Helpful Score: 3
It was an imaginative alternative history of the early states. I liked the integration of magic, the alternate place names, and the concepts presented.
Helpful Score: 1
From Publishers Weekly
From the award-winning Ender's Game on, each of Card's last three novels has featured a secular saint, less a character than a catalyst to galvanize those around him into reexamining the thorny moral tangles in which they live. This first volume of the Tales of Alvin Maker introduces young Alvin Miller Jr., the seventh son of a seventh son, who lives on the frontier of an alternate early 19th century America, where folk magic such as faith healing and second sight really works. While Alvin embarks on his mythic struggle against the Unmaker of all things, he is watched over by a flesh and blood guardian angel; he is pursued by the rigid, zealous Reverend Thrower; and he is guided by the wandering Taleswapper, William Blake. This beguiling book recalls Robert Penn Warren in its robust but reflective blend of folktale, history, parable and personal testimony, pioneer narrative. The series promises to be (in Warren's phrase) a "story of deep delight."
From the award-winning Ender's Game on, each of Card's last three novels has featured a secular saint, less a character than a catalyst to galvanize those around him into reexamining the thorny moral tangles in which they live. This first volume of the Tales of Alvin Maker introduces young Alvin Miller Jr., the seventh son of a seventh son, who lives on the frontier of an alternate early 19th century America, where folk magic such as faith healing and second sight really works. While Alvin embarks on his mythic struggle against the Unmaker of all things, he is watched over by a flesh and blood guardian angel; he is pursued by the rigid, zealous Reverend Thrower; and he is guided by the wandering Taleswapper, William Blake. This beguiling book recalls Robert Penn Warren in its robust but reflective blend of folktale, history, parable and personal testimony, pioneer narrative. The series promises to be (in Warren's phrase) a "story of deep delight."
Helpful Score: 1
A fast, enjoyable re-read of a novel with a unique premise. I only wish Card would write the last book in the series already. First in a series; sequels include Red Prophet, Prentice Alvin, Alvin Journeyman, Heartfire, and The Crystal City.
Card creates an alternate frontier history for America, where folk magic is part of everyday life. The main character is the seventh son of a seventh son, which automatically gives him special magical powers. Card ties together the magic, an alternate American frontier history, certain Indian religious beliefs and his own inimitable story telling to make a marvelous fantasy/adventure story in the saga of Alvin Maker.
If you enjoy either fantasy/sci-fi, alternate history, then this book is perfect for you. The story takes place in the alternate history-American colonies where everyone is gifted at birth with a special and sometimes magical talent referred to as a "knack." All throughout the story there exists a struggle between those who freely use their knacks as natural gifts from God, and those who see the knacks as witchcraft that should be abolished: a continual struggle between the perceived notions of what is "good" and what is "evil."
This is the first in Card's 'Alvin Maker' series.
It takes place in an alternate Colonial America (one where Washington got beheaded for treason). The 'alternate history' elements, however, are incidental - the story itself has to do with one young boy, Alvin Jr, who's a seventh son of a seventh son, and has unusual powers, even in a large family who don't think that 'supernatural' powers are that unusual. Alvin swears, at a very young age, not to use his power for evil or selfish reasons - but nonetheless, there seems to be some power bent on his destruction.
The book focuses more on moral and ethical dilemmas than on action - but it never failed to hold my interest. It also did a very good job of portraying religious people of varying beliefs without ever getting 'preachy' - although one might say that Card definitely says, here, that people can be good without being perfect, and that the righteous can also be mistaken.
It takes place in an alternate Colonial America (one where Washington got beheaded for treason). The 'alternate history' elements, however, are incidental - the story itself has to do with one young boy, Alvin Jr, who's a seventh son of a seventh son, and has unusual powers, even in a large family who don't think that 'supernatural' powers are that unusual. Alvin swears, at a very young age, not to use his power for evil or selfish reasons - but nonetheless, there seems to be some power bent on his destruction.
The book focuses more on moral and ethical dilemmas than on action - but it never failed to hold my interest. It also did a very good job of portraying religious people of varying beliefs without ever getting 'preachy' - although one might say that Card definitely says, here, that people can be good without being perfect, and that the righteous can also be mistaken.
I think this one is the best of the Tales. It's all downhill from here!
Using the lore and dreams of the men and women who helped settle a continent and the beliefs of the tribes who were here before them, Orson Scott Card has created an alternate frontier America where folk magic works and has colored the entire history of the colonies. Into this world a child with a powerful destiny is born.
Card brings to building this world in a cast of well wrought characters formidble scholarship in history, religion, folklore.
It turned out to be a good book. But the beginning was very slow because the author had to explain the history and set up the story. Can't wait to read the next book and see the movie next year.
This whole series is excellent! This is book 1 of the story of Alvin which takes place in an alternate version of early America. The American frontier elements combined with magic make this a cross between a western novel and a fantasy. Very unique!
Using the lore and folk magic of the men and women who helped settle a continent and the beliefs of the tribes who were here before them. Orson Scott Card has created an alternate frontier America where folk magic works, and has colored the entire history of the colonies. It is into this world, amid the deep wood where the Red Man still holds sway, that a very special child is born...
Just as good as Ender's Game. I wish this series would get more accolades-it's VERY good.
1st in 5 book series.
In the Alvin Maker series, Card has created a fascinating alternative history for colonial/post-colonial North America. The religious tension adds depth to the story, as Alvin has to contend both with the real Satan---the "Unmaker" and misguided human fanaticism.
"Using the lore and folk magic of the men and women who helped settle a continent and beliefs of the tribes who were here beforethem, Orson Scott Card has created an alternate frontier America where folk magic works, and has colored the entire history of the colonies. It is into this world, amid the deep wood where the Red Man still holds sway, that a very special child is born..."
From Publishers Weekly
From the award-winning Ender's Game on, each of Card's last three novels has featured a secular saint, less a character than a catalyst to galvanize those around him into reexamining the thorny moral tangles in which they live. This first volume of the Tales of Alvin Maker introduces young Alvin Miller Jr., the seventh son of a seventh son, who lives on the frontier of an alternate early 19th century America, where folk magic such as faith healing and second sight really works. While Alvin embarks on his mythic struggle against the Unmaker of all things, he is watched over by a flesh and blood guardian angel; he is pursued by the rigid, zealous Reverend Thrower; and he is guided by the wandering Taleswapper, William Blake. This beguiling book recalls Robert Penn Warren in its robust but reflective blend of folktale, history, parable and personal testimony, pioneer narrative. The series promises to be (in Warren's phrase) a "story of deep delight."
From the award-winning Ender's Game on, each of Card's last three novels has featured a secular saint, less a character than a catalyst to galvanize those around him into reexamining the thorny moral tangles in which they live. This first volume of the Tales of Alvin Maker introduces young Alvin Miller Jr., the seventh son of a seventh son, who lives on the frontier of an alternate early 19th century America, where folk magic such as faith healing and second sight really works. While Alvin embarks on his mythic struggle against the Unmaker of all things, he is watched over by a flesh and blood guardian angel; he is pursued by the rigid, zealous Reverend Thrower; and he is guided by the wandering Taleswapper, William Blake. This beguiling book recalls Robert Penn Warren in its robust but reflective blend of folktale, history, parable and personal testimony, pioneer narrative. The series promises to be (in Warren's phrase) a "story of deep delight."
A good tale filled with magic
Classic Orson Scott Card.
