(3) YA After the world floods, X Isle is supposed to be a refuge for the young men chosen to go there. Baz and Ray's delight over being picked quickly changes to horror when they realize that the island is a forced labor camp run by a madman. The characters are well realized, and issues of starvation, murder, and camaraderie heighten tension.

Reviewer: Lauren Chambers

(3) 4-6 In this trilogy ender (The Various, Celandine), the Various--hidden tribes of little people--need Midge's and Celandine's help in searching for a lost artifact that will allow them to return to their homeland. Augarde takes his time, entwining human and Various, youth and age, vengeance and love, mundane and magic in poignant, harmony. A bittersweet, moving finale.

Reviewer: Amy Lee Bennett

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Leo Brown. Ten-year-old Paolo, (fictional) apprentice to Leonardo da Vinci, keeps a journal of his first year working for the great artist. The diary entries serve as an effective medium for the historical and biographical information, leading readers to an appended section of facts about da Vinci and Renaissance Italy. The many illustrations, including a map, help bring readers into the time period. Timeline. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(4) 4-6 Suspected of witchcraft and reeling from news of her beloved brother's death in World War I, Celandine flees the torments of her boarding school classmates and escapes to the world of the "little people," themselves in danger and in need of her aid. Augarde's prequel to The Various is slow and lengthy but dramatic, leaving unresolved questions for the trilogy's conclusion.

Reviewer: Amy Lee Bennett

(3) 4-6 Twelve-year-old Midge's discovery of an injured miniature flying horse leads her to an even more amazing discovery: the forest on her family's land is home to many tribes of fairy folk. Augarde's portrayal of "the Various" tribes is rich and not at all twee (his fairies are often armed and dangerous). This is a nice fat British fantasy novel, satisfying, accessible, well grounded--and primed for a sequel.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano