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    Out of the Dark: An Orphan X Novel
    Out of the Dark: An Orphan X Novel
    Out of the Dark: An Orphan X Novel
    Audiobook12 hours

    Out of the Dark: An Orphan X Novel

    Written by Gregg Hurwitz

    Narrated by Scott Brick

    4.5/5

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    About this audiobook

    *AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER*

    "This novel will be remembered as one of the best thrillers of the year." —Associated Press

    "A shocking stunner in every way. The perfect thriller." —Robert Crais

    When darkness closes in—he's your last, best hope. Evan Smoak returns in Gregg Hurwitz’s #1 international bestselling Orphan X series in Out of the Dark.

    Taken from a group home at age twelve, Evan Smoak was raised and trained as part of the Orphan Program, an off-the-books operation designed to create deniable intelligence assets—i.e. assassins. Evan was Orphan X. He broke with the Program, using everything he learned to disappear and reinvent himself as the Nowhere Man, a man who helps the truly desperate when no one else can. But now Evan's past is catching up to him.

    Someone at the very highest level of government has been trying to eliminate every trace of the Orphan Program by killing all the remaining Orphans and their trainers. After Evan's mentor and the only father he ever knew was killed, he decided to strike back. His target is the man who started the Program and who is now the most heavily guarded person in the world: the President of the United States.

    But President Bennett knows that Orphan X is after him and, using weapons of his own, he's decided to counter-attack. Bennett activates the one man who has the skills and experience to track down and take out Orphan X—the first recruit of the Program, Orphan A.

    With Evan devoting all his skills, resources, and intelligence to find a way through the layers of security that surround the President, suddenly he also has to protect himself against the deadliest of opponents. It's Orphan vs. Orphan with the future of the country—even the world—on the line.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBrilliance Audio
    Release dateJan 29, 2019
    ISBN9781522649687
    Author

    Gregg Hurwitz

    Gregg Hurwitz is the critically acclaimed author of The Tower, Minutes to Burn, Do No Harm, The Kill Clause, The Program, and Troubleshooter. He holds a B.A. in English and psychology from Harvard University and a master's degree from Trinity College, Oxford University. He lives in Los Angeles.

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    Reviews for Out of the Dark

    4.5/5

    453 ratings21 reviews

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    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 5/5
      Another great Evan smoak story. On to the next one.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 4/5
      I can’t stop listening to the books written by this guy, Gregg Hurwitz, the Orphan X series and Scott Brick is a brilliant narrator for this type of material.

      I should be doing other things but it’s difficult to break from writing this good.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 5/5
      I think this is the best Orphan X yet. I hope his love interest will unknowingly call him for help at some point.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 5/5
      Loved It! Just enough action, drama and wit to make it one of my favorites. Looking forward to more Orphan X.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 5/5
      Love this series and character. This closes much of the open questions from the first 3 books. Curious what direction book 5 goes in.
    • 5/5
      I just love the Orphan X books and Scott Bricks performance! The books are translated to Swedish, but I prefer the originals!
    • 5/5
      Amazing, fantastic! Another great book to the series. I love it!
    • 4/5
      I realize it is done for the purpose of making the dialog realistic but I would rather not have the bad guys say F—- and M—-F and take the Lord’s name in vain. Otherwise I LOVE the orphan X novels and the way this author creates a character!
    • 5/5
      Thanks to the miracle of Scribd, I’ve just binged on the first four Orphan X books—fantastic writing in perfect partnership with Scott Brick’s fantastic audiobook narration. This is one of those rare dream combos of author and narrator where the sum is even greater than the already great parts.
    • 5/5
      So good! Evan uses all of his training and keeps you guessing
    • 5/5
      Lots of action and suspense. As always, very very good!
    • 4/5
      The thing with the Orphan X books is that they’re just fun. I mean, Evan Smoak is as Mary Jane as can be and there isn’t much in the way of believable activities but I can help enjoying the shit out of this series. Yes, I’m about to start the next one.

      They’re a little candy for my brain. Yum!
    • 4/5
      Perhaps the best Orphan X novel.
    • 5/5
      Out of the Dark by Gregg Hurwitz is a 2019 Minotaur Books publication.Outstanding!Although my taste in thrillers usually leans towards different styles and directions, this series grabbed my attention right away and has quickly become one of my favorites.This fourth installment opens with Evan Smoake-AKA "Orphan X”, plotting the assassination of the president of the United States- for good reason. It’s a kill or be killed kind of situation.Unfortunately, for Evan, the president has a new girl on his team named, Naomi, and she’s giving Evan a good run for his money.Meanwhile, a young man on the autism spectrum dials into the infamous ‘Nowhere Man’ hotline, just as Evan is battling his most formidable opponent to date.So, fasten your seatbelts folks and prepare for an orphan against orphan showdown that will leave you holding on for dear life!The Orphan X series may be long on action, but the story doesn’t depend on it or hide behind it. This is a stylish series, smart, and expertly plotted, with a nice emotional depth blended in to ensure our attachment to Evan and other recurring characters, as well.I’m especially impressed with the way Hurwitz manages to create a dual storyline, both of which are suspenseful and urgent, amid all the chaos. While the ‘Nowhere Man’ threads are often secondary to the main plot, they are always compelling, and I love meeting the new characters and circumstances introduced in each chapter of the series. I also like the psychology behind the concept and the way good deeds are paid forward. The story featured in this chapter was especially poignant, giving Evan a chance to practice his humanity skills.Because this is not the type of thriller I'm normally drawn to, I was afraid it could quickly and easily flame out.However, so far, each installment has been equally riveting – but, I must say, this one just might be my favorite book in the series to date.“Into the Fire” is slated for release in January 2020- I can’t wait!!!
    • 5/5
      Evan has his first mission when he was 19. That mission is going to get him killed as the person involved in that order become the US President.The best defense is going on the offense. Eliminate the threat rather than go hiding. The president tried to kill all the Orphans. Someone needs the Nowhere Man. A person living with Autistic spectrum was kidnapped, and his family members killed because he didn't follow the instruction of this co-worker and let some drug dealer clear the port. He was doing the right thing and this happened to him. He was scared. Someone see his condition and asked him to call the Nowhere Man. So Evan has two tasks. And it is pretty tight already.Something good happened. He finally got to know the single mom local prosecutor better, much better. Can he be a boyfriend without letting her knows too much or get into trouble, She just finished a domestic abuse case and the abuser keep calling her with insults and threats. This was overheard by Evan. It is hard for him not to get on it. So much things is going on and it keep getting interesting. That's why I give it 5 stars.
    • 5/5
      Taken from his group home when he was twelve years old, Evan Smoak lived with his mentor, trained, and became Orphan X. After several years, Evan broke away from the program and recreated himself, becoming the Nowhere Man, the one who would help those in dire need of help. Now someone is eliminating the Orphans, someone who cannot be associated with the program despite having played a central role in its development. With the murder of his mentor, Evan sets out after the man at the heart of the Orphan Program: the President of the United States. At the same time, will the Nowhere Man find a way to help Trevon Gaines after the slaughter of his family by ruthless gangsters? Orphan A, the first recruit of the Orphan Program, is the President’s counter-attack. Will Evan’s skills and resources be sufficient to outwit his opponent? And what of the President?The fourth installment of the Orphan X series delivers nonstop action as the cat-and-mouse maneuvers keep the tension building. Evan’s character continues to gain depth as he struggles to understand the nuances of “normal” life. As with previous books in the series, there is sufficient backstory for those new to the series, but the first three books are well worth reading. Readers will find it difficult to set this one aside before reaching the final page. Highly recommended.
    • 5/5
      This is the fourth installment of the Orphan X series. I gave it five stars, though if I could, I would give it more. I have loved every book in this series, but this one is the best by far. Evan Smoak, Orphan X, takes on his biggest adversary yet - the president of the United States, the man who wants him dead and will do whatever it takes to accomplish this goal. The president is inspired to do so because of the history he has with Smoak through the orphan program and a particular assassination that Smoak took care of in 1997. Hurwitz's descriptions of life in the White House, security by the Secret Service, understanding of weapons and politics in general makes this an amazing read. I have only one fear, and that is that there might not be another Orphan X book.
    • 5/5
      Gregg Hurwtiz’s fourth Orphan X novel may be his best. In Out of the Dark, Evan Smoak (Orphan X) faces an impossible challenge; killing President Jonathan Bennett. Bennett didn’t get to where he is by following the rules, but he is a different breed of corrupt. He has targeted the Orphans for elimination, but particularly Orphan X for reasons that are unclear. What is clear is that Evan Smoak isn’t going to stop until one of them is dead. But Evan isn’t just an assassin. He is also the Nowhere Man. The person who people with nowhere left to turn call. This time, Trevon Gaines calls him after his entire family has been slaughtered and the drug smugglers who did it keep him alive to serve their twisted needs. Now Evan has to find a way to get Trevon out from under their thumb while also finding a way through the security of the most well-protected man in the world.Evan Smoak, aka Orphan X, aka The Nowhere Man is a unique hero, but will sometimes remind you of other icons such as Jack Reacher, James Bond or John Wick. He is sophisticated with refined tastes, he’s a loner with investigative skills and unmatched powers of observation, and a one-man wrecking crew when it’s called for. The plot is always moving swiftly as Evan travels between his home base of Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. where he is casing the president’s security, probing for weaknesses and planning his attack. There are plenty of fights, chases and gunplay along the way.Hurwitz not only excels at the plotting, but his characters have depth and intelligence. Evan is set on killing the president, not bringing him to justice, and you sympathize and agree with his choice. Evan Smoak has a moral core and he has no illusions about what awaits him and what he deserves in the event he gets caught. The discipline with which he pursues his goal lets him remain true to himself. It shows in the relationship he has with a mother and her son in his apartment building. A glimpse into a sort of life that his self-imposed obligations keep pushing out of reach. It shows in his work as The Nowhere Man, who won’t turn down someone who truly needs his help, even if it interferes with a job that is more personal to him.Trevon Gaines is a particularly sympathetic character. An intellectually challenged young man whose world is turned upside down, but he remains true to the skills and behavior his mother taught him. Hurwitz skillfully portrays him not as someone to be pitied, but someone to be admired. The villains, some of them other Orphans and some of them leaders of the free world are not cookie cutter evil. They have complicated but intellectually understandable motivations.The skill with which the characters are drawn adds emotional heft to the action. You care about what happens to Evan and the others and you fear that he may come up short. The thrills come fast and furious as Evan is a magnet for trouble and powerful forces are arrayed against him. If you like high-octane action and a real page-turning thriller, Gregg Hurwitz and the Orphan X novels are for you. It’s not impossible to jump into the series with this book, but it’s a richer experience with a lot of important details that’s better read from the beginning, starting with Orphan X. I recommend them all.I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
    • 5/5
      Out of the Dark by Gregg HurwitzOrphan X #44am...I mean...4am? I stayed up reading this book because I could NOT put it down. I had to find out what would happen...I really did. It grabbed me and kept me enthralled from beginning to end. Evan Smoak – Orphan X – The Nowhere Man – Who is he really? Well, he is a man I admire and really want good things for but wonder if he will ever find a way to have them? Being trained as an assassin from a young age, finding his way out of the dark ops job he had and making a life for himself while trying to payback for his past has not been easy for him. He takes on jobs for those who need his services and some of those cases are...intriguing. I can see that there will be more cases for him to tackle in the future and can see this series continuing even though the man out to kill him has finally been dealt with. At least I hope there will be more books in the series and in those books I would like to hear more about the remaining orphans still alive, find out how Joey is doing and see if Evan can find a way to live a “normal” life at some point in the future. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur for the ARC – This is my honest review. 5 Stars
    • 4/5
      There is a secret program in the depths of the intelligence system of the United States. A group of orphans have been trained to kill. They are an elite group of assassins. But, someone wants this program wiped off the map and all the players with it. Evan is fighting back and he has to go straight to the top, The President of the United States.I have enjoyed all the Orphan X books. Fast paced and exciting is an understatement. This one is no different. Evan is on the hunt and nothing is going to stop him. This has now gotten personal for him. When the only father he has ever known is killed, Evan knows he has to take action.I am partially in love with Evan. He has such charisma…you know in the strong, silent type way. Plus…he is very intelligent. You never know what his next play will be. He is a master of getting himself into tough situations. The way he uses his brain to get out of these situations is fascinating. Good writing if you ask me!This is an edge of your seat thriller!I received this novel from Minotaur Books via Netgalley for a honest review.
    • 3/5
      'Out of the Dark' is the fourth Orphan X novel. While you could essentially read this one as a stand-alone, I think this is the type of series that almost requires you to start at the beginning. Evan Smoak's character evolves in specific ways as the series goes along, and threads of various story lines carry over from one book to the next.I loved the first three in this series. Unfortunately, this fourth one didn't wow me the way the others did. We have the main plot of Evan up against the president and all the president's resources. Then we have three subplots: Evan taking on an organized crime ring to help a man in trouble, Evan's complicated love life, and Orphan A's relentless pursuit to find and kill Evan for his own personal reasons. Despite all this activity, the first half of the story moves slowly. Not much happens as Evan wanders around, deciding and planning. When the action does finally get going, the various subplots clash more than complement one another. The story feels chaotic.While thrillers of this sort tend to stretch the boundaries of plausibility, this one goes overboard. Evan is able to heroically take on large groups of trained killers all at once, while also avoiding capture by a desperate president using every resource at his disposal. Evan is also much more brutal in the way he kills in this book, which makes him less of a sympathetic character. The constant dropping of brand names, from fancy liquor to high-end weapons, grated on my nerves. In the midst of chaos, Evan would stop for meals including "cauliflower mousse," while looking through his "Steiner tactical binoculars." A little name-dropping goes a long way, and this one went way too far.The pacing during the second half is consistent with the feel of the first three books. Unfortunately, the lull of the first half, combined with the implausible and annoying factors, left me less committed. While I enjoyed moments, this one never held me riveted like the others did.*I received an advance copy from the publisher, via NetGalley.*