The Damage Man (Orphan X #11.5) by Gregg Hurwitz
Publication Date: September 1st 2026 by Macmillan Audio
Pages: 87
Audio Book Length: 2hrs 2min
Narrator: Scott Brick
Source: Publisher
Rating: ★★★★
My
Thoughts:
The Orphan X series is one of my all-time favorites!
I pounce on every installment, novella and short story. So, I was thrilled to
get an audio copy of The Damage Man!
Ethan Smoak was taken from foster care as and trained an
elite assassin for a covert government program, but left when his conscience
demanded it. Now he operates as The Nowhere Man, helping the helpless. His
training and smarts make him a formidable foe. Just when you think there’s no
way out he somehow prevails!
In this short story Evan stumbles across a man being
threatened by a loan shark’s debt collector. He steps in to help and finds out
the debt is owed by the man’s estranged son. Evan tracks the threat to the boss
and does what Evan does, but seeing the strained relationship between the father
and son drudges up feelings over his own abandonment. He’s not ready to
confront his past and yet circumstances force his hand.
Thankfully, Evan has amassed a found family: Joey, Tommy,
Mia and more, and it’s everything I want for Evan! He deserves all the loyalty
and love! Joey is there for support just when he needs it.
From the first book I’ve been “reading” by audio. Scott
Brick is a fantastic narrator, bringing Evan to life. He IS Evan Smoak to me
even now. His female voices and accents are excellent, and his comedic timing
is spot on!
4 Stars
Rapport: Friendship, Solidarity, Communion, Empathy (Murderbot Diaries #2.5) by Martha Wells
Publication Date: September 1st 2026 by Macmillan Audio
Pages: 34
Audio Book Length: 53min
Narrator: Kevin R. Free
Source: Publisher
Rating: ★★★½
My
Thoughts:
Rapport: Friendship, Solidarity, Communion, Empathy is a short story centering on Perihelion “Perry” (or ART according to Murderbot) and its crew after he meets up with Murderbot. Iris, his sort of human sister and the crew notice some changes in Perry but he’s a little coy about his new friendship. This is a cute short story.
The Murderbot Diaries is unique and fun and I’ve loved all
the stories and short stories! I recommend reading from the beginning. The traditional
audio with Kevin R. Free narrating is amazing. He captures Murderbot’s
personality and dry humor so well! There are sound effects here as well, which was
a nice addition.
3.5 Stars
