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Orphan X #9
Lone Wolf
Once a black book government assassin known as Orphan X, Evan Smoak left the program, went deep underground, and reinvented himself as someone who will go anywhere, and risk everything to help the truly desperate who have nowhere else to turn. Since then, Evan has fought international crime syndicates and drug cartels, faced down the most powerful men in the world and even brought down a President. Struggling with an unexpected personal crisis, Evan goes back to the very basics of his mission - and this time, the truly desperate is a little girl who wants him to find her missing dog.
Not his usual mission, and not one Evan embraces with enthusiasm, but this unlikely, tiny job quickly explodes into his biggest mission yet. one that finds him battered between twisted AI technocrat billionaires, a mysterious female assassin who seems a mirror of himself, and personal stakes so gut-wrenching he can scarcely make sense of them .
Evan's mission pushes him to his limit - he must find and take down the assassin known only as the Wolf, before she succeeds in completing her mission and killing the people who can identify her - a teenaged daughter of her last target, and Evan himself. Matched skill for skill, instinct for instinct, Evan must outwit an opponent who will literally stop at nothing if he is to survive.
Not his usual mission, and not one Evan embraces with enthusiasm, but this unlikely, tiny job quickly explodes into his biggest mission yet. one that finds him battered between twisted AI technocrat billionaires, a mysterious female assassin who seems a mirror of himself, and personal stakes so gut-wrenching he can scarcely make sense of them .
Evan's mission pushes him to his limit - he must find and take down the assassin known only as the Wolf, before she succeeds in completing her mission and killing the people who can identify her - a teenaged daughter of her last target, and Evan himself. Matched skill for skill, instinct for instinct, Evan must outwit an opponent who will literally stop at nothing if he is to survive.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2024
About the author
Gregg Andrew Hurwitz
159 books6,198 followersGregg Hurwitz is the critically acclaimed, New York Times and internationally bestselling author of 20 novels, including OUT OF THE DARK (2019). His novels have been shortlisted for numerous literary awards, graced top ten lists, and have been published in 30 languages.
He is also a New York Times Bestselling comic book writer, having penned stories for Marvel (Wolverine, Punisher) and DC (Batman, Penguin). Additionally, he’s written screenplays for or sold spec scripts to many of the major studios, and written, developed, and produced television for various networks. Gregg resides in Los Angeles.
He is also a New York Times Bestselling comic book writer, having penned stories for Marvel (Wolverine, Punisher) and DC (Batman, Penguin). Additionally, he’s written screenplays for or sold spec scripts to many of the major studios, and written, developed, and produced television for various networks. Gregg resides in Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 830 reviews
August 3, 2023
So good!
4.5 stars
Orphan X is back in full force in Lone Wolf. This is the 9th installment in the Orphan X series.
On a mission to find his niece's lost dog, Evan finds himself unexpectedly facing off against an assassin known as the Wolf. In a battle to take out the Wolf, Evan finds himself questioning his ability to continue as X.
The characters are my favorite element of this series. This installment focuses on Joey and X, and they interact a lot as they work together to solve the case--she makes a great foil to Evan. Both characters continue to grow and develop. Also, Evan spends some time with his niece-his interactions with her and his search for her ugly dog had me smiling.
This is a heart-pounding, action-packed, adrenaline-rush of a read culminating in tension and suspense, with emotion and humor mixed in. The previous book in the series, The Last Orphan, had me nervous as Evan was off his game. The series felt tired and left me with low expectations for this installment, but this book surprised me in a good way-- It is one of the strongest of the series. The characters and the plot got a much-needed refresh. There are also a few twists, one that surprised me.
Overall, this is a must-read for fans of the series. For those who haven't yet checked out The Orphan X series, it is best to start with book #1.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
Orphan X is back in full force in Lone Wolf. This is the 9th installment in the Orphan X series.
On a mission to find his niece's lost dog, Evan finds himself unexpectedly facing off against an assassin known as the Wolf. In a battle to take out the Wolf, Evan finds himself questioning his ability to continue as X.
The characters are my favorite element of this series. This installment focuses on Joey and X, and they interact a lot as they work together to solve the case--she makes a great foil to Evan. Both characters continue to grow and develop. Also, Evan spends some time with his niece-his interactions with her and his search for her ugly dog had me smiling.
This is a heart-pounding, action-packed, adrenaline-rush of a read culminating in tension and suspense, with emotion and humor mixed in. The previous book in the series, The Last Orphan, had me nervous as Evan was off his game. The series felt tired and left me with low expectations for this installment, but this book surprised me in a good way-- It is one of the strongest of the series. The characters and the plot got a much-needed refresh. There are also a few twists, one that surprised me.
Overall, this is a must-read for fans of the series. For those who haven't yet checked out The Orphan X series, it is best to start with book #1.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2023
I’ve been desperately holding my breath for the next Orphan X book…and yes... it was just THAT GOOD! All the stars!🤩 This my be my favorite installment of the series!
Oh my gosh...Where do I start!?
This read delves deeply into the characters of Evan and Joey. (Always a treat!) We’re also introduced to thought-provoking lessons and sobering realities concerning the tech world we live in and what’s in our future.
Evan, better known as “Orphan X” helps people who can’t help themselves. Those with nowhere else left to turn. In the past this has typically involved kidnappings, murders and even drug cartels. Your typical, everyday tough guy stuff. But when his roam zone phone rings, (an embarrassing tune thanks to Joey) this request for help falls close to home. His niece has lost her dog and begs Evan to help find him.
Who could predict this lost pup would put him face to face with one of the most lethal assassins. And this opponent may be even too much for Evan.
Evan lives by his commandments. One of the most critical…do not let anything become personal. But it seems to be getting harder and harder to do. Is our Evan becoming a softie? Does he in fact have a heart he is only now tapping into? I have to admit I love seeing this side of Evan. Yet I also realize that perhaps this will make him more vulnerable in the future.
As for Joey and her dog named Dog? Well, she’s growing up quickly. She even has the opportunity to rush a sorority! But Joey wonders…Is this the life she truly craves? Could she really leave Evan behind for a “normal” life?
This latest installment in the Orphan X series has it all. Perhaps my favorite to date!
I tip my vodka shot to you! 🍸Game well played Evan!
A buddy read with Susanne
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press
Oh my gosh...Where do I start!?
This read delves deeply into the characters of Evan and Joey. (Always a treat!) We’re also introduced to thought-provoking lessons and sobering realities concerning the tech world we live in and what’s in our future.
Evan, better known as “Orphan X” helps people who can’t help themselves. Those with nowhere else left to turn. In the past this has typically involved kidnappings, murders and even drug cartels. Your typical, everyday tough guy stuff. But when his roam zone phone rings, (an embarrassing tune thanks to Joey) this request for help falls close to home. His niece has lost her dog and begs Evan to help find him.
Who could predict this lost pup would put him face to face with one of the most lethal assassins. And this opponent may be even too much for Evan.
Evan lives by his commandments. One of the most critical…do not let anything become personal. But it seems to be getting harder and harder to do. Is our Evan becoming a softie? Does he in fact have a heart he is only now tapping into? I have to admit I love seeing this side of Evan. Yet I also realize that perhaps this will make him more vulnerable in the future.
As for Joey and her dog named Dog? Well, she’s growing up quickly. She even has the opportunity to rush a sorority! But Joey wonders…Is this the life she truly craves? Could she really leave Evan behind for a “normal” life?
This latest installment in the Orphan X series has it all. Perhaps my favorite to date!
I tip my vodka shot to you! 🍸Game well played Evan!
A buddy read with Susanne
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press
December 5, 2023
One of my most anticipated reads and it didn't disappoint! 🤩
This is #9 in the series and I think its my favorite so far! Evan has really surpassed all expectations as he outmaneuvers the baddies and saves the innocents (and even a little dog this time)! 🐶
Joey and her Dog are back and bring so so much humor! She knows just how to push Evan's buttons and this added so many LOL moments.
You'll get high octane action in this installment, some heartfelt emotions, heart pounding/tension filled chase scenes that had me gasping throughout. I could feel my muscles tensing up as I was right there at the scene of danger. Yikesey 😱
Pick this one up when you crave some high energy scenes or if you love this series and want to see Evan back at it with his white hat and shot of vodka! Always living on the edge.
Thanks to NG for my ARC. Don't miss it, OUT February 13, 2024
This is #9 in the series and I think its my favorite so far! Evan has really surpassed all expectations as he outmaneuvers the baddies and saves the innocents (and even a little dog this time)! 🐶
Joey and her Dog are back and bring so so much humor! She knows just how to push Evan's buttons and this added so many LOL moments.
You'll get high octane action in this installment, some heartfelt emotions, heart pounding/tension filled chase scenes that had me gasping throughout. I could feel my muscles tensing up as I was right there at the scene of danger. Yikesey 😱
Pick this one up when you crave some high energy scenes or if you love this series and want to see Evan back at it with his white hat and shot of vodka! Always living on the edge.
Thanks to NG for my ARC. Don't miss it, OUT February 13, 2024
January 29, 2024
TW: Pussycat Dolls
Poor Evan. No, poor Kay! After finishing the upcoming Orphan X #9, Lone Wolf two days ago, "Don't Cha" is still stuck in my head. 🙅♀️🙉
Help!
How are the most lethal and legendary assassin and "Don't Cha" related? You'll have to read to find out! 🤣
Orphan X is such a solid series. I don't think Hurwitz can mess up a story with X in it. Lone Wolf follows the same format as Evan Smoak or X or The Nowhere Man gets a call from someone who desperately needs his help.
The girl has no one to turn to so she calls "the legend". Not a kidnapping, not a drug lord, not another assassin, but a girl who lost her dog. Oh my gosh, this cracks me up. X couldn't believe it either and this is such a great intro as it leads to a more sinister plotline.
I like that I didn't have to wait long for my favorite supporting character, Tommy to show up. He's an associate, X's trusted armory source. Also, we get into more of Evan's sub-story. Am I the only person who doesn't want him to be too "human"?
There's a lot of humor in this one. I haven't laughed this hard reading an action thriller with a former assassin dealing with dogs and a teenager like Joey who constantly pushes his OCD button. This was a smooth ride to the finish line after an intense finale but my gosh, Hurwitz did it again with a jaw-dropping ending.😲
I read and listened to this terrific installment and you can't go wrong with either reading or listening to Scott Brick. Thank you Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for my advance review copies.
9/10 ~ 4.5⭐
389 pages/ 12H 30M
Available February 13, 2024!
Poor Evan. No, poor Kay! After finishing the upcoming Orphan X #9, Lone Wolf two days ago, "Don't Cha" is still stuck in my head. 🙅♀️🙉
Help!
How are the most lethal and legendary assassin and "Don't Cha" related? You'll have to read to find out! 🤣
Orphan X is such a solid series. I don't think Hurwitz can mess up a story with X in it. Lone Wolf follows the same format as Evan Smoak or X or The Nowhere Man gets a call from someone who desperately needs his help.
The girl has no one to turn to so she calls "the legend". Not a kidnapping, not a drug lord, not another assassin, but a girl who lost her dog. Oh my gosh, this cracks me up. X couldn't believe it either and this is such a great intro as it leads to a more sinister plotline.
I like that I didn't have to wait long for my favorite supporting character, Tommy to show up. He's an associate, X's trusted armory source. Also, we get into more of Evan's sub-story. Am I the only person who doesn't want him to be too "human"?
There's a lot of humor in this one. I haven't laughed this hard reading an action thriller with a former assassin dealing with dogs and a teenager like Joey who constantly pushes his OCD button. This was a smooth ride to the finish line after an intense finale but my gosh, Hurwitz did it again with a jaw-dropping ending.😲
I read and listened to this terrific installment and you can't go wrong with either reading or listening to Scott Brick. Thank you Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for my advance review copies.
9/10 ~ 4.5⭐
389 pages/ 12H 30M
Available February 13, 2024!
March 6, 2024
3.5 stars
In this 9th book in the 'Orphan X' series, Evan Smoak's search for a lost dog leads him to clash with a skilled female assassin. The book can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the series is beneficial.
*****
When Evan Smoak was a scrawny twelve-year-old living in an orphanage, he was removed and placed in a black ops program that trained orphans to be highly skilled assassins. Evan was dubbed Orphan X.
After doing his assassin job for many years, Orphan X left the black ops program and set himself up as 'The Nowhere Man', a badass who helps people in trouble. When a person in dire straits is given Evan's number by a former client, the call goes to Evan's uber-encrypted RoamZone phone, which he answers with the phrase "Do you need my help?"
This time, when Evan's RoamZone rings, and he asks 'Do you need my help?' a young girl answers with, 'Yeah. My dog went missing." It turns out the caller is Sofia, the 11-year-old daughter of Evan's half-brother Andre. Evan barely knows Andre and never met Sofia, and 'The Nowhere Man' isn't in the business of finding lost dogs.
However Sofia is crying - and Evan is getting 'the look' from his teenage protégé Josephine (Joey) - so Orphan X agrees to look for Sofia's funny-looking dog Loco.
Joey is a computer whiz who can hack into any computer or CCTV camera anywhere, and with Joey's help, Evan discovers where he might find Loco.
When Evan goes to (hopefully) retrieve Loco, he's ready for action, just in case. So Evan is dressed in his tactical-discreet cargo pants, his shirt that foils face recognition, and his Original S.W.A.T. boots. Orphan X is also armed with his ARES 1911 pistol, extra mags, and a Strider folding knife. In addition, Evan has surveilled the neighborhood, plotted multiple escape routes. and so on.
As it turns out, all this is necessary because Evan comes face to face with a highly trained female assassin named Karissa (aka The Wolf), and this leads to Evan having a confrontation with the Los Angeles police and several SWAT teams.
After this Evan and Karissa get into a kind of cat and mouse game, with the assassins trying to kill each other. (For faithful readers of the series, Karissa reminds of Candy McClure, aka Orphan V).
As Evan pursues Karissa, he learns of a disturbing scheme being perpetrated by an out-of-shape tech billionaire, who sits around all day snacking and scheming.
The billionaire seems to have no scruples, and his plan bodes ill for the human race. Meanwhile, Sofia continues to bug Evan about her pooch Loco, whom she misses terribly.
The book has the elaborately choreographed action scenes that are a signature feature of the series - scenes that are exciting and over the top (in a good way). It's also great to see Joey again, and the Twizzler loving teen - who drinks Red Bull by the case and has a dog named Dog - is growing up.
Joey is attending college and dabbling with joining a sorority. However, Joey is socially challenged and has trouble with pantyhose - a MUST for the sorority she's pledging. Unfortunately, Orphan X knows nothing about pantyhose, but his friend Melinda - an attractive Vietnamese master forger - helps Joey with this problem. 🙂
Evan is changing as well, becoming a bit more involved with his family. At the book's climax, Evan makes a surprising discovery, and it will be interesting to see what happens next.
I had a text copy of the book as well as the audiobook, narrated by Scott Brick, who does an excellent job.
Thanks to Netgalley, Gregg Hurwitz, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for copies of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
In this 9th book in the 'Orphan X' series, Evan Smoak's search for a lost dog leads him to clash with a skilled female assassin. The book can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the series is beneficial.
*****
When Evan Smoak was a scrawny twelve-year-old living in an orphanage, he was removed and placed in a black ops program that trained orphans to be highly skilled assassins. Evan was dubbed Orphan X.
After doing his assassin job for many years, Orphan X left the black ops program and set himself up as 'The Nowhere Man', a badass who helps people in trouble. When a person in dire straits is given Evan's number by a former client, the call goes to Evan's uber-encrypted RoamZone phone, which he answers with the phrase "Do you need my help?"
This time, when Evan's RoamZone rings, and he asks 'Do you need my help?' a young girl answers with, 'Yeah. My dog went missing." It turns out the caller is Sofia, the 11-year-old daughter of Evan's half-brother Andre. Evan barely knows Andre and never met Sofia, and 'The Nowhere Man' isn't in the business of finding lost dogs.
However Sofia is crying - and Evan is getting 'the look' from his teenage protégé Josephine (Joey) - so Orphan X agrees to look for Sofia's funny-looking dog Loco.
Joey is a computer whiz who can hack into any computer or CCTV camera anywhere, and with Joey's help, Evan discovers where he might find Loco.
When Evan goes to (hopefully) retrieve Loco, he's ready for action, just in case. So Evan is dressed in his tactical-discreet cargo pants, his shirt that foils face recognition, and his Original S.W.A.T. boots. Orphan X is also armed with his ARES 1911 pistol, extra mags, and a Strider folding knife. In addition, Evan has surveilled the neighborhood, plotted multiple escape routes. and so on.
As it turns out, all this is necessary because Evan comes face to face with a highly trained female assassin named Karissa (aka The Wolf), and this leads to Evan having a confrontation with the Los Angeles police and several SWAT teams.
After this Evan and Karissa get into a kind of cat and mouse game, with the assassins trying to kill each other. (For faithful readers of the series, Karissa reminds of Candy McClure, aka Orphan V).
As Evan pursues Karissa, he learns of a disturbing scheme being perpetrated by an out-of-shape tech billionaire, who sits around all day snacking and scheming.
The billionaire seems to have no scruples, and his plan bodes ill for the human race. Meanwhile, Sofia continues to bug Evan about her pooch Loco, whom she misses terribly.
The book has the elaborately choreographed action scenes that are a signature feature of the series - scenes that are exciting and over the top (in a good way). It's also great to see Joey again, and the Twizzler loving teen - who drinks Red Bull by the case and has a dog named Dog - is growing up.
Joey is attending college and dabbling with joining a sorority. However, Joey is socially challenged and has trouble with pantyhose - a MUST for the sorority she's pledging. Unfortunately, Orphan X knows nothing about pantyhose, but his friend Melinda - an attractive Vietnamese master forger - helps Joey with this problem. 🙂
Evan is changing as well, becoming a bit more involved with his family. At the book's climax, Evan makes a surprising discovery, and it will be interesting to see what happens next.
I had a text copy of the book as well as the audiobook, narrated by Scott Brick, who does an excellent job.
Thanks to Netgalley, Gregg Hurwitz, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for copies of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
June 8, 2024
The ninth book in the Orphan X series.
The story was action packed. Poor Evan seems to be feeling his age though and suffers a bit more each time he gets into a fight. He is going through a few emotional issues too as is Joey surprisingly.
A pretty good book spoiled for me because I was permanently worried about the dog! I also missed Mia and Peter who always help to make Evan a little bit more real when they are around.
Not my favourite book of the series so far.
The story was action packed. Poor Evan seems to be feeling his age though and suffers a bit more each time he gets into a fight. He is going through a few emotional issues too as is Joey surprisingly.
A pretty good book spoiled for me because I was permanently worried about the dog! I also missed Mia and Peter who always help to make Evan a little bit more real when they are around.
Not my favourite book of the series so far.
July 1, 2023
5 amazing stars (of course!)
Thank goodness Even is back. I was missing him so and this installment of his hectic life is still in keeping with this excellent series.
We get to see a more personal side to Evan as Gregg Hurwitz is slowly introducing him and how behind all of that stamina and outward shell, Even is still human.
Evan becomes involved in another adventure initially searching for a missing dog that belongs to his niece. Oh course, he is adverse to getting close to anyone, but he finds himself involved. We also get to see the growing love that Evan and Joey have as she too is searching for her Joey humanness.
In this installment we are taken to the world of AI and two (?) men who are instrumental in their development, gathering more money but more importantly more power over the population. Definitely, there is another lethal assassin, a girl, who seems to match Evan's moves tick for tact.
Once again, it seems that Evan and Joey are the champions against the ones who plan our future.
Love this book, love this series, and most of all love Evan and Joey. I do hope Gregg Hurwitz is planning the next adventure of these two endearing characters.
Thanks once again for Gregg Hurwitz, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the pleasure of being able to read this book out next February of 2024.
Thank goodness Even is back. I was missing him so and this installment of his hectic life is still in keeping with this excellent series.
We get to see a more personal side to Evan as Gregg Hurwitz is slowly introducing him and how behind all of that stamina and outward shell, Even is still human.
Evan becomes involved in another adventure initially searching for a missing dog that belongs to his niece. Oh course, he is adverse to getting close to anyone, but he finds himself involved. We also get to see the growing love that Evan and Joey have as she too is searching for her Joey humanness.
In this installment we are taken to the world of AI and two (?) men who are instrumental in their development, gathering more money but more importantly more power over the population. Definitely, there is another lethal assassin, a girl, who seems to match Evan's moves tick for tact.
Once again, it seems that Evan and Joey are the champions against the ones who plan our future.
Love this book, love this series, and most of all love Evan and Joey. I do hope Gregg Hurwitz is planning the next adventure of these two endearing characters.
Thanks once again for Gregg Hurwitz, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the pleasure of being able to read this book out next February of 2024.
February 13, 2024
Orphan X is one of my favorite ongoing series'.
In this volume, we meet a member of X's real family and I think I heard my heart crack somewhere along the line. X's relationship with Joey continues to grow and change, as she grows and X tries to.
This time around X is trying to locate a missing dog. Yep. A missing dog. lol
I don't care what X is doing, I want to read about it. Grocery shopping with X? I'm there. Watching TV with X? I'll bring the popcorn. (Though X rarely watches television.)
I love me some Evan Smoak, (X), and I will continue to read about him until he passes. At which point I will be ugly crying for sure.
My highest recommendation! Long live Orphan X!
*E-ARC from the publisher, via NetGalley.*
In this volume, we meet a member of X's real family and I think I heard my heart crack somewhere along the line. X's relationship with Joey continues to grow and change, as she grows and X tries to.
This time around X is trying to locate a missing dog. Yep. A missing dog. lol
I don't care what X is doing, I want to read about it. Grocery shopping with X? I'm there. Watching TV with X? I'll bring the popcorn. (Though X rarely watches television.)
I love me some Evan Smoak, (X), and I will continue to read about him until he passes. At which point I will be ugly crying for sure.
My highest recommendation! Long live Orphan X!
*E-ARC from the publisher, via NetGalley.*
February 21, 2024
The running theme throughout this great novel is the recovery of a small, ugly, yipping dog named Loco(fitting name). Who would have guessed? Evan’s timing is off after meeting his real Dad, to the point a little old lady cold cocks him with a walking support(He will not be living this down in the near future). But quickly after this he gets his act together and it is game on!!! He is going to need all his wits, assets(including Joey) and skills to take on this mysterious assassin who might be his equal. She has a mysterious backer who is buried so deeply even Joey is slamming with frustration.
The multitude of fronts he is fighting are overwhelming. Sofia, the heart broken owner of the dog, Andre, her unreliable father, alcoholic and step brother of Evan, Jayla, fatherless due to the assassin who continues to seek her out while Evan tries to stay one step ahead of the assassins attempts. Oh … did I mention his HOA is having a battle for presidency and they are trying to suck him in?
As I read along in the heavy technical aspects of this story I could see some similarities with the movie Minority Report. There is excellent movement with the theme and punctuated with action. This is one of the better works by Hurwitz. My advice is to read it sooner than later.
The multitude of fronts he is fighting are overwhelming. Sofia, the heart broken owner of the dog, Andre, her unreliable father, alcoholic and step brother of Evan, Jayla, fatherless due to the assassin who continues to seek her out while Evan tries to stay one step ahead of the assassins attempts. Oh … did I mention his HOA is having a battle for presidency and they are trying to suck him in?
As I read along in the heavy technical aspects of this story I could see some similarities with the movie Minority Report. There is excellent movement with the theme and punctuated with action. This is one of the better works by Hurwitz. My advice is to read it sooner than later.
February 8, 2024
Evan Smoak, former black ops assassin and current world class troubleshooter’s newest and most impossible case: find a missing dog. The poignant and powerful evolution of Evan from trained killer to caring human being has always made this series stand out from the usual tough guy fare. In Lone Wolf, Hurwitz utilizes his dry wit and droll sense of humor to further push Evan’s comfort zone, while never losing the razor sharp action scenes that will have you breathlessly flipping pages one moment, then sighing in relief the next. A new Orphan X thriller always makes for a great weekend.
November 7, 2023
This book had everything that I look for in an Orphan X novel and more! I have to admit that I have been addicted to this series since it first came out in 2016. This is #9 in the series, and it is just as fresh, suspenseful, and exciting as the first one; maybe even better! Orphan X fans are not going to want to miss this one!
How does a search for a missing dog lead to an assassin, a trail of murder, human trafficking, AI technology, a pair of power-hungry tech giants, and a plethora of bad guys? When it is an Orphan X novel, with Evan Smoak taking the lead, it really comes as no surprise.
Evan is put into situations that require him to do "bad things for good reasons". Whether it's finding a lost puppy for his niece or tracking down an assassin, Evan is the man for the job. He is rough, tough, and ready, but has a gentler side as well.
I love the supporting cast of characters in this series almost as much as I adore the main character. Evan has Joey, his 17-year-old precocious ward, to help him with all the computer technology necessary for the job, Tommy to provide him with all the military armaments he could possibly need, and the hilarious day-to-day goings on of the older generation that lives in his condo building to give him cover and keep him grounded.
Someone should definitely make the Orphan X novels into a movie or a TV series!
My sincere thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for giving me the opportunity to read this fantastic ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
How does a search for a missing dog lead to an assassin, a trail of murder, human trafficking, AI technology, a pair of power-hungry tech giants, and a plethora of bad guys? When it is an Orphan X novel, with Evan Smoak taking the lead, it really comes as no surprise.
Evan is put into situations that require him to do "bad things for good reasons". Whether it's finding a lost puppy for his niece or tracking down an assassin, Evan is the man for the job. He is rough, tough, and ready, but has a gentler side as well.
I love the supporting cast of characters in this series almost as much as I adore the main character. Evan has Joey, his 17-year-old precocious ward, to help him with all the computer technology necessary for the job, Tommy to provide him with all the military armaments he could possibly need, and the hilarious day-to-day goings on of the older generation that lives in his condo building to give him cover and keep him grounded.
Someone should definitely make the Orphan X novels into a movie or a TV series!
My sincere thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for giving me the opportunity to read this fantastic ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 9, 2024
Being one of my favorite series this one did not disappoint. And it all starts with a missing dog.
No Mia and Peter in this one and I missed them. Hope they return in the next installment. But the exchange between Evan and the other residents of Castle Hights was hilarious and fun.
Evan is definitely showing his age and does a lot of soul-searching. Joey is growing up fast. The exchange between Evan and Joey is fun as always.
This book could be described as Evan's really bad day. Now the long wait begins for the next one. Four stars.
No Mia and Peter in this one and I missed them. Hope they return in the next installment. But the exchange between Evan and the other residents of Castle Hights was hilarious and fun.
Evan is definitely showing his age and does a lot of soul-searching. Joey is growing up fast. The exchange between Evan and Joey is fun as always.
This book could be described as Evan's really bad day. Now the long wait begins for the next one. Four stars.
March 6, 2024
This was a great addition to the Orphan X series. I have to admit that Joey can get on my nerves, but it was nice to see some growth on her part. Evan also continues to grow his emotional intelligence and social skills. Those interactions are definitely out of his comfort zone. He is just beginning to have to face the idea of aging as well.
This installment had a couple of funny moments in addition to the action. I thought this added a little fun to the story without going overboard and becoming silly. It was a great mix of light humor, Orphan X style action, and emotional interactions.
This one wraps up the main story, but leaves a thread open that will need to be dealt with in the next book. If you are paying attention, it won't be much of a surprise, but it may still sneak up on you. I'll definitely be interested to see how Evan handles the situation.
4.5★ rounding up
I listened to the audio of this one and Scott Brick is Evan Smoak. I will listen to his narration of this series every time if given the opportunity.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This installment had a couple of funny moments in addition to the action. I thought this added a little fun to the story without going overboard and becoming silly. It was a great mix of light humor, Orphan X style action, and emotional interactions.
This one wraps up the main story, but leaves a thread open that will need to be dealt with in the next book. If you are paying attention, it won't be much of a surprise, but it may still sneak up on you. I'll definitely be interested to see how Evan handles the situation.
4.5★ rounding up
I listened to the audio of this one and Scott Brick is Evan Smoak. I will listen to his narration of this series every time if given the opportunity.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 12, 2024
HE’S BACK!!! I. LOVE. THIS. SERIES!!! Evan Smoak is back in another, fast-paced, action-packed, intense, absolutely hilarious, @$$kicking Orphan X installment! Based on the ending of the last installment (the series installments do NOT make good standalones. Enough said), Joey tracked down Evan’s bio dad and after a lot of waffling back and forth with himself (Hurwitz spends a lot of time in Evan’s head), Evan finally meets him and underwhelming and disappointing don’t begin to describe Evan’s reaction to his bio dad. Evan ends up going on a bender that has Joey and Tommy (Evan’s weapons supplier) worried about him. This is not a spoiler since it happened in the second (maybe third) chapter.
With too much time on his hands because he isn’t on some job or assignment, Joey convinces Evan to take the job of finding his niece’s (Evan’s half-brother, Andre’s, daughter, also from the last installment) dog, Loco, who has gone missing. In the process of locating Loco, Evan comes across a murder scene and an assassin that Evan ends up referring to as the Wolf. This Lone Wolf appears to be just as good as an assassin as Evan, but Evan does seem to thwart her efforts time and time again. NOBOBY is as good as Orphan X!!! This is also not a spoiler since it also happened pretty early in the story.
Most of the story revolves around trying to get to bottom of who the Wolf is working for and why as well as Evan dodging her assassination attempts. There is also the storyline of retrieving Loco from the murder scene and protecting Jayla, the 17yr old daughter of the Wolf’s latest victim, who can identify the Wolf. There is also another storyline of Joey rushing a sorority (she’s a UCLA student), and it’s not going well.
Once again, I am thoroughly enamored with the way that the quasi-sibling relationship between Evan and Joey has developed. Most of the time, it is such a typical sibling thing the way that they tease, harass, and annoy each other (think Millennial big brother and Zoomer little sister) with their interactions being absolutely hilarious and amusing. Then there are those times where the love and affection for each other is so touching, it makes my eyes a little watery. LOVE JOEY!!!
Over the course of the series, Joey has been one of the driving forces that keeps Evan human and keeps Evan from descending to a life on the dark side (drowning in his over-the-top OCD) along with Evan’s mentor, Jack, which at this point in the series are just Jack’s life lessons now (Jack was killed in a previous installment). With every installment, Evan becomes more philosophical and more concerned about the few people in has managed to let into his life and that he has come to care about very much.
Once again, Hurwitz provides a jaw dropping, OMG, out in left field cliffhanger that I should have seen coming. But hey, if Evan can miss it, then so can I. I flipped back and forth between the ebook and the audiobook and the narrator Scott Brick was really good and is the perfect voice for Evan, plus his delivery of the humorous parts was spot on. He often had that intense tone to his narration too that so much of the Orphan X story warranted. I want to thank NetGalley and St Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #StMartin’sPress #MacmillanAudio #LoneWolf
With too much time on his hands because he isn’t on some job or assignment, Joey convinces Evan to take the job of finding his niece’s (Evan’s half-brother, Andre’s, daughter, also from the last installment) dog, Loco, who has gone missing. In the process of locating Loco, Evan comes across a murder scene and an assassin that Evan ends up referring to as the Wolf. This Lone Wolf appears to be just as good as an assassin as Evan, but Evan does seem to thwart her efforts time and time again. NOBOBY is as good as Orphan X!!! This is also not a spoiler since it also happened pretty early in the story.
Most of the story revolves around trying to get to bottom of who the Wolf is working for and why as well as Evan dodging her assassination attempts. There is also the storyline of retrieving Loco from the murder scene and protecting Jayla, the 17yr old daughter of the Wolf’s latest victim, who can identify the Wolf. There is also another storyline of Joey rushing a sorority (she’s a UCLA student), and it’s not going well.
Once again, I am thoroughly enamored with the way that the quasi-sibling relationship between Evan and Joey has developed. Most of the time, it is such a typical sibling thing the way that they tease, harass, and annoy each other (think Millennial big brother and Zoomer little sister) with their interactions being absolutely hilarious and amusing. Then there are those times where the love and affection for each other is so touching, it makes my eyes a little watery. LOVE JOEY!!!
Over the course of the series, Joey has been one of the driving forces that keeps Evan human and keeps Evan from descending to a life on the dark side (drowning in his over-the-top OCD) along with Evan’s mentor, Jack, which at this point in the series are just Jack’s life lessons now (Jack was killed in a previous installment). With every installment, Evan becomes more philosophical and more concerned about the few people in has managed to let into his life and that he has come to care about very much.
Once again, Hurwitz provides a jaw dropping, OMG, out in left field cliffhanger that I should have seen coming. But hey, if Evan can miss it, then so can I. I flipped back and forth between the ebook and the audiobook and the narrator Scott Brick was really good and is the perfect voice for Evan, plus his delivery of the humorous parts was spot on. He often had that intense tone to his narration too that so much of the Orphan X story warranted. I want to thank NetGalley and St Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #StMartin’sPress #MacmillanAudio #LoneWolf
February 14, 2024
Artificial Insanity
This kinder, gentler X (just kidding)has actually met family members, but has that really changed anything or has it just added more responsibilities to his already heavily laden life? Evan’s niece, the daughter of his newly discovered brother has lost her dog, and it seems that his brother has been bragging him up and falling down drunk at the same time.
So, X gets stuck looking for a scruffy little dog with Joey’s help and when he goes to the house where the dog was last seen he walks in on a murder in progress. X manages to save the daughter, but it is too late for the father who happens to be a tech genius. The assassin is a Candy McClure, also known as Orphan V level assassin dubbed the Wolf, who gets away, and X knows she’ll be back to finish the job.
Gregg Hurwitz has built the best characters and they just keep getting deeper and deeper. I have never been disappointed by one of Orphan X’s stories and this was certainly no exception. I just wish Hurwitz could write faster!
This kinder, gentler X (just kidding)has actually met family members, but has that really changed anything or has it just added more responsibilities to his already heavily laden life? Evan’s niece, the daughter of his newly discovered brother has lost her dog, and it seems that his brother has been bragging him up and falling down drunk at the same time.
So, X gets stuck looking for a scruffy little dog with Joey’s help and when he goes to the house where the dog was last seen he walks in on a murder in progress. X manages to save the daughter, but it is too late for the father who happens to be a tech genius. The assassin is a Candy McClure, also known as Orphan V level assassin dubbed the Wolf, who gets away, and X knows she’ll be back to finish the job.
Gregg Hurwitz has built the best characters and they just keep getting deeper and deeper. I have never been disappointed by one of Orphan X’s stories and this was certainly no exception. I just wish Hurwitz could write faster!
April 9, 2024
Another decent X in line with our times and a bit of humor, but not too much.
July 24, 2023
Lone Wolf is the another installment of the Nowhere series by Gregg Hurwitz. It follows the life of an ex government assassin on the run from the US Intelligence community, who as the Nowhere Man is trying to make-up for his past. He helps random people who are need of his expert skills. As always, Hurwitz introduces us the all the latest technology and weaponry but as the series continues he shows us the Nowhere Man encountering and developing human relationships and feelings he never had as a poor orphan growing up. This a quick read with plenty of action and lots of twists and turns. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
July 7, 2024
LONE WOLF [2024] By Gregg Hurwitz
My Review 5.0 Stars
I just finished reading the most recent installment in the “Orphan X” series on July 1st (Installment 9 of 10). Did I say 9? I did. It is difficult for me to believe that I discovered “Orphan X” [2016] and have followed his trials and tribulations for the past 9 years. I can remember that I felt as excited as a kid with a new toy when I discovered Evan Smoak AKA the black ops assassin “Orphan X”. I liked the one description of the character from the debut in 2016:
“Put Jack Reacher and Jason Bourne into a blender. Add one drop of nitroglycerin and three of sulphuric acid. Switch on, and don’t be surprised if the lid blows off. You’ve just mixed your first Orphan X."
When I was a little younger, I was a die-hard fan of Jason Bourne (the novels) and after sampling the first Reacher novel when I was still traveling the road and burning through books-on-tape, Lee Child had made a fan for life. Hurwitz made a life-long fan as well with my first Orphan X novel. I feel maudlin about all of them really, particularly Bourne and Reacher because they are gone. Maybe I was in the mood for feeling loss when I read “Lone Wolf” because Evan was so conscious of his age “on the right side of forty”. Then when Evan went to visit his friend and illegal arms dealer, he noticed how age was catching up with the rough character who he had visited so many times over the years and looked at as more than a purveyor of high tech defensive and offensive gadgets and hardware. It made me think of the serial novels with a main protagonist and how the authors felt the need to “age” the heroes over time.
Anyways…this was likely my favorite “Orphan X” novel in a while. A few I have actually disliked. This one, though, reveals a warm, caring man behind the killing machine that is Orphan X. There are special moments in this one that I am not about to disclose. Then you will enjoy them as you read as I did. The book opens with Joey getting flummoxed when she cannot locate “X”. He even left his Roam Zone behind in the apartment which prompted Joey to change his ringtone to something obnoxious (and carry out a few more petty torments). Joey finds him at one of his safe houses “under the weather” which is unheard of for Evan. He has some personal issues that he is attempting to deal with, but ones which would wrinkle Superman’s cape, so he is just normal after all.
This jam-packed novel of goodies is detonated by Evan getting a call on his Roam Zone phone that his 12-year-old niece has lost her dog. This ordinary sounding good deed which he obliges because of family loyalty leads to a female assassin they call “The Wolf” a heartless psychopath assassin with a skill set that matches Evan’s level of ingenuity, fitness, and lethality. Evan manages to interrupt the Wolf at a kill scene and saves the life of a young girl. He subsequently makes it a personal mission to protect the girl’s life from the Wolf.
All guys do not turn to an Orphan X novel for the unparalleled action and escapism of almost every mess Evan gets himself into, but for all of you guys who do, you will not be disappointed. We are talking technological secrets that the Wolf has already murdered to obtain, evil billionaires, and even human trafficking. We get to see Evan at his most lethal and level best. In that arena he must also murder the Wolf before she murders him. That is a given, and the scenario that plays out is not only as scary as walking a tight wire (for the reader not Orphan X of course) it also has some unexpected moments that surprised me.
But like one reviewer after another has proclaimed, the real magnetism and steel in this novel is the cast of characters we have known for so long, with Joey a co-main character. Like I stated in an interval note while still reading the novel, Evan Smoak dominated the pages but “Orphan X” for the first time is starting to feel like an alter ego. He is like a persona which Evan can slip into in a millisecond, but conversely, we see Evan more frequently and he is finally assimilating our culture and learning to be more comfortable in his own skin. Hurwitz did some wonderful plotting in this one which I enjoyed immensely especially the added plot twists. Hurwitz is always on top with the current issues that assail us and that we wonder about like AI and its application. It was overall an exceptionally well-rounded story and a joy to read.
OUTSTANDING NEW INSTALLMENT IN THE “ORPHAN X” SERIES
My Review 5.0 Stars
I just finished reading the most recent installment in the “Orphan X” series on July 1st (Installment 9 of 10). Did I say 9? I did. It is difficult for me to believe that I discovered “Orphan X” [2016] and have followed his trials and tribulations for the past 9 years. I can remember that I felt as excited as a kid with a new toy when I discovered Evan Smoak AKA the black ops assassin “Orphan X”. I liked the one description of the character from the debut in 2016:
“Put Jack Reacher and Jason Bourne into a blender. Add one drop of nitroglycerin and three of sulphuric acid. Switch on, and don’t be surprised if the lid blows off. You’ve just mixed your first Orphan X."
When I was a little younger, I was a die-hard fan of Jason Bourne (the novels) and after sampling the first Reacher novel when I was still traveling the road and burning through books-on-tape, Lee Child had made a fan for life. Hurwitz made a life-long fan as well with my first Orphan X novel. I feel maudlin about all of them really, particularly Bourne and Reacher because they are gone. Maybe I was in the mood for feeling loss when I read “Lone Wolf” because Evan was so conscious of his age “on the right side of forty”. Then when Evan went to visit his friend and illegal arms dealer, he noticed how age was catching up with the rough character who he had visited so many times over the years and looked at as more than a purveyor of high tech defensive and offensive gadgets and hardware. It made me think of the serial novels with a main protagonist and how the authors felt the need to “age” the heroes over time.
Anyways…this was likely my favorite “Orphan X” novel in a while. A few I have actually disliked. This one, though, reveals a warm, caring man behind the killing machine that is Orphan X. There are special moments in this one that I am not about to disclose. Then you will enjoy them as you read as I did. The book opens with Joey getting flummoxed when she cannot locate “X”. He even left his Roam Zone behind in the apartment which prompted Joey to change his ringtone to something obnoxious (and carry out a few more petty torments). Joey finds him at one of his safe houses “under the weather” which is unheard of for Evan. He has some personal issues that he is attempting to deal with, but ones which would wrinkle Superman’s cape, so he is just normal after all.
This jam-packed novel of goodies is detonated by Evan getting a call on his Roam Zone phone that his 12-year-old niece has lost her dog. This ordinary sounding good deed which he obliges because of family loyalty leads to a female assassin they call “The Wolf” a heartless psychopath assassin with a skill set that matches Evan’s level of ingenuity, fitness, and lethality. Evan manages to interrupt the Wolf at a kill scene and saves the life of a young girl. He subsequently makes it a personal mission to protect the girl’s life from the Wolf.
All guys do not turn to an Orphan X novel for the unparalleled action and escapism of almost every mess Evan gets himself into, but for all of you guys who do, you will not be disappointed. We are talking technological secrets that the Wolf has already murdered to obtain, evil billionaires, and even human trafficking. We get to see Evan at his most lethal and level best. In that arena he must also murder the Wolf before she murders him. That is a given, and the scenario that plays out is not only as scary as walking a tight wire (for the reader not Orphan X of course) it also has some unexpected moments that surprised me.
But like one reviewer after another has proclaimed, the real magnetism and steel in this novel is the cast of characters we have known for so long, with Joey a co-main character. Like I stated in an interval note while still reading the novel, Evan Smoak dominated the pages but “Orphan X” for the first time is starting to feel like an alter ego. He is like a persona which Evan can slip into in a millisecond, but conversely, we see Evan more frequently and he is finally assimilating our culture and learning to be more comfortable in his own skin. Hurwitz did some wonderful plotting in this one which I enjoyed immensely especially the added plot twists. Hurwitz is always on top with the current issues that assail us and that we wonder about like AI and its application. It was overall an exceptionally well-rounded story and a joy to read.
OUTSTANDING NEW INSTALLMENT IN THE “ORPHAN X” SERIES
February 4, 2024
3.5 Stars
This is the 9th and newest entry in the Orphan X series. I enjoy these novels for the escapist thriller reading experience.
Evan Smoak is an enjoyable manly man in the vein of James Bourne and Jason Bourne. I do feel like this series might best appeal to a male thriller audience, but in the right place, I can enjoy these kinds of stories.
I liked that this particular novel felt a bit more of a departure from the previous novel format. Still, at its core, it was an exciting action adventure. I honestly enjoy the brand name dropping as much as the actual plot.
I would recommend this one to readers looking for an escapist read. It's likely best to read some of the earlier books in the series in order to fully appreciate the character development in this one.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
This is the 9th and newest entry in the Orphan X series. I enjoy these novels for the escapist thriller reading experience.
Evan Smoak is an enjoyable manly man in the vein of James Bourne and Jason Bourne. I do feel like this series might best appeal to a male thriller audience, but in the right place, I can enjoy these kinds of stories.
I liked that this particular novel felt a bit more of a departure from the previous novel format. Still, at its core, it was an exciting action adventure. I honestly enjoy the brand name dropping as much as the actual plot.
I would recommend this one to readers looking for an escapist read. It's likely best to read some of the earlier books in the series in order to fully appreciate the character development in this one.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
February 5, 2024
Book Review
Lone Wolf
Gregg Hurwitz
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
Thank God he’s back! Evan Smoak, aka Orphan X, returns for a highly anticipated ninth high-octane, breakneck-paced thriller — even though the previous book from 2023 was titled The Last Orphan. Reading an Orphan X tale is truly a guilty pleasure, akin to eating dessert before dinner.
Evan isn’t a superhero but rather a cross between James Bond and Robin Hood. He’s a highly skilled assassin, but with a moral compass and a highly honed desire to retain his humanity.
Evan was a twelve-year-old boy, rescued from the projects of East Baltimore, only to undergo a seven-year grueling training course under the tutelage of his handler, Jack Jones. Jack was the closest thing to a father and family he had ever known. This was part of a clandestine black ops, “Orphan Program,” created by the Department of Defense, creating a cadre of assassins with unparalleled abilities that were both deniable and expendable. Each was sent out on a mission to destroy a high-value target without backup. As his trainer, and a man of principle, Jack knew it was easy to train Evan to kill, but hard to have him retain his sense of humanity — a basic tenet throughout all the Orphan X novels. Eventually, Evan wanted out after a decade of covert killing, no longer wishing to be a lethal weapon of the government. He was one of only a few of the Orphans with an actual conscience. He embarked on his own program as a pro bono freelancer, helping those innocents who found themselves in an impossible situation. He became known to his enemies as The Nowhere Man, remaining on call 24/7 for the unfortunates, awaiting a 1-855-2-NOWHERE call on his high-tech, untraceable, and indestructible RoamZone phone, answering the pleas of the helpless and innocents caught in ruthless situations.
Evan is thrust into an untenable situation as he chases down his “possible” father after his protégé Joey uncovers his possible identity in a small town, Blessing, Texas — only to leave severely disappointed and disgusted with this “zero” of a human being. He would have to settle with the knowledge that he did actually have a half-brother, Andre, whom he accidentally encountered in one of the group homes.
While Evan is coming to terms with his ill-fated adventure seeking out his roots, the RoamZone goes off. He answers to a hysterical girl’s voice bleating something about her missing beloved dog, Loco, and her father insists that Evan can do and find anything. He soon realizes that he is talking to Sofia, his half-brother’s daughter — and “his niece.” While he reluctantly embarks on this seemingly mundane quest to find Loco, there is an assassin as adept as Evan, plying her trade by providing “accidental deaths” to fulfill her contracts. Without breaking a sweat, Karissa Lopatina drowns a software engineering manager, Anwuli Okonkwo, in her bathtub, and then kills AI expert Dr. Benjamin Hill. Loco has somehow been found by Dr. Hill and is living in his apartment. Evan tracks the dog down to Dr. Hill’s residence and comes upon the murder scene — while Karissa is still ransacking the apartment in search of something. Dr. Hill’s teenage daughter arrives on the scene, and Evan intervenes to save her life, allowing “The Wolf” to escape. Ultimately, this mundane dog-finding adventure explodes into an exponentially expanding mission pitting the mind and guile of Evan against AI technocrat billionaires and the mysterious and adept female assassin. The Wolf will return to eliminate loose ends — the daughter and even Orphan X.
Hurwitz proves to be a master storyteller as he uncouples this riveting barnburner of a thriller. This tale is exquisitely plotted with unexpected twists and deceptions, laced with cinematic fight scenes, brimming with violence and suspense. Each sequential tale of Orphan X reveals the emotional growth in this complicated and flawed man. This ninth installment can certainly be enjoyed and devoured as a standalone, as Hurwitz seamlessly supplies any necessary backstory. Be warned, fellow reader — you will be forced to quench your thirst and gobble up the previous novels.
Personally, I switched back and forth between reading on my Kindle and listening to the audio, but for the last half, I couldn’t tear myself away from the audio, narrated by the amazing Scott Brick. Scott is a multi-award-winning narrator of over 800 books, with a background as an actor and writer. His wonderful voice inflections brought the multiple characters to life in the “theatre of my mind.” He also is a natural storyteller with a mesmerizing quality that reflects the ongoing emotion and passion of the book.
Thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for supplying an Uncorrected Proof and Advance Audio version in exchange for an honest review.
Published at MysteryAndSuspense.com ....
February 25, 2024
Another great edition to this series. I had mixed feelings about giving this book 5 stars, but decided it's worth it.
The story is timely and interesting (AI and the spread of personal information and how it's used), the pacing as always fast and sure. Evan Smoak is still evolving as a person and I love that about him -- it's a slow process, considering his upbringing and training, but I love that Hurwitz can make him human and flawed when he can seem machine-like and perfect. Joey as always is a fantastic addition to the story (HELLBENT, book 3, is still my favorite book in the series.)
My reservations are relatively minor, and I realize that because I expect a lot from this series I sometimes have too-high expectations. My first issue was the opening chapters. The pacing wasn't as strong as it could have been and I was a bit lost. (I listened to audio. This may not have been a problem with the print.) There were a few points in the story where I zoned out -- something I've never done listening to this series. But I didn't think I missed anything important. The overarching story -- finding a lone wolf assassin and the motivation behind the person who hired her -- is clear and focused. I really liked the touch of humor and his search for the missing dog that started the action.
My main reservation -- even though I understand the purpose (showing Evan he has built a web of people in his life) was focusing on all of Evan's relationships with different people (at his condo, his friends, his new-found family.) It was a bit much, IMO, and left the book a tough unfocused. I liked of course Joey, but she's important to the plot so her subplot about the sorority was relevant. And we knew from the end of the last book that Evan had found his unknown father, so I really liked how that happened and the conflict within him as he learned who he came from. (I didn't meet my father until I was an adult, and the fantasies of childhood as to who he was were shattered. ) I liked how the missing dog storyline tied in his half-brother and how Evan ultimately handled that relationship. It was very well-done (especially the last scene, because it showed so much more than what was on the page -- loved it.) HOWEVER, all the other subplots felt unnecessary and just a bit too much. The HOA. Joaquin at the desk. Melinda. Even the one phone call to Candy that had no purpose because she said no and hung up, and then it never mattered later (I kept waiting for her to come back.)
Now, all that said, it's still a great book. And I often do the same thing in my writing because there are a lot of stories I want to tell. This is a book that might make me re-thinking that. Am I doing it for me or readers? That's the big question.
Anyway, Orphan X is still one of my all-time favorite series and I think sometimes, when I'm really looking forward to a book, I have too-high expectations. I'll definitely be getting the next book.
Thanks to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for this advanced copy. Views are mine alone.
The story is timely and interesting (AI and the spread of personal information and how it's used), the pacing as always fast and sure. Evan Smoak is still evolving as a person and I love that about him -- it's a slow process, considering his upbringing and training, but I love that Hurwitz can make him human and flawed when he can seem machine-like and perfect. Joey as always is a fantastic addition to the story (HELLBENT, book 3, is still my favorite book in the series.)
My reservations are relatively minor, and I realize that because I expect a lot from this series I sometimes have too-high expectations. My first issue was the opening chapters. The pacing wasn't as strong as it could have been and I was a bit lost. (I listened to audio. This may not have been a problem with the print.) There were a few points in the story where I zoned out -- something I've never done listening to this series. But I didn't think I missed anything important. The overarching story -- finding a lone wolf assassin and the motivation behind the person who hired her -- is clear and focused. I really liked the touch of humor and his search for the missing dog that started the action.
My main reservation -- even though I understand the purpose (showing Evan he has built a web of people in his life) was focusing on all of Evan's relationships with different people (at his condo, his friends, his new-found family.) It was a bit much, IMO, and left the book a tough unfocused. I liked of course Joey, but she's important to the plot so her subplot about the sorority was relevant. And we knew from the end of the last book that Evan had found his unknown father, so I really liked how that happened and the conflict within him as he learned who he came from. (I didn't meet my father until I was an adult, and the fantasies of childhood as to who he was were shattered. ) I liked how the missing dog storyline tied in his half-brother and how Evan ultimately handled that relationship. It was very well-done (especially the last scene, because it showed so much more than what was on the page -- loved it.) HOWEVER, all the other subplots felt unnecessary and just a bit too much. The HOA. Joaquin at the desk. Melinda. Even the one phone call to Candy that had no purpose because she said no and hung up, and then it never mattered later (I kept waiting for her to come back.)
Now, all that said, it's still a great book. And I often do the same thing in my writing because there are a lot of stories I want to tell. This is a book that might make me re-thinking that. Am I doing it for me or readers? That's the big question.
Anyway, Orphan X is still one of my all-time favorite series and I think sometimes, when I'm really looking forward to a book, I have too-high expectations. I'll definitely be getting the next book.
Thanks to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for this advanced copy. Views are mine alone.
February 16, 2024
Lone Wolf is the 9th in the Orphan X series, and I’ve loved every installment! It’s a series best read in order, so if you haven’t started the series, go grab book one and prepare for an amazing, exciting ride!
Evan Smoak was taken from his foster home and trained as an elite assassin for a covert government operation and then left the program when his conscience demanded it. Now Evan operates as The Nowhere Man helping the helpless when they have nowhere else to turn.
In Lone Wolf Evan is at a low point personally, but he must quickly shake off his gloom when a young girl calls the hotline and asks for help finding her lost dog. Evan reluctantly agrees and “the case of the lost dog” quickly turns into sooo much more! Parts are extremely concerning as it mirrors real-life with AI and it’s chilling! As usual, Evan has his ever-growing collection of friends at his back, Joey, Tommy, and Melinda assist with the investigation.
I’ve said this before, but I think one of the reasons I love this series so much is because justice usually wins out. The baddies get retribution, something I long to see in real life, but doesn’t always happen. And Evan’s just so badass! Even when you think he’s cornered into a situation he can’t possibly get out of, he somehow prevails! Although, there was a comedy of errors when he gets his own line “Look at me closely. And ask yourself: Do I look scared?” back from nine-seven-year-old lady! It was a good lesson for him! Also, so many laughs over Evan having to endure looking through the many, many photos and videos of Sofia’s beloved, ugly dog!!!
The main conflict is resolved, but boy, that surprise at the end could change things! As usual, I’m eagerly anticipating the next installment!
I listened to the audiobook version, the way I’ve “read” the entire series. Scott Brick is a fantastic narrator, bringing Evan to life. He IS Evan Smoak to me even now. His female voices and accents are spot on, and his comedic timing is wonderful! I listen at my normal 1.5x-1.75x normal speed.
An audio copy was kindly provided by Macmillan audio in exchange for an honest review.
Evan Smoak was taken from his foster home and trained as an elite assassin for a covert government operation and then left the program when his conscience demanded it. Now Evan operates as The Nowhere Man helping the helpless when they have nowhere else to turn.
In Lone Wolf Evan is at a low point personally, but he must quickly shake off his gloom when a young girl calls the hotline and asks for help finding her lost dog. Evan reluctantly agrees and “the case of the lost dog” quickly turns into sooo much more! Parts are extremely concerning as it mirrors real-life with AI and it’s chilling! As usual, Evan has his ever-growing collection of friends at his back, Joey, Tommy, and Melinda assist with the investigation.
I’ve said this before, but I think one of the reasons I love this series so much is because justice usually wins out. The baddies get retribution, something I long to see in real life, but doesn’t always happen. And Evan’s just so badass! Even when you think he’s cornered into a situation he can’t possibly get out of, he somehow prevails! Although, there was a comedy of errors when he gets his own line “Look at me closely. And ask yourself: Do I look scared?” back from nine-seven-year-old lady! It was a good lesson for him! Also, so many laughs over Evan having to endure looking through the many, many photos and videos of Sofia’s beloved, ugly dog!!!
The main conflict is resolved, but boy, that surprise at the end could change things! As usual, I’m eagerly anticipating the next installment!
I listened to the audiobook version, the way I’ve “read” the entire series. Scott Brick is a fantastic narrator, bringing Evan to life. He IS Evan Smoak to me even now. His female voices and accents are spot on, and his comedic timing is wonderful! I listen at my normal 1.5x-1.75x normal speed.
An audio copy was kindly provided by Macmillan audio in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2024
Lone Wolf is the ninth book in the Orphan X series by best-selling American author, Gregg Hurwitz. After a rather unsatisfactory trip to Texas to meet his birth father, Evan Smoak is off his game. He drops off the radar, leaves his RoamZone behind, and consumes a lot of vodka. A concerned Joey Morales tracks him down, dresses him down, and makes him take a case that seems way too simple.
It’s in the execution of that task that he stumbles on a murder-in-progress and, now a witness, becomes the assassin’s next target. Within the first quarter of the tale, there is a fifty-page non-stop dramatic sequence of action and chase with one tiny interlude involving a literal slipping into a bar and a nip of vodka.
At the murder scene, Evan manages to save a life, but understands that he needs to track down the assassin if the life saved is to remain so. The victim, Dr Benjamin Hill, was a key AI code researcher with Solventry, a tech company that specialises in AI, and when Evan checks out the CEO, he is thoroughly repulsed by the man when he demonstrates the massive potential for harm that results from AI in the wrong hands.
He meets two CEOs who have “fallen into the gravitational pull of their own ego” although one of them does seem to have more of a conscience than the other. He manages to discover the motive for the researcher’s death, and steps up to take necessary action. Joey’s IT skills are very much in demand.
This instalment sees Evan putting up flyers for a lost dog, being attacked by a ninety-seven-year-old grandma, caught in the midst of a very snarky campaign for the president of his building’s HOA, facing a novel problem after dealing with a bunch of human traffickers, and making like a gecko. There’s a delivery robot, lots of fancy tech, the need for advice on teen issues and, of course, a hefty body count.
Joey Morales is a breath of fresh air and the perfect foil for serious Evan: every page that features Joey and Dog the dog is pure entertainment. It’s fun how characters from previous books become regulars with their own occasional special roles, mainly due to their particular, often unique, talents, in later books, although there’s a shocking reveal concerning one of those that Evan finally admits are his friends.
Evan’s humanity is developing: he’s beginning to understand that Jack’s Fourth Commandment, Never make it personal, might be flawed. “Some people deserved to be left behind. Others didn’t.” ; There’s plenty of action as well as lots of dark humour. Less suspension of disbelief is required for this one, but it’s still advisable to do so where necessary and just enjoy the ride. Hugely entertaining action drama.
It’s in the execution of that task that he stumbles on a murder-in-progress and, now a witness, becomes the assassin’s next target. Within the first quarter of the tale, there is a fifty-page non-stop dramatic sequence of action and chase with one tiny interlude involving a literal slipping into a bar and a nip of vodka.
At the murder scene, Evan manages to save a life, but understands that he needs to track down the assassin if the life saved is to remain so. The victim, Dr Benjamin Hill, was a key AI code researcher with Solventry, a tech company that specialises in AI, and when Evan checks out the CEO, he is thoroughly repulsed by the man when he demonstrates the massive potential for harm that results from AI in the wrong hands.
He meets two CEOs who have “fallen into the gravitational pull of their own ego” although one of them does seem to have more of a conscience than the other. He manages to discover the motive for the researcher’s death, and steps up to take necessary action. Joey’s IT skills are very much in demand.
This instalment sees Evan putting up flyers for a lost dog, being attacked by a ninety-seven-year-old grandma, caught in the midst of a very snarky campaign for the president of his building’s HOA, facing a novel problem after dealing with a bunch of human traffickers, and making like a gecko. There’s a delivery robot, lots of fancy tech, the need for advice on teen issues and, of course, a hefty body count.
Joey Morales is a breath of fresh air and the perfect foil for serious Evan: every page that features Joey and Dog the dog is pure entertainment. It’s fun how characters from previous books become regulars with their own occasional special roles, mainly due to their particular, often unique, talents, in later books, although there’s a shocking reveal concerning one of those that Evan finally admits are his friends.
Evan’s humanity is developing: he’s beginning to understand that Jack’s Fourth Commandment, Never make it personal, might be flawed. “Some people deserved to be left behind. Others didn’t.” ; There’s plenty of action as well as lots of dark humour. Less suspension of disbelief is required for this one, but it’s still advisable to do so where necessary and just enjoy the ride. Hugely entertaining action drama.
February 21, 2024
Evan is a world class finder of lost dogs. Huh? That doesn't sound right but that is his next mission. Evan is a bit of a lost soul at the moment dealing with newfound family and a surly teenage whiz kid along with wrestling with a --we'll call it a career change. The mission isn't exactly life or death until he stumbles onto a female assassin with skills to rival his own. The Spiderman meme would go here. The original Lone Wolf, Evan Smoak, continues to evolve from an assassin into a real human. And much like Alan from The Hangover, Evan can have his own personal wolfpack if he can survive this assassin. And Joey dating.
Gregg Hurwitz continues to keep Orphan X fresh with different missions but it is Evan's growth from a robotic gov't assassin to a man grappling with emotions and his relationships are the real stars of the show. You come for the action but stay-- and keep returning-- for the underlining emotional tension and dynamics between Evan and everyone else. Evan's skills may not be relatable but his emotional struggles are all too real.
Lone Wolf and the Orphan X series are well worth your time if you haven't been introduced to Evan Smoak. You won't be disappointed!
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of Lone Wolf.
Gregg Hurwitz continues to keep Orphan X fresh with different missions but it is Evan's growth from a robotic gov't assassin to a man grappling with emotions and his relationships are the real stars of the show. You come for the action but stay-- and keep returning-- for the underlining emotional tension and dynamics between Evan and everyone else. Evan's skills may not be relatable but his emotional struggles are all too real.
Lone Wolf and the Orphan X series are well worth your time if you haven't been introduced to Evan Smoak. You won't be disappointed!
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of Lone Wolf.
March 21, 2024
I have finally given up on the Orphan X Series! I got tired of all the rehashing of previous episodes. I am amazed at how many good authors get lazy and continue existing series rather than creating new characters and new ideas. It has happened to such good authors as Ken Follett, Patricia Cornwell, Daniel Silva, Lee Child, and Jeffrey Archer. I am moving on to more creative authors, such as John Boyle, Chris Bohjalian, and P. T. Deutermann.
April 11, 2024
I have been a huge Orphan X fan, but in this installment it is obvious that Hurwitz has done all he can with the character. My biggest criticism: the book is boring, probably the worst characteristic of a book in the thriller genre. Sadly I think that Orphan X should join the Gray Man and Jack Reacher in a nice retirement community reminiscing about their past adventures.
February 27, 2024
Ever since Orphan X discovered he had a family after all, this series started to go downhill for me. He's getting very philosophical, and rambling on and on about life. Just go kill some people X!!!!
June 19, 2023
I’m a big fan of this series. There, I’ve admitted my overwhelming fondness/interest/investment in Orphan X and the ongoing saga of the ancillary characters in his life. One of my favorite parts of the world, that author Gregg Hurwitz has so carefully built around his protagonist, is the detail of the lives of his supporting characters. And with each new installment, readers learn more about the particular backgrounds of these colorful and complex individuals. Especially our hero, X, who in this book, LONE WOLF, is surprisingly adult and filled with something approaching wisdom as he adjusts to an aging body. The story holding all of this together is every bit as good as any of the Orphan X tales and mixes edge-of-seat thrills with some comic relief from character foibles. While this works as a stand alone, why miss out on the joy of the series? This book comes out in February 2024 so there’s plenty of time to read the earlier books, again or for the first time. This one is just great. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
September 24, 2023
In LONE WOLF, the 9th ORPHAN X novel, Gregg Hurwitz sends Evan Smoak to see a girl about a dog. This task, not surprisingly, leads to bigger game.
There is more byplay between Joey and Evan, and that is a good thing. Joey is an intriguing figure, and I'd like to see more of her. This entry, however, is not my favorite in the series. Orphan X, a retired government assassin who now helps those who can't help themselves, seems to have wandered far from his original mission.
Good characters, less good story.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
There is more byplay between Joey and Evan, and that is a good thing. Joey is an intriguing figure, and I'd like to see more of her. This entry, however, is not my favorite in the series. Orphan X, a retired government assassin who now helps those who can't help themselves, seems to have wandered far from his original mission.
Good characters, less good story.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
February 5, 2024
Book Review
Lone Wolf
Gregg Hurwitz
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
Thank God he’s back! Evan Smoak, aka Orphan X, returns for a highly anticipated ninth high-octane, breakneck-paced thriller — even though the previous book from 2023 was titled The Last Orphan. Reading an Orphan X tale is truly a guilty pleasure, akin to eating dessert before dinner.
Evan isn’t a superhero but rather a cross between James Bond and Robin Hood. He’s a highly skilled assassin, but with a moral compass and a highly honed desire to retain his humanity.
Evan was a twelve-year-old boy, rescued from the projects of East Baltimore, only to undergo a seven-year grueling training course under the tutelage of his handler, Jack Jones. Jack was the closest thing to a father and family he had ever known. This was part of a clandestine black ops, “Orphan Program,” created by the Department of Defense, creating a cadre of assassins with unparalleled abilities that were both deniable and expendable. Each was sent out on a mission to destroy a high-value target without backup. As his trainer, and a man of principle, Jack knew it was easy to train Evan to kill, but hard to have him retain his sense of humanity — a basic tenet throughout all the Orphan X novels. Eventually, Evan wanted out after a decade of covert killing, no longer wishing to be a lethal weapon of the government. He was one of only a few of the Orphans with an actual conscience. He embarked on his own program as a pro bono freelancer, helping those innocents who found themselves in an impossible situation. He became known to his enemies as The Nowhere Man, remaining on call 24/7 for the unfortunates, awaiting a 1-855-2-NOWHERE call on his high-tech, untraceable, and indestructible RoamZone phone, answering the pleas of the helpless and innocents caught in ruthless situations.
Evan is thrust into an untenable situation as he chases down his “possible” father after his protégé Joey uncovers his possible identity in a small town, Blessing, Texas — only to leave severely disappointed and disgusted with this “zero” of a human being. He would have to settle with the knowledge that he did actually have a half-brother, Andre, whom he accidentally encountered in one of the group homes.
While Evan is coming to terms with his ill-fated adventure seeking out his roots, the RoamZone goes off. He answers to a hysterical girl’s voice bleating something about her missing beloved dog, Loco, and her father insists that Evan can do and find anything. He soon realizes that he is talking to Sofia, his half-brother’s daughter — and “his niece.” While he reluctantly embarks on this seemingly mundane quest to find Loco, there is an assassin as adept as Evan, plying her trade by providing “accidental deaths” to fulfill her contracts. Without breaking a sweat, Karissa Lopatina drowns a software engineering manager, Anwuli Okonkwo, in her bathtub, and then kills AI expert Dr. Benjamin Hill. Loco has somehow been found by Dr. Hill and is living in his apartment. Evan tracks the dog down to Dr. Hill’s residence and comes upon the murder scene — while Karissa is still ransacking the apartment in search of something. Dr. Hill’s teenage daughter arrives on the scene, and Evan intervenes to save her life, allowing “The Wolf” to escape. Ultimately, this mundane dog-finding adventure explodes into an exponentially expanding mission pitting the mind and guile of Evan against AI technocrat billionaires and the mysterious and adept female assassin. The Wolf will return to eliminate loose ends — the daughter and even Orphan X.
Hurwitz proves to be a master storyteller as he uncouples this riveting barnburner of a thriller. This tale is exquisitely plotted with unexpected twists and deceptions, laced with cinematic fight scenes, brimming with violence and suspense. Each sequential tale of Orphan X reveals the emotional growth in this complicated and flawed man. This ninth installment can certainly be enjoyed and devoured as a standalone, as Hurwitz seamlessly supplies any necessary backstory. Be warned, fellow reader — you will be forced to quench your thirst and gobble up the previous novels.
Personally, I switched back and forth between reading on my Kindle and listening to the audio, but for the last half, I couldn’t tear myself away from the audio, narrated by the amazing Scott Brick. Scott is a multi-award-winning narrator of over 800 books, with a background as an actor and writer. His wonderful voice inflections brought the multiple characters to life in the “theatre of my mind.” He also is a natural storyteller with a mesmerizing quality that reflects the ongoing emotion and passion of the book.
Thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for supplying an Uncorrected Proof and Advance Audio version in exchange for an honest review.
Lone Wolf
Gregg Hurwitz
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
Thank God he’s back! Evan Smoak, aka Orphan X, returns for a highly anticipated ninth high-octane, breakneck-paced thriller — even though the previous book from 2023 was titled The Last Orphan. Reading an Orphan X tale is truly a guilty pleasure, akin to eating dessert before dinner.
Evan isn’t a superhero but rather a cross between James Bond and Robin Hood. He’s a highly skilled assassin, but with a moral compass and a highly honed desire to retain his humanity.
Evan was a twelve-year-old boy, rescued from the projects of East Baltimore, only to undergo a seven-year grueling training course under the tutelage of his handler, Jack Jones. Jack was the closest thing to a father and family he had ever known. This was part of a clandestine black ops, “Orphan Program,” created by the Department of Defense, creating a cadre of assassins with unparalleled abilities that were both deniable and expendable. Each was sent out on a mission to destroy a high-value target without backup. As his trainer, and a man of principle, Jack knew it was easy to train Evan to kill, but hard to have him retain his sense of humanity — a basic tenet throughout all the Orphan X novels. Eventually, Evan wanted out after a decade of covert killing, no longer wishing to be a lethal weapon of the government. He was one of only a few of the Orphans with an actual conscience. He embarked on his own program as a pro bono freelancer, helping those innocents who found themselves in an impossible situation. He became known to his enemies as The Nowhere Man, remaining on call 24/7 for the unfortunates, awaiting a 1-855-2-NOWHERE call on his high-tech, untraceable, and indestructible RoamZone phone, answering the pleas of the helpless and innocents caught in ruthless situations.
Evan is thrust into an untenable situation as he chases down his “possible” father after his protégé Joey uncovers his possible identity in a small town, Blessing, Texas — only to leave severely disappointed and disgusted with this “zero” of a human being. He would have to settle with the knowledge that he did actually have a half-brother, Andre, whom he accidentally encountered in one of the group homes.
While Evan is coming to terms with his ill-fated adventure seeking out his roots, the RoamZone goes off. He answers to a hysterical girl’s voice bleating something about her missing beloved dog, Loco, and her father insists that Evan can do and find anything. He soon realizes that he is talking to Sofia, his half-brother’s daughter — and “his niece.” While he reluctantly embarks on this seemingly mundane quest to find Loco, there is an assassin as adept as Evan, plying her trade by providing “accidental deaths” to fulfill her contracts. Without breaking a sweat, Karissa Lopatina drowns a software engineering manager, Anwuli Okonkwo, in her bathtub, and then kills AI expert Dr. Benjamin Hill. Loco has somehow been found by Dr. Hill and is living in his apartment. Evan tracks the dog down to Dr. Hill’s residence and comes upon the murder scene — while Karissa is still ransacking the apartment in search of something. Dr. Hill’s teenage daughter arrives on the scene, and Evan intervenes to save her life, allowing “The Wolf” to escape. Ultimately, this mundane dog-finding adventure explodes into an exponentially expanding mission pitting the mind and guile of Evan against AI technocrat billionaires and the mysterious and adept female assassin. The Wolf will return to eliminate loose ends — the daughter and even Orphan X.
Hurwitz proves to be a master storyteller as he uncouples this riveting barnburner of a thriller. This tale is exquisitely plotted with unexpected twists and deceptions, laced with cinematic fight scenes, brimming with violence and suspense. Each sequential tale of Orphan X reveals the emotional growth in this complicated and flawed man. This ninth installment can certainly be enjoyed and devoured as a standalone, as Hurwitz seamlessly supplies any necessary backstory. Be warned, fellow reader — you will be forced to quench your thirst and gobble up the previous novels.
Personally, I switched back and forth between reading on my Kindle and listening to the audio, but for the last half, I couldn’t tear myself away from the audio, narrated by the amazing Scott Brick. Scott is a multi-award-winning narrator of over 800 books, with a background as an actor and writer. His wonderful voice inflections brought the multiple characters to life in the “theatre of my mind.” He also is a natural storyteller with a mesmerizing quality that reflects the ongoing emotion and passion of the book.
Thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for supplying an Uncorrected Proof and Advance Audio version in exchange for an honest review.
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