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Frozen
Vivian Bowles has never been the same since losing her daughter to a hit-and-run accident. Her marriage died, her business crumbled, and she tumbled into a deep well of sorrow and despair. She sustained herself by channeling her grief into a singular finding and punishing the person responsible for her daughter’s death.Her quest for answers has taken her from Florida to Colorado, where she plans to teach Sheldon and Terri James a hard lesson in personal loss.Things are about to get very cold in Colorado…Frozen, a 20,000-word novella, is a gripping examination of endurance and obsession in the face of harrowing personal tragedy.
- GenresThriller
104 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
6 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Powell
24 books44 followersDaniel teaches a variety of writing classes at Florida State College at Jacksonville. He has published numerous short stories and critical essays in journals, anthologies, and magazines, and his novellas have been recently collected in Maximum Dark Four Tales of Suspense. He recently completed his doctoral degree (emphasis on digital media studies) in the Texts and Technology program at the University of Central Florida.
He enjoys fishing the tidal creeks of Duval County and jogging the haunted shell mounds of the Timucuan Preserve. He shares a small home near Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway with his wife, son, and daughter.
Other works include:
Cold on the Mountain
The Reset
In the Walls and Other Stories
The Silver Coast and Other Stories
These Strange Worlds Fourteen Dark Tales
You can learn more about Daniel’s upcoming writing projects by visiting The Byproduct, his web journal on speculative storytelling.
He enjoys fishing the tidal creeks of Duval County and jogging the haunted shell mounds of the Timucuan Preserve. He shares a small home near Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway with his wife, son, and daughter.
Other works include:
Cold on the Mountain
The Reset
In the Walls and Other Stories
The Silver Coast and Other Stories
These Strange Worlds Fourteen Dark Tales
You can learn more about Daniel’s upcoming writing projects by visiting The Byproduct, his web journal on speculative storytelling.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 17, 2020
Good Read
Enjoyed this story so much , couldn't put it down. Was very entertaining and kept me wanting to read more.
Enjoyed this story so much , couldn't put it down. Was very entertaining and kept me wanting to read more.
February 19, 2012
I won this book in a goodreads give away. I received it today and finished it today.
For a small book, it was jam packed with page turning thrills. Anyone reading this review will also want to know there were some very strong adult themes in this as well as language. Very adult.
When I entered in to win this book, I didn't even really read what the story was about; all I saw was that it was a thriller. Based off the title I guessed it had to do with, you guessed it, something or someone freezing. I was pleasantly surprised with the whole book.
I think there were so many more things that could have been done with the story to bulk it up a little more. This of course, however, would change the speedy, fast paced atmosphere the book provides, however it would make the book feel a tad more "professional". Something that makes those "New York Bestsellers" lists. I would have enjoyed seeing more of Vivian in the beginning, a slower progress of what she considered "working her way into their lives". Because we don't know the origin of the James family and why they had to move to Colorado, as well as the reason for Vivian's anger, I think having Vivian there a little longer than 3 days would have worked more with her trying to gain the family's trust, even more so when it comes to the last few chapters of the book.
One of my favorite things about this book is that I literally cringed when reading certain parts of this book. The writing style in this book is very easy to read and flows well. It's refreshing to read a book where the author doesn't muck something up with too much detail and is able to get gruesome images across to you.
While I am not a mother (yet) I am sure it's very scary and harrowing to read things about children in danger. So if you are a mother and you don't like to read things like that; beware of this book!
In the about the author section there is note about a "companion" book to this one coming out called Torched. I will be looking out for it! And thanks for the little sticky note, Daniel Powell!
For a small book, it was jam packed with page turning thrills. Anyone reading this review will also want to know there were some very strong adult themes in this as well as language. Very adult.
When I entered in to win this book, I didn't even really read what the story was about; all I saw was that it was a thriller. Based off the title I guessed it had to do with, you guessed it, something or someone freezing. I was pleasantly surprised with the whole book.
I think there were so many more things that could have been done with the story to bulk it up a little more. This of course, however, would change the speedy, fast paced atmosphere the book provides, however it would make the book feel a tad more "professional". Something that makes those "New York Bestsellers" lists. I would have enjoyed seeing more of Vivian in the beginning, a slower progress of what she considered "working her way into their lives". Because we don't know the origin of the James family and why they had to move to Colorado, as well as the reason for Vivian's anger, I think having Vivian there a little longer than 3 days would have worked more with her trying to gain the family's trust, even more so when it comes to the last few chapters of the book.
One of my favorite things about this book is that I literally cringed when reading certain parts of this book. The writing style in this book is very easy to read and flows well. It's refreshing to read a book where the author doesn't muck something up with too much detail and is able to get gruesome images across to you.
While I am not a mother (yet) I am sure it's very scary and harrowing to read things about children in danger. So if you are a mother and you don't like to read things like that; beware of this book!
In the about the author section there is note about a "companion" book to this one coming out called Torched. I will be looking out for it! And thanks for the little sticky note, Daniel Powell!
June 23, 2013
This book certainly got and kept my attention, despite the formatting errors I found in the book. Sheldon and his family recently moved to Colorado from Florida are a nice enough family. However, there are secrets lurking in Sheldon’s background that only he and a few others know. A woman, Vivian moves in next door. She has hidden secrets also, as well as a plan to make the person responsible for her daughter’s death pay for all the misery she has had since then. This plot seems simple and straightforward enough, but the execution has a dark execution. I found myself liking Sheldon’s wife Terri, but despising both Vivian and Sheldon. The plot to avenge her daughter’s death appears to have consumed Vivian—or was it the instability that resulted from her months of grief that has now turned from anger? I actually was grateful this book was a short one, because I seriously doubt I could have continued reading such a dark story. Some reviewers stated they wished the story could have been longer, but not this one. In such a short story, as can be expected, there was little time to develop the characters well and the background had to just come out rather than be solely developed. In addition, every art of the diabolical plot had to just fall into place with few or no glitches. This tale of revenge, anger and fear is not a fun story to read and not for a quiet afternoon curled up in front of a nice fireplace. If you are looking for something different and are ready for a good eye opener with shock value thrown in, then this story is for you. I tend not to be a terribly feel good person all the time, but I found this story a little bit far-fetched and beyond my comfort and enjoyment level—which is really why I read books, novellas, etc. Try it. You may find it to your liking. I received this book free from the author as part of a Library Thing give away.
February 23, 2012
I won this books in a goodreads first reads giveaway. While not the first book I won it was the first book that I received. Yay!
Pros:
-I really liked the book's plot. Vivian getting revenge for her daughter's accidental death was so well written that I rooted for her from the beginning. Yet I also rooted for Terry. One of those books where you don't want the hero or villain to lose. But really there is no villain except maybe Sheldon.
Cons:
-The book was just really to short. It should've been a bit longer to flesh out the characters a bit more.
-Also the author should've better explained the characters in the book. Especially towards the end of the book when Vivian mentions someone named Ryan (which I'll assume was her Husband) but Ryan was never mention, at least by name before so it was kinda confusing.
So yea. While the characters could've been fleshed out more and a bit more detailed (I understand the Author was going for a short-ish fast paced book tho) I really enjoyed the book and its story.
4/5 Stars
PS: Thanks for the note Daniel! I however put it inside the book since I didn't want it covering the cool cover.
PPS: Apparently theres gonna be another story in this saga coming soon. Will buy it!
Pros:
-I really liked the book's plot. Vivian getting revenge for her daughter's accidental death was so well written that I rooted for her from the beginning. Yet I also rooted for Terry. One of those books where you don't want the hero or villain to lose. But really there is no villain except maybe Sheldon.
Cons:
-The book was just really to short. It should've been a bit longer to flesh out the characters a bit more.
-Also the author should've better explained the characters in the book. Especially towards the end of the book when Vivian mentions someone named Ryan (which I'll assume was her Husband) but Ryan was never mention, at least by name before so it was kinda confusing.
So yea. While the characters could've been fleshed out more and a bit more detailed (I understand the Author was going for a short-ish fast paced book tho) I really enjoyed the book and its story.
4/5 Stars
PS: Thanks for the note Daniel! I however put it inside the book since I didn't want it covering the cool cover.
PPS: Apparently theres gonna be another story in this saga coming soon. Will buy it!
January 15, 2013
Sheldon James was always late. When he and his family lived in Florida he was late and now, that they live in Colorado, nothing has changed. Speeding around a corner on a mountain road he comes up a Mercedes just sitting there. After some pretty fancy driving to avoid a total disaster, he climbs out and sees the owner of the Benz. Standing across the road watching him.
After screaming, ranging and yelling some more, Sheldon calms a bit and discovers he nearly took out his new neighbor’s car. Although it WAS in the middle of the road. A one-way road, no less. He goes home and tells his family all about it and then the problems begin. His wife wants to meet her, the kids wonder if she has kids (she doesn’t) and so goes one of the best thrillers I’ve read in quite a while.
It seems that Sheldon, while speeding in Florida had some issues that involve Vivian. She wants revenge and has spent over a year planning how to get it. She does a damn good job!
What a book! Don’t plan on putting it down until you’re finished because you won’t be able to. Well done, Mr. Powell, well done!
After screaming, ranging and yelling some more, Sheldon calms a bit and discovers he nearly took out his new neighbor’s car. Although it WAS in the middle of the road. A one-way road, no less. He goes home and tells his family all about it and then the problems begin. His wife wants to meet her, the kids wonder if she has kids (she doesn’t) and so goes one of the best thrillers I’ve read in quite a while.
It seems that Sheldon, while speeding in Florida had some issues that involve Vivian. She wants revenge and has spent over a year planning how to get it. She does a damn good job!
What a book! Don’t plan on putting it down until you’re finished because you won’t be able to. Well done, Mr. Powell, well done!
May 29, 2012
I didn't like it. I should have known from the detailed sex scene that this was not my style of book. I don't mind sex scenes that are tastefully done. I don't need a detailed play by play. But I kept reading. It was short (thankfully). It was also free on the Kindle. Afterwards I thought, "That's an hour I'll never get back." I didn't like Sheldon. I did want him to get what he deserved, but I can't say that how he met his end was satisfying. There was a lot action-characters are involved in adultery, a car accident, and a snow storm. They are drugged, kidnapped, raped, and set upon by wild wolves. Just to name a few things. I felt like the author was just trying to see how many bad things he could squeeze into this short story.
February 20, 2013
This novella makes for a quick, chilling read. The story starts out with Sheldon and his family beginning a new life in Colorado. Little do they know that their new neighbor, Vivian, has followed them from their former home and is seeking revenge for the death of her daughter.
The story was interesting up to the point where Vivian puts her plan into action. Once the family was put out into the cold to freeze to death, the events that took place after were just too fabricated and unbelievable. Specifically, the incidents that happened to Sheldon and his wife, Terri. Had those been left out, I would’ve enjoyed this much more.
Overall, for a quick read, Frozen was just okay, but not one I’d read again.
The story was interesting up to the point where Vivian puts her plan into action. Once the family was put out into the cold to freeze to death, the events that took place after were just too fabricated and unbelievable. Specifically, the incidents that happened to Sheldon and his wife, Terri. Had those been left out, I would’ve enjoyed this much more.
Overall, for a quick read, Frozen was just okay, but not one I’d read again.
December 28, 2012
This book was a little unusual in the weay in whch it started. It did capture your attention and you wanted to find out what had happened to get us to the point we started. I must admit it was an interesting ride and those who like mysteries and novels will enjoy this one.
J. Robert Ewbank author "Wesley's Wars" and "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms"
J. Robert Ewbank author "Wesley's Wars" and "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms"
December 27, 2012
A woman's hatred. A husband's guilt. A mother's anguish. Each of these emotions takes center stage in "Frozen: A Thriller." Mr. Powell is a fantastic storyteller and I couldn't put "Frozen" down. I read it from beginning to end in one sitting!
April 20, 2012
Really didn't care all for this story. Okay get that Vivian upset that Sheldon killed her child okay got it and she's out for revenge.
Nothing more that I can say.
Nothing more that I can say.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews