This is my first Orphan X book. I know I’m late to the game, but you have to start sometime. I found myself easily picking things up and loving the story even with no previous experience in this world. I do wish that I had more than the minimum experience with the relationships in the series. I may have to go back and read the rest.

Let me start by saying, I LOVE THIS SERIES! and I recommend it often. The narrator of the audiobook is Evan Smoak to me. He does all the variations of characters to perfection! On his last "mission" he has a slight mishap (by a fraction of a second) with his ammunition. He knows he has no one to blame but his longest friend Tommy Stojack. When he tasks Joey to finding what Tommy has been up to he finds Tommy has been supplying others, bad characters. When he confronts Tommy things go off the rails. When Evan gets his bearings back he goes back to confront Tommy but is met with a sniper and assassins. Little did he know Tommy was not there as he had left to meet up with the son of a man he had served with. Tommy has found himself a whole crazy town of scandal, the chief of police covering up crime, the boys playing at militia and murdering a family, and Tommy in the middle trying to make it right. Now Evan has come to town and the Nowhere Man does not play nice when setting things straight. To say nothing about Joey having her own identity crisis trying to fit in at UCLA. I LOVE THIS SERIES! I highly recommend it. You can read each book as a standalone but I prefer the audiobook.

Evan Smoak is back!! Strap in for another wild ride in the Orphan X series. The character development and evolution was very well done, and the intrigue kept me on the edge of my seat! I listened to the audiobook version, and I thought the narrator was just excellent. I can attest that this truly is a KNOCKOUT! Definitely recommend for Orphan X fans and for those just getting into the series.

This is latest of the Orphan X series, and I listened to the audiobook. Evan Smoak (Orphan X) and his long-time friend Tommy Stojack are squabbling (really more serious than that), and it affects the mission. These two have been very tight up until now, and it’s hard to see them at odds.

I really liked the character development in this installment. We haven’t gotten to see the personal details included before, and they definitely added to the story and its depth. Joey also has a somewhat antagonistic stance with Evan, but she *is* a teenager, after all. Scott Brick’s narration is first-rate.

This one is definitely a don’t-miss in the Orphan X series. The action doesn’t stop, and the added character depth just left me wanting more!

Five stars!

One of the most interesting book in this captivating series. Hurwitz once again shows evolution in both his writing style and the humanity of his iconic character. Absolute must read!

This series just keeps getting better and better. In this edition the main characters, Evan, Joey and Tommy test the limits of their friendship. Each is taking a very introspective look at their beliefs and trying to reconcile them with their present situation. This provocative, somewhat dark and twisted story grabs you from the first page and keeps you guessing until the very end where the authors insert a deliciously wicked twist. The end had a satisfying, realistic conclusion; but enough justice for everyone.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Evan Smoak has always lived by a ridged set of rules. Rules he refuses to break. So when Tommy Stojack, Evan’s best friend, crosses a line he goes to confront him, only to end up on the wrong side of an ambush. Evan survives, naturally, but that only leaves him further enraged and dead set on getting some payback. That is just the start of this explosive adventure. There is so much happening in this one you may just need to take some notes, lol. No, seriously there are many moving parts in this story, and incredible author that he is Hurwitz has them working together like the finest Swiss watch. This is a brilliant ballet of action and adventure. Every time one of these books come out I’m left asking the same question, how have these stories not been made into movies yet? This is the tenth of the Orphan X novels, and while I really believe they can each be read as a standalone, you’ll want to read them all. This was the review I wrote about a month ago when I read an eARC of the novel. Now I was given the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of the audio version and have to say it was just as the second time around. Once again Scott Brick is back as the narrator and as always he does an incredible job. I always love when a series keeps a consistent narrator, especially when they are as talented as Mr. Brick. I’d like to thank St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of Nemesis, and Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the allowing me the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of the audio version. No matter how you choose to experience Nemesis you won’t be disappointed.

https://www.amazon.com/review/RJK4TRRDKGAMB/ref=pe_123899240_1043597390_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Evan Smoak was trained as an elite assassin for a covert government organization but has since left the program after some dark discoveries. Now Evan operates as The Nowhere Man helping the helpless when they have nowhere else to turn.

Each of the Orphan X books has a problem that is solved, but the repercussions of Evan’s decision to leave the Orphan program and his relationships are ongoing and progressive, so it’s best to start the series from the beginning. If you haven’t started this series, you’re in for a treat! Thrilling action, compelling missions interspersed with clever, dry humor make Orphan X one of my all-time favorite series!

I thought this installment had a more serious undertone than the prior stories. The story centers on a tragedy Tommy wades into when the son of a man he served with calls for help. It’s not pretty. Ignorance, hatred and complete idiocy factor in. A situation I could easily see playing out currently in real-life! It’s heartbreaking on both sides. Evan becomes involved, too.

Despite trying to stay off the radar and keep others free from the danger he faces, Evan’s gathered friends. I’ve loved seeing those relationships grow and evolve through the series. However, this installment has one of those relationships on rocky ground! I didn’t know how it’d work out. I was happy and sad by the end! As usual, I eagerly look forward to the next installment!

I alternately read and listened to the audiobook and can recommend either version, but the audios are fantastic! Scott Brick is an excellent narrator, bringing Evan to life. He IS Evan Smoak to me now! His female voices and accents are also well done, and his comedic timing is spot on!

Nemesis AUDIO and print by Gregg Hurwitz is the newest addition in the Orphan X Saga. Evan has to deal with the ups and downs of friendship which is a new world for him when he judges Tommy and deals with what he sees as a betrayal the only way he knows how. He misreads what happens at Tommy’s compound and follows him across country, where Tommy becomes a kind of foster parent for the son of a man he didn’t even like, but had made a promise to. Since Evan is there, he gets involved too, but from a different perspective. Meanwhile he is dealing with the teenage girl issues of his mentee, a girl who he rescued from the program and has set up for a life. She is a computer genius and Evan uses her skill regularly. This time she wants to use it for herself, not being mature enough and worldly wise enough to see the dangers ahead as well as know how teenage girls behave, an area in which Evan has no expertise either.

Evan Smoak is a trained government assassin who has broken away and works for himself. He is slowly becoming human after many years of having it trained out of him. He is violent and opinionated and ready to help whenever and wherever he can. His human relationships are few and difficult for him to manage. His communication skills are even worse. He is an absolutely fabulous character: lovable and righteous. The plot is fast moving and makes sense from Evan’s point of view, if not always to the reader’s who has more information. It is an exciting read and an even more exciting listen.

Scott Brick is the narrator and as always, is the perfect fit. Keeping with the program and staying calm even when things are falling apart. He may read a little faster somtimes, but he is always right there. No better choice.

I was invited to listen to Nemesis by MacMilllan Audio and read it before publication by St Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #MacMillanAudio #StMartinsPress
#ScottBrick #GreggHurwitz #Nemesis #TheNowhereMan

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart


Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I LOVE the Orphan X series. I recommend reading from the beginning, in order, for the character and world developments. Evan has grown and become more personable throughout the series. He grapples with his Orphan rules and the feelings for people. I worry for him in every book.

Evan has some real issues with probably the two most important people in his life. One is Joey; the other is Tommy. He found out Tommy supplied the bad guys in the previous adventure. Evan feels betrayed and Nemesis is about that struggle with someone who is the closest to friend he has. He goes to talk to Tommy and it doesn't go well. He tries again and runs into a bunch of assassins. Evan and Tommy are horrible with communication and are at odds a lot in this adventure.

Tommy ends up out of town to try to help the son of an old military buddy. The son has done some horrible things, not meaning to do them but people died. Evan follows him there and is not thrilled with the racist good old boys covering up white boy's crimes. Tommy tries to educate the white boys with some success.

Joey has tried to get in with a girl's group at college. They do a meme to support women and Joey uses her skills to make it go viral. But Evan points out to her that she didn't fully research the issue and when it goes south Joey struggles. Luckily, she has Candy and Evan to help her to better options.

I really appreciated the emotional journeys Evan, Tommy and Joey took here. They are strong people who mostly are alone and follow their own codes. When things go wrong, they question themselves and their codes. They try to fit things into their morality and learn.

Narration:
Scott Brick is a narrator is the voice of this series. I am completely settled into his voices for the characters and loved his performance. He does a nice differentiation with all the ages and locations. I enjoyed his performance so much. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.

Tommy Stojack might be Evan’s best friend in the world. He’s a gifted gunsmith who has created much of Evan’s own weapons and combat gear. But now, he has apparently crossed one of Evan’s hardest lines and their argument explodes into open warfare. Now Evan has no choice but to track and face down his only friend.

As with all Ophan X books, you have a little bit of humor, a good amount of intensity and a large amount of fighting. And no one fights better than Evan. He is tough as nails, lightening quick and he ain’t stupid! I have to say, Gregg Hurwitz can create some amazing fight sequences that get your heart pumping! And the beef between Evan and Tommy will definitely have you stressing a bit!

To say I enjoy this series is an understatement. This is book #10 in this series and yes I have read and enjoyed every one. It is not necessary that you read them in order. But, I would read the first one to understand what all Evan has been through.

I have said this before and I will say this again…the narrator, Scott Brick, is the best in the world. And believe me…he is Orphan X!

Need a fast paced, full of fight scenes, thriller…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest opinion!

Greg Hurwitz returns with his popular Orphan X series (a favorite) with #10, NEMESIS, taking us even deeper into the complex personality of Evan Smoak, The Nowhere Man, in this action-packed thriller, leaving fans anxiously awaiting the next in the series.

NO GREATER FRIEND.
NO WORSE ENEMY.

About...

If you have read all the books in the series as I have, you know Evan is a highly trained former government assassin who survived for years keeping a few trusted confidants and adhering to a strict code of "The Ten Commandments.

In this installment, Evan is at odds with his oldest friend, Tommy Stojack (we go back 15 years), and the rules are shattered. He is a gifted gunsmith who has created many of Evan's weapons, but now he has crossed a line. He has to track down this friend and face him face to face.

Tommy has left town to deal with a dead friend's son, and Evan is out to find him. But there is something more dangerous and sinister going down. Who will make it out alive?

My thoughts...

In NEMESIS, lines are blurred, and loyalties are tested with multiple enemies in this high-adrenaline action-packed installment. From trained killers, The Four Horseman, a crooked sheriff, and others.

We witness Evan grappling with the conflict between his Orphan Program training and his sense of humanity. He introspects and questions his friendships, and the ongoing inner turmoil adds emotional depth to this character we have grown to love.

The author brilliantly keeps his fans entertained, from the struggle between good and evil to exploring friendships and betrayals, emotions, soul searching, values, and rules. Evan, who has not had an easy life, faces his Nemesis, perhaps the most demanding challenge he has ever faced, showing us that personal growth is always possible.

In addition, fans will be delighted to catch up with Joey (age 17) as she struggles to find her place in society with social media and hatred.

Audiobook...

I enjoyed experiencing the audiobook narrated by the talented Scott Brick. His exceptional performance, with a voice that perfectly suits the story, elevates the narrative, bringing the characters, setting, action, and suspense to life. It's a must-listen for any fan of the series!

Recs...

NEMESIS is for fans of the Orphan X series and Greg Hurwitz as well as Evan and Joey and looking into the characters even more as we glimpse into characters and things they may hide from others. Highly recommend.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio, Minotaur Books, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for a digital advanced review copy and advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Feb 11, 2025
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Packed with great scenes, plus we get to see how Evan and Tommy handle things while they’re on the outs. Some parts weren’t for me, especially with how close it felt to real world events, and I could have done without the racial slurs. But overall, it’s an intense listen. Scott Brick nails the narration, his portrayal of X is spot on, and I wouldn’t want anyone else to portray Evan. This one definitely sets up the next book, and it’s gonna be good!

Book #10 in the Orphan X/ Nowhere Man series. Evan Smoak is an assassin. As the Nowhere Man, he was trained to kill with no regrets or thoughts before or after the act. When it became clear that he could not/ would not kill without question, Evan morphed into Orphan X, a man who kills to protect the innocent and/or even the odds in the battle of good vs evil. His way of life leaves little space for friends, anyone he cares for could easily be used as a weapon against him. Those few he does keep close are all aware of the code Evan lives by. When he has cause to question the loyalty of Tommy Stojack, not just his friend but his armorer on many assignments. his code leaves him no room to consider the options. This is one story arc that will influence the men's actions throughout NEMESIS.

The Orphan X series is definitely an action/ thriller that will satisfy the most hardened fan. But, it's also the story of Evan's life and the consequences he accepts with each challenge. As his character has matured and developed a code of honor that brings him into the fight against any and all who would harm the United States and it's people, or compromise the safety and security of those who would do no harm, the series has developed a depth that touches the emotions of readers. This is the first book in which Evan displays more emotion than usual, but it suits the man he has become. To do yourself and the series justice, it should be read in order.

I both read and listened to the audio book. Although I have read all of the books, this is the first OrphanX audiobook for me. Scott Brick has done an outstanding job of bringing Evan to life and adding another dimension to the story. I would be hard pressed to say which I enjoyed more.

I am almost speechless, by far I think Nemesis is my favorite book of the Orphan X series so far. Maybe. Possibly. The story picks up the Tommy and Evan plotline that began in Lone Wolf , and I couldn’t put it down. The ending was purely devastating. The book is about a hundred pages longer than it’s predecessors and worth every minute spent in the pages.

Tommy is called to help a gaggle of sad, hateful, and mostly scared young men, while Evan is tracking down his old friend over weapon sales that caused innocents to die. But is Evan really any better than the others? Pride and duty are tough things to reconcile and all I could hope was that their friendship was strong enough 😭

The main theme here was degrees of separation despite how similar we all really are. It’s something we all need a dose of right now. That said, yes these books do read as standalones but I do absolutely not recommend starting here because you need some appreciation of the side characters and prior book first to fully invest in where the storyline is at.

Finally we got the full Tommy story. He’s developed over the years into one of my favorite characters so Nemesis was a great and much anticipated read & listen for me. The book is action packed and full of hard lessons. Joey learns some even harder lessons while trying to figure out how much normalcy she can handle. Evan has to do some serious soul searching when his only true friend crosses the moral code he’s built his entire life on.

Everything I’ve come to expect from these books came through but gosh that ending had me damn near bawling and I don’t know where to go from here! Usually the X books end on some kind of cliffhanger or thread towards the next plot but this time Hurwitz wanted to give everyone some breathing room. As always, another excellent performance by Scott Brick as well ♥️

https://onereadingnurse.com/2025/02/08/nemesis-by-gregg-hurwitz-audiobook-review/

Also on Instagram and GoodReads although I'm having trouble copying the link 🤦‍♀️

As always... perfect narration by Scott Brick !

Nemesis picks up where Lone Wolf left off -- with Evan discovering a HUGE betrayal by Tommy Stojack that causes him to question everything.

I have to admit that this wasn't my favorite Orphan X book, mainly because I got annoyed with both Tommy and Evan -- like, gentlemen, have a conversation for five seconds and save yourselves a world of drama.

Also - I think I get what Hurwitz was doing with trying to empathetically (but not sympathetically) show how young men can become radicalized because they feel desperate, but it was still hard to listen to -- I am carrying around A LOT of anger about the way the election turned out and the absolute shitshow that is going on now, so it was a little hard to move past and just enjoy the story.

I'll always love Orphan X and will absolutely read the next book in the series -- just didn't particularly care for this one.

o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o

📚 #BOOKREVIEW 📚
Nemesis (Orphan X, Book 10) by Gregg Hurwitz
⭐️⭐️ / Pages: 456 / Genre: Thriller
Audiobook Narrator: Scott Brick
Duration: 16 hours 9 minutes
Release Date: February 11, 2025

I’m a huge fan of this series but this one really fell flat for me. I love this series because I love Evan Smoak, the Nowhere Man, and his sidekick Joey. I love his righteous pursuit of justice for those who need it. This installment mostly focused on Evan’s equipment specialist Tommy Stojack and his side quest to help out his friend’s white trash son and his racist friends and family. There were too many long drawn-out conversations held by these ignorant racist assholes, whose big talk just showed how stupid they are and Tommy trying to talk some sense into these morons. Like I’m just supposed to eventually see them as wayward children who are really good boys deep down and just need some straightening out to help them see that brutalizing the non-white people in their community is a bad thing. Come on! Just off these losers and move on!

This book was so excruciating to listen to. Even expert narrator Scott Brick couldn’t save this one. I would have absolutely DNFed it 25% of the way in if I wasn’t such a fan of the series and had to write a review in exchange for my gifted copy of the audiobook. Definitely skip this one. It’s an ugly mark on an otherwise fantastic series.

Thank you @Macmillan.Audio and @NetGalley for my gifted copy.

My three favorite books in the series are Orphan X, Hellbent, and The Dark Horse. I've read them all. NEMESIS is a great addition to one of the best series out there. A little more emotional depth from Evan and Joey, and I really liked getting to know Tommy Stojack better. The conflict was compelling and Evan has a genuine moral crisis. (So does Joey, on a different level.) Scott Brick IS Evan Smoak to me. One of the best narrators out there, and one of the few male narrators whose female voices don't irritate me.

A+ addition to the Orphan X series! This action packed thriller, will your excitement high. This audiobook narration was amazing!!

Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!!

Another terrific one from Gregg Hurwitz!! NEMESIS. ORPHAN X. NUMBER 10!

If you’re not familiar with his writing, I’m going to say his stuff is similar to the Jack Reacher Books… you know, the ones where you’re holding your breath while you’re reading it! Or…biting your nails/cuticles! Or, huffing out little curses under your breath because you CAN’T BELIEVE THAT JUST HAPPENED!! And…. Your heart ❤️ is RACING !!!! And… you cannot put the book down…. That type of book!
Do I have your interest yet??

Evan is Orphan X, aka The Nowhere Man. Because, no one ever sees him coming…until it’s too late!
Evan was trained to be one of the very best assassins! But, he’s gone rogue, and now lives by his own set of rules/beliefs…The Ten Commandments.
He has a very small circle of friends, as there are not many people he can trust in his line of work… One is Tommy… he’s a older guy who’s a terrific gunsmith, and is gifted at making clothing that make you invisible..and pretty much invincible!
Then there’s Joey (Josephine). She’s 17, a college student, and has her own attributes and problems. And…she’s 17! 🙄😬

We open up with Evan, almost getting killed, at Tommy’s abode! 😮😮🤔😮😮

What does this mean? Well, in Evans mind… All. Out. War!

At the same time, we have Tommy, getting an urgent plea from a dead friend’s son for HELP! So he heads out there to help him and his friends….and, well, he’s entering into a whole sh*tstorm of a mess!! (Personally, I think Tommy’s not sure if he wants to help the kid, or kill all of them himself!)

And, this is just the beginning!
In typical Hurwitz style, you will be GLUED to every page!
And, he kind of does a deep dive into both Joey and Evan… And in the end, you will know a lot more about each of them, and you may even decide that they DO have hearts underneath the gruff exteriors!!! (But don’t hold your breath…I think it might just be a fluke!! ) 🤪😂

This is book #10 of the series! You can read it as a standalone, but I’d advise you to read a couple of them, just so you have an idea of what’s going on!

#Nemesis by #GreggHurwitz. Breathtakingly narrated by none other than #ScottBrick!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for an ARC of the audiobook.
**** THE RELEASE DATE IS FEBRUARY 11, a few days from now! ****
***** So, LOOK 👀 FOR IT THEN!! *****

5+++ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💫💫💫💫✨✨✨✨✨ for me!!

As for me… You can always find my reviews on: Goodreads.
Insta: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️