Devil to the Belt

Devil to the Belt is an omnibus release from 2000 containing two novels by science fiction and fantasy author C. J. Cherryh, Heavy Time (1991), and Hellburner (1992). The books are set in Cherryh's Alliance-Union universe and are prequels to her Hugo Award–winning 1981 novel Downbelow Station. Both of the included works were nominated for the Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel in their respective years of eligibility. The novels and the omnibus printing were published by Warner Books, with some editions bearing the "Questar Science Fiction" or "Warner Aspect" imprints. Cherryh self-published e-book editions of Heavy Time and Hellburner in 2009 at Closed Circle Publications.

Heavy Time and Hellburner are set in the Sol system at the beginning of the "Company Wars" period in the 24th century. Heavy Time introduces ASTEX, a division of the Sol Station Corporation (the Earth Company of Downbelow Station) engaged in asteroid mining for minerals to support the Earth's economy and the war effort. Disputes over mining rights, corporate corruption and economic exploitation are key plot elements in the first novel.

Both novels, especially Hellburner, are works of military science fiction, and take place amidst the development of the Earth Company Fleet of warships that are to be deployed against Union forces in the upcoming war. Military topics explored in the books include the military-industrial complex, interservice rivalry, loyalty to one's crewmates, problems in the chain of command, the role of military training, and civilian support of the armed services, among others.

References

• Cherryh, C. J. Devil to the Belt (Omnibus), Warner Aspect, 2000.
• Cherryh, C. J. Downbelow Station, DAW Books, 1981.
• Cherryh, C. J. Heavy Time, Warner Books, 1991
• Cherryh, C. J. Hellburner, Warner Books, 1992.