Although this series is centered on Orphan X, our hero is looking less and less isolated as he moves through civilian life on his own terms.  Are those terms compatible with having dependents and a robust home life?  Perhaps not. Yet.  But Evan Smoak is working out the details of what such a life might entail even as he protects those innocents from the big, dark, scary stuff that looms just outside their comfortable lives.  In this fifth tale, the Nowhere Man finds that he has somehow underestimated the forces gathered against him.  Author Gregg Hurwitz does an excellent job of creating a tense, fast-moving tale with just enough pathos to keep readers fully engaged.  This is not a tale that is easily stopped midway.  So, prepare to read straight through regardless of the time.  It is a great joyride.  I received my copy from the publisher though NetGalley.

Gregg Hurwitz’s writing career has passed through several iterations. Firstly, there were a few freestanding thrillers of wildly different proportions, including a giant prison breakout and a monster sized man eating insect on an island. There was then a series featuring US Marshal Tim Rackley, an Everyman Hero faced with, again, some diverse challenges, including cult-breaking and secret society hacking. After that came some more freestanding thrillers, in the Linwood Barclay category of domestic thriller - Linwood Barclay, but meaner, darker, more scary and more brutal. And finally, Gregg found his Reacher, his Bond, in Evan Smoak, a.k.a. Orphan X or The Nowhere Man.

Evan is a retired dark agent for the government, who oscillates between three spheres: his domestic circumstances as a borderline OCD condo dweller lost in a haze of hi-tech weaponry and high grade vodka, his retirement vocation, which is to help people in dire straits who are fortuitous enough to obtain his number - kind of like a one man pro bono A-Team - and his involuntary retirement preoccupation, which is to hunt and be hunted by the remnant of his government program, who would quite like all loose ends tied off by ending his vodka drinking days forever.

The first few Smoak books set the tone of this tripartite existence, and the most recent one, the gripping Out Of The Dark, was the climax to what felt like the first act of Evan Smoak. 

I started this new Smoak book wondering what form Act Two would take. Evan has now taken care of his ... old workplace tensions, and he’s looking to get out of the A-Team game too, but not before one last job. We presume, however, that merely folding and refolding bulletproof silk bedsheets with the tip of a digital sniper rifle while out of his face on vodka is not going to satisfy Evan, so we take the one last job shtick with a pinch of tequila salt.

The book starts off at a cracking pace, with a mystery man stumbling into a hospital. It’s the setup for Evan’s latest client, Max Merriweather, to seek the Nowhere Man’s help, and pretty soon Evan is wrestling with pitbulls on steroids, literally pitbulls on steroids, in an attempt to save Max from the Armenian mafia. Mr T. never had to put up with this stuff. I should say that while nobody ever dies in The A-Team, nobody ever doesn’t die when they come up against Orphan X. Apart from the pitbulls, because Gregg is a dog lover. 

The Armenian mafia has nothing on having to make it home in time to serve up nibbles at a tenants meeting, and it’s very easy to picture Evan as the latest literary action hero transitioning to the big screen, with a stock-in-trade of bumbling between ultra-violent secret agent vigilantism and concealment of his true identity while bleeding in the elevator with a tray of olives. There’s comedic and dramatic juxtaposition to be mined here that could become a motif and a staple were Evan to be rolled into a silver screen franchise.

Just when you kill a bunch of bad guys, more bad guys pop up, but Evan is equipped with the hacking services of his de facto ward, Joey, who is set up in a student garret with wall to wall computers where other teenagers have posters. Joey is so good she can tell you what the bad guy is streaming on the tv when you break in to confront him, presumably timing your entry to avoid the ad breaks. An Evan Smoak without a Joey gets surprised by a bad guy coming back from the bathroom or pulling an Uzi from the fridge, but for as long as Evan has a Joey, death by ice cold Bud is not in play.

Without the Orphan X legacy inconveniences harassing him, the rhythm of this novel feels a little more settled than some of the earlier ones. It’s basically domestic Evan and vigilante Evan, which feels a little less frenetic than domestic Evan, vigilante Evan and spy program fugitive Evan. I’d have no objection to his country calling on him again, but this book feels more like a normal thriller rather than a thriller where ultra highly trained operatives keep popping out of the woodwork to disrupt a guy’s standard mass slaughter plotlines.

Evan takes care of his bidniz with Max, but unlike some of his superhero counterparts, and I guess quite like some others of them, he’s a human protagonist with flaws, and in this case he has a killer concussion which prevents him from flattening every last wrinkle on his mission spreadsheet. Will it come back to haunt him?

There’s only one way to find out, and that’s to buy this book which I am enjoying a lot. I think Gregg himself is non-concussive at the moment, because as far as I can see, X’s wrinkles are all ironed out, meaning that Into The Fire is a slick, well-oiled book that knows where it’s been and knows what it’s doing.

As for that wrinkle on the mission spreadsheet, I can’t spoil it for you because I stopped to write this review - but I’m going to fire up a drink on my hi tech graphite fingerprint resistant bulletproof coffee maker, and find out this evening.

Into the Fire turned out to be one of my favorite ARC's. Author Greg Hurwitz does a great job of creating interesting characters and thrill-a-minute action! (Not that I cared for the dog fight.) Mia is endearing, Joey enlightening, and all the neighbors are well-drawn.. I kept reading as I didn't want to miss any of the action. Thanks, Greg Hurwitz,, his publisher, and NetGalley, for the wonderful ARCC.

Man, do I love Evan Smoak. In this go-round, Even has defeated what he thought was his biggest enemy to date - the former President of the United States. Little does he know that his next mission will be harder than he ever imagined. With the help of his friends - characters who I am growing to adore as much as I adore Evan - he sets out on a mission that as always, seems more than impossible. 

One of the things I like most about the Orphan X series is actually also the one thing that I don't like about it, and that's how fantasitcal it all is. While Evan takes me on the ride of a lifetime in every book I read with him, I cannot help but think how crazy unrealistic it all is. Yes, I know, it's a book. And yes, I know, spy thrillers can be a bit outrageous. But, sometimes I feel like Evan just gets too outrageous and too good at what he does for the story to ever feel like it could actually happen. But, on the flip side, reading about all of the crazy techniques that Evan uses and learning about the trade craft of spying, I am always amazed at the ingenious ways that Evan finds his way out of the trouble. And, I am constantly asking myself why I still use technology when Joey and her insane brain can literally crack any code known to man. 

Overall, this was another great installment, and one that I had so much fun with. And, with the ending that leaves you on a literal cliff hanger, you know that the best is yet to come.

My rating (*****) -- This thriller rushes from one crisis to the next with no respite for Evan. Somehow, he manages to delve deeper into his own psyche at the same time. Add to that a tease for the next book, and you have a great experience that leaves you wanting more.

Disappointing. The weakest title in the series by far. It felt padded with personal subplots that dragged down the narrative. The making-the-bed scene, for example, was so stretched and silly that it was downright embarrassing to read.

The fifth in the Orphan X series, this is right up there with the first ones. An everyman has gotten in the midst of a very dangerous situation, put there by his brother. His brother had been tortured to death and had given up his name as the one he had entrusted with a secret that had brought about his death. A thrill ride from beginning to end. A definite five star read. Can’t wIt for the next one. 

Review based on an uncorrected proof from Negalley.

I received a free ARC of Into the Fire from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

I have to admit it - the character of Evan Smoak ranks right up there with Jack Reacher. Hurwitz manages to create an assassin who is a good man.

In this exciting new entry into the Orphan X series, Evan is once again the "Nowhere Man," determined to set the world right one for individual at a time. This time, the person in need is Max Merriweather, a man who never achieves much of anything. His cousin, golden boy Grant, has given him a package to be delivered to a reporter if anything happens to him. A few grisly deaths (including Grant's) later and Max is hunted by mysterious killers. A chance encounter with a previous client of Evan's provides a phone number for the "Nowhere Man," who will risk anything and everything for Max.

Evan's world of his so-clean condo and OCD collide with his ward, Joey, and the wonderful Mia and her son, Peter. Almost within his imagination is a life, a real life. This is his last job as the "Nowhere Man;" finally, Evan will set out to think about himself. But this job for Max has so many layers, so many threats, that even Evan doubts himself. In the other books in this series, Evan fights and shoots and kills but manages to keep himself fairly healthy. In this exciting sequel, Evan suffers from a severe concussion so every move he makes is dangerous and potentially deadly. But stopping is never an option as Evan constantly and consistently puts himself in danger.

The Orphan X series is fabulous!
#NetGalley #IntotheFire

Max Merriweather is at the end of his rope. Separated from the woman he loves and barely scraping by, Max is a disappointment to everyone in his life. Then his very successful cousin Grant is brutally murdered.

The fifth installment in the Orphan X series continues to deliver the high paced action and excitement that readers have come to love. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books and NetGalley.

Into the Fire by Gregg Hurwitz continues the Orphan X story in the usual high octane fashion of the other books in the series. Although with the usual plot of the strong helping the weak, the book delves into the emotional makeup of Evan Smoak in more detail. Plenty of action, the quirky allies of the previous books in the series and a new list of nasty people to overcome makes for a cover to cover nonstop read. The focus on Evan's OCD personality and some TMI on his tools of destruction gets a little tiresome but I'm sure it appeals to much of his reader base. I don't usually give 5 star reviews but Hurwitz kept me entertained and up until 3AM so I have to give him full credit for his expertise as a writer.
Important note: Be very careful with a maglev bed and steel toed boots!

This book doesn't have the same intensity as the previous one. At times it felt like it was going on forever. I enjoyed the plot and it's well written, fast paced as always. I think the most intense moment came when he was in jail I did enjoy it though. I do hope that there will be future books, the ending seemed to suggest that there would be. I hope to finally see Mia and Evan get together. #IntoTheFire #NetGalley

Into The Fire by Gregg Hurwitz is another amazing adventure story featuring Orphan X or The Nowhere Man as he is now know. He was found living in an orphanage Jack who worked for a secret government agency. Jack became his idol and trained him to be a government assassin. Orphan Xdoes his job well and after Jack is killed and the government wants to kill him too goes into private practice and tries to help others. His life style makes it hard for him to have satisyfiyng relationships with others and he begins to want a change.  The book ends hopefully with him getting a chance to lead a normal life and establish relationships with others.

Wow! Into the Fire  is amazing! You can read this as a stand alone but I highly recommend reading the others first. This book is complex, it has depth. It will suck you in and won’t let go. I could not turn the pages fast enough to find out what was going to happen next. I loved this book.

Trained assassin Orphan X just claimed his latest victim--in the form of my entire Saturday morning.  I mean, how am I supposed to go outside and enjoy a gorgeous day like a normal person when I’m glued to this book?  Evan Smoak decides this will be his last case as the Nowhere Man, the anonymous serial rescuer of distressed and desperate.  We’ll see how that works out, because we know that more trouble is going to find this guy.  Reading this latest installment of the Orphan X series is like watching a TV hero proclaim victory when there are still 42 minutes left in the program.  Except then he does it again when there are 33 minutes left, and again when there are 26 minutes left, and so on.   Dude, maybe stop saying “mission accomplished” so much—we all know that never ends well.  The usual supporting cast is here, including new characters picked up on more X’s recent outings.  The book can be read as a stand-alone, but it’s a treat for faithful readers to see out favorites reappear.  All the crazy gadgetry and high-tech weaponry are in evidence, as well as Evan’s usual amusing challenges with interpersonal interaction.  Everything from the criminal activity to the tactical gear to Evan’s ridiculous maglev bed is extreme or outrageous in some way.  None of it is terribly plausible, but who cares?  It’s a thrilling ride, and the ending is satisfying on several levels.

If you are looking for an exciting thriller that will keep you up all night with non-stop action, Into the Fire, the fifth Orphan X novel, is just your ticket.  Hurwitz fills each page with excitement.  If you are new to the series, Evan Smoak (Orphan X), is an ex- black-ops government asset, pulled from the orphanage at a young age and trained to be invincible.  

On his own now after a departure, he is the Nowhere Man who answers calls from people who need help.  And, then asks them to pass on the number.  You need to suspend disbelief at his batcave-like Bruce Wayne like life in a fancy condo with secret rooms, endless money supplies, every technological marvel he could ever need, and his own secret hacker extraordinaire.  And, of course, liked the caped crusaders, he always succeeds against all odds.  Also, accept the many-tentacled conspiracy he goes after.  Then, sit back and enjoy all the action.  

This novel, which doesn't require reading the previous four, has Evan tangling with a foe who is like an iceberg which is more hidden than visible.  He tackles just about everything including breaks no into a jail to take out an enemy.  Again, a non-stop thrill ride.

Oh Happy Day!  Put my life on hold, please!   Thank you NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this arc!

I've read the previous 4 books of the Orphan X series and enjoyed them all,  Into the Fire is the best one yet.
They are all premised on a totally implausible former government assassin doing "good deeds" anonymously as some sort of James Bond-ish reincarnation "paying-it-forward" in atonement for his past.  Pure escapist reading.

In Into the Fire (an apt title), Evan has a real onion of a case on his hands.  Layer after layer of bad guys to deal with and dispatch.  The pacing never seems to let up.  Somehow he even manages to rescue a dog... which he gifts to Joey (an adopted "niece" from a previous book).   I truly enjoy the characters of these stories, all fully developed and three dimensional human beings.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Even Smoak has his own set of rules for living.
He used to be a government assassin.
He left this and became known as The Nowhere Man
He tries to help people who are in desperate straits
This book is so exciting that it is impossible to put down

Best Evan, "Orphan X" book yet. This was hard to put down!. This was a challenge even for the most well trained assassin government ingenuity can produce. Every time you think you have the head of the corrupt organization it goes to the next higher, evil layer. Like peeling a rotten onion. I enjoyed Max and Violet on the fringes. Mia and Peter on the sidelines.  Wondering where the series will take us and what the future holds in store for Evan Smoak.. Fantastic, fast paced read.

Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley

Barely tolerated by his father, ostracized by most of his family, Max Merriweather is hardly holding on, scarcely eking out a living. When his uber-successful cousin asks him to keep something “just in case,” Max agrees but thinks no more about it until Grant is brutally murdered and Max returns home to find a knife-wielding intruder methodically searching/trashing his tiny apartment. 
	
But Max’s problems are only beginning. Before sneaking out of his apartment, Max manages to retrieve the envelope Grant asked him to hold, but Lorraine Lennox, the reporter he’s supposed to contact, is strangely silent and unreachable. Then, when Max calls on Grant’s widow, he learns that his family blames him, some going so far as to say the murderer should have killed Max instead of Grant.

Can Evan Smoak, facing his own demons but still working as the Nowhere Man, help Max? Or will the fire consume them both?

Readers who have not yet read the earlier Orphan X tales will have no problem following the story as there is sufficient backstory folded into the narrative, but reading the earlier books will provide readers with significant insights.

Complex, well-developed characters are one of the highlights of the Orphan X series. “Into the Fire” finds the Nowhere Man still struggling to understand that “normal” life that seems so elusive to Evan. This introspectiveness, this searching for understanding, gives Evan’s character complexity and depth. 

As with previous narratives, the story is nuanced, compelling, and unputdownable. Unforeseen revelations keep the tension mounting; surprising reveals keep the pages turning until the explosive denouement readers simply won’t see coming.  

The continuing saga of Evan Smoak in this, the fifth book in the Orphan X series, is a must-read . . . don’t miss it.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books and NetGalley 
#IntoTheFire #NetGalley

“”How you do anything is how you do everything”. The second commandment for Evan Smoak applies as well to Gregg Hurwitz’s cool,, superb Orphan X series.  I can’t wait for Into the Fire and the reader will have great fun reading his earlier books in the series or to sample Hurwitz’s stand alone novels.  Here are a few of Smoak’s other commandments.:
Assume Nothing,    
How You Do Anything is How You Do Everything                 
Master Your Surroundings.
Never Make it Personal.
If You Don’t Know What to Do, Do Nothing.
Question Orders.
One Mission at a Time.
Never Kill a Kid.
Always Play Offense.
Never Let an Innocent Die.     Don’t Fall in Love with Plan A