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.

Thanks to NetGalley, St.Martins Press and Minotaur Books for the preview copy.

This is yet another addition to a favorite series. One caveat. It seems like Hurwitz is adding more technical descriptions to the weaponry à la Clancy. Totally not necessary, and getting to the annoying point. If I wanted Jack Ryan, I would read those.

Overall, another pageturner; well worth the binge reading time.

Gregg Hurwitz is back and in fighting form! Lone Wolf is a superb continuation of the Orphan X series and a return to what made the series great to begin with...tremendous action scenes. The last two books in the series before Lone Wolf were letdowns with flabby plotting and too much emotionalism leaving me to wonder if Hurwitz had lost his talent. Lone Wolf, however, brings back past glory and is one of the best in the serties!

I stumbled upon the nowhere man series after reading all the classic novels that are similar. I have always enjoyed them. But this newest one is great because i finally feel as though I get the human element out of Evan. I can understand more of his personal self as much as one can out of an assassin character. This installment of the Orphan X series is maybe my favorite one, as I get that human element. Plus i love Joey and her relationship with X. Last thing, Loco is my hero.

I received a free advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

OMG, this book! Evan, Joey, and more! Couldn’t put it down and can’t wait for more…because that ending!

I'm a huge fan of this series
Exceptional as always, all around
What I would like similar to other side fun events
Is a contest.drawing the dog
I think it would be the funniest thing ever
What people would come up wirh
The description alone had me laughing randomly

etting access to a Nowhere Man book in advance of publication is a great gift and I thank NetGalley. As a long-time fan of the series, Lone Wolf did not disappoint. The two sentence prologue lets you know you are in for a thrill ride. It delivers at a heart stopping pace. In pursuit of his niece’s lost dog, Loco, Evan accidentally comes upon a murder of a scientist connected to the AI industry. With the murderer still on the scene, Evan winds up witness to an attempt on the scientist’s daughter. As Evan sets out to understand the why and the who, once again working with his protege, Joey, he becomes ensnared in companies and leaders in the development of AI. Those leaders are totally focused on maintaining power, at the expense of ordinary folk. Evan observes “It was always the same—the same suffering and destruction, the same age-old battles, the same powerful men looking down at it all from on high through the filter of the latest ads ideology.” The further he investigates, the the benefits as well as the dangers inherent in the application of AI become clear. And when he identifies The Wolf as responsible for the very high-stakes cat and mouse game is on.

While the book is action-packed and takes some unexpected turns, it delves much more into the private side of Evan and Joey, as well as some of the supporting characters. We learn more about Evan’s family and see his attempts at being more empathetic. Joey, as always, adds a lot of personality to the book. While Evan’s mantra is 'Never make it personal', his handler, Jack, had said “the hardest part wasn’t teaching Evan to be an assassin. The harder part was keeping him human”. It’s very interesting to see Evan working at maintaining a balance and becoming more approachable.

This ranks right up there in the Orphan X series and I found it to be moving. Lone Wolf will be released on February 13, 2024. Mark your calendar.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for this ARC. Lone Wolf is a great addition to the Orphan X series. Action packed, smart, scary and funny; yes more great villains to deal with. Add some family dynamics to maneuver through and social issues to grapple with and you have another great novel. Fantastic!

The Orphan X series has easily become one of my favorite series and the ninth installment Lone Wolf does not disappoint. Evan thinking he can retire? We all know that is not going to happen as he cannot help himself in assisting his niece find her lost dog. The mission to find the lost dog spirals into him confronting one of the most deadliest adversaries he has faced yet. While the mission and opponents he faces are great, the favorite parts of this book for me were the interactions between him and Joey. Their near father/daughter relationship is very real with ups and downs but continues to be one of the best plot lines of the last few books, including this one. His mission to assist his niece brings about a discussion ripped from today's headlines involving artificial intelligence and our invasion of privacy by big tech. The ending does not disappoint and I am anxiously already awaiting book 10.

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of LONE WOLF (Book 9 of the Orphan X thriller series) by Gregg Hurwitz in exchange for an honest review. Evan Smoak makes the mistake of visiting his father. This sends him in an emotional spiral when he really needs to be focused because he’s being hunted by an assassin. Who knew his niece’s simple request for Evan to find her missing dog would lead Evan to a murder in progress, a teenage victim in need of saving, a police manhunt, a human trafficking ring, and a technological grand conspiracy? Evan, who already struggles with normal relationships, has come to a point where he has to figure out what to do about a couple of those difficult things. Meanwhile, Evan’s brilliant protegee also struggles with “normal” and depends on Evan to coach her through typical college interactions. Someone’s having a stressful week.

I liked this book and enjoy the series. I recommend the book to fans of Equalizer-type vigilante thrillers.

The author continues the series on Orphan X. I have read all 9 and this one does not disappoint. Like the others is it engaging which makes it a fast read. In this book Evan gets involved with a lost dog and the competition among AI companies. I strongly recommend this series.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog.

Lone Wolf (An Orphan X novel) by Gregg Hurwitz. Orphan X, whose real name is Evan Smoak, is a trained assassin. He was trained by one of the agencies of the US government but has been allowed to resign and operate on his own. He is known as the Nowhere Man and is contacted by people who need help. His clients come to him strictly by word of mouth. He has a cohort, partner if you will, a seventeen-year-old woman named Joey (Josephine in times of severe aggravation) who is a hacker extraordinaire. He is OCD to the max and lives a very regimented life. Joey is the opposite and she has moved in with him to handle this case. It should have been simple: a lost dog. The lost dog of his half-brother’s daughter, Sofia. Her father had told her Evan could do anything and given her his phone number. His carefully build walls were beginning to show cracks and she was one. He could not say no to her. Locating the dog had been easy for Joey but when X had gone in to retrieve it, he found himself in the midst of a double assassination. The target was dead but his seventeen-year-old daughter was on her way up in the elevator at this moment. She saw the assassin’s face and so signed her own death warrant. X was able to save her with emergency surgery but so began a horrendous police chase, which, thankfully, he escaped.

I read this book as a scathing condemnation of AI: Artificial Intelligence. It showed both good and bad but clearly showed how even good men could be hypnotized by it and succumb to its power. It was frightening to behold. It couldn’t stop X from righting the wrongs perpetrated by these men and this power. The dog escaped in the middle of the police chase and so was still at large and Sofia’s faith was being sorely tested. I love Orphan X. I hate violence. I hate chase scenes. This novel puts those things into perspective and also presents will a good story, excellent plotting, and interesting characters, even the bad guys. This is the third Orphan X novel I have read and I am more enthralled than ever. Seemingly bad guys who are really good guys. What a theme!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Lone Wolf (An Orphan X novel) by St Martin’s Press, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #GreggHurwitz #LoneWolf

In the thrilling ninth installment of the Evan Smoak series, Gregg Hurwitz once again proves his mastery in crafting a gripping narrative. From the very first pages, the reader is catapulted into a pulse-pounding roller coaster of action, setting the tone for an emotionally charged and commanding experience.

Smoak, the enigmatic Nowhere Man, embarks on what initially appears to be a simple mission—finding a lost dog for his half-niece. However, as the plot unfolds, Hurwitz skillfully weaves a complex web involving the murder of an AI-connected individual, a formidable female assassin matching Evan's abilities, and the ominous exploration of power and AI by two billionaires. The author's genius shines through in the creation of clever characters and sharp dialogue, infusing the novel with a dynamic power and zest.

Hurwitz doesn't shy away from exploring the darker facets of the technological landscape, delving into the potential dangers of AI with a chilling realism. Amidst the chaos and suspense, heads roll, and the emotional landscape and vulnerabilities of Evan's assistant, Joey, add an extra layer of depth to the narrative.

The novel is not merely a high-octane thriller; it serves as a thought-provoking exploration of AI's possibilities and the ethical dilemmas surrounding its advancement. The author seamlessly integrates technological insights, providing readers with a myriad of perspectives on the ever-evolving world of artificial intelligence.

As the story hurtles towards its climax, Hurwitz expertly ties together the threads of the narrative, delivering a pitch-perfect ending that leaves the reader both satisfied and hungry for more. In "Title of the Novel," Gregg Hurwitz cements his status as a master storyteller, delivering a splendid addition to the Evan Smoak series that is sure to captivate fans and newcomers alike.

I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.

****SPOILERS****

I have read every Orphan X book and this one did not disappoint. While the subject matter of this book was a bit disconcerting, Our hero was up to the challenge.

Since this book was so tech related, I felt the chapter with Allman describing what AI can and already does, went on way too long. I understand the fact a picture was trying to be painted, but that particular section of the book bordered on redundant.

I missed the interaction of Mia and her son in this book. While the author replaced that "human" interaction with one of his brother, I still missed reading; EVAN SMOAK!

I was very glad to have the usual cast of characters from Castle Heights back into the mix. These side characters are what keeps Evan human.

Overall, I give Lone Wolf a 10/10 and I look forward to the continued adventures and discoveries of Orphan X.

Evan Smoak is one of my very favorite heroes. I love the Nowhere Man series and am always grateful to read an advanced copy. This one started in a rather unusual way which made it even more entertaining. I love the living space where Evan lives and his info about vodka. The action is very good. I highly recommend anyone who wants a consistently action-packed series to read the Nowhere Man series.

After 9 of these, I feel like it's safe to say that I will never get tired of the Orphan X series. Definitely one of my most anticipated releases each year.

This book had everything that I look for in an Orphan X novel and more! I have to admit that I have been addicted to this series since it first came out in 2016. This is #9 in the series, and it is just as fresh, suspenseful, and exciting as the first one; maybe even better! Orphan X fans are not going to want to miss this one!

How does a search for a missing dog lead to an assassin, a trail of murder, human trafficking, AI technology, a pair of power-hungry tech giants, and a plethora of bad guys? When it is an Orphan X novel, with Evan Smoak taking the lead, it really comes as no surprise.

Evan is put into situations that require him to do "bad things for good reasons". Whether it's finding a lost puppy for his niece or tracking down as assassin, Evan is the man for the job. He is rough, tough, and ready, but has a gentler side as well.

I love the supporting cast of characters in this series almost as much as I adore the main character. Evan has Joey, his 17-year-old precocious ward, to help him with all the computer technology necessary for the job, Tommy to provide him with all the military armaments he could possibly need, and the hilarious day-to-day goings on of the older generation that lives in his condo building to give him cover and keep him grounded.

Someone should definitely make the Orphan X novels into a movie or a TV series!

My sincere thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for giving me the opportunity to read this fantastic ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.