Gregg Hurwitz has captured one of the most remarkable characters ever in Evan Smoak, the Nowhere Man, in a series that bucks the trend of traditional lawlessness and political deviation. Smoak is a unique man with his own stable of quirks, but what sets him apart is his willingness and dedication to helping those in need, even though he has zero obligation to do so.
If you’re up to speed in the Nowhere Man series, you know Orphan X has been dealt a blow, one in the form of the destruction of his sacred hideaway. We meet up with Smoak in the aftermath of the disastrous end of Prodigal Son as he utilizes the orphan code, while navigating the ‘not’ relationship with Mia and the bond that has grown with computer genius Joey. Employing workers to help redevelop and restore the man pad back to sanctuary status, Smoak’s title as the Nowhere Man reaches Aragón Urrea, an international businessman with questionable clientele. Smoak takes on a job of questionable proportions in south Texas to help find and liberate Anjelina, the daughter of Aragón, after she mysteriously is kidnapped at her quinceañera. Using classic Orphan X tactics and methodology, Smoak works his way into the offending group's secret lair. Not really a secret, but more of a haven to plan their secret takeover of the world. Okay not that either, but you get the point. While attempting to gain trust and route his way deeper inside the home turf, Smoak finds and locates Anjelina with even more disturbing news.
Fast forward through smoke and spend shell casings. Evan has a plan; he always has a plan. But Mike Tyson once said, “Everyone has a plan until they’re punched in the face.” True for Evan as he deals with the violent leadership and sicarios working for the kidnappers. He then proceeds to concoct the mother of all escape plans. Leaning on his gear guy, Tommy Stojack, Smoak acquires the gear necessary to put the plan into action. By the way, his ‘not’ relationship with Mia has a giant hurdle to overcome which leads him to have to decide to follow the orphan code he has so strictly relied on or disregard them and make the toughest decision in his life.
Hurwitz continues to create remarkable plots for the legend of Evan Smoak. The continuous give and take that Smoak must traverse, battling his own inner code, commands your attention on every page. This adventure delves into the humanity of Evan Smoak, allowing you to see more of who he is. Smoak is made to be the fearless and crazily-dedicated mercenary, but when is enough, enough? When this mission ends, what will be left of the assassin that was Orphan X and what will become the man that is left in Evan Smoak?
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