complements 'the various' in such a fleshed out way that it entirely outshines it, this is an instant and heart-rending favorite

I have to say that when I first picked up 'The Various' around age ten, I found the book rather tedious despite my love of the subject matter - fairies, or 'the little people'. I, however, persisted, and made my way through 'Celandine', the prequel to 'The Various' and 'Winetr Wood'. I enjoyed 'Celandine' much more than 'The Various' yet failed to pick up a copy of 'Winter Wood' until sometime earlier this year. Having reread the first two books in the trilogy, I can now appreciate the near-flawless writing stlye, somewhat let down by the simple plot line. 'Celandine' still remains the best of the three by far, and, while 'Winter Wood' is also better than 'The Various', one feels it tries a little too hard to be mysterious and complex, focusing too much on the theme of reincarnation with a slight anticlimax followed by several tying of loose ends.
Overall, I would recommed this book to slightly older readers than one would expect, so as the writing style can be properly appreciated. This is not to say I did not enjoy the trilogy - 'Celandine', at least, is a brilliant read - I just felt it could have been better. Nevertheless, I am sure many young girls will enjoy these books, rewarding the trilogy a four overall.

Spent the past couple of days rereading this one, a childhood favorite. I was afraid it wouldn't hold up -- it's been so many years and I loved it so very much -- but I'm happy to report this book is just as amazing as my 11-year-old self believed it to be.

I picked this up having no idea what it would be: no dust jacket information, the back cover only says, "Not everything in this world should be seen by us, nor should it be...", and I didn't have the time to read the first pages or find a book I'd actually heard of. If I had read the first few pages, I probably wouldn't have read it, but then I'd miss out on something amazing.

This is a wonderful story of the Various. There are 2 tales in this book. One is of the Ickri and their journey back to the Naiad to find the Orbis and reunite the Touchstone with it. The other of Celandine, which starts out as a little girl who fell down the hill during the Coronation party. While laying in the shade she first spies the Various in the trees.

The story follows Celandine while she is tormented in a horrible boarding school (being Austrian during WW1 was no picnic, but this school was already horrible before that!) She finally runs away to the Various.. who keep her safe and care for her.. until the day the warring tribe of Ickri show up. Then all falls over into confusion.

I won't give anything away after this.. but this 2nd book really keeps you interested to read the 3rd book. I am now searching to find myself a copy and find out the conclusion!