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The Orphan Trilogy #2
The Orphan Factory
An epic, atmospheric story that begins with twenty three genetically superior orphans being groomed to become elite spies in Chicago's Pedemont Orphanage and concludes with a political assassination deep in the Amazon jungle.
The Orphan Factory, a coming-of-age spy thriller novel, is book two in The Orphan Trilogy and a prequel to The Ninth Orphan. Go on another frenetic journey with the ninth-born orphan as he busts out of the clandestine orphanage he knew as home and goes on the run across America.
In the late 1970's, in Chicago, Illinois, the secretive Omega Agency initiates the Pedemont Project - a radical experiment utilizing genetic engineering technologies - to create twenty three orphan babies with the plan to turn them into the world's most effective assassins.
One of the prodigies will rebel: meet Number Nine, an orphan with a mind of his own.
In 1998, when Nine reaches adulthood and graduates with honors from the Pedemont Orphanage, he is already an adept of the deadly espionage arts. Ordered by his Omega masters to assassinate a survivor of the Jonestown tragedy in Guyana's Amazon rainforest, Nine is forced to draw upon all of his advanced training just to stay alive.
The Orphan Factory, a coming-of-age spy thriller novel, is book two in The Orphan Trilogy and a prequel to The Ninth Orphan. Go on another frenetic journey with the ninth-born orphan as he busts out of the clandestine orphanage he knew as home and goes on the run across America.
In the late 1970's, in Chicago, Illinois, the secretive Omega Agency initiates the Pedemont Project - a radical experiment utilizing genetic engineering technologies - to create twenty three orphan babies with the plan to turn them into the world's most effective assassins.
One of the prodigies will rebel: meet Number Nine, an orphan with a mind of his own.
In 1998, when Nine reaches adulthood and graduates with honors from the Pedemont Orphanage, he is already an adept of the deadly espionage arts. Ordered by his Omega masters to assassinate a survivor of the Jonestown tragedy in Guyana's Amazon rainforest, Nine is forced to draw upon all of his advanced training just to stay alive.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2012
About the author
James Morcan
36 books1,283 followersNew Zealand-born actor/writer/producer James Morcan resides in Sydney, Australia. He has written two bestselling novels, performed in various international film productions and is a podcast host. His books have been translated into eight languages (Arabic, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Norwegian, French, Afrikaans, German).
Morcan's published titles include the new release horror Silent Fear (A novel inspired by true crimes) and the bestselling historical adventures White Spirit and Into the Americas. He also has several series on the market including The Orphan Trilogy, an international thriller series, the swashbuckling action-romance series The World Duology, and the controversial non-fiction franchise The Underground Knowledge Series. An additional non-fiction title, Debunking Holocaust Denial Theories, was written in collaboration with Holocaust survivors to document the genocide. These titles were all co-authored with his father Lance Morcan and published by Sterling Gate Books. Their production company, Morcan Motion Pictures, is developing Silent Fear into a feature film and Underground Knowledge into a TV series.
James' most recent acting performance was a leading role in the post-Apocalyptic feature film After Armageddon which he also wrote. The dystopian adventure film was shot in rural Australia and Morcan co-starred with Berynn Schwerdt (Wyrmwood). Other leading roles include the OZ-Bollywood productions My Cornerstone and Love You Krishna. Morcan also wrote the screenplays for both features which were filmed in Sydney and Mumbai and incorporated English and Hindi languages.
Additional productions he has perfromed in include a BBC TV series, several indie features and a live stadium production of Ben Hur headlined by Academy Award winner Russell Crowe. To date, his feature films have screened at cinemas in New Zealand, India, Australia, Italy and Cannes.
James is a podcast host on the YouTube channel Underground Knowledge: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX8s...
He co-founded one of the most popular discussion groups on Goodreads, also called Underground Knowledge, which has around 16,000 members: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Amazon author profile:
https://www.amazon.com/author/jamesmo...
IMDb filmmaker profile:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1909596/
Morcan's published titles include the new release horror Silent Fear (A novel inspired by true crimes) and the bestselling historical adventures White Spirit and Into the Americas. He also has several series on the market including The Orphan Trilogy, an international thriller series, the swashbuckling action-romance series The World Duology, and the controversial non-fiction franchise The Underground Knowledge Series. An additional non-fiction title, Debunking Holocaust Denial Theories, was written in collaboration with Holocaust survivors to document the genocide. These titles were all co-authored with his father Lance Morcan and published by Sterling Gate Books. Their production company, Morcan Motion Pictures, is developing Silent Fear into a feature film and Underground Knowledge into a TV series.
James' most recent acting performance was a leading role in the post-Apocalyptic feature film After Armageddon which he also wrote. The dystopian adventure film was shot in rural Australia and Morcan co-starred with Berynn Schwerdt (Wyrmwood). Other leading roles include the OZ-Bollywood productions My Cornerstone and Love You Krishna. Morcan also wrote the screenplays for both features which were filmed in Sydney and Mumbai and incorporated English and Hindi languages.
Additional productions he has perfromed in include a BBC TV series, several indie features and a live stadium production of Ben Hur headlined by Academy Award winner Russell Crowe. To date, his feature films have screened at cinemas in New Zealand, India, Australia, Italy and Cannes.
James is a podcast host on the YouTube channel Underground Knowledge: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX8s...
He co-founded one of the most popular discussion groups on Goodreads, also called Underground Knowledge, which has around 16,000 members: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Amazon author profile:
https://www.amazon.com/author/jamesmo...
IMDb filmmaker profile:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1909596/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 3, 2017
An incredibly well written story. I know how much I’m enjoying a book when I have to stop reading it, and then I’m excited when I’m able to pick it back up to continue, and this is definitely one of those books. It’s such a great story, and so entertaining. Nine already knows at the age of 12 that he isn’t destined for a normal life. Nine and the other 22 orphans are being trained by the Omega group to become highly trained assassins. Where one day they will be sent out into the field to carry out assignments, that will make Omega a stronger and much richer organisation. Nine may have excelled at just about every aspect of his training, but he did have one weakness, and that was having a soft spot with too much heart. He wasn’t cold and totally ruthless like his fellow nemesis, Orphan 12. He was sick to death of being stuck in the orphanage, and not being able to lead a normal life. He had managed to fall in love with Helen, a girl about his age that lives in a nearby apartment. So when Helen and her father move California, Nine decides this is his opportunity to make a break and run away from the orphanage, and see if he can track down Helen and get to know her. Of course with Omega spending so much on each orphan, they aren’t prepared to let Nine go that easily, and will do everything they can to track him down and bring him back. Especially since they aren’t sure if he will say something about the ultra-secret organisation, which is totally off the grid, and unknown to just about everyone. The Authors have also done a wonderful job in the detail and background of each character. Do yourself a favour and read this book, it really is that good.
September 2, 2012
This second book in the Orphan series is a prequel telling us about the program and its aims. The book opens with the births of the orphans, then jumps forward ten years to a point where they are now in training. The conflict between Nine and Seventeen started early.
Nine has established a sanctuary of sorts for himself and somehow manages to fall in love with the girl next door. This unrequited relationship drives him to attempt an escape.
I found this book to be even better than the first. The escapades of Nine as a new teenager, away from the structure of the orphanage, are interesting and completely believable.
Normally I always recommend reading a series in the order they were written. If for no other reason than the author may have (intentionally or inadvertently) included some foreknowledge of events. But in the case of the Orphan Trilogy 1 and 2, I’m not sure that I wouldn’t recommend reversing the order. But either way, this is a very enjoyable read, and as I said, I thought it better than the first.
The only point where the energy went out was the end, where the Epilogue almost rushed to bring you up to speed for where the first book starts. I thought the Epilogue could have been omitted with no ill effects.
I read the Kindle Edition (Sterling Gate Books, July 2012, 385p) provided by the authors for review.
Nine has established a sanctuary of sorts for himself and somehow manages to fall in love with the girl next door. This unrequited relationship drives him to attempt an escape.
I found this book to be even better than the first. The escapades of Nine as a new teenager, away from the structure of the orphanage, are interesting and completely believable.
Normally I always recommend reading a series in the order they were written. If for no other reason than the author may have (intentionally or inadvertently) included some foreknowledge of events. But in the case of the Orphan Trilogy 1 and 2, I’m not sure that I wouldn’t recommend reversing the order. But either way, this is a very enjoyable read, and as I said, I thought it better than the first.
The only point where the energy went out was the end, where the Epilogue almost rushed to bring you up to speed for where the first book starts. I thought the Epilogue could have been omitted with no ill effects.
I read the Kindle Edition (Sterling Gate Books, July 2012, 385p) provided by the authors for review.
August 25, 2012
Where perfect killers are made – The Orphan Factory by James & Lance Morcan; an Amazon average rating of 4.8 stars.
A Little About The Orphan Factory:
The Morcan’s take us to Chicago, Ill., on a journey with 23 genetically altered children and the organization bent on creating the world’s most elite stable of espionage operatives. In this prequel, as with the first novel (The Ninth Orphan), you’ll focus on Nine as he shows early signs of walking to the beat of a slightly different drum than his Omega masters would prefer. You’ll witness the depths of the manipulation used to shape these children and clearly see how Omega’s choices in dealing with Nine ultimately plant the seeds of their demise in book one.
There is an appropriate ebb and flow to the pace of this book because this prequel covers the genesis of the Piedmont Project and the growth of the ninth orphan (Sebastian). Much of what these children become as operatives is explained in terms of their physical and mental superiority but more importantly, readers will gain insight to Nine’s break from Omega as well as his relationships with his mentor and orphan 17 (Jennifer). There is still plenty of action, especially toward the end when Sabastian and Jennifer are assigned to their first mission. The plot is very solid and answers a lot of questions while also opening other doors for the final book in the trilogy.
The writing was good though I would like to see better editing in the next book. You’ll find some typos that hold this novel from reaching the next level but it won’t disrupt the flow and none of the errors take away from the qualities that make this an enjoyable read – plot, flow, and a suspenseful story that engages the reader. I’d give it 4.0 stars on its strengths.
Tom Clementson (Kindle Book Review)
Be sure to take a moment and leave your feedback and comments about the book on Amazon and goodreads.
A Little About The Orphan Factory:
The Morcan’s take us to Chicago, Ill., on a journey with 23 genetically altered children and the organization bent on creating the world’s most elite stable of espionage operatives. In this prequel, as with the first novel (The Ninth Orphan), you’ll focus on Nine as he shows early signs of walking to the beat of a slightly different drum than his Omega masters would prefer. You’ll witness the depths of the manipulation used to shape these children and clearly see how Omega’s choices in dealing with Nine ultimately plant the seeds of their demise in book one.
There is an appropriate ebb and flow to the pace of this book because this prequel covers the genesis of the Piedmont Project and the growth of the ninth orphan (Sebastian). Much of what these children become as operatives is explained in terms of their physical and mental superiority but more importantly, readers will gain insight to Nine’s break from Omega as well as his relationships with his mentor and orphan 17 (Jennifer). There is still plenty of action, especially toward the end when Sabastian and Jennifer are assigned to their first mission. The plot is very solid and answers a lot of questions while also opening other doors for the final book in the trilogy.
The writing was good though I would like to see better editing in the next book. You’ll find some typos that hold this novel from reaching the next level but it won’t disrupt the flow and none of the errors take away from the qualities that make this an enjoyable read – plot, flow, and a suspenseful story that engages the reader. I’d give it 4.0 stars on its strengths.
Tom Clementson (Kindle Book Review)
Be sure to take a moment and leave your feedback and comments about the book on Amazon and goodreads.
August 21, 2012
Back in the 1970's,in an old warehouse off North Michigan Avenue in Chicago that's been renovated and its concealed basement made into a maternity ward,seven women are giving birth.But their offspring are more the average. The babies here in this old warehouse are born of fathers from the "Genius Sperm Bank.This is a part of a seventy-five million dollar investment of the Omega Agency's Pedemont Project in what the leaders call a New World Order as the men heading Omega say they don't like the spider web of elite conspirators who control the world which is no longer shaped by countries or governments.Skip forward to 1992, just before Bill Clinton is elected President of the United States, and those very special 15 boys and 8 girls born in that warehouse's basement are being trained by Special Agent Tommy Kentbridge to survive and to kill when necessary, to speak many languages fluently, and to excel in everything. They are given White Gold Powder three times a day to enhance their abilities, but Orphan Nine, or Sebastian as his mother called him at birth, has learned that White Gold Powder can hide the microchip embedded in his arm that Omega uses to track him at any moment. What will rebellious Nine do with this knowledge?
"The Orphan Train" is a highly well-written story that will keep the reader on the edge of his seat throughout all its pages. The characters of Nine, Tommy Kentbridge, Andrew Naylor and their special, talented orphans as well as all the other characters in this delightful book are totally believable throughout the story. The plotline, filled with suspense and unexpected twists and turns, is rivetting right to the book's last page. "The Orphan Train"'s authors have created what hopefully will be a long running series with readers worldwide asking when the next volume is due off the press.
"The Orphan Train" is a highly well-written story that will keep the reader on the edge of his seat throughout all its pages. The characters of Nine, Tommy Kentbridge, Andrew Naylor and their special, talented orphans as well as all the other characters in this delightful book are totally believable throughout the story. The plotline, filled with suspense and unexpected twists and turns, is rivetting right to the book's last page. "The Orphan Train"'s authors have created what hopefully will be a long running series with readers worldwide asking when the next volume is due off the press.
November 18, 2014
This is the second book I have read in the series and after just a few pages I found myself immersed back into the world of the Omega organisation and enjoying this new adventure.
This book covers the birth of the genetically perfect specimens and their younger years in the Omega orphanage as they are developed by the organisation to become super agents. 9 is the star pupil which causes resentment from 17 in particular and you see the friction develop, which will explode fully in the next book.
9 is the best student but he is not the happiest in the orphanage and seeks to escape, driven partly by his attraction to a beautiful young girl living next door. I liked reading about the seeds of 9's discontent being sown young because it fits well with the next book in the series.
There are plenty of gadgets which in a James Bond film of the sixties would have seen like science fiction but in today's age are completely believable. Even the basic idea of cloning super kids seems sadly completely believable!
This is a fun series which though dealing with some important issues focuses more on the characters and action. The book is fundamentally well written and I look forward to reading the next in the series.
This book covers the birth of the genetically perfect specimens and their younger years in the Omega orphanage as they are developed by the organisation to become super agents. 9 is the star pupil which causes resentment from 17 in particular and you see the friction develop, which will explode fully in the next book.
9 is the best student but he is not the happiest in the orphanage and seeks to escape, driven partly by his attraction to a beautiful young girl living next door. I liked reading about the seeds of 9's discontent being sown young because it fits well with the next book in the series.
There are plenty of gadgets which in a James Bond film of the sixties would have seen like science fiction but in today's age are completely believable. Even the basic idea of cloning super kids seems sadly completely believable!
This is a fun series which though dealing with some important issues focuses more on the characters and action. The book is fundamentally well written and I look forward to reading the next in the series.
August 22, 2016
Having read the first novel some time ago, and enjoyed it, I wondered why I’d waited so long to read the second. The answer is I don’t know. However, that book stuck in my memory and as soon as I began reading this, the characters came back to me like old friends.
This is a prequel, and tells the story of nine in his early years, and answers some of the questions posed by the first book. It is fast paced, full of action, and packs a punch. A first class spy thriller, which makes me want to read the third book as soon as I can. A winner all the way.
This is a prequel, and tells the story of nine in his early years, and answers some of the questions posed by the first book. It is fast paced, full of action, and packs a punch. A first class spy thriller, which makes me want to read the third book as soon as I can. A winner all the way.
November 16, 2012
Loving it!
Excellent – Superbly Done – Action Packed – Suspenseful and Thrilling
That says it all for The Orphan Factory.
This story kept me hooked right from the start and there was never a dull moment in this Conspiracy Suspense.
If you like Conspiracy Theories and Espionage, this a story for you.
Twenty –three orphans are the product of a cloning experiment to create super agents of the future.
Excellent – Superbly Done – Action Packed – Suspenseful and Thrilling
That says it all for The Orphan Factory.
This story kept me hooked right from the start and there was never a dull moment in this Conspiracy Suspense.
If you like Conspiracy Theories and Espionage, this a story for you.
Twenty –three orphans are the product of a cloning experiment to create super agents of the future.
July 9, 2013
It was slow at first, and Nine was borderline creepy and stalker-ish. But once his trek to California was over, the book took off. The back story of Nine and Seventeen's relationship and the deep anger felt for each other is the glue holding this story together. I enjoyed it. Starting book #3 now.
February 17, 2013
I actually enjoyed this book even more than I did The Ninth Orphan... which I had rated 5 stars. This is the prequel to The Ninth Orphan and fills in the background of the orphans' program and specifically of Number Nine who is also featured in the original book. The authors do an awesome job of engaging the reader from the very beginning and holding that interest thru-out the book. There's thrills, adventure, a love component... This book was an emotional read for me and elicited a plethora of emotions: shock, laughter, tears....
I almost wish I'd read this book first... The authors feel that it should be read after The Ninth Orphan... but I think it would have set-up the sequel.
I'd like to state that this is not a normal genre for me to read; however, now I'm hooked and I look forward to the conclusion of this story.
I almost wish I'd read this book first... The authors feel that it should be read after The Ninth Orphan... but I think it would have set-up the sequel.
I'd like to state that this is not a normal genre for me to read; however, now I'm hooked and I look forward to the conclusion of this story.
March 1, 2013
The children are born inside of the orphanage and each mother is not allowed to ever see them again. As Nine is born, as he doesn't know his name and is only ever called by a number, his mother is allowed to hold him for only a moment before he is taken away from her forever.
Nine grew up with other babies and children his own age and several that were born 18months later to the same women.
They begin training these children as a government operation unknown to the public. They are raised government trained. They are taught the masters of disguising themselves, fighting, sharp shooting and many other things.
This one is just as good as the Ninth Orphan, just not sure why it came second when it was the beginning of their lives and it might had needed to be first.
Either way, it works out great and happens to be a wonderful story!
Nine grew up with other babies and children his own age and several that were born 18months later to the same women.
They begin training these children as a government operation unknown to the public. They are raised government trained. They are taught the masters of disguising themselves, fighting, sharp shooting and many other things.
This one is just as good as the Ninth Orphan, just not sure why it came second when it was the beginning of their lives and it might had needed to be first.
Either way, it works out great and happens to be a wonderful story!
March 12, 2013
The second book of the Orphan Trilogy provides the reader with additional insight of orphan Nine’s childhood development and explains many of his internal conflicts. The well written story takes Nine on a journey of love, self discovery, espionage and survival. I can’t wait to read the final novel in the series.
February 12, 2015
The first book in The Orphan Trilogy was great, but this one's better. In fact, it's easily one of the best books I've read in the thriller-type genre. From the first page to the last, I was utterly absorbed in this ambitious story of twenty three genetically super-enhanced orphan children, being prepared for a life of conspiratorial espionage at the top levels that go beyond the law. This work simply doesn't put a foot wrong.
Perhaps surprisingly, this feels like a coming of age book more than anything else, as we follow Nine, the main protagonist, from childhood to the beginnings of adulthood; but it's a coming of age book of a boy living in a dark, extreme, secret, isolated world- and that makes all the difference.
There's so much depth to all the characters and their interactions, the various geographical locations and settings like the orphanage are all vibrant and expertly detailed, and the structure and story of the book weaves together in a fascinating, page turning frenzy which builds and builds throughout. I was just as captivated by such everyday characters like the homeless Ace or by the scenarios of teenage first love yearnings, as I was by the gripping action finale chapters in Guyana.
I don't want to give away too much of what actually occurs in this tale, as that's for the reader to discover- I want you to experience the spellbinding freshness of this book for yourself.
I'm not hugely into the thriller category, but this book transcends the genre. It's simply a damn great read, regardless of classification. And I already can't wait to read the last instalment in this brilliant trilogy.
Harry Whitewolf, author of Route Number 11 and The Road To Purification.
Perhaps surprisingly, this feels like a coming of age book more than anything else, as we follow Nine, the main protagonist, from childhood to the beginnings of adulthood; but it's a coming of age book of a boy living in a dark, extreme, secret, isolated world- and that makes all the difference.
There's so much depth to all the characters and their interactions, the various geographical locations and settings like the orphanage are all vibrant and expertly detailed, and the structure and story of the book weaves together in a fascinating, page turning frenzy which builds and builds throughout. I was just as captivated by such everyday characters like the homeless Ace or by the scenarios of teenage first love yearnings, as I was by the gripping action finale chapters in Guyana.
I don't want to give away too much of what actually occurs in this tale, as that's for the reader to discover- I want you to experience the spellbinding freshness of this book for yourself.
I'm not hugely into the thriller category, but this book transcends the genre. It's simply a damn great read, regardless of classification. And I already can't wait to read the last instalment in this brilliant trilogy.
Harry Whitewolf, author of Route Number 11 and The Road To Purification.
October 11, 2014
In some ways the Orphan Trilogy is a chilling reminder of the Lebensborn eugenics program in Nazi Germany which set out to produce the perfect Aryan children who would grow up to become world leaders.
This is the second book in the Trilogy where we learn a little background of the orphans and the aims of the covert Omega Agency ‘s program.
Lance and James Morcan are very talented writers with a flair for the dramatic and could it be, a vision of this world’s future. I’m not going to cover the political aspirations of the rich and famous or governments in this review, nor am I going to delve into the plot as other reviewers have produced very good outlines.
What sets this book apart from the usual action novels about future world conspiracies with their chilling robotic assassins, is the sympathetic character of Nine, the alpha assassin of the group. Depersonalised from birth, The Orphans are, devoid of emotions, yet from somewhere deep inside his dna, a yearning arises in Nine. He seeks emotional involvement with other humans, which is frowned upon by the Agency he works for. This introduces a human touch, along with some ironic humor which saves the book from being taking itself too serious as so many of this genre tend to. A bit of romantic interest never hurts a good story and of course we all want to know where this will take Luke as he breaks free from the group and is hunted down
Bring on the third book guys, I’m ready for it.
I’m expecting to see the Orphan Trilogy books rank highly and am sure they will become a very successful and beloved series.
This is the second book in the Trilogy where we learn a little background of the orphans and the aims of the covert Omega Agency ‘s program.
Lance and James Morcan are very talented writers with a flair for the dramatic and could it be, a vision of this world’s future. I’m not going to cover the political aspirations of the rich and famous or governments in this review, nor am I going to delve into the plot as other reviewers have produced very good outlines.
What sets this book apart from the usual action novels about future world conspiracies with their chilling robotic assassins, is the sympathetic character of Nine, the alpha assassin of the group. Depersonalised from birth, The Orphans are, devoid of emotions, yet from somewhere deep inside his dna, a yearning arises in Nine. He seeks emotional involvement with other humans, which is frowned upon by the Agency he works for. This introduces a human touch, along with some ironic humor which saves the book from being taking itself too serious as so many of this genre tend to. A bit of romantic interest never hurts a good story and of course we all want to know where this will take Luke as he breaks free from the group and is hunted down
Bring on the third book guys, I’m ready for it.
I’m expecting to see the Orphan Trilogy books rank highly and am sure they will become a very successful and beloved series.
July 19, 2012
The Orphan Factory: Even better than The Ninth Orphan!!
This prequel is an epic spy adventure covering the first 31 years of Nine's life. Really ambitious storytelling and perfectly executed. Intelligent themes throughout. A Mesmerizing read from start to finish.
It's not quite as fast-paced as The Ninth Orphan - which is the first book in the trilogy - but I found it be a more meaningful read because of the longer page count. Even though there's still a hell of a lot of action and excitement, I really enjoyed the slightly less frenetic pace overall...It allowed me to get to know Nine the lead character and the other orphans more.
The bulk of the novel is set during the 1990s and the authors insert the characters in or around some real world events from that decade e.g. Clinton and Bush's presidencies, elections, the Gulf War etc.
Another point of interest for me was all the mental techniques the orphan prodigies are taught in the orphanage to activate their higher intellects and photographic memories to become polymaths. Readers looking to learn about accelerated learning methods and the nature of the genius mindset will definitely enjoy this section of the book.
Can't wait for the sequel to be published so I can experience the conclusion of this fantastic trilogy.
This prequel is an epic spy adventure covering the first 31 years of Nine's life. Really ambitious storytelling and perfectly executed. Intelligent themes throughout. A Mesmerizing read from start to finish.
It's not quite as fast-paced as The Ninth Orphan - which is the first book in the trilogy - but I found it be a more meaningful read because of the longer page count. Even though there's still a hell of a lot of action and excitement, I really enjoyed the slightly less frenetic pace overall...It allowed me to get to know Nine the lead character and the other orphans more.
The bulk of the novel is set during the 1990s and the authors insert the characters in or around some real world events from that decade e.g. Clinton and Bush's presidencies, elections, the Gulf War etc.
Another point of interest for me was all the mental techniques the orphan prodigies are taught in the orphanage to activate their higher intellects and photographic memories to become polymaths. Readers looking to learn about accelerated learning methods and the nature of the genius mindset will definitely enjoy this section of the book.
Can't wait for the sequel to be published so I can experience the conclusion of this fantastic trilogy.
January 26, 2014
I gave this book a 5-star, because I loved the way the story is told. It starts with an amazing undercover project, which reminded me a bit of another book The Boys from Brazil, but the story is a coming of age of one of the main characters and his growing uneasiness with his upbringing as an orphan.
The story is so fast paced at some moments that it become difficult for the reader to put the book aside. For fans of conspiracy and a world wide web of secret organisations; so secret that no one, nor the head of states, nor the governments or the military has any knowledge about their existance.
After reading you are left with two questions:
What happens to the main character? I recommend The Ninth Orphan
Are there indeed secret worldwide organisations which hold the real power in our world? Do you know?
Anyway I'm looking forward reading the third book in this series.
The story is so fast paced at some moments that it become difficult for the reader to put the book aside. For fans of conspiracy and a world wide web of secret organisations; so secret that no one, nor the head of states, nor the governments or the military has any knowledge about their existance.
After reading you are left with two questions:
What happens to the main character? I recommend The Ninth Orphan
Are there indeed secret worldwide organisations which hold the real power in our world? Do you know?
Anyway I'm looking forward reading the third book in this series.
November 18, 2013
The Orphan Factory (The Orphan Trilogy, #2) by James Morcan
Sci-Fi Thriller, the prequel to The Ninth Orphan. This is the story of how the orphans came to be. They are genetically created super humans living in Chicago’s Pedemont Orphanage. The story revolves around number Nine.
Action and drama prevail in this exciting story. I liked some of the characters, others I did not. Loved the fact it was mostly based in Chicago, and being from there, I was really able to get the "feel" of what was happening. Number nine is very likable and it was great to learn about his beginning. I look forward to reading the third book in the series
Sci-Fi Thriller, the prequel to The Ninth Orphan. This is the story of how the orphans came to be. They are genetically created super humans living in Chicago’s Pedemont Orphanage. The story revolves around number Nine.
Action and drama prevail in this exciting story. I liked some of the characters, others I did not. Loved the fact it was mostly based in Chicago, and being from there, I was really able to get the "feel" of what was happening. Number nine is very likable and it was great to learn about his beginning. I look forward to reading the third book in the series
August 25, 2013
This novel explains how the orphans were produced and why and how they were trained. If you have read the first novel you will want to read this one as well. Nine has a mind of his own even at a young age that is not totally in agreement with Omega. He just does not know how to have a normal life as of yet in this book. An awesome read. My book was an ebook from the authors and is a Goodreads First Read book.
May 1, 2015
I gotta say that I am loving all the gizmos and gadgets in this series. It's the kind of thing that's right up my alley. The author is detailed in the back story in the beginning, but when he slams on the gas, the story never lets up. I can also say that the descriptions of the back story is sufficient to let readers jump in without having read the prior book. I'll be reading more from this author.
September 12, 2014
Another great novel by James and Lance Morcan. I was looking forward to learning more about the Orphans and they did not disappoint. Action, suspense and drama, just what I was hoping for. Once it caught hold of me I couldn't put it down and I was hooked from the beginning. What a great way to spend a lazy day. I am now looking forward to the final book in the trilogy!
December 4, 2013
Great book! After reading the first book in the trilogy, I was really interested in Nine's early years (that you see brief flashbacks of in The Ninth Orphan). This prequel really delivered. There are almost two stories within the one novel and they're both excellent. A must read.
July 16, 2014
The Orphan Factory is book 2 in the Orphan Trilogy by James Morcan and Lance Morcan. This is a prequel to The Ninth Orphan. Although it takes place before The Ninth Orphan, I think that reading first might not have been a good idea. Introducing us to the orphans and Nine and having Nine find a way to get out brings up the questions about where he came from and how. I found reading the other one first, made reading this one so much better. All the questions were answered in this one. Once more the characters have been created fully and delightfully candidly. The plot is more straight forward than in the first book. They manage to get some humor into the story too. I loved how he bested the Spelling Bee champion out of his shoes. Trey and his dog were hilarious too. The author does get a littler serious towards the end when they begin to talk about topics that are in the political field.
Nine is portrayed more as a mixed-up pre-teen boy with a crush. There is nothing more that he wants than to be with Helen. He watches her from the tree house for a long time until Helen and her father move to California. He figures a way, using the White Gold Powder, to disrupt the signal thee scientists put in his arm. As long as he has the whie Gold Powder attached to his arm, the Omega people will never know he is there. He leaves in the middle of a blizzard that shuts Chicago down. This helps him get a head start on Kentbridge which gives him time to arrange for help.
Helen is a beautiful young girl who lived in the apartment house next door to the orphanage. She is Greek and lives with her father who works for the US Postal Service. He gets transferred to Santa Monica, California. Helen tries very hard to fit into the school in California and is doing a pretty good job of it. She meets Nine and he gives his name as Luke. She invites him to her Salsa lesson and is impressed when he comes. She likes him for himself and for his mind.
Tommy Kentbridge is the special agent who is hunting for Nine. He lost him in Chicago and is desperate to find out where he is.
The book tells how the orphans are trained and follows their path to adulthood. It also follows Omega's path towards being financially independent. The idea of a New World controlled by a single group is discussed. Will this idea come to pass? What part do the orphans and Kentbridge have in all of this?
This book combines adventure, suspense, and romance in one book. Like the first one, this one is hard to put down. It is now on to book 3.
Nine is portrayed more as a mixed-up pre-teen boy with a crush. There is nothing more that he wants than to be with Helen. He watches her from the tree house for a long time until Helen and her father move to California. He figures a way, using the White Gold Powder, to disrupt the signal thee scientists put in his arm. As long as he has the whie Gold Powder attached to his arm, the Omega people will never know he is there. He leaves in the middle of a blizzard that shuts Chicago down. This helps him get a head start on Kentbridge which gives him time to arrange for help.
Helen is a beautiful young girl who lived in the apartment house next door to the orphanage. She is Greek and lives with her father who works for the US Postal Service. He gets transferred to Santa Monica, California. Helen tries very hard to fit into the school in California and is doing a pretty good job of it. She meets Nine and he gives his name as Luke. She invites him to her Salsa lesson and is impressed when he comes. She likes him for himself and for his mind.
Tommy Kentbridge is the special agent who is hunting for Nine. He lost him in Chicago and is desperate to find out where he is.
The book tells how the orphans are trained and follows their path to adulthood. It also follows Omega's path towards being financially independent. The idea of a New World controlled by a single group is discussed. Will this idea come to pass? What part do the orphans and Kentbridge have in all of this?
This book combines adventure, suspense, and romance in one book. Like the first one, this one is hard to put down. It is now on to book 3.
January 28, 2016
In Book 2 many questions are answered. Here we are better acquainted with Nine, Seventeen and Tommy Kentridge, the main characters of Book 1 and we learn more about the Omega agency and their quest to a New World Order with the help of 23 created Orphans.
Each uniquely formed for their skills and abilities to become great field operatives or assassins. Clinical and greedy the orphans were formed and prepared for the task. They were seen as science projects and investments and the normal childhood pains were not allowed.
From drugs, to sleep learning, to speed reading (I would have loved to have this ability myself LOL), to fighting martial arts and resuming the identities of others with even greater skill, these children were equipped with one thing in mind and that was to further the members with their dreams of power and more money they could count. Using every thing the authorities have to their disposal.
Nine, our main character rebelled and cleverly escaped. Searching for his independence and freedom. His journey takes us over the states borders to California where he meet up with a girl he was infatuated with. But Helen did not accept him for who he was and at the end this youngster learned early on not to trust any one.
Meeting interesting characters during this time period of two weeks the story was well written and entertaining. The plans he made to get to California told you why Nine was the best, already a fret at the age of twelve.
I loved the way that the authors used the current news of the day to strengthen the plot line, making it more believable and interesting, creating more conspiracy theories. Bill Clinton's rise to the presidency and how the Agency use it to further their cause. Using the Jonestown Cult story to bring down an ex-operative. All perfectly timed within the story.
The hatred and jealousy that consumed Seventeen from the start and leads her to almost succeed in killing Nine.
I must admit that I became fond of Nine, his strong character superbly developed so that you could be part of his world and his experiences. Drawn into the secretive world of DNA faltering, power and greed and the extend people in authority would go to acquire even more. Excellent read for all who loves a good spy thriller and I can recommend it for Young Adults as well.
Well developed plot line with crafty skilled twists to keep you at the edge of your seat.
Each uniquely formed for their skills and abilities to become great field operatives or assassins. Clinical and greedy the orphans were formed and prepared for the task. They were seen as science projects and investments and the normal childhood pains were not allowed.
From drugs, to sleep learning, to speed reading (I would have loved to have this ability myself LOL), to fighting martial arts and resuming the identities of others with even greater skill, these children were equipped with one thing in mind and that was to further the members with their dreams of power and more money they could count. Using every thing the authorities have to their disposal.
Nine, our main character rebelled and cleverly escaped. Searching for his independence and freedom. His journey takes us over the states borders to California where he meet up with a girl he was infatuated with. But Helen did not accept him for who he was and at the end this youngster learned early on not to trust any one.
Meeting interesting characters during this time period of two weeks the story was well written and entertaining. The plans he made to get to California told you why Nine was the best, already a fret at the age of twelve.
I loved the way that the authors used the current news of the day to strengthen the plot line, making it more believable and interesting, creating more conspiracy theories. Bill Clinton's rise to the presidency and how the Agency use it to further their cause. Using the Jonestown Cult story to bring down an ex-operative. All perfectly timed within the story.
The hatred and jealousy that consumed Seventeen from the start and leads her to almost succeed in killing Nine.
I must admit that I became fond of Nine, his strong character superbly developed so that you could be part of his world and his experiences. Drawn into the secretive world of DNA faltering, power and greed and the extend people in authority would go to acquire even more. Excellent read for all who loves a good spy thriller and I can recommend it for Young Adults as well.
Well developed plot line with crafty skilled twists to keep you at the edge of your seat.
January 30, 2015
After reading The Ninth Orphan I couldn't wait to read the rest of the series; I wasn't disappointed.
The second in the orphan trilogy; The Orphan Factory is a prequel that takes us back to Omega's early day's, when the genetically superior orphans are born and the Pedemont project begins.. All twenty-three orphans go through intensive training and teaching, mainly by, their mentor, Tommy Kentbridge, to become the worlds most elite operatives.
Life at the orphanage isn't easy and twelve year old Nine's resentment grow's by the day; he just wants to be a normal kid with a normal life. The only thing that makes him happy is the beautiful young girl he's been watching from the privacy of the treehouse in the orphanage' garden. When Helen and her father move away Nine's young heart is broken and he makes his first attempt to escape his Omega masters, with plans to find Helen.
The chase is on.
The twelve year old is being pursued by fully trained Omega operatives, with access to all sorts of technology including the tracking device implanted in his arm, but he manages to outsmart them. Even Tommy; the man who knows him best can't find him.
Inevitably Nine's escape and relationship with Helen is doomed, and with his heart and pride in shatters he is returned to the orphanage where he has no choice but to knuckle down and get on with it. When the eldest orphan turns eighteen they graduate and are fully fledged trained killers. When Omega has a financial crisis it's Nine & Seventeen, his arch enemy, who are sent on the first real mission. Can they be professional and help bail the company out? Or will it all go wrong?
You'll have to read the book to find out, but read it you should. I give it five stars out of five.
The second in the orphan trilogy; The Orphan Factory is a prequel that takes us back to Omega's early day's, when the genetically superior orphans are born and the Pedemont project begins.. All twenty-three orphans go through intensive training and teaching, mainly by, their mentor, Tommy Kentbridge, to become the worlds most elite operatives.
Life at the orphanage isn't easy and twelve year old Nine's resentment grow's by the day; he just wants to be a normal kid with a normal life. The only thing that makes him happy is the beautiful young girl he's been watching from the privacy of the treehouse in the orphanage' garden. When Helen and her father move away Nine's young heart is broken and he makes his first attempt to escape his Omega masters, with plans to find Helen.
The chase is on.
The twelve year old is being pursued by fully trained Omega operatives, with access to all sorts of technology including the tracking device implanted in his arm, but he manages to outsmart them. Even Tommy; the man who knows him best can't find him.
Inevitably Nine's escape and relationship with Helen is doomed, and with his heart and pride in shatters he is returned to the orphanage where he has no choice but to knuckle down and get on with it. When the eldest orphan turns eighteen they graduate and are fully fledged trained killers. When Omega has a financial crisis it's Nine & Seventeen, his arch enemy, who are sent on the first real mission. Can they be professional and help bail the company out? Or will it all go wrong?
You'll have to read the book to find out, but read it you should. I give it five stars out of five.
June 6, 2016
The troubled young agent in book one is the focus of this book as it is more or less about his personal development. There is also a storyline to go with it, a story about children created for only one purpose: to serve Omega. These children are manufactured using human genomes, which gives it the valid question of non-robotic behavior, such as personal emotions and longings.
This particular book is about agent Nine who we read about in book one. Although the book is a great story of how Nine came to be the agent he is in book one, this book is more of an analogy. It tells the story of something that resides within most human beings: that piece of us which just doesn’t seem to belong.
It tells a story of how we recognize a hole in our soul and the journey we take in order to fill that void. It starts out by recognizing that one thing that seems to affect the gap and as we recognize this, we pursue it in hope it will heal our soul and restore inner peace.
Unfortunately, along the way, the choices we make aren’t always the wisest or the most logical, but nonetheless, they serve a purpose in understanding what that void is truly about and what is needed to do in order to seal the gap.
What makes this spy story more intriguing than others, is that it allows you to follow this young agent through a journey in which his thoughts and actions are comparable to our own struggles.
Chronologically, this book would be book one. I have wondered whether I’d preferred it that way or not. I’m not really sure it matters. I wanted to give it 4.5 stars, but the option was not available
This particular book is about agent Nine who we read about in book one. Although the book is a great story of how Nine came to be the agent he is in book one, this book is more of an analogy. It tells the story of something that resides within most human beings: that piece of us which just doesn’t seem to belong.
It tells a story of how we recognize a hole in our soul and the journey we take in order to fill that void. It starts out by recognizing that one thing that seems to affect the gap and as we recognize this, we pursue it in hope it will heal our soul and restore inner peace.
Unfortunately, along the way, the choices we make aren’t always the wisest or the most logical, but nonetheless, they serve a purpose in understanding what that void is truly about and what is needed to do in order to seal the gap.
What makes this spy story more intriguing than others, is that it allows you to follow this young agent through a journey in which his thoughts and actions are comparable to our own struggles.
Chronologically, this book would be book one. I have wondered whether I’d preferred it that way or not. I’m not really sure it matters. I wanted to give it 4.5 stars, but the option was not available
May 13, 2016
I don't like reading thrillers, but I enjoy the writing of this author. As usual, "The Orphan Factory" did not disappoint my expectations. The plot was exciting, in addition to being a page turner. The more I read, the more interested I was in wanting to find out what was about to happen next. This version of the story takes place in good old Chicago in the 1970's. The location happens to be the Piedmont Orphanage which is operated by no other than the Omega Agency; an agency that is into bioengineering using advance genetic technology, among other things.
I really liked this book a lot because it explained so much to me, especially how the orphans came to be born in the first place. Everything from how they were raised, to what they underwent in their childhood, to life as a teen was interesting. The effect of being associated with the Omega Agency was distinctive, and looking back to the first book you can understand why it had the effect that it did on the orphans adult lives.
This book is filled with action, lots of twists and turns, and was just an absorbing story to read.
I really liked this book a lot because it explained so much to me, especially how the orphans came to be born in the first place. Everything from how they were raised, to what they underwent in their childhood, to life as a teen was interesting. The effect of being associated with the Omega Agency was distinctive, and looking back to the first book you can understand why it had the effect that it did on the orphans adult lives.
This book is filled with action, lots of twists and turns, and was just an absorbing story to read.
December 8, 2014
The first book I read from James Morcan and Lance Morcan 'The Ninth Orphan' was exceptional, so I'd thought I would give 'The Orphan Factory' a try and it complimented the first one perfectly. With heavy espionage, and gripping unstoppable action throughout, a clear sense of imaginative and thrilling conspiracy once again raised it's ugly head.The story flows without hesitation and not a dull moment to be seen from start to finish. If your genre is all about explosive suspense and articulate design for a superb plot, this saga is the one you should sink your teeth into.
Assassins and field ops galore, the trained skills and abilities of 'The Orphans' are transformed and prepared for tasks to do their job with precision and accuracy. They are perfect science projects without feeling and emotion and free from the burdens of human weaknesses such as alcohol and drugs etc -
This is book 2 of The Orphan Trilogy and I can't wait to read book 3 in this epic saga. With not a dull moment to mention, an extremely enjoyable read.
Assassins and field ops galore, the trained skills and abilities of 'The Orphans' are transformed and prepared for tasks to do their job with precision and accuracy. They are perfect science projects without feeling and emotion and free from the burdens of human weaknesses such as alcohol and drugs etc -
This is book 2 of The Orphan Trilogy and I can't wait to read book 3 in this epic saga. With not a dull moment to mention, an extremely enjoyable read.
March 6, 2014
The Orphan Factory brings to light the horrible abuses in his childhood that created Nine. Tremendous background to book 1 of the trilogy. Nine and his fellow orphans survived a grueling childhood in an obscure orphanage in Chicago. Nine never completely submits to his masters idea of what he should become. He, and his chief rival, Seventeen, are constantly at odds, she vying for the attention from their handler (and surrogate parent). Do they really develop into monsters that can be controlled or are they simply controlled? Their final test takes them deep into the tropical rain forests on assignment to terminate a target. This mission could be the opportunity for Seventeen to finally outshine Nine and become the premier agent of the Omega agency. How far will she go prove she is better than Nine? Great follow-up to book 1 and a great intro to book 3.
November 4, 2013
The Orphan Factory by James and Lance Morcan is the compelling and exciting conspiracy and mystery packed prequel to The Ninth Orphan.
We journey with Nine, from his highly secret, genetically engineered birth, watch his character unfold as he is programmed and becomes adept and skilled in many areas of espionage and spying, and then rebels and escapes the orphanage and makes his bid for freedom.
I loved getting to know more about Nine and his early years, his rivalry with 17 and interaction with other orphans, his self discovery and his ability to survive in a dangerous and deadly world.
I am now looking forward to reading the third and final novel in this thrilling trilogy.
We journey with Nine, from his highly secret, genetically engineered birth, watch his character unfold as he is programmed and becomes adept and skilled in many areas of espionage and spying, and then rebels and escapes the orphanage and makes his bid for freedom.
I loved getting to know more about Nine and his early years, his rivalry with 17 and interaction with other orphans, his self discovery and his ability to survive in a dangerous and deadly world.
I am now looking forward to reading the third and final novel in this thrilling trilogy.
March 1, 2015
This is the second book in the trilogy, the second that has had me thoroughly engrossed and entertained and the second that I have been fortunate to have been sent to me by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review which can be found here - http://haziegaze.blogspot.co.uk/2015/....
June 13, 2015
Power to 9
I love the approach of telling the back story in the 2nd book. It gave a lot of clarity to why Nine was hell bent on escaping. I enjoyed the flowing writing style while also being informative. Great 2nd book in the trilogy. Can't wait to read #3.
I love the approach of telling the back story in the 2nd book. It gave a lot of clarity to why Nine was hell bent on escaping. I enjoyed the flowing writing style while also being informative. Great 2nd book in the trilogy. Can't wait to read #3.
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