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Diffusion #3

Profusion

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How can you save humanity if your only hope is to call upon an entity that could destroy us all?

As nations argue over who should possess the alien entity called the Lamotelokhai, 15-year-old Bobby Truex knows the answer—no one should. After all, he’s the one who told it to go into hiding. He knows, better than anyone, that misusing it leads to death and destruction. After months trying to overcome his guilt, Bobby’s life is suddenly shattered, forcing him to risk everything and once again ask for help from the most dangerous object imaginable.

Meanwhile, Quentin and Lindsey Darnell are tormented by the memory of leaving their son Addison to die in the Papuan rainforest. After learning he is still alive, they set out to find him but are shocked by what they discover. Addison is now part of something truly amazing, something that may result in the next stage of human evolution.

Now, Bobby must not only survive—he must make his way to the other side of the world to find Quentin and Lindsey. The fate of the planet depends on it.

Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2017

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About the author

Stan C. Smith

51 books117 followers

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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Meenaz Lodhi.
1,023 reviews86 followers
October 8, 2017
This series is clearly a Huge winner! Book 3 is a wonderful conclusion to the Diffusion series. A combination of Sci Fy, Anthropology, adventure and action. So many unexpected turns, twisted situations that makes you despair how this all going to end! And, of don’t it to end, at the same time. A mystical great ending!
Profile Image for Rosemary Standeven.
1,028 reviews56 followers
September 1, 2017
The third part of the “Diffusion” series begins with a flash-back to Samuel in 1948, and to one of his more catastrophic experiments with the power of the Lamotelokhai. This serves as a prelude to the horrors to come.
Peter Wooley, Bobby and Ashely decide to move the Lamotelokhai to a more secure and appropriate environment. Everything is planned in meticulous detail, but a random (?) act of human kindness throws a major spanner in the works, and immediately the darker, more sinister side of humanity is on show.
Profusion is often a positive word, indicating a lot of good things. In this book, there is a profusion of chaos, horrors, inhumanity, and violence.
“The way to hell is paved with good intentions” was never more true than here. Helmich and his minions all fervently believe they are doing humanity a service. It does not matter how good a cause initially is, when it is directed by fanatics who will not, or cannot, question their beliefs or actions, it will end in failure. This time, the failure may mean the end of humanity. Using the Lamotelokhai’s powers results in a catastrophe of apocalyptic proportions. Can the Lamotelokhai also be used to save the day? And will it destroy itself in the process?
There is so much to love in this series – not just the tree kangaroos. We finally discover the mission that Mbaiso has set himself, independently of the Lamotelokhai. The importance of the Papuan tribesmen is also revealed.
I like the use of foreign languages – not always translated, so you need to think about what the meanings could be. I like the contrast between the various settings: Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Belize, Costa Rica, and the USA – both in the physical environment, and in the peoples. Who are the savages, and who are the civilised people? Does each person only belong in one category, or do they change with the situation?
I like the use of an online ‘game’, Kembalimo, as a method of communication, and of teaching a new way of thinking. If we do meet an alien species, we cannot rely on human linguistic rules – so what could we use? How could we prepare? Kembalimo gives one possible option.
Most of all I love the characters. The Papuans are loyal and patient beyond anything that is known in today’s world. Samuel and Peter have made mistakes in their lives, but learn from them, find their purpose and peace. The Darnells are full of doubts, but keep going – out of a sense of duty, but also out of love – for their extended family and friends, for the natural world’s flora and fauna. They seldom accept novelties immediately – but give everything careful consideration. Once they have decided, they embrace change wholeheartedly. Ashley begins the series as an all-American girl, fashion and status conscious. She develops into an amazing woman, who can cope with incredible setbacks, and still come out fighting. But, to me, the real hero is Bobby. He is an amazingly mature fourteen year old, thoughtful, considerate, compassionate and truly altruistic. He cares passionately about doing the right thing for everyone and everything – even when it may harm himself. The fate of the world could not rest on better shoulders.
This series is exciting and compellingly fast paced, but at the same time it promotes reflection that will stay with you a very long time. I cannot recommend these books highly enough.
I received an ARC of this book at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Sherri.
28 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2020
Like entering a mystifying portal and attaching jumper cables to your imagination...
With much anticipation, I dove into the third book from Stan C. Smith’s Diffusion series, and it did not disappoint! Like entering a mystifying portal and attaching jumper cables to your imagination, Profusion rivets the reader with treacherous plot twists and vivid action. As the third book unfolds, events develop simultaneously in two different parts of the world. A hint of the dangers yet to come is revealed as Samuel Inwood conducts a small experiment and mutters the words, “Let no man deceive himself. Let him become a fool, that he may become wise.” Is the only hope for survival to be found in mutualism between beings as suggested when Quentin plucks a stone talisman from a pouch or will escape from the “horrifying conglomerations” come from somewhere else? This book has everything, excellent writing, multi-layered stories, and strong character development.
Profile Image for Dave.
319 reviews4 followers
September 30, 2021
Another masterpiece of creative fiction by Stan Smith

A thrilling conclusion to this series from the marvelously creative mind of Stan Smith. So thrilling in fact that I had a hard time reading it at times. This was only because I've grown to know the characters and in this book certain characters undergo what I'll call stressful situations. I had to take breaks during these situations due to my own anxieties. I think that's a mark of a good author. I finally had to tell myself "it's only a book and only stressful because it's the incredibly creative work of Stan Smith." I eventually got through it and, just like with all of Smith's work, came away feeling like I'd undergone brain surgery - but in a good way. I highly recommend this series to readers who enjoy stories that are out of the ordinary.
Profile Image for David.
Author 9 books42 followers
October 25, 2017
I eagerly read this latest and longest installment in the Diffusion series. Again, I marvel at the author's imagination and now know that he must be seriously disturbed at some level to have all of this in his mind! Just kidding, and the story picks up seamlessly from Infusion with the main characters being true to form and further developed. In particular, we learn more about Bobby as a character and his expanding powers related to the Lamotelokhai in this novel. There are two main intertwined plot lines that are brought together as the book develops. The action is non-stop and left me breathless. Now I feel even more sorry for the people of Puerto Rico given the recent Hurricane Maria (you’ll have to read the book to find out why). Apparently Stan Smith is a seer seeing the future but getting the cause a bit off. Suffice to say that the immense and dangerous power of the Lamotelokhai is displayed. After things go horribly wrong, can Bobby and the Lamotelokha save humanity? And, there’s a strong hint at the end that there is more to come in this series. The author's imaginative mind has more to offer! If you enjoyed the earlier books in this series then you'll want to read this one.
372 reviews3 followers
February 18, 2018
A solution to Earth’s problems, with potential consequences that will lead to its destruction.

This series has to be the most original concept in recent years, and is executed by an author who puts images into your head that will hold you in thrall.
Once again, weaving a story that by times, puts you in the Papua New Guinea jungle and also Puerto Rico, you become a witness to a collision of two worlds when modern science attempts to exploit the capabilities of the Lamotelokhai – an alien object that has been on Earth for over 600,000,000 years. Lacking an understanding of human values, and a sense of right and wrong, requests made of the Lamotelokhai lead to unimaginable disaster.
Stan C. Smith moves this thrilling story forward with the energy of an unstoppable force, and gives you characters who are fully developed and with whom the reader will experience a most engaging sense of empathy.
This is Book #3 of the Diffusion series, with Savage (Book #0), Diffusion (Book #1) and Infusion (Book #2)
This will sound odd, but I found that reading Diffusion first, and then Savage, was the best way to experience the two. From there, take the rest (Infusion and Profusion) in order
Profile Image for Mandy Walkden-Brown.
629 reviews31 followers
March 14, 2018
You need to read this series!

Another exquisitely well written, fast-paced and quite impossible to put down book from author Stan C. Smith

Underestimating the potential for destruction that the Lamotelokhai holds within, the actions of a misguided few come with potentially lethal consequences for the whole planet.

Some extraordinarily well described and quite hair-raising action sequences populate this story. They're almost Lovecraftian in feel, creepy, chilling and horrifying in the most ominous sense of the word. The characters trapped in a waking nightmare

Light-hearted humorous moments too, like Mbaiso, the mbolop (tree kangaroo) who seems to be having a mid-life existential crisis and has turned into quite the adrenaline junkie.

A well balanced, intriguing and quite riveting read that I cannot recommend highly enough!
236 reviews30 followers
September 1, 2017
This is a highly original book. There is a central cast of characters that know each other in one way or another and Stan Smith uses these characters to make a story braided together by their adventures. Three people are kidnapped by doctors with unrealistic ideas, two people are headed to jungle to search for the child they were forced to leave behind after a plane crash and one man prefers to live in the jungle with the natives. But they aren't the only characters. There are tree kangaroos that want to protect every person in the world, disgusting, vicious, creatures that have big appetites, and a life form unknown to science. Believe it or not, it all comes together in a fast moving story you won't want to stop reading.







Profile Image for Susan.
1,455 reviews
September 1, 2017
CAUTION REQUIRED. 3.5 stars. Profusion is the third book in the Diffusion series. This book can be read as a standalone but I would not recommend that. It starts where Infusion left off and is open-ended for another book. 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.
Profile Image for Janalyn, the blind reviewer.
4,640 reviews141 followers
June 19, 2019
OMG it’s over?☹️

This book is packed with twists on twists. When I wasn’t reading One of the books and this Siri’s, including blue arrow ANSavage; I was thinking about it. There is so much to unpack in this book it is impossible to give you a brief synopsis., So I will not try. All I can say is if you like sci-fi if you like alien books or if you’re like me and just like the drama and action you should read this book. Nothing about it is predictable and yet when things happen at all makes sense. This is a perfect example of a perfect cerise of books. Starting with infusion it is nonstop goodness. I can’t believe one person has all this in their imagination, not to mention his other books and The Bridger Series. I read books for a living and had to ask for an extension on the last three books because I could not stop reading this one. Do yourself a favor and read it too.
387 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2017
I loved this book, it is the first book from Stan C. Smith that I have read and will not be the last.

This is the third book in the Series. You can understand what is going on in this different world.

The books starts out with action and keeps on going. I did not want to put the book down because I wanted to see what happened next.

I will read the whole series.

I did learn from this book and I hope you like it as much as I do.
15 reviews2 followers
September 6, 2018
it is a well-written book with a little surprise at the end. It took a long time for me to read because of my travels but I was entertained each time I picked up the book. I do wish I had been able to read it without interruptions but enjoyed it none the less. I look forward to reading more from this author and hope to read another in this series.
Profile Image for J. Williams.
Author 1 book42 followers
January 6, 2022
Excellent Series

There was so much to like about this series. I was captivated by the intriguing science fiction aspect, plus the action and suspense as to what was going to happen next, and even found myself cheering for the side story of budding romance. Just a great series that kept my interest from the first book to the last. Well done.
Profile Image for Carol-Ann.
169 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2019
Great

A great and absorbing end to the Diffusion trilogy. I loved the characters and the storyline. It certainly was different to anything I have read before. I just wish there were more than just three novels. I would love to keep up with the team on other adventures!
Profile Image for Ron.
766 reviews2 followers
May 8, 2019
Fantastic Finish

This series has gone from strength to strength and grips you from the start. I found myself really routing for the character's and hoping that they succeed in there endeavours. Full of action and cliffhangers at the end of most chapters. Would definitely recommend
Profile Image for Sheila gullick.
280 reviews5 followers
February 5, 2019
This series was so riveting. Every second so full of everything you can image
252 reviews2 followers
December 3, 2020
Loved the entire series. I don't think I'll ever get the word "Lamotelokhai" out of my head. And, that's okay.
Profile Image for Trish.
22 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2017
This is even more action-packed than the first two books in the Diffusion series! Loved all the twists and turns and how the story line splits and then rejoins as the main characters deal with unbelievable challenges in exotic locations.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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