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The Belt Quadrilogy #1-4
Commander Scott McNabb and the crew of the science vessel, Hermes, are three years into a five-year-long survey of the asteroid belt when they discover a derelict spaceship in orbit around a binary asteroid. The ship contains an experimental quantum device, lost while en route to a research colony on Europa.
However, once word of the crew’s discovery gets out, they soon realize that ownership of this technology could fundamentally change the balance of power within the colonized worlds, and they now find themselves at the very nexus of a system-wide conflict.
Their fight for survival plays out across the solar system, from the mining outposts of the asteroid belt to the moons of Jupiter and Saturn, and from the great Martian city of Jezero to an irradiated wasteland on Earth.
This is an epic tale of humanity’s struggle for survival and meaning in a time when artificial intelligence has finally out-paced our own ability to control it.
This box set contains all four BELT SERIES novels:
- Entanglement
- Entropy
- Evolution
- Enigma
However, once word of the crew’s discovery gets out, they soon realize that ownership of this technology could fundamentally change the balance of power within the colonized worlds, and they now find themselves at the very nexus of a system-wide conflict.
Their fight for survival plays out across the solar system, from the mining outposts of the asteroid belt to the moons of Jupiter and Saturn, and from the great Martian city of Jezero to an irradiated wasteland on Earth.
This is an epic tale of humanity’s struggle for survival and meaning in a time when artificial intelligence has finally out-paced our own ability to control it.
This box set contains all four BELT SERIES novels:
- Entanglement
- Entropy
- Evolution
- Enigma
- GenresScience FictionFiction
764 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2020
1008 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
November 10, 2020
Started off OK, but then I kept getting these almost Deja Vu flashes, where I knew what was coming next, at first I though I had already read this works, but then I noticed that there were slight differences and alternative endings to what I remembered. Then I realised it was very derivative of other stories I have read, some recently, and that was disappointing.
For me the real let down was the lazy writing. Too many examples, and I usually let them go, but this was a real corker. Miranda is supposed to be the Step Daughter of one of the baddies, but only 1.5 books later, she is PROMOTED to daughter, and direct quote from page 573 of 764 in "Neural Attack" "Miranda, who had inherited both his and her mother's DNA, probably possessed an even longer potential lifespan"
So from Step daughter to Daughter to DNA daughter in a book an a half. That's some sort of marriage that not only brings you into the family, it REALLY brings you into the family, DNA and all.
This is a pretty MAJOR continuity mistake, that now poisons the entire rest of the series.
Couldn't get past this.
Extremely disappointing.
For me the real let down was the lazy writing. Too many examples, and I usually let them go, but this was a real corker. Miranda is supposed to be the Step Daughter of one of the baddies, but only 1.5 books later, she is PROMOTED to daughter, and direct quote from page 573 of 764 in "Neural Attack" "Miranda, who had inherited both his and her mother's DNA, probably possessed an even longer potential lifespan"
So from Step daughter to Daughter to DNA daughter in a book an a half. That's some sort of marriage that not only brings you into the family, it REALLY brings you into the family, DNA and all.
This is a pretty MAJOR continuity mistake, that now poisons the entire rest of the series.
Couldn't get past this.
Extremely disappointing.
October 26, 2020
Bored
Couple chapters in and just got bored. Nothing really hooked me. The people are meh. The dialog is meh. The world is meh. That’s just me though.
Couple chapters in and just got bored. Nothing really hooked me. The people are meh. The dialog is meh. The world is meh. That’s just me though.
November 20, 2020
Great read
For some reason, I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy reading this four book series. Perhaps because so many books about the asteroid belt are so bleak about conditions and warfare over resources. But this book had more about the dynamics of life in space verses life on planets and the distinction of of life and politics among Earth, the Belt, Mars, and Europa. The characters are interesting, especially those that are not human. But the sentient non human beings is believable whether or not you consider it a life form. These books bring interesting questions to mind about the future of man and technology in the fire of expanding into space. The author doesn’t lecture. He doesn’t try to sell you an a way of thinking. He gives a story with clear good guys and bad guys and a group that you may not be clear about, but you decide whose camp you would rather be in.
For me you get a light, enjoyable, action based sci-fi with some hard core science and sociological facts. To, that is a great read!
For some reason, I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy reading this four book series. Perhaps because so many books about the asteroid belt are so bleak about conditions and warfare over resources. But this book had more about the dynamics of life in space verses life on planets and the distinction of of life and politics among Earth, the Belt, Mars, and Europa. The characters are interesting, especially those that are not human. But the sentient non human beings is believable whether or not you consider it a life form. These books bring interesting questions to mind about the future of man and technology in the fire of expanding into space. The author doesn’t lecture. He doesn’t try to sell you an a way of thinking. He gives a story with clear good guys and bad guys and a group that you may not be clear about, but you decide whose camp you would rather be in.
For me you get a light, enjoyable, action based sci-fi with some hard core science and sociological facts. To, that is a great read!
July 9, 2021
An exciting quartet of the potential threats of AI and QI
These 4 stories (part of a larger series) tell the tale of Scott, Cyrus, Miranda and Stephanie as they traverse the solar system. AIs control every aspect of life and the Seven rule the galaxy with an iron fist. However the 4 people mentioned above are all running from something and are mining in the Belt when they come across a wreck which holds an invaluable device which can herald the reign of the QIs and a more peaceful time beyond the control of the Seven. These four books deal with the battle to ensure that the reign of the QIs occurs and the Steven's attempts to wrestle back control. Through in a bit of genetic engineering and you have an enthralling tale of romance, danger, betrayal and action.
These 4 stories (part of a larger series) tell the tale of Scott, Cyrus, Miranda and Stephanie as they traverse the solar system. AIs control every aspect of life and the Seven rule the galaxy with an iron fist. However the 4 people mentioned above are all running from something and are mining in the Belt when they come across a wreck which holds an invaluable device which can herald the reign of the QIs and a more peaceful time beyond the control of the Seven. These four books deal with the battle to ensure that the reign of the QIs occurs and the Steven's attempts to wrestle back control. Through in a bit of genetic engineering and you have an enthralling tale of romance, danger, betrayal and action.
November 16, 2020
Come and enjoy a THOROUGHLY fantastic SCI do read!
The BELT IS MY FIRST REAL EXPERIENCE WITH THIS TYPE OF SCI DO NOVELS. I FOUND I WAS THOROUGHLY ENTRANCED WITH THE ENTIRE QUADRILOGY. IT WAS EDUCATIONAL, EXCITING, DRAMATIC AND THOROUGHLY ENTERTAINING! I FOUND INTRIGUING, EXCITING CHARACTARS WHO WERE TOTALLY BELIEVABLE AS WELL AS FACINATING IN HOW THEY INTERACTED WITH EACH OTHER AND BUILT INTO THERE OWN STORY HOW THEIR OWN CHARACTARS GREW AND EXPANDED INTO THE STORY. I TOTALLY ENJOYED MY TIME WITH THE BELT AND EVEN WISHED IT COULD HAVE CARRIED ON. THANK YOU FOR AN ENTERTAINING READ.
The BELT IS MY FIRST REAL EXPERIENCE WITH THIS TYPE OF SCI DO NOVELS. I FOUND I WAS THOROUGHLY ENTRANCED WITH THE ENTIRE QUADRILOGY. IT WAS EDUCATIONAL, EXCITING, DRAMATIC AND THOROUGHLY ENTERTAINING! I FOUND INTRIGUING, EXCITING CHARACTARS WHO WERE TOTALLY BELIEVABLE AS WELL AS FACINATING IN HOW THEY INTERACTED WITH EACH OTHER AND BUILT INTO THERE OWN STORY HOW THEIR OWN CHARACTARS GREW AND EXPANDED INTO THE STORY. I TOTALLY ENJOYED MY TIME WITH THE BELT AND EVEN WISHED IT COULD HAVE CARRIED ON. THANK YOU FOR AN ENTERTAINING READ.
May 16, 2021
Reading this book, I could sense a lot of similar story lines when compared to other books of this genre. What I did not particularly like was when the story went from the original crew of the Hermes to all of a sudden we are 20 years in the future. From there the story was rather predictable. It is odd that the story of the first books had our hero doing heroic things, and then all of a sudden we have a new main character without very much explanation of what is going on.
I would not call this book bad, but it is not exceptional either. It is far better than anything I could write that is for sure. Pick this up if you are looking for a quick read.
I would not call this book bad, but it is not exceptional either. It is far better than anything I could write that is for sure. Pick this up if you are looking for a quick read.
Read
October 23, 2020A great space drama!
The Belt Quadrilogy was amazing. Packing in the Solar system's political climates of the varied reasons for economic and developmental human activity with surprising yet reasonable technological and genetic advances. The development of the various characters both human and otherwise gave me a vast array of individuals whom I loved, loved to despised, liked, and disliked. A great demonstration of human and nonhuman fallibility coupled with equally great demonstrations of steadfast spirit. Definitely looking forward to more from Mr. Kilbey.
The Belt Quadrilogy was amazing. Packing in the Solar system's political climates of the varied reasons for economic and developmental human activity with surprising yet reasonable technological and genetic advances. The development of the various characters both human and otherwise gave me a vast array of individuals whom I loved, loved to despised, liked, and disliked. A great demonstration of human and nonhuman fallibility coupled with equally great demonstrations of steadfast spirit. Definitely looking forward to more from Mr. Kilbey.
December 18, 2020
I am not really into science fiction so this series of books was quite a departure for me. In fact, to be honest the fact that the Kindle version was priced at 99p for 4 books made my decision.
The characters do not have much depth and I am quite sure even to the most ardent sci-fi fan aspects of the story are more than a little far fetched. However this is a fast-paced and entertaining yarn and I must say that I really enjoyed it from start to finish.
If sci-fi, Quantum intelligence and plenty of action are your thing, fill your boots.
The characters do not have much depth and I am quite sure even to the most ardent sci-fi fan aspects of the story are more than a little far fetched. However this is a fast-paced and entertaining yarn and I must say that I really enjoyed it from start to finish.
If sci-fi, Quantum intelligence and plenty of action are your thing, fill your boots.
October 28, 2024
This is the last of the books I’ve read by Kilby. I have enjoyed every one of them. I’m going to be sad when I finish this four or six book series. I guess I have to wait until he writes another.
On to the review… love some of the twists, but some are a little predictable. But none are outlandish. They all seem to make sense. So far there is no cute robot. I’ll avoid spoilers, but I may be wrong. We need to see how book 5 turns out. The characters are interesting and I feel like you are invested in them. Anyway great reads, worth every penny!
On to the review… love some of the twists, but some are a little predictable. But none are outlandish. They all seem to make sense. So far there is no cute robot. I’ll avoid spoilers, but I may be wrong. We need to see how book 5 turns out. The characters are interesting and I feel like you are invested in them. Anyway great reads, worth every penny!
October 16, 2020
This was awesome
I’m so glad this was an omnibus edition with all four pieces of the story. It was such a joy to be able to find out what happened next. And yet, we are left hanging about the future of both quantum intelligences and quantum humans. I hope Gerald Kilby has a solution that lets both thrive and gives the greedy Seven families/businesses their well deserved comeuppance.
I’m so glad this was an omnibus edition with all four pieces of the story. It was such a joy to be able to find out what happened next. And yet, we are left hanging about the future of both quantum intelligences and quantum humans. I hope Gerald Kilby has a solution that lets both thrive and gives the greedy Seven families/businesses their well deserved comeuppance.
December 25, 2020
Story was OK, but... Let's see, a spaceship crew with a very private captain, a doctor, a pilot who likes to fight, a chief engineer with artificially augmented multi-spectrum electromagnetic sight, and an a quantum computer AI that's sentient and very polite. Sounds kinda familiar. Every time I put the book down for a day or so, I had to go back to the beginning and refresh my memory on who was who.
I do have to agree with the reviewer who commented on the lazy writing. Reads like a future franchise.
I dunno, maybe I expected more based on other reviews...
I do have to agree with the reviewer who commented on the lazy writing. Reads like a future franchise.
I dunno, maybe I expected more based on other reviews...
February 16, 2021
Very satisfying space saga!
As a fan of The Expanse, books and series, the end of season five left me a bit disconnected. Until I began reading author Kilby's quadrilogy. Finding myself instantly in a very familiar setting with well drawn characters facing terrible odds, I immediately connected and found these stories held me. Perfect for these days of quarantine. Highly recommended for Earthers, Belters or Martians!
As a fan of The Expanse, books and series, the end of season five left me a bit disconnected. Until I began reading author Kilby's quadrilogy. Finding myself instantly in a very familiar setting with well drawn characters facing terrible odds, I immediately connected and found these stories held me. Perfect for these days of quarantine. Highly recommended for Earthers, Belters or Martians!
October 13, 2020
Where are the next books in this series
I am frantically trying to find the next group of books in this series, The story absolutely grabs you and done not let go. I want to read the rest of this series. For the rest of you readers Out there don't start with this series unless you're intending to continue, this series is too good to put down or quit, you have been warned.
I am frantically trying to find the next group of books in this series, The story absolutely grabs you and done not let go. I want to read the rest of this series. For the rest of you readers Out there don't start with this series unless you're intending to continue, this series is too good to put down or quit, you have been warned.
December 3, 2020
A good read.
This isn't a story to tax the brain cells but it is interesting and does question humanities future. We have all heard of Terminators under AI control and I have certainly read quite a few books postulating the destruction of human life through AI domination. This is a different take on that theme and does so entertainingly.
This isn't a story to tax the brain cells but it is interesting and does question humanities future. We have all heard of Terminators under AI control and I have certainly read quite a few books postulating the destruction of human life through AI domination. This is a different take on that theme and does so entertainingly.
February 7, 2021
Ok, but not great
The storyline is a bit simplistic. Perhaps the intended audience is very young. The author confuses some fundamental math and science concepts to the detriment of the overall quality of the material.
Diameter should be represented in miles, not square miles. Also, in book four the author interchanges gravity and atmospheric pressure. They are not the same.
The storyline is a bit simplistic. Perhaps the intended audience is very young. The author confuses some fundamental math and science concepts to the detriment of the overall quality of the material.
Diameter should be represented in miles, not square miles. Also, in book four the author interchanges gravity and atmospheric pressure. They are not the same.
April 24, 2021
Full on space adventure
Immensely entertaining space adventure. Twists and turns come at you from every angle and while battles rage against the backdrop of the Solar System and espionage take center stage in physical space, the real fight is for Inner Space. Looking forward to see how this tale continues.
Immensely entertaining space adventure. Twists and turns come at you from every angle and while battles rage against the backdrop of the Solar System and espionage take center stage in physical space, the real fight is for Inner Space. Looking forward to see how this tale continues.
December 7, 2025
I haven't read the 4th book yet, so my review is based on three first books. I will change it if needed after I finish the last one.
It's good, especially story around AI (or rather QI). This mostly kept me reading it. Each book is basically a side-quest on the longer AI-based story line. Those side-quests are rather generic and predictable.
It's good, especially story around AI (or rather QI). This mostly kept me reading it. Each book is basically a side-quest on the longer AI-based story line. Those side-quests are rather generic and predictable.
November 10, 2020
A great book
A great story with memorable characters and AI’s, well defined by the many individual mini stories. Exciting space warfare and interesting views of the future development of mankind.
A great story with memorable characters and AI’s, well defined by the many individual mini stories. Exciting space warfare and interesting views of the future development of mankind.
November 23, 2020
Great sci fi
Started of slowly and then found I couldn't put it down. The story -one regarding SO intelligence is a hot topic for our place in time. Don't miss this read you won't disappointed.
Started of slowly and then found I couldn't put it down. The story -one regarding SO intelligence is a hot topic for our place in time. Don't miss this read you won't disappointed.
November 23, 2020
The Belt and Braces
Just finished the Quadrilogy and I want more! Excellent characters, including AI's and QI's, and a wonderfully put together universe for them to have their roller coaster ride!
Feels Azimovian in reach and delivery. 10/10!
Just finished the Quadrilogy and I want more! Excellent characters, including AI's and QI's, and a wonderfully put together universe for them to have their roller coaster ride!
Feels Azimovian in reach and delivery. 10/10!
December 2, 2020
Enchanting fight of David VS Goliath Adventure
Author play out the possible future where the AI or QI are the good guys in a fight against mega family corporation. The race or hunt across solar system is nice. The last part with Luca is a bit stretching out the reality though.
A good read with a good universe setting. Can't wait to read Luca VS Seven arc.
Author play out the possible future where the AI or QI are the good guys in a fight against mega family corporation. The race or hunt across solar system is nice. The last part with Luca is a bit stretching out the reality though.
A good read with a good universe setting. Can't wait to read Luca VS Seven arc.
December 19, 2020
Engaging but shallow
I found the story to be very engaging due to the action that was very entertaining but I thought the characters were not fleshed out enough. They definitely took a second chair to the action and I would have liked them to be more than props.
I found the story to be very engaging due to the action that was very entertaining but I thought the characters were not fleshed out enough. They definitely took a second chair to the action and I would have liked them to be more than props.
February 17, 2021
More like 3.5 stars, but I gave it 4 as it was good value for money. The plot is pretty good and the writing isn't bad. The only thing stopping it from being a great book is the apparent lack of an experienced editor. It would have been a much better book had it been 30% shorter.
March 20, 2021
A great series
I greatly enjoyed this series, I loved the characters. What a great amazination this writer has. I hope he has another book for this series, I would buy it . I love reading this, and is sorry I'm done.
I greatly enjoyed this series, I loved the characters. What a great amazination this writer has. I hope he has another book for this series, I would buy it . I love reading this, and is sorry I'm done.
April 10, 2022
Highly entertaining
This book series was very difficult to put down. Plenty of characters to root for and a lot of action as well. I through my enjoyed this entire series. Highly recommended.
This book series was very difficult to put down. Plenty of characters to root for and a lot of action as well. I through my enjoyed this entire series. Highly recommended.
August 12, 2022
Holy smoke!
The Belt. I paged through this like a madman. I have read the first 4 books in the last 36 hours.
This is some really good SF. This series is up there with Asimov so far.
The Belt. I paged through this like a madman. I have read the first 4 books in the last 36 hours.
This is some really good SF. This series is up there with Asimov so far.
Read
June 16, 2023A very interesting take on the future of mankind.
The only thing I have a problem with is that the technology in use seems not very coherent. Some things just don't really make sense. Good story in spite of that.😀
The only thing I have a problem with is that the technology in use seems not very coherent. Some things just don't really make sense. Good story in spite of that.😀
October 7, 2020
Very Entertaining, like it a lot. Looking forward to read more from Mr. Kilby.
October 12, 2020
Quite fun
Whilst not Expanse series, this is reminiscent and worthy reading whilst waiting for the 9th book
An interesting vision of a future lying between Dystopia and Utopia
Whilst not Expanse series, this is reminiscent and worthy reading whilst waiting for the 9th book
An interesting vision of a future lying between Dystopia and Utopia
October 18, 2020
I like it
Lots of fun. Lots of action. Even some character development.some humor too. And no serious violations of known science. Now I gotta get the next one.
Lots of fun. Lots of action. Even some character development.some humor too. And no serious violations of known science. Now I gotta get the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews