Evan Smoak, also known as Orphan X, is the man you turn too when you need help. His young niece gets his number and calls him to find her lost dog. Sounds simple enough, but when Evan finds the dog, it leads to a much bigger issue. There is an assassin as skilled as he is, killing people and making them look like accidents. Can Evan, with Joey and others, figure out who is behind all of it and put a stop to it? Plenty of action and inter soul searching for multiple people during this case.

Wow! This was what I wanted. Gregg brings Evan back to his core. So much fun with a lot of action and character development. There was one twist I did not see coming! Fantastic a must read for any Thriller fans!

I love the Orphan X books so much - Evan Smoak and his slowly expanding circle of confidants are some of my favorite characters ever, and I love all of the vigilante justice and assassins and conspiracies and violence. (His mag-lev floating bed still cracks me up though - so silly)

I ended up listening to this instead of reading it because I think I *need* to hear these books in Scott Brick’s voice or I’d feel lost. While this was super entertaining and fast-paced as always, this wasn’t my favorite of the series — the setup with the lost dog to get Evan in place to recognize his eventual big target felt a little too random, and I kind of zoned out during a lot of the AI technocrat billionaire soliloquies. That said, even my not-favorite Orphan X book is 100x better and more exciting than most books, so fans of the series need to snap this up ASAP.

(There was also a fun development with one of the recurring characters that made me very happy and a not-so-fun development with another side character that left me officially dying for book 10 because OMFG WHAT?!?)

Gregg Hurwitz returns following The Last Orphan (#8) and The Recital (#8.5) with his latest action-packed thriller, LONE WOLF (#9) — his popular Orphan X series that we love so much, his leading man and colorful cast of characters. ACTION-PACKED

THE SIMPLER THE MISSION—THE DEADLIER THE FALL.

Known as Orphan X, X, Evan Smoak, and the Nowhere Man, once a black book government assassin, he left the program, went underground, and reinvented himself to save others when they had nowhere else to turn. We have followed Evan from international crime syndicates and drug cartels to facing the most powerful men in the world.

There is a personal crisis, taking him back to the basics to help his niece find her missing dog. This is not his usual mission, but this job explodes into his biggest mission yet, which finds him between twisted AI techno billionaires, a mysterious female assassin (much like himself), and more twists and turns pushing him to his limit. (scary stuff).

Evan must take down the assassin, Wolf before she completes her mission and kills the people who can identify her—a teen daughter of her last target and Evan himself.

Who will win in the end? Has Evan met his match?

I have read all the books in this incredible series and enjoyed revisiting with characters from past books. I loved the banter and fun between Joey and X as they worked together on the case. We have seen lots of growth among the characters, and the author keeps the series fresh and clever with each installment.

LONE WOLF is mixed with humor, wit, action, suspense, and drama, a heart-pounding thriller full of twists! Thought-provoking, the author tackles real-life world issues of technology and artificial intelligence.

AUDIOBOOK: As usual, I would not miss an audiobook performance by the dazzling Scott Brick, who makes the characters come alive for a stellar performance.

I highly recommend this series, but you must start with Book #1 and enjoy the wild ride. Highly entertaining.

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for both a digital reading/review copy and an advanced listening audio copy for an honest opinion. #SMPInfluencers

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: 02/13/2024
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Feb 2024 Must-Read Books

Series:
BOOK 1
Orphan X

BOOK 1.5
Buy a Bullet

BOOK 2
The Nowhere Man

BOOK 3
Hellbent

BOOK 3.5
The Intern

BOOK 4
Out of the Dark

BOOK 5
Into the Fire

BOOK 5.5
The List

BOOK 6
Prodigal Son

BOOK 7
Dark Horse

BOOK 8
The Last Orphan

BOOK 8.5
The Recital

BOOK 9
Lone Wolf

This is the 9th book about Orphan X and as with the others, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I highly recommend this series if you enjoy action packed thrillers, but start with the first one “Orphan X“. It has a similar concept to “The Equalizer“ series and movie, in that it is about a man who will help when no one else can. In this one a lot of the dangers of AI and social media are explored, as the hero battles an assassin to save a teenage girl. It was such a fun (albeit violent) read. 4.5/5

For those new to Orphan X (also known as the Nowhere Man), Hurwitz does an amazing job summarizing Evan Smoak’s complex background as a foster child, his being picked as a young teen to be trained as a solo assassin, his deep bond with agent Jack who trained him but also served as a father figure and taught him how to hold on to his humanity. His eventually turning from assassin to hideaway from the government and self-styled justice vigilante helping anyone who finds themself in a desperate situation and deserves his help. His only ask from them is to pass on his phone number to anyone as desperate and deserving as themselves.

