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In his first four Orphan X novels, author Gregg Hurwitz has built a fascinating character—a man recruited as a child to work secret missions for the government before walking away to atone for his sins by helping the helpless. But in Into the Fire, a new mission causes him to rethink his future.
The story follows Evan Smoak, a.k.a. The Nowhere Man, on another mission to save a desperate individual. This time, it’s Max Merriweather, a lonely, broken man who suddenly finds himself under attack by someone who wants whatever’s in an envelope that Max’s recently-murdered cousin left with him. Though Evan seems to handle the threat quickly and efficiently, he merely peels back a layer that reveals a threat that’s even bigger and more deadly. And as he risks his life to help Max regain his, The Nowhere Man realizes that it might be time to walk away.
Though each book in the Orphan X series is definitely exciting and action-packed, there’s more to these books than just some fancy weapons and over-the-top missions. Evan Smoak is more than just a nameless, faceless operative; with each new mission, he becomes more human. Not only does he dedicate his life to helping people who can’t help themselves, but he also begins to open his heart to people who make him start to question his choices. And, this time around, he decides that it’s time to give it up—to set down his rifles and his shadowy secret identity and to try to live a real life with other people. And the character’s heart and humanity endear him to readers.
But, of course, before Evan can start his Happily Ever After, he’ll have to make it through one last mission—a mission that turns out to be way more complicated than Evan could ever expect. It involves layers upon layers of criminal enterprises—each deadlier and more dangerous than the last. He’s forced to dig deep into the city’s criminal underbelly. He has to break in and out of places that seem entirely impossible. And he does most of it while battling injuries that would have most people tucked safely into bed.
Evan Smoak isn’t just another beefy action hero. His stories are both thrilling and emotional—and this is easily one of his best. So if you’re looking for a thriller that’s so much more than just the usual brainless chases and violence, the Orphan X series is one to pick up. Its mix of heart-pounding action and a character who’s trying so hard to keep his humanity from shining through—but failing miserably—makes it a memorable series. And fans definitely will find more of everything they love about the series in the latest installment.
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