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." Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From School Library Journal
YA Set in the Northwest Territory in the late 18th Century, this is an American fantasy in the tradition of T. H. White's Sword in the Stone (Putnam, 1939). Mixing fantasy with philosophy and historical figures with imaginary ones, this first book in the ``Tales of Alvin Maker'' series succeeds on several levels. Alvin Miller, seventh son of a seventh son, is heir to great powers that he must learn to use and control. A rich cast of characters try either to help or destroy Alvin in his childhood. It is apparent that Alvin is the focus of gathering forces of good and evil preparing for battle. Readers will be left at the end of the book wondering what will happen to young Alvin in his coming apprenticeship. The sequel will be eagerly awaited. Mary Williams, Harris County Public LibraryCopyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From AudioFile
Multiple-award-winner Card is one of the greatest practitioners of science fiction; here he delivers a history fantasy of the Wabash Valley circa 1800, a world of hexes and folk magic. This is the first book about Alvin Maker, the seventh son of a seventh son, who has remarkable psychic powers. Card is a very good narrator, expressive and well-paced. One can hear the excitement of an author as he brings his own well-described characters to life. There is one momentary technical glitch, the only slip-up in an exemplary presentation. Highly recommended for fiction collections everywhere. D.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine


Review
“A consistently gripping tale featuring solid historical research and a keen understanding of religious experience. Another major effort by a world class talent. Highly recommended.” —Booklist

“Captures the essence of a world where folk magic abounds. A tribute to the art of storytelling, this is highly recommended.” —Library Journal

“This beguiling book recalls Robert Penn Warren in its robust blend of folktale, history, parable, personal testimony, and pioneer narrative.” —Publishers Weekly



Review
“A consistently gripping tale featuring solid historical research and a keen understanding of religious experience. Another major effort by a world class talent. Highly recommended.” —Booklist

“Captures the essence of a world where folk magic abounds. A tribute to the art of storytelling, this is highly recommended.” —Library Journal

“This beguiling book recalls Robert Penn Warren in its robust blend of folktale, history, parable, personal testimony, and pioneer narrative.” —Publishers Weekly



Book Description
From the author of Ender’s Game, an unforgettable story about young Alvin Maker: the seventh son of a seventh son. Born into an alternative frontier America where life is hard and folk magic is real, Alvin is gifted with the power. He must learn to use his gift wisely. But dark forces are arrayed against Alvin, and only a young girl with second sight can protect him.

FROM OUR EDITORS

One of the most original and enchanting fantasy series continuing today is Orson Scott Card's Tales of Alvin Maker. Set in an alternate frontier America, the Tales of Alvin Maker begins with Seventh Son. Here we meet the young Alvin Miller, the seventh son of a seventh son. Alvin is a Maker and is destined to create a positive new future for America. But to do so he must defeat an ancient enemy, the Unmaker, whose dark magic and deadly plots constantly threaten Alvin's existence. Not only is Orson Scott Card one of the most popular science fiction novelists alive, he is also one of the strongest and purest voices in American fantasy.

--Andrew LeCount

FROM THE PUBLISHER

From the author of Ender's Game, an unforgettable story about young Alvin Maker: the seventh son of a seventh son. Born into an alternative frontier America where life is hard and folk magic is real, Alvin is gifted with the power. He must learn to use his gift wisely. But dark forces are arrayed against Alvin, and only a young girl with second sight can protect him.

FROM THE CRITICS

Gale Research