Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Dark Horse by Gregg Hurwitz Narrator: Scott Brick
Series: Orphan X #7
Published by Minotaur Books on February 7, 2022
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Length: 14 hours, 30 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: NetGalley
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Evan Smoak is a man with many identities and a challenging past. As Orphan X, he was a government assassin for the off-the-books Orphan Program. After he broke with the Program, he adopted a new name and a new mission—The Nowhere Man, helping the most desperate in their times of trouble. Having just survived an attack on his life and the complete devastation of his base of operations, as well as his complicated (and deepening) relationship with his neighbor Mia Hall, Evan isn't interested in taking on a new mission. But one finds him anyway.
Aragon Urrea is a kingpin of a major drug-dealing operation in South Texas. He's also the patron of the local area—supplying employment in legitimate operations, providing help to the helpless, rough justice to the downtrodden, and a future to a people normally with little hope. He's complicated—a not completely good man, who does bad things for often good reasons. However, for all his money and power, he is helpless when one of the most vicious cartels kidnaps his innocent eighteen year old daughter, spiriting her away into the armored complex that is their headquarters in Mexico. With no other way to rescue his daughter, he turns to The Nowhere Man.
Now not only must Evan figure out how to get into the impregnable fortress of a heavily armed, deeply paranoid cartel leader, but he must decide if he should help a very bad man—no matter how just the cause
I absolutely have loved this Orphan X series. I LOVE Evan and his growth throughout the series. He is a support for the people at Castle Heights, especially Mia and Peter, and a parental figure, at least a caretaker for Joey. I hoped once he got his informal presidential “pardon,” he could go into security or hostage rescue or something. But realistically, once he was in the normal view, there would be people trying to kill him. He needs to stay hidden.
Evan can’t help but be swayed by the plight of a girl, not much older than Joey who has been kidnapped. Her father is not a good man but Evan helps to steer him straighter. The situations Evan is encounters to save her are more extreme than he would prefer.
Evan has problems at “home” at the same time. Joey wants to be more independent but she is 16. Yes she is wicked smart and can defend herself. That doesn’t mean she is old enough and experienced enough to make good decisions (see daughter who has been kidnapped.) I really feel for Evan in this fight. Mia is having problems and Peter needs care and a man he can trust. Evan has no basis to know how to handle these relationship situations of any kind. Because of them, I think he is also staying in the same area, the same “home” longer than is safe.
I am waiting, with anxiety for what happens next for Evan. I am just starting to think how this story of his life can turn out and I’m not liking any of my ideas. But based on my experience with the author, he’s a lot smarter than me and it will work out. I hope.
Anyway, Dark Horse is an intense read with plenty of action, strategy and emotions. Evan continues to learn and grow, and help the desperate. I recommend reading from the beginning, in order, for the character and world developments.
Narration:
Scott Brick is a narrator I enjoy. I am completely settled into his voices for the characters. He does a nice differentiation with all the ages and locations. I enjoyed his performance at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip:
About Scott Brick
Actor, writer and award-winning audiobook narrator Scott Brick certainly knows how to tell a story, in a way that keeps publishers, best-selling and award-winning authors, critics and the public at large begging for more. Hailed by Audible in 2012 as their most prolific narrator, Brick has narrated almost 900 audiobooks including titles such as: Jurassic Park, the Jack Reacher series, Alexander Hamilton, the Hunt For Red October, The Passage trilogy, In Cold Blood, the Bourne trilogy, Atlas Shrugged, Helter Skelter, Fahrenheit 451 and the Dune series.
Born on January 30, 1966 in Santa Barbara, California, Brick studied both acting and writing at UCLA, and joined the ranks of working professionals upon leaving school in 1989. Lauded by critics for his stage work, Brick spent ten years with the LA-based traveling Shakespeare troupe, Will & Company, appearing in productions of Cyrano, Hamlet, Macbeth and many others, and went on to appear in films such as Hit Parade, written and directed by comic book writer and co-Ben 10 creator, Joe Casey.
During this time, Brick continued writing. Having written hundreds of articles in a variety of genre publications such as WIZARD MAGAZINE, TOYFARE, COMICS BUYER’S GUIDE and CREATIVE SCREENWRITING, Brick was then hired by Morgan Freeman and Revelations Entertainment in 2000 to write the screen adaptation of Arthur C. Clarke’s Rendezvous with Rama, with David Fincher attached to direct. In 2005, he collaborated with author Orsen Scott Card to adapt a collection of the author’s short stories for the stage in a production titled (and printed in hardcover as) Posing as People.
Having just celebrated his 20th Audioversary, Brick’s venture into audiobooks is now considered legendary. To date he’s won over 60 Earphones Awards for his narrating skills, as well as five Audie Awards, five SOVAS Awards for voiceover, and a Grammy nomination for the multi-cast recording of The Mark of Zorro (2011). After recording 250 titles in his first five years, AUDIOFILE MAGAZINE named Brick “one of the fastest-rising stars in the audiobook galaxy,” and proclaimed him a Golden Voice, but it was the WALL STREET JOURNAL that sealed the moniker with a front-page article in November, 2004. PUBLISHERS WEEKLY then honored Brick as Narrator of the Year in both 2007 and 2011. That honor was followed up with another feature in the WSJ in 2019 and a recent appearance on the CBS Sunday Morning news show. And the ultimate distinction – being inducted into the Audible Narrator’s Hall of Fame in 2018. Having now recorded over 900 audiobooks, Brick has no intention of slowing down. He obviously won’t be happy until he’s recorded every book ever published.
Born to make a killer first impression, Brick’s newly completed debut novel, INSIGHT, is bound to leave people gasping for more from this innovative writer who is finally telling his own story. No news on who will narrate the audiobook.
About Gregg Hurwitz
GREGG HURWITZ is the New York Times #1 internationally bestselling author of twenty thrillers including OUT OF THE DARK (January 2019). His novels have won numerous literary awards and have been published in thirty languages. Additionally, he’s written screenplays and television scripts for many of the major studios and networks. Gregg lives with his two Rhodesian ridgebacks in Los Angeles, where he continues to play soccer, frequently injuring himself.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 22-COYER
There’s nothing better than an author who can keep a character interesting over such a long series. This sounds amazing!
I bought the whole series on audio, including novellas and listened to all, including this ARC in December and January. It turned out to be a great choice.
I have been eyeing this series for sometime now. Glad to see its is still going strong.
Yes I bought them all before I even listened to the first one. I loved them.
Thanks for that audio clip. You’re right, the narrator has a great voice.
He is a favorite narrator. I’ve listened to him on other books.
I can see why you liked this, it sounds great.
It was great! It had action and emotional storylines. There was lots of strategy around the action.
I would totally watch this if it were a show! Glad it remains so good for you.
Yes I am all about an “equalizer” type character helping the underdogs who are not at fault for their circumstances.
Some good nuance to the thriller plot with all the background and relationship development going on.
Yes Joey is a big change in his life. I’m afraid of what will happen since he might be tracked through his connections.
This is a series that I have considered several times. I am sure that I would like it but I just can’t find the time to read everything. It sounds fantastic!
I know exactly what you mean. I have a whole list of series I want to get to this year and I just do the best I can. And even authors where I just want to read one book.
This series is on my wishlist. I need more time!!
Well I doubled my “time” by starting to listen to audiobooks but I don’t think anything else will get me that kind of boost again. I bought this whole series before I even listened to the first one, including all the novellas. Luckily, I made a good choice.
This is one of my most favorite series! I love Evan Smoak, too. And I can’t wait to read this one. My library hold should be coming in soon.
That kind of surprises me but I’m glad to hear you love him too.
I’m currently reading *listening* to this one so I’ll come back after I’ve posted my review. Nice to see your 5 stars. I’m loving this series!
I’ll love to hear your thoughts. I’m really enjoying this series so much. The characters mean a lot to me. I’m getting very worried for Evan.
I cannot wait to start this series! This one seemed to have churned you up, Anne💜
Yes it has some moral ambiguity but I love Evan.
Yet another series I really need to check out!
It’s action packed and fun!
This series is sooo good! I’m wondering how everything is going to turn out after that ending! I worry, but like you said the author usually works it out somehow. My husband is loving the series too. Wonderful review, Anne!
Thank you Rachel. I’m so glad you enjoyed these. I loved them but I am horribly worried about Evan. He doesn’t have as many “friends” as Jack did.