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The Balloonist Chronicles #1
When Worlds Collide
Olivia’s fate is bound to a magical time travelling hot air balloon. Lucy just wants to make it through the school day alive. Olivia is willing to trade everything for the chance to be worthy of William’s hand in marriage. As the son of a nobleman, he could never marry an orphan girl. Desperate for the love she didn’t receive from her parents, she embarks on an adventure in an enchanted hot air balloon. But with no control over what world or time it will take her to next, will she realise too late that she’s left behind those who loved her most? Lucy isn’t like the girls at school, and they do their best to remind her every chance they get. Then one night, in the middle of a horrific storm, a hot air balloon crashes on her property carrying an injured stranger who will change her life forever. Olivia’s knows her stories of time travel, magic, elves, and pirates are hard for Lucy to believe. But each of them holds one of the many lessons she’s learned on her incredible adventure. Their fates are intertwined, but what happens when two worlds collide?
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2020
7 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Higgins
25 books46 followersL J Higgins likes to write stories that make you question, and remember to appreciate, the world around you. To remind you to open your eyes, minds and hearts.
Some of her favourite things are: Green Tea, Family, Writing (Obviously), Being Creative (Painting, Drawing), The Beach, Summer and Honesty.
Some of her favourite books are: Harry Potter Series, The Hunger Games Series, The Wool Trilogy, His Dark Materials, (There are too many to list them all!)
L J is from Queensland, Australia, and is a stay at home mother of two gorgeous children (okay sometimes they are not so cute!) She write’s every spare moment she’s got. Which means late nights and not much sleep.
Some of her favourite things are: Green Tea, Family, Writing (Obviously), Being Creative (Painting, Drawing), The Beach, Summer and Honesty.
Some of her favourite books are: Harry Potter Series, The Hunger Games Series, The Wool Trilogy, His Dark Materials, (There are too many to list them all!)
L J is from Queensland, Australia, and is a stay at home mother of two gorgeous children (okay sometimes they are not so cute!) She write’s every spare moment she’s got. Which means late nights and not much sleep.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 28, 2020
Filled with elves, faeries, pirates, cannibal islanders and, oh yeah, a time/world traveling hot-air balloon, there wasn’t much I disliked about this story! It left me wanting more, and I was more than happy to curl up and read Olivia’s story, feeling like I could sit next to Lucy and listen into the late hours of the night.
When Worlds Collide was a sweet and creative novel, full of character growth that young teens can relate to. There was nothing super complex or wayward with these characters- it was a fairly simple plot line with linear milestones that helped Lucy and Olivia overcome their personal struggles by the end of this book. By the end, I was anxious to know what happened, but the author left the ending unresolved for another book (thankfully not with a crazy cliffhanger!).
The only thing that didn’t fully flow with me was the unfinished feeling of the other worlds- kind of like we only scratched the surface and did not learn as much as I wished despite most of the story being set in them. However I’m excited to read more about them in the rest of the series and hopefully we get more information on the worlds and their characters!
Overall, I enjoyed this story and would recommend to young teen readers who love modern fantasy!
* Thanks to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
When Worlds Collide was a sweet and creative novel, full of character growth that young teens can relate to. There was nothing super complex or wayward with these characters- it was a fairly simple plot line with linear milestones that helped Lucy and Olivia overcome their personal struggles by the end of this book. By the end, I was anxious to know what happened, but the author left the ending unresolved for another book (thankfully not with a crazy cliffhanger!).
The only thing that didn’t fully flow with me was the unfinished feeling of the other worlds- kind of like we only scratched the surface and did not learn as much as I wished despite most of the story being set in them. However I’m excited to read more about them in the rest of the series and hopefully we get more information on the worlds and their characters!
Overall, I enjoyed this story and would recommend to young teen readers who love modern fantasy!
* Thanks to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
May 28, 2020
Sweet and adventurous YA tale, combining the elements of fantasy, time travel, adventure, romance, and coming of age.
Lucy lives on a farm with her dad, being teased and bullied at school for being different and not girly enough. Olivia is a young orphan desiring the love of a noble son, William, willing to go on a journey to the unknown to become a woman worthy of his love. When her balloon crashes in Lucy's backyard during a storm, their stories intertwine and the fantasy blends into one with the reality of a teenage girl.
Told from the perspective of both young women, one representing the present reality and the other one being the time traveler through fantastic worlds, this is a very fast and smooth read, peaceful and tranquil in the atmosphere yet containing dramatic twists and adventurous scenes. I personally did not feel any high tension or sharp emotional spikes, rather curiosity and wisdom development than action. The touch of fantasy in really nice, with phoenixes and fae and healing magic and all that. Watching Olivia grow into mature woman is amazing and somewhat motivational, reflected then also in the changes in Lucy's attitude and behavior. The open end and unfinished storytelling in the end promise more to come, and I will happily follow the story.
Lucy lives on a farm with her dad, being teased and bullied at school for being different and not girly enough. Olivia is a young orphan desiring the love of a noble son, William, willing to go on a journey to the unknown to become a woman worthy of his love. When her balloon crashes in Lucy's backyard during a storm, their stories intertwine and the fantasy blends into one with the reality of a teenage girl.
Told from the perspective of both young women, one representing the present reality and the other one being the time traveler through fantastic worlds, this is a very fast and smooth read, peaceful and tranquil in the atmosphere yet containing dramatic twists and adventurous scenes. I personally did not feel any high tension or sharp emotional spikes, rather curiosity and wisdom development than action. The touch of fantasy in really nice, with phoenixes and fae and healing magic and all that. Watching Olivia grow into mature woman is amazing and somewhat motivational, reflected then also in the changes in Lucy's attitude and behavior. The open end and unfinished storytelling in the end promise more to come, and I will happily follow the story.
June 1, 2020
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The book is about an Australian girl called Lucy, who found Olivia during a bad storm. Olivia travelled on a hot air balloon, which got damaged during the storm and crashed.
There are two timelines. I really liked Lucie's chapters. I think that I loved the amazing father-daughter-relationship the most in this book. You can really tell how much they need and love each other. Another thing I really liked is how the author wrote the situation in school. I found it very believable and nearly cried a few times. I would have loved to read more about Lucy and the situation at school.
I can't tell you exactly why, but I wasn't a fan of Olivia's chapters and I noticed that I skimmed through the chapters so that I can read more about Lucy. The writing style was beautiful, but I found Olivia very annoying and couldn't connect with her at all.
At last, I want to mention, that I appreciate the message behind this book.
Be yourself and don't try to be someone you aren't.
The book is about an Australian girl called Lucy, who found Olivia during a bad storm. Olivia travelled on a hot air balloon, which got damaged during the storm and crashed.
There are two timelines. I really liked Lucie's chapters. I think that I loved the amazing father-daughter-relationship the most in this book. You can really tell how much they need and love each other. Another thing I really liked is how the author wrote the situation in school. I found it very believable and nearly cried a few times. I would have loved to read more about Lucy and the situation at school.
I can't tell you exactly why, but I wasn't a fan of Olivia's chapters and I noticed that I skimmed through the chapters so that I can read more about Lucy. The writing style was beautiful, but I found Olivia very annoying and couldn't connect with her at all.
At last, I want to mention, that I appreciate the message behind this book.
Be yourself and don't try to be someone you aren't.
June 9, 2020
Two experiences intertwined into one beautiful story. I loved the mix of real life situations and fantasy adventures. Lucy's difficulties with high school drama are heartfelt and very relatable, you share every emotion with her from heartbreak to triumph. Olivia helps Lucy through her stories of struggle and adventure in fantasy lands where she meets all kinds of creatures & people. The world where we leave her story was my favorite and I can't wait for the next book to see what further adventure awaits our heroine and her young friend.
June 12, 2020
What a wonderful story with just enough romance to brighten your day. All Olivia wants is love but as an orphan girl, it’s difficult to find a proper suitor, especially a Nobleman. Don’t miss reading this book.
January 6, 2021
WOW what an incredible journey! An exciting and entertaining journey full of time travel, magic, elves, and pirates all in a hot air balloon and fantastic characters, I mean who wouldn’t want to read this? The storyline is so addictive and action packed as we follow Olivia and Lucy in their journey of adventure, intrigue, friendship and courage and I am so excited to read the next book!
May 29, 2020
This was an amazing book and hated when it ended. Olivia and Lucy both had struggles to deal with and the journeys along the way was exciting and some even I wondered if they were going to make it through it all... I received this in mind that I would post a review once completed in that I thank both L.J. Higgins and bookfunnel.com for this awesome story
May 24, 2020
Good coming of age story for young readers. Since it’s YA, it’s also a very easy, quick read which i personally love! You can read and get into the story without too much thought. I read this during quarantine and while I am not a big fantasy fan...I found it super fun to get out of my world and into the fantastical world of Olivia. And I am excited to hear more of Olivia and Lucy’s stories in book 2.
June 12, 2020
Holy cow! I'm dying for more. I didn't get much time to read this each day, but would read at night till falling asleep. It was amazing. I want to know what happens next to Olivia and Lucy, too! I love L.J.'s books.
June 15, 2020
I’ll preface this by saying I read A LOT. Sometimes I can get through a book a day so I don’t thinks there’s a lot of originality these days. Not a bad thing, just an observation.
And then I read this one and it was so completely different than anything I’d see, unique in a way books aren’t unique anymore.
Olivia is basically run out of town and takes to a hot air ballon that ends up letting her travel to different worlds. She makes friends along the way, most importantly a teenage girl. The connection they form is the best part of the book. Both need the other for different reasons.
I can’t wait for the next book.
And then I read this one and it was so completely different than anything I’d see, unique in a way books aren’t unique anymore.
Olivia is basically run out of town and takes to a hot air ballon that ends up letting her travel to different worlds. She makes friends along the way, most importantly a teenage girl. The connection they form is the best part of the book. Both need the other for different reasons.
I can’t wait for the next book.
June 20, 2020
After reading this book, I wanted to write and post this review to share my honest experiences toward the story.
A beautiful story within a story, Ms Higgins once again spins an amazing tale with compelling characters, and in a voice that keeps you hooked on the story. We follow both Lucy and Olivia in this epic adventure taking place in two very different worlds, in the present and the past, and discover how each girl gains the courage to stand up to what brings them down. The story also brought about a powerful message about bullying, how much it hurts, and how it affects people. I honestly cannot wait to continue this amazing series.
A beautiful story within a story, Ms Higgins once again spins an amazing tale with compelling characters, and in a voice that keeps you hooked on the story. We follow both Lucy and Olivia in this epic adventure taking place in two very different worlds, in the present and the past, and discover how each girl gains the courage to stand up to what brings them down. The story also brought about a powerful message about bullying, how much it hurts, and how it affects people. I honestly cannot wait to continue this amazing series.
January 13, 2021
I voluntarily review an ARC.
This is the first part of the Balloonist Chronicles, the books should be read in order.
This is the first book by this author I've read and I really enjoyed it, the colourful fantastic worlds, the reliable characters, the world building and the fluent writing style.
I liked the two time lines, so this series combines a contemporary YA and a fantasy story.
Both reminded me how important it is to find out who you are or want to be and to stand up for yourself.
Can't wait for the next part.
This is the first part of the Balloonist Chronicles, the books should be read in order.
This is the first book by this author I've read and I really enjoyed it, the colourful fantastic worlds, the reliable characters, the world building and the fluent writing style.
I liked the two time lines, so this series combines a contemporary YA and a fantasy story.
Both reminded me how important it is to find out who you are or want to be and to stand up for yourself.
Can't wait for the next part.
June 13, 2020
I love LJ Higgins books so I was very excited to read When Worlds Collide... The first few pages had me hooked. I really like Lucy and I think her story is so relatable. I love how Olivias experiences have opened Lucy's eyes up and helped her become stronger and confident. Reading the story I really feel like I'm sitting in the room with Lucy listening to Olivias adventures. I love all the worlds Olivia has visited so far. The ending left me wanting more and I can't wait for book number 2z
June 12, 2020
It's a very sweet YA tale filled with adventure, magic, and time travel. The character development is very good and plot is easy to follow. I'd like to learn more about the other worlds in further books. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next to Olivia and Lucy. I definitely recommend this book!
January 30, 2022
Interesting
I was captivated from the very start. I cannot wait to see what happens next! I am hoping Lucy gets to see Olivia's world.
Although it could have gone through one more round of editing, I am really intrigued by L J Higgins books and her creative imagination.
A story very well done.
I was captivated from the very start. I cannot wait to see what happens next! I am hoping Lucy gets to see Olivia's world.
Although it could have gone through one more round of editing, I am really intrigued by L J Higgins books and her creative imagination.
A story very well done.
January 6, 2021
Great new series! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is definitely out of this world and to be able to travel to these new places, I loved it. Lucy is such a relatable character for me. I definitely recommend this book!
January 30, 2021
I was very excited to read When Worlds Collide. I really love Lucy and Olivia and their adventures. I love the worlds Olivia has visited so far. I cant wait to find out what their next adventures will be.
June 21, 2020
Loved it. Very enjoyable tale indeed. 2 timelines threaded , one in the form of a retelling and the other supposedly real-time.
An adventurous balloon ride Like a time machine and the other an anxious world dealing with bullies and finding the courage to deal with it. In fact , it was two ways in which we find courage within ourselves.
A valuable lesson for us all.
Looking forward to the next book.
An adventurous balloon ride Like a time machine and the other an anxious world dealing with bullies and finding the courage to deal with it. In fact , it was two ways in which we find courage within ourselves.
A valuable lesson for us all.
Looking forward to the next book.
August 23, 2021
An enchanting story. With a title like ‘When Worlds Collide’, you would think that this book would be more of the science fiction genre, but I think it is more fantasy. There is a feel of time travel that makes this more ethereal which is captivating. I felt I got lost in the story and didn’t want it to end. However, it really didn’t end as we have so much more to look forward to with the next book in this series. Rest easy as this does not have a big cliffhanger, just an anticipation for the next book to come. I’m greatly looking forward to reading it.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews