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Diffusion #2
Infusion
Devastated by the loss of his son in a remote rainforest of Indonesian Papua, Quentin Darnell now must struggle to get his wife and surviving students safely back to civilization. But surviving the trek out of the wilderness is only the first challenge, because his group now possesses an object that can create anything or do anything, for better or for worse. Can anyone be trusted with such power? If they can somehow get the object to the United States, will they be heroes—or the world’s destroyers?
Quentin and his group face impossible choices with each perilous leg of their journey. And every triumph that takes them closer to home also takes them closer to a more personal dilemma—they may no longer be welcome there.
Quentin and his group face impossible choices with each perilous leg of their journey. And every triumph that takes them closer to home also takes them closer to a more personal dilemma—they may no longer be welcome there.
- GenresFictionScience Fiction
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2015
120 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 8, 2015
After reading Diffusion, the first book in this science-fantasy series, I was looking forward to reading this sequel. And, I wasn't disappointed at all. Infusion continues the excitement built up for the reader as the main characters journey back home to the United States, bringing with them the 'gift' discovered earlier in the Indonesian rainforests. Can humanity be trusted to make good use of the object the Quentin Darnell and his group carry with them? There are plenty of twists, turns, and surprises in the plot that kept me guessing. Is this the end of this tale? Author Stan C. Smith leaves just enough to make me wonder, and hope for more.
December 22, 2015
I read Diffusion and immediately picked up Infusion, the second in the series of sci-fi books written by Stan C. Smith. I loved Diffusion and was completely surprised that I loved Infusion even more. It was so much more than I expected (and I was expecting a lot!!!!) With all the twists, I was left wanting to talk about some of the things that surprised me the most. I will not, however, because I don't want to spoil anyone's opportunity to predict as the plot unfolds. I will say, though, that I found the conclusion so pleasantly satisfying . . . that is . . . until I read the final cliffhanger!!!! Now I no longer just WANT to read but actually NEED to read Profusion: Diffusion Book 3!
September 23, 2017
The story is getting more complicated by the minute. Although some of the misteries are solved, many seem to appear and the plot keeps you hooked! Lol! There's a clear distinction of good and evil, the greed for power, what's right and what's wrong, what to decide, the eternal struggle of human beings. The love Mr. Smith has for nature and its creatures is clearly reflected in this series. A must read!
August 22, 2017
As with book 1, “Infusion” starts with Peter Wooley in Irian Jaya, Indonesia in 1977, but now we get a fuller picture about what happened to him when he was killed by the tribesmen, and a first instance of the tree kangaroo, Mbaiso, making an autonomous decision. Then we are back with the Darnells, Bobby, Ashley and Carlos, who, accompanied by Samuel and the Lamotelokhai (now disguised as Addison), are trying to get back home. As they travel through the bush, the Lamotelokhai communicates to them how and when he came to earth, and of what he is capable. “It was clear that the Lamotelokhai’s discovery would be seen as one of the most significant events in human history. Bringing it out of hiding was now their chief responsibility”.
Quentin does not wish to make the same mistake as his father, but he is aware that the Lamotelokhai’s “knowledge is a gift for all, not just a few. To be sure you benefit everyone, we believe we should take you to where we come from” – that is, the USA. First though they need to get out of Indonesia.
Bobby seeks the Lamotelokhai’s aid, and once again the things do not even go part way as planned. Chaos ensues, and it is brought horrifyingly home to the Americans, that simply verbalised wishes can have devastating consequences. The Lamotelokhai does not have human thought patterns or sensibilities, and they need to be very, very careful – not only of what they ask of the Lamotelokhai, but to whom they can entrust it.
This tale is reminiscent (though much, much more involved and considered) or fairy tales about finding a genie and being given three wishes. In the fairy tales, it never works out well – and here also it has the propensity to go completely pear shaped. The Papuans see the Lamotelokhai as the bringer of the end of the world, and it soon become apparent why.
The book invites you to think about how you could use such extraordinary power. What could you wish for that would benefit humanity? I have read so much dystopian fiction, that I could never trust a wish for world peace (there is ‘peace’ in world dictatorships). Bill Gates and other Silicon Valley billionaires are committed to curing all health problems (one issue at time), but as Bobby points out, you may then have a problem of over-population. No benefit can be without adverse consequences. I feel that somehow, the most selfish of wishes – cure me, make me rich, beautiful, famous etc – are those least likely to destroy mankind. What a dismal thought.
Bobby’s eventual solution is gifted – and perhaps the only way to go. “The alien knowledge and technology was now just trickling into human culture without turning the entire world upside down. Instead of diffusion, Bobby liked to think of it as careful, measured infusion of ideas.”
This book is just as brilliantly thought out and told as “Diffusion”. It cannot be read as a stand-alone, but after you have started “Diffusion”, you will simply have to read this – and the sequel “Profusion”.
Quentin does not wish to make the same mistake as his father, but he is aware that the Lamotelokhai’s “knowledge is a gift for all, not just a few. To be sure you benefit everyone, we believe we should take you to where we come from” – that is, the USA. First though they need to get out of Indonesia.
Bobby seeks the Lamotelokhai’s aid, and once again the things do not even go part way as planned. Chaos ensues, and it is brought horrifyingly home to the Americans, that simply verbalised wishes can have devastating consequences. The Lamotelokhai does not have human thought patterns or sensibilities, and they need to be very, very careful – not only of what they ask of the Lamotelokhai, but to whom they can entrust it.
This tale is reminiscent (though much, much more involved and considered) or fairy tales about finding a genie and being given three wishes. In the fairy tales, it never works out well – and here also it has the propensity to go completely pear shaped. The Papuans see the Lamotelokhai as the bringer of the end of the world, and it soon become apparent why.
The book invites you to think about how you could use such extraordinary power. What could you wish for that would benefit humanity? I have read so much dystopian fiction, that I could never trust a wish for world peace (there is ‘peace’ in world dictatorships). Bill Gates and other Silicon Valley billionaires are committed to curing all health problems (one issue at time), but as Bobby points out, you may then have a problem of over-population. No benefit can be without adverse consequences. I feel that somehow, the most selfish of wishes – cure me, make me rich, beautiful, famous etc – are those least likely to destroy mankind. What a dismal thought.
Bobby’s eventual solution is gifted – and perhaps the only way to go. “The alien knowledge and technology was now just trickling into human culture without turning the entire world upside down. Instead of diffusion, Bobby liked to think of it as careful, measured infusion of ideas.”
This book is just as brilliantly thought out and told as “Diffusion”. It cannot be read as a stand-alone, but after you have started “Diffusion”, you will simply have to read this – and the sequel “Profusion”.
February 18, 2018
Memorable characters and a thrilling story well written
Quentin Darnell and his wife Lindsay, stumble out of the Papua jungle with the surviving field trip students (three of six youth have survived; one of the losses is the Darnell’s son Addison), deeply troubled mentally and emotionally, and having gone through physical trauma that would have broken most people. With them is the Lamotelokhahai, an alien entity that has been on our planet for over 600,000,000 years. With powers beyond the imaginations of the jungle survivors, it is being carried into the modern world where military and political forces are prepared to do anything to take possession of it, and use it as a weapon.
At times moving forward at the speed of thought, with critical decisions to be made and unanticipated consequences, and plot twists that dazzle, this is a story that must be read. Stan C. Smith has a voice unlike any author you will have ever read. He will immerse you in a foreign land, its people, and their culture, and keep you riveted.
This is the third book in the “Diffusion” series. I recommend you start with the previous book, Diffusion, and then read Savage, which takes place before Diffusion. For me this was ideal, as while Diffusion was stand-a-lone, Savage filled in some of the background that you will find useful having read Diffusion. This felt right, to me. From there, Infusion and Profusion pick up where Diffusion left off.
Quentin Darnell and his wife Lindsay, stumble out of the Papua jungle with the surviving field trip students (three of six youth have survived; one of the losses is the Darnell’s son Addison), deeply troubled mentally and emotionally, and having gone through physical trauma that would have broken most people. With them is the Lamotelokhahai, an alien entity that has been on our planet for over 600,000,000 years. With powers beyond the imaginations of the jungle survivors, it is being carried into the modern world where military and political forces are prepared to do anything to take possession of it, and use it as a weapon.
At times moving forward at the speed of thought, with critical decisions to be made and unanticipated consequences, and plot twists that dazzle, this is a story that must be read. Stan C. Smith has a voice unlike any author you will have ever read. He will immerse you in a foreign land, its people, and their culture, and keep you riveted.
This is the third book in the “Diffusion” series. I recommend you start with the previous book, Diffusion, and then read Savage, which takes place before Diffusion. For me this was ideal, as while Diffusion was stand-a-lone, Savage filled in some of the background that you will find useful having read Diffusion. This felt right, to me. From there, Infusion and Profusion pick up where Diffusion left off.
March 23, 2020
Riveting Read
I just finished Stan Smith's second book, Infusion! I loved it (even more than book one, Diffusion -- if that is possible)! I can't tell you the number of times that I found myself holding my breath in anticipation of the next plot twist. Stan is more than an author--he is a story weaver extraordinaire! My favorite Infusion quote was "Power earned is used with caution, with an understanding of consequences. Power that is given to us, on the other hand, is misunderstood. And so we toy with it." I was actually sad to reach the end of book two. Not because I did not like the ending, but because I wanted the story to continue. At one time, Stan hinted about book three, and the ending suggests this as is a possibility as well. If you are looking for a riveting read, then this is the book for you! P.S. This would make a sensational movie!
I just finished Stan Smith's second book, Infusion! I loved it (even more than book one, Diffusion -- if that is possible)! I can't tell you the number of times that I found myself holding my breath in anticipation of the next plot twist. Stan is more than an author--he is a story weaver extraordinaire! My favorite Infusion quote was "Power earned is used with caution, with an understanding of consequences. Power that is given to us, on the other hand, is misunderstood. And so we toy with it." I was actually sad to reach the end of book two. Not because I did not like the ending, but because I wanted the story to continue. At one time, Stan hinted about book three, and the ending suggests this as is a possibility as well. If you are looking for a riveting read, then this is the book for you! P.S. This would make a sensational movie!
July 14, 2017
A stunningly good read!
Do not hesitate if you enjoy adventure scifi with a truly engaging plot and amazing characters you need to read this series!
I absolutely thought it impossible for the author to outdo the uniqueness, deft story-telling and incredibly engaging plot of the first book, Diffusion. But he did!
More action, more layers unfolding and some more rather zany characters appear in this second book of the series.
I am SO looking forward to the third book, Profusion, because the possibilities are endless and goodness knows what other surprises this author has up his remarkably voluminous sleeves!
I'm beginning to wonder if the venerable Stan C. Smith actually did stumble across something rather unusual in the wilds of the Papuan highlands…
Do not hesitate if you enjoy adventure scifi with a truly engaging plot and amazing characters you need to read this series!
I absolutely thought it impossible for the author to outdo the uniqueness, deft story-telling and incredibly engaging plot of the first book, Diffusion. But he did!
More action, more layers unfolding and some more rather zany characters appear in this second book of the series.
I am SO looking forward to the third book, Profusion, because the possibilities are endless and goodness knows what other surprises this author has up his remarkably voluminous sleeves!
I'm beginning to wonder if the venerable Stan C. Smith actually did stumble across something rather unusual in the wilds of the Papuan highlands…
January 17, 2026
Audiobook: I was as entertained by this book as much as the first one. I thought this book was even more intensive as Quentin Darnell and his group faced so many obstacles trying to get home, plus a decision had to be made regarding the artifact they were bringing from Indonesian. I felt for the characters. My attention was kept glued by the surprising events. I thought Michael James Bell's narration enhanced the entertainment of the story. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
February 20, 2020
I loved it! Not as much as the first one, only because the first one introduced me to this amazing story.
Just when you think you know what is going to happen, Stan Smith surprises you with excellent story telling. Without absolutely deceiving you.
The book did have some points where I wish the pace would pick up, but at that exact point is when the pace picks up.
I did not expect the ending at all. I was excited to see where the story went and I was not disappointed.
Extremely original and authentic.
Just when you think you know what is going to happen, Stan Smith surprises you with excellent story telling. Without absolutely deceiving you.
The book did have some points where I wish the pace would pick up, but at that exact point is when the pace picks up.
I did not expect the ending at all. I was excited to see where the story went and I was not disappointed.
Extremely original and authentic.
May 2, 2019
Brilliant
The group are now leaving the jungle with the alien device. But what will the world make of there Discovery and will they be able to keep from the wrong people. This is a real rollercoaster ride with many twists and turns. Definitely recommend this story
The group are now leaving the jungle with the alien device. But what will the world make of there Discovery and will they be able to keep from the wrong people. This is a real rollercoaster ride with many twists and turns. Definitely recommend this story
October 31, 2025
This is a terrific series so far and I can’t wait for the next installment. Truly unique and pertinent storylines are rare and this is a real gem. Ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances. It’s all very engaging and the characters relatable.
April 26, 2018
Worth reading
A good sequel to the first book. Keeps the story going very well. Worth the cost. I will definitely get the third book.
A good sequel to the first book. Keeps the story going very well. Worth the cost. I will definitely get the third book.
February 2, 2019
It should get ten stars
It should get ten stars. So exciting. A page turned. So full of action strong g morals. It's refresh. It is spellbinding
It should get ten stars. So exciting. A page turned. So full of action strong g morals. It's refresh. It is spellbinding
September 16, 2021
Another fantastic entry into this series by Stan Smith. I am totally hooked and can't wait for the next book. Smith's gifted imagination always keeps me coming back for more.
December 27, 2021
Intriguing
Read this book in one sitting and can't wait to read the next. Love the science, the intrigue and the earth shattering consequences that are at stake. Great stuff!
Read this book in one sitting and can't wait to read the next. Love the science, the intrigue and the earth shattering consequences that are at stake. Great stuff!
August 10, 2017
Infusion is the second book in the Diffusion series. This book can be read as a standalone but I would not recommend that. It starts where Diffusion left off and it ends in a cliffhanger. There is violence.
The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that info here. This storyline is an interesting mix of mystery, anthropology, and SciFi. There are some interesting twists and turns throughout the book. I have my suspicions as to some of the things in the next story. I'll have to read it to find out if I guessed right.
The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that info here. This storyline is an interesting mix of mystery, anthropology, and SciFi. There are some interesting twists and turns throughout the book. I have my suspicions as to some of the things in the next story. I'll have to read it to find out if I guessed right.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews