The Deep Freeze of Bartholomew Tullock

by Alex Williams

The village of Pinrut has been covered in freezing snow for years. Which is terrible for the Breeze family, who have been fancy fanmakers for centuries. In fact, the Breezes have fallen so in debt, local tyrant Bartholomew Tullock is threatening to take their home?and enslave them in the turnip fields! Now 13-year-old Rufus must defend their house from greedy Tullock while his sister, Madeline, and their father set off to sell their fans where it?s warmer. Both plights turn perilous, uncovering secrets that could put a freeze on Tullock?s tyranny forever. But if they fail, the Breezes can kiss their freedom goodbye for good.

With infectious writing and unforgettable characters, here is a folksy, funny and fantastic story by an extraordinary new talent.

Genres: Fantasy

298 pages, Hardcover

First published October 16, 2008

About the author

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Reviews

[Peter Last · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Iffy Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish it would have been longer and have made Tullock a redeemable character- I thought this book would be more about him.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is not bad as far as content goes. It's very innocent with minor violence and one or two deaths very briefly described. There's a strong sense of freedom and the importance of family through-out the story.

My main complaint with the story is the lack of back story. I never really understood why Tullock hated Philip Breeze so much, other than his infatuation with his wife. But if that was really the whole reason, than why did his family - who didn't approve of his "crush" on Elizabeth - hate the Breeze family? And what was the deal with Scratskin? Why was Tullock so scared of him and why didn't he simply have him killed or banished if he hated him so much? I just really didn't grasp the villain's whole story.

I thought the world was very intriguing, but the characters were rather one-dimensional. The adults especially were pretty useless. It was one thing with Sebastian, since that was kind of the point of his character, and I kind of understood with Philip since he was supposed to constantly have his head in the clouds. But there were more moments than there should have been when the two kids took over as the grown-ups of the situation while the real grown-up stood in shock, asking what they should do. Even Elizabeth, who was supposed to headstrong and independent found herself constantly the damsel-in-distress with her children having to take care of her.

There was also a bit of unbelievability (yes, I'm coining the word) in the different weather conditions. Like when Elizabeth and Rufus come out of the freezing water, their neighbors simply ask if they're okay, despite the fact that in reality they would be on the verge of sickness. And Philip and his daughter visit the town with the scorching hot weather, they do nothing to protect themselves from the sun and yet neither of them get sun-burned. Perhaps this is part of the fantasy element of the story, but I found it distracting.

The plot-twist near the end, although I didn't guess it originally, didn't surprise me. Overall, like I said it's not a bad book for kids. But older teens and adults might find it lacking.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the village of Pinrut that has been covered in freezing snow for years, the Breeze family is struggling to survive. They have invented fancy and delicate machine fans for centuries as their livelihood. Despite their father Philip stubbornly continuing the tradition, snow or no snow, the Breeze family is so in debt that local tyrant Bartholomew Tullock is threatening to take their home and enslave them in the turnip fields.

Rufus Breeze and his mother Elizabeth must defend their house from Tullock while his sister Madeline and his father set off to sell their fans where it's warmer in order to survive. Along the journey, Madeline and Philip meet a sly salesman named Sebastian Silver and his blue-haired terrier Mesmer. The family eventually rejoins with each other after numerous adventures of their own and discover the machine that has been causing the constant snow. The siblings destroy the device and the sun returns to their village.

This adventurous tale offers some humorous moments, quirky characters and descriptive writing. Not a story I would recommend at first, but to a reader who is looking to read something unique who is interested in adventures or inventions.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great adventure story for both boys and girls. A brother and sister that help to fight for their family and their town that has been buried under snow (and the torment of Bartholomew Tullock) since before they were born. They head off on separate journeys which adds to the adventure and the appeal. I really liked that their family was so pleasant and functional... how refreshing! There is a bit of fantasy here as well with the exceptional inventions the family creates, their spectacular home, Tullock's guards and his evil henchman. A great read that's quick because you can't put it down.

[Virginia Brace · Rating 3 out of 5]

The kids in the Breeze family try to figure out why their town is always cold. It is because of a machine invented by Bartholomew Tullock. Their father can't sell his amazing fans and everyone in the town is suffering because of the terrible landlord/villian who owns the town. Gadgets and tinkering with machines, but not the most riveting story. Why doesn't the family just move to a warmer climate?

[Tracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Does money matter more than people? Are things worth more than relationships? The Breeze family legacy is a long line of ingenious fan makers; their fans are a wonder to behold. However, many years previously, the use for fans disappeared in their land of Pinrut when a blizzard descended - and never left. Now the Breeze family and the town must come together to defeat the tyrant Bartholomew Tullock if they dare.

[Jeanne Mayo · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting idea. I could easily envision the intricate fans created by the Breeze family. In short the Breeze family makes their living by creating wonderful spectacular fans. Alas they are living in an icy world and are trying to survive until the sun and warmth return. Of course all is not as it seems. I do like the strong female character. Seems like this introduces steampunk gently to younger readers.

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great story about a family trying to survive together against a cruel villain and even crueler weather. Each four members of the family are really given life, but the best character is the villain Tullock, who create instant loathing the moment he is introduced.

[Cecilia Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

The village of Pinrut is trapped in eternal Winter; a problem for Madeline and her family because they make fans.
The plot has a slight melodramatic tone, but also has a humorous touch.
The environmental message is about climate change due to machinery.

[Jacqueline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a simple, good fun tale to keep you entertained on a cold winter's evening!

[Ella · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Deep Freeze of Bartholomew Tullock by Alex Williams (2008)

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an engaging book, but not one of the best. Possibly the strength of this book is the focus on the value of family.

[Elaine Mathias · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a nice change in pace for me. I was looking for a cute hero vs villian fantasy and I found this! It was a very sweet story that surpassed my expectations!

[Emillie Urban]

hope there is a second