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4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
This was the best installment in 2-3 books for me. They’ve been slipping lately so this was a nice return to form. It’s not as action-packed as others in the series but the action there is has a surgical exactness. Not a word was wasted, and it never felt over the top, which was appreciated.
The writing was sharp and crisp, Hurwitz definitely knows his craft here and it’s good to see him focused better this time out. The last few books have gotten really draggy with personal issues. They were still there this time but handled more succinctly. Nice entry.
The writing was sharp and crisp, Hurwitz definitely knows his craft here and it’s good to see him focused better this time out. The last few books have gotten really draggy with personal issues. They were still there this time but handled more succinctly. Nice entry.
Well In the first 25% of reading this I hated the book and was going to rate it around 2 stars. The first confrontation with Karissa and the subsequent chase involving Karissa, Tanner and the cops just went on and on. But the book redeemed itself and finally turned out to be an Orphan X book that it was supposed to be.
This novel picks up right where the last book's cliffhanger left off—with Evan finally meeting his biological father. It's a moment that fans have been waiting for, but the reality is far from what Evan expected. That emotional letdown sets the tone for a story rich in introspection, vulnerability, and personal growth.
One of the most compelling aspects of this novel is the reappearance of Evan’s half-brother, Andre, and his family. Watching these two men attempt to bridge the gap between strangers and family adds a refreshing emotional layer to the usual high-stakes tension of the series. Their dynamic is filled with friction and uncertainty, but there's also a sense of cautious hope. I found myself rooting for Andre to finally get his life on track—and for Evan to open himself up to the possibility of genuine connection.
As always, the characters are the heart of this series, and this book shines especially bright in that department. Joey and Evan’s dynamic continues to evolve in such a satisfying way. Their banter, teamwork, and mutual trust add both levity and emotional weight to the story. Joey remains a perfect foil to Evan’s stoic personality, bringing out a more human side of him. Their partnership during the investigation is fast-paced and smart, but also deeply personal. There are moments of real tenderness too—especially when Evan spends time with his young niece. His mission to find her lost (and hilariously ugly) dog is unexpectedly heartwarming and had me smiling more than once.
This book also delves into some sobering and thought-provoking themes, especially regarding technology and the increasingly blurred lines between privacy, surveillance, and security. These insights are skillfully woven into the narrative and add a layer of relevance and urgency that grounds the story in our modern world.
Rated: 4.0/5.0—Overall, this was a more emotionally-driven chapter in the Orphan X saga—but no less compelling. It balances action with heart, delivers smart commentary on the world we live in, and continues to develop beloved characters in meaningful ways. Evan Smoak may be softening in some ways, but it’s making him an even more complex—and relatable—hero. I can’t wait to see where his journey goes next.
One of the most compelling aspects of this novel is the reappearance of Evan’s half-brother, Andre, and his family. Watching these two men attempt to bridge the gap between strangers and family adds a refreshing emotional layer to the usual high-stakes tension of the series. Their dynamic is filled with friction and uncertainty, but there's also a sense of cautious hope. I found myself rooting for Andre to finally get his life on track—and for Evan to open himself up to the possibility of genuine connection.
As always, the characters are the heart of this series, and this book shines especially bright in that department. Joey and Evan’s dynamic continues to evolve in such a satisfying way. Their banter, teamwork, and mutual trust add both levity and emotional weight to the story. Joey remains a perfect foil to Evan’s stoic personality, bringing out a more human side of him. Their partnership during the investigation is fast-paced and smart, but also deeply personal. There are moments of real tenderness too—especially when Evan spends time with his young niece. His mission to find her lost (and hilariously ugly) dog is unexpectedly heartwarming and had me smiling more than once.
This book also delves into some sobering and thought-provoking themes, especially regarding technology and the increasingly blurred lines between privacy, surveillance, and security. These insights are skillfully woven into the narrative and add a layer of relevance and urgency that grounds the story in our modern world.
Rated: 4.0/5.0—Overall, this was a more emotionally-driven chapter in the Orphan X saga—but no less compelling. It balances action with heart, delivers smart commentary on the world we live in, and continues to develop beloved characters in meaningful ways. Evan Smoak may be softening in some ways, but it’s making him an even more complex—and relatable—hero. I can’t wait to see where his journey goes next.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I had a 9 hour flight to Florida, and the main reason for buying this book was to read it in that time. Sadly it didn’t grip me enough early on compared to the films on offer on the flight.
I will admit that prior to reading this is wasn’t aware there were other stories in the Orphan X series, so I’m basing this review solely on Lone Wolf as a standalone story. To the credit to the author, I didn’t feel lost. Obviously I don’t know which characters had been introduced previously, but they all felt well explained with their relationships to Evan. I just…didn’t care about any of them.
On a positive note, the sections in this book where it’s Evan fighting against Wolf are the best parts, I just wish there were more of them. Their interactions seemed too few and far between when the whole premise of the book (and reason for me deciding to buy) was the whole cat and mouse game. The interactions with Allman about midway through I found to be super engaging too. It was just bogged down with side plots and filler that didn’t seem necessary. Give me more Wolf fight scenes and less of the housing association crap.
I’m glad I picked this book up, because there was a decent plot to it, and the parts that hooked me genuinely kept me reading, but for an action/spy kinda story, I found myself mostly bored.
I will admit that prior to reading this is wasn’t aware there were other stories in the Orphan X series, so I’m basing this review solely on Lone Wolf as a standalone story. To the credit to the author, I didn’t feel lost. Obviously I don’t know which characters had been introduced previously, but they all felt well explained with their relationships to Evan. I just…didn’t care about any of them.
On a positive note, the sections in this book where it’s Evan fighting against Wolf are the best parts, I just wish there were more of them. Their interactions seemed too few and far between when the whole premise of the book (and reason for me deciding to buy) was the whole cat and mouse game. The interactions with Allman about midway through I found to be super engaging too. It was just bogged down with side plots and filler that didn’t seem necessary. Give me more Wolf fight scenes and less of the housing association crap.
I’m glad I picked this book up, because there was a decent plot to it, and the parts that hooked me genuinely kept me reading, but for an action/spy kinda story, I found myself mostly bored.
Just when you think Gregg Hurwitz cannot top his last book, he writes Lone Wolf and takes the thriller genre to a whole new level. I was shocked, amazed and left wanting more after finishing this book. If you have read all of Gregg's previous novels you will love this one.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Another excellent adventure for Orphan X in his 9th outing. This series continues to get better and better.
Can’t wait for #10.
Highly recommend
Can’t wait for #10.
Highly recommend
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated