Description:

Evan Smoak returns in The Last Orphan, the latest New York Times bestselling Orphan X thriller–when everything changes and everything is at risk.

As a child, Evan Smoak was plucked out of a group home, raised and trained as an off-the-books assassin for the government as part of the Orphan program. When he broke with the program and went deep underground, he left with a lot of secrets in his head that the government would do anything to make sure never got out.

When he remade himself as The Nowhere Man, dedicated to helping the most desperate in their times of trouble, Evan found himself slowly back on the government’s radar. Having eliminated most of the Orphans in the program, the government will stop at nothing to eliminate the threat they see in Evan. But Orphan X has always been several steps ahead of his pursuers.

Until he makes one little mistake…

Now the President has him in her control and offers Evan a deal – eliminate a rich, powerful man she says is too dangerous to live and, in turn, she’ll let Evan survive. But when Evan left the Program he swore to only use his skills against those who really deserve it. Now he has to decide what’s more important – his principles or his life.

Adele’s Review:

I have read all of the Orphan X books and love them to varying degrees. The Last Orphan claims its place among the top tier of my favorites.

We see Evan Smoak at his most vulnerable and most human as the walls protecting his steely emotions fracture just a little. Evan’s awakening to the strength and beauty of the nuclear family, the fact that he’s aging, and the awkwardly tender scene between he and computer hacker Josie peel back layers of these beloved characters. We see inside them for a fraction of an instant–enough time to remind us that characterization is what Gregg Hurwitz does best. It’s fun to see how he shapes his villains, or how recurring supportive characters like Tommy the weapons designer or Orphan V–sometimes antagonist and sometimes ally–ensure Evan’s successful missions.

Against type, Evan Smoak the assassin and retired operative has a soul and a dry sense of humor that makes me laugh out loud, even as bullets fly or bombs blast. He also provides his share of introspection. The Last Orphan was a pleasure to read and, like the series, is highly recommended. Can hardly wait for the next book. On my Best Books List for 2023.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60560031

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1250252326/