4.5 rounded up
I really enjoyed this book in the Nowhere Man series. There is a more dilemma Evan has with one of his few friends. and of course it gets even more complicated as his friends gets pulled into another moral dilemma. What I enjoyed was the character development and perspective. Some of the characters did a very horrible thing but Hurwitz was able to portray them in a way where you are able to understand what took them there. Issues from current day are brought into the book without making it political or beating the readers head with in. the complexity was fascinating to me.

This is such a good series, but this one just didn't work for me. I've come to care about the two main characters, and their behavior didn't feel true to them. It was a little like watching a romcom and wanting to shout at the screen for the couple to just have an honest conversation already. The ending was about what I thought it would be.

There was plenty of violence, but that's par for the course. More cursing than normal. Felt like quite a bit more. The side story featured two characters I like most of the time. And by the way (tiny spoiler ahead), most young people don't bother with cable, and the same person who would be closely monitoring hot water use would not pay for cable he wasn't watching. Minor detail, but it bugged me.

Overall, this one just happened to not be my favorite book in a series that is very good overall.

In "Nemesis," Gregg Hurwitz delivers a compelling and emotionally charged installment in the Orphan X series that explores what happens when trusted relationships are pushed to their breaking point. This tenth entry sees the usually rock-solid partnership between Evan Smoak and his long-time arms supplier Tommy tested to its limits, adding a layer of personal tension that elevates the stakes beyond the typical action-thriller format.

The strained relationship between Evan and Tommy forms the emotional core of the narrative, forcing both characters to confront uncomfortable truths about their history and loyalty. Their conflict adds a fascinating dimension to the story, as Evan must navigate his missions without the steady support system he's relied on for years. This tension between two usually aligned characters creates some of the book's most compelling moments.

While dealing with this personal upheaval, Evan continues to mentor Joey, his teenage protégé, creating an interesting parallel between relationships that are fracturing and those that are strengthening. Hurwitz expertly weaves these interpersonal dynamics with the series' signature action sequences and tactical precision, creating a narrative that's both emotionally resonant and adrenaline-fueled.

The technical aspects of Evan's operations remain meticulously detailed, though the breakdown in his relationship with Tommy forces him to adapt and find new resources, showcasing his resourcefulness and training in fresh ways. Hurwitz's prose is as sharp as ever, crafting scenes that balance emotional weight with heart-pounding action.

For long-time fans of the series, seeing the complicated evolution of Evan and Tommy's relationship adds new depth to characters we've grown to know over ten books. New readers may want to start with earlier entries to fully appreciate the significance of this rift, but "Nemesis" proves that Hurwitz continues to find fresh ways to challenge and develop his characters while delivering the thrills readers expect.

The book serves as a powerful reminder that even the strongest relationships can be tested, and sometimes the greatest threats come from the breakdown of trust between allies rather than from external enemies.

What do you do when your best friend betrays you? And you happen to be a ex-government assassin.

This is a hell of a way to start off the 10th book in the Orphan X series by Gregg Hurwitz. Evan Smoak, the ex-assassin finds out that his best friend and armorer sold weapons that killed innocent people. In his world, folks that kills innocents must die. But it's a bit more complicated for Tommy Stojack, when he finds himself on the run from Evan and having to keep a promise to a old Army buddy. There's also a strong subplot about Joey, Even's adopted niece (also an ex-assassin in training) learning how to navigate young adulthood.

Hurwitz's writing is sharp and immersive, keeping the tension high and the stakes even higher. The pacing is relentless, with action sequences that will make your heart race, yet Hurwitz doesn’t shy away from exploring Evan’s internal struggles. As a character, Evan is complex—he’s tough but deeply human, haunted by his past actions and his desire to protect those who are vulnerable. This balance between his vulnerability and skill makes him a compelling protagonist, one readers can’t help but root for despite his morally gray decisions.

The pacing never lets up, with plenty of twists and turns to keep even the most seasoned thriller reader on their toes. The stakes feel real, and Hurwitz has a knack for creating a sense of dread and urgency that makes you feel as if you’re right there with Evan, trying to stay one step ahead of his enemies.

Nemesis is a thrilling, thought-provoking, and deeply emotional novel that does everything a great thriller should: it keeps you on the edge of your seat while also making you think about the cost of justice, the weight of guilt, and the possibility of redemption.

Is it possible to fall in love with a storybook character, for I do love Evan Smoek. In this, the tenth outing of the series, Gregg Hurwitz explores the consequences of a man who can't afford friends. When he does have a friend, it seems to backfire and all his rules, his commandments, seem to go by the wayside.

Tommy Stojack, his fried and weapons supplier, has gone over to the dark side, something Evan can't abide by, so there will be consequences. These two strong men will meet in what will seem like deadly combat where one might die and one survive.

Tommy has left town, but not because of his fear of Evan, but to help an old friend's son. Of course the son is in deep trouble and Tommy senses there is good in this by, but with Evan and some others on his trail, he might not be able to help.

Gritty with action both bloody and raw, this story will push the limits on a long friendship, and help both men possibly realize the outcome of authenticity in a friendship.

I have loved al of Gregg Hurwitz's books about Orphan X, but this one seemed a tad slow moving and the talk of weapons seemed to me to bog it down. But I will be back if Mr Hurwitz writes more in the Evan saga.

A thrilling and suspenseful read! Great for series fans and for those new to Orphan X. Full of excellent tactical details, twists and turns, and inner turmoil for the protagonist.

This was my first book in the Orphan X series, so I wasn't sure what to expect! Expect the unexpected! Once I picked this one up, I couldn't put it down. Now I'll have to go back to the beginning of the series and pick them up from the beginning! Great read!

Orphan X! I love this series from Gregg Hurwitz, I do not know how he does it but each book seems even better than the one before! Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for letting me read this book it was absolutely a page turner and very very good!!

This is my first Orphan X book. I know I’m late to the game, but you have to start sometime. I found myself easily picking things up and loving the story even with no previous experience in this world. I do wish that I had more than the minimum experience with the relationships in the series. I may have to go back and read the rest.

This is another brilliant offering in the Orphan X series. It picks up where Lone Wolf ended, Evan preparing to hunt down Tommy for providing weapons to The Wolf. Tommy gets called away when the son of a man who died in his arms calls him for help. The race is on for Tommy to help the boys before Evan comes for him.

What makes this series stand out from others in the genre is the character development of Evan and Joey, the teenage girl he has appointed himself as guardian over. One scene that stands out is Evan’s reaction to holding a baby. It’s beautiful and heartbreaking and hopeful all at the same time. Joey’s realization that she loves Dog the dog and the ramifications of that is just as good.

The action is outstanding as always and even if you see a couple of things coming, the journey there is exhilarating. My only quibble and where this story loses a star from me is a group of assassins known as The Four Horsemen. The violence and suggestion of violence with them is graphic and gratuitous.

Overall this is an excellent action thriller, and I enjoyed it immensely.

Watch out for that ending.

Not family friendly due to profanity and violence.

A very well-written action piece but I think it's too macho for me. I'll probably finish up the other books in the series that I have but that's all I can do. Good, complicated characters, so if you like that intense action, bad-assery, this is for you. Just not for me.

As in many great series, the interactions of the ongoing cast in Orphan X's life have become an enjoyable part of the books, and inevitably an author writes a story where a supporting character becomes part of the problem the hero has to solve rather than being a part of the solution. That's what this book is. The "Nemesis" in the title turns out to be Evan's best friend.

But there's more. In many ways this is Hurwitz's most ambitious book in the series, as he tries to grapple with how America has gone wrong, especially its young men. There's a lot in here about masculinity: the lack of role models, the confusion of strength with violence, the lack of opportunity. But there's also Evan's ward Joey and her ongoing struggle to define her femininity and find her place in the world, as well as the solid people who keep a community going. I'll think of "Nemesis" as Hurwitz's stab at the Great American Novel.

