
A fierce Pacific storm in 1865 sends a balloon and its five passengers spiraling through a maelstrom of wind and rain. As the tempest rages, they are forced to jettison ballast and supplies, clinging to the fragile craft while the sea roars far below. The chaos of the gale leaves them disoriented, unable to tell day from night, but somehow they survive the violent descent.
When the storm finally eases, the balloon drifts down onto a remote, uncharted land. The survivors find themselves stranded on a strange island, its coastline shrouded in mist and its interior filled with unfamiliar flora and hidden dangers. With limited provisions and no clear way home, they must rely on their wits, teamwork, and the mysterious resources the island seems to offer.
In the first days of their exile, the group confronts basic challenges—finding fresh water, building shelter, and deciphering the island’s secrets. Their ingenuity and courage turn a terrifying ordeal into a remarkable experiment in survival, setting the stage for an adventure that tests both mind and spirit.
Language
en
Duration
~19 hours (1106K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
1998-04-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1828–1905
A master of adventure fiction, he turned bold scientific ideas into stories of submarines, moon voyages, and journeys to the center of the Earth. His novels helped shape modern science fiction while keeping the sense of wonder and danger that still draws readers in.
View all books