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The Various

(2005, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Steve Augarde)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Lyrical, exciting intro to violent fantasy beings.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The heroine speaks out against the injustice of the Various' caste system.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Several killings, by arrow, poisoned dart, and animal attack. Kids in life-threatening danger.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Various

Parents need to know that this isn't a book about Disney fairies -- the Various are in every way, except stature, primitive and at times savagely violent adults. Several are killed violently, and they pose a serious threat to the lives of the human child protagonists.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the caste system of the Various. Why do so many cultures seem stratified? Is equality really possible? Also, why are there so many variations of Elementals in so many cultures around the world -- fairies, elves, dwarves, sprites, pixies, gnomes, goblins, brownies, leprechauns, etc.? How do the Various compare?
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