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LOSF #39 - 5199
The Fourth Golden Age of Science Fiction MEGAPACK ®: Clifford D. Simak
The "Golden Age of Science Fiction" Megapacks are designed to introduce readers to classic science fiction writers who might otherwise be forgotten. This volume assembles 2 novels and 4 shorter works -- almost 500 pages of classic fiction -- by 3-time Hugo Award-winner Clifford D. Simak. Included QUARRY [novel]EMPIRE [novel]THE STREET THAT WASN'T THERE [short story]THE WORLD THAT COULDN'T BE [novelet]HELLHOUNDS OF THE COSMOS [short story]PROJECT MASTODON [short story]If you enjoy this book, search your favorite ebook store for "Wildside Press Megapack" to see the more than 100 other entries in the series, covering science fiction, modern authors, mysteries, westerns, classics, adventure stories, and much, much more! (Sort by publication date to see the most recent entries.)
489 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1985
90 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Clifford D. Simak
963 books1,064 followers"He was honored by fans with three Hugo awards and by colleagues with one Nebula award and was named the third Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) in 1977." (Wikipedia)
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clifford...
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clifford...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 9, 2024
Since this is a collection of two books and four short stories, I'll review the books individually and the shorts collectively.
Time Quarry - 5 stars
From the start, this book reads more like a mystery, except the mystery lies in who the main characters are and what has happened to bring them to where they are in the story. It’s a little confusing, but it’s compelling. As we slowly come to an understanding of the events that have unfolded in the past to move the characters forward, the intrigue and drama only increase.
This book left me guessing the whole way through and contained numerous plot twists that are plausible, add value to the story, and weren’t there just to unsettle the plot line. The science elements were added in just the right amount, and there was a smattering of other genres (action, the aforementioned mystery, drama, and science, and even a little romance) to round out things. All of this variety was written in a balanced way that wasn’t forced, seemed natural, and added value to the story.
One of the most valuable parts of Time Quarry was in the thought provoking that Mr. Simak did in the area of time travel ethics. There was so much time travel — by the end of the book it was almost too much and caused some confusion — that readers are presented with numerous aspects of time travel that are potentially problematic both ethically and technically. This added intrigue to the book beyond the plot and is quite valuable.
From top to bottom, Time Quarry is an excellent book!
Empire - 3 stars
Following on the heels of the excellent Time Quarry, Empire is a disappointment. Within this Megapack collection of stories it is by far the least interesting of the lot. Whereas Time Quarry has mystery and intrigue, Empire has almost none.
Empire is a straightforward story — not bad, but not great. It’s campy and over the top, which I suppose is a trademark of the old school sci-fi. This Megapack would have been stronger with a different novel inserted, but Empire is ok. Again, not bad, but not great.
Short Stories - 5 stars
After the disappointment of Empire, these four short stories sing! Interesting, varied, thought-provoking, and unique, these stories showcase Mr. Simak’s abilities as a writer. Not a dud in the lot, and every single one is worth reading.
All told, this Megapack is a good book. Though Empire isn’t the strongest novel, it’s still not a bad read. As a collection, these six stories are worth reading and likely will stick in your memory for some time.
Time Quarry - 5 stars
From the start, this book reads more like a mystery, except the mystery lies in who the main characters are and what has happened to bring them to where they are in the story. It’s a little confusing, but it’s compelling. As we slowly come to an understanding of the events that have unfolded in the past to move the characters forward, the intrigue and drama only increase.
This book left me guessing the whole way through and contained numerous plot twists that are plausible, add value to the story, and weren’t there just to unsettle the plot line. The science elements were added in just the right amount, and there was a smattering of other genres (action, the aforementioned mystery, drama, and science, and even a little romance) to round out things. All of this variety was written in a balanced way that wasn’t forced, seemed natural, and added value to the story.
One of the most valuable parts of Time Quarry was in the thought provoking that Mr. Simak did in the area of time travel ethics. There was so much time travel — by the end of the book it was almost too much and caused some confusion — that readers are presented with numerous aspects of time travel that are potentially problematic both ethically and technically. This added intrigue to the book beyond the plot and is quite valuable.
From top to bottom, Time Quarry is an excellent book!
Empire - 3 stars
Following on the heels of the excellent Time Quarry, Empire is a disappointment. Within this Megapack collection of stories it is by far the least interesting of the lot. Whereas Time Quarry has mystery and intrigue, Empire has almost none.
Empire is a straightforward story — not bad, but not great. It’s campy and over the top, which I suppose is a trademark of the old school sci-fi. This Megapack would have been stronger with a different novel inserted, but Empire is ok. Again, not bad, but not great.
Short Stories - 5 stars
After the disappointment of Empire, these four short stories sing! Interesting, varied, thought-provoking, and unique, these stories showcase Mr. Simak’s abilities as a writer. Not a dud in the lot, and every single one is worth reading.
All told, this Megapack is a good book. Though Empire isn’t the strongest novel, it’s still not a bad read. As a collection, these six stories are worth reading and likely will stick in your memory for some time.
September 30, 2023
Mixed Quality short stories by a fine writer
As per review title, some stories excellent, as Simao was a very good author. Some others less good, unimaginative and a few were quite silly. Cold-war themes quite common, and the ever amusing “smoking pipes and cigarettes in a spaceship” nonsense. Never recall any 50s-era SF where fire protection was ever given a thought!
As per review title, some stories excellent, as Simao was a very good author. Some others less good, unimaginative and a few were quite silly. Cold-war themes quite common, and the ever amusing “smoking pipes and cigarettes in a spaceship” nonsense. Never recall any 50s-era SF where fire protection was ever given a thought!
July 19, 2022
Entertaining Fantasy listening 🎧
Six will written fantasy Sci-Fi adventure novels by Clifford D. Simak. I readed these as individual books and enjoyed them very much. I would recommend this Megapack to readers of Fantasy Sci-Fi novels. 2021/2022
Six will written fantasy Sci-Fi adventure novels by Clifford D. Simak. I readed these as individual books and enjoyed them very much. I would recommend this Megapack to readers of Fantasy Sci-Fi novels. 2021/2022
December 7, 2017
Incredibly creative. After reading this, I have sought out other works by Mr. Simak.
February 3, 2018
Ok but just ok
Good but not great stories. And I’m a true fan.
Enjoy the novels more. Get Way Station instead. Two words.
Good but not great stories. And I’m a true fan.
Enjoy the novels more. Get Way Station instead. Two words.
Currently reading
January 25, 2025Part one of Time Quarry is the first story in the Fourth Golden Age of Science Fiction Mega Pack featuring Novels and Stories by Clifford D. Simak purchased January 20, 2025, for $0.99, 489pages. Read Kindle book using Alexa audio asset.
TIME QUARRY [novel]
EMPIRE [novel]
THE STREET THAT WASN'T THERE [short story]
THE WORLD THAT COULDN'T BE [novelet]
HELLHOUNDS OF THE COSMOS [short story]
PROJECT MASTODON [short story]
TIME QUARRY [novel]
EMPIRE [novel]
THE STREET THAT WASN'T THERE [short story]
THE WORLD THAT COULDN'T BE [novelet]
HELLHOUNDS OF THE COSMOS [short story]
PROJECT MASTODON [short story]
August 16, 2017
Not my favorite Simak collection. The novella Time Quarry (apparently a serialized version of TIme and Again with a different ending) was gripping and suspenseful; will have to read the Time and Again to decide whether the it's worth the (admittedly low) price to have that version. The rest were alright.
April 16, 2021
So so
The time travel stories are OK but overall not the best sci ence fiction. The only saving grace is that it's really cheap
The time travel stories are OK but overall not the best sci ence fiction. The only saving grace is that it's really cheap
April 24, 2021
Classic sci-fi
Entertaining and well thought out tales. Science fiction at its best if you like stories from an age which has sadly passed
Entertaining and well thought out tales. Science fiction at its best if you like stories from an age which has sadly passed
June 29, 2022
An enjoyable read.
March 14, 2024
The first novel, Time Quarry, is by far the best story of the book. Empire and Megalodon rather weak.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews