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Touchstone Trilogy #1
The Various
It is a fact, an absolute fact, that there are creatures on the surface of this earth that have never been abserved by man....We may think we have seen all that there is to be seen on this tiny planet of ours. We most certainly have not
There have been stories of the "little people"-piskies, fairies, Jack O'Lanterns, call them what you will-ever since the world began. Quiet rumors and whispered hearsay are all they amount to, until a twelve-year-old child discovers the truth, hidden away amoung the briars and brambles high above the Somerset wetlands. The truth is strange and wild-and sometimes deadly....
There have been stories of the "little people"-piskies, fairies, Jack O'Lanterns, call them what you will-ever since the world began. Quiet rumors and whispered hearsay are all they amount to, until a twelve-year-old child discovers the truth, hidden away amoung the briars and brambles high above the Somerset wetlands. The truth is strange and wild-and sometimes deadly....
448 pages, Paperback
First published August 7, 2003
54 people are currently reading
1797 people want to read
About the author
Steve Augarde
59 books49 followersI began writing children's books when I was at art college, which means that I’ve spent over thirty years as a children's author. Must be nearly time to grow up. About eighty titles published to date, I think. These include story books and pop-ups for younger readers, as well as my more recent novels for older children. I'm also an illustrator and paper-engineer, and you can see examples of this type of work around the site.
Sometimes I provide the paper engineering for pop-up books by other artists and children's authors - Jan Pienkowski, for example, Emma Chichester-Clark and Damien Hirst.
Finally I'm a semi-pro musician, playing mostly jazz. I provided the music and artwork for two BBC children's television series of Bump the elephant. Mind you, that was ages ago, and so it's high time somebody sampled it for a dance track and made me a fortune.
My first major work for older children was The Touchstone Trilogy, completed in January 2008, the three titles being The Various, Celandine and Winter Wood. The Various was an award winner in The Nestle Smarties Book Prize 2003. Both Celandine and Winter Wood have been nominated for the Carnegie Medal.
Sometimes I provide the paper engineering for pop-up books by other artists and children's authors - Jan Pienkowski, for example, Emma Chichester-Clark and Damien Hirst.
Finally I'm a semi-pro musician, playing mostly jazz. I provided the music and artwork for two BBC children's television series of Bump the elephant. Mind you, that was ages ago, and so it's high time somebody sampled it for a dance track and made me a fortune.
My first major work for older children was The Touchstone Trilogy, completed in January 2008, the three titles being The Various, Celandine and Winter Wood. The Various was an award winner in The Nestle Smarties Book Prize 2003. Both Celandine and Winter Wood have been nominated for the Carnegie Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
July 7, 2020
Hier hat mich mal wieder das Cover magisch angezogen und obwohl ich auf den ersten Seiten noch etwas unsicher war, weil es sich schon sehr nach "Kinderbuch" angefühlt hat, konnte mich der Autor doch recht schnell in seinen Bann ziehen.
Die 12jährige Midge muss ihre Sommerferien bei ihrem Onkel auf der Mill Farm verbringen. Ihre Mutter ist Musikerin in einem Orchester und hat grundsätzlich immer wenig Zeit für sie und so fügt sich Midge mit gemischten Gefühlen ihrem Schicksal, die nächsten Wochen auf diesem einsamen Hof zu verbringen.
Der Autor nimmt sich viel Zeit und man spürt die Liebe zum Erzählen - denn obwohl die Handlung langsam voran geht, war ich sehr fasziniert von seinem Stil und von dem perfekten Balanceakt, ein ruhiges Tempo anzuschlagen und mich als Leser trotzdem zu fesseln! Das wirkt sehr gegen die Schnelllebigkeit, was er auch in Midge und ihren Gefühlen ausdrückt, die sie nach der Ankunft entwickelt. Das natürliche Leben rund um die Farm, die unberührte Natur, der Onkel, der ein sehr geruhsamer und liebenswerter Mensch ist, das alles zusammen zeigt ein schönes Lebensgefühl.
"Ein Erwachsener, der nicht ständig irgendetwas ungeheuer Wichtiges zu tun hatte, war ihr bisher noch nicht begegnet." Seite 17
Während man einerseits Midges Erlebnisse verfolgt und ihr Zusammentreffen mit dem geflügelten Pferd Pegs, wechselt der Autor auch immer wieder in den nahen Wald, dem Lebensraum der "Verschiedenartigen". Ein Elfenvolk, das aus mehreren Stämmen besteht, die sich aber nicht immer einig sind. Die Hierarchie und die unterschiedlichen Berufungen wurden sehr gut skizziert - hier hat Steve Augarde auch mit originellen Ideen gepunktet, von den vielen ungewöhnlichen Namen her, aber auch mit den kleinen Details zu den Lebensgewohnheiten und den Figuren selbst.
Das wirkt anfangs vielleicht etwas unübersichtlich, aber die wichtigen Charaktere kristallisieren sich schnell heraus und ich hab nie den Überblick verloren. Auch weil der Autor jeden von ihnen sehr klar festlegt - es aber trotzdem schafft, auch hier noch für Überraschungen zu sorgen.
Bei den Elfen gibt es einige Unstimmigkeiten durch die Sorge, den Wald als Lebensraum zu verlieren und welchen Weg sie für die Zukunft einschlagen wollen. Aber auch eine Herabwürdigung gegenüber den Stämmen der Tinkler und Troggel, die unter der Erde leben, und ein scheinbares Parasitendasein führen.
Den Bezug zu unseren eigenen gesellschaftlichen Problemen nimmt man nur am Rande wahr, ist aber grade für Kids/Jugendliche in dem Lesealter schön integriert.
Den Stil wird nicht jeder mögen, ich hab mich damit aber absolut wohl gefühlt. Natürlich mag ich es auch, wenn man vor Spannung nur so durch die Seiten fliegt - aber ich liebe es auch, wenn ich mich wie hier auf die Geschichte in Ruhe einlassen kann, mich völlig in diese Welt hineinfallen lassen und alles hautnah miterleben kann.
Ab der Hälfte nimmt die Geschichte dann auch etwas mehr an Fahrt, es wird komplexer und die Spannung steigert sich immer mehr und grade das Ende trumpft nochmal so richtig auf.
Ich bin jedenfalls völlig begeistert und freue mich über diese positive Überraschung und werde sicher auch bald die beiden Fortsetzungen lesen!
"Es genügte ihr, dazusitzen und zu schauen - wie man bei einer dieser seltenen Begegnungen ein Reh oder einen Fuchs anschaut und beide Seiten wissen, dass sie nicht in die Welt des jeweils anderen gehören, dass der eine dem anderen nichts zuleide tut, ein Blick voller Neugier und Respekt auf beiden Seiten, bevor man wieder seiner Wege geht." Seite 447
Weltenwanderer
Die 12jährige Midge muss ihre Sommerferien bei ihrem Onkel auf der Mill Farm verbringen. Ihre Mutter ist Musikerin in einem Orchester und hat grundsätzlich immer wenig Zeit für sie und so fügt sich Midge mit gemischten Gefühlen ihrem Schicksal, die nächsten Wochen auf diesem einsamen Hof zu verbringen.
Der Autor nimmt sich viel Zeit und man spürt die Liebe zum Erzählen - denn obwohl die Handlung langsam voran geht, war ich sehr fasziniert von seinem Stil und von dem perfekten Balanceakt, ein ruhiges Tempo anzuschlagen und mich als Leser trotzdem zu fesseln! Das wirkt sehr gegen die Schnelllebigkeit, was er auch in Midge und ihren Gefühlen ausdrückt, die sie nach der Ankunft entwickelt. Das natürliche Leben rund um die Farm, die unberührte Natur, der Onkel, der ein sehr geruhsamer und liebenswerter Mensch ist, das alles zusammen zeigt ein schönes Lebensgefühl.
"Ein Erwachsener, der nicht ständig irgendetwas ungeheuer Wichtiges zu tun hatte, war ihr bisher noch nicht begegnet." Seite 17
Während man einerseits Midges Erlebnisse verfolgt und ihr Zusammentreffen mit dem geflügelten Pferd Pegs, wechselt der Autor auch immer wieder in den nahen Wald, dem Lebensraum der "Verschiedenartigen". Ein Elfenvolk, das aus mehreren Stämmen besteht, die sich aber nicht immer einig sind. Die Hierarchie und die unterschiedlichen Berufungen wurden sehr gut skizziert - hier hat Steve Augarde auch mit originellen Ideen gepunktet, von den vielen ungewöhnlichen Namen her, aber auch mit den kleinen Details zu den Lebensgewohnheiten und den Figuren selbst.
Das wirkt anfangs vielleicht etwas unübersichtlich, aber die wichtigen Charaktere kristallisieren sich schnell heraus und ich hab nie den Überblick verloren. Auch weil der Autor jeden von ihnen sehr klar festlegt - es aber trotzdem schafft, auch hier noch für Überraschungen zu sorgen.
Bei den Elfen gibt es einige Unstimmigkeiten durch die Sorge, den Wald als Lebensraum zu verlieren und welchen Weg sie für die Zukunft einschlagen wollen. Aber auch eine Herabwürdigung gegenüber den Stämmen der Tinkler und Troggel, die unter der Erde leben, und ein scheinbares Parasitendasein führen.
Den Bezug zu unseren eigenen gesellschaftlichen Problemen nimmt man nur am Rande wahr, ist aber grade für Kids/Jugendliche in dem Lesealter schön integriert.
Den Stil wird nicht jeder mögen, ich hab mich damit aber absolut wohl gefühlt. Natürlich mag ich es auch, wenn man vor Spannung nur so durch die Seiten fliegt - aber ich liebe es auch, wenn ich mich wie hier auf die Geschichte in Ruhe einlassen kann, mich völlig in diese Welt hineinfallen lassen und alles hautnah miterleben kann.
Ab der Hälfte nimmt die Geschichte dann auch etwas mehr an Fahrt, es wird komplexer und die Spannung steigert sich immer mehr und grade das Ende trumpft nochmal so richtig auf.
Ich bin jedenfalls völlig begeistert und freue mich über diese positive Überraschung und werde sicher auch bald die beiden Fortsetzungen lesen!
"Es genügte ihr, dazusitzen und zu schauen - wie man bei einer dieser seltenen Begegnungen ein Reh oder einen Fuchs anschaut und beide Seiten wissen, dass sie nicht in die Welt des jeweils anderen gehören, dass der eine dem anderen nichts zuleide tut, ein Blick voller Neugier und Respekt auf beiden Seiten, bevor man wieder seiner Wege geht." Seite 447
Weltenwanderer
December 20, 2011
I think I was, like, three pages into this when I was set to give it five stars! What a perfect gem of a book - it starts off wonderfully and actually never, ever falters. The whole thing is charming and magical and absolutely top-notch.
The plot is one that's been done before... kid (Midge) finds some kind of magical creature (in this case, first Pegs the miniature winged horse and then the rest of the Various) who lives in the woods by her house (or her Uncle's) which are about to be sold off/destroyed/built upon/all of the above. Kid must stop this from happening! But has it ever been done as gorgeously as in this book? Okay, probably. I just can't think right now because I am so blinded by the awesome. Well, it's a formula that I do enjoy and this is a brilliant example of how to do it well without it ever becoming trite and generic.
I loved the Various that we got to know - well, the nice ones anyway! - especially Henty and Little-Marten. What an adorable couple they were :D And Midge was awesome. I was so charmed by her Anne Shirley-esque naming of everything: the Royal Forest, the Favoured One (the kitten), the Deputation from Rhode Island (the chooks - that made me think of... I think it was Veronica the Show-Off, with the project on Rhode Island and the Rhode Island red chickens!) and everything else. She was so much fun and a really likable heroine. Cousin George was awesome as well, and Katie was suitable bratty - until she came in to save the day. After, of course, pausing to change her outfit. That made me laugh out loud!
I actually felt really sad at Tojo's death, evil Assassin as he was. I was glad when Midge found herself missing him at the end.
I absolutely can not wait to read Celandine now - which I own in Melbourne. Aaahhh want it NOW, dammit! Patience is not my strongest suit ;)
My only gripe is a tiny one: "He couldn't tap dance. Boys never can." Two words: GENE KELLY. :P But that's it. This book rocks so hard in so many wonderful ways. When Midge was hiding atop the wardrobe, that whole scene, that was actually terrifying! I was on the edge of my seat and I like how there was that dose of dark and scary, and that it was in a familiar setting - in the farmhouse, instead of having her kidnapped and taken into the Forest somewhere. That was a nice change :)
The plot is one that's been done before... kid (Midge) finds some kind of magical creature (in this case, first Pegs the miniature winged horse and then the rest of the Various) who lives in the woods by her house (or her Uncle's) which are about to be sold off/destroyed/built upon/all of the above. Kid must stop this from happening! But has it ever been done as gorgeously as in this book? Okay, probably. I just can't think right now because I am so blinded by the awesome. Well, it's a formula that I do enjoy and this is a brilliant example of how to do it well without it ever becoming trite and generic.
I loved the Various that we got to know - well, the nice ones anyway! - especially Henty and Little-Marten. What an adorable couple they were :D And Midge was awesome. I was so charmed by her Anne Shirley-esque naming of everything: the Royal Forest, the Favoured One (the kitten), the Deputation from Rhode Island (the chooks - that made me think of... I think it was Veronica the Show-Off, with the project on Rhode Island and the Rhode Island red chickens!) and everything else. She was so much fun and a really likable heroine. Cousin George was awesome as well, and Katie was suitable bratty - until she came in to save the day. After, of course, pausing to change her outfit. That made me laugh out loud!
I actually felt really sad at Tojo's death, evil Assassin as he was. I was glad when Midge found herself missing him at the end.
I absolutely can not wait to read Celandine now - which I own in Melbourne. Aaahhh want it NOW, dammit! Patience is not my strongest suit ;)
My only gripe is a tiny one: "He couldn't tap dance. Boys never can." Two words: GENE KELLY. :P But that's it. This book rocks so hard in so many wonderful ways. When Midge was hiding atop the wardrobe, that whole scene, that was actually terrifying! I was on the edge of my seat and I like how there was that dose of dark and scary, and that it was in a familiar setting - in the farmhouse, instead of having her kidnapped and taken into the Forest somewhere. That was a nice change :)
December 9, 2010
I picked this up because I liked the cover and title. Having finished the book, I suspect both were marketing gimmicks to make the books seem more intriguing. Not that it sucked or anything, but it wasn't novel or mysterious the way I had been hoping. A pretty standard kid-staying-at-old-family-home-discovers-secret-supernatural-whatever fantasy. Moderately interesting to read. Pacing a bit off, with the second half feeling much more full than the first and introducing most of the secondary characters and plot points.
December 29, 2009
I'm not a huge fan of fairies, elves and other critters of that nature. But I am a fan of great writing, strong atmosphere, great characters and dialogue, and this book has all of that in spades. When Midge goes to her uncle's farm in Somerset for the summer and first encounters the fields and tangled forests, the old house and dilapidated (and dangerous) out-buildings, it really is magical -- because of Augarde's beautiful evocation of place and character. Her bumbling uncle, mother in career overdrive, and her two cousins: sweet George, and, my favorite, the completely obnoxious 13-year-old Katie are wonderful, believable characters. When she encounters the Various (here's where the fairies come in), the tribes are brought to life in specific, fascinating ways, and of course the quest begins. I liked that there was nothing precious about these people, and in fact a lot of them were quite fierce, and all of them were well-drawn. However, once Midge encountered them, I was a bit less enthralled with the plot than I'd hoped because following the many threads thinned out the drive a bit, but there certainly is a lot of action in the second half of the book, some terrifying, some humorous. And just when I thought it was taking a bit long to end, Augarde ended it with really eye-popping panache.
January 23, 2014
Attempt 1:
The little that i did read of this book, was not very good in my opinion. It just didn't make me want to read on.
Attempt 2:
I have to finish the first two books in this series, to get my friend to read the first two Skulduggery Pleasant books.
I'll try not to die of boredom.
Finished:
Is it - could the torture actually be over (temporarily)
And now i get to write a review about why i hate this book so much.
This book was boring for many different reasons:
1. The way people spoke in this book confused me - especially those stupid fairies - so much so, that, at times, i thought my head was going to explode.
2. Who names their child Midge?!
3. The book started slow, and then it just dragged. Basically it was just boring.
And now i have to read the second book.
October 22, 2020
I had this book when I was a kid and then forgot about it, until I saw it in a charity shop and got hit with such a wave of nostalgia/sense memories that I almost walked into a bookcase. On re-read, it's just lovely? Kinda old fashioned story about children finding a hidden fae realm, and all the complexities than ensue. I love it because I love stories in which if you just happened to open the right door, or catch a glimpse of something in the corner of your eye, you could discover a whole new world.
January 14, 2023
My first read from this Author - introduced by Mrs Mac x
As someone who generally reads neither YA nor fantasy, why did I knowingly start a book about a 12 year old girl, who, whilst on her Uncles Farm, finds an injured small flying horse - who ultimately leads her into the Royal Woods to meet the rest of The Various / Little People ?
The answer is simple, I have the next 2 books in the Trilogy .. and as the giver of those is no longer with us, I had to read Book 1 first .. I think she would have loved this Story x
Much to my surprise, I got quite caught up in this adventure - there was a slow part about a third in, but I kept going and a few clever twists showed themselves and peaked my interest again ..
The introduction of cousins Katie & George added more voices and I'm looking forward to finding out what adventures they get up to next ..
With this one also ending on a magical theme, I'm hoping that we explore that in the next Book too ..
3.5 Rounded up
As someone who generally reads neither YA nor fantasy, why did I knowingly start a book about a 12 year old girl, who, whilst on her Uncles Farm, finds an injured small flying horse - who ultimately leads her into the Royal Woods to meet the rest of The Various / Little People ?
The answer is simple, I have the next 2 books in the Trilogy .. and as the giver of those is no longer with us, I had to read Book 1 first .. I think she would have loved this Story x
Much to my surprise, I got quite caught up in this adventure - there was a slow part about a third in, but I kept going and a few clever twists showed themselves and peaked my interest again ..
The introduction of cousins Katie & George added more voices and I'm looking forward to finding out what adventures they get up to next ..
With this one also ending on a magical theme, I'm hoping that we explore that in the next Book too ..
3.5 Rounded up
February 7, 2021
I discovered this book on Reddit's what's that book, and the details the user remembered intrigued me.
This book was strangely nostalgic, even though I'd never read it before. It was the quintessential "child goes to the estranged relative's house for the summer and discovers something magical there." Nothing necessarily set this book apart from the crowd, but it was a solid read with enjoyable characters. I especially loved Little-Marten and Henty, they were so cute!
I'm surprisingly intrigued by the rest of the series. The ending was satisfying but the details of the world were rich and unfinished. I don't know if it's ever going to be worth finishing, but if I'm in the right mood, I'd consider it.
Side note, but the book and illustrations are gorgeous!
This book was strangely nostalgic, even though I'd never read it before. It was the quintessential "child goes to the estranged relative's house for the summer and discovers something magical there." Nothing necessarily set this book apart from the crowd, but it was a solid read with enjoyable characters. I especially loved Little-Marten and Henty, they were so cute!
I'm surprisingly intrigued by the rest of the series. The ending was satisfying but the details of the world were rich and unfinished. I don't know if it's ever going to be worth finishing, but if I'm in the right mood, I'd consider it.
Side note, but the book and illustrations are gorgeous!
April 27, 2019
I don't think I even read half of this and decided it wasn't worth it.
February 13, 2021
A 450-page middle grade novel where literally nothing of interest happens and the fairies are impossibly, disappointingly lame. If I had read this at twelve it might have put me off books forever.
January 4, 2025
You’re never too old for a little magic.
The title of this first novel in the Touchstone trilogy refers to the different hidden tribes living in the Royal Forest, aka a wooded, undeveloped area on Mill Farms, a property in Somerset, England owned by Midge’s uncle. Staying with him while her mother is on tour with an orchestra, Midge is quite the likable protagonist; you appreciate the earnestness of this precocious 11yo and her willingness to believe in the very real situations of the fantastical creatures she encounters. The care she provides to Pegs, an injured tiny, winged horse, is so endearing and serves as the event that starts Midge on her leg of an adventure that originally began with her great-great aunt.
While we’ve seen stories like this before — those of humans threatening the very survival of magical beings — there’s something special about this one. The author’s word choice and speech patterns for the different species are so fitting, and the story presents a kind of nostalgia while also feeling wholly its own. I think what makes this tale different than others is that slight thread of darkness throughout, highlighted by the false hierarchy of the tribes and resulting prejudice between some. All in all, The Various is a great initial installment for what I’m sure will be a charming and spirited series.
The title of this first novel in the Touchstone trilogy refers to the different hidden tribes living in the Royal Forest, aka a wooded, undeveloped area on Mill Farms, a property in Somerset, England owned by Midge’s uncle. Staying with him while her mother is on tour with an orchestra, Midge is quite the likable protagonist; you appreciate the earnestness of this precocious 11yo and her willingness to believe in the very real situations of the fantastical creatures she encounters. The care she provides to Pegs, an injured tiny, winged horse, is so endearing and serves as the event that starts Midge on her leg of an adventure that originally began with her great-great aunt.
While we’ve seen stories like this before — those of humans threatening the very survival of magical beings — there’s something special about this one. The author’s word choice and speech patterns for the different species are so fitting, and the story presents a kind of nostalgia while also feeling wholly its own. I think what makes this tale different than others is that slight thread of darkness throughout, highlighted by the false hierarchy of the tribes and resulting prejudice between some. All in all, The Various is a great initial installment for what I’m sure will be a charming and spirited series.
June 3, 2024
i got 100 pages in and just couldn’t carry on. 10 years ago i would have loved this book, i have always been a sucker for faerie books but this one was just too childish for me, centred in a world that i couldn’t immerse myself with a lack of depth. despite this, i’m sure young adults and children would thoroughly enjoy the fantasy this book offers
November 17, 2019
Good enough to make me complete the trilogy within a month, but not good enough to make me recommend it. Kind of OK fantasy with some nice storytelling and characters, but ultimately unconvincing
August 28, 2017
7/10
Mon avis à venir
Mon avis à venir
September 14, 2018
Ich habe ziemlich lange gebraucht um in die Geschichte rein zukommen. Der Schreibstil war zwar flüssig, aber am Anfang fand ich es ziemlich eintönig. Das letzte viertel hat sich jedoch super lesen lassen.
October 25, 2016
Just like with the second book in the series, Celandine, what I got from The Various was different from what I'd been expecting. I'd been expecting a high-octane mix of magical adventure, a mysterious forest, and nonstop action, but that isn't what this book is. Rather, it's a fantasy story that takes place in a much smaller and more intimate context-though it's still quite enjoyable.
The book is about twelve year old Margaret, or 'Midge', who is sent to her uncle's house while her mother performs with an orchestra and finds that the forest behind his old farmhouse is filled with fairies, or the Various as they're called in this book. Once again I have to commend Steve Augarde's amazing writing style-he creates such a visceral and visual atmosphere.
Midge was a well constructed and interesting character; unfortunately, the others were not so interesting. Though that changed as the book went on and the other characters were explored a little bit more. Some of their accents were also a little hard to read at times for me as an American.
The final 'confrontation' of the book was not something that I was expecting, but I did enjoy it. It was extremely imaginative and fit perfectly in the book's setting-I loved the fact that this book was set in Great Britain; it seems like the perfect setting for a fairy story and Augarde delivered quite well.
Overall, I thought The Various had an interesting premise but didn't quite deliver. However, it was a fun and interesting read with an imaginative setting and characters-I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
The book is about twelve year old Margaret, or 'Midge', who is sent to her uncle's house while her mother performs with an orchestra and finds that the forest behind his old farmhouse is filled with fairies, or the Various as they're called in this book. Once again I have to commend Steve Augarde's amazing writing style-he creates such a visceral and visual atmosphere.
Midge was a well constructed and interesting character; unfortunately, the others were not so interesting. Though that changed as the book went on and the other characters were explored a little bit more. Some of their accents were also a little hard to read at times for me as an American.
The final 'confrontation' of the book was not something that I was expecting, but I did enjoy it. It was extremely imaginative and fit perfectly in the book's setting-I loved the fact that this book was set in Great Britain; it seems like the perfect setting for a fairy story and Augarde delivered quite well.
Overall, I thought The Various had an interesting premise but didn't quite deliver. However, it was a fun and interesting read with an imaginative setting and characters-I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
November 4, 2012
Reviewed by Joan Stradling for TeensReadToo.com
Twelve-year-old Midge has been sent to stay with her Uncle Brian at Mill Farm while her musician mother goes on tour.
Though she's not sure what to expect, Midge never dreamed of the adventures she'd encounter at the farm. She stumbles upon an injured winged horse in one of the outbuildings and helps the creature. She learns the horse lives in the Royal Wood. Unfortunately, Uncle Brian has decided to sell the woods and they are set to be plowed down.
Midge is led through the brambles and unkempt boundaries of the woods to share this dire news with the Various. While she'd heard stories of pixies and fairies, Midge never dreamed they existed and that she'd be drawn into their world. But things aren't always magical in the world of the Various and not everyone is happy to see her. Now the Various aren't the only ones in danger.
THE VARIOUS is a thrilling book told from several different points of view as we learn about the characters both human and of the Various. Though the story moved slowly in places, the idea and characters are intriguing enough to keep the reader enthralled as the story progresses to the fantastic and thrilling ending.
I enjoyed being introduced to THE VARIOUS and am looking forward to reading more about them and Augarde's other characters in CELANDINE, the second book in THE TOUCHSTONE TRILOGY.
Twelve-year-old Midge has been sent to stay with her Uncle Brian at Mill Farm while her musician mother goes on tour.
Though she's not sure what to expect, Midge never dreamed of the adventures she'd encounter at the farm. She stumbles upon an injured winged horse in one of the outbuildings and helps the creature. She learns the horse lives in the Royal Wood. Unfortunately, Uncle Brian has decided to sell the woods and they are set to be plowed down.
Midge is led through the brambles and unkempt boundaries of the woods to share this dire news with the Various. While she'd heard stories of pixies and fairies, Midge never dreamed they existed and that she'd be drawn into their world. But things aren't always magical in the world of the Various and not everyone is happy to see her. Now the Various aren't the only ones in danger.
THE VARIOUS is a thrilling book told from several different points of view as we learn about the characters both human and of the Various. Though the story moved slowly in places, the idea and characters are intriguing enough to keep the reader enthralled as the story progresses to the fantastic and thrilling ending.
I enjoyed being introduced to THE VARIOUS and am looking forward to reading more about them and Augarde's other characters in CELANDINE, the second book in THE TOUCHSTONE TRILOGY.
November 10, 2016
solid fairy story, first in a trilogy, which I will read. the old city child comes to the country and falls in love with it and discovers fairies story. the fairies themselves are pretty imperfect, not in that "we're beautiful but cruel" way but more in a regular way. they're not particularly beautiful, either, most of them. some of them fly, most don't. their speech is interesting. nice mixture of danger and safety. girl goes to stay with her uncle alone in the country, he's perfectly nice and gives her lots of freedom to explore. her mother has a breakdown but is ok. things change majorly but she's happy about it. she faces little fairy arrows and a big vicious cat. solid.
November 6, 2025
I got this book as part of a book club membership when it was first released. It has sat on my shelf unread for the past 15 years. Finally, in a mood to clear out the back-log, I decided to give it a whirl.
I love this book and have immediately ordered the two sequels! The writing style is fantastic. One thing that really stands out in this book versus others - it goes to great lengths to decribe the very small steps a character has to take in order to accomplish something. Other books may gloss over to the end result of the effort, but in this, you're right there with the person as they're going through something.
Can't believe it's taken me this long to read this gem of a story
I love this book and have immediately ordered the two sequels! The writing style is fantastic. One thing that really stands out in this book versus others - it goes to great lengths to decribe the very small steps a character has to take in order to accomplish something. Other books may gloss over to the end result of the effort, but in this, you're right there with the person as they're going through something.
Can't believe it's taken me this long to read this gem of a story
December 29, 2012
I barely got passed page 60 and I struggled to read my (personally) required 10%.
The idea, from what I can gather, is a good one and I like faerie stories normally but the opening to this is just too slow for me and I couldn't care less about the characters. The descriptions are long-winded and overly simplified - perhaps it's just a little too 'young-adult' for me? The illustrations are lovely though! And maybe if I try this at another time, I'll be able to find a place for it in my heart.
The idea, from what I can gather, is a good one and I like faerie stories normally but the opening to this is just too slow for me and I couldn't care less about the characters. The descriptions are long-winded and overly simplified - perhaps it's just a little too 'young-adult' for me? The illustrations are lovely though! And maybe if I try this at another time, I'll be able to find a place for it in my heart.
February 4, 2017
I tried, I believe, 3 different times over 3 or 4 years to read this book in middle school. I WANTED to love it based on the recommendation to me, and the fact that this became the first book I had ever not-finished. I just couldn't get past the first few chapters; something about the writing, the dialogue, and even the setting were just too difficult for me.
Read
April 23, 2015I wonder why Midge isn't that shy of her uncle. When I got sent to live with someone else I was shy of her for a really long time. (Actually I still kind of am, and I always wait a really long time for her to move so I can get food out of her refrigerator). There's a really good looking blue drink she has, but I'm always too scared to ask her if I can have some. But I really want to try it!
May 13, 2020
! this is one of my favorite books to date, and it's a book i hold very close to my heart !
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review summary: the characters and setting used on the surface of this book may be a bit lackluster at first glance, but makes a mystical story and unique plot overall when including the story progression, history inside the plot, language and dialogue, and attached trilogy. the sequel adds so, so much more, along with giving many nods to this book and it's story. if you like mystical, odd, and entrancing stories that aren't necessarily overflowing with life and action, please read this!
---
review: i've been very into fairy / fae type stories since i was very young, and despite the many re-tellings or new concoctions, i feel this book has something i've never seen and never will see again. this is a book that was special to me in a very hard time in my life, so i will admit that i probably cling to it more than most would, and praise it just as much. but the world it creates feels interesting without being full and overflowing. this is not a book that tells of 'daring adventure' and 'romance that turns the page for you', it's quiet and odd. say what you will about young adult novels where those mentioned are a major plot device, but i'll take a slow, quiet, mystical book like The Various any day.
there's detail here, but enough to wander with. there's room to imagine, but sometimes very strict plot or character descriptors to give a unique picture. and the dialogue, as an american, is honestly just a lot of fun.
---
i did have to specifically listen to a similar book, language wise, before this one, The Secret Garden, to understand the flow of accents. i learned what most of the phrases and combinations of lettering meant, and i also wrote down words i needed to look up later. this past knowledge, combined with my general easy going, slow reading pace allowed me to end up enjoying it in the end i think.
if you are having trouble with the language at any point, maybe look up how the accents would flow vocally. i know for The Secret Garden, there was no way i really read the book in a significant way when i'd read it in what felt like a mash of lettering i'd never seen before. actually hearing it though, as an example of what it sounded like, made so much more sense for me.
---
i remember the one complaint i do still have, which mirrors another review i saw, is that it takes a bit to genuinely get into the book. it was hard to read language wise, as i said above, but also because it's uniquely slow. it's casual but in a wandering sense that kind-of needs your imagination and attention to read smoothly.
before i got really into it, i'd pick up the book, read it some, then put it down for a month. this kinda continued until i got a third of the way in i believe. my advice if you are having trouble, keep reading until it entrances you like it did for me. the world needs time to adjust to, especially if you're not from that area like me and need to really visualize what it's saying
---
overall, if you do like this book, which i hope you do, i highly recommend you also check out the rest of the trilogy. the second book in particular is probably ranked higher than this one for me. happy reading!
---
review summary: the characters and setting used on the surface of this book may be a bit lackluster at first glance, but makes a mystical story and unique plot overall when including the story progression, history inside the plot, language and dialogue, and attached trilogy. the sequel adds so, so much more, along with giving many nods to this book and it's story. if you like mystical, odd, and entrancing stories that aren't necessarily overflowing with life and action, please read this!
---
review: i've been very into fairy / fae type stories since i was very young, and despite the many re-tellings or new concoctions, i feel this book has something i've never seen and never will see again. this is a book that was special to me in a very hard time in my life, so i will admit that i probably cling to it more than most would, and praise it just as much. but the world it creates feels interesting without being full and overflowing. this is not a book that tells of 'daring adventure' and 'romance that turns the page for you', it's quiet and odd. say what you will about young adult novels where those mentioned are a major plot device, but i'll take a slow, quiet, mystical book like The Various any day.
there's detail here, but enough to wander with. there's room to imagine, but sometimes very strict plot or character descriptors to give a unique picture. and the dialogue, as an american, is honestly just a lot of fun.
---
i did have to specifically listen to a similar book, language wise, before this one, The Secret Garden, to understand the flow of accents. i learned what most of the phrases and combinations of lettering meant, and i also wrote down words i needed to look up later. this past knowledge, combined with my general easy going, slow reading pace allowed me to end up enjoying it in the end i think.
if you are having trouble with the language at any point, maybe look up how the accents would flow vocally. i know for The Secret Garden, there was no way i really read the book in a significant way when i'd read it in what felt like a mash of lettering i'd never seen before. actually hearing it though, as an example of what it sounded like, made so much more sense for me.
---
i remember the one complaint i do still have, which mirrors another review i saw, is that it takes a bit to genuinely get into the book. it was hard to read language wise, as i said above, but also because it's uniquely slow. it's casual but in a wandering sense that kind-of needs your imagination and attention to read smoothly.
before i got really into it, i'd pick up the book, read it some, then put it down for a month. this kinda continued until i got a third of the way in i believe. my advice if you are having trouble, keep reading until it entrances you like it did for me. the world needs time to adjust to, especially if you're not from that area like me and need to really visualize what it's saying
---
overall, if you do like this book, which i hope you do, i highly recommend you also check out the rest of the trilogy. the second book in particular is probably ranked higher than this one for me. happy reading!
June 23, 2022
A trip to fairyland. A wonderful book for middle schoolers.
Midge, Margaret will be spending time in the West Country. Her mother, a musician for the Phiharmonic will be going on tour for a few weeks. Midge will be spending time with her Uncle Brian for that time. Away from London, off to the old farm. She doesn't want to go. Her Uncle Brian is divorced, her cousins, George and Katie, will be coming to stay with their father. But not right away. She hasn't seen her uncle and cousins for years.
So off goes Midge, Uncle Brian meets her at the train station. Uncle Brian is nice, Midge is twelve, he allows her to do whatever she wants. Just wander around, get used to the old, run down farm. Uncle Brian has done many jobs, Jack of all trades, master of none. So Midge wanders around, asks questions. There is a large, overgrown piece of the farm, nothing has been done with it, worthless land. Uncle Brian plans to sell it, the sale didn't go through.
One day, when Midge was looking around the old barn, she hears a noise inside. Help me, help me. She goes inside, it is a hard job to get inside. She meets Pegs, a beautiful, white horse with wings. Peps is wounded, trapped and tied down by an old machine. Midge, doing a good bit of work, frees him. The two become friends for life. She nurses him until he gets back to some health. Pegs is so wise, so intelligent. She escorts him back to where he lives, that awful part of the farm where noone ever goes. This is where the fairies live away from Gorji, the giant folks. The faeries different world, the Royal Forest.
The fairies, the Various have a different society, five different groups, ICri, hunters, Naiad, farmers, Wisp, fishers, two lower groups, Troggles and Tinklers, who live underground and are thought little of.
The Various are angry that Pegs has brought Midge, a Gorji to their land. She doesn't belong here. Gorjis don't need to know about this fairyland. The Icri hunters are wild, full of themselves, many young, rough, coarse youths who are looking for trouble.
Little-Martin, the Woodpecker, is a muster, beating on sticks, one of the best. He is so different. he sees a pretty young Tinkler girl, he has a crush on her. Little-Martin has a falling out with his group, he has always liked to hear the Troggles and Tinklers singing down below the ground. One of them invites him to come and listen. He sees Henty, the lovely Tinkler lass. She has a bit of a crush on him. Little-Martin sees how nice the lower groups are, how more refined, kinder, more educated.
Well, cousins George and Katie have arrived. George is twelve, the two become friends, enjoy doing the same things, though Midge doesn't always want to do boy things. Katie is a teenager, Midge gets mad at her, cares more about watching television, reading magazines instead of real life stuff.
There are so many interesting, quirky characters, too many to mention. There is Maven-the Green, a witch like character who saves the lives of Midge and Pegs.
Nice story, lots of fun, fights, friendships. Wow, quite a read.
Midge, Margaret will be spending time in the West Country. Her mother, a musician for the Phiharmonic will be going on tour for a few weeks. Midge will be spending time with her Uncle Brian for that time. Away from London, off to the old farm. She doesn't want to go. Her Uncle Brian is divorced, her cousins, George and Katie, will be coming to stay with their father. But not right away. She hasn't seen her uncle and cousins for years.
So off goes Midge, Uncle Brian meets her at the train station. Uncle Brian is nice, Midge is twelve, he allows her to do whatever she wants. Just wander around, get used to the old, run down farm. Uncle Brian has done many jobs, Jack of all trades, master of none. So Midge wanders around, asks questions. There is a large, overgrown piece of the farm, nothing has been done with it, worthless land. Uncle Brian plans to sell it, the sale didn't go through.
One day, when Midge was looking around the old barn, she hears a noise inside. Help me, help me. She goes inside, it is a hard job to get inside. She meets Pegs, a beautiful, white horse with wings. Peps is wounded, trapped and tied down by an old machine. Midge, doing a good bit of work, frees him. The two become friends for life. She nurses him until he gets back to some health. Pegs is so wise, so intelligent. She escorts him back to where he lives, that awful part of the farm where noone ever goes. This is where the fairies live away from Gorji, the giant folks. The faeries different world, the Royal Forest.
The fairies, the Various have a different society, five different groups, ICri, hunters, Naiad, farmers, Wisp, fishers, two lower groups, Troggles and Tinklers, who live underground and are thought little of.
The Various are angry that Pegs has brought Midge, a Gorji to their land. She doesn't belong here. Gorjis don't need to know about this fairyland. The Icri hunters are wild, full of themselves, many young, rough, coarse youths who are looking for trouble.
Little-Martin, the Woodpecker, is a muster, beating on sticks, one of the best. He is so different. he sees a pretty young Tinkler girl, he has a crush on her. Little-Martin has a falling out with his group, he has always liked to hear the Troggles and Tinklers singing down below the ground. One of them invites him to come and listen. He sees Henty, the lovely Tinkler lass. She has a bit of a crush on him. Little-Martin sees how nice the lower groups are, how more refined, kinder, more educated.
Well, cousins George and Katie have arrived. George is twelve, the two become friends, enjoy doing the same things, though Midge doesn't always want to do boy things. Katie is a teenager, Midge gets mad at her, cares more about watching television, reading magazines instead of real life stuff.
There are so many interesting, quirky characters, too many to mention. There is Maven-the Green, a witch like character who saves the lives of Midge and Pegs.
Nice story, lots of fun, fights, friendships. Wow, quite a read.
July 23, 2019
Found this in the Little Free Library and decided to give it a try based on the cover art. I discovered in parts that this sort of has a metaphysical aspect to it, which surprised me but also delighted me a little because it's a children's or young adult book and I agree that it's not too early to introduce such concepts at that age. I see it's a trilogy of sorts, so now I'm thinking about reading the next book in the series, but I'll have to find it at the library and see if it's even available. Sort of random. Took a long time to read because this was my "bathroom" book.
"She was frightened of the extraordinary thing that seemed to have just happened to her, but she knew that she was also frightening to whoever was in there. She was frightened like two children playing hide-and-seek are frightened--the one of being discovered, the other of discovering." pg. 39
"Lumst had no chance. The great tom-cat was without fear, and wholly aggressive. The cowardly blood of foxes did not run in Tojo's veins--nor did the quality of mercy. He launched himself at the doomed intruder who dared block his way. The noise was dreadful. There was not a living creature for a quarter of a mile that didn't wake in fright at the sound of Tojo, wreaking his vengeance beneath the hazy summer moon--his blood-curdling yowl, and the cries of his victim, causing innocent sleepers, animal and human, to start up, wide-eyed, from the jagged shards of their broken dreams." pg. 143 (so dramatic!)
"It was a funny word, 'lagoon.' One of those words you could say over and over until it made no sense. Like 'pillow.' The patch of scrubby ground at the back of the old stables didn't seem to fit the word, no matter how many times you said it. Goonlagoonlagoonlagoon." pg. 301 (I remember feeling this way about words when I was younger. I haven't felt this way about words for a long time though, so this was a nice reminder of that time in my life where words felt this way to me. Although I think it just happened this morning when I was watching Brene Brown's vulnerability TED Talk and she said the word "numb" a bunch of times close together and it started to do this.)
"Yes. I was there. Be accepting, maid, accepting of who you are and of what may happen to you. And know this--all that may happen has already happened. Aye, and all that has happened will happen again. Know that there is a circle, unjoined as yet, and that you are a part of it. Know also that you will come to no harm. Have no fear, and you will take no ill from this--I am certain of it." pg. 436 (spoken by Pegs. And a good lesson for us about the nature of life in general.)
"Where else may we be, other than where we were, and are, and will be?" pg. 437 (spoken by Pegs again)
Book: borrowed from the Little Free Library on 33rd Ave.
"She was frightened of the extraordinary thing that seemed to have just happened to her, but she knew that she was also frightening to whoever was in there. She was frightened like two children playing hide-and-seek are frightened--the one of being discovered, the other of discovering." pg. 39
"Lumst had no chance. The great tom-cat was without fear, and wholly aggressive. The cowardly blood of foxes did not run in Tojo's veins--nor did the quality of mercy. He launched himself at the doomed intruder who dared block his way. The noise was dreadful. There was not a living creature for a quarter of a mile that didn't wake in fright at the sound of Tojo, wreaking his vengeance beneath the hazy summer moon--his blood-curdling yowl, and the cries of his victim, causing innocent sleepers, animal and human, to start up, wide-eyed, from the jagged shards of their broken dreams." pg. 143 (so dramatic!)
"It was a funny word, 'lagoon.' One of those words you could say over and over until it made no sense. Like 'pillow.' The patch of scrubby ground at the back of the old stables didn't seem to fit the word, no matter how many times you said it. Goonlagoonlagoonlagoon." pg. 301 (I remember feeling this way about words when I was younger. I haven't felt this way about words for a long time though, so this was a nice reminder of that time in my life where words felt this way to me. Although I think it just happened this morning when I was watching Brene Brown's vulnerability TED Talk and she said the word "numb" a bunch of times close together and it started to do this.)
"Yes. I was there. Be accepting, maid, accepting of who you are and of what may happen to you. And know this--all that may happen has already happened. Aye, and all that has happened will happen again. Know that there is a circle, unjoined as yet, and that you are a part of it. Know also that you will come to no harm. Have no fear, and you will take no ill from this--I am certain of it." pg. 436 (spoken by Pegs. And a good lesson for us about the nature of life in general.)
"Where else may we be, other than where we were, and are, and will be?" pg. 437 (spoken by Pegs again)
Book: borrowed from the Little Free Library on 33rd Ave.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2023
A real slow-burner that I struggled to get into and keep my attention on. It is written in a very junior way, reading very easily with basic language, which made sense as I realised a quarter way through that it’s a children book. I’m the kind of reader that will happily read a children’s book (Anne of Green Gables is one of my favourite stories) as it keeps my inner child alive, so I had no qualms with that, but sadly, this just didn’t reach that right level for me.
The author goes into a lot of description, to the point that I felt he was describing every tiny thought and every little point of a characters action, and it got quite tedious, e.g. why did I need the flashback of her learning how to use a bottle-jack? I powered through however, because my partner bought me this book for Christmas and I wanted to give it my best shot. Thankfully, it did pick up in excitement towards the middle when the Various and Midge finally interact, but still not enough to capture me fully. I just kept waiting for something to happen to set this series apart.
Despite all this, I did love most of the characters, especially Midge, Pegs and Uncle Brian, and I was interested when learning about the five Various tribes as I am a big fan of world building, which is why I gave this book an extra star. The book ends on a curious cliffhanger, but unfortunately, the plot just didn’t interest me enough for me to want to read the next one in the series to find out what happens. Although, I think if I’d read this as an older child, I probably would’ve enjoyed it a lot more.
The author goes into a lot of description, to the point that I felt he was describing every tiny thought and every little point of a characters action, and it got quite tedious, e.g. why did I need the flashback of her learning how to use a bottle-jack? I powered through however, because my partner bought me this book for Christmas and I wanted to give it my best shot. Thankfully, it did pick up in excitement towards the middle when the Various and Midge finally interact, but still not enough to capture me fully. I just kept waiting for something to happen to set this series apart.
Despite all this, I did love most of the characters, especially Midge, Pegs and Uncle Brian, and I was interested when learning about the five Various tribes as I am a big fan of world building, which is why I gave this book an extra star. The book ends on a curious cliffhanger, but unfortunately, the plot just didn’t interest me enough for me to want to read the next one in the series to find out what happens. Although, I think if I’d read this as an older child, I probably would’ve enjoyed it a lot more.
April 23, 2018
Midge is a bit angry, she has been shipped off to her uncle's farm for the Summer while her mum tours with the orchestra. Upset, lonely and a bit isolated she sets off to explore her new surroundings and accidentally discovers a whole new dangerous world that she knew nothing about. As Summer goes on her cousins end up pulled into it and one Summers day things escalate. A story of two tribes, both hoping to save what matters to them.
This is def ya, 11 plus IMO. Some of what happens is very, very dark as are many of the themes (dementia, death, murder, are all on touched on...granted with a delicate hand but still best to be aware). For me, it moved a bit slow in parts put the world structure and society is very detailed and cleverly done. Also, the language used by the various adds beautifully to the story. I didn't always get the point of Pegs but I can appreciate that they served as a good plot gateway. Overall, it's 3/5 stars for me and I would recommend it to anyone who has older children interested in folklore/fairies.
This is def ya, 11 plus IMO. Some of what happens is very, very dark as are many of the themes (dementia, death, murder, are all on touched on...granted with a delicate hand but still best to be aware). For me, it moved a bit slow in parts put the world structure and society is very detailed and cleverly done. Also, the language used by the various adds beautifully to the story. I didn't always get the point of Pegs but I can appreciate that they served as a good plot gateway. Overall, it's 3/5 stars for me and I would recommend it to anyone who has older children interested in folklore/fairies.
July 9, 2018
Title: The Various
Series: Touchstone Trilogy #1
Author: Steve Augarde
Genre: children, young adult, family, middle grade fantasy
Format: printed epub
Published: 2004
Rating: 3/5
Series: Touchstone Trilogy #1
Author: Steve Augarde
Genre: children, young adult, family, middle grade fantasy
Format: printed epub
Published: 2004
Rating: 3/5
The Various is a middle grade fantasy with quirky accent for the tribespeople. The protagonist, Mitch, is a boyish girl with attitude. Personally, I don’t like her because she is such a privileged kid with too many requests. But along the way Mitch’s characterization grew into the better self of her. I like this kind of story telling because it’s fulfilling for me.
What I like more from this book is the way the author write the antagonist character. They are not fully evil because they have the trauma from Gorji’s attack from before./
In the earlier chapter, the story is agonizingly slow and dragging. Maybe the author needs to write the background story more compact in the future.
November 7, 2021
I stopped about halfway through because I just did not care enough about the characters to continue. I mildly liked Midge, Uncle Brian, Pegs, and the "woodpecker" fairy, but other than that, the fairies were uninteresting, rough, and cruel. I did not really care what happened to them, or at least not enough. Everything lacked the sense of magic and wonder I was hoping to find, and I have too many other books on my list to force myself to finish the story. I always feel bad for authors who have put so much work into their books only for me to discard them, but I can't help it.
February 26, 2025
J'ai replongé dans un univers qui m'a transporté dans un univers d'enfants confrontés à des problématiques liées à leur environnement proche, leurs aventures de nature et de magie. On passe du jeux de piste et de l'émerveillement à l'éveil et à l'envie d'agir.On prend la mesure de l'amitié et de la préciosité des espaces qui nous entourent.
Dans la même veine que Le Messager de Lois Lowry, L'enfant qui disait n'importe quoi d'André Dhôtel, Coeur d'Encre de Cornelia Funke et L'esprit De La Fôret de Moka.
Dans la même veine que Le Messager de Lois Lowry, L'enfant qui disait n'importe quoi d'André Dhôtel, Coeur d'Encre de Cornelia Funke et L'esprit De La Fôret de Moka.
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