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