I had the opportunity to read a new thriller novel almost two years ago, from the author Gregg Hurwitz. Titled Orphan X, a very cursory glance at the blurb was enough to pique my curiosity. Having just finished I Am Pilgrim, I was on the lookout for more well written thrillers, and that one came along at just the right moment. Whilst not quite in the same league as Pilgrim, it did come very close. I quickly followed up the second instalment, The Nowhere Man when that was released. Now I find myself writing up my first actual review for one of these exciting stories, as Hellbent – the third in the series – has only just been released. I was eager to read about the lead character, Evan Smoak's current circumstances, having been thoroughly hooked by his complex arc already.

I intend to write a thorough review for the earlier episodes, to fill in details of the story and characters behind Hellbent, but for the time being I will keep this review to this latest chapter. Gregg Hurwittz writes an exciting, fast paced thriller, and the protagonist, Evan Smoak very much comes alive on the pages of these books. As I was reading Hellbent I tried to remain aware of just how difficult it would be for someone to just jump right into the plot at that point. Could they do it? Would the story still make sense? The answer to those questions is yes, in my opinion. This is a stand alone story, developed fully enough to warrant attention in its own right.

Having said that though, the fullest understanding of Evan's back story is realised through the many segments delivered along the way throughout the series. Including here in Hellbent. You wont be left behind, perhaps just not as in the loop as you could be. Characters that have graced the pages of the earlier instalments are eased into view and understanding, and not just thrown at the reader. You do get the chance to understand their place in this universe, and understand how these people fit into Evan's background.

The Saga Continues

Evan Smoak is the name given to him by his handler, Jack Johns after he has been taken from an orphanage and trained into the world of black ops assassins. We first met Evan, also known as Orphan X, after he had stopped participating in the program and set up his own program to help those with nowhere else to turn to.

Hellbent sees the saga continue, as no Orphan is allowed to just leave the black ops program. Evan has found himself on the run from the forces in his past whilst dedicating himself to righting his wrongs through the extreme assistance program he offers. His knowledge is dangerous, it produces results, but it is a powder keg for certain high ranking officials who over saw his development.

This is the reality Evan has been living with throughout this series. However in Hellbent it becomes personal, a mindset that he has been trained to never have. Jack Johns, his trainer, and the nearest thing to a father, has been killed for his refusal to hand over Evan's whereabouts. This sets off a chase across the country, via encoded messages, and misunderstood packages, as Evan pursues the one same man who pursues him, Van Sciver, the head of the Orphan program – a man eliminating the remaining Orphans one by one.

The closer Evan gets to the target, the riskier his actions become, and the more he has to rely on his years of finely tuned training. There is someone of importance behind this latest attempt to eliminate him, someone who Van Sciver is taking his orders from. Hellbent sees Evan on a rocket ride towards finding that man, or dying in the pursuit.

Along the way he is joined by a much younger Orphan, a teenager used as a pawn to lure Evan in. Someone who reminds him of himself all those years ago, when first setting out on the path to becoming the world's most lethal assassin. He feels the need to prevent her needless participation, but along their journey she does as much to save his life as he does to save hers. Through this character Gregg Hurwitz is able to introduce a much more sophisticated level of computer hacking into the plot, delivering it with believably and success.

Hellbent is a very enjoyable read. Whilst having had read the first two would be ideal, it isn't necessary to follow this on its own. The pace is fast, sometimes hectic, and the action is delivered in a constant stream, relying on various elite level skill sets to keep the story moving along. This is where the story shines, as the research has clearly been thorough, making for a genuinely believable novel.

Hellbent (as well as the series) is a top notch thriller, worthy of your time and attention. I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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