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The Belt #6
Emergence
As the conflict in the asteroid belt escalates, Luca finds herself seeking out the help of Athena, the QI on Earth. Together they hatch a complex plan to end the power of the VanHeilding family.
Meanwhile, resistance to the ongoing power grab by the Xiang Zu Corporation is gaining traction in Elektra, a quadruple asteroid system and the second most populous sector of the Belt. Miranda, Scott, and Cyrus find themselves being dragged into this fightback following rumors that the QI, stolen en route to New World One, has
Meanwhile, resistance to the ongoing power grab by the Xiang Zu Corporation is gaining traction in Elektra, a quadruple asteroid system and the second most populous sector of the Belt. Miranda, Scott, and Cyrus find themselves being dragged into this fightback following rumors that the QI, stolen en route to New World One, has
- GenresScience Fiction
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2022
85 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 14, 2025
exciting Read
I really enjoyed this final book in The Belt series. It was fast paced & hard to put down. I had to watch my reading time or I'd have read the whole book in one sitting. It actually took me about 5~6 days.
I really enjoyed this final book in The Belt series. It was fast paced & hard to put down. I had to watch my reading time or I'd have read the whole book in one sitting. It actually took me about 5~6 days.
January 1, 2023
The finale to the Belt series, and a set up for a new one?
Luca is heading to New Earth One to kill her grandfather when she realizes killing him will just allow another serpent to take his place. Instead she must come up with a plan to cut him and his family off at the source of their power - their genetic research.
Meanwhile the mercenaries who stole the QI core are trying to decide what to do with it. Give it to those who paid them to steal it or use it to set up a new QI to reduce the war happening at the Belt. Scott and Miranda -as well as Luca at one point - are pulled into the struggle to set up the QI and prevent war.
The book is a satisfying conclusion to this series and certainly sets up the possibility of a new story. There is action, adventure, suspense, Loss, battles, intrigue, espionage and revenge throughout the book making it an entertaining read.
Luca is heading to New Earth One to kill her grandfather when she realizes killing him will just allow another serpent to take his place. Instead she must come up with a plan to cut him and his family off at the source of their power - their genetic research.
Meanwhile the mercenaries who stole the QI core are trying to decide what to do with it. Give it to those who paid them to steal it or use it to set up a new QI to reduce the war happening at the Belt. Scott and Miranda -as well as Luca at one point - are pulled into the struggle to set up the QI and prevent war.
The book is a satisfying conclusion to this series and certainly sets up the possibility of a new story. There is action, adventure, suspense, Loss, battles, intrigue, espionage and revenge throughout the book making it an entertaining read.
July 29, 2023
Well, this final book in this 6 book set kind of wrapped everything up. But first we get a slightly new character in Captain Dakota Baird. Now it seems this guy was familiar to Miranda Lee, but I don’t remember if the name has ever been brought up. Still, he apparently was part of her mercenary army that was never used. He did something that got him kicked out of that army, so he turn to piracy. He had a crew that had managed to score some booty, but now he was sitting on their biggest payday ever, or so his crew thought.
But, right now they were on Dillion Waystation way out near nothing. This place was ran by a former pirate named Dillon Bar. Dakota and his crew were resting up waiting for the time to make their delivery to the new owner of the QI, the Xiang Zu Corporation. They had stolen the QI from a Mars ship transporting it to New World One. Neither the Xiang Zu Corporation nor the VanHeilding Corp. wanted this device operational. So, they had agreed to pay whomever delivered it to them a sizable bounty. Except, being a pirate, nothing was ever enough. Still, Dillon Bar, the waystation owner knew that Dakota was responsible for stealing the QI. That was going to cause a lot of problems to anyone around Dakota or his ship which happened to be dock to his waystation. So, he quietly told Dakota to get him, his crew and his ship far away from his waystation!
So, Dakota complied. But, his crew were getting anxious about why they hadn’t gotten rid of the device by now. Come to find out, Dakota had reneged no the original deal and had demanded twice the original offer for the QI from the Xiang Zu Corp. Of course that had put an even bigger bounty on this ship since the Xiang Zu Corp was not mad at him and was going to take the QI by force once they or whomever caught him. But, then Dakota had to admit to his crew why he was not taking the original offer and what he really intended to do with the QI. His crew didn’t like what they heard so the next thing that happened saw Dakota thrown into one of his holding cells and his former XO taking command.
