Gregg Hurwitz's Into the Fire delivers a high-octane thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from the very first page. The opening sequence is a whirlwind of action that sets the tone for the rest of the novel, with a well-paced narrative that maintains a consistent ebb and flow.

While the action is undeniably thrilling, the characters feel somewhat one-dimensional. The no-nonsense, action-oriented protagonist lacks depth and struggles with engaging in meaningful conversations. The cliched portrayal of the characters, while not a deal-breaker, could have been more nuanced.

The novel's action sequences are impressive, drawing inspiration from real-life tactics. However, the constant references to brand names and the over-the-top grandiose descriptions can occasionally feel forced and unnecessary. The dialogue, while serviceable, doesn't always ring true, with ad-libs and pop culture references that can sometimes feel corny and out of date.

Despite these minor flaws, Into the Fire is a thrilling read that will keep readers engaged. The fast-paced action, combined with the author's skill at creating suspense, makes for a compelling experience. While the characters could have been more complex and the writing could have been more nuanced, the novel's strengths outweigh its weaknesses.

INTO THE FIRE

The fifth in the Orphan X series, Evan Smoak is in fine form once again.

Max Merriweather was given some sensitive information from his cousin Grant Merriweather, just prior to Grant’s murder. Now some very bad guys will stop at nothing to retrieve the secrets Max unknowingly holds. He needs help, so he calls a mysterious phone number. And Evan Smoak once again transforms into the Nowhere Man, complete with the mental and physical skills of a modern day Superman.

And just when you think he’s finally got all the bad guys…

These Orphan X books just keep getting better and better. The characters from earlier stories continue to develop, including Joey, Mia and her son Peter. Evan’s interactions with his condo homeowners association are as complicated and awkward as ever. And his obsessive compulsive behavior is pushed to new limits thanks to Dog. The storyline, as in previous books, is focused on current day issues and problems, and introduces many fascinating technologies. Exciting and touching, this series is terrific.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Gregg Hurwitz, and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Such a great story. I love Orphan X and all the trouble that he finds himself in. He is such a morally good character and I love that we have taken a turn in the series about learning more about him. This book was such a page turner. I loved it so much and can't wait to read more in the series!

Another good book within the Orphan X series. This one was a slower start than the previous ones but once it got started, it was "on fire" (sorry for the pun!). This time, TheNowhereMan is asked to resolve what he thought was just one problem. When he finally figured out there was more than one, he was really digging deep into his skills. Between keeping his tech geek safe, he finds he is helping a dog and another gal, along with the original man asking for help. It took five problems resolved before he found the person that was really creating the problem.

While Evan is solving the issue, he is also thinking about this being his last job. He wonders what a "normal" life would be like and there is even a gal and her son he is thinking about trying out life with. But she is a DA and his present life is at odds with that.

With the skills he has been taught, the limitless money and the armorer and tech support he has, he is unstoppable. This job was much more intense than previous ones but Evan comes through and the final ends in a double twist.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for another exciting Orphan X book in exchange for an honest review.

I am in love with the stories of Evan Smoak! I am eternally grateful for the glimpses in the previous stories by Mr Hurwitz, so I don't feel the need to start the entire series over with each new book.

What I want to know is "How can each book get better and better?" without feeling like it's just more of the same. Always good for a new twist on the savior story, Hurwitz did it again and made us love Evan and want to see him be great.
Recommended for all fans of Mystery, Thriller, Action and Suspense.
A solid 5 stars for #5 of Orphan X

"Into the Fire" is another good Gregg Hurwitz book. As a book in the Orphan X series, it definitely holds up against the others. It was a worthwhile read.

Into the Fire is book #5 in the Orphan X series. I felt that the stakes were even higher for Evan in this book. Definitely a page turner! For those not familiar with this series, the main character, Evan Smoak was taken in at the age of twelve and trained as a government assassin in a secret program. Each book in the series stands on its own, but you will probably want to find out how and where it all started with the previous books. You won't be disappointed!

Great action packed, fast moving thriller. This one starts with a bang and never lets up. I will have to go back now and read the previous books in the series.

I absolutely love this book series! This installment shows the more human side of Evan, and it is a wonderful evolution of his character. He still has crazy physical endurance, all the technical gadgets, and ingenious ways of solving problems. As the level of threat escalates in his latest mission, he takes a breath and forges ahead. No second guessing his commitment, and no judging the person he is protecting. I really enjoyed bringing back Trevon (from a previous mission), despite it being against his rules - This is a character that I wouldn't mind becoming a regular. The characters become real as soon as you read them, and the story immerses you in the mission from the moment he asks "Do you need my help?" As usual for Hurwitz novels, this is a book you don't want to put down once you start it. I will be continuing the series - one of my all time favorites now!

It's criminal that it took me so long to read this. The Orphan X series quickly hit my radar with the first book, and then, as sometimes happens, I fell off after the first few. That's certainly not reflective of how wonderful these books are. Mea culpa, for sure. This entry, INTO THE FIRE, may be my favorite so far. Brimming with intense action, brisk writing, and characters with heart, this is top-notch crime fiction. As a reader, it's a non-stop thrill ride as Evan Smoak aka Orphan X aka The Nowhere Man fights off not one, not two, not three...you get the point. I've never read a book with such a Russian nesting doll of villainous characters. Five stars.

How I love that Evan aka Ophan X bka the Nowhere Man! He was a spy/assassin/government-trained bad guy who was betrayed, got his revenge, and emerged like a phoenix as a mysterious helper to people in trouble...serious trouble. This is the story of Max, He is definitely in trouble, and needs Evan's help. This story just keeps twisting and turning! Excellent! Can't wait for another one... there will be another one, right?

An intense thrilling read. The plot was laid out masterfully and grabs your attention and keeps it. I love a good thriller and this one does the trick. This author delivers an exceptional well written product that stays with you for a long time. An excellent read.

Evan Smoak was trained as a government assassin in a Black Ops government program. He dealt with burn-out and left the program. He has had many a fight for his life, because no one walks away from the program. But, as always, this highly skilled man manages to survive fight after fight.

Evan gets a call on one of the gadgets he kept, his RoamZone phone, from a desperate man. Max Merriweather is currently separated, just lost his cousin Grant due to a brutal murder, and it seems that he has even bigger problems on his hands. Before Grant died he had given Max a letter that was to be given to a reporter if something ever would’ve happened to him. When Max realizes that the reporter is missing and then his apartment was ransacked, he knew that he needed some help.

At this point in his life, Evan really planned on retiring. But, just one more case. And what a case this is! It doesn’t matter what Evan has to face, his exceptional skills, unending gadgets, and close association with computer hacker and pseudo daughter Joey Morales, Evan is up to the task.

As Evans stepped in to help Max, he quickly realizes the source of his problems. Evan discovers that an Armenian gang is involved. He has no trouble neutralizing the gang. However, it seems that killers are still after Max and whatever precious thing he was given to by his cousin. Along the way, Evan does something that I thought was really cool. He rescues a bait dog, which is a dog used in dogfights that usually cost a particular dog its life. He rescues the dog and brings it to Joey, and this is something that she has none too pleased with. As before, we see how Evan interacts with neighbor Mia Hall and her young son Peter. It’s evident that they have a connection, but with Evan being constantly surrounded by danger, it’s any wonder whether or not that will ever go anywhere.

I really loved this 5th book in this exciting series! How Gregg Hurwitz keeps raising the bar in this series just blows my mind. There might be some suspending belief while seeing how Evan can get out of every situation - insert any MacGyver episode - but oh, what fun! The book also has a measure of humor in each story and I enjoy that as well. Meanwhile, the human side of Evan is getting clearer and clearer, especially as his concern and protectiveness concerning Joey increases.

Many thanks to Minotaur Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

This is the first book I have read in this series, but I don't think it will be my last. Evan Smaok, aka The Nowhere Man, aka Orphan X, was trained at a young age to be an assassin for the government. Now, he helps out people that don't have anywhere else to turn when they are in trouble.

Max Merriwether is drawn into a run for his life when his cousin, Grant, leaves him a thumb drive with information to take to a journalist. Soon, Max is being hunted down by thugs from all over and he doesn't even know why. There is plenty of back story involving Max that added a lot to the book.

Evan is a likeable character and I found myself feeling very sorry for him. His "assistant", Joey, was great and I loved Dog the dog as well. The action is fast-paced, there is plenty of cool technology and lots of twists to this book. I could easily imagine this book as a movie. Reminiscent of James Bond spy-thrillers mixed with Jack Reacher, this was a great escapist read for me.

Into the Fire by Gregg Horwitz is a 2020 Minotaur publication.

Supercharged, "Smoaking" hot, action and adventure!

Evan Smoak- aka- Orphan X- aka- The Nowhere Man, has come to a crossroads of sorts. He’s ready to explore life on his own terms now. But will his enemies and those who need his specialized help allow him to retire?

In this fifth installment of the series, Evan is summoned to help Max Merriweather, who is on the run from the ruthless assassins who just murdered his cousin.

Hoping this is the last time he answers the 1-800-NOWHERE hotline, Evan discovers this case is going to be one of his most difficult to contain.

I love this series more with each installment. Evan is a machine- tough, smart, unstoppable! But, beneath that exterior is a lonely man, one who was robbed of normalcy, who pines for a break from all the danger and violence.

Readers root for him on both fronts. We cheer for him as he fights the bad guys, but also sympathize with his sensitive side too- wishing he didn’t have to necessarily choose between the two.

The addition of Joey to the series is simply perfect, and the banter between she and Evan is often hysterically funny.

This chapter has a finality to it that is bittersweet- until…

The conclusion is a breathtaking stunner… promising more exciting adventures for our hero in the future.

4.5 stars

Into the Fire
by Gregg Hurwitz

Into the Fire is a magnificent, nonstop thrill ride, fast paced, and intense with lots of action, and nail-biting suspense; that will have the readers mesmerized right up to the end. Immerse yourself in this marvelous story and enjoy the suspenseful wild ride, as the central character finds himself in dangerous and precarious situations. The well-developed characters add to this multi-layered story, with its changing mystery and the conspiracy that expands in dangerous intensity that seems endless.

Into the Fire is the 5th book in the 'Orphan X' series, an excellent thriller series; featuring an all action man, a protagonist that has managed to capture the hearts of so many readers and this book provides enough background information to be read as a standalone; but the intriguing event at the end, leaves an opening for another book in the series.

I enjoyed reading Into the Fire of the Orphan X series, and having read this release ‘Into the Fire’, I have the pleasure of going back and reading the other four (as I have them in my personal library). I am giving this book and the author both 5-star rating.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary pre-published copy of Into the Fire from NetGalley; thank you. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Into the Fire, by author Greg Andrew Hurwitz, is the Fifth installment in the authors Orphan X series. After the book begins with a bang, literally, Evan Smoak, aka the former Orphan X assassin who took down a President, aka the Nowhere Man who helps out those desperately in need who call 1-855-2-NOWHERE, is thinking about retirement as well as redemption. Could this be his last mission? How many more missions can he go on before his past catches up to him? Not so fast my friends.

After the events of the opening chapter where readers meet a man called "The Terror" who is doing what he does best, we learn that Max Merriweather was given an insurance policy from his cousin Grant who was a forensic accountant. Max soon discovers that Grant was murdered and now someone is after him, but he has no clue why. What is in the envelope that Grant gave him? Max gets Evan's number from Trevon Gaines who he helped in the previous installment. Little does Evan know it, but the villains in this story have more layers than an onion.

The supposed simple job ends up with layers of complexity, danger and intrigue that begin to consume Evan and bring unspeakable danger to those who he cares for the most. Evan will dig deeply into a dog fighting ring, end up in prison where one of his targets is being protected, as well as learning about a Cabal of individuals who are working on their own form of a new world order. He also gets an unusual phone call from the new President with an offer almost too good to be true. (No Spoilers!) Evan who lives by his own Ten Commandments, is really caught up in trying to help Max while also remaining alive.

Good thing he has 16-year old Joey Morales who is a former washout of the Orphan program who Evan rescued at the urging of his former mentor Jack. She's also a dynamic hacker who can any information from any source as long as she has a computer handy. As usual, Tommy Stojack plays a part in this story. Evan is always looking for the next best thing when it comes to untraceable weapons and Tommy is always willing to help if the price is right. After all, Evan’s the most wanted former government agent. Many people would still like to see him disappear.

The third character, Melinda Truong, not only has a crush on Evan, but provides him the necessary identification and papers to cover his tracks. You really need to suspend disbelief at Evan’s supersecret bat cave like Bruce Wayne condo which has secret rooms, endless money supplies, every technological marvel he could ever need, and his own secret hacker extraordinaire, Joey. But, unlike the cape crusader, Evan's love life is pretty much non-existent. Yes, he does have feelings for DA Mia Hall, as well as her son Peter. But Mia isn't someone who will just stand back and watch as Evan breaks the laws that she swore to uphold. I recently read a comment that compares this series to Jason Bourne meets the Equalizer, with new twists. I'm good with that comparison.

I think this book may be the most twisted story of the series, especially since it is the first book that ends on a stunning cliffhanger ending. I am looking forward to reading Prodigal Son which releases in January. Interesting things are afoot!

Unfortunately I was not able to access this title ...I never received an email I was approved ...and by the time I saw this it was no longer available

I find this author to be hit or miss for me, I'm afraid.... I realize I'm in the minority here and will keep plugging through their releases so as to not miss a hit. Thanks for the opportunity to review this!

I have read all of the books in this series and know what to expect. And, I am never disappointed. Evan Smoak again has to rely on his wits, and his crazy skills. I sat down, suspended all belief and dove in..

It was fun, full of action, and keep me turning page after page as fast as I could.