I really wanted to love this book. This is one of my favourite series and I have been looking forward to this book, well, since I read the last one, over a year ago. But, and I hate to say this, it promised loads and, well, just didn't completely deliver for me. It felt almost like it's a bit of padding as, to be honest, it didn't really move X's story along as the other books have done. Maybe I am being too harsh. But after the previous books, I had expectations of what I would read herein and, apart from a few oblique references to that matter, nothing materialised.
Also, I know Evan is the bees knees, and does have help from a few badass associates, but really... what the author has him achieving herein, defied even my forgiving nature. It was a step too far for me, sorry.
But, I loved Joey in this book. And Dog the dog. They provided me with the light relief and gave me the will to carry on. We also had Mia and Peter and, well, they had a bit of a bad time too which did tug on the old heartstrings. But Evan disappointed me a bit here. Again, probably more my fault than his. But I do feel we left the book not as tight as we started it.
But the way it all ended gave me hope for the next book. And I will be holding on to the hope tightly until I get my hands on book 8 and my faith is rewarded...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

I have loved this series and not quite sure why this one didn’t gel with me,maybe the explosion at his flat and his neighbours etc carrying on as normal seemed far fetched,maybe the characters seemed to have changed too much,especially Joey but even Evan seemed different,or maybe the person wanting help,Aragon, didn’t interest me?……,I think all these things combined turned this book into a DNF. which is a massive surprise for me, all I can say is maybe this is me rather than the book and look forward to Book 10, apologies

Dark Horse is the seventh instalment in Gregg Hurwitz's thrilling Orphan X series featuring the mysterious Evan Smoak, a former covert operative who is now known as the Nowhere Man, and spends his time helping those who need it most. His ethical code is severely tested here when he is asked to rescue the daughter of a criminal who has been kidnapped by the vicious and brutal head of a rival cartel.
Aside from the ethical dilemma that Evan faces, the small amount of stability he has in his home life is also being tested, as his relationship with protégé Joey hits the skids as she is determined to be more independent, and the woman he has developed feelings for is facing a crisis of her own. Will being torn in so many different directions put Evan at risk as he takes on one of the most dangerous opponents of his career?
This is truly a fast paced action packed page turner of a book, designed to keep the reader hooked and turning the pages to the very end. The action scenes are plentiful and certainly thrilling but I really appreciated seeing more of Evan thinking about his life, his relationships and his motivations. Every book in this series has been strong but I think this has been one of my favourites to date, and I am already looking forward to see where the author takes Evan next.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

Another ultra violent episode in the Orphan X/Evan Smoak series of tales of help to the needy. Although this time needy doesn’t describe the supplicant as he’s a drug dealer in South Texas whose daughter has been kidnapped by a Mexican cartel leader so she’s the one in need! The usual cast of characters including Joey the young tech wizard and Mia with her son Peter fellow tenants in the LA towerblock. All the usual weaponry gadgets are used in the spectacular climax to this thoroughly entertaining yarn and of course the ending leaves an opening for more adventure.

Dark Horse is another excellent Orphan X/Nowhere Man novel. Evan Smoak finds himself in a dilemma. He is uncertain about the case he has been asked to take on which is the kidnapping of a cartel kingpins 18 year old daughter by a rival cartel. gang. There are a number of excellent plot twists and not everything is as it appears.
The ending of the book threw another unexpected curveball and lays the foundation for the next instalment of the Nowhere Man series.
I am a big fan of the series and this book did not disappoint.

‘If it’s worth doing, do it well’ to paraphrase Orphan X
And Mr Gregg Hurwitz has done it again - this book is brilliant.
X does good and very nearly gets killed in the process but carries on learning and growing..
This book made me laugh out loud in parts and want to cry in others.
I don’t want to give the plot away but just know that this whole series of books are awesome

I love the orphan X books and this certainly didnt disappoint. As with all the other books, there is thrilling action from start to finish. I loved the fact this book looked into Ethan personal life an his relationships. Gregg Hurwitz writing style is fantastic, he knows how to bring the tension to the pages and keep the reader engaged

Dark Horse is the latest book in the consistently excellent Orphan X series by Gregg Hurwitz and once again it doesn’t let you down with a page turning action packed thriller.

This time Evan Smoak faces probably his most difficult assignment whilst being distracted by his own personal relationships.

The author has created some brilliant characters in Orphan X world and Dark Horse is no different as Mia,
Peter and Joey all contribute to the storylines.

This series is my favourite Action Thriller one and Dark Horse definitely doesn’t let you down.

Another excellent addition to the Orphan X series. This was one was different to the others with more emphasis on Evans personal relationships and the person he was helping wasn’t as helpless as previous. It was also more violent and graphic than before. I would definitely recommend it, it was non stop from start to finish.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this fantastic book in the brilliant series of orphan x

a young girls 18th birthday party
a kidnapping

Aragon Urrea is a kingpin in his world, hes not a good man and when he rings the number for orphan x to help get his daughter back from his enemies evan aka orphan x is unsure what to do.....

this is a slower build up but it was a chance to see evan as he is slowly changing from his training that he was brought up with

but it doesnt distract from the action and there is plenty to come with this one with a trip down to mexico to scout out how he can rescue the 18 year old

this one is one not to miss at all, a more subtle evan this time but no less deadly

I LOVE Gregg Hurwitz's Orphan X / Nowhere Man / Evan Smoak series. They're a go-to read for me and I was surprised we're up to number 7 already.

Of course it means - sorry #spoileralert - that Evan doesn't obviously die at the end of book 6 as could have been expected given his penthouse exploded and he was blasted out of his shatterproof window.

As has been the case in past novels, Hurwitz kicks off the story from another point-of-view and we're introduced to an 'unconventional' businessman and his daughter. We learn Aragon is quite ruthless but weirdly generous and kind at the same time. And he's devoted to his daughter Anjelina. I very much liked the fact Hurwitz has Aragon ponder the wrongs he's committed in his life and worry about repercussions for his daughter. Not just because of enemies but because he realises he doesn't deserve all of the blessings that have in fact been bestowed on him.

Hurwitz opens here with the kidnapping but then pauses to check-in on Evan, who we left at the end of book 6 in an exploding apartment. And Hurwitz offers a very Mission Impossible / James Bond type slo-mo scene in which he gets himself out of yet another perilous situation with only a few broken bones and injuries.

Evan also picks up where he left off with love interest (and neighbour) Mia and her son Peter and with the very delightful teenage Orphan program (black ops) drop-out, teenage genius and hacker Joey.

Evan's pulled into Anjelica's case even though he doesn't agree with her father's line of business. He sees her as an innocent however, so worthy of the Nowhere Man's assistance.

Things get complicated as Evan (and Joey) look into Aragon's business dealings as well as the cartel responsible for kidnapping Anjelica and work out a plan to get her back.

As usual Hurwitz includes an incredible amount of detail about everything. Action junkies or those interested in weaponry and combat will again salivate over the amount of specifics here. Hurwitz also includes innovative ways the baddies are smuggling drugs or making money via synthetic drugs as well as introducing electronic spyware and intricate hacking tools and the like.

As I've mentioned before, I tend to gloss over (skim) specifics but can still appreciate the nerdy level of detail others love.

In the background (to balance out the fast-paced action) Evan's continuing to grapple with his increasing humanity. His extreme OCD and need for privacy offers challenges in his relationship with Joey as well as Mia and Peter.

I very much loved this Orphan X outing. Naturally things end with some uncertainty which sadly means another (entire) year's wait to see what happens next.

4.5 stars

Another Orphan X "thriller" that doesn't really thrill. Evan is too bland a protagonist and the action set pieces all feel like things recycled from a Vin Diesel movie. Story in this one is slow-moving and unengaging and it's a very easy book to put down. Hurwitz is a decent writer but he gets bogged down in description which doesn't really help when it's an action scene and you're meant to be feeling excited by what's happening. Dark Horse is really only for really big fans than casual readers of the series.

I'd almost forgotten just how good Greg Hurwitz' novels are and this was a very welcome reminder.
Whilst I'll confess to having a soft spot for Jack Reacher, Mitch Rapp, Karl Logan, Ben Hope and others like them, Orphan X, whilst of a similar ilk, brings his own brand of deliciousness.
Evan is a more straight forward killing machine having been programmed to be so from a very early age.
The part when he admits he is much more comfortable breaking in to a fortress inhabited by the cruelest (And Boy, are they sadistic!) of Drug Cartel members than going to dinner with his friend and her brother is so in keeping with his character.
His ethos, whilst to help people who need 'The Nowhere Man' seems to leave him devoid of traits like compassion and empathy. But whilst we've always known he's a 'good guy' we are just starting to suspect a softness creeping in, displayed in his relationship with teenage prodigy Joey and young friend Peter.
This is possibly the author's best yet.
The scenes described are horrific and may stay with me for some time but they are so much an integral part of both the plot and the characterization that none of it felt gratuitous.
A few twists along the way only enhanced the excellent plot and the reader is carried along on a tidal wave until the last explosive chapter.
No hesitation giving this one of my rare 5 stars.

As a fan and a follower of the series we once again go up a notch in a compelling modern day Romeo and Juliet story with the families being Cartels, one led by more of a “Patron” the other an out and out Psychopath. The offspring of both risking life and limb by daring to be in love creates an imminent head on collision that the Patron hopes to avoid by calling on the services of “The Nowhere Man” to retrieve his daughter. A moral dilemma for Evan Smoak compounded by his own feelings for both his neighbour Mia and his unofficial“adopted niece” Joey who decides, at 16, nows the time to go on a road trip. Evan accepts the assignment, his fee being based on turning the Patron into more of a philanthropist and as for the psycho - well that’s what will keep you turning the page! A great read and grateful to all for the ARC.

Gritty, detailed and descriptive thriller about a seasoned professional killer, used to.solving complex, challenging scenarios.
I really enjoyed the style of Gregg Hurwitz's writing, his detail description of locations, objectives, weapons and combat was engrossing.
This was a carefully planned and executed book, reflecting the modas operandi of the main character.
Excellent read. Recommended.

Another excellent addition to one of the best series out there. Orphan X is back and this time, he’s taking on the Cartel. Once again, the author delivers a rapid page turner that demands to be read. It’s packed with stunning set pieces interlaced quieter moments were Evan is forced to re-evaluate everything as his World is turned upside down.

I have really enjoyed this series and experiencing the development of the main character along with the supporting cast. Mr Hurwitz has done a superb job crafting the story line. It is just one of the best series I have ever read.

The story line if full of intense action, ever changing locations all described in excellent detail. This book was no different other that the if anything the amount of graphic action. Within the story there is significant emotional development of Evan Smoak which will continue in the next books, this is a character you can’t help to find fascinating.

Mr Hurwits is a very accomplished author and this is one of his best books to date.

I cannot say enough good things about this book and the entire series. I’ve been reading the new Orphan X book each year now, and with every instalment Gregg Hurwitz continues to produce an exceptional book. He has to be one of my favourite thriller/action writers, and every element of this book - character building, action/fight scenes, the plot - are brilliant. Cannot fault this book and would highly recommend it to anyone.

Orphan X is always a shoo in at the top of my TBR pile and yet again I was blown away by it. The conclusion of the last book was the very definition of a cliff hangar, so we start from a place of tension and just build from there. Evan Smoak is pushed beyond limits he didn't know he had in this instalment. Caught between Cartels, and his own housing association, juggling complicated plans for infiltration with the even more complex personal life he has - it all makes for compelling reading!

I've not read all the Orphan X books, but I have read the few most recent. Dark Horse is a perfect example of character development over a series of books. Evan Smoak's gradual personal evolution is beautifully portrayed and balances perfectly the professional aspects of his character.

As ever, Smoaks Nowhere man, has a job to do and the job doesn't allow for his personal life or emotions to invade his space because that would invalidate the commandments by which he lives and works. This is a hard hitting, visceral representation of the Mexican drug cartels and the hold they have over their communities.
One of the most interesting facets of this novel was that it truly prompts you to consider what evil is? The recurring theme is what makes a good man good or a bad man bad? With expert characterisation we gain insight into a cast of characters of varying degrees of badness and it really provokes some quite intense soul searching and readjustment of your own moral compass.

Excellent, well thought out, provocative novel.