Being a great fan of Gregg Hurwitz and his Orphan X series I have read most of the books, but for some reason I missed this installment. In “The Nowhere Man” a whole lot is going on - I looked down and I was at 42% and wondered how that was possible when so much mayhem had already occurred. Then I was at 79% and it seemed that Orphan X couldn’t possible absorb more punishment and manage to survive and yet he does, and on it went. Murder, diabolical plots, meticulous planning and mental capacity and I was captivated through it all. His cause never wavers, he needs to help the next one who reaches out and there was a very tricky ploy thrown in. The baddies are the worst, and there is never a lifeline for Evan Smoak except for his training and sheer determination to survive to answer the next call for help. The twists would have been mind boggling if I hadn’t read more of the books in the Orphan X Series.

It was a little difficult going backwards, having advance knowledge of the character and his future timeline, but it was interesting to see how the groundwork was being laid for the future stories. This, like all of Hurwitz’s books was well thought out, well written and very inventive. Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for a copy. ( )

Ok, I’ve now read two of these compelling yet preposterous novels while recovering from an illness.

An that should just about do it.

Book source ~ KU Audible

Orphan X, The Nowhere Man, Evan Smoak - they are all the same deadly man. Picked from a bunch of orphans in a group home, Evan is trained to be an assassin by his mentor, Jack. For years he worked in deep black ops, but he wanted out so he left. So far underground no one could find him. Until now. However, the ones who found him have no idea who he really is. But they’re about to find out.

I wasn’t sure the momentum from book 1, Orphan X, could carry over to this book. Would it be as good? Would it keep me on the edge of my seat? Would I still love Evan Smoak as much? The answer is - Fuck yeah! What a ride! Someone has kidnapped Evan and they think they have the upper hand. It sure seems to be true. But we’re talking about Orphan X. Never count him out.

I had no idea how Evan was going to get out of the predicament he’d gotten himself into. Because it’s his own fault he’s been taken. A little careless in his actions, but I forgive him because he’s usually so very careful. At least the flaw is discovered and he can cover his tracks better from here on out.

Awesome characters, great villains, excellent plot, and terrific writing makes this a thrilling, action-packed, military-ish book that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. I know I was. Once again, I listened to the audio while driving. This time with my husband to Ohio from our home in North Carolina. We finished it on our ride back and then he wanted to listen to book 1, Orphan X, so we did. I didn’t mind. You know, with my not-so-secret love of Evan and all. Scott Brick does a wonderful job of bringing Evan to life and now I’m even more hooked on the series. ( )

I didn't find this as engaging as Orphan X. In fact I contemplated stopping this one since it seemed to lack sufficient excitement. ( )

3.5 Stars (I decided to round it up to 4 because I really do love Evan!)

Something I noticed in this second book is that the writing is actually very good. I had more time to notice because this story was less engaging than in book one. Don't get me wrong, it was still thoroughly enjoyable but I felt like the 'bad guy' was a little bit cartoonish at times. The action sequences were so brilliant and I will definitely continue on with the series as it is adrenalin filled entertainment.

CW: Extreme violence and torture ( )