🔫 Book Review: Buy a Bullet: An Orphan X Short Story by Gregg Hurwitz (Kindle Edition)
A lean, high-octane thriller that offers a glimpse into the moral code and lethal precision of Evan Smoak—this short story is a sharp, satisfying interlude in the Orphan X series.
🧠 Overview
Published in October 2016, Buy a Bullet is a short story (approx. 83 pages) set between Orphan X and The Nowhere Man in Gregg Hurwitz’s bestselling Orphan X series. It serves as Book #1.5, offering readers a deeper look into Evan Smoak’s transformation from government assassin to vigilante helper known as The Nowhere Man.
In this installment, Evan spots a young woman in distress at a coffee shop—trapped in an abusive relationship with a powerful and dangerous man. What follows is a tightly wound mission of justice, executed with Smoak’s trademark stealth and precision.
✨ Key Highlights
- 🕵️♂️ Character study: Offers insight into Evan’s internal code—his refusal to let innocents suffer, and his surgical approach to justice
- ⚔️ Fast-paced action: The story is short but packed with tension, tactical planning, and a satisfying payoff
- 🧠 Psychological depth: Hurwitz explores trauma, control, and the quiet desperation of victims through the lens of Evan’s empathy
- 📖 Standalone appeal: Works well as a quick read for newcomers, but richer for fans of the series
“The Nowhere Man is a figure shrouded in secrecy—a near legendary figure who helps those lucky few who are given the means to reach out to him.” — Goodreads summary
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 3.91/5 from over 5,700 readers
- 📖 Readers praise the story’s tight pacing, emotional weight, and cinematic style
- 🧾 Some note that it’s more of a teaser than a full narrative arc, but still delivers a satisfying dose of Orphan X
- 💬 “A quick, brutal, and brilliant glimpse into Evan’s world. Perfect for fans who want more between novels.” — Goodreads reviewer
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At 83 pages, it’s a novella—not a full-length novel
- 📚 Best read in sequence: Adds depth to Evan’s character if you’ve read Orphan X
- 🧾 Minimal backstory: Assumes some familiarity with Evan’s past and the Orphan Program
🏁 Final Verdict
Buy a Bullet is a compact, adrenaline-fueled story that captures the essence of Evan Smoak’s mission and mindset. Gregg Hurwitz delivers a gritty, emotionally resonant tale that bridges the gap between novels while standing strong on its own. For fans of the Orphan X series—or anyone craving a smart, action-packed thriller—it’s a bullet worth buying.
