ORPHAN X by Gregg Hurwitz

Here is a great bit of escapist reading, with a new type of hero, someone who supposedly does not exist, trained in an off the books programme which may be under the auspices of the CIA, but who would know.... . Evan Smoak is an orphan, taken from the orphanage as a 12 year old by a mysterious man, to a new and unknown future. All he knows is that he will sometimes get hurt. What an understatement. The programme he is put into basically trains him to be the best type of killer, as well as teaching him every single survival, subterfuge, secretive and combatant skill he could ever need to keep him alive and safe from those who seek to kill him in retaliation.

Following a tragic incident, Evan withdraws himself from his role as a highly priced assassin. He builds himself a solitary but safe life, where he deals to the baddies taking advantage of the vulnerable, damaged, frightened and powerless in our society. A good man in other words, but living off the grid, and known as The Nowhere Man. Until following a good act, his past begins to catch up with him. Will he live or will he die? Who can he trust? Who will end up also dying?

Great read, fast paced, plenty of action. Plus lots of reflection of Evan's unusual life, and how he currently lives to keep himself below the radar. This is a pretty straightforward action packed thriller. I think 'I am Pilgrim' by Terry Hayes which is very similar with its lone hero is a better book, but this is still pretty exciting and gripping. Plus there is sequel - The Nowhere Man - where Evan again finds himself in a pretty dangerous predicament. Can't wait.