Orphan X (An Orphan X Thriller)

Definitely held my attention. I like the plot and the character background given for the main character. Talented writer,he engages the reader from the first page. I read on Kindle and sent a copy to my uncle, he enjoyed the book immensely.

This was a great book. Anytime a author throws in things like a Wilson Combat 1911, and fighting arts from all over the world you have me hooked. Finally Hurwitz is coming back around to his older writing. Great read and keep up this series. Loved it.

As fastastical as the story goes (conspiracy theorists will think it plausible), the novel is excellently written, the same quality as the classic Crime Writer. While the overall premise is way out there, from that point all the writing is tight, lucid and magnetic.

This is the best! A fascinating fast-paced plot with unexpected twists; an interesting strong, yet vulnerable, hero; well-developed support characters, both good and bad; everything you want in a book.

A fantastic, fast moving storyline with a very believable character that had me reading non stop and done in 6 hours. A rare experience for me. I immediately downloaded the sequel ... forget the laundry and house cleaning. Evan ... Round 2 ... here we come ...

A fantastic, fast moving storyline with a very believable character that had me reading non stop and done in 6 hours. A rare experience for me. I immediately downloaded the sequel ... forget the laundry and house cleaning. Evan ... Round 2 ... here we come ...

Gregg Hurwitz is one of my favorite authors and he does not disappoint in this fast-paced, exciting new novel. Evan Smoak.is an intriguing super hero who is out to help those who cannot help themselves. He is an assassin with a kind heart. In the Orphan Program, there are competitors who are jealous of Smoak and try to kill him. Lots of new gadgets, weapons and technological stuff involved. I'm looking forward to the continuing tale of this new hero.

First time reading Gregg Hurwitz, WOW, loved loved "Orphan X", amazing story, thank goodness there is a follow up "The Nowhere Man' just as amazing. Very very original, I have over 750 books on my Kindle & Gregg has become one of my top authors.
Totally incredible series cannot wait for third book in series.

I purchased this book thinking it was the next instalment in the series. The title has been changed slightly from Orphan X ( Evan Smoak) to Orphan X ( An Orphan X Thriller). the store doesn't identify them as the same book so you're not even warned that you have already purchased this book.
I'm warning everyone DON'T PURCHASE THIS BOOK!
What a sneaky way for the author/publisher to make money!
I buy hundreds and hundreds of books from the store and this book was expensive. (around Au $11)
I feel totally ripped off!
I want a refund!

All the reviews helped me decide to purchase this book. Man, am I glad I did. It was what I hoped for. A good person with incredible skill and a warm heart. I love books about taking out the bad guys in unique and special ways. Can't wait for the next in this series.

One of the best reads ever! Gripping plot, great character study of one of the best enigmatic anti-heroes ever and a cathartic, satisfying conclusion. Many thrillers lack one or more of those attributes. I have a feeling we'll get more Orphan X in the future; at least, I hope so. It certainly made me want to read more of Hurwitz's work so I'll be checking that out in the near future.

Classic Hurwitz - the action starts and continues through the conclusion of the book. Evan Smoak is a hero worthy of being compared to Lee Childs Jack Reacher and John Gilstrap's Jonathon Grave. The book is well written, fast-paced and quite engrossing. I could barely put it down.

Full of surprises, indeed. The characters were complex because you were never sure who was the 'bad guys" or the "good guys". Loved the main character. This book kept me up later than usual at night (my reading time before bed time). If you like suspense, you will love it!

First time I have read this author...left wanting more books on this character...cannot wait for next book on Evan Smoak. Fast paced and suspenseful all the way to the end. Hope author intends to carry on this character.

I kept checking my progress through the book (at the bottom of my Kindle app) hoping that I wasn't near the end. I wanted it to go on and on. Anyone who loves technical innovation, twist and turns, and lots of gut churning action, but not at the expense of a fully realized and highly likable protagonist, will love this book.

not too bad actually. story was engaging, plot was good... nothing that you couldn't believe....since it's the first book, the characters are not completely fleshed out yet...so will read the other books

I loved this book and the characters. I started reading it and didn't put it down until I finished the book. I have already preordered the next two books in this series and hope the author continues the series for many years to come.

ORPHAN X, a novel by Gregg Hurwitz featuring as the prime character, Evan Smoak. As a 12-year-old orphan, Evan, along with other young orphans, is recruited and trained by a shadowy government organization to become covert assassins in the manner of CIA and SPECIALOPS people and to carry out assigned duties by their superiors in a non-emotional and detached manner. Each orphan is assigned a letter designation, i.e., Evan is referred to as Orphan X. The story starts slowly but builds. After Jack Johns, Evan’s tutor and handler is killed, Evan is released from commitments and travels as far away from Washington D. C. as he can finally settling in the Los Angeles area. Here he rebuilds a third life in the open as well as in the shadows—an operational alias that allowed him to hide in plain sight and stay mission ready. With unlimited access to funds he decides to put his years of training to good use, and become a pro bono free-lancer, helping others who cannot help themselves. He promises himself that he will make no serious friends nor become emotionally involved and would stay true to the covenants of his training. This would be Evan’s new calling. He soon realizes that someone or organization is out to eliminate him. The story shifts back and forth from his prime pursuits to when acquaintances beg for his help. Many have compared Hurwitz’s character, Evan Smoak, to Jason Borne or Jack Reacher. Believe me, Evan Smoak has not reached that lofty status—they do not compare. Hurwitz’s writing is clever and appealing but languishes and becomes boring in spots. Hand-to-hand fight scenes are much like car chases--when dragged out too long they become distracting and boring. I thought the ending could have been a bit more intriguing with more of a “wow” factor. I give Hurwitz and Orphan X a rating of 3 ½ stars out of 5.

Evan Smoak is the ultimate tough guy. His skills are well honed in combat, technology and weaponry. He's a grown-up's superhero. I've spent every available hour glued to this book and I can't wait for the next instalment.