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.