Freeze Tag is a book all about expectations. There's a certain way I'd recommend you go into this book in order to enjoy it without being bogged down by its problems, because underneath those issues lies an enjoyable story, especially for the teenage demographic.
Freeze Tag is a 1992 supernatural thriller book by Caroline B. Cooney that was part of the Point Horror series, which was a collection of horror or horror-adjacent books from multiple authors written in an attempt to bridge the gap between children's horror like Goosebumps and adult horror like Stephen King. These books were usually 200 pages or less and dealed with teenage issues.
Freeze Tag specifically is about an unloved and hateful girl, Lannie, who can freeze people solid with a single touch. Her neighbor has a boyfriend and Lannie wants him for herself, so she uses her ability to have him for heself. She's spiteful and is willing to freeze anyone to have him.
Like I mentioned, if you go in expecting a mediocre-quality story, then this is actually enjoyable. The writing is sharp. The meatphors and wordplay set the mood well, and Lannie is terrifying enough to give the story a constant sense of dread. Most young teens reading this will be drawn in, be scared, and no undoubtably have their love of horror nurtured.
But objectively, looking at it not through a teenagers lens, the book wastes its potential. The book randomly ends right at the climax, wrapping everything up sloppily in one page. Characters do horrible things but never face any consequences for their actions. And the love-triangle plot-point takes a terrifying character and places her in a a mundane situation.
Themes of trauma emerging as hatred and coldness are there, but not explored. Teen readers probably wouldn't be interested in how repressed trauma can make someone frozen inside, and given the target audience, I can see why it was never examined.
It's a short, quick, and easy read. Despite its issues, I'd recomend it to teenagers or anyone wanting something that might help with a reading slump. Adults could enjoy it too, just be aware that this book is a little like a partially-formed snowflake: both have the potential to chill you, but what could have been has been left to the imagination.
by justkeepbreathing94