Reviews

Orphan X by Gregg Hurwitz

alexandraknaub's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

bookish_withsky's review against another edition

4.0

I didn't think I was going to like it, but I read the whole thing in one sitting and found the writing to be so interesting.It reminded me of burn notice, but more violent and I'm here for it.

popsiwinkle's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

lurker_stalker's review against another edition

3.0

Part of me wishes I hadn't reread this one. I mean, I still enjoyed it but I did get caught up more in the bullshit moments and with just how bad Evan's judgement was. It was pretty bad. I still plan to keep rereading the next two books in the series so I can dive into the fourth. It's been out for a while now and I've been staring at the ARC paperback the publisher sent me. It's taunting me as a symbol of just how far behind I am in my ARC reading. Just so many books and so little time...

chefboyarzee's review against another edition

adventurous inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

rellimreads's review against another edition

5.0

As with most thrillers, it’s hard to explain how
much you love them without spoiling anything. Hurwitz’s writing is superb - I was enthralled from the first chapter until the last line. The worldbuilding was as intriguing as the action & suspense. I love that Evan is well trained, but there’s others who are as well - so he’s not operating perfectly or without challenge. It’s hard to know who to trust as a listener and while consistent, Evan is in no way predictable.

I loved the juxtaposition of his “everyday life”, as much as anyone like Evan can have one, with his missions as The Nowhere Man. His relationship with Peter is particularly endearing.

Lots of action, suspense, spy craft, yet layered with an admirable sense of humanity. Twists, turns, and surprises kept me on the edge of my seat. Even knowing there are currently 10 books in the series, I still found myself unsure if Evan would make it out of some situations.

I’m ready to settle in and binge the series.

Narration:
Scott Brick is terrific. He’s a great fit for thrillers and does a fantastic job with all the characters and emotions as well as heightening the anticipation. Great listen.

lportx's review against another edition

dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Just a great thriller.

gingerellaj's review against another edition

5.0

I received this book as an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Incredibly gripping tale of this mysterious man, Evan Smoak, with his surname evoking feelings of intrigue. It took me a little while to read it but I think this was because I'd savour my time with 'Orphan X' and not want to rush through the story. I particularly liked that Evan came across as quite genuine and with multiple layers; not just your average assassin. Hurwitz was quite masterful at setting the scene and creating vivid visualisations in my mind. I don't want to give too much away in the review but there are plenty of twists and turns, and I shall definitely be going on to read the other books in the series.

rlisaacs's review against another edition

5.0

This was recommended to me after I made a request on the recommendations page on Goodreads. So first, thank you to Antonio for introducing me to this series and this character. I absolutely loved this book. I read some of the reviews, and some thought the beginning was a bit slow. And maybe it is, but that's because it's trying to help you understand a little about who this character is before we get into the main plot of this particular story. After that, it's nonstop suspense and action. And none of it felt forced, at least in my opinion. Sometimes a story feels like things are being thrown into it just for the heck of it, without any real connection to the rest of the events. Not with this story! Every invent lead into the next one, and the next one, and the next one.

I absolutely loved this, and am so glad I read it. Already have the second book, and can't wait to get to that one too.

cypher131's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5