Plucked from an orphanage as a young boy, raised as the only child of a deep-cover government asset, trained in survival skills and lethal arts from the get-go, adult Evan Smoak, the protagonist of Gregg Hurwitz’s action thriller, “The Nowhere Man” is a renowned ghost of the most dangerous type.

Now “retired” from his deep cover, off the books, government assignments, the tables have turned. Evan is the wanted man.

The information that he carries in his head is considered by many too dangerous to allow him to live. Consequently, there’s a target on his back.

Evan is unlike 99% of his former assassin associates because he has a conscience. Evan is not a sociopath, nor worse, a psychopath.

Evan’s adoptive father raised him carefully to cultivate his humanity, instilling a moral barometer of right and wrong.

Because of this, Evan is now “The Nowhere Man” in retirement, seeking to help those in perilous situations, whether it’s trafficking, abuse, or other serious problems.

With endangered individuals needing rescuing by “The Nowhere Man,” Evan is in deep trouble because he is being pursued, captured, and tortured for information that he has.

Read this action-packed adventure tale to the very end to learn if our master mind genius with a heart of gold, Evan, can finagle his way out of the myriad traps set for him in this mind boggling labyrinth of a mystery.

JoyReaderGirl1 graciously thanks NetGalley, Author Gregg Hurwitz, Publisher Minotaur Books for this advanced readers copy for review.

Free ebook, review is my own.

I loved this second book. Now that we know Orphan X better you get to see how his motivations drive him. A few big twists and the action never stops. Great read and I cant wait for the rest of the series.

Book 2 of the Orphan X series is fantastic. Gregg Hurwitz excels in crafting a compelling narrative, and he does not disappoint in this installment. Like the first book—Orphan X—it hooks you from the beginning and keeps you engaged. The story is suspenseful and intriguing, filled with twists and turns, and has humor that lightens the tension at the right moments.

This novel made me enjoy reading more about the protagonist, Evan Smoak, who continues to develop as a fascinating and complex character. Hurwitz's writing brings Evan to life in a way that makes you feel connected to his journey. If you love action-packed stories with strong, well-developed characters, start with Orphan X and then dive into this one. The series provides a rich and thrilling experience.

For those new to the Spy/Thriller genre, this book might be the perfect introduction. The pace is relentless, the action sequences are vividly described, and the plot keeps you guessing. It's the kind of book that's hard to put down and will likely keep you up late, eagerly turning pages to see what happens next.

Thank you once again, #Netgalley, #Gregghurwitz, and #minotaurbooks, for providing me with this novel in exchange for my honest review. Your support in allowing readers to experience such thrilling adventures is greatly appreciated.

4★
“By design, Evan is hard to gauge. Thirty-something. Fit but not muscly. Somewhere around six feet. An average guy, not too handsome. Addison underestimates him. This happens a lot, by design. The kid’s lips twitch to the side.”

Evan Smoak is back in action. He keeps a low profile, wearing a uniform of black jeans and grey tee-shirts, nothing that will call attention to himself. He needs to be able to slip through crowds unnoticed, and does.

I want his phone! He has a RoamZone mobile phone protected by fibreglass casing and a Gorilla glass screen. Not only is it virtually indestructible, it has an incredible battery that people would pay squillions for. Seems to me the coverage was pretty good too.

Ah, but I’m not Evan Smoak and I don’t answer my phone with ”Do you need my help?” The only people who call him are those who need his help, and only one at a time. As each client (and I use the term loosely, since he’s not paid) is rescued from some dire fate, Evan asks them to find someone else in desperate straits and give them his number.

A frantic young girl calls The Nowhere Man because she needs help. She describes who gave her his number (he makes sure it was his last client), and he’s quick to figure out what’s wrong.

“Given immigration confusion, gang influence, and splintered family trees, disappearances aren’t rare when you’re dealing with broke ethnic girls. They’re a renewable resource.
. . .
Some of the girls are kept. Some are designated for onetime use.”

A lousy fate. We first met Evan Smoak in Orphan X, where we learned about his orphan background and his training as a weapon for Good (I use a capital so you know it’s for the Greater Good, according to the entity in charge – the US government, we think, although their idea of the GG may differ from your own).

In this one, Evan is missing his mentor and father-figure, Jack. The orphan program was disbanded and the assignments stopped, so Evan had gone all lone wolf. He’s determined to save this girl even while he grieves for Jack.

You will especially enjoy this if you’re interested in gadgets and ways of “rigging up a deal”, as my brother used to refer to inventing some device that would do something seemingly impossible (a people-trap was one from our childhood).

“From the outside his Ford F-150 pickup looked like any one of the millions on the roads of America. But with its laminate armor glass, self-seal tires, and built-to-spec push-bumper assembly, it was actually a war machine.”

Evan has many strings to his bow or arrows in his quiver or whatever hackneyed phrase I need here – technology, machinery, guns, science, and the mental strength of a meditating monk. Kind of a MacGyver/007 who practises Kung Fu.

He does meet some lovely (not) folks.

“Aside from the tattoo high on his neck, a missing incisor, and a general air of menace, he seemed pleasant enough.”

How he gets himself into dicey situations doesn’t bear thinking about, and wondering how he’ll get out of them is nail-biting stuff. (We know there’s a book #3, and presumably he is in it!) He tries to keep his distance from vulnerable people, but he’s an old softy underneath and he hurts when they hurt (which is often).

I liked this better than the first one, but I admit to wishing the story would move on from the cold climate he found himself in. Mind you, Evan would have liked to move on from there a bit quicker, too!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the preview copy from which I’ve quoted.

The second book in Gregg Hurwitz's "Orphan X" series, continues the storyline of Evan Smoak, AKA Orphan X, the government-trained assassin. We picked up with Smoak leaving behind his life as an assassin, He now operates as the "Nowhere Man," using his skills to protect and save those in desperate need of help, particularly those who have no one to turn. In "The Nowhere Man," Evan's new life faces a dramatic hurdle when he becomes a captive. Taken hostage by a mysterious opponent with extensive resources, Evan is trapped and must rely on his skills and resourcefulness to get away. While in captivity, he is forced to confront his past and the ethics of his own actions, dealing not only with external threats but also the internal moral complexities of his vigilante role. The novel is action-packed, with physical combat and psychological warfare scenes that help Smoak navigate his captivity while continuing to unravel the deeper conspiracies tied to his past. The story deepens the exploration of themes such as power, control, and the ongoing quest for personal redemption. Highly recommended.

The Nowhere Man is book 2 in An Orphan X series by Gregg Hurwitz.
The Orphan X series has been a super fun and fast-paced series, and I truly like all the main characters and many plot twists.
This is an excellent combination of phenomenal action, pulse-pounding suspense, and complex character development.
Super entertaining and fast paced with some shockers and edge of your seat suspense.
This is an outstanding addition to the series!
I can’t wait to start book 9 Lone Wolf! It’s going to be so an exciting adventure!

Thank You NetGalley and Minotaur Books for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Being a great fan of Gregg Hurwitz and his Orphan X series I have read most of the books, but for some reason I missed this installment. In “The Nowhere Man” a whole lot is going on - I looked down and I was at 42% and wondered how that was possible when so much mayhem had already occurred. Then I was at 79% and it seemed that Orphan X couldn’t possible absorb more punishment and manage to survive and yet he does, and on it went. Murder, diabolical plots, meticulous planning and mental capacity and I was captivated through it all. His cause never wavers, he needs to help the next one who reaches out and there was a very tricky ploy thrown in. The baddies are the worst, and there is never a lifeline for Evan Smoak except for his training and sheer determination to survive to answer the next call for help. The twists would have been mind boggling if I hadn’t read more of the books in the Orphan X Series.

It was a little difficult going backwards, having advance knowledge of the character and his future timeline, but it was interesting to see how the groundwork was being laid for the future stories. This, like all of Hurwitz’s books was well thought out, well written and very inventive. Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for a copy.

Very realistic and interesting characters. Fast-paced plot that kept me thoroughly engaged throughout. Enjoyed every page of it!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

Title: The Nowhere Man
Author: Gregg Hurwitz
Release Date: January 17th, 2017
Page Count: 369
Format: Audiobook
Start Date: January 10th, 2020, March 1st, 2022 and February 11th, 2023
Finish Date: January 22nd, 2020, March 9th, 2022, and February 11th, 2023

Rating: 5 Stars

Review:

Evan was taken from the orphanage he grew up in at a young age. He was trained to do horrible and unspeakable things for the government. Once his handler died, he left the project and went his own way. His mission was to protect those in trouble from dangerous situations they wanted out of. Everything is fine until he's tracked down. Now he's on the run for his life. He's a loose end that needs to be taken care of.
I'm seriously impressed with this book. I was kind of hesitant when I read the description of the first book, Orphan X. I gave it a chance anyway. In honor of the fifth book coming out this year (January 28th). I'm very glad I did quite frankly. It kind of reads like the Hitman. I also find it similar to the Jane Hawk series. I'm not sure if anybody has heard of that series, but it's good as well.
I still feel a disconnect with all the characters in the novel. I think that's kind of the point. Evan was raised as an assassin. He had no human interaction from anybody from a very young age with the exception of those who used him as a weapon. I realize that his handler tried to keep humanity in him, but one can only hold so much after they've killed many people. I really loved the neighbor chick and her son. She's very intelligent and down to earth. He has a connection with them as well. It's so obvious.
Like the first book, this book is narrated by Scott Brick. I picked up the first book because of time constraints, but I loved his narration so much that I got the second and third books in the series in audiobook as well. I plan to get the last two in the series in audio when I can get my hands on some credits. I also noticed there are some shot novellas that are reasonably priced that I plan to pick up as well. It's amazing how somebody can narrate normally and still add an intense thrill to a book.
I've really enjoyed this series so far. I believe that I will enjoy the rest of the series just as much. I may even enjoy it more. I can't wait to find out. I'm sure there are many things I can compare it to. Not that I like comparing. But it's screamed Hitman at me since I first started reading it. I can't ignore those vibes. It's an amazing read. I will reread it again in the future.

This is a great example of great genre writing. Hurwitz is an excellent writer who excels at this kind of adventure thriller. Evan Smoak is a great character and all the supporting characters are well drawn. It moves fast and holds your attention. Read this and all his books.

The second book in the series about Evan Smoak by Gregg Hurwitz, is continued from Orphan X. Each could be a stand alone read but it is easier to follow if read in order.

In continuing his help of people who cannot get help from the police, Evan ends up being captured and tortured. He is finally able to escape only to discover Jack is still alive. After wrapping up the two people who called for help (a real one and a hallucinogenic one), Evan thinks about giving it all up and becoming a "regular guy". At the very last second, his phone rings and a special person asks for help.

What a cliff hanger! These books are so hard to put down and I find myself reading way past my bedtime. The third book is next on my reading list.

The Nowhere Man is the second book in the Orphan X series and is a super follow up to Orphan X, the first book. The writing is excellent along with the characters. This book has some very tense situations happening so if you like an intense thriller with great twists, check this book out.

#2 in the Orphan X series and the Nowhere Man does not disappoint!
With the last book coming out I decided to finally get to this series so I can read The Last Orphan. As expected we follow Evan Smoak along in his mission to save the world one by one but when he becomes the target he must save himself!
This was a fast paced and exciting read that kept me wanting more, and luckily I have #3 Hellbent on my Kindle. I look forward to further adventures with Evan Smoak. I consider him the best of James Bond 007 and MacGyver.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I loved reading as I kid but struggle to find time as an adult. It’s often impossible to sit down to focus. While this book was not a favorite if still kept me entertained for the most part, I’m sure it’s not you, dear book, it’s me.

How? How did the story get better than the first? Amazing story! Action Packed! Super intense! Highly recommend!!

This second book in the Orphan X series picks up pretty much where the first book left off. Evan Smoak is doing what he does best, helping people out of hopeless situations. In this case, a young girl is victimized by an online sex trade operation. But, when she tries to get out of the situation, her family is threatened. This is where Evan steps in. Once order is restored to his client he learns there are more victims of this scheme and he begins an urgent race against time to save a teenager being held in a shipping crate. Before he can complete his mission, he is ambushed and held captive by a strange, twisted man only out to drain Evan’s substantial bank account. Rene may have gotten more than he bargained for with Evan. As Evan plays a cat and mouse game with his captors, he learns some shocking information about Jack, his handler, and the man who raised him like his own son. the series is interesting, engaging and keeps the interest of the reader as the story unfolds, through each twist and turn of the plot line this series will keep the reader flipping pages.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this series.

The Nowhere Man by Gregg Hurwitz
Orphan X #2

Orphans are throwaway people…right? Or, some people and societies believe…and as such, the Orphan X Project began. Our hero – Evan Smoak – came to life on the page as a result of the project but also due to his strength, tenacity, and skills. . I have followed this series higgledy-piggledy rather than straight through picking up the first two books in the series after reading the later books in the series and have to say…I loved them all and still have a few spaces to fill in but have loved evey book in its own right.

Each has merit on its own and is worthy of reading.

I am enjoying filling in the blanks as I can (overseas) and have now found out a bit more about Evan though this book wasn’t (perhaps) as informational than those I read previously.

So…as I do in most reviews: What I liked vs what I didn’t like…

What I liked:
* Evan Smoak: mystery man, lethal, mythical, almost indestructible, made me think of MacGyver a time or two, athletic, cold, methodical, not really cold, caring, cunning, has unfathomable potential.
* Ethan’s modus operandi and how it works
* The use of skills gained for one reason used for another (great use!)
* That I was and am still sucked into this whole series no matter what and will fill in the missing books still unread
* The hero-idea: by this I mean that Evan is able to achieve a LOT due to his training
* That some were saved by The Nowhere Man
* Kind of hoping that The Nowhere Man can eventually become a conglomerate to thwart evil in the world
* That though Mia and her son Peter (book one in the series) were mentioned they were not totally abandoned and am hoping that they might become integral to the series in the future – for whatever reason(s)
* The link to past Orphans…though they seem less “warm-relatable” than Evan
* Vodka tie-in…and that loft penthouse home…wouldn’t need it but…wouldn’t mind visiting it
* That there was a dead person suddenly undead and how that impacts Ethan
* Tie-in (perhaps) to vampire - lovers
* That good did eventually thwart evil…mostly
* Being able to fill in some of the gaps unread previously in the series and hoping to do so again in the future.
* Being able to see how the author moved from one scene to another when creating Evan’s timeline…even though I did not read it in sequence


What I didn’t like:
* Those that use and abuse….and seeing them do so in this book…
* Not being able to really tell you what I don’t like as it will ruin the book for you

Did I like this book: Yes!
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review

4.5 Stars

This is the first book I've read in the Orphan X series, but not the first book in the series. It is an incredible thrill ride about a very resourceful operative that has devoted himself to saving innocent victims, but finds himself in an impossible situation. There is enough background in this book that, although I know I missed some foundational information, it was easy to ride along on this rollercoaster without being thrown. The characters are richly developed with also leaving enough mystery because they are still shadows operating in a dark theater. A great story that rivals the Jason Bourne franchise - I can see this being made into a movie or tv series. I know I'm hooked and will continue the series!

Fantastic thriller with plenty of twists and turns. I can’t wait for more by author. Thank you to publisher and NetGalley for chance to read and review the ARC.

Wow, what an incredible plot full of twists, ups, and downs, with similar themes compared to the first orphan x book. I'm still processing all the spins (in a good way).

Title: Clear and concise

Introduction: introduces characters and plot well. It helps to have read the first book in the series, "Orphan X", though not mandatory.

Build up and climax is clearly mastered by the author. Thank you!

Closing: leaves most loops closed, yet leaves enough to introduce the next book.

Thank you for quite a thriller!

Thank you NetGalley for my free copy! The comments above are my own without influence.