with here. His whole world is about to go topsy turvy, but he’s Orphan X. The Nowhere Man. Trained by Jack to do whatever it takes to survive. And during his whole personal crisis he gets a call on his Nowhere Man phone. Someone needs his help and he needs to make time for that with everything else going on. Eek.
Like the first two books, I love this one. Evan is a wonderful character and as the series progresses he’s evolving. Slowly, but still, there’s definite growth. If you like your books filled with action galore (and gore, there’s some of that, too), awesome characters, great plot, emotional connections, terrific writing, and a shitton of badassery then look no further. This is it. But be sure to check out books 1 & 2 first because you really need to experience Evan from the beginning. Scott Brick continues to be Narrator Extraordinaire. After the ending of this one, I’m seriously looking forward to book 4, Out of the Dark, where I believe Evan is going to face his most dangerous and difficult challenge yet.
For the first time since he became the Nowhere Man Evan knew the voice on the other end of his phone. It’s Jack Johns, his mentor and the man who Evan considered to be like a father to him. The only person in Evan’s world who he loved. And Jack was in trouble. Being
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pursued by other Orphans in the program, Jack knew it was only a matter of time before they caught up with him. He didn’t just need the Nowhere Man. He needed Orphan X. Urgently.Oh, my. This is an emotional one, folks! Poor Evan is going to have his heart ripped out and put back in. Okay, not literally. Thought I better clarify that considering who we’re dealing with here. His whole world is about to go topsy turvy, but he’s Orphan X. The Nowhere Man. Trained by Jack to do whatever it takes to survive. And during his whole personal crisis he gets a call on his Nowhere Man phone. Someone needs his help and he needs to make time for that with everything else going on. Eek.
Like the first two books, I love this one. Evan is a wonderful character and as the series progresses he’s evolving. Slowly, but still, there’s definite growth. If you like your books filled with action galore (and gore, there’s some of that, too), awesome characters, great plot, emotional connections, terrific writing, and a shitton of badassery then look no further. This is it. But be sure to check out books 1 & 2 first because you really need to experience Evan from the beginning. Scott Brick continues to be Narrator Extraordinaire. After the ending of this one, I’m seriously looking forward to book 4, Out of the Dark, where I believe Evan is going to face his most dangerous and difficult challenge yet.
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LibraryThing member Carol420
Bodies are piling pile up. "Orphan X", who is now Evan Smoak, is the "Nowhere Man". People, mostly strangers, can call him on his untraceable phone to ask for his help if they are in desperate trouble. His father figure, Jack Johns, calls him shortly before stepping out of a flying helicopter to
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his death. Seems that might have been a little on the "too late" side. Our Evan receives Jack’s before -"the big step"- note about a “final mission” to get a “package” that turns out to be Joey, a testy teenage girl and fellow "Orphan" who to thank him for his efforts...immediately tries to kill him. Meanwhile, Charles Van Sciver, Director of the "Orphan" Program, is chomping at the bit on his own mission. His “top priority is to stamp out wayward "Orphans,” especially "Orphan X"... the headaches that escaped from the program. Evan obsesses about killing Van Sciver and everyone else who helped kill Jack. Rivers of blood gush toward a showdown. Joey becomes Evan’s partner in crime... but I had already figured that she was becoming an “inconvenient aggravation". Mission almost accomplished when at the very moment that Evan’s universe would consist of a single goal, namely the annihilation of Charles Van Sciver...we receive the 90% possibility that there may be a sequel with Van Sciver’s taunt to Evan, “You have no idea, do you? How high it goes?” ! That lets us believe that someone really wants Evan dead. Evan is way too busy for a love life. Afterall slaughtering is hard work and extremely time consuming, although he has an almost-could be-girlfriend...the D.A., Mia Hall. There was another woman that comes on to him, but he didn't have time to pay much attention to her, as he “needed to get food", and then he totally had more people to kill. He does have priorities after all. Some characters will be familiar to readers of the series, such as Van Sciver and the deadly Candy McClure. My favorite is the gangster "Freeway", who has a tattooed eyeball. Never saw one of those but it sounded interesting....and painful. Other than this one, I only read the first book before. If you like science fiction or adventure books you will probably eat this series up and anxiously await the next "Orphan X" offering. If not a fan of those genera's, then maybe.... but as another reviewer said, "it's just bloody good fun"! Show Less
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2018-01-30
Physical description
416 p.; 9.21 inches
ISBN
9780718185473