As a result, the action doesn't drive the story; there's no overarching mission, just occasional action sequences. These are, as always, tightly choreographed, imaginative, and exciting.

This is an absolute must read for Orphan X series fans! Evan has continued to evolve throughout the series and in this installment he confronts his biggest challenge to maintain his humanity when he finds that his friend Tommy Stojack has supplied weapons to murderers of the innocent. You know that an author has created characters that have touched readers on an emotional level when you’re riveted to each page hoping that Evan and Tommy will find a resolution that doesn’t result in death for one of them. This is an excellent addition to this entertaining series! Even though each book in this series can be read as a standalone, to really get the most out of the series and have a richer reading experience I’d recommend starting from the beginning and reading the series in order.

This was one of the most heart rending Orphan X books. Tommy Stojak, Evan's oldest friend crosses the line when his armaments take innocent lives and must be stopped. Evan is never more aware of his humanity and all that entails in this book. Another stellar addition to Orphan X, which shows how far Evan has come as The Nowhere Man. 5 stars.

One of the most interesting book in this captivating series. Hurwitz once again shows evolution in both his writing style and the humanity of his iconic character. Absolute must read!

If you thought Lone Wolf was emotional, strap in for Nemesis.

Nemesis is a continuation of Lone Wolf. The two books act as almost a stand alone duology within the Orphan X series. Evan’s reluctant embrace of humanity, both its good and bad sides, is continued and heightened here. You also get a greater insight into the few people he has allowed to get close to him: Tommy and Joey.

Evan is pushed into the closest thing to a real world 2025 situation that he’s faced. A mission with more layers, personalities, histories and emotions than he’s ever had to deal with before.

I don’t know when or how the Orphan X series will end but seeing Evan come back around to being fully human since Jack plucked him from the group home was as beautiful to see as it was painful for him to realize.

I remain eternally grateful to have received another ARC of my favorite thriller series. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins/Minotaur for the opportunity to read and review.

Nemesis is the Tenth installment in author Gregg Hurwitz's Orphan X series. The story flips back and forth between Evan, Tommy, and Joey, with some of Evan’s chapters flipping back and forth between present-day and back when he first entered the Orphan program and was being trained by Jack, his father figure. There was also a smattering of chapters from the Four Horsemen, who are a team of assassins fulfilling a contract from Janus. A man who you will hear more from later in the story. It's inevitable, after all.

At one time, Evan Smoak was a highly successful black ops assassin known as Orphan X, dedicated to a rigid set of operational rules he calls the Ten Commandments. He was the 24th person to go through that program, which includes Candy McClure, whom Evan has a curious relationship with. After breaking with the government program, going deep underground, and remaking his life as the Nowhere Man, helping people who need it the most, Smoak is dedicated to his assassin's Ten Commandments.

But for the first time in his life, those principles have put him on a collision course with the man who might be his best friend in the world, Tommy Stojack. A man who Evan has known for 15 years. 15 years ago, two men were given a coin after saving a Kurdish woman's life because she was intentionally targeted by a toad. It says, ‘No better friend; No worse enemy.’ 15 years later, that friendship is in shatters thanks to the events of Lone Wolf.

If you read that book, which I hope you have, you know that Tommy did something unforgettable that got innocent people killed. Evan has no choice but to confront Tommy, even if it means he has to take on the man who has been his only real friend for 15 years. When Evan goes to Tommy’s shop to confront him after being told to stay away, he’s ambushed by half a dozen men trying to kill him. They were unsuccessful, and Evan wants to kill Tommy even more for what he thinks was intentional.

He firmly believes that there is no hope of repairing the friendship. This might also violate his 4th Commandment: Never make it personal. With Joey's help, he tracks Tommy to a small town where he learns of a tragedy that hit the small town. A tragedy that seems to be so deep that people don't want to talk about it, hoping it will go away. Evan won't let them get away with it.

In the meantime, Tommy Stojack, a gifted gunsmith who has created much of Evan's own weapons and combat gear, has apparently crossed one of Evan's sharply delineated lines, and he knows there will be a fight sooner than later. He gets a call from the son of an Army friend and goes to help his dead friend's son. The kid is in a ton of trouble, spouting racist ideology and taking part in the murder of innocent people.

While Tommy tries to keep himself and his friend's son alive by trying to advise and possibly hold them accountable for their heinous actions, imbecilic views, and senseless decisions, Evan arrives with a vengeance in mind after seeing what happened to a little boy. Trouble soon arrives in the form of the Four Horsemen, who have a contract out for Tommy. It all comes to a head with a violent collision of forces, with the only question being who will survive this deadly encounter of extremely capable operators.

Back in LA, Joey is struggling as well. Getting involved with a so-called women's empowerment group causes friction not only between Joey and Evan but also between Joey and a group of female UCLA students that Joey has apparently offended with the work she was doing. Due to her past, she doesn't have much social experience, and gaining that experience is often painful. Joey is like Evan's little sister and has a dog named Dog. She is a dropout of the Orphan program, but her skills with a computer make her valuable to Evan who ends up dealing with so many different emotions in this book.

I think there's a lot to be worried about after the ending of this book, and I hope I am wrong. It's difficult not to spoil things that happen in this book. Evan's mission over the course of this series has been to help those who need it the most. This is why he's called the Nowhere Man who even some of the villains in this book have heard about. Even though there is a brief mission to save a little girl, most of the story is what happens with Evan, Tommy, and Joey. What happens after this book should be very interesting.

Evan Smoak has always lived by a ridged set of rules. Rules he refuses to break. So when Tommy Stojack, Evan’s best friend, crosses a line he goes to confront him, only to end up on the wrong side of an ambush. Evan survives, naturally, but that only leaves him further enraged and dead set on getting some payback. That is just the start of this explosive adventure. There is so much happening in this one you may just need to take some notes, lol. No, seriously there are many moving parts in this story, and incredible author that he is Hurwitz has them working together like the finest Swiss watch. This is a brilliant ballet of action and adventure. Every time one of these books come out I’m left asking the same question, how have these stories not been made into movies yet? This is the tenth of the Orphan X novels, and while I really believe they can each be read as a standalone, you’ll want to read them all. I’d like to thank St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of Nemesis.

https://www.amazon.com/review/RJK4TRRDKGAMB/ref=pe_123899240_1043597390_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

This is another exciting Orphan X novel! I've been hooked on this series since the first one came out in 2016. This is book #10 in the series and there is a lot going on, some of it is dark and some of it is emotional. The previous books were more about high octane energy, action, and adventure. While that is still present in this story, a lot more of the narrative deals with feelings, relationships, and conflicting emotions.

In addition to a volatile situation that is happening between Evan and Tommy, there is a powder keg situation that they are both drawn into in a small town with major issues. At the same time, a group of lethal assassins are on the loose, and Joey is having a personal crisis of her own.

This is definitely another thrilling book in the Orphan X series, and I will be eagerly awaiting the next one. However, I feel that the story went in too many different directions and spent way too much time and too many words on emotional turmoil for an action-adventure novel.

My sincere thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press-Minotaur Books for the digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Nemesis (Orphan X #10) by Hurwitz is the first of the Orphan Series I've read. Throughout the book, I kept telling myself, I need to read the previous 9 books. Not that this one isn't great as a stand-alone novel. It kept my attention throughout the reading.

Orphan X, the Nowhere Man, Evan to the few friends(?) he has is exceptionally good at killing. A true orphan was trained by the people who work in the shadows, CIA and others to do what no one wants to admit has to be done. Now an independent contractor with a desire to right/fight for the wronged, Orphan X takes on a fight that pits him against friends and makes him question what's next. This is a good book and I will read the next Orphan X novel