There is Evan’s solitude, OCD, his love of his aloe plant Vera, his passion for the world’s finest vodkas, and his ongoing difficulty processing and expressing emotions. But as seen throughout this novel, Evan isfinally learning to feel gratitude and love for those he cares for – especially Joey, a younger female assassin and brilliant computer hacker he's taking on as his protegy and acts for her the role of surrogate uncle. There’s also a super smart shift up from Evan’s love interest being a prosecutor, with whom a relationship would never would out given his illegal activities, and move to a super sleek, bad ass and sexy master forger.

There’s also some charming, laugh-out-loud, comic interludes, such as when a motley group of a mafiaso, weapons dealer, sexy assassin, and Evan all cheer her on at her first piano receital. Also, the constant hunt for the lost crazed (but much beloved) mutt of the daughter of Evan’s estranged, alcoholic half-brother.
Once again, the plot quickly rachets up into overdrive, as Evan finds himself facing off on a sniper as talented as he is and determined to kill Evan to save herself. There’s also much more bringing alive and character dives for two of Evan’s suppliers: his weapon’s dealer as well as this master forger.

This is a book you inhale, with its fast-as-rapids plot, compelling characters, startling acts of betrayal, and the powerful continued humanization of Evan.

More Orphan X please, as soon as possible!

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy.

Perhaps my favorite installment of the Orphan X series. It was fast paced and thrilling. And some great character development for Evan.

The Nowhere Man is back in Lone Wolf, Gregg Hurwitz's latest Orphan X novel. This time the enemies he saves us all from are using AI for targeted assassinations to prevent potentially bad people from doing bad things. (much like in the movie Minority Report). Evan must find and neutralize the assassin who is as skilled and creative as he is. At the same time Evan helps a newly discovered niece recover her lost ugly dog, helps feuding members of his HOA resolve some issues, and continues to help his teenage sidekick Joey learn to navigate a "normal" world. Fast paced, action packed and laced with funny bits, a great read to take on the plane, train or other place you'll have a few solid hours to immerse yourself in Evan's never boring world.

A missing dog starts off a chain of events Evan, AKA Agent X couldn’t have foreseen. All of a sudden he is in the sights of a trained assassin, trying to find out who the assassin is before she ends the life of an innocent victim. We see Evan put into uncomfortable personal relationships that he has to navigate all while trying to complete his mission. This was a good addition to the series, although it could be read as a stand alone I recommend the whole series. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

I am a huge Orphan X fan and gobble up the story every time a new book comes out. This plot of this story is a little different from the previous stories. Evan finds himself on a mission that has him feeling more emotional than he is accustomed to. Readers will enjoy Evan’s interactions with the children as they show his softer side. The author also gives us a different peak into the relationship with Evan and Joey which is just delightful. Every turn of the page leads to interesting and entertaining revelations. Readers will especially love the end of the story as it sets up what surely promises to be the next exciting installment of Orphan X. Make sure to buy your copy.

I’ve been a huge fan of this series since the beginning, but Lone Wolf was a disappointment for me.

My problems:

This book leans heavily into (melo)drama, which felt totally out of character for Evan Smoak. I get that the author is trying to make our MC evolve over the years, but this had way too much of a soap opera feel.

Then we had long passages of diatribe from various characters that came off as preachy, as if the author went into this with an agenda to push. It was all too much of an in-your-face vibe.

Interspersed around the drama and diatribe are a few over-the-top action scenes, and way too much repetitive information on the specifics of various high-end vodkas. I get it, already. Evan likes all the subtleties of flavor. Enough, please.

And, finally, my issues with the audiobook. My apologies to the narrator, but he simply didn’t work for this book. First, his voice is clearly that of a much older man than Evan. I kept picturing a gruff man in his fifties or sixties, while Evan is a quiet man in his thirties. To complicate the listening experience, the narrator’s tone is deep and gravelly, which was just weird when he read from the POV of a teenage girl. I couldn’t settle in.

I alternated with my Kindle copy, which I was more able to settle into, though the story still didn’t sit well.

I love Evan, so I’m rounding up to 3 stars.

*I received a free audiobook download from Macmillan Books, and a free eARC from Minotaur, via NetGalley.*

I received this from Netgalley.com.

Another great installment of Orphan X. Go get 'em X, we are all safer because you are fighting for us.

4☆

Lone Wolf Unleashes a Thrilling Tale of Redemption, Danger, and Unlikely Bonds

Greg Hurwitz's latest installment in the Orphan X series, "Lone Wolf," takes readers on a heart-pounding journey that showcases the evolution of the formidable protagonist, Evan Smoak. In this riveting adventure, Hurwitz masterfully weaves together elements of suspense, action, and unexpected emotion, delivering a story that is as intense as it is touching.

The narrative picks up with Evan Smoak, once a government assassin known as Orphan X, navigating the treacherous waters of his new life outside the Program. This time, however, the stakes are different – a missing dog sets off a chain of events that thrusts Evan into a mission that is both personal and perilous. It's a departure from his usual world of international crime syndicates and high-stakes espionage, and Hurwitz skillfully keeps readers guessing as the seemingly innocuous task evolves into Evan's most challenging assignment yet.

What makes "Lone Wolf" stand out is its exploration of Evan's character beyond the stoic assassin persona. Hurwitz delves into Evan's internal struggles, allowing readers a glimpse into the complex emotions that drive this enigmatic hero. The unexpected personal crisis adds depth to Evan's character, making him more relatable and human than ever before.

The plot is a rollercoaster of twists and turns, with Evan facing off against a formidable adversary – the mysterious female assassin known as the Wolf. The dynamic between Evan and the Wolf creates a tense and electrifying atmosphere, as they match wits, skills, and instincts in a high-stakes game of survival. The inclusion of twisted AI technocrat billionaires adds a modern and relevant layer to the story, elevating the narrative to a thrilling and thought-provoking level.

Hurwitz's prose is sharp and compelling, propelling the story forward with a relentless pace. The author excels at creating vivid and immersive scenes, whether it's a high-stakes action sequence or a moment of quiet introspection. The dialogue is crisp, and the character interactions are infused with tension and authenticity.

"Lone Wolf" is not just a pulse-pounding thriller; it's a testament to Hurwitz's ability to craft a narrative that seamlessly blends action with emotion. As Evan Smoak faces personal demons and unexpected challenges, readers will find themselves on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages to uncover the next twist in this gripping tale of redemption and resilience. Greg Hurwitz once again proves why he is a master of the genre, delivering a truly satisfying and exhilarating reading experience.

Another good mission for X. I'm also glad to see him (& Joey) trying to be more sociable, even though it's way out of their skill set. The story opens with what is basically a plot device meant to bring X to the real mission. Which it does, although for the rest of the story, I found myself thinking "yeah, yeah, but what about the 'plot device'?"
Still, there were some good revelations, both personal & professional, and I'm enjoyed the story.

I received this book from the Author, the publisher (St. Martin's Press) and the fine folks at NetGalley.com in an honest review.

This was my first venture into the realm of Orphan X and the works of Gregg Andrew Hurwitz. This is the ninth book in the series (and after reading it, maybe I should have started with an earlier book so I would know a little more about each of the main characters).

The Orphan X follows the life of an ex-government assassin on the run from the US Intelligence community, who as the Nowhere Man is trying to make up for his past. He helps random people who are in need of his expert skills. Apparently, in the past, this has typically involved kidnappings, murders, and even drug cartels. Your typical, everyday tough guy stuff. But when his roam zone phone rings, (an embarrassing tune thanks to Joey) this request for help falls close to home. His niece has lost her dog and begs Evan to help find him.

Evan becomes involved in another adventure initially searching for a missing dog that belongs to his niece. As he starts his search for his niece's dog, Loco, his minor adventure leads to the discovery of an assassin as skilled as he, a trail of murder, human trafficking, AI technology, a pair of power-hungry tech giants, and a plethora of bad guys.

I would recommend this book (and the series) to those readers who are fans of David Archer and Mark Greaney and would give this book a solid four stars (primarily for the descriptive nature of the firearms used).

As with all my literary ramblings, this is just a few of my five cents worth.

Evan Smoak is back and better than ever. As the Nowhere Man, he can do no wrong while trying to help innocent people in danger. I was happy to have more of Joey and Dog plus the antics of the HOA in his condo building. There is a fight/chase scene pretty early in the book that is more intense and fantastical than previous books but the ending was calmer. I really liked the ending of the book and the actual plot - the reason for the violence - felt a little too close to current reality. I can’t wait for the next installment!

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the arc.

The NoWhereMan returns in this newest novel by Hurwitz as the author's protagonist struggles with his personal emotional demons and social limitations as he faces off against tech developers, AI and an assassin with skills that rival his own. This novel starts somewhat slow but then quickly grabs the reader for a high octane, intense journey portraying both the emotional struggles of the novel's characters and the cutting edge thriller of NoWhereMan novels.

Highly recommended.

One of my most anticipated reads and it didn't disappoint! 🤩

This is #9 in the series and I think its my favorite so far! Evan has really surpassed all expectations as he outmaneuvers the baddies and saves the innocents (and even a little dog this time)! 🐶

Joey and her Dog are back and bring so so much humor! She knows just how to push Evan's buttons and this added so many LOL moments.

You'll get high octane action in this installment, some heartfelt emotions, heart pounding/tension filled chase scenes that had me gasping throughout. I could feel my muscles tensing up as I was right there at the scene of danger. Yikesey 😱

Pick this one up when you crave some high energy scenes or if you love this series and want to see Evan back at it with his white hat and shot of vodka! Always living on the edge.

Gregg Hurwitz has written one of the best action series of all time and I wonder when his amazing character Evan Smoak, aka Orphan X, aka The Nowhere Man, will arrive on the big screen. Until then, I’ll continue to anticipate and devour each book in the series. The stories are so compelling they’re worth reading at least twice.

Hurwitz’s newest offering Lone Wolf is no exception. The tale opens simply enough–the Nowhere Man is asked to find a lost dog–which is about ten million notches below his well-honed capabilities, but then the story expands and tightens while the stakes raise higher and higher until the reader is gripping the book so tight the hands ache. Yes, it’s that good.

If action thrillers involving murder and subterfuge are for you, Lone Wolf offers these adrenaline rushes, along with something much more terrifying–the bone chilling details about Artificial Intelligence (AI), tech moguls and their algorithms, and how they will ultimately control all of us, all the time. The painted picture is more frightening than any horror movie.

Evan Smoak, The Nowhere Man, faces the tech geniuses head-on in Lone Wolf. Evan never ceases to impress and amaze with his insight, skill, and ability to balance ruthlessness with a modicum of compassion. He’s an assassin taught by his trainer to maintain his humanity, if not his conscience. That nearly impossible balance is at the heart of every mission Evan takes, and his success is one reason this Five Star series continues to be exceptional.

I highly recommend that readers start with the first book in the series, Orphan X, and pick up any or all of the subsequent books to follow Evan’s character arc. If you love gritty action heroes, like I do, this series is bound to thrill, entertain, and stay with you. Don’t miss this series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for providing an ARC to read and review. This review will post to Bayside Book Reviews at https://baysidebookreviews.com and its Instagram page on release day. Follow us! *NetGalley Top Reviewer*

Gregg Hurwitz has done it again in his latest installment of the Orphan X Series, “Lone Wolf,” when former US black ops specialist, Evan, on the hunt for his niece’s lost dog, is accidentally put in the middle of the corrupt and manipulative metaverse AI revolution that is subliminally targeting and persuading users everywhere through cell phones, smart TVs, e-pads, and all conceivable electronic devices to do the bidding of billion dollar corporations —in terms of eating, shopping, healthcare, investing, voting, reading, etc.—the possibilities are endless in this algorithmic driven approach—as we already experience it’s targeted predictive nature while searching web sites or writing and see words completed when typing.

This novel definitively put the fear of Big Brother in Me—not so much the George Orwell version portrayed in his groundbreaking novel, “1984,” but because of our current society’s ubiquitous use of electronic devices and the advancements in Artificial Intelligence that is not only streamlining manufacturing processes, but predicting future trends and actions of people. What exactly do Alexis and Siri hear and collect about individual users? Scary, Huh?

Although presented in a fictional novel format, Hurwitz in “Lone Wolf,” offers salient evidence of current and emerging technological trends in an easy to understand, cogent manner—although terrifying for those readers with a brain willing to comprehend and grasp what the true message behind this story. It’s an eye-opener.

JoyReaderGirl1 graciously thanks NetGalley, Author Gregg Hurwitz, and Publisher Minotaur Books for this advanced reader’s copy (ARC) for review.