What do you think?
Rate this book
The Freeze
It is the year 2064 and London is in crisis. More than thirty percent of the world's population has been killed by a global pandemic and the city state is divided into four zones to prevent further spread. For the past twenty years, each month has seen a different zone plunged into 'freeze' state, the space and its inhabitants literally frozen in time for thirty days. The government explains this as a natural quantum temporal anomaly, but there are those who suspect foul play. 17-year-old James is stuck in the poverty of Zone 4, moving between foster placements with his twin brother, Jake. When he meets the magnetic, rebellious Sasha, he is introduced to the dangerous world of 'tripping' - the illegal practice of breaking into frozen zones. Before long, James is caught up in the schemes of Thaw - a group of young misfits working together to stand up to the government's inequalities - and finds himself with an impossible decision to make. James wants to uncover any hidden truths about the freeze and save those he cares about from injustice, but how can he do this when it's hard enough to save himself? The Freeze is a dystopian novel for young adults, brought to you by R.D. Stevens , the award-winning author of The Journal .
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2023
6 people want to read
About the author
R.D. Stevens
3 books11 followersR. D. STEVENS grew up in Kent, England, with an overactive imagination and a love of big questions.
His award-winning YA debut, 'The Journal', was released by Vulpine Press in August '22, and 'The Freeze', his sophomore novel, was released in Jan '23. He has also had short stories, creative non-fiction, and academic writing published in various destinations. He was shortlisted for the Olga Sinclair Prize 2023, longlisted for the Aurora National Short Fiction Prize 2023, and has won awards for his novels, including the Literary Titan Gold Book Award for ‘The Freeze’, and the Chill With a Book Reader’s Award for ‘The Journal’.
His latest novel - 'Ezra and the Great Bin Jah Meen' - is published by Dreamsphere Books and was released on 6th December 2024.
Outside of writing, after spending many years in secondary school teaching, he currently works at King's College University, is studying for a PhD, and loves to read books, play the guitar, and talk about existentialism (with anyone who'll listen). He lives in London with his family and FOMO-suffering dog.
His award-winning YA debut, 'The Journal', was released by Vulpine Press in August '22, and 'The Freeze', his sophomore novel, was released in Jan '23. He has also had short stories, creative non-fiction, and academic writing published in various destinations. He was shortlisted for the Olga Sinclair Prize 2023, longlisted for the Aurora National Short Fiction Prize 2023, and has won awards for his novels, including the Literary Titan Gold Book Award for ‘The Freeze’, and the Chill With a Book Reader’s Award for ‘The Journal’.
His latest novel - 'Ezra and the Great Bin Jah Meen' - is published by Dreamsphere Books and was released on 6th December 2024.
Outside of writing, after spending many years in secondary school teaching, he currently works at King's College University, is studying for a PhD, and loves to read books, play the guitar, and talk about existentialism (with anyone who'll listen). He lives in London with his family and FOMO-suffering dog.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 12, 2023
Set in 2064 in London, The Freeze takes place in a post-pandemic world where a third of the population has been killed and London is divided into four zones to prevent further spread. Each month, one zone is in a freeze state with others forbidden to enter that zone-- which is where James and “The Thaw” come into play.
James is a flawed character with a mentally ill twin who joins “The Thaw” for a few reasons—he wants to find out the truth about The Freeze, he wants to escape poverty and foment change, and there’s a girl who likes to drag him into trouble.
Stevens uses some truly unique devices to tell his story, dividing the narrative into different parts that mirror phases in the protagonists’ progression. James is a flawed character and a unique variation of the reluctant hero trope.
While there are elements here of well-known dystopic novels (e.g. The Hunger Games with it’s different districts), Stevens definitely has a highly original approach and voice. While the protagonist is a young adult, this book deals with complex concepts and the writing is very sophisticated. I would put it in the cross-over category of older young-adult to adult.
Highly recommended!
James is a flawed character with a mentally ill twin who joins “The Thaw” for a few reasons—he wants to find out the truth about The Freeze, he wants to escape poverty and foment change, and there’s a girl who likes to drag him into trouble.
Stevens uses some truly unique devices to tell his story, dividing the narrative into different parts that mirror phases in the protagonists’ progression. James is a flawed character and a unique variation of the reluctant hero trope.
While there are elements here of well-known dystopic novels (e.g. The Hunger Games with it’s different districts), Stevens definitely has a highly original approach and voice. While the protagonist is a young adult, this book deals with complex concepts and the writing is very sophisticated. I would put it in the cross-over category of older young-adult to adult.
Highly recommended!
March 26, 2025
the book was okay, it was confusing at times. it was a crazyyy book. the names james and jake are so similar so sometimes i got confused between them lol. the fact that i read this in 2025 is crazy (nod to the book) i had no idea where this book was going. at some points i could guess where the plot was going but other times it completely took a different turn. i also thought sasha was an annoying character. james also made me mad at times.
March 8, 2023
Fantastic concept and well executed with complex characters and strangely believable sci-fi elements. A bit like a Black Mirror episode set in the post Brexit/CV-19 world. The first act seems fairly harmless, then like a rollercoaster you plunge over the edge and find yourself hurtling along and screaming with delight.
February 11, 2023
This book was so good that I finished it in two days!! A fascinating and quick read. The thought of the "freeze" in which everyone's bodies are frozen in time for thirty days is perfectly terrifying.
I loved James' character, especially how he and his brother were in the foster system, which is a world close to my heart. He was a well-written mix of intelligence, impulsively, and brokenness that often led to poor decision making (and hence an interesting story).
The pacing was often fast and exciting, with some slower parts in the middle where we didn't quite know what was happening. It was fun to be a little lost with James as he tried to figure out what was going on.
I loved James' character, especially how he and his brother were in the foster system, which is a world close to my heart. He was a well-written mix of intelligence, impulsively, and brokenness that often led to poor decision making (and hence an interesting story).
The pacing was often fast and exciting, with some slower parts in the middle where we didn't quite know what was happening. It was fun to be a little lost with James as he tried to figure out what was going on.
October 30, 2024
The Freeze is a fresh YA dystopian that takes place in a not so distant future, in London, England.
Main character James is highly flawed, but that’s what makes him interesting, lovable and an unlikely hero. I appreciated the foster care and mental health rep, something you don’t see a lot. His love interest, strong but vulnerable Sasha, is also memorable.
Government overreach during a pandemic turns London into a bleak, broken world, full of corruption and inequality. James and Sasha join a band of teenage misfits who dare to rebel against the government, aiming for change.
Smartly written, Stevens used clever techniques I haven’t come across before. The elevated writing didn’t slow down the well-paced plot, however. One of my favorite parts: Stevens, a philosophy teacher, sprinkled in profound thoughts about life throughout the prose, making the read even more meaningful and enjoyable. 4.5 stars. I recommend this one!
Main character James is highly flawed, but that’s what makes him interesting, lovable and an unlikely hero. I appreciated the foster care and mental health rep, something you don’t see a lot. His love interest, strong but vulnerable Sasha, is also memorable.
Government overreach during a pandemic turns London into a bleak, broken world, full of corruption and inequality. James and Sasha join a band of teenage misfits who dare to rebel against the government, aiming for change.
Smartly written, Stevens used clever techniques I haven’t come across before. The elevated writing didn’t slow down the well-paced plot, however. One of my favorite parts: Stevens, a philosophy teacher, sprinkled in profound thoughts about life throughout the prose, making the read even more meaningful and enjoyable. 4.5 stars. I recommend this one!
May 1, 2023
In the year 2064, humanity is reeling from the devastating effects of a deadly virus that has ravaged the global population. Despite valiant efforts by scientists to develop vaccines, the virus continues to take its toll, and the government is forced to take drastic action. With nearly a third of London’s citizens dead, the government divides the city into four zones and asserts that a naturally occurring temporal anomaly causes certain areas to freeze at specific intervals.
In this world of chaos and uncertainty, James is a young man trying to make sense of the new reality. His life changes when he meets Sasha, a passionate advocate for an organization called “The Thaw,” which seeks to free citizens and allow them to leave the confines of the city walls. Convinced that the government is behind the temporal freezes, James joins Sasha and the organization in their mission to overthrow the system. But can a group of teenagers really take on the might of the government and emerge victorious?
The author’s fast-paced writing style immediately drew me into the story. Unlike many young adult dystopian novels that focus on the scenery, the author skillfully delves into James’ traumatized mind, creating a unique and emotionally engaging experience. The description of James’ feelings is relatable and realistic, making his character all the more compelling. As the story progresses, the latter half of the book focuses on James’ mental growth as he transforms from a broken and worn-down character to a stronger, more resilient person. Witnessing this transformation was deeply satisfying, and it gave me hope for the future of the world in the story. The novel’s conclusion is hopeful, leaving the reader with a sense of closure and the belief that change is possible. This book is a great read, with a storyline that feels eerily possible in our current global situation. It made me reflect on the lengths to which governments might go to contain a pandemic and the importance of individual agency in shaping the future.
The Freeze is an excellent young adult dystopian novel that expertly blends action, suspense, and emotional depth. The story’s plausibility and relevance to contemporary issues regarding disease control and government intervention serve as a warning about the potential consequences of government overreach. In short, this is a fantastic novel that will leave readers thoroughly entranced.
In this world of chaos and uncertainty, James is a young man trying to make sense of the new reality. His life changes when he meets Sasha, a passionate advocate for an organization called “The Thaw,” which seeks to free citizens and allow them to leave the confines of the city walls. Convinced that the government is behind the temporal freezes, James joins Sasha and the organization in their mission to overthrow the system. But can a group of teenagers really take on the might of the government and emerge victorious?
The author’s fast-paced writing style immediately drew me into the story. Unlike many young adult dystopian novels that focus on the scenery, the author skillfully delves into James’ traumatized mind, creating a unique and emotionally engaging experience. The description of James’ feelings is relatable and realistic, making his character all the more compelling. As the story progresses, the latter half of the book focuses on James’ mental growth as he transforms from a broken and worn-down character to a stronger, more resilient person. Witnessing this transformation was deeply satisfying, and it gave me hope for the future of the world in the story. The novel’s conclusion is hopeful, leaving the reader with a sense of closure and the belief that change is possible. This book is a great read, with a storyline that feels eerily possible in our current global situation. It made me reflect on the lengths to which governments might go to contain a pandemic and the importance of individual agency in shaping the future.
The Freeze is an excellent young adult dystopian novel that expertly blends action, suspense, and emotional depth. The story’s plausibility and relevance to contemporary issues regarding disease control and government intervention serve as a warning about the potential consequences of government overreach. In short, this is a fantastic novel that will leave readers thoroughly entranced.
April 4, 2023
The Freeze Will Chill You!
Good science fiction is never really about the future: it is a funhouse mirror to the present.
Some writers use this to poke fun at contemporary mores; others, more serious minded, issue warnings.
Such is the case with R. D. Stevens’ magisterial The Freeze. Set in 2064, the book is a look at contemporary issues – pandemics, government overreach, immigration, nationalism – through a dystopian lens forty years hence.
Like his previous book, The Journal, Stevens populates his novel with vivid, three-dimensional characters. The reader is fully invested in twin protagonists, and the ride is a harrowing one.
Almost any description would give away too much; but if smart, chilling and human science fiction is what you want, The Freeze will leave you anything but cold. Highly recommended.
Good science fiction is never really about the future: it is a funhouse mirror to the present.
Some writers use this to poke fun at contemporary mores; others, more serious minded, issue warnings.
Such is the case with R. D. Stevens’ magisterial The Freeze. Set in 2064, the book is a look at contemporary issues – pandemics, government overreach, immigration, nationalism – through a dystopian lens forty years hence.
Like his previous book, The Journal, Stevens populates his novel with vivid, three-dimensional characters. The reader is fully invested in twin protagonists, and the ride is a harrowing one.
Almost any description would give away too much; but if smart, chilling and human science fiction is what you want, The Freeze will leave you anything but cold. Highly recommended.
April 22, 2023
This was an enjoyable, thought provoking page-turner with realistic characters. I am over forty, so I am not a 'young adult' but I found it exciting and would suggest teens over 14 could read and enjoy this book. The chapters were very short, which I appreciate because I don't have that much time to read each day and like to finish a chapter in a sitting. I found that I would do one more chapter, then another chapter, because it is an easy read. The dystopian subject matter was refreshing and believable and I found at some point later in the book comparing moments to one or two Philip K. Dick books that I love, that force you to question the reality and trust in the narrator. I hope that at some point the author R.D Stevens comes back to the story to do a follow-up.
April 15, 2023
The Freeze is a daring and bold adventure set in a not too distant, dystopian London. With echoes of an Orwellian future but with plenty of distinct ideas and imaginative concepts to make it a unique and gripping read.
The characters are relatable and well rounded. The tension in the story builds through immersive locations and intriguing new characters leading to a thrilling climax.
I could not put the book down for the last 100 pages and I'd love to read more stories set in this fascinating universe.
The characters are relatable and well rounded. The tension in the story builds through immersive locations and intriguing new characters leading to a thrilling climax.
I could not put the book down for the last 100 pages and I'd love to read more stories set in this fascinating universe.
February 9, 2023
Emotionally resonant and briskly paced, this apocalyptic vision of a world plagued by disease, conspiracy, and silenced voices will hook you early and keep you guessing until the very end. With his sophomore novel, Stevens has accomplished something truly impressive: written a book unlike anything I’ve ever read.
January 16, 2024
‘Unputdownable’
Loved this futuristic read. Characters and story were totally believable.
Loved this futuristic read. Characters and story were totally believable.
January 28, 2023
This dystopian novel is the second offering from a talented and captivating author.
The Freeze gives us a glimpse into a bleak future London and an and immersive look inside the mind of James, a 17 year old desperate to reach adulthood and freedom from the foster system.
James is a troubled young man besotted with a confident and passionate young woman. She drags him into her world and James finds his niche.
In addition to this we read about some fun and imaginative tech and even some quantum physics. Sadistic authorities and government secrets.
The writing draws you in and keeps your attention throughout this fast paced adventure. Twists, turns and reveals are crafted perfectly to create suspense and I found myself empathising with the main characters early on.
That fact I read this book very quickly is a testament to the writing and the story.
The Freeze gives us a glimpse into a bleak future London and an and immersive look inside the mind of James, a 17 year old desperate to reach adulthood and freedom from the foster system.
James is a troubled young man besotted with a confident and passionate young woman. She drags him into her world and James finds his niche.
In addition to this we read about some fun and imaginative tech and even some quantum physics. Sadistic authorities and government secrets.
The writing draws you in and keeps your attention throughout this fast paced adventure. Twists, turns and reveals are crafted perfectly to create suspense and I found myself empathising with the main characters early on.
That fact I read this book very quickly is a testament to the writing and the story.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews