The Code

Orphan X #10.5

by Gregg Hurwitz

In the latest short story from bestselling author Gregg Hurwitz, discover the teenage missions of Orphan X.

Before he was the feared black ops government assassin Orphan X, operating in the shadows and spoken about in whispers, Evan Smoak was a teenager, undergoing the most rigorous of training. At 17, Evan is sent off by his handler, ex-CIA station agent Jack Johns, to take the most intense U.S. military training course. But that is only part of the challenge before him - Evan has to get there and back, safely and quietly, maintaining operational security. And along the way, facing unexpected challenges, Evan must use everything he's learned since the day he was taken from the foster home in East Baltimore, lessons that Jack Johns has drilled into him, laws of life and death that are to become The Code.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Short Stories, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller

64 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 2, 2025

About the author

Gregg Hurwitz is the critically acclaimed, New York Times and internationally bestselling author of 20 novels, including OUT OF THE DARK (2019). His novels have been shortlisted for numerous literary awards, graced top ten lists, and have been published in 30 languages.

He is also a New York Times Bestselling comic book writer, having penned stories for Marvel (Wolverine, Punisher) and DC (Batman, Penguin). Additionally, he’s written screenplays for or sold spec scripts to many of the major studios, and written, developed, and produced television for various networks. Gregg resides in Los Angeles.

Reviews

[Kaceey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The making of an Orphan… ❌
Have you ever been curious about the training both physical and mental that went into creating one of the most lethal, yet grounded operatives?

Gregg Hurwitz gives up a peak into Evan Smoak’s (A.K.A.Orphan ❌) background. What did the over-the-top intensive training involve? What was his support system during this grueling time? Did he in fact even have one as the term orphan would imply?

This is a super-fast flying short story that you will devour in moments.

Think of it as a teaser to prepare for the latest full length installment to one of the most popular and loved series.
I’m ready…are you?

✍️ Gregg Hurwitz
⏳ 67 pages
🗓️ September 2nd 2025
💭 All things Orphan ❌
📈 5/5
👉 Novella, thriller, series #10.5

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Crucible

Evan Smoake was once just a young man from the orphanage being molded for a purpose. Jack Johns, his handler and father figure is there to be certain Evan stays human with all his harsh training.

This is the story of how some of that training went, and how he became… X.

[John (JC) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good look into the continuing transition of Evan Smoak into Orphan X. The physical rigors he had to experience is incredible. The assault did not stop with the body but took a nose dive into his mental stability also.
This is an excellent short read that helps the reader to understand more about Orphan X and preps the writing as the series unfolds.

[Abibliofob · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Code by Gregg Hurwitz is a short and sweet prequel about Evan Smoaks training to become an Orphan. I do love this series and the character is one of the best created. I do recommend that you read these books.

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/4.25 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Ebook format 📖

[Matt Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little hit of Orphan X lore was like a ristretto shot straight to the veins. Short, sharp, gone too fast, and now I’m just staring at the empty cup like, “That’s it?!” Hurwitz even dangled a sneak peek of the next book and now I’m feral, pacing around my kitchen like Joey off her meds. Evan’s back, then gone again, and I’m left counting the days until I can mainline the next full novel.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man I love this series.

I absolutely LOVE being able to drop back into this world - even if we are going back in the past to when Evan was 17 years old. Even if it hurts my heart.

This is a very short story about a couple of days in the life of our favorite Orphan X during his teenage years, as he is undergoing the unbelievably awful treatment that they called training. Yes, I know that it is that training that has kept him alive for all this time and that eventually made him what he is today but man oh man is it hard to hear.

So, as much as I loved getting a glimpse of teenage Evan, I also remembered being so angry at Jack in those early books. Mr. Hurwitz is truly a genius to make me FEEL so much for a character that does not exist in real life. The mom in me wants to tell him that it is all going to be okay, while at the same time I know it is only a book. Crazy, right?

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the world of Orphan X and getting these short stories are always full of little insights to Orphan's story. In ‘The Code’ we get to see Evan as a teenager, 17 and going through a very intense training with his handler Jack. There are several scenes that are shocking to see a 17 year old go through.
The narrator, Scott Brick is phenomenal. His voice is perfect for Evan. The tones, and inflections used are spot on for me. The emotions that Evan feels throughout the book feel real and raw with Brick’s narration.
See how Evan handles the grueling training and lives by the code we’ve come to know so well. An addicting short story that will leave you wanting more.

A very special thanks to Kaye Publicity + Macmillan Audio for the gifted audiobook.

Favorite quote:
“You have to know it. Why? So you’ll know what to do when it matters, you have to carry it. For everyone who can’t. Like a curse…”

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bestselling author Gregg Hurwitz triumphantly returns to his acclaimed Orphan X series, THE CODE.

This action-packed and insightful prequel short story delves into the formative years of Evan Smoak. Set against a backdrop of intense training and self-discovery, this gripping tale unveils the intricate development of Evan's moral compass at the pivotal age of seventeen.

Filled with the same heart-pounding action and intricate plotting that readers have come to expect from Hurwitz, this short story not only captivates with its thrilling narrative but also includes an exciting sneak peek of the highly anticipated forthcoming novel, Antihero set to release on February 10, 2026. Prepare to dive deep into Evan's world like never before!

About...

THE CODE provides a fascinating backstory, focusing on Evan's journey and his challenging teenage training, offering insights into his early life as an orphan and the intense lessons he learned from his handler, Jack Johns.

We get a glimpse into the training of the Orphan Program. Foster kids have a particular advantage, tending to be desperate and pliable. Should they die in action, get taken hostage, or wind up murdered, there is no one to miss or mourn them.

They are given no more information than that which they require to follow orders; if they are tortured, they have nothing useful to reveal.

The Orphans are raised in silos separate from one another and the rest of humanity and trained in isolation—no friends, no teammates, no backup. When they are ready to deploy, they operate in areas the US government cannot be and do things the US government cannot do. Technically, they do not exist.

Every Orphan is overseen by handler Jack Johns, a former CIA station chief who yanked him out of East Baltimore's Pride House Group Home at the age of twelve, a semi-abduction Evan was happy to yield to, given the dismal future he was facing.

Jack was tough and the only person who ever treated Evan as if he had any worth. He had become like a father to Evan, reminding him, "The hard part isn't turning you into a killer. The hard part is keeping you human."

My reflections…

In THE CODE, readers are invited to delve into the intriguing origins of the "Code" that shapes Evan's choices, revealing the principles he absorbed throughout his formative years. This foundational set of beliefs ultimately becomes the cornerstone of his identity as the enigmatic "Nowhere Man."

A huge fan of the series since Book #1, it was exciting to learn about the early years. True to the thrilling style of the Orphan X series, the narrative maintains a relentless pace, blending heart-pounding action with profound character insights. This makes it an ideal gateway for both long-time fans and newcomers, allowing everyone to grasp the essence of Evan’s journey.

Rich with emotion and thought-provoking moments, this captivating short story masterfully explores Evan's youth, laying bare the roots of his character while simultaneously offering a glimpse into Hurwitz's latest Orphan X #11 installment, ANTIHERO. It’s a compelling exploration that deepens our understanding of Evan and the intricate world he inhabits.

Special thanks to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, and Netgalley for providing a digital advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. I look forward to listening to the audiobook narrated by the fabulous Scott Brick!

blog review posted at
JudithDCollins
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Sep 02, 2025
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Sep 2025 Must-Read Books

[Nicole Dunton · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 Title: The Code
✍️ Author: Gregg Hurwitz
⭐️ Rating: (5 out of 5)
📅 Date Finished: September 2nd, 2025
—————————————————————————
🧵 Quick Summary:

The Code by Gregg Hurwitz is a short Orphan X story that flashes back to Evan at seventeen, still in training under Jack Johns. Tasked with completing a difficult military training course and surviving the journey there and back, Evan begins to shape the principles that will later become his personal code. It’s a fast, tense glimpse into his formative years, showing both his skills and the lessons that would define him as Orphan X.
💭 What I Loved:

- The brief moment in Evan's history while he was still an orphan.
🗣️ Final Thoughts:

I really loved this book. I knew I would though. This is one of my favorite series of all time. Is it completely perfect? No. It has its flaws. Even the favorites aren't perfect. Will I read it, and this entire series, over again? Yep. I'm obsessed. I probably should read other books by this author too. I know he has other books.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

We know Orphan X as the feared black ops assassin, a lone wolf who moves silently in the shadows. This short story offers a rare, emotional glimpse into Evan Smoak’s formative training at a time when he’s more vulnerable and emotional than the hardened operative we see later. As a seventeen-year-old he is subjected to one grueling physical and mental test after another and must use every skill his mentor Jack Johns has been drilling into him. Standing at a crucial crossroad mentally, Evan has to choose what path his life will follow – and which story will unfold.
I’m not usually a novella reader, but I am so glad I didn’t miss this one. In just a few pages, it evoked so much emotion and offered powerful insight into the world of Orphan X! Now, I’m even more excited to read the next Orphan X installment, Antihero, which will be available on February 10, 2026!

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this quick novella by Gregg Hurwitz, we glimpse into Evan Smoak’s past, revealing how he became an Orphan, specifically Orphan X. Just shy of 18, Evan is about to embark on rigorous SEAL training and join a top-secret black-ops agency that undertakes missions the American government cannot.

It was intriguing to witness Evan’s journey from a teenager to a trained assassin. Alongside the skills he’ll acquire, he’ll also learn the “Laws of Death.” As he approaches and completes each mission, “The Code” and “The Ten Commandments” will become pivotal guides for him.

The 11th book in the series, titled Antihero, is scheduled for release in February.

Many thanks to Minotaur and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Joel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am a fan of Gregg Hurwitz and his Orphan X series. I've read each one as they've been published. This #10.5 short story is too short to be worth the time or effort and doesn't ad anything to the character of the protagonist...so why publish it?

It seems to be a new technique to keep readers hooked on successful series. In my view, with rare exceptions it is not worth my time, just a way to keep the reader happy with a new book and to keep the money flowing from a successful series.

There are several I've seen lately from very successful authors that fit into this category. I have decided to pass in the future and will not be going through the trouble of jumping through the hoops to get ebooks that fit in that category.

[Ken Karcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brief glimpse into Evan's training

This short novella tells us a story of a young orphan Evan before he became the Nowhere Man. It highlights the pain and struggles not only physically suffered in the program but also the mental anguish he endured becoming the weapon he was created to be. Is the sacrifice that he became a killer or that he's suffering because he retains his humanity? This series that I love is also finding ways to touch me more deeply than usual, I can't wait to see what is in store for the future.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always like it when we get flashbacks to when Evan was a kid and with this short, it's all about that. But for some reason, this one hit me wrong, it felt like it was boarder line child abuse. The SEAL training at the start not so much, just harsh training. I liked that we got a small glimpse that Evan impressed them, even if he didn't realize it. It was all the stuff that came later, but most especially the talk with Jack. You have to wonder how Evan would be if he had been given just a tiny bit of love and support, not just being pushed to do better.

[wally · Rating 3 out of 5]

started finished 13th september 2025 good read three stars i liked it kindle library loaner have read many if not most of the orphan x stories and have enjoyed each one. very entertaining, fast paced, mucho suspense, the whole ball of wax. a supporting cast of recurring characters makes for a good read. this one is a short story, the early years, x is...seventeen was it? in training. i believe horowitz gregg has another coming out in 2026. onward and upward.

[Skip · Rating 1 out of 5]

Everything I hate in a book. Junk filler between full novels, with a short vignette about Orphan X's teenage training, and the important character-building support provided by his mentor Jack Johns (36-38 pages?), followed by chapters from the forthcoming book, Antihero, to be released in February 2026. Note: If you pay for this one, you will be sorry.

[Ben Hirsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story is about Evan's training for the orphan program and some of the adventures he had while going through the program. Individual seal training, SERE training, life lessons, the small adventure at the carnival when he walked out from the forest and confronted three kids that thought he was a hobo. a very good story.

[Lydia Kass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prequel to all the Orphan X novels in which Evan is thrown into SERE training, kidnapped and dropped in the middle of nowhere and must make his way back to his handlers house where he learns the meaning of The Code.

[Ricki · Rating 2 out of 5]

A super short story -55pages that give a bit of background on the beginnings/training of Evan Smoak aka Nowhere Man aka Orphan X and his handler Jack Johns.

It's a blink and you miss it story that's just ok and not really necessary to the series.

Bring on the next full Nowhere Man !

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

If readers you have been a fan of the Orphan X series….don’t waist your time with these two VERY short stories about Evan Smoot. The entire book is 67 pages…but if YOU want some additional background info- then seek this book out. Enjoy

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desperation

A peek into the training and depths that are Orphan X. Leaves me desperate to comfort Evan, assure him that he's important. Jack provides both, the training and comfort in his own way.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

listen, is this self-indulgent? yes. did i love it anyway? yes! this is classic orphan x in all his glory, except in a rare moment of being 17, highly emotional, and full of teenage feelings. and also military black ops training.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason that I did not give this story, five stars is that it was short. Other than that, it was well written, and gave more insight into Orphan X as an Orphan in training. I just can’t get enough of this series!!

[Melanie Briscoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars! This short story was good but I don’t understand its placement in the larger Orphan X story. I can’t give details why without spoilers, but be prepared if you read it to wonder why this is labeled as novel 10.5.

[Daniel Mudgett · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice look back at vignette from Evan’s days training with Jack. If you’re into Evan’s fondness for rare vodkas you’ll definitely want to read this one!

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

It got my mouth watering for the next novel, just as it was meant to. It was well written to the point I felt myself right there in the story. Loved it.

[Kerry Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

more insight into x. great story

[See · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good short story!

Orphan X when he was young and just having been trained by Jack. This is where he first learns to think for himself and start to write his own story.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just let it happen...

This is a crossover event. Don't fight it. Just let it happen. Be still. Be resolute. It will pass. And then you'll realize it was there all the time.