Orphan X (Orphan X, 1)
“Brilliantly conceived and plotted … Read this book. You’ll thank me later.” -- David Baldacci
Who is Orphan X?
The Nowhere Man is a legendary figure spoken about only in whispers. It’s said that when he’s reached by the truly desperate and deserving, the Nowhere Man can and will do anything to protect and save them. But he’s not merely a legend.
“Excellent…A smart, stylish, state-of-the-art thriller…might give Lee Child’s Jack Reacher books a run for their money.”—The Washington Post
Evan Smoak is a man with skills, resources, and a personal mission to help those with nowhere else to turn. He’s also a man with a dangerous past. Chosen as a child, he was raised and trained as an Orphan, an off-the-books black box program designed to create the perfect deniable intelligence asset: An assassin. Evan was Orphan X—until he broke with the program and used everything he learned to disappear. But now someone is on his tail. Someone with similar skills and training who will exploit Evan’s secret new identity as the Nowhere Man to eliminate him.
“Hurwitz melds nonstop action and high-tech gadgetry…in this excellent series opener.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
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Community Reviews
"Assume nothing."
That's exactly what I did when I picked up my very first book by Gregg Hurwitz. I went in with no expectations, just hoping for as good a time as Ev did when she read the series. Ev is my friend who recommended the series to me around 4 years ago and she's faithfully reminded me about it over the years. After reading it (finally), I am so sad I waited so long!
Fans of Jack Reacher, Jason Bourne, Dexter or even John Wick will enjoy this thriller. It checks ALL the boxes: suspense, mystery, action and many great instances displaying the ingenuity of Evan Smoak.
"One mission at a time."
This was one of Evan Smoak's Ten Commandments. Recruited at the age of 12 into the Orphan Program, an off-the-books black program as a fully expendable cut-out man, otherwise known as an assassin, Evan was trained to be a ghost - one that left death in its wake. Evan was given the code name Orphan X and was successful in his missions with the program, until a clandestine conversation sowed doubt regarding targets. Evan broke off from the program and used his training to disappear.
"Never let an innocent die."
Now known as The Nowhere Man, Evan uses his skillset to help those who are desperate and deserving, those who cannot protect themselves, those who are prey to the worst of the world's society. I found the way that Evan takes missions to be unique and clever, which makes sense given he doesn't want to be found. The problem is - someone seems to be targeting him. Someone with similar elite skills to Evan's...
I read this book in 2 days. I have always been a fan of the assassin-turned-reluctant hero trope and this book was no exception. I found the Orphan Program intriguing, I loved learning how Evan developed his own set of Commandments to operate by, but above the rest, I loved the character growth for Evan over the course of the book. I never get tired of the walled off character who gets their walls chipped or cracked by a cute kid or Mr./Miss Right coming along. (Yeah, yeah, I'm a sucker - sue me!)
I was surprised at how many characters I fell in love with in this book. I found myself shaking my head and smiling to myself every time Evan encountered Mrs. Rosenbaum in the elevators of their building. I really got tickled anytime Mrs. Rosenbaum and Lorilee Smithson bumped into each other because they fired off some hilarious jabs at one another. There were many small moments between Evan and his neighbors that were brief, but held so much meaning. Mia Hall and her 8 year old son Peter stole my heart though. Peter was so adorable - I could just see him interacting with Evan, right down to his facial expressions.
Gregg Hurwitz has a writing style that clicks well with me. I tabbed several quotes and was grateful that the technology discussed was explained in layman's terms so I was able to understand what was going on. (Or at least grasp the concept.) This type of writing style is like candy to me.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of the series. Was it a familiar trope?
Yes. Was it somewhat predictable? Also yes. Will I read others just like it? You bet your tail, Fred!
It has its similarities, but it also has its unique plot points and elements that make it stand out. I'm dying to learn more about the Orphan Program and a few other things I was teased with in later chapters. Actually, I have a whole list of things I want, but I can't list them since they'd be huge spoilers to those who haven't read this one yet. Next time....
"But that's the thing. 'Next time' means the world is wide open to you. 'Next time' is possibility. 'Next time' is freedom."
You can find this review and many more on my website, https://thenerdynarrative.com or if you prefer video format, you can find those on my BookTube channel, https://youtube.com/thenerdynarrative
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