4.25 Stars ✨

I think it is safe to say that this is one of my favorite series....period. There is just something about Evan Smoak/Orphan X that pulls at you once you begin to understand what he has been through in his lifetime, and how that has shaped the person that he has become. No matter how much the government tried to extinguish his humanity, Jack was there from an early age to make sure that he kept it. Now, he is an adult and on his own but in some ways he is like an emotional child - experiencing new feelings and disappointments and not really understanding how to process some of these thoughts.

When we last left Evan, it was a heart breaking experience as we watched him try to be strong as Mia was going in to surgery for a very possible terminal brain tumor. We saw him try to be strong for Peter, while at the same time understanding that Mia was trying not to show her real fear that Evan might not be capable of being there for Peter should something go wrong. Ugh...it was hard.

We also were left with the cliffhanger that the President (through certain Intelligence Agencies) was able to pinpoint Evan's location by that exact visit to the hospital. She made it clear that she had decided that his Pardon was officially over. This book starts from there.

What I found interesting is that we had a unique entrance to this book in that we begin by following a young man and the unfortunate path that leads to his death in a Prologue. It isn't until later that we even understand how that Prologue ties into the journey that Evan finds himself on.

I have to admit, this book -while still good - was missing something for me. Yes, there is action galore. Evan is still the conflicted protagonist that we have come to love. We do get to see appearances from Joey, Tommy and even Candy....but....I'm not even sure if I can put my finger on what I want to say, or what it was that fell a little flat to me.

The beginning of the book had my heart pounding. The events at the hospital and the resulting actions towards Evan had me holding my breath. But, in true Orphan X fashion, it was fascinating (and exhilarating) to follow along and see what actions Evan decides to take. He is then put in a difficult position by the President and given an assignment. If he chooses not to fall in line and complete this action, his freedom will cease to exist. Most of the rest of the book is spent with him trying to get to the bottom of "why" this particular person needs to be eliminated and whether or not he feels it is warranted. In Washington, things invariably fall into political lines and he isn't sure if the justification for this action is necessary for the common good, or if this is a political manipulation that is going to elevate the President in her re-election campaign. And we know that Evan has decided that he will NOT be made to kill again for anyone and will only take action if he feels it is warranted.

Then, at the beginning of his investigation he discovers 2 deaths that are possibly connected to his "target" (and this is where the events of the Prologue get tied in). This part of the book I really liked. The family that he meets and the feelings it invokes in him. The teamwork that develops with Candy and Joey's help - these are all classic Orphan X.

Where I began to feel like we began to lose the pathway a little was with the events surrounding this "target". He is an extremely wealthy man who surrounds himself with some not so great people in his protection detail. Are these guys bad because they are directed into bad actions from the top or are they just awful themselves? That is the dilemma for the crux of the book. The main antagonist in this book is odd. I don't think that I ever really "got" him. Is he good or bad? Honestly, I have no idea. I just know that I really didn't like him. Did Evan make the right choice? Again, I don't know.

It also just never felt settled for me. Usually, once I start a new Orphan X book, it is over before I even realize it. I am so lost in the book that I am shocked when I realize that the book is over. It usually just flew by. This one was a bit different. Yes, it is a good book. But, I had many moments where I was pulled out of the book. I even had to make myself go back to the book when there were times I had to step away and that has NEVER happened to me before with this series. We are also given an ending that is not really clear. While not a cliffhanger like the last book, we are still left with a loose end on something that is fairly important.

All in all, I WAS thrilled to have gotten to read this ARC. I am still extremely in love with this series and I think that because the bar has been set so high by Mr. Hurwitz in the past, it just might be me who was the problem this time. I am still eager for the next book to come out. I am excited to continue to follow Evan on this journey that he is on as he attempts to continue creating a life - one that he has never had, but has recently realized that he wants.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone.

I have read all of the Orphan X books and love them to varying degrees. The Last Orphan claims its place among the top tier of my favorites.

We see Evan Smoak at his most vulnerable and most human as the walls protecting his steely emotions fracture just a little. Evan’s awakening to the strength and beauty of the nuclear family, the fact that he’s aging, and the awkwardly tender scene between he and computer hacker Josie peel back layers of these beloved characters. We see inside them for a fraction of an instant–enough time to remind us that characterization is what Gregg Hurwitz does best. It’s fun to see how he shapes his villains, or how recurring supportive characters like Tommy the weapons designer or Orphan V–sometimes antagonist and sometimes ally–ensure Evan’s successful missions.

Against type, Evan Smoak the assassin and retired operative has a soul and a dry sense of humor that makes me laugh out loud, even as bullets fly or bombs blast. He also provides his share of introspection. The Last Orphan was a pleasure to read and, like the series, is highly recommended. Can hardly wait for the next book.

Many thanks to St Martins Press and NetGalley for providing an ARC to read and review. *NetGalley Top Reviewer*. This review will appear on Bayside Book Reviews at https://baysidebookreviews.com on release day, and also on the Bayside Book Reviews Instagram page.

This is one of my favorite series, and the Orphans are some of my favorite characters on fiction. I can always count on Gregg Hurwitz to deliver action, drama, suspense, heart, snark, and a healthy dose of comeuppance.

I must admit though, this wasn't my favorite of X's exploits - it felt a little more forced and disbelief-suspending than usual, in a way that I found a bit frustrating. I've also become used to Joey playing a more active role - and like that, and missed it here. Iwas pleased to see that the way things ended definitely left room for that going forward, though.

I'm already looking forward to seeing the Mia story line move forward - that felt a bit stalled here also. It was still a fun read - they always are - and left me wanting more!

Evan Smoak is a former off-the-books government assassin who quit the "orphan" program and became "the nowhere man", using his skills to help those in need. In this latest installment, his days of being on the run from the government are over -- he is captured and told he will receive a pardon and be left alone if he kills a dangerous man the president wants dead. His character reminds me of Jack Reacher -- he has skills that he uses according to his own sense of right and wrong, operating on his unique moral compass. I enjoy the relentless action of the Orphan X series, and it has been nice to see the development of Evan Smoak. He has been "humanized" and now has a small circle of people he has opened up to and who aid him.

Truly enjoyed the continuation of this series. Evan is the Last Orphan. His life has been very tragic yet he has gained his own set of rules to live by and he is not going to let the Government change or pressure him to break his rules he lives by. Being captured by the Government alphabet he has to reach out to friends to help him get back in control of the situation.
Evan agrees to take a look at the situation. But is determined to be true to himself and not compromise his principals. Evan focuses on the two kids that were killed and holding those people responsible. Will he discover enough evidence to align with the president?
Thank you to netgalley for complimentary copy.

"The Last Orphan" describes a world outside what most of us know exists but maybe we wonder about. A young man has become a trained "problem-solver" along with other orphans in a government program. He was plucked from a group home and highly trained. He is the last in the experiment and is called Orphan X or just plain X but his real name is Evan Smoak; but few will know it.

He has a strong idea of right and wrong even when right sometimes fall outside the normalized legal system. Because of this and because people (government and otherwise) pay well for this type of activity, he is quite wealthy. This is especially true since he left governmental employment and is now working as a contractor helping to solve problems for those in trouble.

His is a type of vigilante justice but as he has sworn to use his considerable skills against those who really deserve and to kill those who need killing; generally blackmail and underhanded business tricks don't rise to the level of needing to die according to his code.

Unfortunately, when he quit work for the government, he held lots of secrets and they now want him eliminated. The President offers him an off-the-books pardon, if he will eliminate a rich and powerful man for her. Following his code, the Nowhere Man must ascertain if the man needs to be eliminated, A choice between elimination and a pardon or following his ethical mind is what he may be facing!

His "work" networks are highly specialized with a super techno-nerd as well as others including Orphan V and various other actors operating in the shade. They all like the Nowhere Man and try to help him for money or just because it is hard to say no to him.

A most enjoyable read and one I highly recommend. The author, Mr. Hurwitz, has, I believe, a hit on his hands!!.

I really enjoyed the next installment of the Orphan X series. Kept me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait for the next one!!!

Gregg Hurwitz’s character, Orphan X, has this other worldly gravitas in the thriller novel space, much like he encompasses in his literary world. He is a character that readers talk about: “if this character could be teamed with someone, I’d like to see ‘em with X”, and “did you read that book where X killed someone with a...?”. Orphan X is by far one of my favorite thriller characters for not only his skills to kill, but the humanity of him. Well, it’s more like him trying to find it and atone for everything that he use to be. It pulls at my heart to see a character want to be normal so bad, but has to blunder his way through common everyday issues. As he trudges through normal life, he brushes elbows with genuinely good people who help him uncover this lighter side of him.

In Hurwitz’s eighth Orphan X novel, The Last Orphan, Evan Smoak (Orphan X) has just put at jeopardy the President of the United States unofficial pardon. He has started missions again, so the hunt is back on for Orphan X. Evan knows the stakes for operating...for every push there is a pull. Evan finally does one small mistake, and it may cost him everything. The President gives him one more chance to reinstate the pardon; only he has to eliminate a rich and powerful man that poses a risk politically. Evan must tread carefully as he weighs maintaining his freedom, or maintaining his morals.

What I enjoy so much about this series is how Hurwitz digs through what it means to be human. It feels as though he has hit his stride in these most recent novels in this regard. In The Last Orphan, Evan is shaken to his core by an earth shattering event. It forces him to stop and evaluate everything that lead him to this moment. The question is brought up what is left of us when we are torn down and broken? Do we stop, wallow in what happened, or do we find a way to rebuild and become stronger? The sign of a stellar novel is when the author can teach us something about humanity in the midst of a killer fight scene, and Hurwitz has mastered both!

Every time I read an Orphan X novel, I am just blown away. Hurwitz has a strong literary background, and it shows in his writing style. I am floored at how he can write detailed fight scenes, and then the next a tender exchange between a teenage girl and an assassin. The Last Orphan was perfect in every way possible. It hit all the right notes, and I cant wait for everyone to read this!

This series just gets better with every installment! These need to be read in order, but this one is well worth getting to.

Greg Hurwitz's The Last Orphan (Minotaur Books 2023), Book 8 of the Orphan series, is an excellent read, a great story from Page 1 to the last line. Evan Smoak, aka Orphan X, aka Nowhere Man, was raised from boyhood to be a highly-skilled government assassin. By his 30's (I think), he got tired of killing people because someone said they were bad and retired, choosing from then on to devote his prodigious talents to helping those in need. Evan is clever, moral, brilliant, flawed, and deeply damaged, but he’s a dog with a bone when he makes a decision. Changing his future is one of those decisions, and helping the needy is another. Once he commits, he never quits. Don't waste your time trying to change his mind. You won’t.

In this story, Smoak breaks the deal he made with the government--the one that kept him out of jail for some of the stuff he did following his new directive. To make amends for that, he agrees to do a job that no one but he can do. If he fails, it will hurt the USA immensely. Which isn’t why he takes the job, because he knows he won't fail. The fun of any Orphan X book is seeing how Hurwitz weaves the plot together from impossible beginning to satisfying ending.

If you like high action, intelligent problem solving and a calm (albeit frenetic) approach to saving the world, this may be the book for you, but I'm considering whether I'll read another. Why? I mean. I did give it 5/5. The reason is the same one I've given for several of my favorite thrillers (Daniel Silva comes to mind--I am so sad to say goodbye to that magnificent storyteller). Anyone who reads my reviews knows I push back against certain attitudes and behaviors. It's not about left or right. It's about core principles. I don't want those incendiary discussions in my fiction. This book thankfully avoided the emotional lecturing, but normalized it as part of the daily life of some characters. Not all characters, but enough to make me notice, and get annoyed. If you are on that side of things (I am being purposefully vague), you will agree with my perfect rating and probably scratch your head over what annoyed me. Me. it scares me.

In the middle of a heat wave, there’s probably nothing better then the opening scene of THE LAST ORPHAN, set in a pop up bar in one of Iceland’s frozen glaciers, our hero is drinking his favorite beverage. For readers who have followed Orphan X through seven previous books, this newest is a treasure, filled with recurring characters and answers to previous story threads. For new readers, the book offers enough detail to work as a stand alone. It’s hard not to love this series and this protagonist, regardless of the weirdness of the plot, our hero remains steadfast and creative. Author Gregg Hurwitz knows how to entertain and delight his readers. Here’s hoping the series continues at this same pace; I’m a devoted fan. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

I eagerly wait a new Orphan X book, they never fail to captivate and entertain me. While I haven’t read them all in order, I don’t believe that hasn’t taken anything away from the story.
Evan Smoak was trained from a young age to be part of the Orphan group - a group of elite killers trained by the US government. At one point, he leaves the group when he finds that it doesn’t quite align with his inner moral compass. He struggles with what he does best and how he can do that and remain human. Finally, he goes undercover as Mr. Nowhere. In this book, we get to see how much Evan is changing. He is building a group that he can depend on, and that he can reveal himself to - Joey, Tommy, Candy (I love her, kinda).. like other Orphan books, this isn’t for the faint-of-heart. However, I do need to learn a lot more about vodka!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this ebook to read, review and enjoy.

Love these books by Greg Hurwitz. This latest one is, perhaps, not the most compelling, but still a fun adventure story. ending was startling as now you have to read the next one to see what happens. Hope it's out soon!

It's an Orphan X novel, need I say more?

When I was approved for an ARC from #netgalley for this, I was pretty excited. I love books by Gregg Hurwitz - especially the Orphan X books. You do not need to have read the previous books in this series in order to enjoy this - but you should. I think you will like Evan even more, and root for him more if you have his backstory and all the history.

For those who have not read the series, Evan is Orphan X, a "retired" government assassin.. Sort of a Jason Bourn, but Evan knows who he is.

This was the usual - full of action from start to finish. I might have liked a little more story between Evan and MIa - but I have been rooting for them since the beginning. She gives him a little more humanity.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and #netgalley for the ARC which did not impact my review.

Evan has matured so much as the series progresses. Even though he doesn’t receive a distress call on his dedicated line, he still finds himself in a position of helping those who can’t help themselves. His physical abilities get a stern test first as the President wants him to do her dirty work. And later his convictions are tested as he must measure bad guys against his iron clad rules. The Nowhere Man also finds himself a lot more reliant on others, making him almost human.

Holy Smoaks!! Evan is back!
This was another entertaining, action-packed, high octane installment in the Orphan X series! I loved seeing how much Evan’s changed over time. Not dealing with everything by himself, the support is there ... Joey, Candy (a favorite), and Tommy! Yeah we come up on a cliff-hanger that leaves us tapping our foot but that is what keeps bring us back for another exciting Smoak ride!

Now on the run full force for the US President, he is pushed to carry out an assassination that doesn't really align with how he believes ... his moral compass. Eliminate a powerful person that is extremely dangerous and in turn she will let Evan survive. As he sets out on the mission he feels it to his very core. For Evan, what is more important? The best part about the Orphan books is the action of course ... non stop yet never over the top.
Hold my vodka ...
This book should be at the top of your wish/TBR list!

Special shout to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley ... thank you for the advance digital copy!

Evan Smoak - aka The Nowhere Man, aka Orphan X - is presented with a choice: do the bidding of the President of the United States and have his informal pardon reinstated or spend the rest of his life imprisoned in a black site as a high value target. POTUS wants a highly influential man silenced. Evan, however, has a set of rules he plays by and he won't do what she wants unless he has evidence the man has broken one of those rules.

The man, Luke Devine, has influence, reach, and protection unlike anybody Evan has dealt with before. Plus Evan isn't sure the man has done anything worth Evan's type of intervention. This leads to an investigation unlike anything seen in prior books in the series. To add to the complexity, Evan is confronted with physical, psychological, and emotional changes that leave him walking a tightrope. The growth of Evan's character is done very well here as he makes choices in who he wants to be.

The cast of supporting characters is strong and the chemistry between them, especially with Joey and Evan, is well done. Joey is slowly pulling Evan into a world of emotion, and the changes - while slow - definitely adds to the depth of his character and the overall series.

Not family friendly due to profanity and violence.

One of the best books in this series. If you are a fan of Orphan X, you're going to love this one. If this is your first time reading Orphan X, enjoy! Then go read all the others.

This series keeps getting better and Evan Smoak seems to be developing a conscience along the way. A really well written book that kept the action going and brought in some old friends to push the story along. It starts with Evan trying to visit his sort of girlfriend Mia at the hospital. Things go wrong there and he is forced to use all his powers to come out on top. A few stories within the story kept me on my toes. I enjoyed the extra focus on his young niece/apprentice as it shows a more human side. The story ends on a good note and I am ready for the next book.

The President of the United States (and Naomi Templeton) might think they have the upper hand to force Evan to do their bidding, but you don’t Smoak if you think that’s going off as ordered. Instead, Evan focuses on solving the mystery of what happened when two people wound up dead after attending a billionaire’s annual Labour Day party in the Hamptons.
This was another entertaining, action-packed installment in the Orphan X series! I loved seeing how much Evan’s changed over time to have a great support system. Instead of having to deal with everything by himself, there’s a little bit of Joey, some Candy, and don’t forget Tommy! Yet again, we find ourselves with a bit of a cliff-hanger ending that leaves us tapping our fingers on the counter waiting for book #9!

*Thanks to the author, Minotaur books & NetGalley for the ARC for review.

As always, Was exceptional from start to finish.
I love this series each book gets better and better.. I am truly a fan and will always be.
The first time I read one of the Orphan X novels, I am always so excited I think along the way I miss small bits, words, here and there.
It’s why the second time is my favorite. I already know what happened so I can concentrate on the good stuff.
Is it just me or does it seem to anyone else (rhetorical of course cause really who am I talking to But myself 😉)There is a theme of Evan Smoak taking a few steps forward then a few steps back..
Is it better to walk in your footsteps a second time then you too will maybe see something or get to be something you missed the first time. To save yourself. He saved himself this go-round.
Muscular and pithy. Hold my vodka, indeed
You are wonderful The book is wonderful and I thank you forever. It’s like a hot fudge sundae to my nerd self.