The Boy in the Balloon
The Purlandion Chronicles: Book 1
by D. A. Schaeffer
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Pub Date 23 Oct 2024 | Archive Date 30 Nov 2024
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Description
One night to save his friends. One night to make a decision that will change his life. One leap into a magical world that will change them all forever.
Family has never really worked out for Ben. When 11 year old Ben Turner’s new foster parents demand he get rid of his two dogs, the only real family he’s ever known, a magical balloon, the F.S Quest, appears one evening outside his window. It was the escape he had often dreamt of. To all of their delight, the balloon distributes magical enhancements to them. But instead of floating away happily ever after, they happen upon a young girl and her brother in desperate need of rescue. Though Ben has entered a magical realm with an enchanted balloon at his command, has a wise magical guide, and magical troops on the ground, he also has sinister evil beings and an absolutely ruthless human family to deal with. Will the newly acquired magic be enough to help Ben and his friends free the young girl and her brother? Or--should they just sail away and leave well enough alone? And what about the powerful mysterious being who seems to be constantly tracking Ben? It certainly wasn’t the journey Ben had been hoping for. But is it the one he truly needs? The Boy in the Balloon is the touching first book in a middle grade, contemporary fantasy fiction adventure series, Purlandion. If you like magical worlds, adventure and danger, friendships and sacrifice, with unexpected plot twists…you’ll love The Boy in the Balloon. Order a copy of The Boy in the Balloon to start this exciting new Purlandion series today!Advance Praise
"Absolutely enjoyed this book! The adventures, imagination, and suspense kept me wanting to read more! Loved the heart of the young courageous, Ben, and of course…the dogs!"
"I work with many children and this story is in some ways an insight to the internal struggles that are only best brought to fruition through experiencing the unseen and embracing life’s adventures."
"You are hooked right away when Ben and his dogs are off in the balloon. Adventure, compassion, and abundant love all lend to the intrigue of completing his quests. Dan Schaeffer’s knack for descriptive text shines here, making this a compelling, read-to-the- end book."
"What a delightful story! I look forward to reading this to my grandchildren! It’s a perfect chapter book (one chapter a night read for the kiddos!) It has a compelling story complete with mystical characters and villains! It kicks off with the unhappiness of a little boy seeking to escape his misery. His adventure leads him to some beautiful truths about friendship, love, bravery and courage. The lessons are beautiful and the plot has a nice balance of fun and scary. I highly recommend!"
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9197054452320 |
| PRICE | US$4.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 223 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Greg P, Reviewer
THE BOY IN THE BALLOON is a modern fantasy tale about 11-year-old Ben. He hasn’t had much success living in foster homes. His fourth family is a nice couple who let him have two dogs.
He bonds immediately with his two pets, but eventually his foster parents worry it’s his only interest. The mom’s solution is to get rid of the dogs.
No way will Ben let this happen so he plots his escape. Then something fantastic happens. A balloon with a ship attached (The F.S Quest) arrives at his bedroom window.
Ben and his canine mates jump aboard where magic is the main attraction. The dogs are now able to talk and a guide who looks like a chimpanzee is there to help but often doesn’t stay around for long. He first teaches Ben how to drive the ship balloon before Ben learns he is on a quest.
He can either save a young girl and her brother who need to be rescued from an awful family who has kidnapped them or just sail away leaving them to fend for themselves. Ben chooses to be the hero.
Dangerous beings set out to stop him and certain members of the family where the two kids are trapped don’t care if they bring harm to Ben. It’s not what he expected and thinks he made the wrong decision. Living with foster parents Sam and Myrna was not working, and this is even worse. He bravely comes up with a plan.
The third person narration moves along at a nice pace through 21 chapters. Even if Ben does end up rescuing these two kids you will still wonder what will happen to him. Will he just stay on the balloon forever, go home, or find a new place to live?
THE BOY IN THE BALLOON is an exciting story with an awful antagonist that will have you rooting for Ben to find the life he really wants. Highly recommended to those middle graders who enjoy modern fantasy.
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE BOY IN THE BALLOON by D.A. Schaeffer
1. The colorful, enticing cover is sure to bring more readers closer to giving this one a try. They won’t be disappointed.
2. The hurt a child goes through when they don’t belong is perfectly depicted here. Ben’s only connection is with his dogs. He needs a human family but hasn’t connected with the right one.
3.Themes of Friendship and Family get heartfelt attention. This would make a great read-aloud.
4. Dog lovers will enjoy having these two dogs talk while still keeping their dog like behavior intact.
5. Since this is Book One of The PURLANDION Chronicles, it had me wondering whether Ben will return as a character or will the balloon refocus on a new adventure with a different protagonist. Ben is someone you will want to spend more time with which also demonstrates the thoughtful way his character was depicted.
