4.5 stars

Dang, I love this series!

“Do you need my help?”

That’s how Evan Smoak, ex secret black op assassin, begins his conversation with every person who calls him on his special Nowhere Man phone. After being groomed from childhood to be the perfect off-the-books assassin for the US government, Evan has been spending his early “retirement” hiding his identity but paying penance for his sins by helping people in danger. This time, it’s down-on-his luck Max Merriweather, whose successful cousin left him with explosive information about some criminals who killed that cousin to keep him quiet. Now they want to silence Max.

Evan’s unique abilities and habit of working outside of the law make him ideally suited to eliminate such threats, often in an action-packed and highly suspenseful manner. If the circumstances sometimes require the reader to suspend disbelief, the sheer entertainment value of Evan’s exploits make it well worthwhile. (Though please, for the love of Dog the dog, I’d urge Hurwitz to check with medical experts to eliminate some of the more egregious nonsensical medical details.)

While the action and Evan’s skillful and often unique ways of handling the bad guys are enough to make these books highly enjoyable reads, Hurwitz has enriched the series and Evan’s character by showing some real personal growth on his part as the series has progressed. Unlike most thriller protagonists like Lee Child’s Jack Reacher (I love ya, Jack, but you’ve hardly changed at all more than 20 books into the series), Evan has changed and grown at least a bit in each book. In fact, the changes he has made by the end of this book, and the surprise complication at the end, promise to keep the series exciting and fresh.

I can’t wait for the next book.

The Nowhere Man Is Facing More Trouble Than He Has Ever Seen

Gregg Hurwitz has created a masterpiece in this fifth book in the Orphan X series. Deeper and deeper the tendrils go, where will it end? I found myself holding my breath as Evan struggled to stay alive long enough to be able to finish this mission. As much as I wish Evan remain infallible and immortal, he does make mistakes and is in great danger of failure when the enemy is this powerful and innumerable.

Through it all, though, Evan shows his compassionate side, ever willing to assist even if it could kill him. Woven into this story are those touching moments when Evan is just a man with hope, disappointment, and fun moments with Joey and Dog. I would give it 10 stars if I could.

Into The Fire is a standalone story, but to really appreciate the characters start with book one, simply named Orphan X, to learn the background that will enhance this story as well as the balance of the books in the series.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

This author continues to impress. The story is well thought out and moves at a good pace. Action packed and filled with intrigue and complexity. A strong ending and a great read. I can't wait for the next book to be written.

Orphan X, the Nowhere Man, Evan Smoak, is contacted by Max Merriweather whose cousin Grant had just been murdered and the killers were now searching for Max. Evan agrees to help and takes the reader into a non-stop action filled saga of dishonor, greed and murder that will keep everyone engrossed. The plot is complex (enough bad doers to fill a stadium) and the characters or at least the protagonists are well rounded and regardless of what they do, make you like them. This was great escapist reading and, best of all, the last line let’s you know there is more to come. Thanks to Net Galley and Minotaur for an ARC for an honest review.

Evan Smoak, AKA “Nowhere Man”, “Orphan X” gets a phone call and once again one of my all-time favorite characters comes to the rescue. Protecting his new charge seems to be a never-ending journey since every time they think they’ve found peace/relief, another threat arises.. Character development is amazing for an action novel as family relationships, love interests, devotion to friends are all key elements in this non-stop thriller.

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.

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.