Review: A Quick Review.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 21, 2013
This is an updated review.  When I first purchased this book I did a quick review based on the fact that I had read a number of H. Beam Piper stories before and I knew that they were in this collection and I wanted to let people know that the stories were good and that they should download the collection.  Some people liked my review and some didn't.Since then I've gotten into the book and am enjoying it.  The megapack layout is good and its table of contents is helpful.  As I've been reading the book I've discovered that I had read a number of other stories than what I had initially recognized.  I've never been great with titles and names.  Amongst the other stories that I had read before was HE WALKED AROUND THE HORSES (a story based on historical fact with a parallel dimension twist) and THE MERCENARIES (which is a interesting look at a future world where scientific researchers maintain their independence from government interference by becoming a state unto themselves and what they have to do to remain independent).  Both stories are interesting but different.As I stated in my initial review I was introduced to H. Beam Piper about a year ago when I downloaded the Third Science Fiction Megapack.  That anthology included 'Little Fuzzy'.  Personally I loved the story and I found it to be the best story in the whole collection.  The story is well written, engaging and it kept me enthralled.  I found that by the end of reading it I wanted to read more of H. Piper Beam and it motivated me to 'google' him on the web.  It was with disappointment that I learned that he had died decades ago.Still 'Little Fuzzy' had captured my interest with the author and I decided I wanted more.  At the time I hoped that a megapack collection of his work would come out and now, thankfully it did.  I'm a little disappointed that this collection doesn't include the sequels to 'Little Fuzzy' (which are available but at full price) but I was pleased to see that it included a number of stories that I had seen good write up about.Another story in the collection that I have read is OOMPHEL IN THE SKY.  This is a fun story about a future distant world where man has come into conflict with the natives and it demonstrates that thinking outside the box can be beneficial, if it is accompanied by understanding and respect.  While not as long as 'Little Fuzzy' it is a very good read.Additionally, H. Beam Piper wrote a number of stories dealing with time travel or more correctly, as he called it `paratime' travel.  This was his concept and he ran with it.  So far I've read three stories in the collection based on `paratime' travel.  It is an interesting concept which I will not get into here, but will say that the author develops the plot theme well.  Here his writing does get a little wordy as he tries to explain things but it is still readable and more importantly enjoyable.I hope this review helps.  The collection is inexpensive and the content enjoyable.  Give it a try.