Love, love, love the Orphan X series! As the Nowhere Man, he usually offers his help to anyone who calls. This call, however from Aragon Urrea, a borderline business man, has him questioning whether Urrea deserves help. Urrea's beloved daughter has been kidnapped by the vicious Leone cartel. With conditions, the Nowhere Man accepts the mission to extract the daughter. Fast-paced and action-packed. The level of outright brutality is much higher in this than others in the series reflecting the real cartels. For that reason, I downgraded my usual 5 star rating to 4.5. Definitely not for the squeamish! Favorite parts were when he interacts with the important people in his life; Joey,.his proto foster teenager, still hacks into all nevesssry databases for him, but she resents his boundaries for her and his emotional ones too. His relationship with Mia and her son, Peter, are also bright spots in the story.

At the end of the last novel Orphan X novel, Evan Smoak aka The Nowhere Man had his penthouse apartment blown to pieces by a mini drone, an after effect of having helped his half-brother, Andrew Duran, get his life back on track. Did Evan die in the attack? Not likely.

In THE DARK HORSE, the 7th entry in the Gregg Hurwitz Orphan X series, Evan rises from the seeming dead, and he is refitting his penthouse with exactly the same décor as the last one, although Joey Morales, the Orphan Program washout super hacker Evan finds himself responsible for, tries to add a few outré touches to the interior decorating. And Evan is staying on track in his relationship with Mia Hall, a neighbor, assistant district attorney, and single mother to Peter who adores Evan.

Not looking for work, Smoak is nevertheless called to action by a South Texas drug kingpin, Aragon Urrea, whose daughter, Angelina, celebrating her quinceañera, has been kidnapped by a rival cartel run by a vicious man. Urrea is the patron of the neighborhood, and the reader is being asked to root for Angelina’s father. Even though he is a man who does bad things he is also a good man for his community. And he’s better than the other guy.

But I don’t buy it. Drugs are their capital, and I don’t want either of them to have a happy ending. Although, all is not as it seems on the surface, when the killing is all done, we still have dope dealers.

Urrea says on meeting Evan, “You’re not the strongest man I’ve ever met . . .not the most vicious…nor the best man.” That would be a no, no, and no. But Urrea wants him to find his daughter because, he says, “you’re . . . something else entirely.” And it’s that something else that helps the Nowhere Man stand apart.

I have really enjoyed the Orphan X novels, but Dark Horse is a weak entry. There is absolutely no character to root for. I’d also like to see more of Joey Morales; it seems like she could be an interesting character if given a plotline.

If you are just starting the series, go back to the beginning.

I have only recently discovered Evan Smoak (I swear, I was living under a rock!) so when I saw Dark Horse show up on NetGalley, I jumped at requesting it. Especially because I was just finishing up Book Six.

I loved how it picks right up...almost like this book was part 6 2.0 thats how it flows from one book to the other. So note to those out there who have not read any of the Orphan X books, this is not a standalone book. In order for it to make sense and for readers to get the most of the story, read the other books first!

In my own opinion, this was one of the most complicated missions that Evan has been given. I also thought it was a very moral book too as Evan's mission is helping a drug kingpin find his daughter. So of course, that makes Evan uncomfortable that he is essentially helping a bad person, but helping him find his daughter. This book dives a little bit more into Evan and adds another layer to him. I can not wait until the next book!

As usual, I read this epic installment of the Orphan X/Evan Smoak series in 24 hours, rushing because I NEEDED to know what happened next but trying to slow myself down to savor every perfect word. As always, Hurwitz's work is so exquisite that it defies reason. I wish that the book didn't have to end. I always wish that. I'm just glad now I have one more Orphan X book that I can go back and read again and again. In X's latest adventure, we meet Aragon Urrea, an "unconventional businessman" whose daughter has been kidnapped by a cartel. He has asked the Nowhere Man to do the impossible: rescue her. X tries to balance his mission with the confounding and confusing world of the people he has come to care about in his personal life. The regular cast of beloved characters are back: Joey, Tommy Stojak, Mia and Peter. Some of the dialogue made me laugh out loud. A lot. Some scenes were so poignant and heart wrenching that it brought tears to my eyes. One of the things I love most about this series is that Evan is always evolving--often against his will which makes it even more riveting. Each book in this incredible series gets better and better, somehow achieves more and more depth and heart. Dark Horse is no exception. Every page is a delectable thrill. The suspense, intrigue and menace leap from the pages. There are plenty of twists to keep you guessing as to what comes next. The action will keep you white-knuckling your book/ereader until the gasp-worthy end. The extraordinary writing will make you feel as though you're right beside Evan each and every moment of this incredible story. Magnificent and breath-taking! More, Mr. Hurwitz! We need more Evan Smoak!

My least favorite Orphan X novel—the wheels are beginning to spin in place, and the more we learn about Evan’s past the less interesting he seems—still beats most thrillers published these days.

Once again Gregg Hurwitz was able to capture the wild and fierce Evan Smoek in his new book Dark Horse. Evan, this time out, is pitted against a cartel of ruthless men, led by a man, Raul Montesco, who is evil, macabre, and merciless, as once again Even once again proves his where with all with amazing courage, strength, and mettle with a little help from his friends.

Coming off an attack on his homebase, Evan is not really up to taking on another mission as The Nowhere Man, and yet when Aragon Urrea, calls upon him he can't refuse. Aragon is no stranger to the violence of the cartels, living in South Texas and being the benevolent head of a drug dealing organization. The mission this time involves rescuing Aragon's young daughter, Angelina, who has been kidnapped by none other than Raul Montesco, the head of the cartel. Raul is a psychotic, surrounding himself with an arsenal of weapons, men, and violence that few can surpass. He even keeps a lion to entertain himself and others when he decides to use it as a manner of death. Evan, through death defying nerve and elaborate plans of his own takes on the job of saving Angelina, but as always there are things, not solely the men residing with Raul who have a license to kill, that will inhibit his ability.

In this segment, Mr. Hurwitz, presents to his readers the different sides of being a good person. It's an interesting concept and one where morality bumps quite heavily up against what good can be done through bad acts. Evan also forms a mano e mano friendship with Aragon, both being cut it seems out of the same cloth. We also get a deeper look into the secondary characters as Mia, facing a life altering decision, grows closer to Evan, as he must reckon with his feelings that have been suppressed for so long. The adorable Joey, also figures into the happenings with her computer, electronic wizardry in full sight. Joey wants to branch out, take a road trip alone and Evan balks at the thought of it. Evan's idea is always one that embraces control, but how does one control a brilliant sixteen-year-old?

The story comes together with all the unbridled strength and power Evan has and once again proves that The Nowhere Man has a big place in the thriller suspense category. Evan will have to power up again as now he is on the eye of a needle which belongs to the most powerful woman in the US.

Many thanks to Gregg Horowitz, Minotaur Books, and Net Galley for a copy of this book due out on February 8, 2022.

Dark Horse is the latest Orphan X story by Gregg Hurwitz. The NOWHERE Man is called into action to find a girl who was kidnapped at her 18th birthday party. Although part of an ongoing series, Dark Horse is a stand alone story. As usual Mr Hurwitz gives the reader plenty of breath holding edge of your seat moments. I want to thank NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an early copy to review.

I received this from Netgalley.com.

Seventh in series, X is back fighting the good fight against Mexican drug cartels. Although I enjoy the characters in this series, this installment was almost too over the top when it came to weaponry explanations and extreme sadistic violence. And I hated the ending!

2.75☆

Can the Nowhere Man control the cartel army to protect the innocent? Hurwitz studies drug distribution to see if there’s black and white, or just gray. Hurwitz finds the gray and Scott Brick tells the story. There’s never been an assassin I loved more. You really need to read or listen to this seventh Orphan X book; I believe this is the best so far.

As usual, the writing in this story is excellent. It draws you in right away and the story just keeps you engaged and needing to know what will happen the whole time. This installment had a few truly unexpected surprises in store that I did not see coming at all.

This was not my favorite installment in the series, yet it still earns a full four stars which should say something about the series as a whole. I love Evan and I love watching him grow as a character and seeing how all of his relationships develop. I'm enjoying all of the twists and turns this series takes.

What I didn't love in this particular installment was Joey. I'm disappointed that she seems to be getting less mature. I really loved her initially, but now she is becoming kind of annoying. Honestly, Peter, the nine year old comes across as more mature than Joey at sixteen. I'm hoping that a few new life experiences going into the next book will help with this.

Otherwise, this is just what you'd expect from an Orphan X book. There is action, growth of characters, changes in relationships, more new characters to enjoy. I hope to see some of the new characters pop up in future installments.

Personally, I don't think we needed the final twist. I don't think that particular aspect is necessary to keep the story interesting, but I'm happy to see where Hurwitz will go with it. I'm sure he'll manage to work it in well and develop it into something I wouldn't expect.

I'd love to see Evan take on some smaller cases and work on his interpersonal stuff a bit in the future. I love his relationships, not just with Joey and Mia, but also with Tommy and the other side characters as well. I feel like he's on the cusp of true growth and will need to work on compartmentalizing his relationships and his work. Well, that's my perspective anyway. Either way, I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment to see where Hurwitz takes Evan and us along for the ride.

Initial review:

Can't wait to read this one! I love this series!

Previous books:
Orphan X ★★★★
Buy a Bullet (1.5) ★★★★
The Nowhere Man ★★★★★
Hellbent ★★★★★
The Intern (3.5) ★★★
Out of the Dark ★★★★
Into the Fire ★★★★
The List (5.5) ★★★★★
Prodigal Son ★★★★★

I always get excited when the New Year rolls around, and one of the reasons for that is it’s time for a new Orphan X novel.

Dark Horse, the seventh installment in the Orphan X series, features The Nowhere Man, Evan Smoak. After being left with a cliffhanger at the end of the last novel, Prodigal Son, Evan is thrust right back into action, fighting (and falling) for his life.

When Evan’s RoamZone rings, he answers, “Do you need my help?”, he never expects the voice on the other end of the line to be a pseudo-cartel boss. As Evan starts traipsing across the country looking for the daughter of drug kingpin Aragon Urrea. Attempting to live by his Commandment which tells him, “One mission at a time,” Evan simultaneously finds himself in an emotional tug-of-war, between wanting to complete his mission, and wanting to be there when neighbor, and possibly lover, Mia Hall, needs him most.

This is yet another classic Orphan X tale, wrought with some of the most elegant, Shakespearean prose I ever read. Hurwitz is arguably the best pure-writer of the thriller genre. He can weave a story and sentence like none other. This novel is packed with so much action, you’ll need rehab after you finish. Another fantastic book from one of the best thriller writers out there.

One the very best Orphan X books. A unique story with the bad guy asking for help to save his daughter and Evan Smoak forced into a different environment as he deals with in effect kidnapping back the daughter. Based along the Texas-Mexico border, it was a hard to put down book and kept my interest throughout. After recovering from the explosion that destroyed his condo, he has to deal with his surrogate daughter Joey Morales and her wish to explore and grow as a person. Lots of action, lots of movement in his personal life, and lots of fun.

In the process of rebuilding his home and his life, Evan Smoakbecomes more determined to leave behind his past, first as Orphan X growing up in a government program so dark that the operatives don’t have names and finish their training better at infiltration, covert operations, and killing than even their employer is aware, and second as the Nowhere Man, no longer attached to the government but still equipped with the skills he learned there, now practicing them in defense of those with no options left. Available only by phone, his clients hear about him from the last person he saved. Smoak has decided to move past the life he has created until a new challenge is presented to him, one that creates a dilemma: the man who needs his help is despicable, a powerful South Texas drug lord whose request generates an immediate refusal from Smoak. A trip to Texas reveals a more complex man, one revered by his community for his generosity and for the obvious adoration he has for his family, which is the reason for his plea. His daughter, eighteen-year-old Anjelina, has been taken by a rival cartel, one whose brutal leader will not hesitate to kill her.

My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read this advance copy of Dark Horse.

Reviewed by Nancy at Nancys'BookNook, now available on Facebook.

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

PUBLICATION DAY: February 8, 2022

SUMMARY:
This is the story of Evan Smoak or Orphan X and the latest mission that comes his way. Having been pardoned of any crimes by the US government only if he stays out of the vigilante biz, Evan nonetheless cannot resist the pull of saving the innocents. This time, however, the client’s goodness is questionable…Aragon Urrea’s beloved daughter Anjelina is missing - kidnapped by a brutal cartel. But Aragon is no saint. Will Evan take the mission to save the innocent girl? (I think you know the answer to that one).

PROS and CONS:
Evan is all action, awkward interactions and one liners - he’s everything a hero should be. I did enjoy Evan’s interactions with the powerful/questionable men in this one, as well as the budding romance with Mia, but found myself a little disappointed in the story overall. Don’t get me wrong, I still love this series - but this one was not my favourite in the series.

READ IT?
The series is great! Definitely give Evan Smoak a chance!

4 Stars

I always love a good Evan Smoak/Nowhere Man story and Dark Horse does not disappoint.

What happens when the “bad” guy is the one who needs help?

It seems nothing can go right for Evan, even when trying to walk the straight and narrow to stay out of trouble.

I definitely recommend this book and series, so please start with book 1: Orphan X.

I am always excited when the new Orphan X comes out and for this one I couldn't wait until February. Hurwitz left us hanging at the end of the last one and I was eager to find out how Evan and Co. fared.

I definitely think this is X's most ambitious mission to date and if I may quote from the book itself, "the margin for error is exactly zero." X has to be perfect, not just great.

I was aware of Gregg Hurwitz as an author long before he began the Orphan X series, but had not read any of his works. This series has changed that. I will continue to follow this series for as long Mr. Hurwitz decides to write it and will continue to recommend to customers and co-workers alike.

Evan Smoak/ Orphan X/ Nowhere Man is back. Whatever you call him don’t get in his way. The action in this book starts from the 1st page and never lets up. Definitely a page turner. Can’t wait for the next book in the series. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

In the latest Gregg Hurwitz thriller, Evan Smoak, the Nowhere Man must grapple with the questions:
What makes a good man do bad things?
What makes a bad man do good things?
When he realizes the answers apply to him as well as his latest client, Orphan X faces his greatest challenge yet.
Mr Hurwitz proves yet again his Orphan X series is one of the best, with Hurwitz at the top of his game.

