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A review by mzaweb
The Nowhere Man by Gregg Hurwitz
4.0
Gregg Hurwitz's The Nowhere Man continues to build on the fast-paced and thrilling world introduced in Orphan X. I hope Hurwitz doesn’t make it an habit to reintroduce the main character modus operandi and his skills in every book. The first few chapters felt a bit unnecessary for those who have already read the first book. It’s almost like being stuck in a tutorial level of a video game you’ve already beaten.
Hurwitz’s ability to describe scenes is incredible. He manages to be precise and vivid without going overboard. Each moment is easy to visualize in sharp detail, like watching a movie, yet he avoids wasting pages and pages making it boring. He's very precise.
As on the first book, some of the tech and gadgets feel so exaggerated it’s almost funny. I couldn’t help but wonder who they’re really written for. My dad, maybe? But then I'd like to believe my dad was smart enough he would probably have asked, “Where do you even get a shower faucet handle with a fingerprint scanner?” or “How do you build a hidden Batcave in your bathroom without contractors realizing something’s up?” That absurdity might just be part of the fun, though. Evan is more James Bond than Jack Ryan, so a little flair is probably to be expected.
When it comes to villains, Hurwitz is undeniably creative. René is a terrifying antagonist with a unique and twisted way of inflicting pain, but sometimes the evilness is so over the top that it risks becoming cartoonish. Then again, maybe that’s intentional and part of the fun. It’s a fine line, though, and I’m not sure it always works.
The plot itself has its share of predictable moments, but Hurwitz still managed to surprise me. I was certain the second half of the book would go in a particular direction, tying up various side stories, but I was completely wrong. That’s not something I’d usually expect from this series, and I’m glad to have been caught off guard.
Speaking of surprises,
Overall, The Nowhere Man delivers a satisfying resolution and plenty of action, even if it leans a bit too hard on the ridiculous at times. Hurwitz knows how to create tension, craft memorable villains, and surprise readers in just the right ways. The series continues to be fun and engaging, and I’m definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.
Hurwitz’s ability to describe scenes is incredible. He manages to be precise and vivid without going overboard. Each moment is easy to visualize in sharp detail, like watching a movie, yet he avoids wasting pages and pages making it boring. He's very precise.
As on the first book, some of the tech and gadgets feel so exaggerated it’s almost funny. I couldn’t help but wonder who they’re really written for. My dad, maybe? But then I'd like to believe my dad was smart enough he would probably have asked, “Where do you even get a shower faucet handle with a fingerprint scanner?” or “How do you build a hidden Batcave in your bathroom without contractors realizing something’s up?” That absurdity might just be part of the fun, though. Evan is more James Bond than Jack Ryan, so a little flair is probably to be expected.
When it comes to villains, Hurwitz is undeniably creative. René is a terrifying antagonist with a unique and twisted way of inflicting pain, but sometimes the evilness is so over the top that it risks becoming cartoonish.
Spoiler
Did he really need to steal blood from young people on top of everything else? That felt like overkill, and it didn’t add much to the story.The plot itself has its share of predictable moments, but Hurwitz still managed to surprise me. I was certain the second half of the book would go in a particular direction, tying up various side stories, but I was completely wrong. That’s not something I’d usually expect from this series, and I’m glad to have been caught off guard.
Speaking of surprises,
Spoiler
Jack is alive?? WTF! I’m here for it and excited about the possibilities, but I wish it had been handled differently. Bringing him back at the last possible second felt like a Hail Mary. He deserved better than a rushed reintroduction, and honestly, I’d have kept him “dead” for another book or two before pulling this card. It would have been a bigger, more satisfying twist later in the series.Overall, The Nowhere Man delivers a satisfying resolution and plenty of action, even if it leans a bit too hard on the ridiculous at times. Hurwitz knows how to create tension, craft memorable villains, and surprise readers in just the right ways. The series continues to be fun and engaging, and I’m definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.