If you’re a fan of high-octane thrillers packed with action, suspense, and a morally complex hero, then Gregg Hurwitz’s Orphan X series is a must-read. This gripping series, part of the acclaimed Gregg Hurwitz books, follows Evan Smoak, a former government assassin turned vigilante known as the Nowhere Man, as he uses his deadly skills to help those in desperate need. But with a dangerous past always on his tail, Evan’s missions are anything but simple. In this guide, we’ll dive into the Orphan X books in order, share why this series is so addictive, and provide tips for new readers to jump in.
Why Read the Orphan X Series?
The Orphan X series has hooked readers worldwide with its fast-paced plots, intricate character development, and heart-pounding action. Evan Smoak, the series’ protagonist, is a compelling blend of Jason Bourne’s lethal precision, Jack Reacher’s lone-wolf grit, and a unique moral code that sets him apart. Trained as an assassin in the secretive Orphan Program, Evan breaks free to become the Nowhere Man, helping the helpless while evading those who want him dead. With 10 novels and four short stories (as of 2025), this ongoing series offers plenty to binge. Plus, with a TV adaptation in the works, now’s the perfect time to catch up!
Ready to dive into Evan Smoak’s world? Below is the complete list of Orphan X books in publication order, which is the recommended reading sequence for the best experience.
List of Orphan X Books in Order of Release Date
| Order | Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orphan X | January 2016 | Novel |
| 1.5 | Buy a Bullet | October 2016 | Short Story |
| 2 | The Nowhere Man | January 2017 | Novel |
| 3 | Hellbent | January 2018 | Novel |
| 3.5 | The Intern | December 2018 | Short Story |
| 4 | Out of the Dark | January 2019 | Novel |
| 5 | Into the Fire | January 2020 | Novel |
| 5.5 | The List | August 2020 | Short Story |
| 6 | Prodigal Son | January 2021 | Novel |
| 7 | Dark Horse | February 2022 | Novel |
| 8 | The Last Orphan | February 2023 | Novel |
| 8.5 | The Recital | November 2023 | Short Story |
| 9 | Lone Wolf | February 2024 | Novel |
| 10 | Nemesis | February 2025 | Novel |
| 11 | The Code | September 2025 | Novel |
| 12 | Antihero | February 2026 | Novel |
Orphan X Books in Order
Here’s the full list of Orphan X books and short stories in publication order, ensuring you follow Evan’s journey as it unfolds:
- Orphan X (2016)
Evan Smoak, once a child trained as a government assassin in the Orphan Program, now operates as the Nowhere Man, helping those with nowhere else to turn. But when someone with similar skills tracks him down, Evan must protect his new identity and a woman caught in a deadly gambling debt. This action-packed debut sets the stage for the series.
Why You’ll Love It: A perfect introduction to Evan’s world, blending intense action with his personal code of justice. - Buy a Bullet (Short Story, 2016)
Evan spots a brutalized young woman in a coffee shop, controlled by a powerful man. With her life in danger, he steps in as the Nowhere Man to help her escape.
Why You’ll Love It: A quick, thrilling glimpse into Evan’s vigilante work. Note: This story is set before Orphan X chronologically but is best read after for context. - The Nowhere Man (2017)
Evan’s life as the Nowhere Man is disrupted when he’s ambushed, drugged, and captured. Locked in a guarded mansion, he must outsmart his captors to save himself and a desperate caller.
Why You’ll Love It: The stakes skyrocket as Evan faces a cunning enemy, showcasing his resourcefulness. - Hellbent (2018)
When Evan’s mentor, Jack Johns, is targeted by the Orphan Program, Evan takes on a mission to protect Jack’s last protégé. But the program’s new leader, Van Sciver, is closing in.
Why You’ll Love It: Emotional depth meets relentless action as Evan fights for the only father figure he’s ever known. - The Intern (Short Story, 2018)
Evan helps a summer intern who stumbles into a dangerous crime zone while trailing an aggressive reporter.
Why You’ll Love It: A short but intense story highlighting Evan’s ability to handle unexpected threats. - Out of the Dark (2019)
Evan targets the President of the United States, the man behind the Orphan Program, who’s erasing all traces of it—including Evan. But the President counters with Orphan A, the program’s first recruit.
Why You’ll Love It: A high-stakes showdown with global consequences and Orphan vs. Orphan action. - Into the Fire (2020)
Evan takes on what he plans to be his final mission, helping Max Merriweather, a man with a mysterious key and deadly pursuers. But each threat Evan eliminates reveals a bigger one.
Why You’ll Love It: Twists and turns keep you guessing as Evan faces overwhelming odds. - The List (Short Story, 2020)
Joey Morales, a former Orphan recruit, uncovers a disturbing campus document ranking women. Evan steps in to help her stop a toxic culture.
Why You’ll Love It: A timely story with a strong supporting character in Joey. - Prodigal Son (2021)
A woman claiming to be Evan’s mother asks him to protect Andrew Duran, a man hunted by a deadly assassination team. But the mission uncovers a threat to national security.
Why You’ll Love It: Family secrets and personal stakes add new layers to Evan’s journey. - Dark Horse (2022)
Evan is hired by drug kingpin Aragon Urrea to rescue his kidnapped daughter from a vicious cartel. The mission forces Evan to question his principles.
Why You’ll Love It: Moral dilemmas and intense action make this a standout. - The Last Orphan (2023)
The President offers Evan a deal: eliminate a dangerous billionaire, and she’ll let him live. But Evan’s code makes the choice complicated.
Why You’ll Love It: A tense exploration of Evan’s principles versus survival. - The Recital (Short Story, 2023)
Joey Morales faces her fears, and Evan recruits deadly allies to help her in an unusual mission.
Why You’ll Love It: A character-driven short story with high stakes for Joey. - Lone Wolf (2024)
A personal crisis sends Evan on a seemingly simple mission to find a missing dog, but it spirals into a battle against a tech billionaire and a mysterious female assassin.
Why You’ll Love It: Evan’s most personal mission yet, with a fresh antagonist. - Nemesis (2025)
Evan faces a conflict with his trusted armorer, Tommy Stojack, while protecting a boy in trouble. A new, deadly threat emerges, pushing Evan to his limits.
Why You’ll Love It: Emotional stakes and betrayal make this a thrilling addition. - The Code (2025)
Details are limited, but this upcoming novel continues Evan’s saga as the Nowhere Man.
Why You’ll Love It: Expect more action and surprises as the series evolves. - Antihero (2026)
The next announced book, promising another chapter in Evan’s journey. Stay tuned for updates!
Why You’ll Love It: Anticipation builds for Evan’s next challenge.
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Tips for Reading the Orphan X Series
- Start with Orphan X: While each book can stand alone, reading in publication order ensures you follow Evan’s character arc and the series’ overarching story. The first novel sets up his backstory through flashbacks, making it the ideal entry point.
- Don’t Skip the Short Stories: Stories like Buy a Bullet and The List add depth to Evan’s world and introduce key characters like Joey Morales. They’re available on Amazon Kindle and as audiobooks.
- Expect Moral Complexity: Evan’s missions often force him to navigate gray areas, making the series thought-provoking as well as thrilling.
- Stay Updated: With The Code (2025) and Antihero (2026) on the horizon, bookmark this guide or follow Gregg Hurwitz on social media for release updates.
Why Orphan X Stands Out
Gregg Hurwitz’s meticulous research—think sneaking onto Navy SEAL ranges and infiltrating cults—brings authenticity to every page. Fans compare Evan Smoak to iconic characters like Bourne and Reacher, but his pay-it-forward model (helping one person who then passes his number to another) adds a unique twist. The series balances adrenaline-pumping action with emotional depth, exploring Evan’s struggle to retain his humanity. With stellar Goodreads scores (e.g., Into the Fire at 4.45), it’s no wonder readers can’t put these books down.
Is There an Orphan X Adaptation?
Yes! A TV series adaptation is in development by Makeready and Perfect Storm Entertainment, with Gregg Hurwitz co-adapting and executive producing. While no cast or release date has been confirmed, the project promises to bring Evan’s story to life. Stay tuned for updates
FAQs About the Orphan X Series
Q: Do I need to read the Orphan X books in order?
A: While each novel has a self-contained plot, reading in publication order enhances the experience by following Evan’s evolution and recurring characters.
Q: How many Orphan X books are there?
A: As of 2025, there are 10 novels and four short stories, with two more novels (The Code and Antihero) announced for 2025 and 2026.
Q: Where can I find the short stories?
A: Buy a Bullet, The Intern, The List, and The Recital are available on Amazon Kindle and as audiobooks.
Q: Is the Orphan X series finished?
A: No, the series is ongoing, with The Code and Antihero slated for release in 2025 and 2026.
Get Started with Orphan X Today!
Ready to join Evan Smoak on his thrilling journey? Start with Orphan X and immerse yourself in a world of action, suspense, and redemption. Whether you’re a thriller veteran or new to the genre, this series will keep you on the edge of your seat. Have you read any Orphan X books yet? Share your favorite in the comments below, and don’t forget to pass this guide to a fellow thriller fan!
Happy reading, and may you always have somewhere to turn—unlike Evan’s clients!