Can't thank NetGalley enough for this advanced theme park ticket to the latest 'Orphan X' rollercoaster ride.
Once I started reading this new harrowing adventure of Greg Hurwitz's indominable assassin Evan Smoak (aka. The Nowhere Man'), I knew all mundane things like sleeping would stop until I raced to the last page.
The Nowhere Man, raised since childhood to become a black ops lethal assassin, broke away from his handlers to live a life as a kind of modern day, hi-tech Knight Errant, coming to the rescue of those facing overwhelming odds. And in 'Dark Horse' he bends his moral compass somewhat to accept a desperate mission from Aragon Urrea, a powerful, shady kingpin presiding over an illegal drug running empire.
Urrea's cherished, beloved 18 year old daughter Angelina has been kidnapped by his most despised and dangerous rival from the Leones drug cartel in Mexico. Its leader, the psychotically violent Raul Montesco, presides over his own vast horrific kingdom where enslaved trafficked women are kept in cages and those who incur Montesco's wrath are fed alive to his pet lion.
Evan and Urrea come to an uneasy reckoning with each other about Evan deploying his considerable skills to help a man who operates outside the law in moral twilight......and agrees to undertake an unbelievably near suicidal undercover mission to extract Angelina from the cartel compound, This means single handedly outwitting, outfighting and and outgunning Montesco, his two sadistic bodyguards and a veritable army of heavily armed minions.
From that point on, the action is non-stop, breathless, graphic beyond description and filled with twists and excruciating suspense. (Imagine that Timothy Dalton Bond-Vs-Drug Lord film "Licence To Kill" if it had a juiced up with a hard R rating and directed by Quentin Tarantino.).
The Nowhere Man is no invincible superhero - he endures as much physical punishment as he hands out. And for all of us fans of the Orphan X universe, there's more wonderful byplay, both hilarious and touching between Evan and Joey Morales, the feisty, suffer-no-fools, delinquent girl whose genius command of computer hacking helps Evan infiltrate the cartel.
'Dark Horse' works just fine as a stand alone in the Orphan X series so you don't necessarily have to read previous books in the series before this one.......but once you finish it, you'll want to dive into the others like.....uh...yesterday. I dearly love reading any book where I don't have to hem and haw about how to rate it. and this one's an immediate, barn-burnin' 5 star read from start to finish.

Wow. Just wow. Love this series, loved this book (the 7th, for the record). I made the mistake of starting it early one afternoon, so the need to eat and sleep forced me to put it down once or twice instead of polishing it off in one day as would have been my choice. But trust me, I closed my Kindle with great reluctance.

To say that Evan Smoak, the star of the show, is carrying a ton of baggage from his past doesn't even come close to an accurate description. Suffice it to say that he survived his younger days as a highly trained assassin in the U.S. government's clandestine Orphan Program and has come out on the other side. Whether that's for better or worse depends on the situation, but now he's dropped his Orphan X identity and is known as The Nowhere Man - someone whose mission in life is to help people who have no one else to turn to.

Now in the process of restoring his high-tech condo digs after a blast that almost killed him, he's sort of settled into a relationship of sorts with his neighbor Mia Hall. His young tech buddy (and former Orphan survivor) Joey Morales is helping with the restoration, and Evan really wants a break. Alas, he won't get one; duty calls after a call from drug-dealer hotshot Aragon Urrea in South Texas. Evan has no interest in helping bad guys, but Aragon has a softer side; just like Evan, he helps many people less fortunate than himself. More to the point of the story, his beloved only daughter, Angelina, has been kidnapped by a rival cartel and taken to their headquarters compound in Mexico. Evan isn't thrilled with helping someone who most folks would consider one of the bad guys, but after meeting Aragon, he concludes that good and bad don't always show up in black and white - and in this instance, gray is an acceptable color.

From that point on, it's basically a story of how one man can rescue a damsel in distress without getting himself killed. In this instance, it ain't easy; Evan will need all the tricks of the trade he can muster (or get from friends) plus an abundance of intestinal fortitude. I'd throw in a modicum of luck, but I'm pretty sure Evan wouldn't buy that for one second; as the saying goes, luck happens only when preparedness meets opportunity. It's page after page of action - much of it on the horrific side - with close call after close call. If that weren't enough, a situation back at home takes a potentially deadly turn that turns out to be the cliffhanger at the end of the book (making me, of course, eager to get my hands on the next installment).

All in all, this is a series I highly recommend (if you can start at the beginning, so much the better, but I'm one who did not and had no difficulty figuring out what was going on in those I did read including this one). Many thanks once again to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy. Super good!