Orphan X Books in Order: How I Followed Evan Smoak’s Trail and Barely Caught My Breath

You know that feeling when you stumble across a series that pulls you in so completely, you lose track of time? That was me the moment I started reading Evan Smoak’s story. I hadn’t planned to devour an entire thriller series, but one page of Orphan X and I was hooked.

Gregg Hurwitz’s Orphan X novels are modern action thrillers that blend espionage fiction, vigilante justice, and psychological depth into a high-stakes series.

Now, I can’t wait to share that journey with you, especially the best way to read these books. Trust me, having the order right makes all the difference when you’re racing alongside “The Nowhere Man.”

Order to Read the Orphan X Series

Here’s the authentic reading order, including both the main novels and the short stories. Following the publication order is the best way to appreciate Evan Smoak’s character development, recurring themes, and ongoing narrative arcs. so you get the full Evan Smoak experience:

1. Orphan X (2016) – The thrilling origin of Evan Smoak.
   1.5 Buy a Bullet (short story, Oct 2016)
2. The Nowhere Man (2017)
3. Hellbent (2018)
   3.5 The Intern (short story, Dec 2018)
4. Out of the Dark (2019)
5. Into the Fire (2020)
   5.5 The List (short story, Aug 2020)
6. Prodigal Son (2021)
7. Dark Horse (2022)
8. The Last Orphan (2023)
   8.5 The Recital (short story, Nov 2023)
9. Lone Wolf (2024)
10. Nemesis (Feb 2025)
    10.5 The Code (short story, Sept 2025) , newly released
11. Antihero (Feb 2026, upcoming)

That’s quite the lineup! If you’ve read a couple already, you might be racing to catch up, happy reading ahead!

Who is Gregg Hurwitz… and What Makes This Series Click?

A Bit About the Author

Gregg Hurwitz is no stranger to edge-of-your-seat storytelling. He’s recognized as a master of contemporary thriller writing, praised for weaving together literary themes of morality, redemption, and identity with relentless action. He’s penned everything from standalone thrillers to comic book scripts for Marvel and DC (think Wolverine and Batman), and he’s been shortlisted for major awards, his writing earns respect on both sides of the literary fence.

He also co-wrote the screenplay for The Book of Henry, and Warner Bros. is developing Orphan X with Bradley Cooper attached.

What Makes the Orphan X Series Stand Out

• High-stakes moral dilemmas: Evan isn’t just an assassin, he’s an orphan trained as a weapon, breaking away to become a vigilante for those who can’t protect themselves. The idea of helping “the desperate and deserving” becomes his driving force.
• A compelling mentor dynamic: Evan’s only real connection is Jack Johns, the man who trained him and was like a father. That relationship adds emotional weight.
• Non-stop action mixed with vulnerability: Each book feels like a new mission, but we see Evan’s doubts, pain, and resilience shine through,making him more than just a thriller hero.

FAQ Section

1. Are the books connected? Can I read them in any order?
They’re definitely interconnected, the short stories fill in gaps and deepen character arcs, but they’re not standalone. I’d recommend reading in the full publication order above to avoid confusion and to appreciate how Evan’s arc unfolds.

2. Do I need to read the short stories?
Short stories like Buy a Bullet or The Intern enrich the main narrative, sometimes they take place in between the novels and offer extra insight into Evan’s world. If you love the series, they’re worth the read.

3. Is the upcoming Antihero the end?
Details are sparse, but Antihero is scheduled for February 2026. Whether it’s the final entry or not remains to be seen, but either way, it promises to be another intense ride. Keep your fingers crossed for more!

Verdict

So, here we are: a reading roadmap for Orphan X, a quick author spotlight, and a peek into why the series grips readers by the collar and refuses to let go. Whether you’re just starting or you’ve already fallen into Evan Smoak’s world, this series is a hell of a journey.

Stick with me over on WhimsyRead, I’ll be sharing more thoughts as new books drop. Here’s to the Nowhere Man and the thrill of turning pages!