What do you think?
Rate this book
The Belt #5
Exodus
The battle for New World One has left Luca physically and mentally traumatized. She has descended into a deep catatonic state from which there seems no way back.
Scott and Miranda are concerned, not just about Luca but also the imminent threat of a new assault on the habitat by a revitalized VanHeilding fleet. They must leave, head for the relative safety of Mars, and hope that they have not left it too late.
Yet Luca is not unique in the system. There is another who possesses elements of her extraordinary biology. One who has been this way before, one who understands her struggle and who could ultimately hold the key to her freedom.
But for Luca to find a way back she must first deal with the demons that now stalk her mind. She must face up to what she truly is - a threat to human civilization.
Scott and Miranda are concerned, not just about Luca but also the imminent threat of a new assault on the habitat by a revitalized VanHeilding fleet. They must leave, head for the relative safety of Mars, and hope that they have not left it too late.
Yet Luca is not unique in the system. There is another who possesses elements of her extraordinary biology. One who has been this way before, one who understands her struggle and who could ultimately hold the key to her freedom.
But for Luca to find a way back she must first deal with the demons that now stalk her mind. She must face up to what she truly is - a threat to human civilization.
- GenresScience Fiction
142 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 16, 2021
236 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 18, 2023
I have 6 book set purchased for $9.99 on July 2, 2023. Interesting space opera, with a bit of alien intrigue and AI involvement, and gangster types, and pirate types involved as well. Finished the first 5 of the series- a genetically advanced woman and her family strive against corporate CEOs who have no scruples.
July 28, 2023
Well, Luca fought off the evil Frederick VanHeilding and his node-runners but it cost her a lot in physical and mental strength. She now lies in a hospital bed at New World One in a serious coma. She’s been this way for seven months now. Miranda and Scott have been with her constantly although they have reduced their time with her in order to get other things done. She hasn’t responded to them or anything in the entire seven months and no-one really knows when she might come out of the coma. Not even Dr. Stephanie Rayman, Luca’s friend and now physician.
Things had kind of simmered down now that the latest attack by the VanHeilding Corporation and six other corporate families that were backing VanHeilding. These corporations were called the Seven and they wanted to control everything and that included the asteroid belt and all its vast resources. While they were kept from doing this by the QI control of norma AI’s that control had proven tenuous after a node-runner and subsequent missile attack on one of Athena’s datacenter on Earth. Now, they had destroyed the QI on Ceres and nothing was stopping them from coming back again. These node-runners employed by Frederick VanHeilding were formidable opponents and only defeated through Luca’s efforts.
Unfortunately, Luca hadn’t destroyed anywhere near all the node-runners VanHeilding had under his control. It was expected that he would be coming back to take control of the New World One complex and then the VanHeilding Corporation and the Xiang Zu Corporation would have to work out an agreement to possibly share the Belt’s resources. Scott, Miranda, Cyrus and Steph all knew that they couldn’t let VanHeilding get his hands on Luca. They had to protector her at all cost. Unknown to them, that was the decision of the QIs also. Aria had managed to take over and reprogram an avatar used by New World executives so she could visit with Luca in her hospital room. Through their mutual mental connection, Aria managed to pull Luca out of her dream state and back into the real world. She also gifted her with a special link device made by Athena, the QI on Earth. That link device was the one and only one kind ever to exist. Luca was soon to find out that it was very powerful when she was wearing it.
Meanwhile, Scott, Miranda, Cyrus and Steph had all agreed that they needed to relocate to Mars so they could at least be under the protection of Aria. Now that Luca had been revived, that trip wouldn’t be as hard on her, but if word got out that she was moving then a huge bounty would be placed on capturing her for Frederick VanHeilding. Of course Frederick VanHeilding knew when a mysterious ship had left New World One headed for Mars. What he wasn’t sure of was if Luca was really on this ship. If so, he knew enough that he and his node-runners had to stay away from it. But, if Luca was still on New World One, then his opportunity to attack and capture that massive facility was going to considerably harder.
So, Frederick’s distant cousin, Sebastian VanHeilding, was tasked with finding the ship Luca might possibly be on. If he could get near it so his loaned node-runners could detect Luca, then he would confirm her whereabouts. He was instructed to not engage her ship under any circumstances. Of course Sebastian was just as power-hungry as Frederick so he knew this was his opportunity to take some action to secure his seat on the family Executive Council.
Luca was slowly getting more and more tired and agitated by this constant need to run from the VanHeilding Corporation. She didn’t think the QI’s wanted to help her much and even found some evidence that they would kill her if things didn’t happen the way they wanted. So, she was reluctant to contact any of them. She did find some help from an eccentric individual on Mars, Xenon Hybrid. How he helps her is an interesting part of the story, but what’s more interesting in the plan that Luca draws up to totally stop the VanHeilding family meddling in her life. She was going to Earth.
This story is the fifth book of a six book set. This one is kind of short as they have been getting shorter. I’m assuming the sixth book, “[Emergence](https://amzn.to/47liAts)” will even be shorter. I have continue on with reading it so I should have a review of this final book very soon.
Things had kind of simmered down now that the latest attack by the VanHeilding Corporation and six other corporate families that were backing VanHeilding. These corporations were called the Seven and they wanted to control everything and that included the asteroid belt and all its vast resources. While they were kept from doing this by the QI control of norma AI’s that control had proven tenuous after a node-runner and subsequent missile attack on one of Athena’s datacenter on Earth. Now, they had destroyed the QI on Ceres and nothing was stopping them from coming back again. These node-runners employed by Frederick VanHeilding were formidable opponents and only defeated through Luca’s efforts.
Unfortunately, Luca hadn’t destroyed anywhere near all the node-runners VanHeilding had under his control. It was expected that he would be coming back to take control of the New World One complex and then the VanHeilding Corporation and the Xiang Zu Corporation would have to work out an agreement to possibly share the Belt’s resources. Scott, Miranda, Cyrus and Steph all knew that they couldn’t let VanHeilding get his hands on Luca. They had to protector her at all cost. Unknown to them, that was the decision of the QIs also. Aria had managed to take over and reprogram an avatar used by New World executives so she could visit with Luca in her hospital room. Through their mutual mental connection, Aria managed to pull Luca out of her dream state and back into the real world. She also gifted her with a special link device made by Athena, the QI on Earth. That link device was the one and only one kind ever to exist. Luca was soon to find out that it was very powerful when she was wearing it.
Meanwhile, Scott, Miranda, Cyrus and Steph had all agreed that they needed to relocate to Mars so they could at least be under the protection of Aria. Now that Luca had been revived, that trip wouldn’t be as hard on her, but if word got out that she was moving then a huge bounty would be placed on capturing her for Frederick VanHeilding. Of course Frederick VanHeilding knew when a mysterious ship had left New World One headed for Mars. What he wasn’t sure of was if Luca was really on this ship. If so, he knew enough that he and his node-runners had to stay away from it. But, if Luca was still on New World One, then his opportunity to attack and capture that massive facility was going to considerably harder.
So, Frederick’s distant cousin, Sebastian VanHeilding, was tasked with finding the ship Luca might possibly be on. If he could get near it so his loaned node-runners could detect Luca, then he would confirm her whereabouts. He was instructed to not engage her ship under any circumstances. Of course Sebastian was just as power-hungry as Frederick so he knew this was his opportunity to take some action to secure his seat on the family Executive Council.
Luca was slowly getting more and more tired and agitated by this constant need to run from the VanHeilding Corporation. She didn’t think the QI’s wanted to help her much and even found some evidence that they would kill her if things didn’t happen the way they wanted. So, she was reluctant to contact any of them. She did find some help from an eccentric individual on Mars, Xenon Hybrid. How he helps her is an interesting part of the story, but what’s more interesting in the plan that Luca draws up to totally stop the VanHeilding family meddling in her life. She was going to Earth.
This story is the fifth book of a six book set. This one is kind of short as they have been getting shorter. I’m assuming the sixth book, “[Emergence](https://amzn.to/47liAts)” will even be shorter. I have continue on with reading it so I should have a review of this final book very soon.
September 28, 2021
Attack on Mars!
This novel involves Luca and the rest from the Belt series and also Xenon from the Mars series and ultimately is the start of the endgame. The Vanhelding's are still trying to take over but their recent defeat has left them vulnerable, though the QIs know that their ultimate plan may cone to fruition and so suggest that Luca and friends head to Mars. Unfortunately Sebastian Vanhelding decides to try and capture Luca to get the ultimate prize and high jinks ensue. Luca and Xenon meet, almost like two peas from a pod... An entertaining and enjoyable tale that sets up a final battle?
This novel involves Luca and the rest from the Belt series and also Xenon from the Mars series and ultimately is the start of the endgame. The Vanhelding's are still trying to take over but their recent defeat has left them vulnerable, though the QIs know that their ultimate plan may cone to fruition and so suggest that Luca and friends head to Mars. Unfortunately Sebastian Vanhelding decides to try and capture Luca to get the ultimate prize and high jinks ensue. Luca and Xenon meet, almost like two peas from a pod... An entertaining and enjoyable tale that sets up a final battle?
August 22, 2023
Nothing like housework to keep me riveted to an audiobook. Over two days of cleaning up after a 4-day pipe leak and prepping for the first hurricane in 84 years, this kept me moving so much that I finished the book with work to do. And, I just couldn't believe it when it ended. OMG! I have to wait unless I stop and read the old-fashioned way.
So many loose ends, antagonists needing comeupances, worlds needing righting and humans needing to learn to think for themselves again. How will it all end? Will it all end? I can't read any other reviews because I might run across a spoiler and my enjoyment has been when things worked out the way I expected and when they didn't.
So many loose ends, antagonists needing comeupances, worlds needing righting and humans needing to learn to think for themselves again. How will it all end? Will it all end? I can't read any other reviews because I might run across a spoiler and my enjoyment has been when things worked out the way I expected and when they didn't.
August 23, 2025
This is the 5th book in the Belt Series. It continues right after the action of Enigma (Book 4), with Luca, McNabb, and the crew facing the aftermath of the escape from Earth and a desperate push to reach a safe haven at New World One. As they battle everything from environmental hazards to insurgent forces, their team resilience and Luca's abilities and leadership are tested like never before. Each book seems to be better than the one before.
November 14, 2024
So I made it through book 5 of 6. It was … fine.
But the characters aren’t enticing and I’m not sure the plot is making me want to finish. The last book is $5 and I’m not sure it’s worth the investment. That says a lot.
The series has an interesting plot and innovative ideas. But after a few good books in the middle, this one left me yawning.
But the characters aren’t enticing and I’m not sure the plot is making me want to finish. The last book is $5 and I’m not sure it’s worth the investment. That says a lot.
The series has an interesting plot and innovative ideas. But after a few good books in the middle, this one left me yawning.
January 25, 2025
Deja vu so boring
Can’t this author make his characters pro active for once and go on the offensive against the highly incompetent enemy rather than hiding like frightened rabbits
Imagine a Jack Reacher or James Bond running away from the enemy or missing their targets more often than not
Can’t this author make his characters pro active for once and go on the offensive against the highly incompetent enemy rather than hiding like frightened rabbits
Imagine a Jack Reacher or James Bond running away from the enemy or missing their targets more often than not
April 11, 2022
A greatest addition to the series
I really enjoyed this continuation of this series. Same good characters and action and a very reasonable plot line for the situated. I highly recommend it.
I really enjoyed this continuation of this series. Same good characters and action and a very reasonable plot line for the situated. I highly recommend it.
November 24, 2024
This keeps getting better and better
Wow,I love how well this series is moving along, I really enjoyed watching the daughters character take off, well off to the conclusion of the series, I hope there are more to come
Wow,I love how well this series is moving along, I really enjoyed watching the daughters character take off, well off to the conclusion of the series, I hope there are more to come
May 18, 2025
Exhilarating
This series is the most fun and deliciously addicting thing I have ever read! When are we going to get a TV series? It is so much smarter and well written than most of the sci fi tv out there currently. I love it!
This series is the most fun and deliciously addicting thing I have ever read! When are we going to get a TV series? It is so much smarter and well written than most of the sci fi tv out there currently. I love it!
June 26, 2025
Such a great storyteller
I love how Mr. Kilby incorporates all the newest technology and theory into his books. Gives it a real fresh perspective on what the possibilities are in the not so distant future.
I love how Mr. Kilby incorporates all the newest technology and theory into his books. Gives it a real fresh perspective on what the possibilities are in the not so distant future.
September 28, 2021
Although this series has been uneven at times, this one was on the money. Good concepts and good characters. Looking forward to the next book.
November 19, 2021
the saga continues
Can’t wait for the next book, to see what Luca has store for the family. This book carries the story to the next level filled with action and suspense.
Can’t wait for the next book, to see what Luca has store for the family. This book carries the story to the next level filled with action and suspense.
December 21, 2021
very good
Very good. Not mega deep but very fast faced and never boring. Worth a read for any sci fi fan.
Very good. Not mega deep but very fast faced and never boring. Worth a read for any sci fi fan.
April 28, 2022
Excellent series. Exodus continues where Enigma left off. I am interested to see where the author leaves us in #6.
March 31, 2024
A good book
I enjoyed this book. I like the interaction of the new character. Looking forward to what she will be doing to remove the cooperation.
I enjoyed this book. I like the interaction of the new character. Looking forward to what she will be doing to remove the cooperation.
July 27, 2024
Not a stand alone
This was a good continuation of the series. It seemed to be shorter but I may have just been really absorbed in the story.
This was a good continuation of the series. It seemed to be shorter but I may have just been really absorbed in the story.
September 7, 2024
Good read
Good read. That little gal finally had enough, and let the bad guys have it. She's kind of in a bad spot though...I am eager to find out what happens n the next book.
Good read. That little gal finally had enough, and let the bad guys have it. She's kind of in a bad spot though...I am eager to find out what happens n the next book.
February 9, 2025
Will be the last one in the series for me.
October 18, 2025
Great fun
This is some really rich science fiction story telling. Quite the Thrill Ride and well worth reading,... looking forward to the next one
This is some really rich science fiction story telling. Quite the Thrill Ride and well worth reading,... looking forward to the next one
December 8, 2025
an Entertaining Quick Read
I enjoyed the book, I liked the twists that I could figure out and the ones that snuck in and surprised me.
I enjoyed the book, I liked the twists that I could figure out and the ones that snuck in and surprised me.
September 17, 2021
I loved this book! The idea of these node-runners is an interesting concept. And putting Luca as head honcho, so to speak, was even more interesting. My goodness, this book was exciting from the get-go and now I can't wait to see how this story continues. I hope Luca is up for the coming fight. And I hope that Steph, Cyrus, Miranda and Scott are going to join her in her endeavours.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews