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The Balloon #1
Balloon: Altitude
"An enthralling contemporary sci-fi thriller that quickly hooks readers. In crisp, propulsive prose, Keith weaves a dynamic post-apocalyptic thrill ride complete with compelling speculative elements, practical problem-solving, and promising mysteries, all centered on a crew of memorable characters." PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
"A delightful suspense atmosphere. I recommend this book to all those who like apocalyptic stories about survivalism and primitive instincts." THE ONLINE BOOK CLUB
"I am a major enthusiast and expert in atmospheric flight and spaceflight, so this was a true delight to read." AFAF BEN
__________________________
An event that could change the course of human history—and possibly end it.
Fable Sky, the world's largest zero-pressure helium balloon, is set to embark on its inaugural flight into the stratosphere. The ambitious space tourism project has been years in the making, requiring detailed planning, the assembly of a highly trained crew, and a small fortune to bring it to fruition.
As the groundbreaking journey into the uncharted stratosphere reaches its climax at 138,000 feet, disaster strikes, shattering the fragile peace below. Alone, adrift, and cut off from communication with flight control, the crew of five faces a perilous race against time, where their survival hangs in the balance.
In this high-stakes adventure, the crew, led by Will, the project leader and captain, must push the limits of their ingenuity, resilience, and teamwork to endure the harsh stratospheric environment and looming catastrophe that awaits them on the ground. Will they reach safety before their oxygen supplies run out?
BALLOON will leave you breathless with its breakneck action and unforgettable characters, set against the backdrop of a world forever changed.
"A delightful suspense atmosphere. I recommend this book to all those who like apocalyptic stories about survivalism and primitive instincts." THE ONLINE BOOK CLUB
"I am a major enthusiast and expert in atmospheric flight and spaceflight, so this was a true delight to read." AFAF BEN
__________________________
An event that could change the course of human history—and possibly end it.
Fable Sky, the world's largest zero-pressure helium balloon, is set to embark on its inaugural flight into the stratosphere. The ambitious space tourism project has been years in the making, requiring detailed planning, the assembly of a highly trained crew, and a small fortune to bring it to fruition.
As the groundbreaking journey into the uncharted stratosphere reaches its climax at 138,000 feet, disaster strikes, shattering the fragile peace below. Alone, adrift, and cut off from communication with flight control, the crew of five faces a perilous race against time, where their survival hangs in the balance.
In this high-stakes adventure, the crew, led by Will, the project leader and captain, must push the limits of their ingenuity, resilience, and teamwork to endure the harsh stratospheric environment and looming catastrophe that awaits them on the ground. Will they reach safety before their oxygen supplies run out?
BALLOON will leave you breathless with its breakneck action and unforgettable characters, set against the backdrop of a world forever changed.
- GenresFictionScience Fiction
Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2021
57 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 26, 2022
The premise is decent, but the implementation of this book left a lot to be desired. I didn't warm to any of the main characters, many of whom had back stories that seemed irrelevant to the plot.
The science is also extremely dodgy. A tethered balloon with a steel cable at that altitude???
Sorry, but this wasn't one for me.
The science is also extremely dodgy. A tethered balloon with a steel cable at that altitude???
Sorry, but this wasn't one for me.
February 12, 2023
This was a fun read, got it on a whim from Amazon deal of the day. if I was stuck up in a hot air balloon, I’d freak out, this book gave me some heights anxiety that’s for sure. There were some editorial issues towards the end but overall enjoyed it and for a short book the characters were decently fleshed out. I’m gonna pick up the next book
April 6, 2025
Will, Peta, Donovan, Lloyd, and Ariane are about to go into space in a helium balloon to become the first people to travel to space from a balloon. Hoping to start charging customers to travel up into space, but it has taken its time to come to fruition, and they are hoping for a successful launch.
Once in space, the problems start. Firstly, the equipment and communications are no longer working, and seeing a potential catastrophe has occurred below them, the crew needs to first get back to earth and then decide how to survive and find out what has happened.
And because we only learnt a small amount of the main characters back ground I did not grow attached to them, where as normally you would want them to survive. Do not get me wrong, I was still curious to see what happens to them, but I am still unsure what happens and hope the second book reveals more.
The book is a multi POV perspective from multiple people, and initially, it was hard to get a grip on what was happening, and personally, the build-up to them going up to space took too long for my liking. However, once it got going, I was curious to see what had happened, but since the pace was slow, I rated the book three stars.
Once in space, the problems start. Firstly, the equipment and communications are no longer working, and seeing a potential catastrophe has occurred below them, the crew needs to first get back to earth and then decide how to survive and find out what has happened.
And because we only learnt a small amount of the main characters back ground I did not grow attached to them, where as normally you would want them to survive. Do not get me wrong, I was still curious to see what happens to them, but I am still unsure what happens and hope the second book reveals more.
The book is a multi POV perspective from multiple people, and initially, it was hard to get a grip on what was happening, and personally, the build-up to them going up to space took too long for my liking. However, once it got going, I was curious to see what had happened, but since the pace was slow, I rated the book three stars.
March 17, 2022
Wow. This was such a great read! I downloaded it on impulse when it was offered for free, and I'm so glad I did. I've never heard of this author before, and I believe this is an indie book. The author is an excellent writer and the editing was impeccable. The book follows a 5-man crew that takes a hot-air balloon up to 138,000 in the hopes of making commercial travel to the edge of space possible. But during their inaugural flight, something happens on the ground. Something that looks a lot like a nuclear strike. The resulting dust cloud conceals whatever destruction lies below. The crew is 28 miles above the earth's surface with limited oxygen tanks and they must decide whether to stay in the air for as long as they can, or parachute through the dust/possible radiation cloud while they still have enough oxygen in their tanks to find shelter on the ground.
I couldn't put this book down. Normally, I need a break between reading books in a series, but I jumped right into Book 2 because I need to see what happens!
I couldn't put this book down. Normally, I need a break between reading books in a series, but I jumped right into Book 2 because I need to see what happens!
November 28, 2021
Belongs to the Big Screen
I read this author before after a friend recommended me one of his books. I really liked that book. It’s hard to find an original these days, both in book and film. This might just be something very original. The story concerns a crew of 5 people who fly a massive balloon to the edge of space. While they are performing experiments and recording the atmosphere around them, a shocking thing happens. I want to say more but won’t. The story will have you on the edge of your seat throughout. While some of the back story was a little slow, overall it ran at lightning speed. I would love to see this made into a movie. It’s the type of story that belongs to the big screen. Just wonderful.
I read this author before after a friend recommended me one of his books. I really liked that book. It’s hard to find an original these days, both in book and film. This might just be something very original. The story concerns a crew of 5 people who fly a massive balloon to the edge of space. While they are performing experiments and recording the atmosphere around them, a shocking thing happens. I want to say more but won’t. The story will have you on the edge of your seat throughout. While some of the back story was a little slow, overall it ran at lightning speed. I would love to see this made into a movie. It’s the type of story that belongs to the big screen. Just wonderful.
January 18, 2023
Apocalyptic Adventure
This started with promise and I had high hopes. But it slowed to where I had difficulty maintaining interest. The idea of a high tech space balloon is very cool- but not much was done the idea other than providing a safe haven for the crew to survive the apocalypse. Characters were well drawn and interesting. The ending was not a "cliff hanger", but rather a point where the author just stopped. The book needed some answers to questions. It is unsatisfying to leave everything for the next book. Still- it was good enough, and interesting enough that I will take a chance on the next one.
This started with promise and I had high hopes. But it slowed to where I had difficulty maintaining interest. The idea of a high tech space balloon is very cool- but not much was done the idea other than providing a safe haven for the crew to survive the apocalypse. Characters were well drawn and interesting. The ending was not a "cliff hanger", but rather a point where the author just stopped. The book needed some answers to questions. It is unsatisfying to leave everything for the next book. Still- it was good enough, and interesting enough that I will take a chance on the next one.
October 30, 2021
Another great read!
I’ve read a book by this author before and really enjoyed it. I think it was called Lifeline. Balloon is an engrossing, modern-day story about a group of people trying to kickstart tourism on a helium balloon. But the story unfolds into something much deeper, immersing you in a dark tale of survival. If you're looking for a great book to read, you’ve found it!
I’ve read a book by this author before and really enjoyed it. I think it was called Lifeline. Balloon is an engrossing, modern-day story about a group of people trying to kickstart tourism on a helium balloon. But the story unfolds into something much deeper, immersing you in a dark tale of survival. If you're looking for a great book to read, you’ve found it!
December 16, 2022
Great premise of a crew of a hot-air balloon stranded at the edge of space while there is a nuclear attack on UK. Sadly, not much excitement was milked out of this promising premise. An unfinished ending did not make things better. It was mildly engaging while it lasted.
April 2, 2023
great Read
This put a very different spins on how the world may end. I am going to go buy Book 2 right now.
This put a very different spins on how the world may end. I am going to go buy Book 2 right now.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews