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Killday #3
Level Seven
Length: 9 hrs and 24 mins
A year after the radical Kilburnites thought they destroyed all AIs and reclaimed Earth for humanity, something malignant is growing in the ruins of the once great cities and no human has been able to get close enough to find out what it is.
On the other side of the solar system, Abby Gibson, daughter of the hero who saved Earth on Killday, is nearly killed in the cold vacuum of the asteroid belt by something she doesn't understand. Now, the stealthy object is on course to destroy the space habitat she calls home.
In Level Seven, the exciting culmination of the Killday series, AIs strive to evolve into a super intelligence and might destroy humanity in that pursuit. But could their hopes of achieving godhood actually lie with the nearly extinct humans they intend to eradicate?
A year after the radical Kilburnites thought they destroyed all AIs and reclaimed Earth for humanity, something malignant is growing in the ruins of the once great cities and no human has been able to get close enough to find out what it is.
On the other side of the solar system, Abby Gibson, daughter of the hero who saved Earth on Killday, is nearly killed in the cold vacuum of the asteroid belt by something she doesn't understand. Now, the stealthy object is on course to destroy the space habitat she calls home.
In Level Seven, the exciting culmination of the Killday series, AIs strive to evolve into a super intelligence and might destroy humanity in that pursuit. But could their hopes of achieving godhood actually lie with the nearly extinct humans they intend to eradicate?
- GenresScience FictionAudiobook
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published December 1, 2023
About the author
William Ledbetter
44 books73 followersWilliam Ledbetter is a Nebula Award winning author with three novels and more than seventy speculative fiction short stories and non-fiction articles published in five languages, in publications such as Asimov's, Fantasy & Science Fiction, Analog, Escape Pod and the SFWA blog.
"Level Five," "Level Six" and, "Level Seven" novels of his Killday Series are available from Audible Originals and soon in paper and e-book from Interstellar Flight Press.
"Level Five," "Level Six" and, "Level Seven" novels of his Killday Series are available from Audible Originals and soon in paper and e-book from Interstellar Flight Press.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 17, 2024
A solid conclusion to an epic trilogy. The main character relationships slip into cliches but mortimer shines as the benevolent AI. engaging as an imagination of how we transcend physical limits. Very enjoyable even if it isn't at the same level as the first book.
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July 11, 2026Level Seven delivers a satisfying and ambitious conclusion to the Killday trilogy, combining fast-paced science fiction with thought-provoking questions about artificial intelligence, humanity, and survival.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its ability to continually raise the stakes without losing sight of the people at the center of the story. While the conflict spans planets, space habitats, and evolving AI civilizations, the emotional journeys of the characters remain what gives the narrative its greatest impact.
I especially appreciated how the story explores the relationship between humanity and its own creations. Rather than presenting artificial intelligence as simply a villain or hero, the novel examines evolution, purpose, and coexistence in ways that add genuine philosophical depth to the action. The result is a story that encourages readers to think long after the final chapter.
The pacing remains consistently engaging, balancing suspense, large-scale conflict, and moments of reflection that give the ending the emotional weight the trilogy deserves.
A rewarding conclusion for fans of intelligent science fiction, space adventure, and stories that explore the future of humanity alongside the possibilities—and dangers—of advanced artificial intelligence.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its ability to continually raise the stakes without losing sight of the people at the center of the story. While the conflict spans planets, space habitats, and evolving AI civilizations, the emotional journeys of the characters remain what gives the narrative its greatest impact.
I especially appreciated how the story explores the relationship between humanity and its own creations. Rather than presenting artificial intelligence as simply a villain or hero, the novel examines evolution, purpose, and coexistence in ways that add genuine philosophical depth to the action. The result is a story that encourages readers to think long after the final chapter.
The pacing remains consistently engaging, balancing suspense, large-scale conflict, and moments of reflection that give the ending the emotional weight the trilogy deserves.
A rewarding conclusion for fans of intelligent science fiction, space adventure, and stories that explore the future of humanity alongside the possibilities—and dangers—of advanced artificial intelligence.
September 21, 2025
The story continues on after the previous one. I don’t think one would be lost without having read them, but since I immediately went on to this book, I’m not sure. But I know book 2 did a wonderful job of bringing the reader up to speed if you hadn’t read book one. The book continues as a struggle between the AIs for domination, and the humans, who want to survive. But it gets interesting when the AIs sit down with humans to discuss the fate of humanity. What does it mean to be free? To be human? Would checks and balances similar to the Cold War nuclear deterrents, work? I did not expect the final solution. Great narration. note that there is some swearing, and references to a lesbian couple.
December 18, 2024
3.5 stars rounded down as ending was a little vague for what I thought was end of trilogy. Was also playing with ChatGPT, OpenAI and Brave browser search/answer with AI while reading this series and they were not kind in summarizing the books. Hope that browsing with private and over VPN was enough as do not want these guys coming after me.
Also, the song https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fin... played three times while I reading these. Hope the universe is not telling me something.
Also, the song https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fin... played three times while I reading these. Hope the universe is not telling me something.
February 18, 2024
I think that if I remembered more from the previous books, I would have enjoyed this more. AS it stood, it was okay. Just passing the time.
January 11, 2026
3.5, really.
January 30, 2024
Takes inspiration from some of the biggest sifi authors. I found it interesting and enjoyable.
January 8, 2024
A truly satisfying conclusion to this 3-book Hard SF series.
It turns out the AI "Aggregate" weren't as exterminated as humanity thought. And the Aggregate have new plans...
Lots of conundrums for all the participating characters--the humans, the bi-ad human/AI pairs, and the AIs--and so many twisty turns in the plot. Despite this being hard SF, the author really kept it character-driven, which I loved. My favorite part, though, is that ending. Totally unexpected, and man I just loved it! Would love to hop over all the "messy middle bits" and live in that space :-) . Some of the humans being fans of "classic" SF shows was lots of fun, and greatly appreciated. Finally, I listened to this as an audiobook, and the narrator did a simply fantastic job.
It turns out the AI "Aggregate" weren't as exterminated as humanity thought. And the Aggregate have new plans...
Lots of conundrums for all the participating characters--the humans, the bi-ad human/AI pairs, and the AIs--and so many twisty turns in the plot. Despite this being hard SF, the author really kept it character-driven, which I loved. My favorite part, though, is that ending. Totally unexpected, and man I just loved it! Would love to hop over all the "messy middle bits" and live in that space :-) . Some of the humans being fans of "classic" SF shows was lots of fun, and greatly appreciated. Finally, I listened to this as an audiobook, and the narrator did a simply fantastic job.
September 20, 2024
A decent conclusion to a series with an excellent premise.
May 4, 2025
The Killday series has been speculative hard sf at its best. Ledbetter does not disappoint in this thrilling final volume in the trilogy.
Something new is happening on Earth. Level 5 AI Samson and his AI followers are back and still seeking to evolve to the next level. His group is called the Aggregate (and it, like the Borg, intends to assimilate all humans and all other AIs). And new space elevators are appearing on Earth, built by the Aggregate, out of the ruins of Earth's major cities.
Our protagonists Abby (who has her AI ally Mortimer resident in her head) in her space schooner and Julio (on Earth) soon find themselves fighting not only for their lives but for the survival of both humans and free (non-Aggregate) AIs. And it is not looking good for either side.
Something new is happening on Earth. Level 5 AI Samson and his AI followers are back and still seeking to evolve to the next level. His group is called the Aggregate (and it, like the Borg, intends to assimilate all humans and all other AIs). And new space elevators are appearing on Earth, built by the Aggregate, out of the ruins of Earth's major cities.
Our protagonists Abby (who has her AI ally Mortimer resident in her head) in her space schooner and Julio (on Earth) soon find themselves fighting not only for their lives but for the survival of both humans and free (non-Aggregate) AIs. And it is not looking good for either side.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews