The Truth about Celia Frost

Mar 05, 2013 Rachel rated it 2 of 5 stars

This book sounded exciting and different, and I'd been wanting to read it for a few months. When I finally found it in my hands, I am sad to say it was nothing but a disappointment.
The logical place to start is probably the writing style. It was patronising and unengaging, almost an insult to the reader. And yet, the whole way through the book what is niggling and frustrating the reader is what IS the truth about Celia Frost. You may think 'but surely, that is what Rawsthorne was aiming to do'....more This book sounded exciting and different, and I'd been wanting to read it for a few months. When I finally found it in my hands, I am sad to say it was nothing but a disappointment.
The logical place to start is probably the writing style. It was patronising and unengaging, almost an insult to the reader. And yet, the whole way through the book what is niggling and frustrating the reader is what IS the truth about Celia Frost. You may think 'but surely, that is what Rawsthorne was aiming to do'. Of course, up to a point. Because the writing was so bad, I just wanted the book to be over. I raced through it, but not in a good way. I skipped paragraphs, pages even as my irritation grew. And when I finally did discover the truth it was far from satisfying, nothing like the relief I was hoping for. I won't give it away but I do hope you'll heed my advice - it's not much worth finding out.
Another thing which annoyed me about this book was how unrealistic it was. Rawsthorne must've been living in a hole for thirty years, because it seems as though she has no comprehension of how people talk to each other in real life. For a start, the bullying was frustratingly forced. I'm near enough to Celia's age and I attend a British high school, like her. I have never, I mean never, witnessed anyone being bullied for a condition or illness they can't help. Be it depression or cancer, no-one would ever think of slagging someone for something life threatening - and I don't doubt Celia's blood clotting disease would come under this 'unmentionables' category. Also, even if someone was so stupid as to use this as an excuse to bully, I doubt the words they would use would be 'freaky Frost'. Even as a starting point, that's pretty lame. When Celia finally does stand up to her main oppressor, Max Jenkins, it is in the form of writing asshole in the homework she helped him with. (Another thing, people don't actually pay others to do their homework. Both teachers and pupils are smarter than that.) I doubt such a stand would gain her the respect of a teacher, let alone the school. To be honest, I think the teacher would realise Jenkins probably hadn't called himself an asshole in his homework, and the two of them would've been in trouble. Then, there is Jenkins unrealistic reaction to being called an asshole. He STABS Celia. In full view of the school. Surely such a popular boy would've been able to laugh the whole thing off and move on. Even if he was a psychopath, he'd probably set out to do things more discreetly. I could go on for pages and pages faulting the novel's storyline. I've only got through the first two chapters there! I won't bore you however and I'll move forward with the review.
The reason I've given the book it's two stars are that it had one or two redeeming features. The first was simple - the idea drew the reader's attention (we won't go back into how the reader may wish they'd never seen the book in their life after). The second is that in the last 50 or so pages I was kind of excited and gripped. Not completely but more than before. Who doesn't love a good save-Celia-from-the-crazy-kidnapping-doctor scene? Exactly.
Oh, and one last issue I had. I built up no emotional connection to any of the characters whatsoever. At several points we were led to believe quite a few key characters were dead or badly injured. Celia's mum pushed out a window? I don't care. Sol badly hurt, possibly dead? Fine then. Celia killed by a mad woman with a lethal injection? Right. I actually didn't feel anything. No sadness, joy, anger. Nothing.
The verdict? Maybe Rawsthorne should go back to the drawing board and work harder to create a better second novel. Or maybe she just shouldn't write at all. (less)

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Jul 22, 2012 The Book Review Library rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: exciting, enjoyed, thriller, young-adult

This book sounded differant and interesting, so I really wanted to read it!

I wasn't dissapointed at all with it. I didn't know what to expect, and what I found was a book full of excitement that was tense and had me gripped from the start. I couldn't wait to get to the end and find out anwers to all the questions that I had throughout the book. Fortunatly, all the things I had been wondering about were explained.

Although this book definately wasn't confusing, it was one of those books where as I...more

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Dec 31, 2011 Imi Godwin rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Truth about Celia Frost is utterly captivating, It traps you within its pages and won't let you go until you have read it cover-to-cover. It is the story of a girl named Celia, she lives with her Mum Janice. Celia is sick, she has a rare blood disorder which means if she has the tiniest cut: the cut will never close, and she could bleed to death. She is also sick of the solitude her disorder brings her. She endures terrible bullying at school: universally known as 'Freak'. Meanwhile, Janice...more The Truth about Celia Frost is utterly captivating, It traps you within its pages and won't let you go until you have read it cover-to-cover. It is the story of a girl named Celia, she lives with her Mum Janice. Celia is sick, she has a rare blood disorder which means if she has the tiniest cut: the cut will never close, and she could bleed to death. She is also sick of the solitude her disorder brings her. She endures terrible bullying at school: universally known as 'Freak'. Meanwhile, Janice is living in constant panic about Celia and worries intensely. But when Celia is involved in a stab attack at school, something strange happens and it puts light on a whole new scenario. It's a secret so terrible that Celia can barely believe it, but is it true...?

...The wounds sealed by themselves...

On the other side of the city, A women who is code-named 'Nemo' instructs private investigator Frankie to find the mother and daughter. She strings him along with the promise of a heavy pay check, but will she push him too far? The character of Frankie is very mysterious, he became a private investigator after being chucked out of the police force for corrupt practice. He is being instructed to find and follow Celia and Janice, but is there more to him? Or is he just the 'baddie'?

This book had me absolutely drawn in from the ominous title, to the very last paragraph. Paula Rawsthorne leads you to several different conclusions during the plot, and you are wrong every time until the very end! I must have thought up at least seven different theories about Celia until I found out the truth!

Celia meets the mysterious boy Sol through a near death experience, yet another wake up call. He becomes the perfect excuse to get out more. It's the perfect match and they spend afternoons by the lake as he teaches Celia how to swim and become more of a teenager. Sol tries to shed light on Celia's mother's strange ways, but is he right? Celia begins to play mind games with Janice and forces her into letting her go out, blinded by rage and unaware of the hurt she is causing. Or the danger she is putting them both in.

A must read... five stars!(less)

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Dec 07, 2011 Michelle rated it 3 of 5 stars

A fast moving teen novel, with lots of twists and turns that should appeal to girls 12+. Celia is different - her blood won't clot. Her over protective mother makes sure all the schools she attends know teh dangers posed to Celia, and as the single parent family frequently move, Celia finds herself lonely and isolated - and bullied. The book starts off quickly with a bullying incident, and then gets straight into the conundrum - what really is Celia's problem? Is her mother telling her the truth...more

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Aug 05, 2011 Susan Mann rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Truth About Celia Frost is a book, like no other book I have read before. It is something different, compelling and a thrilling read. It will leave you guessing and full of surprises. The author's Paula Rawsthorne's writing is mesmerising and a joy to read. Her imagery in the book creates the perfect back drop, you can feel you are actually there. I was unable to put this down.

The beginning of the book hooks the reader from the start and you are unable to let go. Celia is a great main chara...more

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Feb 13, 2012 Amy (Turn the Page) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Review originally posted at Mostly Reading YA

I think it's actually best to go into this story without knowing too much. There are several twists that I can honestly say I didn't see coming. The truth about who Celia Frost really is and what her mother is keeping from her is a mystery that will compel readers from page one. I read this through in one sitting and found it a nice change from the usual paranormal, fantasy or contemporary romances I tend to gravitate towards.

The Truth About Celia Fro...more Review originally posted at Mostly Reading YA

I think it's actually best to go into this story without knowing too much. There are several twists that I can honestly say I didn't see coming. The truth about who Celia Frost really is and what her mother is keeping from her is a mystery that will compel readers from page one. I read this through in one sitting and found it a nice change from the usual paranormal, fantasy or contemporary romances I tend to gravitate towards.

The Truth About Celia Frost is a well-written, engaging story that is brilliantly paced. After a rush trip to the hospital, it's clear from her mother's evasiveness, her unwillingness to allow further tests and their hasty change of address, that she is hiding something from Celia. Does Celia really have hemophilia? Or is her mother suffering from Munchausen by proxy? And why is someone paying a lot of money to a dubious private detective to track them down?

Celia is a very likable protagonist who grows in confidence as the story progresses. She is feisty, intelligent and brave, with a strong sense of right and wrong. Singled out and isolated from her classmates due to her hemophilia (a life-threatening condition that prevents her blood from clotting), and their constant moving around, we are introduced to a picked on and lonely Celia standing up to a particularly nasty bully and holding her own while doing it. I liked her immediately. I also liked that her character felt like a real, flawed, fourteen year old girl, at times acting out and knowing just exactly what to say to best hurt or punish her mum whenever she felt frustrated or betrayed.

The relationship between Celia and her mother is difficult and interesting (and their arguments all too familiar!) Once it becomes clear that Janice is lying to her daughter, Celia no longer trusts her and begins to hate her mother for preventing her from living a normal life all these years. Her confusion and hurt is understandable (as is the way she reacts) but I also really felt deeply for Janice, who does seem to be mentally ill.

Sol and Celia's friendship was heartwarming and one of my favourite aspects of the book. Since the characters are slightly younger, there isn't any romance between the two, but they quickly become best friends and I loved how they looked out for each other. It was really great to see this kind of childhood friendship, which for some reason seems to be a rarity in YA. I envied them spending their summer hanging out by the lake, learning to swim, having cookouts and riding around on Sol’s bike.

Frankie, the private detective looking for Janice and Celia, was the one character I wasn’t particularly interested by, and I found his role within the story, and his consequent actions, a little too predictable and run of the mill.

The Truth About Celia Frost also raises some interesting moral and ethical questions but in a way that isn't heavy handed or preachy. I felt the truth of Celia Frost, once we learn it, was perhaps a little over the top in terms of believability, but it's certainly a conclusion I wouldn't have guessed.

I wouldn't say this was a gritty, or even an overly dark read, despite the mystery of Celia and the questions it brings up, but it has some likable, relatable characters, a gripping plot line and an easy-flowing narrative that makes this an enjoyable thriller for both younger and older readers.(less)

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May 26, 2012 Dani rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: action-adventure, read-in-2012

A solidly good book that kept me reasonably interested. It had it's moments of genius, but I can't say I was ever completely absorbed by this book, hence the four stars. It was pretty good though, if a little predictable.

Within the first twenty pages of this I felt like I already had everything figured out--in fact, I did, at least the basic gist of what was going on. Disappointingly, a bit more than a third of the way through, I'd pretty much figured out everything. There were aspects that I ob...more

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Oct 24, 2012 Dilara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

I really had no idea what this book would be about and that's partly why I decided to read it. I loved it!

I loved how there were different points-of-view of almost every main character in the book, mainly in very appropriate places making you warm to the book much faster. I thought Celia's situation ended up being really unique and maybe even a bit unrealistic but as I did not know what Janice's big secret was and who Nemo was, I wanted to find out more; therefore I read even more every time.

So...more

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Jun 10, 2011 Teresa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Celia Frost lives her life in constant fear of bleeding to death. Born with a rare blood disorder, the slightest scratch could have fatal consequences and Celia leads a hermit-like existence, her only company being her over-protective mother, Janice. They have led a nomadic life but, following a knife attack on Celia, they suddenly flee to Bluebell Estate (not quite the rural idyll the name implies) and Celia embarks on a quest for the truth about her condition, with devastating consequences.

Thi...more

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Dec 30, 2011 He13n rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book! I bought it from reading the blurb and didn't put it down. The idea of Celia being looked after by an overprotective mother is really good, and the hospital visit after she gets a small cut(thinking she will bleed to death) also. Then because she turns out to be fine, it makes her curious. As the book process you find out the truth(hence the name)and the book comes together, making the end have a great suspence!the added romance in it too is really daring and it makes the book...more

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May 09, 2013 Mahra rated it 4 of 5 stars

I read this book a bit too fast I think. I finished it in a day or so. It was very interesting, and it kept me on my toes just wanting to know what's the whole truth about Celia Frost. The whole story before the climax was amazing, perhaps even a tad bit more than amazing. Unfortunately, after the climax the book was just a drag and I just wanted to finish it. & There were a couple of action scenes, funny scenes and even romantic ones. It made me smile, tear up and even feel so nerve wrecked...more

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Apr 20, 2012 Vicky rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, young-adult, read-in-2012, contemporary

Original review: http://www.booksbiscuitsandtea.co.uk/...

The Truth About Celia Frost is without a doubt one of those books that grabbed my attention even after reading the synopsis. I don’t know why but I seem to like books where the main character has some sort of an illness – whether it’s a contemporary novel with a more emotional approach or a paranormal/thriller one with an element of mystery. Celia Frost belongs to the latter category. I had high expectations for this one and although it di...more Original review: http://www.booksbiscuitsandtea.co.uk/...

The Truth About Celia Frost is without a doubt one of those books that grabbed my attention even after reading the synopsis. I don’t know why but I seem to like books where the main character has some sort of an illness – whether it’s a contemporary novel with a more emotional approach or a paranormal/thriller one with an element of mystery. Celia Frost belongs to the latter category. I had high expectations for this one and although it didn’t let me down, for me something was still missing.

What I liked about this book the most was the whole concept – I know I’m not the only one who’s getting fed up with all the zombie/vampire books out there. There are so many similar books nowadays that sometimes when I pick up a YA book, it’s almost as if I already read it before. Concept-wise, Celia Frost is nothing like that. I’ve never read anything like this before and even though I’ve heard about this illness before, I haven’t actually read any books about it. Rawsthorne certainly did a great job with the main idea: it’s unique, very clever and well-researched.

On the plot level, the book has everything you need for a gripping young adult novel: a cute male protagonist, tension within the family, action, great friendship, danger, you name it. I love the fact that it’s not one of those sappy, over the top stories where the cute guy falls in love with the cute girl and even though they go through a lot, they live happily ever after. Sol, the male protagonist is everything but over the top. He really is a nice guy and I would be really happy if he was my friend. I just love their friendship, the way he looks after Celia and tries to help her live a normal life. Reading about the time they spent together was definitely one of the best parts of the story.

As much as I wanted to love this book, there were still a few things I didn’t really like. As for the plot itself, even though I enjoyed it most of the time, for me it was a little bit predictable. You know that feeling when you’re watching an action-packed film where the good guy gets into trouble but you still know s/he will win in the end? Or when you’re watching a horror film and someone’s heading towards an alley on a deserted street (in the dark) and you already know what’s coming. That’s what happened to me a lot of times while I was reading this book. I don’t know whether it has something to do with the fact that it was written for a younger audience or not but most of the time I had an idea about what would happen next and it did. I loved the concept and the twist (i.e. the story behind Celia’s illness), it just didn’t WOW me as much as I think it would.

However, it definitely was a fast-paced story and all in all, I quite liked it. If you’re looking for something you’ve never read before, something with a twist then The Truth About Celia Frost is your best choice.(less)

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Aug 01, 2011 Kai (Amaterasu Reads) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: teens, 2011-tbr-pile, arc, for-review

Review posted at Amaterasu Reads

Celia has haemophilia. I initially thought it was just that, that the story will revolve around a girl who was growing up and has finally decided she will live the way she wants to, that she wouldn't let her sickness control her, but I learned that The Truth About Celia Frost is much more than that.

This book made me do a lot of guessing. Maybe it has a paranormal edge to it? Or perhaps a mythological connection? But no, it came down to life and death, of science...more Review posted at Amaterasu Reads

Celia has haemophilia. I initially thought it was just that, that the story will revolve around a girl who was growing up and has finally decided she will live the way she wants to, that she wouldn't let her sickness control her, but I learned that The Truth About Celia Frost is much more than that.

This book made me do a lot of guessing. Maybe it has a paranormal edge to it? Or perhaps a mythological connection? But no, it came down to life and death, of science and people trying to play God. My imagination went far off as I read through. I love how it's something I was totally unprepared for, that it's something more than I expected it to be.

Celia's life went through one whirlwind of a change ever since that fateful moment when she was almost stabbed. She went from an immature teenager wanting to break free of her hermit-like, mundane existence with only her and her mom to a girl who is determined and not afraid to show the world who and what she is. Sol is a great companion and a friend to Celia, and his life, in contrast with Celia is what helped her understand hers more.

I think a lot of people will have misconceptions and will eventually misunderstand Celia's mother. I did and I felt a little taken aback when all the bad things I've thought of her (that she was a mother who has utter disregard for her daughter and only thinks of herself) were put out in the open and justified, but slowly, readers will understand why she became that way and that all that she had done for Celia is in her best interest.

One thing readers should take into account while reading this is that appearances can be deceiving. People who you expect to be good aren't really what they seem, and those who you think are bad will surprise you in unexpected ways. Like Frankie, the private investigator hired to find Celia and her mother. My perception of what is good and what is bad was tested quite a bit by this book.

The Truth About Celia Frost is a fast-paced, quick read. Engaging and thrilling from page one up to the end, with twists and turns happening so often readers wouldn't know what hit them by the time they finish. It's a breath of fresh air, something new to look forward to aside from the usual dystopian and paranormal books coming out these days. A gripping debut for Paula Rawsthorne which I definitely recommend to everyone!(less)

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Aug 19, 2011 Bella (Cheezyfeet Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-releases, 2011-debut-author-challenge

I really enjoyed reading The Truth About Celia Frost. It was different to anything I'd ever read before and it was a nice change from all the paranormal and romances that are popular right now. The story was unique and exciting, and the characters were fun to read about.
I really like how Celia was only 14. I felt that I could relate to her because she is my age, and rarely are there young adult titles that feature a main character who is so young. This means that there was little (basically no)...more I really enjoyed reading The Truth About Celia Frost. It was different to anything I'd ever read before and it was a nice change from all the paranormal and romances that are popular right now. The story was unique and exciting, and the characters were fun to read about.
I really like how Celia was only 14. I felt that I could relate to her because she is my age, and rarely are there young adult titles that feature a main character who is so young. This means that there was little (basically no) romance, which I'm glad of because it would be weird if there was, in my opinion...
While I liked Celia, I did feel that she and the other characters were VERY unrealistic. Perhaps they got better towards the end, but somehow, I just feel that had Celia's situation been real, nobody would have reacted in that way... The hatred that Celia has her mum is so sad, and yes, I realise that she would want to rebel in any way that she could, but despite this I feel that the way that Rawsthorne went about portraying Celia's anger did not feel real. I also didn't believe in her mother's actions at the beginning, because while I know some super protective parents, I doubt anyone is that bad, and would stop her daughter from going to the hospital when she needed to go.
I liked how the book was told almost from two points of view, even though it was told in third person. I liked how it alternated between Celia and Janice's story, and the story of Frankie and his mission to find Celia and Janice, and how they both ended up woven together at the end. I thought the way that Rawsthorne developed and wrote the plot was awesome, it kept me hooked and I read the whole book in about 6 hours. It was very good.
I loved the setting of the book, even though it sounded kind of gross and I had a hard time believing it was in England... I don't know, I've just never come across a place like that in England before. It sounds scary - all the gangs and the really high blocks of flats. (I don't like tall buildings.) The foresty secret place that Celia found with Sol was pretty cool though, and it was so cute that he taught her to swim there. :)
The whole idea of Celia's illness I think was poorly played out by her mum. Once Celia worked out that she didn't have some blood clotting disorder, I think her mum should have told her the truth, instead of hiding it from her until almost the end of the book, as this would have stopped Celia from hating her for most of it. Just saying ;)
Overall though, I really enjoyed reading this book. I think it is a very strong debut from Paula Rawsthorne, and I will definitely be reading any other books that she writes, as her style is awesome. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a good YA read that is different from the popular titles going round today, however I would say that it would probably be more suited to the younger readers (12-15) because of Celia's age and the way that it reads - it's not too complex, which makes it perfect for a quick read, but would probably be more enjoyable for a younger person. Don't let this put you off though, after all, I feel it is aimed at that age range, so therefore it's perfect! (less)

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Aug 10, 2011 Book Angel Emma rated it 5 of 5 stars

Full review to come. Surprisingly full of wonderful music references woven into the narrative which was brilliant. A rollercoaster of twists and truns, plus a thought provoking central plot.
Your curious now arent you :D

Firstly just let me say WOW this book was nothing like I was expecting, it is completely action packed with incredible twists and turns that you just do not see coming.

Although I will admit it is easy to figure out the 'bad' guy in this story the motivation and callousness were...more Full review to come. Surprisingly full of wonderful music references woven into the narrative which was brilliant. A rollercoaster of twists and truns, plus a thought provoking central plot.
Your curious now arent you :D

Firstly just let me say WOW this book was nothing like I was expecting, it is completely action packed with incredible twists and turns that you just do not see coming.

Although I will admit it is easy to figure out the 'bad' guy in this story the motivation and callousness were really shocking.

I adored Celia herself, sympathised with her life - sheltered and over-protected, a loner though not by choice; I was overjoyed when she met Sol. I really liked the wonderful way their friendship developed. They are both rather 'young' for their age probably due to them both having over-protective mothers (common ground lol) . They really bring out the best in each other. They identify something within each other that nobody else has recognised, an aspect that they identify with and compliments themselves. I would go do far as to say they are kindred spirits. Plus their blossoming relationship is just so CUTE.

Even Janice, Celia's mother, was completely relatable to a degree, although extreme in her protection of Celia she has her reasons which are divulged throughout the plot. The way in which she gives her life over to raising, protecting and nurturing Celia is a really good example of unconditional love. It isn't the type of love that should be taken for granted but it should be treasured. Any idiot can have a baby but being a good parent is something entirely different.

A lot of topical issues are raised within the story, medical ethics among them. It made me really think about the lengths I would go to if one of my children were in that position *shudders*. Even after reading it a while ago the questions continue to swirl around my head whenever I think of the story.

The use of music within the narrative and how it allows both Janice and Celia to switch off from their problems was described amazingly insightful and was so easy for me to relate to. I think I have recently stated that music is also subjective, we tend to like certain things because we can relate to them, and this isn't just about the lyrics. It is the music itself. I am sure other people who listen to music as much as I do will understand the point I am trying to make.

A truly impressive debut, I cannot wait to see what Paula Rawsthorne produces next. If you are looking for something completely different in the world of YA then this is most definitely your book. (less)

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Sep 12, 2011 Vivienne Serendipity Reviews rated it 5 of 5 stars

From the first cut that Celia experiences, you know that something just doesn't quite ring true with her supposed condition. You have absolutely no idea what might be going on and why she has to be treated with kid gloves, you just know that the story her mother is telling her is just not true. As a reader, you begin to feel rather uneasy when Celia's mother appears; is she a sufferer of Munchhausen By Proxy??

After the rather stressful incident, Janice reacts in the same way she always does and...more From the first cut that Celia experiences, you know that something just doesn't quite ring true with her supposed condition. You have absolutely no idea what might be going on and why she has to be treated with kid gloves, you just know that the story her mother is telling her is just not true. As a reader, you begin to feel rather uneasy when Celia's mother appears; is she a sufferer of Munchhausen By Proxy??

After the rather stressful incident, Janice reacts in the same way she always does and packs up their belongings and moves them to a new town. A new start is needed, just like all the other times, the only problem is that someone has managed to follow their scent this time and is on the trail.

Poor, poor Celia, I really felt for her to begin with. I struggled with how much her mother had lied to her and I was cheering her from the sidelines as she gave her mother hell for keeping her under lock and key for most of her life. I was so pleased to see her rebel against her mother and shift from the scared young creature to a bold,sassy and rather nasty teenager. However as the story progressed, I began to realise that Janice had her reasons, which we were not privy to and she was completely justified in her actions, so I did feel rather sorry for her and the way Celia treated her. I felt terrible for jumping to conclusions. It was quite pitiful to see the deterioration of the mother and daughter relationship.

It is really difficult to review this book, as it has such a huge twist in it, that you know will appear, but you just can't put your finger on what it actually is. All through the book, you find yourself feeling rather desperate to know what the truth about Celia actually is. When the truth eventually is told, life changes for the better for Celia and Janice, which shows that it is better to get the truth out there rather than living a lie.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and insist that people read it, as the truth about Celia will keep you turning those pages desperate for an answer. When the truth was revealed, it really surprised me as I hadn't expected it at all. A fabulous debut with a fascinating story line and extremely strong and well written characters.
(less)

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Aug 18, 2011 Cicely rated it 4 of 5 stars

If I could say only one thing about The Truth About Celia Frost, it would be that I have honestly never read a book like it before. It has a brilliantly unique plot and concept, and I couldn't see half the twists coming. Just the whole idea of the book is so incredibly different and kind of refreshing. The only problem with it, though, is that anything I say might spoil the book. And we wouldn't want that now, would we!

Celia is a great character. She's spent her whole life thinking she has this...more If I could say only one thing about The Truth About Celia Frost, it would be that I have honestly never read a book like it before. It has a brilliantly unique plot and concept, and I couldn't see half the twists coming. Just the whole idea of the book is so incredibly different and kind of refreshing. The only problem with it, though, is that anything I say might spoil the book. And we wouldn't want that now, would we!

Celia is a great character. She's spent her whole life thinking she has this terrible blood disorder, she hasn't got any friends, no family apart from her mother. At first, I didn't really like her. I felt sorry for her, but I didn't like her. It was only when they moved and she started to make friends with Sol and break away from her mother, whether for the right reasons or not, that she started to come to life for me. When she began to enjoy teenage rebellion and just did what she wanted regardless of consequences. When her only friend was not her mother, Janice. And while it might have got into a spot of trouble, it was all for the best.

I might be making it out that Janice was the bad guy, when she really wasn't. She did whatever any good mum would do, doing her best to look after her child. And while she did do some things that pissed me off a bit, like guilting her daughter into doing things for her, and being incredibly over protective (which I can't really blame her for), she was nothing in comparison to the real bad guy, who I'm not going to say much about. Apart from the fact that they're crazy., in that sort of What-I'm-Not-Mad-I'm-Helping-The-Planet-I'm-Telling-You-This-Whole-Killing-People-Thing-Is-Just-Research-For-The-Better-Good way. So that was kinda long.. ;)

Sol was also a great character. He was so cute, and it's obvious he really cares about Celia, but not in that broody way. I so think they got together after the book ;) All of the side characters were wonderful too, and the story was really well thought out and very intricately put together. There were some minor parts that I just couldn't really find believable, but they didn't detract from my enjoyment of it all. And the whole plot is just so original.

The Truth About Celia Frost is a truly exciting, engaging, fast-paced thriller that will have you hooked from the first page. 4.5 stars :)(less)

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Aug 29, 2011 Clover (Fluttering Butterflies) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, british-reading-challenge, sent-for-review, ya, books-read-in-2011

Review originally posted at Fluttering Butterflies

I found the Truth About Celia Frost by Paula Rawsthorne to be a very interesting story. Aimed at a younger audience than what I'd normally read, but still absolutely gripping and addictive reading that will make you think.

Celia Frost is a 14 year old girl with an unusual problem - she has a rare blood condition that means that she could possibly die from any small cut. Living alone with her mom, it has been drummed into Celia for as long as she c...more Review originally posted at Fluttering Butterflies

I found the Truth About Celia Frost by Paula Rawsthorne to be a very interesting story. Aimed at a younger audience than what I'd normally read, but still absolutely gripping and addictive reading that will make you think.

Celia Frost is a 14 year old girl with an unusual problem - she has a rare blood condition that means that she could possibly die from any small cut. Living alone with her mom, it has been drummed into Celia for as long as she can remember that Celia is different to other kids her own age. She must be careful and not take risks. She can't put herself into any situation that might cause her to bleed. So for Celia, life is pretty unbearable. She's bullied and teased at school, she's isolated from schoolmates and singled out in front of the school. Her mother moves her around a lot and she has no stable place to call home. I felt very sad for Celia right from the beginning, it doesn't seem like the type of life that a teenage girl should be living.

When a particularly mean bully at school attacks Celia and she is carted off to the emergency room, things don't go quite as Celia expects. She doesn't die and the doctor can find nothing wrong with the way her blood stops on its own. When Celia's mother starts to panic and they immediately leave town, Celia begins to question everything her mother has ever told her. Has her entire life been a lie? Or has Celia's mother been hiding a more serious secret?

The Truth About Celia Frost is told from two main perspectives, Celia's as well as a dodgy private investigator who is hired from an unknown source to track down the Frosts. It's an interesting dual-narrative and I think it really adds to the mystery trying to be solved here - who is tracking down Celia, and what's the deal with her blood? Though there isn't a great deal of plot in this book, it is really nice to see Celia transform from a kicked-dog teenager into a young woman with more confidence and strength to her as she sticks up for herself and becomes more independent. Even making a really great friend in one of the neighbour boys, Sol.

I think The Truth About Celia Frost brings up some interesting themes - that of letting children become their own people and giving them some independence and to trust that they will be OK. It made me think of Celia's quality of life - where is that right balance between living your life freely and being alive but without any pleasure of happiness. Though I did feel like the whingey/manipulative relationship between Celia and her mother wasn't particularly believeable, I did find the friendship between Celia and Sol to be heart-warming and incredibly sweet.

Celia Frost as a main character really pulled at my heartstrings and right from the start, I was emotionally invested in her and was really rooting for her to end up in a good place. Once started, I really couldn't put this book down. Highly recommended. (less)

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Nov 30, 2011 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own-print, signed, for-review-read, read-in-2011, british-author

Celia Frost has a rare blood disorder and the smallest cut could cause her to bleed to death. She has spent her whole life being treated as a freak by fellow students and trying to avoid any kind of injury. When a bully takes things too far and Celia ends up in hospital after a knife attack everything changes. Celia realises that her mum has been keeping secrets from her but why? What is it that has her mother so scared that she insists they run?

I have to admit that I was scared to read this one...more Celia Frost has a rare blood disorder and the smallest cut could cause her to bleed to death. She has spent her whole life being treated as a freak by fellow students and trying to avoid any kind of injury. When a bully takes things too far and Celia ends up in hospital after a knife attack everything changes. Celia realises that her mum has been keeping secrets from her but why? What is it that has her mother so scared that she insists they run?

I have to admit that I was scared to read this one, I have a blood phobia so reading the synopsis I got as far as reading "she could bleed to death from the slightest cut" and immediately put the book to one side. It's taken me months to pluck up the courage to actually read it which I know sounds silly but I can't help it! I almost put the book down again by the end of the first chapter because I didn't think I could handle reading any further but I'm so glad I persevered. The story was completely different from anything I expected and once I got through the first couple of chapters I was able to put my nerves to one side and was completely hooked.

It is hard to go into any detail about the story because it would be too easy to give spoilers so I'm going to talk more about the characters than the plot. I will say that the story is fast paced, has some fantastic twists and was so good that I finished it in one sitting. There were times I was on the edge of my seat and I really had no idea how things would end. The Truth About Celia Frost is a fantastic debut and I'm excited to see what Paula Rawsthorne comes up with next.

Celia is a great main character who has had a difficult life, she has never been allowed to do any of the things that normal kids do - even falling off a bike could kill her so her mother has never let her play with other children. She feels like a freak and has never really had friends so she is intensely lonely and now that she doesn't feel able to trust her mother she is even more lost. I loved the friendship that develops between her and Sol, finally Celia has someone who makes her feel normal and Sol helps her to experience the things she has missed out on previously. I liked the fact that although there were hints at a possible future romance between Celia and Sol the story focuses much more on the friendship between them

This is a story that will make you think, it touches on all kind of issues from bullying & gang violence to various kinds of abuse and a few other things I can't mention because of spoilers. I really had no idea what was going to happen in this book before I started reading it and I think that is the best way to go into the story - I guarantee it will surprise you. This is a book I'd highly recommend to thriller fans and I'll definitely be picking up whatever this author brings out next.(less)

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Apr 13, 2011 Kirsty (overflowing library) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-books, signed, uk-author

Paula's debut novel is absolutely amazing. I read this book in a matter of hours and loved every page. It is a cleverly sophisticated, fast paced and engaging thriller which had more twists and turns than you can shake a stick at. I was hooked from page one and couldn't bear to put it down as I needed to know what happened next. It was an utter pleasure to read and I can't wait to see what Paula writes next.

Celia Frost is a young girl who has spent her entire life living in a bubble. She has be...more

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Feb 04, 2013 Michele Velthuizen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Genre: Trial by Fire (realistic), bit of Sci Fi
Grade level: 7th+
Reading level: easy - medium

I like books with twists, and this one certainly surprised me halfway through. I won't give the twist away here, but just know that things aren't what they seem with Celia Frost and her strange, overly-protective mom. If you enjoy stand-alone books that are different, yet captivating, give it a try. This one won't disappoint.

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Sep 22, 2012 Sanchita rated it 4 of 5 stars

It was a really nice book.What I liked about the book was as soon a new detail about Celia emerged I constructed i tried to guess what could be the truth about Celia Frost, but was proved wrong every time .The tension created and the merging of parallel narratives was nice but i think although the entire book was engaging the climax could have been a bit less predictable .

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Sep 23, 2012 Sanjana Radhakrishna rated it 3 of 5 stars

the truth about celia frost is really a nice book for dos who lOOOve mystery and suspense i rated it liked cuzz mystery and suspense is really not my thing i like romance better but am sure all mystery lovers r gonna fall in luv wid dis book!!

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May 18, 2011 Mar Dixon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved this fast-paced mysterious thriller. From the first sentence, I was hooked and the only reason I put the book down was I had to drive. It was *that* good.

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Feb 20, 2012 Alexandra (AlexEatsBooks) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, young-adult, books-i-own

Interesting premise - left me feeling flat at the end. Read my full (non-spoilery) review here

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Jul 28, 2012 Anna rated it 4 of 5 stars

I just picked this up while browsing happily in the library and thought I'd give it a shot. It was suprisingly gripping, the plot was interesting and the characters (especially Celia's mum) had unexpected motives. The end was wonderful...great book :)

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Aug 10, 2012 Emily rated it 5 of 5 stars

Really good. I wasn't sure i would like it to start with but i soon got in to it and couldn't put it down. :)

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Jul 12, 2012 Siobhan rated it 5 of 5 stars

a book u have 2 read
its full of misery, love and tagic happening

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Feb 18, 2012 Iris rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Truth About Celia Frost was a different book compare to the genre I usual read. And it was refreshing. It took me a while to get into it but once I started it was lovely. It wasn't a book that I thought I must finish this book in one sitting or two (it could of), it was just captivating. It was interesting with the different points of view, that I enjoyed and the range of character. The plot of the truth about Celia was a sure mystery. However I wish I saw what happened in the future but no...more

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Sep 16, 2012 Nadia Winborn rated it 5 of 5 stars

great twist to story. real page turner.

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