Product Description

From the primal depth's of the world's greatest myths comes this gripping fantasy of a boy, born to be a Maker, whose dangerous journey towards knowledge and power makes history ...Amid the deep woods where the Red Man still holds sway, a very special child is born. Young Alvin is the seventh son, and such a boy is destined to become great - perhaps even a man with the enormous powers of a Maker. But even in the loving safety of his home, dark forces reach out to destroy him. Somewhere out there is a power that will do anything to prevent him growing up ...More information on this book and others can be found on the Orbit website at www.orbitbooks.co.uk

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #301141 in Books
• Published on: 1991-01-03
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Review
'The most important work of American fantasy since Stephen Donaldson's original Thomas Covenant trilogy.' CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 'Card has exceeded his own high standards ... The man's versatility makes him unique' ANNE MCCAFFREY 'In SEVENTH SON, Card achieves the near-miracle of bringing something new to fantasy' LOCUS

ANNE MCCAFFREY
'Card has exceeded his own high standards ... The man's versatility makes him unique'

LOCUS
'In SEVENTH SON, Card achieves the nearmiracle of bringing something new to fantasy'

Customer Reviews

Wonderfull, hard to put down read.
This book is an excellent read for someone who is interested in a diferent look at North American history, but also yearns for a touch of the fantasic. The first in a lovely saga that grips the reader from the first chapter. Following the young hero as he learns about his special place in the world and the battle of good and evil.

The FSFH Book Review says:
Book one of the Tales of Alvin Maker.

This book tells the story of a boy who is born in remarkable circumstances to become the seventh son of a seventh son, a sign of greatness. As he grows older the boy, Alvin, begins to develop astonishing powers that give him a 'knack' for making things, he being the first Maker born 'since the one who turned the water into wine'. However, Alvin's opposite, the mysterious Unmaker, turns the ire of a fanatical priest against the boy.

Card tells of a fictional colonial America, when it is ripe with people with magical 'knacks', who have fled from the persecution of Europe's devout Christians.

The scene in which Alvin is born is really evocatively written and I loved the idea that water itself holds a grudge against Alvin. However, I have little interest in America's colonial history and the setting of this book is just too Little House on the Prairie for my liking.

I can't deny that the book is well written, but ultimately it comes down to personal taste and this isn't my cup of tea.

Warning: This Book Is Addictive
Orson Scott Card is a master storyteller and can invest the most mundane events with multiple layers of meaning.

In particular this book keeps you guessing as to the nature of his alternate America. Characters like Peggy and Alvin's Dad see elemental forces at work; water keeps trying to kill little Alvin. Characters like the tortured Reverend Thrower see classic good vs. evil. Alvin himself fears 'The Unmaker' a malign chaotic force.

Card himself was raised Mormon and is something of a contravertialist in SF/Fantasy circles. Yet this is a thoughtful book that relentlessly questions faith; questions Christianity. It's almost 'The Omen' with Damien as the hero. Yes, really.

Which is right? All of the above or none at all? Well I'm going to have to get the next chapter to find out. See I'm hooked...