"Riveting sci-fi story… impressive, absorbing character study.”– Kirkus Reviews "The kind of story I could see being developed into a movie or TV series.” – ReadersFavorite (5 Star Review)
What if you discovered you were simply a player in a computer simulation? What if it was about to be deleted? Where would your moral compass take you?
It was meant to be a fun night out at a party, but on the way home Chris, Sierra, Joey and Lana are caught in a deadly car crash. Desperately seeking help, Joey and Lana stumble upon a mysterious cabin with an eerie green light inside it. Touching the light unlocks strange powers, revealing they're part of a vast simulation overseen by powerful ‘Admins.’ When their reckless pursuit of newfound abilities leads to chaos, and the Admins want to delete the simulation, the teens must grapple with the consequences of their actions and the ultimate question of their existence.
Soon the Admins are after them and they must navigate the secrets about themselves and the simulation itself in a race-against-time to save the world as they know it.
thank you David Horn and Reedsy Discovery for the ARC! my review! What if you discovered you were simply a player in a computer simulation? What if it was about to be deleted? Where would your moral compass take you?
Admins: Simulation’s End follows Chris, Sierra, Joey and Lana who tragically get into a car accident after a fun night out. While seeking help, Joey and Lana stumble upon a mysterious cabin and somehow manage to acquire strange powers, revealing that they are in a simulation run by powerful ‘Admins’. Chaos breaks out when the teenagers find this information out which leads to the Admins wanting to delete the simulation. The four teenagers must face the consequences of their actions and navigate the simulation to save the only world they know.
The plot of Admins: Simulation’s End was truly remarkable and thought provoking. In philosophy, we always discussed the question whether we lived in a simulation or not and I really enjoyed reading this and seeing what it actually would be like. I was very pleased by the way David Horn managed to explain complex topics very well.
At the start, I found the characters annoying, however I feel like this added to the story as it showed the character development so well. How Sierra went from someone who didn’t care about anything or anyone to a loving person willing to save those she loved, how the brotherly relationship between Joey and Chris bloomed over time and how Lana grew more confident in herself throughout the book.
That being said, if Joey got hit by a bus, i'd be the one driving, that boy is one of the worst characters ive read about omg. and chris... chris, chris, chris, I love him, but is he ok? like mentally is he ok? yk what he said? "its like swimming up the birth canal" ...no words and thats just one example
Although I enjoyed the plot, I found the writing style to be a bit childish. I felt that there could have been more in depth descriptions and a broader use of vocabulary. In my opinion, the writing style made it more difficult to read and enjoy.
I rate Admins: Simulation’s End 2 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed it and was immersed from the start. This book is creative, unique and truly thought provoking, though the execution wasn't great, in my opinion.
pre read! a book where the characters find out they're in a computer simulation?? HECK YEAH I’M GONNA READ THIS
From the very beginning, the concept of the book drew me in, blending action-packed scenes with a thought-provoking existential crisis. The story follows four teenagers who find themselves in a deadly car crash, only to discover that they are part of a simulation controlled by powerful 'Admins.' As they unlock strange powers and delve deeper into the simulation, chaos ensues, leading to a confrontation with the Admins who want to delete the simulation altogether. The teens must face the consequences of their actions and grapple with the ultimate question of their existence.
I particularly enjoyed the portrayal of the teenage characters in the book. The author did a great job capturing their voices, decisions, and struggles, making them relatable to young readers. The writing style is engaging yet simple, making it an easy and enjoyable read for teenagers.
With its mix of action, sci-fi elements, and existential themes, "Admins: Simulation's End" is sure to appeal to fans of the genre. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and compelling YA novel!
I had enjoyed Tairy fails series by David Horn and this had that charm that I was looking for and enjoyment from the previous books. The characters had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the scifi element to this. I was engaged with the world and how everything worked together in this story. I hope there is more in this series and from David Horn.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
You know that feeling when something evokes a pleasant memory from your past? Nostalgia, amirite? Well, David Horn’s Admins: Simulation's End gave me nostalgic Escape to Witch Mountain vibes. You remember the movie, yes, that 1975 family-friendly gem that really got my imagination racing as a child? You know, two kids with “magical” powers fighting against all odds to find the source of their existence?
I’m dating myself, aren’t I? And not in a “Netflix and chill” kind of way. Alas.
Admins: Simulation’s End is a fine entry in the young adult genre. It also serves as an introduction to simulation theory (no spoilers from me; I mean, look at the title), and resolves with just about the only response a sensible person could come up with, should it cease to be theory and instead became a fact.
Four high schoolers confront an unpleasant truth: their world is not what it seems. And while this revelation comes with the added bonus of having what amounts to magical powers, it also comes with a world-shattering revelation their reality is a lie, and the folks in charge are going to erase them as more trouble than they are worth.
Finding meaning for one’s life is a life-long project, but perhaps nowhere do we feel it so acutely as our teenage years. The transition from child to adult is fraught, in every culture, and despair caused by ennui can be a real problem, especially in technological cultures that are shedding the naivete of magic and religion.
So, two brothers, who do not get along very well at the best of times, and their “girlfriends,” face the ultimate existential crisis: not only does their life have no meaning, it isn’t even real.
I must take a pause here and complain about one of my pet peeves. This is not an issue with Horn’s writing specifically; however, it seems to have infected many authors writing in the age of television: people do not use each other’s names in conversation. Even in groups. We know who we are talking to, and they know we are talking to them. If you have doubts, try using a person’s name in every second (or even each) sentence the next time you speak to them. It’ll feel weird.
I stand before a tsunami holding a broken umbrella, and thus is that. But don’t let this criticism deter you from the book. It’s really a good read. This is one to recommend to teenagers and preteens, especially as a gift to those rare birds who still read. Like Escape to Witch Mountain, it combines mystery and magic with science and wholesome thrills.
What if you found out the world wasn’t real, it was just a computer simulation and you were nothing more than a slump bit of binary code? Maybe you would be intrigued like Joey, and want to learn more about the world. Or maybe you will have a complete existential crisis like Sierra and, jump off the deep end and begin murdering your fellow fake people…
The thing is, their discovery left them with strange powers, and the people in charge know it. Sims knowing about the world just can’t happen, and neither can they have the power to alter the world around them. The four kids, and their whole world are in danger of deletion, they just need to find a way to save themselves. But when Lana discovers a shocking secret about herself, things take an unexpected turn. Things go from bad to worse, and it’s hard to know who to trust, and the unexpected just keeps coming and we learn that the ones running the simulated world are not human. The story touches on human emotion and what we might be should we never have experienced things like love.
This YA is intriguing and fun. Written in first person but from multiple POV we get a good look into the characters. I’ll admit at first, I found the writing style difficult to get into, because there is a lot of internal monologuing and it’s all very teenager-y, but this is a book aimed at that age range so it is a completely acceptable style choice.
The first half of this story was fun and engaging, and I found it to be an enjoyable read, though I’ll admit that there was much going on that I found the second half harder to keep up with.
The characters are well developed, with interesting personal conflict. I found Sierra to be a particularly interesting character with her destructive attitude and struggle to accept the truth.
David Horn’s Simulations End explores a thought-provoking concept: what if our existence is merely part of a computer simulation? The story begins with an ordinary night gone awry when Chris, Sierra, Joey, and Lana find themselves in a catastrophic car crash. Seeking help, Joey and Lana discover a mysterious cabin with a glowing green light, which triggers the revelation that they are part of a simulated world controlled by enigmatic ‘Admins.’ This discovery not only grants them strange powers but also plunges them into a gripping moral and existential dilemma as their actions threaten the stability of their world.
The novel masterfully blends science fiction and philosophical exploration, diving deep into questions of free will, morality, and the nature of existence. Horn’s characters feel authentic, and their struggles to cope with their newfound powers and responsibilities are both compelling and relatable. As the Admins threaten to delete the simulation, the teens are forced to confront the consequences of their recklessness and uncover the secrets of their reality. The tension is palpable, keeping readers engaged as they explore the delicate balance between power and accountability.
Simulations End is a fast-paced, imaginative novel that challenges readers to think beyond the surface of reality. Its mix of high-stakes action, emotional depth, and philosophical inquiry makes it an unforgettable journey. Horn’s storytelling captures the thrill and terror of discovering that life as we know it might not be real, all while asking profound questions about what makes life worth living. Fans of speculative fiction and philosophical thrillers will find themselves captivated until the very last page.
If you’ve ever wondered whether we’re all just players in a massive simulation, Admins: Simulation’s End takes that existential dread and cranks it up to eleven. David Horn delivers a thrilling, fast-paced story that combines sci-fi, mystery, and some very human drama.
The book kicks off with a seemingly straightforward car accident, but it quickly spirals into a mind-bending journey when Joey and Lana discover a glowing green light in a cabin—triggering powers they don’t understand and a terrifying revelation about their world. The premise: What would you do if you found out reality was fake and someone was about to pull the plug? For Chris, Sierra, Joey, and Lana, the answer involves plenty of chaos, moral dilemmas, and a race against time to save their simulated existence.
Horn does a great job blending big philosophical questions with a plot that’s packed with action. The idea of being a simulation opens the door to all kinds of intriguing “what ifs,” and this story runs with them in creative ways. I especially enjoyed how the teens' relationships evolved under the pressure of their new reality.
That said, the writing style feels geared toward a younger audience, with some sections that could’ve used more vivid descriptions and nuance. However, the story’s originality and philosophical questions kept me fully engaged.
Overall, this book is a fast-paced, thought-provoking ride perfect for fans of The Matrix and Ready Player One. If you’re into mind-bending sci-fi with a twist of moral dilemma, this one's definitely worth checking out.
I borrowed Admins: Simulation’s End from Kindle Unlimited, and this book was a fun, fast-paced ride. I mean, finding out you’re just a piece of code in a simulation? That’s wild. I loved how the story kicks off with four teens who stumble upon a truth they weren’t meant to know, and things spiral fast. I appreciated the novelty of the concept and it hooked me right away—who wouldn’t be curious about what happens when reality isn’t real? I liked the mix of action, sci-fi, and existential crisis. The characs felt very teenager-y—which makes sense, but also meant some of their decisions were frustrating from the adult reader perspective. I was intrigued by Sierra, especially, when this charc had me rolling my eyes at first, but I actually ended up appreciating how much she grew by the end. Joey’s curiosity was fun to follow, and the whole “brothers who don’t get along” dynamic with Chris added some good tension. The writing was engaging, and yet a bit simple. I wanted more depth in the descriptions and maybe a bit less internal monologue. Some parts moved so fast that I had to backtrack to catch up. Still, it kept me reading, and I genuinely wanted to see how it all played out. I stop here before hitting a spoiler. Worth the read.
"Admins: Simulation's End" by David Horn is a fast-paced and exciting science fiction novel that follows four teenagers—Chris, Sierra, Joey, and Lana—as they uncover a shocking truth: their reality is a computer simulation controlled by powerful beings called 'Admins.' As they navigate the typical struggles of adolescence, this discovery shakes them to their core. After a car accident, Joey and Lana encounter a mysterious green light that grants them extraordinary abilities, propelling them on a journey to uncover the truth about their existence. They must confront not only moral dilemmas but also the looming threat of their simulated world being wiped out. The story is thrilling, filled with twists and turns that keep you hooked. I thoroughly enjoyed the book—it was fast-paced and full of suspense. The characters were relatable, and the relationship between the two brothers felt real. I admit, however, that I didn't enjoy the sense of hopelessness at times. I always prefer to see a light at the end of the tunnel, but that's just me. Otherwise, I highly recommend this book for a quick, exciting read.
This book is an absolute gem for fans of mind-bending science fiction. The concept of living in a simulation that is about to be deleted is both thrilling and deeply unsettling, and the author does an incredible job of making it feel plausible. From the very first chapter, the tension is high, and the stakes keep escalating as the protagonist struggles to find a way out of a doomed reality.
What I loved most about this book is how it seamlessly blends action, mystery, and philosophical exploration. The story is not just about survival—it also makes you question the nature of reality, free will, and what it truly means to exist. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making their journey feel real and emotionally impactful. The pacing is spot on, with enough twists and turns to keep me hooked without feeling overwhelming.
If you enjoy books that challenge your perception of reality while delivering an adrenaline-pumping storyline, this is a must-read. I highly recommend it to sci-fi lovers and anyone who enjoys thought-provoking thrillers!
I just finished the book “Admin:Simulation’s End” that was written by David Horn. It’s an action-packed, mind-bending book that explores the idea of living in a simulation. It starts when four teens, Chris, Sierra, Joey, and Lana, get into a car crash and discover a strange cabin with a glowing green light. This leads them to realize that their world isn’t real, and they have special powers controlled by mysterious “Admins”. The story raises big questions about free will, morality, and what’s real. The characters deal with the shock of discovering their world is fake, and they must make tough choices with serious consequences. It’s fast-paced and full of action, but sometimes the plot moves so quickly that it can be hard to keep up. The characters’ emotions could be better developed, their journey is still gripping. Overall, it’s a fun, thought-provoking ride for fans of sci-fi and adventure that I think some people will enjoy.
A car accident leads to 4 teenagers finding out that they are only figments of a simulated life game run by --- WHO ---
The boys are brothers and each has a female friend - because of the accident they have acquired some powers that leads them into 'crime', situations……… that they can no longer control and the ADMINs are after them………… but who is an admin and who is safe are all 4 of the teens who they are meant to be…………. lots of twists and ultimately a very engrossing read with a powerful ending.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Admins: Simulation's End is a fast-paced YA novel that almost anyone can find enjoyment in.
What happens when you find out that the world isn't real? Would you accept it or find more? That's what Admins tries to tackle and it does a really good job.
The writing is fun. It's easy to read, easy to understand, and really captures a YA voice. Told from multiple POVs, the story find itself having different perspectives and voices that really adds a new element to the concept.
They are about to find them racing against time as they find themselves pulled into a game where they will have special abilities. The people behind it decide it needs to end and they must face the consequences and try to stop it all happening. See where they will take you I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I loved their journey of discovery
I really enjoyed this book. What an interesting idea , being in a simulation that’s controlled be Who. It’s a very good mystery that keeps you going til the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.