Blue Arrow

Diffusion #1.5

by Stan C. Smith

Is the world ready for Peter Wooley?

Rose Wooley is in love. But her husband Peter is addicted to near-suicidal feats of endurance and adventure. Just when Rose can no longer bear the distress and heartache of his exploits, Peter returns from a trek through the remote wilderness of New Guinea. He claims that he will never leave her again, that he is now a new man. What Rose doesn't realize is how true this really is.

Blue Arrow is a stand-alone novella (12,000 words). But you'll enjoy it even more if you've already read any or all of my novels, Diffusion, Infusion, and Savage. If you have read Diffusion and Infusion, you will already know who Peter and Rose are and will likely be eager to better understand the fascinating history of their relationship. Not only that, but you might be interested in getting a sneak peak of where the series is going next. Some parts of Blue Arrow could be considered spoilers if you have read Diffusion but have not yet read Infusion.

Genres: Science Fiction

62 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2017

Reviews

[Bandit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a companion story to Stan Smith's Diffusion universe, which I've recently visited, naturally my interest was peaked. Surprisingly, I actually enjoyed this novella or novelette considerably more than the actual Diffusion novel. Nothing to do with the page count, pure context, this was just a stronger story and it showcases Smith's writing abilities in a much nice light. Wherein Diffusion is action driven and boasts a large cast of characters (most of who are teens), this is a much smaller, more contained and considerably more mature story of a couple affected by the same mysterious alien device. Much more my speed, much more to my liking, a very engaging story, a love story, really, but not overly sentimental or cheesy. More like a story of a relationship with an extraordinary circumstance wrench thrown in. I believe this one can be read as a stand alone and it's a very nice way to pass something like 40 or 45 minutes. Recommended.

[Meenaz Lodhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story focuses on one of characters' life, not one of the main ones at the beginning of the series, but key to the interpretation of the alien symbols. His life in Papua, his survival, his personal life, how love overcomes time and space. It's a novella, and very important to the series. A lovely in depth character story!

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished Stan Smith's totally awesome Bridgers series and was searching for more when I found this novella. Blue Arrow was my introduction to the Diffusion series and I really enjoyed this book. I can see that the concept for this storyline is going to be fascinating to me so I can't wait to get started on Diffusion. I was a bit concerned that the author indicated Blue Arrow could be a spoiler if you hadn't yet read Diffusion. However, now that I've finished the book I don't think I read anything that would cause disappointment later.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue Arrow is Stan C. Smith's book 1.5 of the Diffusion series. It is best read after book 1, Diffusion, and book 2, Infusion. This will avoid spoilers. Blue Arrow tells the story of what happens after our hero returns home to the love of his life after his life changing but secret discovery in New Guinea. It is written from the point of view of his wife. She loves him dearly, but what he reveals to her is simply unbelievable. There is apparently no way to corroborate his story. Ever wondered what happened when the hero goes home?

[Ulla · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is told from the perspective of Rose. It's about her and her husband Peter. Only one of the other persons plays a larger part and the story runs over more than fifty years.

It has some interesting ideas. Quite entertaining read but the ending is somewhat kitschi.

Blue Arrow the cassowary from the title doesn't appear often, which is sad. I like the roobot, but not the way it produces butter.

[Rick Yvanovich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but interesting and enjoyable read.
First book I've read from this author and its intriguing and makes me want to try some of his other books.
For such a short story there's a lot happening ... one wonders how much more the storyline and the characters can be in a full novel.
The question is which of his books to read next.

Disclosure: I was offered a free copy of this book by the author in return for an honest review.

[Al Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short prequel/sequel tells the tale of Peter, who escapes the island in New Guinea and creates the computer program that plays a big part in Diffusion. Told from the perspective of his wife Rose, Peter goes from thrill-seeker to husband of the year after his escape from Papau. This is a relationship tale, more so than the sci-fi of diffusion, but it's worth a read nonetheless.

[Duff Kindt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best with only one complaint!

I have read and thoroughly enjoyed every book you have written. I have read them all.
Now getting to the complaint part. I don't see anymore books out there so snap to it!
Just kidding (partially) keep them coming take the time you need because your books are wonderful to read.
I look forward to your Awesome Animal emails. Nicely done!
Thanks!

[Alayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another prequel to a Stan C Smith series, this one was set in Australia. I was fairly pleased at the way he described Australia, but there were two things that made me cringe. One was drinking "draft" beer instead of "draught" beer, and the other was people calling the heroine "ma'am". NOBODY calls a woman "ma'am" here!
Apart from those two things, I quite enjoyed the book.

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a lot and so it's not unusual for a book to remind me of another story.

After confirming that I didn't already have this book, I worked out that this was the prequel to 'Diffusion' that I read in August 2021. [My fault - I could have checked on line.]

I enjoyed the concept of the story and the characters were great

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Peters back story but also includes what happens after the rediscovery of the alien artifact.
So it's best read after Profusion. But it's gives a good insight into how the Kembalimo software came about.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will their love survive?
A wonderful love/adventure story that would enchant anyone, but it is a must-read for followers of the Diffusion and Infusion books written by Stan Smith! In this story, Peter and Rose are faced with challenges beyond their control. Will their love survive?

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue Arrow is a short but powerful story with two great main characters. I highly recommend it.

I’m not sure where I got it from because, shame on me, I let it linger much too long in my TBR stack.

[Jey Cee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story that will keep you entertain during your reading time.

[Marti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting and original plot. Well written and touching.

[Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

The back story of the Kembalimo guy who went there in 1977 and was believed to have been battered to death. Don't know how HE escaped from being turned into soil?! Lucky I guess.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story.

[Aviar Savijon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blue Arrow

A great book to let your message nd run wild in this epic adventure. I loved it!! Get it now.

[Barry Edstene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stan C. Smith is fast becoming one of my favorite writers. He never fails to make you think, while delivering a most satisfying read.

[Aistė · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very engaging story, I am interested in reading further books.