Now this is just the beginning of everything. Luca Lee-McNabb had taken the VanHeilding starship, *Daedalus*, and had headed straight for New World One where she new Frederick VanHeilding had setup his HQ once he and the Xiang Zu Corporations had taken over the huge facility. She was going to kill VanHeilding even if it meant her death. But, it was a long trip from Mars to New World One even with a custom built luxury starship. She had time to think and that’s what she did. She slowly developed a possible plan that would not only end Frederick VanHeilding, but would also end his corporation and bankrupt all the corporation assets. To implement her plan, she needed to head for Earth, so she stopped her mad rush toward New World One and turned around. Frederick saw this abrupt change and he heaved a heavy sight of releif.
Meanwhile, Dakota Baird had managed to regain control of his pirate ship with a few less crew-men than he had before and they were now going to Elektra, a menagerie of floating space stations around four large asteroids. Dakota had a brother there and some of his crew also had family so this was where he want to make a stand against the Xiang Zu Corp. He had decided that he could not let the QI fall into the hands of either of these evil corporations. The remaining crew felt the same by now, but they decided to stop at Gyzer Waystation just prior to getting to Elektra. Dakota then contacted Miranda asking if she would consider helping him and his crew get the QI installed at Elektra.
Miranda was shocked that this guy, Dakota, would ever contact her again, especially asking for help. But, once he explained what he wanted to do, Miranda gathered Scott, Cyrus and several Mars security forces and headed to Gyzer Waystation. Cyrus didn’t think he could get the QI operational on Elektra. There just wasn’t the infrastructure that was required. But, they also knew the only other place that could be installed was New World One and it was firmly under the control of Frederick VanHeilding. It wasn’t long that the Xiang Zu forces that were preparing to wipe-out all the rift-raft around Elektra realized where the QI was being held. They took three combat ships with the intent to finally secure the QI for the Xiang Corporation.
Fortunately, with the help of the QI Athena, Luca’s plan was coming together on Earth. She didn’t want it executed until she was ready. So, it was put on hold and Luca once again took off for somewhere else. Where she goes is going to be good.
The end of the story does have another revelation that hasn’t been written about in the book. It’s something the QI’s have been working on and kind of solves some problems, but then again, doesn’t. I did enjoy this series although some of the actions of the main characters were pretty stupid at times, but that’s part of making a story exciting, I guess. Luca wasn’t especially a strong character until she finally had to be. I don’t know if there will ever be anything more to Luca’s story, but I guess there could be. You know she’s has enhance DNA so her life will be much longer than normal. Could be interesting.
But, right now they were on Dillion Waystation way out near nothing. This place was ran by a former pirate named Dillon Bar. Dakota and his crew were resting up waiting for the time to make their delivery to the new owner of the QI, the Xiang Zu Corporation. They had stolen the QI from a Mars ship transporting it to New World One. Neither the Xiang Zu Corporation nor the VanHeilding Corp. wanted this device operational. So, they had agreed to pay whomever delivered it to them a sizable bounty. Except, being a pirate, nothing was ever enough. Still, Dillon Bar, the waystation owner knew that Dakota was responsible for stealing the QI. That was going to cause a lot of problems to anyone around Dakota or his ship which happened to be dock to his waystation. So, he quietly told Dakota to get him, his crew and his ship far away from his waystation!
So, Dakota complied. But, his crew were getting anxious about why they hadn’t gotten rid of the device by now. Come to find out, Dakota had reneged no the original deal and had demanded twice the original offer for the QI from the Xiang Zu Corp. Of course that had put an even bigger bounty on this ship since the Xiang Zu Corp was not mad at him and was going to take the QI by force once they or whomever caught him. But, then Dakota had to admit to his crew why he was not taking the original offer and what he really intended to do with the QI. His crew didn’t like what they heard so the next thing that happened saw Dakota thrown into one of his holding cells and his former XO taking command.
Now this is just the beginning of everything. Luca Lee-McNabb had taken the VanHeilding starship, *Daedalus*, and had headed straight for New World One where she new Frederick VanHeilding had setup his HQ once he and the Xiang Zu Corporations had taken over the huge facility. She was going to kill VanHeilding even if it meant her death. But, it was a long trip from Mars to New World One even with a custom built luxury starship. She had time to think and that’s what she did. She slowly developed a possible plan that would not only end Frederick VanHeilding, but would also end his corporation and bankrupt all the corporation assets. To implement her plan, she needed to head for Earth, so she stopped her mad rush toward New World One and turned around. Frederick saw this abrupt change and he heaved a heavy sight of releif.
Meanwhile, Dakota Baird had managed to regain control of his pirate ship with a few less crew-men than he had before and they were now going to Elektra, a menagerie of floating space stations around four large asteroids. Dakota had a brother there and some of his crew also had family so this was where he want to make a stand against the Xiang Zu Corp. He had decided that he could not let the QI fall into the hands of either of these evil corporations. The remaining crew felt the same by now, but they decided to stop at Gyzer Waystation just prior to getting to Elektra. Dakota then contacted Miranda asking if she would consider helping him and his crew get the QI installed at Elektra.
Miranda was shocked that this guy, Dakota, would ever contact her again, especially asking for help. But, once he explained what he wanted to do, Miranda gathered Scott, Cyrus and several Mars security forces and headed to Gyzer Waystation. Cyrus didn’t think he could get the QI operational on Elektra. There just wasn’t the infrastructure that was required. But, they also knew the only other place that could be installed was New World One and it was firmly under the control of Frederick VanHeilding. It wasn’t long that the Xiang Zu forces that were preparing to wipe-out all the rift-raft around Elektra realized where the QI was being held. They took three combat ships with the intent to finally secure the QI for the Xiang Corporation.
Fortunately, with the help of the QI Athena, Luca’s plan was coming together on Earth. She didn’t want it executed until she was ready. So, it was put on hold and Luca once again took off for somewhere else. Where she goes is going to be good.
The end of the story does have another revelation that hasn’t been written about in the book. It’s something the QI’s have been working on and kind of solves some problems, but then again, doesn’t. I did enjoy this series although some of the actions of the main characters were pretty stupid at times, but that’s part of making a story exciting, I guess. Luca wasn’t especially a strong character until she finally had to be. I don’t know if there will ever be anything more to Luca’s story, but I guess there could be. You know she’s has enhance DNA so her life will be much longer than normal. Could be interesting.
June 21, 2024
Binge Read the whole 12 Mars & Belt books!
Gerald M.Kilby was an author I didn't know until Amazon suggested him.
Sitting in pubs in Dublin and writing is obviously an amazing catalyst. I couldn't put the first book in the Mars series down, so went on to read the next 5 in the series, then moved in to the Belt series.
These read like a film or TV series script, and would make a truly excellent sci-fi series for the 2020s.
A gifted writer who draws you in from the first page. The character development is fantastic, and the technology believable.
What a great mind Gerald Kilby has to create a totally believable and compelling near future.
Having finished the last page of the last book, I'm left feeling very hopeful, but will miss the 'friends' I've made on these pages.
Totally recommended!
Gerald M.Kilby was an author I didn't know until Amazon suggested him.
Sitting in pubs in Dublin and writing is obviously an amazing catalyst. I couldn't put the first book in the Mars series down, so went on to read the next 5 in the series, then moved in to the Belt series.
These read like a film or TV series script, and would make a truly excellent sci-fi series for the 2020s.
A gifted writer who draws you in from the first page. The character development is fantastic, and the technology believable.
What a great mind Gerald Kilby has to create a totally believable and compelling near future.
Having finished the last page of the last book, I'm left feeling very hopeful, but will miss the 'friends' I've made on these pages.
Totally recommended!
October 30, 2024
This is the 6th of a 6 book series and it was really an enjoyable space opera, dealing with realistic political and social issues and conflicts with characters that were well individuated and developed. And my favorite point: it ends with a hopeful opportunity for further exploration and enlightenment for humanity. That AI can act as a benevolent power, orchestrating the outcomes of anticipated conflict is, however, something more than I think will be possible. I think humanity always carries the power of an anticipatable reaction to any circumstance, which may be the one factor that will differentiate humans from AI. This was fun to read, suspenseful and provides a future to aspire to. Kilby can deliver a story that delivers a satisfyingly emotional punch.
July 5, 2022
WOW! Gerald M. Kilby has created a wonderful story. This was a fantastic series. Luca has really come into her own. Her ability to mentally enter into a computer and work her way through all the levels in order to control the computer, the droids, and most importantly to stop the node runners was just incredible. It was a fantastic way that she defeated her grandfather, Frederick VanHeilding and his greed of wanting to control everything. I hope that the ending is the introduction of another series as I really think it would be a great series. Many thanks, Gerald M. Kilby, for bringing me on this journey.
September 8, 2024
Great series
Wow! What a great, well put together series. No endings mid-paragragh, prose was smooth and even, cliff hanger endings were actual cliff hangers. Each book in this series could have been stand alone, but when read together followed a particular story line and time line. In other words, this looked like it was professionally done by both a writing team and an editing team.
And had a happy ending!
The titles of the books seem to convey a level of intensity. And it was there, but it wasn't dark and brooding. It was edge of the seat intensity. I will read this again in the future...
Wow! What a great, well put together series. No endings mid-paragragh, prose was smooth and even, cliff hanger endings were actual cliff hangers. Each book in this series could have been stand alone, but when read together followed a particular story line and time line. In other words, this looked like it was professionally done by both a writing team and an editing team.
And had a happy ending!
The titles of the books seem to convey a level of intensity. And it was there, but it wasn't dark and brooding. It was edge of the seat intensity. I will read this again in the future...
February 25, 2025
So worth it
I work in education where AI has rot a profound disruption to the future of our industry. I have been dismayed at the prospect of tools like chat, GPT, turning our future generations into lazy thinkers, and disturbed at the possibility of a Ray Kurzweil-like singularity where the machines turn on their masters. Gerald Kilby has crafted an immensely, entertaining double trilogy that shows me a different way into the future, where quantum intelligence is both a product of humankind and can also be trusted to be our Shepherd along the path of human evolution. He made me a believer.
I work in education where AI has rot a profound disruption to the future of our industry. I have been dismayed at the prospect of tools like chat, GPT, turning our future generations into lazy thinkers, and disturbed at the possibility of a Ray Kurzweil-like singularity where the machines turn on their masters. Gerald Kilby has crafted an immensely, entertaining double trilogy that shows me a different way into the future, where quantum intelligence is both a product of humankind and can also be trusted to be our Shepherd along the path of human evolution. He made me a believer.
August 23, 2025
Emergence(Book 6) picks up right after the events of Exodus(Book 5) of the Belt Series, with the fallout still shaping what comes next and the solar system edging closer to open conflict. Luca and her allies are caught in the middle as Earth, Mars, and the Belt all push their own agendas. The choices she makes carry huge weight for both her and humanity’s future. It’s a strong and satisfying conclusion that ties together the action, the politics, and the personal struggles in a way that feels true to the series and satisfying to me. I thought it was a good wrap-up to the series
October 1, 2023
Oh, Kilby, Kilby, why didn't you wrap up this series without leaving snifters of loose ends? You left me wanting more. I could feel a new adventure in the wings. When it was over, I yelled, "No! No! No! You can't end it now!"
For once I've read a series where I actually did not fear the strengths of the artificial intelligences. Unfortunately, there was no way to escape greed and its effect on individuals.
I was not disappointed, but there is another story to tell - I hope.
For once I've read a series where I actually did not fear the strengths of the artificial intelligences. Unfortunately, there was no way to escape greed and its effect on individuals.
I was not disappointed, but there is another story to tell - I hope.
December 3, 2025
Good fun
After thoroughly exploring the first six books in the series, I found them to be captivating and deeply engaging. Each volume presented intricate storytelling, compelling character development, and rich narrative arcs that drew me into the world created by the author. The progression of the plot across these books was nuanced and sophisticated, maintaining a high level of reader interest and providing substantial depth to the overall narrative experience.
After thoroughly exploring the first six books in the series, I found them to be captivating and deeply engaging. Each volume presented intricate storytelling, compelling character development, and rich narrative arcs that drew me into the world created by the author. The progression of the plot across these books was nuanced and sophisticated, maintaining a high level of reader interest and providing substantial depth to the overall narrative experience.
March 10, 2022
new challenge for humanity
Once wars have been ended there shouldn't be any boundaries on what can be accomplished. We humans should always explore outside what's comfortable. That's what Emergence sets the stage for.
Great story, very good continuing story line. We all hope you keep this going to the stars.
Once wars have been ended there shouldn't be any boundaries on what can be accomplished. We humans should always explore outside what's comfortable. That's what Emergence sets the stage for.
Great story, very good continuing story line. We all hope you keep this going to the stars.
February 26, 2022
Good read
As expressed by another reader,this is a great read in need of an editor. The grammatical and spelling errors are plentiful and it does detract from the reading pleasure. I enjoy this authors writing and hope to see this storyline continue.😊
As expressed by another reader,this is a great read in need of an editor. The grammatical and spelling errors are plentiful and it does detract from the reading pleasure. I enjoy this authors writing and hope to see this storyline continue.😊
April 18, 2023
awesome
This is really a fitting and to this series. It is nonstop action and extremely well written. It also opens the door for another series which I certainly hope Gerald Kilby chooses to write.
This is really a fitting and to this series. It is nonstop action and extremely well written. It also opens the door for another series which I certainly hope Gerald Kilby chooses to write.
January 28, 2025
what a fun read.
Once I got into the story line I had to binge read all six books. What a fun ride? A fun read, with fun science, orbital settings, what’s not to like. The characters are understandable and believable. A feat hard to do.
Can’t wait to see what is next Gerald!
Once I got into the story line I had to binge read all six books. What a fun ride? A fun read, with fun science, orbital settings, what’s not to like. The characters are understandable and believable. A feat hard to do.
Can’t wait to see what is next Gerald!
February 3, 2025
Sci-fi at its best!
Just finished all six novels and couldn’t put it down. Inventive, intuitive, just fabulous! So in tune with today’s science - AI, Siri etc.
Fantasy and reality in a powerful mix.
Just finished all six novels and couldn’t put it down. Inventive, intuitive, just fabulous! So in tune with today’s science - AI, Siri etc.
Fantasy and reality in a powerful mix.
May 23, 2025
The Belt series.
I absolutely loved this series. I do hope there us a follow up. With Gizmo! The whole concept of interstellar travel is fascinating. Come on, another series please?
I absolutely loved this series. I do hope there us a follow up. With Gizmo! The whole concept of interstellar travel is fascinating. Come on, another series please?
June 18, 2025
Another brilliant read from a talented author. The whole series was engrossing and I couldn’t put this final book down, even though I didn’t want it to end! And what an ending - for once a satisfying conclusion to a gripping story. Highly entertaining.
September 18, 2025
A well-paced story of adventure
I like several things about this book. It is interesting and well developed characters. It leverages advanced technology as part of the plot. And it is Designed with enough tension to keep your interest engaged.
I like several things about this book. It is interesting and well developed characters. It leverages advanced technology as part of the plot. And it is Designed with enough tension to keep your interest engaged.
March 2, 2022
Emergence great story. Needs proofing
Excellent story and descriptive passages. Overall theme captivating. The book does need a good proof read as there are many errors.
Excellent story and descriptive passages. Overall theme captivating. The book does need a good proof read as there are many errors.
March 2, 2022
A nice windup for the series.
March 14, 2022
Great adventure. Fast paced story. But... please, please, PLEASE hire a proofreader!
April 6, 2022
Great series!
I have enjoyed reading every one of the 6 books in this series. Problem was I could not resist reading this every spare minute I had. Read all 6 books in a week!
I have enjoyed reading every one of the 6 books in this series. Problem was I could not resist reading this every spare minute I had. Read all 6 books in a week!
August 9, 2022
An excellent ending to the series.
August 28, 2023
And now to the stars ...
October 23, 2023
Clever and satisfying end.
Definitely an easy top 6 book in The Belt series.
Definitely an easy top 6 book in The Belt series.
November 11, 2023
An excellent sci-fi romp. Good characters and story over six novels, well worth a read.
March 20, 2024
Emergence
Excellent story and an excellent end to the series. Luca did what she set out to do and accomplished it. Her next travel will be out of this world
Excellent story and an excellent end to the series. Luca did what she set out to do and accomplished it. Her next travel will be out of this world
July 28, 2024
Another good one
It feels like this may be the end of this series but could very easily lead into another branch. Either way it has been an exciting tale.
It feels like this may be the end of this series but could very easily lead into another branch. Either way it has been an exciting tale.
November 26, 2024
Great read
I really loved the story, who doesn't love a happy ending. The way this series ended is great, I love how it leaves open the possibility for the storyline to continue
I really loved the story, who doesn't love a happy ending. The way this series ended is great, I love how it leaves open the possibility for the storyline to continue
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews