Characters able to leap tall buildings (in several bounds) and also endure extreme pain for extended periods and still "warrior on" in ultra human fashion--all of this puts a strain on credibility. But, if you accept the notion that special training produces special people, well, okay. "The way you do anything is the way you do everything," the Orphan mantra, drives much of the action, along with the "ten commandments." I'm looking to compare/contrast Hurwitz, Rollins, Mayer, and Baldacci and others for style, techniques, weaponry, and more. I'm particularly interested in research regarding firearms, cyber security, physical and mental training, and the like. In short, what would it take for an actual human being to replicated Evan Smoak? ( )

Bodies are piling pile up. "Orphan X", who is now Evan Smoak, is the "Nowhere Man". People, mostly strangers, can call him on his untraceable phone to ask for his help if they are in desperate trouble. His father figure, Jack Johns, calls him shortly before stepping out of a flying helicopter to his death. Seems that might have been a little on the "too late" side. Our Evan receives Jack’s before -"the big step"- note about a “final mission” to get a “package” that turns out to be Joey, a testy teenage girl and fellow "Orphan" who to thank him for his efforts...immediately tries to kill him. Meanwhile, Charles Van Sciver, Director of the "Orphan" Program, is chomping at the bit on his own mission. His “top priority is to stamp out wayward "Orphans,” especially "Orphan X"... the headaches that escaped from the program. Evan obsesses about killing Van Sciver and everyone else who helped kill Jack. Rivers of blood gush toward a showdown. Joey becomes Evan’s partner in crime... but I had already figured that she was becoming an “inconvenient aggravation". Mission almost accomplished when at the very moment that Evan’s universe would consist of a single goal, namely the annihilation of Charles Van Sciver...we receive the 90% possibility that there may be a sequel with Van Sciver’s taunt to Evan, “You have no idea, do you? How high it goes?” ! That lets us believe that someone really wants Evan dead. Evan is way too busy for a love life. Afterall slaughtering is hard work and extremely time consuming, although he has an almost-could be-girlfriend...the D.A., Mia Hall. There was another woman that comes on to him, but he didn't have time to pay much attention to her, as he “needed to get food", and then he totally had more people to kill. He does have priorities after all. Some characters will be familiar to readers of the series, such as Van Sciver and the deadly Candy McClure. My favorite is the gangster "Freeway", who has a tattooed eyeball. Never saw one of those but it sounded interesting....and painful. Other than this one, I only read the first book before. If you like science fiction or adventure books you will probably eat this series up and anxiously await the next "Orphan X" offering. If not a fan of those genera's, then maybe.... but as another reviewer said, "it's just bloody good fun"! ( )

Book source ~ KU/Audible

For the first time since he became the Nowhere Man Evan knew the voice on the other end of his phone. It’s Jack Johns, his mentor and the man who Evan considered to be like a father to him. The only person in Evan’s world who he loved. And Jack was in trouble. Being pursued by other Orphans in the program, Jack knew it was only a matter of time before they caught up with him. He didn’t just need the Nowhere Man. He needed Orphan X. Urgently.

Oh, my. This is an emotional one, folks! Poor Evan is going to have his heart ripped out and put back in. Okay, not literally. Thought I better clarify that considering who we’re dealing with here. His whole world is about to go topsy turvy, but he’s Orphan X. The Nowhere Man. Trained by Jack to do whatever it takes to survive. And during his whole personal crisis he gets a call on his Nowhere Man phone. Someone needs his help and he needs to make time for that with everything else going on. Eek.

Like the first two books, I love this one. Evan is a wonderful character and as the series progresses he’s evolving. Slowly, but still, there’s definite growth. If you like your books filled with action galore (and gore, there’s some of that, too), awesome characters, great plot, emotional connections, terrific writing, and a shitton of badassery then look no further. This is it. But be sure to check out books 1 & 2 first because you really need to experience Evan from the beginning. Scott Brick continues to be Narrator Extraordinaire. After the ending of this one, I’m seriously looking forward to book 4, Out of the Dark, where I believe Evan is going to face his most dangerous and difficult challenge yet. ( )

Many thanks to NetGalley, Gregg Hurwitz and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and independent of receiving an advance copy.

Evan Smoak is back as Orphan X in this third book in the series. It is really hard to recap this book without giving away spoilers so I’m going to keep it brief. Evan is still being pursued by Charles Van Sciver. Sanctioned by the government, Charles needs to eliminate Orphan X because he knows too much. Evan’s mentor, Jack, has led him to a young girl Joey. After she bottomed out of the new Orphan program, Jack protected her keeping her hidden. Now Evan has been tasked with getting her to safety. But Charles and his band of orphans are hot on his trail and will use every means at their disposal to wipe him out. Oh wait, his Nowhere phone has rung again. Can he help them, as well as Joey and stay alive?

I really love this series. Each one keeps getting better and this was the best one yet. First you have all the action, suspense, mystery that you want with high tech gadgets and general badass-ness. Evan is an every man, not too tall, not too handsome but very lethal. He fights for those who can’t fight for themselves. He is holding on to his humanity and this book really explores that. I loved how his relationship with Joey developed throughout this story. I was worried that this would get repetitive with Charles hunting him down yet again, but Hurwitz finds a way to keep each book fresh and interesting. There was a satisfying conclusion and I can’t wait to start the next one in the series! ( )

A cool, calm and ruthless killer with a pot plant called Vera and a living herb wall in his home to flavour and garnish dishes. Gold. Absolute gold. Another action packed thriller with lots of shooting, maiming and garnishing. I think one of the elements that really appeals to me is the internal conflict Evan faces as he goes on his vigilante rampages. You feel compassion for him and hope for a good redemption arc but also want him to commit murder most foul. It's a confusing mix. Loved this one! ( )