The Deep Freeze of Bartholomew Tullock

by Alex Williams

Book Overview

The village of Pinrut has been covered by freezing snow for years. The Breeze family is so deep in debt that the nasty Bartholomew Tullock is threatening to take their home. However, secrets are soon... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399251855
• ISBN13: 9780399251856
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Philomel Books
• Length: 298 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

Fun, sometimes silly, and thematically grounded, a great fantasy book for younger readers

Despite its pretentiously long title, "The Deep Freeze of Bartholomew Tullock" genuinely surprised me in a good way. The plot is pretty basic and breaks down into a reverse fetch quest with difficulties along the way. Odd weather of dubious scientific explanation makes for a fairly interesting setting, but the book only explores two of the many biomes. A further exploration of the world could have been fun, but it also could easily have spread the plot even thinner, so the treatment provided by the author is probably for the best. Though static for the most part, the characters are very good. I especially like how problems are solved in keeping with the personalities and toolsets of each. The choice of main characters is also interesting, inventors and mechanics rather than the military-minded heroes so common in books. The solutions to their problems depend more on creative thinking and gumption than physical prowess which keeps the action interesting yet appropriate for the young audience intended by the book. A notable weakness of the characters is their limited development and arcs. Only one of the main characters has a substantial arc and, though it was good, it doesn’t affect the story very much. The second-best arc goes to a side character who frankly could have done with more “screen time.” Where the book really impressed me was its messages. Not half-hearted or rudimentary, they are surprisingly deep for a children’s book. Family, responsibilities, sacrifice, and persistence are at the heart of the book with very good lessons to learn. All in all, "Deep Freeze" is a fun time for younger readers. Though I enjoyed its story and nuance, I would recommend skipping for adults, but it would be a good time to read with any kids.

A breathtaking ride!

This is a great adventure story, full of wonderfully fantastic locations, and many many diverse characters. The book is really a quest for each and everyone of them. It is full of humour, warmth and loyalty, but also greed, power and despair. The author has set out to keep us on our toes throughout this exhilirating ride, and believe me it doesnt disappoint. Partly this is achieved by alternating the chapters between one group and another,which really works. There are many surprises in store for anyone who is fortunate enough to read this.A beautifully written story.