What do you think?
Rate this book
Last Horizon #1
Last Horizon: Beta
Advances in technology have led to the creation of ever more realistic virtual reality games but now Full Immersion Virtual Reality is finally coming true. Join David and his oldest friends as they sign up to beta test the first game of it's kind. Last Horizon will give the old gamers the chance to live out one last adventure together.
(This is a light LITRPG: in the fact that there is not the crunchy numbers you find in other books of the genre. This is more driven by character then numbers. The book still revolves around a game world and the characters do level up and gain new abilities.)
(This is a light LITRPG: in the fact that there is not the crunchy numbers you find in other books of the genre. This is more driven by character then numbers. The book still revolves around a game world and the characters do level up and gain new abilities.)
558 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2016
125 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Schinhofen
69 books1,304 followersDaniel James Schinhofen is a self-published author in the burgeoning genre of LitRPG/Gamelit. He published his first book, Last Horizon: Beta, in October of 2016, and has recently published his fifteenth book. A best-selling author on Amazon multiple times, his four series have achieved name recognition in the genre. When not slavishly typing away at the next book, Daniel tries to unwind with video games, playing with his dog Sugar, or going for walks around his neighborhood. His books can be found easily via his website http://schinhofenbooks.com/. Daniel can be found via Twitter using the handle @DJSchinhofen.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 31, 2016
Pain full
I stuck with this way longer than it deserved, the plot is hollow and the characters shallow.
Don't bother with this one.
I stuck with this way longer than it deserved, the plot is hollow and the characters shallow.
Don't bother with this one.
July 15, 2019
Totally biased review. My first book written, yes it has some flaws, but I still love it.
October 20, 2016
Good Book
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Although by the end there were some unanswered questions at least the author didn't end with a cliff hanger. I would love a second book maybe with the focus on another person to help wrap stuff up. But I understand it really wasn't written that way.
To Mr. Schinhofen, Thank you for taking the time and effort to write this story!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Although by the end there were some unanswered questions at least the author didn't end with a cliff hanger. I would love a second book maybe with the focus on another person to help wrap stuff up. But I understand it really wasn't written that way.
To Mr. Schinhofen, Thank you for taking the time and effort to write this story!
March 5, 2017
Refreshing
I really enjoyed this book. While the world and its magic system were nothing special the character dynamic was a blast. This book really focuses on gaming families and how these video games can bring people together. It made it a really fun read and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment.
I really enjoyed this book. While the world and its magic system were nothing special the character dynamic was a blast. This book really focuses on gaming families and how these video games can bring people together. It made it a really fun read and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment.
October 6, 2016
Epic
With a full range of emotional ups and downs, this story carries you on a journey. I strongly suggest this story and hope the author continues writing about the group of friends portrayed here.
With a full range of emotional ups and downs, this story carries you on a journey. I strongly suggest this story and hope the author continues writing about the group of friends portrayed here.
October 18, 2016
This is what litrpg should be
A great book. This is what a litrpg should be, and I see this book as the new bar. Rather than some erotic novel, it is a grounded story that gives the balance between the game world and the real world true feeling.
A great book. This is what a litrpg should be, and I see this book as the new bar. Rather than some erotic novel, it is a grounded story that gives the balance between the game world and the real world true feeling.
December 25, 2016
What a rollercoaster.
From the opening this story will hit you in ways that you could never suspect. It tackles some hard truths in the gaming industry that I hope people can learn from.
From the opening this story will hit you in ways that you could never suspect. It tackles some hard truths in the gaming industry that I hope people can learn from.
October 18, 2016
Great, but hit me right in the feels
Really enjoyed reading it, but there were a few times i almost cried. Not got say anything else so i dont spoil it.
Really enjoyed reading it, but there were a few times i almost cried. Not got say anything else so i dont spoil it.
October 25, 2016
Great
I loved the story, can't wait for more! Thank you for bringing this world out!
Didn't see much you can improve on, this story was great!
I loved the story, can't wait for more! Thank you for bringing this world out!
Didn't see much you can improve on, this story was great!
January 8, 2019
Note: I listened to the audio book version but since that isn't currently listed on Goodreads.com I am filing my review under the Kindle edition.
For years I have thought that litRPG was generally over dramatized. Access to a VR fantasy world is a story in and of itself and there is no need to add things like people fleeing into VR because a meteor is about to hit the earth or the billionaire who created the VR world decided it was a good idea to murder everyone using his device so they only exist in VR. “Last Horizon: Beta” is essentially just the story of some people’s experiences in a VR fantasy. Unfortunately the story is about a very boring use of VR.
Contrarily, one interesting aspect of the story is that the MCs are retirees. They have been friends for years, largely based on shared gaming experiences when younger. Now that they are retired they have the time to get into the newly created VR game Last Horizon as beta testers. Unfortunately the author then spends a lot of time telling readers about the MCs’ family relations, who’s dating who, doctor appointments, etc., probably because the author has chosen to base the book on the most boring possible VR game imaginable so these tidbits are needed to prop up the story, which they do. This really should be considered a book about friendship that just so happens to qualify as a litRPG book rather than a litRPG book. Had I come to this book with that set of expectations I would have likely enjoyed it quite a bit more.
Last Horizon is set up with “organic quests” meaning that there are no preset dungeons or other quests. Instead the players have to wander around interacting with NPCs until a quest is generated. Additionally the VR creators intentionally limit fast travel so players have to spend days walking from place to place. The stated goal of the VR developers might as well be “to make fantasy boring”. Add to this the fact that everything is taking place in a beta version of the game so everything the players accomplish is meaningless. Plus the author saw fit to include the standard scenes of stupid/bad players attempting to abuse NPCs and other players.
In spite of all the wandering around forced on the MCs they do manage to find a major quest chain climaxing in the completion of a grand quest. Unfortunately this is not the focus of the climax, the bad players are. The beta testing ends with a grand tournament of all the players and somehow the bad players have gotten to level 40 while the MCs have only made it to level 25. So the climax is all about why and how the MCs will win the tournament against more powerful but less experienced players.
Bottom line: Oddly enough, even with significant problems (Last Horizon being intentionally boring, lame bad guys and lengthy prose about the characters’ relationships) this is still a pretty enjoyable read.
For years I have thought that litRPG was generally over dramatized. Access to a VR fantasy world is a story in and of itself and there is no need to add things like people fleeing into VR because a meteor is about to hit the earth or the billionaire who created the VR world decided it was a good idea to murder everyone using his device so they only exist in VR. “Last Horizon: Beta” is essentially just the story of some people’s experiences in a VR fantasy. Unfortunately the story is about a very boring use of VR.
Contrarily, one interesting aspect of the story is that the MCs are retirees. They have been friends for years, largely based on shared gaming experiences when younger. Now that they are retired they have the time to get into the newly created VR game Last Horizon as beta testers. Unfortunately the author then spends a lot of time telling readers about the MCs’ family relations, who’s dating who, doctor appointments, etc., probably because the author has chosen to base the book on the most boring possible VR game imaginable so these tidbits are needed to prop up the story, which they do. This really should be considered a book about friendship that just so happens to qualify as a litRPG book rather than a litRPG book. Had I come to this book with that set of expectations I would have likely enjoyed it quite a bit more.
Last Horizon is set up with “organic quests” meaning that there are no preset dungeons or other quests. Instead the players have to wander around interacting with NPCs until a quest is generated. Additionally the VR creators intentionally limit fast travel so players have to spend days walking from place to place. The stated goal of the VR developers might as well be “to make fantasy boring”. Add to this the fact that everything is taking place in a beta version of the game so everything the players accomplish is meaningless. Plus the author saw fit to include the standard scenes of stupid/bad players attempting to abuse NPCs and other players.
In spite of all the wandering around forced on the MCs they do manage to find a major quest chain climaxing in the completion of a grand quest. Unfortunately this is not the focus of the climax, the bad players are. The beta testing ends with a grand tournament of all the players and somehow the bad players have gotten to level 40 while the MCs have only made it to level 25. So the climax is all about why and how the MCs will win the tournament against more powerful but less experienced players.
Bottom line: Oddly enough, even with significant problems (Last Horizon being intentionally boring, lame bad guys and lengthy prose about the characters’ relationships) this is still a pretty enjoyable read.
April 30, 2023
This is NOT a prequel for Alpha World
Old school LitRPG / No harem / no sex scenes / no tie-in with any other series.
I've been conflicted about Daniel Schinhofen lately. I use to absolutely love him, Now I find myself more exasperated than anything. The big question on my mind is, did he change or did I?
I honestly think it's both. I'm getting bored with his formula, and he's been phoning it in lately. So how does that effect my take on his first published book ever? Good & bad.
This is Daniel's first book and his distinctive voice is present right from the start. I honestly thought this was a prequel or a spin off of Alpha World when I picked it up. It's not. It's a forerunner, or even a working prototype.
This was published in 2016, the same year as Divine Dungeon and one of the early American LitRPG books and references no other games than World of Warcraft (no not even Everquest that I can tell)
This book is definitely his style minus the sex and harem content, but still with all the cringe of a grocery store Valentine's day box of chocolates.
I got bored to distraction through the whole middle half of this book. it ended on a cliff hanger and I have no compelling need to read the next one. Still impressive for a first book.
He really did get better after this one. I can heartily recomend for die hard fans who want to see where he came up from. But the heavy handed use of emotional manipulation will turn off everyone else.
Old school LitRPG / No harem / no sex scenes / no tie-in with any other series.
I've been conflicted about Daniel Schinhofen lately. I use to absolutely love him, Now I find myself more exasperated than anything. The big question on my mind is, did he change or did I?
I honestly think it's both. I'm getting bored with his formula, and he's been phoning it in lately. So how does that effect my take on his first published book ever? Good & bad.
This is Daniel's first book and his distinctive voice is present right from the start. I honestly thought this was a prequel or a spin off of Alpha World when I picked it up. It's not. It's a forerunner, or even a working prototype.
This was published in 2016, the same year as Divine Dungeon and one of the early American LitRPG books and references no other games than World of Warcraft (no not even Everquest that I can tell)
This book is definitely his style minus the sex and harem content, but still with all the cringe of a grocery store Valentine's day box of chocolates.
I got bored to distraction through the whole middle half of this book. it ended on a cliff hanger and I have no compelling need to read the next one. Still impressive for a first book.
He really did get better after this one. I can heartily recomend for die hard fans who want to see where he came up from. But the heavy handed use of emotional manipulation will turn off everyone else.
August 31, 2017
This was a strange book. LitRPG's are a genre of book targeted at a moderately young audience as gamers are their primary demographic. This book, however, centers primarily on three elderly individuals and their, also older, friends. An interesting concept, certainly, and different from all the other stories. In some ways, the setup it reminds me of Cohen the Barbarian and his silver hord from Discworld.
It's not so much a lit rpg as it is a character drama with some MMO lets play. The story does involve a lot of playing, but the events of the game don't really matter apart from the relationship building of the characters. In the end, the story was ok, but not really my thing.
It's not so much a lit rpg as it is a character drama with some MMO lets play. The story does involve a lot of playing, but the events of the game don't really matter apart from the relationship building of the characters. In the end, the story was ok, but not really my thing.
September 12, 2017
3.5 Stars
This one is odd, although having elder "gamers" opt to live their retirement in VR actually makes sense and has been used in other Litrpg books, this one decided to make them the MCs and follow their adventures as they fly above all the wiper snappers that have joined the beta testing of Last Horizon.
Not only that but the whole dynamic of it reminded me sharply of John Scalzi's series (old man's war)... just minus the serious consequences.
The dialogue and character interactions were fun at first but quickly fell into a rut as the "old friend banter" and in-jokes took over... which is actually surprising as they took in a new member, you'd think it would take longer to infiltrate such a tight group!!!
This was character driven and so a lot of attention was given to them, the world build however was left bare boned. it's not bad just rather generic and lacking in details.
Overall it was an idea the started off interesting enough but suffered stagnation later on as the hookline of "elders playing video games" never progressed or gained depth.
This one is odd, although having elder "gamers" opt to live their retirement in VR actually makes sense and has been used in other Litrpg books, this one decided to make them the MCs and follow their adventures as they fly above all the wiper snappers that have joined the beta testing of Last Horizon.
Not only that but the whole dynamic of it reminded me sharply of John Scalzi's series (old man's war)... just minus the serious consequences.
The dialogue and character interactions were fun at first but quickly fell into a rut as the "old friend banter" and in-jokes took over... which is actually surprising as they took in a new member, you'd think it would take longer to infiltrate such a tight group!!!
This was character driven and so a lot of attention was given to them, the world build however was left bare boned. it's not bad just rather generic and lacking in details.
Overall it was an idea the started off interesting enough but suffered stagnation later on as the hookline of "elders playing video games" never progressed or gained depth.
January 15, 2017
A really interesting take on LitRPG, probably more akin to what one would view a true game experience. Questing, questing and questing.
The "Beta" tag is a bit of a disappointment as it continues to be brought up throughout the book, and everything they do is basically non-existent in the future. Although there's definite foreshadowing that this is not necessarily the case, and there seems to be a fairly large expectation that the finality of the main "crisis" will be resolved in a way that is somewhat staple to the genre.
The mechanics of the game are extremely weak, but if this is the case due to the "beta" I think it can be forgiven. If it's ongoing, then I'm sure it will be detrimental to the overall story.
It was still an enjoyable read, with a lot of character driven pieces which does tend to ingratiate you to the main characters. I know book 2 is out already and will be looking to pick it up in the next little bit.
The "Beta" tag is a bit of a disappointment as it continues to be brought up throughout the book, and everything they do is basically non-existent in the future. Although there's definite foreshadowing that this is not necessarily the case, and there seems to be a fairly large expectation that the finality of the main "crisis" will be resolved in a way that is somewhat staple to the genre.
The mechanics of the game are extremely weak, but if this is the case due to the "beta" I think it can be forgiven. If it's ongoing, then I'm sure it will be detrimental to the overall story.
It was still an enjoyable read, with a lot of character driven pieces which does tend to ingratiate you to the main characters. I know book 2 is out already and will be looking to pick it up in the next little bit.
February 21, 2018
DNF 33% or so before I put it down
I read all of Daniel Schinhofen's other books and loved them, so I picked up this one expecting the same. It is definitely not the same quality as the others.
It had a slow start, but I am ok with that if the book pays off. It did not.
The biggest problem with this book is that there is no plot. It is literally just a group of 3 people and a pickup person who play the game. We are to assume that they are way ahead of everyone else in the game due to luck and "skill" although they show zero skill until they fight the goblin chief. Even then, it was only possible because cheat like weapons.
Most LitRPGs have a plot to them:
Make money
Survive
Prove they are the Best
Save Humanity
etc.
This book had none of the above goals. The goal was to log in and complete content. I can get the same reading experience reading video game forums of people talking about their dungeon crawls....
I read all of Daniel Schinhofen's other books and loved them, so I picked up this one expecting the same. It is definitely not the same quality as the others.
It had a slow start, but I am ok with that if the book pays off. It did not.
The biggest problem with this book is that there is no plot. It is literally just a group of 3 people and a pickup person who play the game. We are to assume that they are way ahead of everyone else in the game due to luck and "skill" although they show zero skill until they fight the goblin chief. Even then, it was only possible because cheat like weapons.
Most LitRPGs have a plot to them:
Make money
Survive
Prove they are the Best
Save Humanity
etc.
This book had none of the above goals. The goal was to log in and complete content. I can get the same reading experience reading video game forums of people talking about their dungeon crawls....
April 14, 2018
DNF 33%.
If I'd realized that this was the same guy that wrote Alpha World I wouldn't have started. Like the Alpha World series, it starts out okay, but then we start getting bombarded with stupid sex jokes, the couple constantly flirting with each other, and as the story progresses we get hit with more and more of their polyamourus sex life and Dom/Sub bullshit.
I've been down this path with Schinhofen before in his other books, and I'm not going to wait for this thing to turn into a full blown fetish party like in Alpha World.
This guy needs to just devote himself to a few erotica books and spell it out in the blurb. If he could keep his fetishes out of of his fantasy/sci-fi stories, he might actually produce some pretty good novels. As it is, if a book annoys me enough that I want to stop listening/reading I can't give it any kind of endorsement.
If I'd realized that this was the same guy that wrote Alpha World I wouldn't have started. Like the Alpha World series, it starts out okay, but then we start getting bombarded with stupid sex jokes, the couple constantly flirting with each other, and as the story progresses we get hit with more and more of their polyamourus sex life and Dom/Sub bullshit.
I've been down this path with Schinhofen before in his other books, and I'm not going to wait for this thing to turn into a full blown fetish party like in Alpha World.
This guy needs to just devote himself to a few erotica books and spell it out in the blurb. If he could keep his fetishes out of of his fantasy/sci-fi stories, he might actually produce some pretty good novels. As it is, if a book annoys me enough that I want to stop listening/reading I can't give it any kind of endorsement.
February 26, 2017
One of the better
This was my first last horizon book that i have read and truly enjoyed every page of it. Enjoyed so much that i start to reconsider the path that i chose.
This book proves that you are young as long as you feel that way.
Besides the compliments there is an editing issue. Misspelling In every page, which is annoying and have to re-read some several times to understand what the author wanted.. that may need tó be fixed to enjoy it without annoyance.
This was my first last horizon book that i have read and truly enjoyed every page of it. Enjoyed so much that i start to reconsider the path that i chose.
This book proves that you are young as long as you feel that way.
Besides the compliments there is an editing issue. Misspelling In every page, which is annoying and have to re-read some several times to understand what the author wanted.. that may need tó be fixed to enjoy it without annoyance.
April 7, 2018
Summary for my own memory:
A group of old people buy to join the beta of the frist VR MMO game ever released.
They jolly, laugh and have a general good time of the game.
Ofc, the get attention of one of the lead game developer and become one of the most powerful groups in the beta.
The lead character gets diagnosed with cancer, and he chooses to spend the remaint of his life in VR.
This book.. it's childish. they are all happy and everyone is friends. No conflic. Nothing
A group of old people buy to join the beta of the frist VR MMO game ever released.
They jolly, laugh and have a general good time of the game.
Ofc, the get attention of one of the lead game developer and become one of the most powerful groups in the beta.
The lead character gets diagnosed with cancer, and he chooses to spend the remaint of his life in VR.
This book.. it's childish. they are all happy and everyone is friends. No conflic. Nothing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2025
This started off really rough and the first couple of chapters nearly lost me. I did listen to the audio book so I'm not sure if it was an issue with the tone the narrator gave or the dialogue the authoe had written. Thankfully I was at a place where I couldn't stop the book and had to muscle past and I'm glad I did. It may not be my favourite book but it is a simpler look at a gamers golden years.
March 12, 2017
Liked this one; the sequel not so much.
I enjoyed this book, but wish I'd stopped here. Just a heads up. I don't personally care for downer endings, and the downsides of the sequel ending pretty much killed the upside aspects. I left a spoiler review for those who share my preference. If that doesn't affect your reading choices, then you might really enjoy the sequel.
I enjoyed this book, but wish I'd stopped here. Just a heads up. I don't personally care for downer endings, and the downsides of the sequel ending pretty much killed the upside aspects. I left a spoiler review for those who share my preference. If that doesn't affect your reading choices, then you might really enjoy the sequel.
October 10, 2017
Not bad
Seems this was more of stale of relationships and living life to the fullest. I enjoyed it and was even emotional at times but it was lacking action.
The fights weren't described well at all and not being picky but more than a few spelling and grammar errors escaped the editors.
All in all a decent read.
Seems this was more of stale of relationships and living life to the fullest. I enjoyed it and was even emotional at times but it was lacking action.
The fights weren't described well at all and not being picky but more than a few spelling and grammar errors escaped the editors.
All in all a decent read.
July 20, 2017
Stellar
Astound cast of characters with both well established personalities and places to grow. An great take of organic quests inside of an mmorpg. I laughed and cried along with the characters
Astound cast of characters with both well established personalities and places to grow. An great take of organic quests inside of an mmorpg. I laughed and cried along with the characters
September 3, 2017
Very well done.
If you like litrpg books the two books in this series are a must read. Grats to the author, I will definitely be reading other works in hope that they will be as good.
If you like litrpg books the two books in this series are a must read. Grats to the author, I will definitely be reading other works in hope that they will be as good.
October 20, 2017
This is the Authors first book and it is brilliantly told. I enjoyed it from start to finish. Some genuinely heartfelt well developed characters. one of the best books in this genre. The story is well balanced and brillantly paced.
May 4, 2021
2.5 Stars, I can't really get into this book. It has some good points but just a little boring I guess. The characters get things more or less handed to them and I was not as interested in them for some reason. It was a DNF...
January 7, 2024
Best 1 yet from Daniel
Really enjoyed this particular novel The fact that there was no stats in other put up there actually helped Did it separate The the reader from the novel Enjoy it's a good 1
Really enjoyed this particular novel The fact that there was no stats in other put up there actually helped Did it separate The the reader from the novel Enjoy it's a good 1
June 5, 2017
:D
I really liked this storyline-as we were involved in real life as well as game. It has a few misspellings etc but this is a great read.
I really liked this storyline-as we were involved in real life as well as game. It has a few misspellings etc but this is a great read.
November 3, 2017
The only thing I can say is that I wish I was a character in your world, Daniel. Great book!!
January 4, 2018
Another Schinhofen winner.
The author keeps getting better at creating compelling, entertaining stories in this sub-genre. I'm impressed, and I'm hooked. Next, please!
The author keeps getting better at creating compelling, entertaining stories in this sub-genre. I'm impressed, and I'm hooked. Next, please!
January 11, 2018
Wow
When I started never would have guessed I would choke up at the end...great read so glad there's a second
When I started never would have guessed I would choke up at the end...great read so glad there's a second
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews