What do you think?
Rate this book
The Last Dawn Series #3
Horizons
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2022
437 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Richard C. Hale
36 books180 followersRichard C Hale has worn many hats in his lifetime including Greens Keeper, Bartender, Musician, Respiratory Therapist, and Veteran Air Traffic Controller. You can usually find him controlling Air Traffic over the skies of the Southeastern U.S. where he lives with his wife and children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 10, 2022
This third book in the series continues to follow the characters and groups as they find their way in the world following the pandemic which has changed life as they know it forever. Character development continues to be spot on, and the storylines are well developed which allows for investment in the characters and what happens to them. Once again, this is a page-turner which I did not want to finish too soon, but could not resist because I needed to know what would happen next. Thank you to Richard C Hale for allowing me to review this book Ready for the next one!
October 23, 2022
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
In this latest story, Michalla and AJ have arrived at the ARK and are out hunting when a major snowstorm hits and they wind up having to find shelter. AJ is injured and they finally hunker down in a cave. The next day Marty and Harlee go looking for AJ and Michalla. Once they located them, they then started figuring out how to get AJ back. While this is happening, they rescue a pilot whose plane crashes into a tree and wind up taking him back to the ARK after getting help for AJ.
Noah, Cori and her group are flying to find Michalla when the plane they are in has their plane making a crash landing because all of the equipment stopped. They all survived and took shelter in a hanger at the airport they crashed at. The next day that went searching and discovered a house where someone was living. They were invited inside to take food, but the owner had other ideas.
Another story had Ratman trying to locate Michalla and introduces ADI who stumbled across Ratman. They joined forces and began their trek. Adi eventually went her own way and ran into a situation where Ratman had to come to her rescue and they got together again and started their trek.
A 4th story introduces a new character who was the sheriff of her town. Her home was taken over by a group of men and she attempted to take it back. A battle ensued between her and the brothers where she won out, but was wounded. She decided that she couldn't stay there and then began her trek which led her to the ARK.
Noah and Cori found a site where they were staying and Ratman and ADI showed up there.
To discover all of the events happening in each of the individual stories, then you need to read this book. You won't want to miss it.
In this latest story, Michalla and AJ have arrived at the ARK and are out hunting when a major snowstorm hits and they wind up having to find shelter. AJ is injured and they finally hunker down in a cave. The next day Marty and Harlee go looking for AJ and Michalla. Once they located them, they then started figuring out how to get AJ back. While this is happening, they rescue a pilot whose plane crashes into a tree and wind up taking him back to the ARK after getting help for AJ.
Noah, Cori and her group are flying to find Michalla when the plane they are in has their plane making a crash landing because all of the equipment stopped. They all survived and took shelter in a hanger at the airport they crashed at. The next day that went searching and discovered a house where someone was living. They were invited inside to take food, but the owner had other ideas.
Another story had Ratman trying to locate Michalla and introduces ADI who stumbled across Ratman. They joined forces and began their trek. Adi eventually went her own way and ran into a situation where Ratman had to come to her rescue and they got together again and started their trek.
A 4th story introduces a new character who was the sheriff of her town. Her home was taken over by a group of men and she attempted to take it back. A battle ensued between her and the brothers where she won out, but was wounded. She decided that she couldn't stay there and then began her trek which led her to the ARK.
Noah and Cori found a site where they were staying and Ratman and ADI showed up there.
To discover all of the events happening in each of the individual stories, then you need to read this book. You won't want to miss it.
November 6, 2022
Loving this series, each book just makes me want to know what happens next and I can't wait for the next book to come out.
I would highly recommend this series.
The characters develop more with each book and I love how the stories of the sisters Michala and Cori run alongside each other and how the stories connect.
There are plenty of dangers along the way, but also hope for their futures and survival. I really look forward to the next book in the series.
I would highly recommend this series.
The characters develop more with each book and I love how the stories of the sisters Michala and Cori run alongside each other and how the stories connect.
There are plenty of dangers along the way, but also hope for their futures and survival. I really look forward to the next book in the series.
November 16, 2022
The Last Dawn:Horizons Book 3
This book has an easy to follow plot and interesting characters. I recommend this book to all readers that enjoy learning more about post Apocalypse.
This book has an easy to follow plot and interesting characters. I recommend this book to all readers that enjoy learning more about post Apocalypse.
November 5, 2022
Saga continues
I was so excited when this book came out. I was anxious to know what was going on with the characters that captured my heart and imagination. I’m now left waiting for “the rest of the story” as Paul Harvey would say. Just as you think you’re getting some closure on some parts, a whole new wave has opened…leaving me wondering. Looking forward to the next in the series.
I was so excited when this book came out. I was anxious to know what was going on with the characters that captured my heart and imagination. I’m now left waiting for “the rest of the story” as Paul Harvey would say. Just as you think you’re getting some closure on some parts, a whole new wave has opened…leaving me wondering. Looking forward to the next in the series.
November 6, 2022
It looks like I have come into the back end of this one as it's clearly left open for another book. This was more of a novella but exciting and interesting but will have to try and get the earlier ones to give the series justice
October 29, 2022
The third book in the series continues to weave intersecting stories of the two sisters who are searching for each other and the friends they have gathered along the way. Added into the mix is the evil Malachi, otherwise known as the rat man, who is slowly but surely tracking down Michalla who is pregnant with his child. Life is very harsh and no one is safe in this post pandemic world. However, in many respects this is a story of hope and the author adroitly allows the beautiful side of humanity to shine through.
October 31, 2022
Great series
I've read all 4 books in the series, including the prequel, and have enjoyed them all. The characters spring off the page and I really want to know what happens to them on their journey in the post apocalyptic world.
I've read all 4 books in the series, including the prequel, and have enjoyed them all. The characters spring off the page and I really want to know what happens to them on their journey in the post apocalyptic world.
October 28, 2022
Michalla, A.J., Harley and Marty are at the ARK, America’s shelter for its leaders near Minot AFB in North Dakota. The Dresden family strikes out in search of Michalla. Malachi (Ratman) is also hunting Michalla, he has acquired an interesting traveling companion. All of the groups deal with the perils of traveling in the post-apocalyptic aftermath of “The Pukes”. The author has woven a tale that is hard to put down. This is book 3 of a 5 book series.
October 28, 2022
A world after the devastation of a massive pandemic. The Ratman reappears and rescues a would-be partner. He is still looking for Michalla and his unborn child. A number of mini stories in this novel. Kidnapping and killing of monsters trying to harm others. They must find ways to survive and who to trust.
A page turner that will thrill you.
A page turner that will thrill you.
October 21, 2022
A dystopian novel, The Last Dawn: Horizons follows several characters and groups as they find their way in the world after a massive pandemic. The third book in the series, Mr. Hale once again develops characters from his previous two novels and adds several others. They are well developed, the different locations believable, and the action quite realistic. I would give this book five stars for all of that. My only dislike was the disconcerting jump between chapters. Time is lost between chapters while at the same time a new group of characters and events are artfully described. I look forward to the next book in the series.
October 20, 2022
This series gets better with each book. I gobbled up Horizons in a couple of evenings, one of those couldn’t put it down books.
From Florida, the one daughter and crew fly as far as Kentucky before their airplane gives out. They encounter a man intent on eliminating the crew while enslaving the daughter, and they end up on foot in Indiana
Following a parallel route, nemesis Ratman hooks up with a feisty lady and is smitten by her talents.
Meanwhile, the other daughter, in The Ark government ‘refuge’ in South Dakota endures winter dangers. Entering the scene is another couple, and the band joins together for a trip to California.
Book 4 awaits.
From Florida, the one daughter and crew fly as far as Kentucky before their airplane gives out. They encounter a man intent on eliminating the crew while enslaving the daughter, and they end up on foot in Indiana
Following a parallel route, nemesis Ratman hooks up with a feisty lady and is smitten by her talents.
Meanwhile, the other daughter, in The Ark government ‘refuge’ in South Dakota endures winter dangers. Entering the scene is another couple, and the band joins together for a trip to California.
Book 4 awaits.
October 26, 2023
Spoiler alert.
I struggled through book 1 & 2 with unbelievable and inconsistent story lines (i.e. AJ shredded by a bear that bit his neck & is stitched up ready to go in no time). Too many times they don't kill the bad guys and they re-appear to attack them later. Ratman should be Catman because he apparently has 9 lives.
At the end of book 2 Michalla & crew were taken, along with the mad scientist by an organized and heavily armed US military with 3 helicopters to The Ark (which contains the remains of the US government). Book 3 represents The Ark as lacking any real security (1 guard and no worries about bring The Pukes in) and no mention of who remains of the government, which would be an interesting storyline.
I knew I had enough with the Trevor storyline. He seeks them out at the airportand talks them in to going to his house to eat. He tells them they can leave their stuff as there is no one left to mess with it ("Noah looked at Chet who shrugged"). How many times do they say trust no one and they do and get in trouble.
Trevor poisons them & when they come to realize he kidnapped Cori they go his house & decide to watch him from across the street (instead of at the house). He comes out looks around & goes back inside (missed opportunity #1). Next plan of action is to kick the door in and make as much noise as possible. As losing that battle the next plan is for Dak to tell Trevor to come to the airport. Trevor steps outside the house and at one point even lowers his rifle. WTF - the other 2 idiots decided not to go and take him out there, even when later it was mention Chet had a sniper rifle (major missed opportunity #2). Trevor appears at the airport where the plan is for the dog to scare him and put the boy in the middle of the gunfight. Couldn't believe the Author served that one up.
And I got suckered in as this was advertised as a 3 book series, which I knew wasn't happening when new characters were been added with 20 pages left.
I struggled through book 1 & 2 with unbelievable and inconsistent story lines (i.e. AJ shredded by a bear that bit his neck & is stitched up ready to go in no time). Too many times they don't kill the bad guys and they re-appear to attack them later. Ratman should be Catman because he apparently has 9 lives.
At the end of book 2 Michalla & crew were taken, along with the mad scientist by an organized and heavily armed US military with 3 helicopters to The Ark (which contains the remains of the US government). Book 3 represents The Ark as lacking any real security (1 guard and no worries about bring The Pukes in) and no mention of who remains of the government, which would be an interesting storyline.
I knew I had enough with the Trevor storyline. He seeks them out at the airportand talks them in to going to his house to eat. He tells them they can leave their stuff as there is no one left to mess with it ("Noah looked at Chet who shrugged"). How many times do they say trust no one and they do and get in trouble.
Trevor poisons them & when they come to realize he kidnapped Cori they go his house & decide to watch him from across the street (instead of at the house). He comes out looks around & goes back inside (missed opportunity #1). Next plan of action is to kick the door in and make as much noise as possible. As losing that battle the next plan is for Dak to tell Trevor to come to the airport. Trevor steps outside the house and at one point even lowers his rifle. WTF - the other 2 idiots decided not to go and take him out there, even when later it was mention Chet had a sniper rifle (major missed opportunity #2). Trevor appears at the airport where the plan is for the dog to scare him and put the boy in the middle of the gunfight. Couldn't believe the Author served that one up.
And I got suckered in as this was advertised as a 3 book series, which I knew wasn't happening when new characters were been added with 20 pages left.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2023
opens with ignorance, but at least is consistent
I get opening a novel with a tense situation. But here it’s tense mostly because of the character’s stupidity, which is characteristic of this series. If you’re lost in a blizzard at night you don’t go wandering around. You immediately find shelter. The quickest and easiest in a forest is under a big evergreen tree with low branches. Start a fire if you can. However, in unintended irony, we find out after our none too bright heroes Michalla and AJ get lost wandering around blindly in the blizzard that they’ve been “trained to deal with conditions like this.” It must have been really really bad training because we then read that: “she worked her way around trees, keeping her eyes open for anything that would work as some kind of shelter.” I’m laughing. The trees ARE the shelter, dummy. Find a big one with low branches. Cut some branches for a lean-to to make it more enclosed. Basic Boy Scout stuff, but supposedly they’ve been trained by elite military.
If Michalla is so valuable for research because of being pregnant, why do they let her go off hunting with just a teenage companion?
The wrong details continue, especially involving medical issues.
The author is a pretty good storyteller but needs better research or a consultant about things he obviously doesn’t know much about.
One other suggestion for the author: there are now so many characters and storylines that it’s hard to remember who they all are and how they got into the story. Please provide some clues when switching among them.
I get opening a novel with a tense situation. But here it’s tense mostly because of the character’s stupidity, which is characteristic of this series. If you’re lost in a blizzard at night you don’t go wandering around. You immediately find shelter. The quickest and easiest in a forest is under a big evergreen tree with low branches. Start a fire if you can. However, in unintended irony, we find out after our none too bright heroes Michalla and AJ get lost wandering around blindly in the blizzard that they’ve been “trained to deal with conditions like this.” It must have been really really bad training because we then read that: “she worked her way around trees, keeping her eyes open for anything that would work as some kind of shelter.” I’m laughing. The trees ARE the shelter, dummy. Find a big one with low branches. Cut some branches for a lean-to to make it more enclosed. Basic Boy Scout stuff, but supposedly they’ve been trained by elite military.
If Michalla is so valuable for research because of being pregnant, why do they let her go off hunting with just a teenage companion?
The wrong details continue, especially involving medical issues.
The author is a pretty good storyteller but needs better research or a consultant about things he obviously doesn’t know much about.
One other suggestion for the author: there are now so many characters and storylines that it’s hard to remember who they all are and how they got into the story. Please provide some clues when switching among them.
October 29, 2022
In The Last Dawn Horizons we find the Dresdon family getting closer and closer to getting back together again. We at first find out why Michalla and AJ were forcible moved to one of the last military bases left in the U.S., located in North Dakota. Michalla's dad and sister are flying to where they believe she is being held. As the story unfolds, each group must overcome what could, and in some way does, become heart breaking. Add to this we see the return of Malachi, aka The Ratman. Add to all of this each group come across new characters that add depth to their part of the story. The question is, “Are these characters good or bad?”.
Horizons did not disappoint this reader in the third book in the series. Each main character must decide certain aspect of their current situation and decide how they are going to precede with their lives. The story left me wanting to read late into the night to see how the story is going to develop. In the end you are left wanting more and more of the series, and more are due in 2023. I for one is looking forward to more of the whole story.
Horizons did not disappoint this reader in the third book in the series. Each main character must decide certain aspect of their current situation and decide how they are going to precede with their lives. The story left me wanting to read late into the night to see how the story is going to develop. In the end you are left wanting more and more of the series, and more are due in 2023. I for one is looking forward to more of the whole story.
August 17, 2024
It was a good continuation of the story of the Dresdon family and company. I think it could have used an editor. There are typos and repetitive parts that add nothing to the story (usually dialogue that repeats exactly what just happened with no further insight). Also some confusing parts that could have been clarified by a few sentences here and there. For example, you realize after a while there are characters that haven't been mentioned in a long time that should have been present in certain scenes and it makes you wonder if you somehow missed what happened to them earlier. Turns out the author must have just forgotten to include them. I won't get too into the "woman obviously written by a man" thing, but that's there too. I can overlook that with an eyeroll but sometimes it's like "yeah, ok dude, she definitely would have acted that way ... in your dream". Overall, I like the entertainment value of this series and I will continue if/when the author releases the next two planned books.
October 27, 2022
The Last Dawn: Horizons, Richard C Hale’s latest installment in The Last Dawn series takes a bit of a different route than its predecessors. We get to become familiar with more of the post-apocalyptic world – in fact, an area where one might consider the area to be near normal, until it isn’t. Along with introducing a few new characters, plenty of the cast from the previous books - even some I had hoped were long gone - are present. There is plenty of action in this episode as well as additional background on the story line and characters. Horizons is certainly a welcome addition to the series, and a must read for fans. If you haven’t read any of The Last Dawn series, where have you been? Grab a copy of Apocalypse and get yourself caught up; Richard has created an excellent post-apocalyptic series/world. I received an advance reader copy from the author and chose to provide this review.
November 16, 2023
Review of the book series
I read a hundred + books a year, and about a third of them are post-apocalyptic stories. The Last Dawn series are mediocre in comparison to other, similarly themed books. I dislike neat stories. For me, there were too many plot lines that ended with the characters in new relationships, or included the “Just in time” discovery of the one thing that will save them. I prefer my dystopian reads to be more “edge of my seat” and less “stroke of luck.” I’d say more, but don’t care to give away spoilers.
I read a hundred + books a year, and about a third of them are post-apocalyptic stories. The Last Dawn series are mediocre in comparison to other, similarly themed books. I dislike neat stories. For me, there were too many plot lines that ended with the characters in new relationships, or included the “Just in time” discovery of the one thing that will save them. I prefer my dystopian reads to be more “edge of my seat” and less “stroke of luck.” I’d say more, but don’t care to give away spoilers.
May 1, 2023
A change of pace.
Like I said the last time, plot twist up the yazoo. Just when you get comfortable, it seems that the kaka hits the fan. If you want to get a good read, don't start with this book. You need to start with #1, otherwise you may find it hard to follow. I know that this is like other end of the world as we know it stories, but it seems to hold a lot of hope in it's story.
Like I said the last time, plot twist up the yazoo. Just when you get comfortable, it seems that the kaka hits the fan. If you want to get a good read, don't start with this book. You need to start with #1, otherwise you may find it hard to follow. I know that this is like other end of the world as we know it stories, but it seems to hold a lot of hope in it's story.
November 20, 2022
To short of a book
I have enjoyed this series, yet it seems like it is a very short novel. The characters are intriguing. But sometimes it feels like this book was rushed. I still liked it.
I have enjoyed this series, yet it seems like it is a very short novel. The characters are intriguing. But sometimes it feels like this book was rushed. I still liked it.
October 1, 2023
Enjoyed most of it
I enjoyed most of the characters but some of the storyline was ridiculous. People getting shot multiple times and it being fine days later. Very unrealistic even for fiction.
I enjoyed most of the characters but some of the storyline was ridiculous. People getting shot multiple times and it being fine days later. Very unrealistic even for fiction.
January 14, 2024
Each book gets better
This book is as good as the first 2 in this series. There's new characters being added in and the stories moving in different directions. All very exciting with some tension and humour. Looking forward to book 4.
This book is as good as the first 2 in this series. There's new characters being added in and the stories moving in different directions. All very exciting with some tension and humour. Looking forward to book 4.
March 5, 2024
Riveting!
This is a great book in a series of great books. This isn't a happy book, though. There is some stuff that could be triggering to some people, especially women.
The characters are well-rounded. The plot kept me interested. This story is timely and relevant.
This is a great book in a series of great books. This isn't a happy book, though. There is some stuff that could be triggering to some people, especially women.
The characters are well-rounded. The plot kept me interested. This story is timely and relevant.
March 14, 2024
Touch and go
Wow what a story! The twists and turns of characters in this last book was amazing. I even felt that I might get to like "rat man"...probably not, but what a different side to him. Excellent read to keep the interest going.
Wow what a story! The twists and turns of characters in this last book was amazing. I even felt that I might get to like "rat man"...probably not, but what a different side to him. Excellent read to keep the interest going.
December 16, 2022
I am enjoying this series. Keep hoping for everything to work out. it is hard to put down and I have read three and waiting for the fourthl
January 25, 2023
Awesome series!!!
LOVE, LOVE ii!!! Very realistic, as far as post apocalyptic stories go. I can’t wait for the next book, to see what lies in store for these wonderful Characters!
LOVE, LOVE ii!!! Very realistic, as far as post apocalyptic stories go. I can’t wait for the next book, to see what lies in store for these wonderful Characters!
November 12, 2023
Great read, excited to see the final installment
November 27, 2023
Keeps interest
Good series does not get stuck with want already happened. Story line continues and does not repeat itself as some series do.
Good series does not get stuck with want already happened. Story line continues and does not repeat itself as some series do.
January 26, 2024
Last Dawn
Series was very exciting. A lot of interesting developments keeping the books going at a fast paced clip. I like this author.
Series was very exciting. A lot of interesting developments keeping the books going at a fast paced clip. I like this author.
February 2, 2024
Extremely Short
Its a good series even with all the mistakes but they are very sort and don't take long to read...they need to be a little longer.
Its a good series even with all the mistakes but they are very sort and don't take long to read...they need to be a little longer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews