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Book Review of Prodigal Son (Orphan X, Bk 6)

Prodigal Son (Orphan X, Bk 6)
esjro avatar reviewed on + 909 more book reviews


I've been a fan of the Orphan X series since book one. Evan Smoak is a hero in the spirit of Jack Reacher: only he has fewer lady friends and has way more money. The last book ("Into the Fire") wasn't up to the quality of the rest of the series, so I was starting to worry that the Orphan X chronicles were running out of steam. Fans should worry no more, because Prodigal Son is excellent.

The story opens with Evan trying to adjust to his retirement from being The Nowhere Man. Trouble always finds him though, and when a woman claiming to be his birth mother asks for his help on behalf of a friend whose life is in danger, Evan's curiosity and compulsion to right wrongs gets the best of him. He becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving shady scientists working secretly for the government and some seriously scary contract killers. The job also opens old wounds for Evan, as his past and present intersect in surprising ways.

It is difficult to review this book without giving away any spoilers. Although plenty of background is given, this would not be a great place for readers new to the series to start, as the most enjoyment will be for readers who know Evan's personal history and his struggles. At times the book seems a little long, but there is enough action scattered between the relationship-oriented sections to satisfy thriller readers. The cliff hanger ending is a whopper.

I received a free egalley of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for Macmillan and NetGalley.