Gregg Hurwitz puts Orphan X through an emotional wringer that genuinely shakes the usually unflappable protagonist to his core. Just when we think Evan Smoak has been through it all, Hurwitz rains supreme chaos over the brief tranquility that is scarcely associated with Smoak.
What starts off as a very banal mission for Orphan X, locating a runaway dog for his step brother's daughter, explodes into a whole different dimension when he’s caught in the crossfire of a sinisterly femme fatale working down her hit list. Putting his maxims in perspective, he doesn’t really need the victim to ask for his help, he steps in regardless, just as a good man would. But this all comes in the midst of an unraveling revelation and experience for Smoak that knocks him off his game. Can he recover fast enough to take down an Orphan-level threat?
Lone Wolf is another notch in Evan Smoak’s character development, this time as he struggles with his newfound family. The narrative serves as somewhat of a re-awakening of Orphan X as he does a timely evaluation of why he really does what he does. Gregg Hurwitz balances strong drama with just as strong action propelling the turn of events at high speed with brutal car chases and swift violence. Hurwitz also pairs up the fast-paced narrative with well-timed subtle humor and some rays of positivity that wonderfully lighten the mood at times when it’s beginning to get super grim.
Just when you reach the last page, exhilarated by the knuckle-busting action, Hurwitz introduces a delightfully clever cliffhanger and takes a huge gamble by pinning a fan-favorite character in Evan’s crosshairs. While the Orphan X books are wonderfully unpredictable, this twist takes the cake for the best and most distressing one yet. Even with the surplus of thrillers out next year, you can’t miss out on Lone Wolf. It’s a non-stop thrill ride and a powerful step in the right direction for Evan Smoak’s journey.
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