Fantasy

Background

Alvin Journeyman is the 4th book in the “Alvin Maker” series by Orson Scott Card. Published in 1995, it is the story of the events of Alvin after his time as an apprentice blacksmith. His previous master was upset with him, due to his jealousy, and accused him of stealing a large sum of gold. Much of the book deals with Alvin’s arrest, trial, and the numerous people who are plotting against him. First and foremost is his younger brother Calvin who has powers similar to Alvin but is never quite good enough…

My Thoughts

This book moved a little slower than the others but a lot of important events happened. Alvin is still the main character but the story allowed for more development of the people around him.

What didn’t work for me was the plow. I really hope this turns into something that makes sense later on but I feel like there was so much potential story there that wasn’t realized. Maybe we will see it in the next book.

Recommendation

The series slowed down a bit with this one but it is still exciting

Background

Prentice Alvin is the 3rd book in the “Alvin Maker” series by Orson Scott Card. Published in 1989, it tells of Alvin finally able to apprentice as a blacksmith in the town where he was born. He finds friendship in a young boy named Arthur Stewart who was the son of a runaway slave. Alvin continues his formal education from the local school teacher and he catches a glimpse of what it means to be a “maker.”

My Thoughts

Fun book. Alvin had learned a lot about how to be a man in the previous book but this story gives him the chance to live it. He learns the lesson early on about how destructive it is to hold hate in your heart and let it fuel your actions. Alvin does his best to be a truly good person which is all any of us can do.

Recommendation

If you’ve read this far, you are likely hooked.

Background

Published in 1988, Red Prophet is the 2nd book in the “Alvin Maker” series. Alvin is still a child but he ends up accompanying “Lolla-Wossiky” who later becomes Tenskwa-Tawa and meets his brother Ta-Kumsaw.

This book gives an fictionalized version of the Battle of Tippecanoe and talks about the people who made it come to pass. Including the then Governor William Henry Harrison who later becomes the ninth President of the United States. In this version, the name the Natives call him is “White Murderer Harrsion.”

My Thoughts

This book is an interesting look at Native American religion and beliefs. I’m certain it would not stand up to the standards of today where everyone is offended on behalf of someone else. I wonder what a Native American would think of this story…

Recommendation

I enjoyed it

Background

Seventh Son is the first book of the “Alvin Maker” series by Orson Scott Card dealing with a slightly different version of the early 17th century America. One where George Washington was beheaded, the South is ruled by England, and the United States is a much smaller place.

Originally published in 1987, Seventh Son is the story of Alvin Miller who was the seventh son of a seventh son. As such, he has a “knack” with things or more specifically he has powers others do not.

Alvin is swept up in much of the Native American wars in what we would know as Indiana in the early 1800s.

My Thoughts

I read this book back when I was a teenager, as it was one of the books we had around the house. I was immediately drawn in as I am the seventh son and it was fun to think I might have some hidden powers…

This time around, I was more conscientious as to the background of the book. I could see how the America in the series was slightly different than the American history I knew. Far from being an irritation, it made the story that much more fun.

Recommendation

Great read