Steve Augarde

Steve Augarde is a British author and illustrator known for creating children's literature across multiple age groups and formats. His work spans from picture books and pop-up books for young children to fantasy novels for young adults, with over seventy picture books to his credit. As an accomplished paper engineer, Augarde has designed numerous pop-up books and provided illustrations for other authors, including the Little Red Car series by Matthew Price. His artistic contributions extend to television, where he created artwork and music for the BBC animated series Bump. The Various, the first book in his Touchstone Trilogy, represents his shift toward young adult fiction, presenting a distinct take on fairy folk as non-magical, reclusive tribes. His novel X Isle further demonstrates his range, exploring post-apocalyptic themes for older readers. Beyond his literary work, Augarde maintains connections to both visual arts and music, having studied at Yeovil School of Art and Somerset College of Art, while also performing as a double bassist in a jazz quartet called the Gents.

Multiple readers note Augarde's skill at blending folklore with modern storytelling, particularly in The Various trilogy. His detailed descriptions of rural England and magical creatures resonate with young adult readers who connect with the outdoor settings and adventure elements. Readers liked: - Rich sensory descriptions of nature and landscapes - Complex characters who develop over time - Integration of fairy lore with contemporary themes Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in opening chapters - Some plot threads left unresolved - Complexity of multiple storylines can confuse younger readers Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - The Various: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) - Celandine: 3.9/5 (500+ ratings) - Winter Wood: 4.0/5 (400+ ratings) Amazon: - The Various: 4.1/5 (75+ reviews) - Celandine: 4.3/5 (30+ reviews) Multiple reviewers compare his writing style to Alan Garner and Susan Cooper, though note his books require patient readers who enjoy gradual world-building.

The Various [Book 1 of the Touchstone Trilogy] A twelve-year-old girl discovers tribes of small beings living in a mysterious woodland on her uncle's farm, leading to an ancient connection between her family and these hidden folk.

Celandine [Book 2 of the Touchstone Trilogy] Set in 1915, this prequel follows a young girl who runs away from her boarding school and finds refuge with the Various, becoming entangled in their struggle for survival during World War I.

X Isle In a flooded world, two boys are transported to a brutal island facility where they must survive harsh conditions and the machinations of the men who run it.

Philip Reeve writes post-apocalyptic and steampunk fiction for young readers, combining complex world-building with survival themes. His Mortal Engines series features similar elements to Augarde's X Isle, dealing with resource scarcity and isolated communities.

Holly Black creates contemporary fantasy featuring faerie folk who, like Augarde's Various, are depicted as complex societies rather than traditional magical beings. Her Modern Faerie Tales series explores hidden communities living alongside humans, with realistic interactions between the two worlds.

David Almond writes stories that blend everyday life with elements of magic and mystery, set in British landscapes. His work, including Skellig, shares Augarde's ability to weave supernatural elements into realistic settings.

Frances Hardinge crafts fantasy narratives with detailed world-building and unconventional takes on magical creatures. Her books feature young protagonists discovering hidden worlds, similar to Augarde's approach in The Various.

Kenneth Oppel creates adventure stories that combine natural and supernatural elements with coming-of-age themes. His Silverwing series and Airborn novels share Augarde's interest in hidden societies and survival scenarios.