Fiction

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

Background

The 14th and final book of the Wheel of Time books. Published in January of 2013, the series was completed and the readers get to know what happened between the Dark One and the Dragon Reborn.

My Thoughts

Sadly, the final book was a bit of let down. Sanderson brought a few themes from the 20teens that really didn’t need to be there. (I won’t go into it here because the thought police are active…)

The ending was an ending and it wrapped up quite a bit. That said, there is always plenty of story to continue if someone feels the inclination.

Recommendation

If you’ve already read the last 13 books, what’s another 900+ pages?

Background

Published in Sept of 2010, Towers of Midnight is the thirteenth book in the Wheel of Time series. The group works their way toward the last battle and Rand starts unifying the forces of light.

My Thoughts

There was almost as many questions raised as there were questions answered in this book. Moiraine and Thom? Really? What’s with the Eelfinn and Aelfinn? Wasn’t that needlessly complex to get the gholam? Anyway, the pieces on the board were set for the last book and that’s all I wanted from it.

Recommendation

Almost done…

Background

Published in October of 2009, The Gathering Storm is the twelfth book in the Wheel of Time series and the first book for the series written by Brandon Sanderson. Robert Jordan’s widow asked Mr. Sanderson to finish the series based on the notes Robert Jordan had left. There was a surprising amount of loose ends to tie up and they decided to turn the last book into 3 books to get it done.

My Thoughts

I enjoyed the writing style of Sanderson and I felt he stayed close to the personalities of the characters in the previous books.

Recommendation

It is the beginning of the end and worth the read.

Background

Published in Oct of 2005, Knife of Dreams is the eleventh book in the Wheel of Time series. Much like book ten, there is a lot going on. Notable events are Rand’s maiming and Mat becoming nobility.

My Thoughts

I enjoyed Mat more and more in this book. I don’t like the Seanchan and though this book humanizes them a bit, I felt like it didn’t go far enough. It was an easy read in that it pulled me along.

Recommendation

Good book

Background

Published in 2003, Crossroads of Twilight is the tenth book in the Wheel of Time series. A good deal is going on as several characters are working on their various problems.

Perrin is still trying to save his wife. Mat finally finds out who is “the Daughter of the Nine Moons”. Elayne tries to secure her throne. Rand is resting after cleansing the power. Egwene leads the rebel Aes Sedai in maintaining the siege of Tar Valon.

My Thoughts

I was really swept along with the story in this book. There is so much going on, the 800+ pages weren’t enough to describe what happens next. (I guess that’s why there are another 4 books.)

Recommendation

Good book…