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Diffusion #0.5
Savage
If you have found this book, the end of the world has already begun.
It’s 1868. Samuel Inwood is fulfilling his dream of exploring remote Dutch New Guinea as a naturalist when things go horribly wrong. A savage aboriginal tribe takes him captive, and as Samuel fights to survive, he begins to doubt that he is the civilized man he had thought himself to be. But his personal concerns suddenly become trivial when he realizes the tribe is harboring the greatest discovery in human history, and he finds himself solely responsible for the future of all humanity.
This is Samuel Inwood’s story, as told in his own words in his field notebooks. It depicts the events that took place 150 years before those of the novel, Diffusion, but it is an independent, stand-alone story.
If you have found this book, the end of the world has already begun. Are you prepared to face what the new world might bring?
Savage is pure adventure, reminiscent of the classic tales of Edgar Rice Burroughs and Jules Verne.
It’s 1868. Samuel Inwood is fulfilling his dream of exploring remote Dutch New Guinea as a naturalist when things go horribly wrong. A savage aboriginal tribe takes him captive, and as Samuel fights to survive, he begins to doubt that he is the civilized man he had thought himself to be. But his personal concerns suddenly become trivial when he realizes the tribe is harboring the greatest discovery in human history, and he finds himself solely responsible for the future of all humanity.
This is Samuel Inwood’s story, as told in his own words in his field notebooks. It depicts the events that took place 150 years before those of the novel, Diffusion, but it is an independent, stand-alone story.
If you have found this book, the end of the world has already begun. Are you prepared to face what the new world might bring?
Savage is pure adventure, reminiscent of the classic tales of Edgar Rice Burroughs and Jules Verne.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2016
214 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 25, 2020
This is a completely different and original sci fy story. I'm totally hooked with the series! The descriptions of the natives, the forests, wildlife is superb. Everything is so detailed, the characters are perfectly human defined. A diverse view of nature, exploration, exploits by humans and its disastrous results of destroying everything we touch. It's a call to humanity.
January 8, 2018
This is a science fiction adventure with historical undertones. It takes place mainly in Papua New Guinea in the mid to late 1800's.
This is a short novel about a naturalist named Samuel Inwood who seeks to collect interesting specimens from the jungles of New Guinea in the forms of never-before-recorded birds, insects, and mammals. While there, he is set upon by hostile natives, and brutally taken captive. While in captivity, fearing death at any minute, he makes a startling discovery. Hidden in one of the deepest, most untouched jungles in the world is a secret so powerful that it could destroy the world. Will he be able to stop it from doing this... or will he be the cause of it?
The "About the Author" info states: "[His stories] are designed to stimulate your sense of wonder, get your heart pounding, and keep you reading late into the night... His books are for anyone who loves adventure, discovery, and mind-bending surprises." I believe that this book has lived up to those claims. I really liked the writing style; through most of the book, it was as if it were written by Arthur Conan Doyle or Edgar Allan Poe themselves, with only a few small differences. The book was mainly clean, but with several anatomical references (one semi-graphic one), most of which I felt could have been either more gently put or eliminated completely, as Poe or Doyle would have done. Besides that, I felt that the book left too many questions unanswered and unanswerable. By the end of the book, it left me with the distinct feeling of, "Wait, what?" Four stars, in my opinion.
Note: This book is part of a series, the rest of which I have not read, so perhaps the other books give answer to the many questions that this book leaves you with.
This is a short novel about a naturalist named Samuel Inwood who seeks to collect interesting specimens from the jungles of New Guinea in the forms of never-before-recorded birds, insects, and mammals. While there, he is set upon by hostile natives, and brutally taken captive. While in captivity, fearing death at any minute, he makes a startling discovery. Hidden in one of the deepest, most untouched jungles in the world is a secret so powerful that it could destroy the world. Will he be able to stop it from doing this... or will he be the cause of it?
The "About the Author" info states: "[His stories] are designed to stimulate your sense of wonder, get your heart pounding, and keep you reading late into the night... His books are for anyone who loves adventure, discovery, and mind-bending surprises." I believe that this book has lived up to those claims. I really liked the writing style; through most of the book, it was as if it were written by Arthur Conan Doyle or Edgar Allan Poe themselves, with only a few small differences. The book was mainly clean, but with several anatomical references (one semi-graphic one), most of which I felt could have been either more gently put or eliminated completely, as Poe or Doyle would have done. Besides that, I felt that the book left too many questions unanswered and unanswerable. By the end of the book, it left me with the distinct feeling of, "Wait, what?" Four stars, in my opinion.
Note: This book is part of a series, the rest of which I have not read, so perhaps the other books give answer to the many questions that this book leaves you with.
November 5, 2017
It is 1867 and First Contact takes place in a tropical jungle.
This is a prequel to the novel Diffusion, which I read and reviewed with a five star rating. I suggest that one read Diffusion first, and Savage second, which might seem odd, but Savage fills in the minor gaps presented in Diffusion.
This is not a story you can skim. Stan C. Smith presents striking images through his storytelling, and I was constantly wanting to find out what would be revealed next. If you would like to learn to speak the language of Papua New Guinea, Mr. Smith provides you with a solid start – or you can ignore that part altogether, and simply enjoy the narrative.
Included is an explanation of nanites at work in a way that I could visualize and actually contemplate.
Central to the story is an alien artefact, the significance of which (and understanding of which) increases in the awareness of Samuel Inwood, an unwilling participant in a village of a small tribe of Papua New Guinea natives. And slowly and carefully Mr. Smith builds the logic – and horror – of what this artefact poses to humanity.
This is a prequel to the novel Diffusion, which I read and reviewed with a five star rating. I suggest that one read Diffusion first, and Savage second, which might seem odd, but Savage fills in the minor gaps presented in Diffusion.
This is not a story you can skim. Stan C. Smith presents striking images through his storytelling, and I was constantly wanting to find out what would be revealed next. If you would like to learn to speak the language of Papua New Guinea, Mr. Smith provides you with a solid start – or you can ignore that part altogether, and simply enjoy the narrative.
Included is an explanation of nanites at work in a way that I could visualize and actually contemplate.
Central to the story is an alien artefact, the significance of which (and understanding of which) increases in the awareness of Samuel Inwood, an unwilling participant in a village of a small tribe of Papua New Guinea natives. And slowly and carefully Mr. Smith builds the logic – and horror – of what this artefact poses to humanity.
March 23, 2020
If you have found this review and are considering reading Savage, then you definitely need to take the next step, which will deposit you along with the main character, Samuel Inwood, deep within the jungle of Dutch New Guinea living among a savage aboriginal tribe. Here you will discover something so powerful that it has the potential to change humanity. As Samuel explores the dangers and wonders of the Lamotelokhai, he faces a new dilemma at each turn of the story. My favorite part of the story is Samuel's realization of the quality that distinguishes the civilized man from the savage as quoted here, “... there is one quality that most distinguishes the civilized man from the savage. That single quality is compassion. . . . In order for a man to be compassionate, he must have the capacity and will to imagine himself in the body of another human being, so that he may understand the other's thoughts and feelings. This can be achieved only if he is able to believe that he and the other human are similar, perhaps even equal." Are you brave enough to join Samuel on his journey? If you are, your reward will be an entertaining read where you may possibly discover a bit about your values in the process.
September 11, 2021
A fascinating book 5+ Stars!
I wish I could give this 15 stars, or even 50! The author, Stan Smith, has written one of the most unique and interesting pieces of fiction I've ever read - with the only exceptions made for his Bridgers series. Through what I am certain was exhausting research he places us in an utterly realistic jungle with a primitive tribe as seen by an English gentleman of the 1860's. The book is written from the perspective of a journal, or diary, which is unique and works perfectly. I found reading this format to be comforting for some reason, perhaps because I was looking back on events rather than being caught up in the anxiety of ongoing stressful activities. I would note I came to read Savage after reading Blue Arrow and then Diffusion, at which time I dropped back to learn Samuel's back story. I would recommend beginning with Savage and reading the series in order.
I wish I could give this 15 stars, or even 50! The author, Stan Smith, has written one of the most unique and interesting pieces of fiction I've ever read - with the only exceptions made for his Bridgers series. Through what I am certain was exhausting research he places us in an utterly realistic jungle with a primitive tribe as seen by an English gentleman of the 1860's. The book is written from the perspective of a journal, or diary, which is unique and works perfectly. I found reading this format to be comforting for some reason, perhaps because I was looking back on events rather than being caught up in the anxiety of ongoing stressful activities. I would note I came to read Savage after reading Blue Arrow and then Diffusion, at which time I dropped back to learn Samuel's back story. I would recommend beginning with Savage and reading the series in order.
June 28, 2017
19th century exploration with a twist. Who is to say that tribes of the day would not have considered modern man more barbaric than we think they were. Who decides what is civilised and what is savage? I really enjoyed Charles's quirky sayings, was mystified by Samuel's dreams/visions and intrigued by the "tree kangaroo". Samuel becomes quite the philosopher, and gains a totally different insight into the mentality and social behaviours of the "indigenes". After a slow start, I became quite engrossed in the story.
May 30, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up.
This started slow but improved about a third of the way in. There is much narrative, the main character's musing about his life, a life he left behind, and the state of 'civilization' as he knew it (basically, London).
If you have found this book, the end of the world has already begun. That is the beginning premise of the book. It's 1868. Samuel Inwood is fulfilling his dream of exploring remote Dutch New Guinea as a naturalist when things go horribly wrong. A savage aboriginal tribe takes him captive, and as Samuel fights to survive, he begins to doubt that he is the civilized man he had thought himself to be. But his personal concerns suddenly become trivial when he realizes the tribe is harboring the greatest discovery in human history, and he finds himself solely responsible for the future of all humanity. This is Samuel Inwood's story, as told in his own words in his field notebooks. The primitive tribe had long ago found an artifact from an alien source that holds immense power to be used for good or evil. The evil use would certainly destroy the world. When Samuel Inwood discovers what the tribe has, his faith in man and the 'civilized' world come into great question.
This started slow but improved about a third of the way in. There is much narrative, the main character's musing about his life, a life he left behind, and the state of 'civilization' as he knew it (basically, London).
If you have found this book, the end of the world has already begun. That is the beginning premise of the book. It's 1868. Samuel Inwood is fulfilling his dream of exploring remote Dutch New Guinea as a naturalist when things go horribly wrong. A savage aboriginal tribe takes him captive, and as Samuel fights to survive, he begins to doubt that he is the civilized man he had thought himself to be. But his personal concerns suddenly become trivial when he realizes the tribe is harboring the greatest discovery in human history, and he finds himself solely responsible for the future of all humanity. This is Samuel Inwood's story, as told in his own words in his field notebooks. The primitive tribe had long ago found an artifact from an alien source that holds immense power to be used for good or evil. The evil use would certainly destroy the world. When Samuel Inwood discovers what the tribe has, his faith in man and the 'civilized' world come into great question.
August 30, 2025
Stan C Smith is an author that I love. His stories are always imaginative and interesting avoiding the usual tropes of sci-fi and speculative fiction. Savage, although set in the past, is an excellent example of this as the tale unfolds through the diary of the main protagonist Samuel Inwood. The author captures the tone, and some of the out-dated notions, of a man from the 1860's. Along the way we see him travel to Dutch New Guinea, interact with the native peoples there, explore the land and come face to face with the darker side of that place. With this being a Stan C Smith story it, of course, features much much more and Samuel has some experiences that change his world view drastically. Savage is fiction at its best as it asks us to look at the world, past and present, from a new perspective and maybe question where we fit into the overall story.
As a side note, if you have the chance to listen to the audiobook version narrated by Michael James Bell do so, I highly recommend it as the perfect pairing of book and narrator.
As a side note, if you have the chance to listen to the audiobook version narrated by Michael James Bell do so, I highly recommend it as the perfect pairing of book and narrator.
December 14, 2020
Old Fashioned SF Wonder-Filled Tale Grabs You By The Tooter And Won't Let Go.
Oh my God, Stan C. Smith, is there any sub-genre of Science Fiction you won't attempt and go on to dominate? This book is mostly in the form of a diary written by a British gentleman/adventurer/explorer in the latter part of the 19th century concerning his wanderings in Papua New Guinea. His partner is killed and he is taken prisoner by a lost tribe that has long been in possession of a strange alien artifact capable of bringing the dead back to life and much more. Smith does a masterful job of weaving these fantastical elements into a fascinating and philosophical whole. Loved it. Apparently the story continues in another trilogy and for once I can hardly wait!
Oh my God, Stan C. Smith, is there any sub-genre of Science Fiction you won't attempt and go on to dominate? This book is mostly in the form of a diary written by a British gentleman/adventurer/explorer in the latter part of the 19th century concerning his wanderings in Papua New Guinea. His partner is killed and he is taken prisoner by a lost tribe that has long been in possession of a strange alien artifact capable of bringing the dead back to life and much more. Smith does a masterful job of weaving these fantastical elements into a fascinating and philosophical whole. Loved it. Apparently the story continues in another trilogy and for once I can hardly wait!
August 23, 2025
Audiobook: I was entertained by this story. I admired Samuel Inwood as he prepared to go on the journey of a lifetime exploring the fauna of Dutch New Guinea. I felt for Samuel as his trip became more of a nightmare than a scientific exploration. I appreciated the changes in Samuel's perceptions as he recognized the importance of his discovery. I enjoyed the elements which reminded me of classic science fiction stories. I thought Michael James Bell's narration was great, and his performance enhanced the story's entertainment. 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.
June 11, 2021
Alien technology sci-fi
Great book. Very fun to read. Remember how Slurm is made on planet Wormulon? The alien technology is very similar in this book, minus the addictive deliciousness that made Slurm an intergalactic craze. The biggest twist is the time and location. This story isn’t set in The Future in Outer Space. Most of it happens in the late 1800s in Papua New Guinea. I really enjoyed the book and will definitely finish the series.
Great book. Very fun to read. Remember how Slurm is made on planet Wormulon? The alien technology is very similar in this book, minus the addictive deliciousness that made Slurm an intergalactic craze. The biggest twist is the time and location. This story isn’t set in The Future in Outer Space. Most of it happens in the late 1800s in Papua New Guinea. I really enjoyed the book and will definitely finish the series.
March 28, 2024
A historical start with a sci-fi finish
I live history and when it comes in a novel it gives it credibility. Back in the 1800's when exploration was maybe a little more dangerous and unexplained.
Try to make friends with natives with human skulls on the huts for decoration.
Then come to grips with a substance that can heal or kill, that came from aliens maybe thousands of years ago. Check it out.
I live history and when it comes in a novel it gives it credibility. Back in the 1800's when exploration was maybe a little more dangerous and unexplained.
Try to make friends with natives with human skulls on the huts for decoration.
Then come to grips with a substance that can heal or kill, that came from aliens maybe thousands of years ago. Check it out.
July 11, 2024
Accurate portrayal of 19th century thinking
Well written story with a most interesting premise of alien contact. Likely more realistic than most, given the limitations of light speed. Excellent research and portrayal of the 1800s naturalist, going off to shoot (“collect”) specimens for science. Marred somewhat for me by the vision of socialist Utopia, and by the upholding of rudimentary culture as somehow better than civilization. Despite that, it was well worth reading.
Well written story with a most interesting premise of alien contact. Likely more realistic than most, given the limitations of light speed. Excellent research and portrayal of the 1800s naturalist, going off to shoot (“collect”) specimens for science. Marred somewhat for me by the vision of socialist Utopia, and by the upholding of rudimentary culture as somehow better than civilization. Despite that, it was well worth reading.
January 14, 2018
Quite an usual book, Savage by Stan Smith is an adventure with a philosophical theme. Intriguing story, the translation of a journal kept by an Englishman captured by a deep jungle tribe who believes he is the outsider foretold to communicate with the creators of an artifact, remove it and thus end the world. This is the prequel to the Diffusion series which I am anxious to read.
November 22, 2020
A Unique Science-Fiction Adventure Tale.
Written as a 19th Century Historical Science Fiction novel as well as a diary, it is unique, interesting and thought provoking. The author clearly did a great deal of research on a little known area of our vast world, which is always appreciated! Bravo!
Written as a 19th Century Historical Science Fiction novel as well as a diary, it is unique, interesting and thought provoking. The author clearly did a great deal of research on a little known area of our vast world, which is always appreciated! Bravo!
October 15, 2025
Great Story
Though this book could be considered a Prequel to Diffusion, I personally think it is actually best read after that book. It beings so much you learn in Diffusion into understanding. This story also bring a person's view of civilization (growth?) Into consideration. I highly recommend both books!!
Though this book could be considered a Prequel to Diffusion, I personally think it is actually best read after that book. It beings so much you learn in Diffusion into understanding. This story also bring a person's view of civilization (growth?) Into consideration. I highly recommend both books!!
July 18, 2017
Wanted to quit about half way. But I stuck with it and ended up liking it. Will look for the next one-Diffusion-and try it also. The premise was really cool but I felt a little bogged down and depressed while reading.
February 2, 2018
It was ok, and I liked it but it was a little difficult for me to follow. It didn't seem to have much hope for the future. Made reading the next books in series will help but at this time I don't see me reading them.
November 17, 2020
Interesting
Interesting book. I enjoyed the theme and the strong behind the scenes feelings about compassion. I also learned a lot about Papua New guinea and how the natives lived and survived in that harsh and inhospitable environment.
Interesting book. I enjoyed the theme and the strong behind the scenes feelings about compassion. I also learned a lot about Papua New guinea and how the natives lived and survived in that harsh and inhospitable environment.
October 20, 2017
Was a bit of background to the Diffusion story about Samuel, the guy who'd been stuck in the jungle for 150 years.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2018
Felt Like I was There
This story of a 18th century English man who went native with the New Guinea savage jungle tribes and remained, made me feel like I was there.
This story of a 18th century English man who went native with the New Guinea savage jungle tribes and remained, made me feel like I was there.
May 11, 2019
Back Story
This is Samuels story covering how he came to New Guinea and was first captured and then befriended by the tribe who were hiding the lamotelokhai.
This is Samuels story covering how he came to New Guinea and was first captured and then befriended by the tribe who were hiding the lamotelokhai.
November 5, 2020
Gave up.
November 27, 2020
This book wasn't my cup of tea. Something about it rubbed me the wrong way. I give it 2.5 stars.
September 11, 2021
Really interesting
It is written as a journal by a British naturalist from the 19th century but much, much different from what you might expect in the wilds of Papua New Guinea.
It is written as a journal by a British naturalist from the 19th century but much, much different from what you might expect in the wilds of Papua New Guinea.
June 4, 2025
Enjoyably different a unique experience I didn’t know it was even sci fi till I was halfway done nice change of pace
August 10, 2024
This is a prequel to the Diffusion series.
It is reminiscent of Edgar Rice Burroughs Pellucidar series.
It is reminiscent of Edgar Rice Burroughs Pellucidar series.
September 16, 2016
If you've already read Diffusion and Infusion by Stan C. Smith, then you'll have a burning curiosity to know more about the character, Victorian naturalist Samuel Inwood. This book fills that gap. Written in period-style as a field diary/journal this novel rapidly takes the reader from Samuel's arrival in Dutch New Guinea in 1868 through the early years of captivity with a fiercely savage aboriginal tribe. How and why he survives and the mental and physical deprivations that he goes through are described in exciting, vivid and realistic detail. The journal narrative style is convincingly Victorian, but not heavy going, and includes figures of speech such as 'hugger-mugger' which means confusion. If you haven't yet read Diffusion and Infusion then don't worry as this novel is compelling enough to be read stand-alone, and will whet your appetite for the other two. Having read all three, I'm now anxiously waiting for the next in this series.
April 27, 2017
At first, I really didn't enjoy this book, but as I got farther into it, it definitely improved.
What I didn't like in the beginning was the main character. He was just another white, British explorer (and poacher, to some extent), going into the jungle and thinking himself better than the native people. He even had some of them (his "boys") follow him around and serve him much like a servant would. Despite the fact that there was a prologue (yes, a prologue for a story written in journal format...seemed unnecessary to me) "justifying" his actions and thoughts because of the time period he was in, I still didn't like him and found him an annoying character to read at first. Fortunately, he got better and that made a huge difference in my enjoyment of the story.
Once things picked up, this was a pretty interesting story and one that, ultimately, I am glad I didn't give up on as I'd initially considered doing.
What I didn't like in the beginning was the main character. He was just another white, British explorer (and poacher, to some extent), going into the jungle and thinking himself better than the native people. He even had some of them (his "boys") follow him around and serve him much like a servant would. Despite the fact that there was a prologue (yes, a prologue for a story written in journal format...seemed unnecessary to me) "justifying" his actions and thoughts because of the time period he was in, I still didn't like him and found him an annoying character to read at first. Fortunately, he got better and that made a huge difference in my enjoyment of the story.
Once things picked up, this was a pretty interesting story and one that, ultimately, I am glad I didn't give up on as I'd initially considered doing.
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October 18, 2018I didn't find it very interesting. The beginning was very slow, i had to pull out within the first 30 pages
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews