the setup…
Joey Morales, the last Orphan recruit who was rescued by Evan Smoak, is now a freshman at UCLA, still under the protective umbrella of Orphan X and living on her own with a dog named Dog. She’s in class when she hears a commotion outside the room. She discovers a young woman in distress who in seconds commits suicide right before Joey’s eyes. Joey recovers her phone and learns the probable reason why… she’s on an insidious list distributed by members of a fraternity.
the heart of the story…
Joey’s still trying to learn what it means to live normally so Becca Morgan’s suicide and the impetus behind it regenerates her Orphan skills and thinking. This was much more than seeking retribution as she tries to find that balance between her old covert behavior and staying within the lines of society’s rules. As much as I loved the revenge angle, I was more impressed with her growth.
the narration…
I’m used to Brick mastering Evan but he nailed Joey in this story! I heard the teenager…angst, anger and everything else.
the bottom line…
It’s a very short story but every word seemed to be carefully chosen, packing lots of meaning. Joey continues to exhibit clever thinking while still showing up very much like a teenager. It reeked of authenticity and at the same time delivering satisfaction in seeing some truly awful people get their comeuppance while achieving a bit of justice for Becca.
Book Info
- Release Date: August 4, 2020
- Series: Orphan X #5.5
- Narrator: Scott Brick
- Audio Length: 1 hour, 32 minutes
- Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Listen to a Sample!
Blue Mood Café 
Joey is such a great character and the perfect one to bring out the humanity in Evan. I adore her 💕 Excellent review! This was the first book I read in the series 🤦🏻♀️
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Thanks, Tessa💜 Oh, you started in a strange place. Did it effect your enjoyment of the book where she was first introduced?
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I still haven’t had a chance to go back, only forward. I don’t think it would though, but 🤷🏻♀️
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Oh, Tessa, those early books are incredible! One day…
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I have them all for when I can. I can’t wait!
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I LOVED this and I LOVE Joey. This series and Scott Brick, just a real favorite for me. I’m so attached I don’t want anyone to die.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Me, too, Anne💜 I worry with each book.
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Nice review! I’m glad that you’re enjoying the series.
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Thanks, Jodie💜 If you like high octane, you’ll love this series.
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I’m not familiar with this series but it sounds fantastic. Joey sounds like a character I would love!
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Oh, you’d definitely adore Joey, Suzanne💜
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You know how much I love this review and your love for this series! Wonderful review, Jo!
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Thank you, Marialyce💜 I figured I’d like this short story but wasn’t prepared to enjoy it so much.
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Great review, Jo. I have not read a lot of the short stories in this series, but I probably should. This sounds like a great way to get to know Joey better.
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Thank you, Carla💜 The short stories are highly thematic, little gems with important messages. This one is the best.
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