Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley

Until the age of twelve, Evan Smoak endured foster home after foster home; then, through a fully deniable government program, he found himself covertly trained and turned into an expendable assassin, executing solo missions that would be deemed illegal under international law. He'd become Orphan X.

Finally, Evan escaped from the Program and, committing to use the skills he’d learned to help those as powerless as he had once been, stayed off the radar as he went to work as the Nowhere Man. Now, between missions, he continues his struggle with the dynamics of social interaction while seeking to strengthen his relationship with sixteen-year-old hacker Joey Morales. Mia remains hospitalized, in a coma following surgery. Peter is living with his Aunt Janet and Uncle Wally, but Evan makes time to visit.

Considered a dangerous asset due to the Orphan X missions of his past, Evan’s informal presidential pardon remains contingent upon his ceasing all Nowhere Man missions. It’s a requirement that Evan finds difficult to honor, but he’s safe as long as no one finds out he’s continued his Nowhere Man activities.

When Peter calls with the exciting news that Mia has finally woken up, Evan heads to the hospital to visit. But it soon becomes clear that something is amiss and his aborted attempt to visit Mia ends with his capture by the government. They may consider Orphan X a threat, but now the president wants a new deal involving the elimination of a rich, powerful man deemed too dangerous to live.

Evan’s escape from the Program and his subsequent activities as the Nowhere Man all hinged on Evan using his skills against those who truly deserved it, to protect the powerless. Now he has a choice. Will he choose his life or his principles?

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Eighth in the Orphan X series, the compelling narrative follows “Dark Horse” and provides sufficient backstory to work as a standalone for readers new to the series. Fans of the series are sure to find the latest Orphan X adventure electrifying.

As Evan’s story continues to evolve, the precarious tightrope he walks becomes painfully clear. Evan’s ongoing struggle to remain true to his own moral compass is, at times, heart-rending, and always filled with both angst and believability.

Scenes between Evan and Joey, filled with efforts to build understanding and provide support, define a relationship that is important to both characters. Dog and Aloe Vera III make an appearance as the unfolding story moves between the evolving relationship between Evan and Joey and the desperation of a maybe-mission that requires Evan to understand himself as well as the man he’s tasked with targeting.

Well-defined characters, a captivating plot, and several unexpected twists along the way keep the suspense palpable. Non-stop action and intense danger pull keep readers pulled into the telling of the tale from the outset and keep those pages turning at breakneck speed.

With some unexpected revelations, there’s much for readers [and fans of the series] to appreciate in this complex, evocative, unputdownable tale. “The Last Orphan" belongs at the top of every reader’s must-read list.

Highly recommended.

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

This book doesn’t disappoint. It’s full of action, tension, & thought provoking dialogue. I love it. Can’t wait to see what’s next. #TheLastOrphan #NetGalley

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read the new Orphan X book early - it was a bit like Christmas in June! The story was good, opening with Evan having to deal with being separated from all the people who are important to him in his life as well as being caught by Templeton while dealing with this disruption within himself. Being an Orphan book, there is a lot of action and a bit more graphic violence than usual. The only part that I wasn't fond of was the caricature security men surrounding the main bad guy. I do love when Candy shows up and already look forward to the next installment.

Ok, ok...Here is my disclaimer. I absolutely love the pure escapism when I read the Orphan Series: a pure series of entertainment written by a man who sure knows his "stuff." I don't have to think about Covid, the wars, the state of the country, the high cost of gas...I can just melt into my pillow and transport myself into a fantasy world where we just have the good guys, the bad guys, the innocent folks and some like Evan Smoak, the nowhere man, a little of both. This can be read as a stand alone but I think reading the prequels gives so much more depth. In particular , Orphan X #7, would give a fuller experience of parts of Orphan #8.
For those who don't know about the Nowhere man, he used to be an off the books hitman for the government who left and went down under and has been pursued by Washington ever since.(Interjection--RUN and read the series) Now he answers to no one but himself when deciding to take a case where someone really needs his abilities. In this novel, the government has finally caught up with him, but when captured, tells him they will grant him immunity if he commits to a task ordered by the president. Does this task rise to the level of the Commandments that he adheres to?
He decides to investigate with no promises as it also involves the death of a young man and woman both of who did not deserve this fate. As he narrows the circle along with his teenage protege Joey, he uncovers a man with high principles but also manipulative and masterful. Of course, we have the expected shoot outs and murders and high stake escapes, but like his previous book he has to decide whether to save the man who is both bad and good but make him worthier.
My only caveat, a small one indeed, was a feeling of annoyance with Joey's commentary and interactions with Smoak. I don't remember feeling so irritated by her before but that is small potatoes in the overall scheme.
As usual, the last page was a cliffhanger that already has me panting for book #9..It can't come soon enough.

Once again the best of the best writes a winner. Orphan X, the No where Man is at his best when stopping the bad guys. He has a sweet penthouse and wonderful neighbors but they have no idea who he really is. If you have read just one of his books then you know it's a rare treat to read these books by Gregg Hurwitz. He knows all about guns and using them. Yes, there are other Orphans too. You have the Orphan V and also she goes by the name of Candy, beautiful but also deadly. Evan (Orphan X) is also training a new Orphan who is 16 years old but can hack into any system and then some. Her name is Joey who when in trouble he calls Josephine and she has a dog by the name of Dog. Go figure but it's great action and non stop at that. Orphan X has a love interest also but that is another story altogether. Get busy reading!! Thank you Net Galley and Publishers

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

5 stars

Excellent continuation of the Orphan X series by Gregg Hurwitz.

Evan Smoak is offered a deal by the President to leave him alone if he eliminates a well connected billionaire.

Evan is helped by his usual cast of characters (I always want more Joey time!) and some new ones.

While the X books always have tons of action, I found this book to have a lot of very touching moments.

This is an excellent book written by a talented and gifted author. It is not my favorite genre but others might enjoy it. The characters are intriguing. The story moves quickly. This book was sent to me by Netgalley for review. Curl up on a comfy chair with a warm afghan and lose yourself in this novel.

This book was another hit from the author as this series continues. Filled with a good mixture of mystery and suspense that keeps the reader turning the pages. This is a book which I would recommend to all who like a good mystery.

I have been a fan of Gregg Andrew Hurwitz since “The Kill Clause” (published 2003). But he has hit his stride with the “Orphan X” series. One of the few long running (8 books thus far) that I have awarded 5 stars to each installment.
This series just keeps getting better and better. Watching Evan Smoak continue to evolve while keeping the plot
fresh, different and exciting, dare I say “thrilling”?

Bravo Gregg! Keep them coming.

Long live “The Nowhere Man”!

Five enthusiastic stars