Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Publication
Tor Books (1987), Edition: First Edition, Hardcover, 241 pages
Description
Named an American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults -- From the author of the award-winning Ender's Game comes the unforgettable story of 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 power, but he must learn to use his gift wisely. Dark forces are arrayed against Alvin, and only a young girl with second sight can protect him.
User reviews
LibraryThing member orangejulia
This is the first in a series of books set in an alternate North America. Two of the biggest changes are that British won the Revolutionary war and that magic workers exist. Card's take on this North America is interesting, and appears to be influenced by Manly Wade Wellman's "Silver John" books. A
Show More
great beginning to the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member Crewman_Number_6
This was my introduction to the works of Orson Scott Card, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. It was also my introduction to the genre and lead me to my love of fantasy and science fiction.
LibraryThing member bigorangemichael
Alvin Miller, Jr is the seventh son of a seventh son. He’s born into an alternate version of 19th Century America–one in which the Revolutionary War hasn’t happened and where folk magic is a strong, powerful and very real force.
Alvin is a maker, a strong and potentially powerful force in the
As with “Ender’s Game” the strength of Orson Scott Card’s story is his ability to relate authentic, believable young characters. While not quite as complex as Ender, Alvin is still interesting and relatable while still feeling and acting like a young boy would in the circusmtances. Alvin doesn’t seem to realize he has a destiny, though he does realize he has something that sets him apart from others around him.
The story is far more episodic than “Ender’s Game” though. The first portion of the novel, relating the day Alvin, Jr is born was originally a short story. Card then decided to expand the universe and does so here, as we check in with Alvin at various other points in his life. It ends up feeling a bit too episodic at times and while the novel is supposed to introduce us to Alvin and his universe, I still can’t help coming away feeling like the overall experience was incomplete. Alvin learns to use his powers, yes. And we know that the Unmaker is after Alvin, set to destroy him. But beyond that, nothing much really happens to Alvin, except for a number of potential attacks on him that we get to see Alvin avert. A few more happen off stage as well, referenced by various characters during the course of the story.
This feels like a long prologue to a greater saga. I know there are five other novels in the story but I found myself yearning for something a bit more substantial once the final page was turned. It’s easy now that I can go out and find the next book, but I imagine those who read the story when it was first published walked away frustrated at having to wait at least a year for the next installment to hit bookstores.
Alvin is a maker, a strong and potentially powerful force in the
Show More
world. And he’s got an equally strong, unrelenting enemy, the Unmaker who stop at nothing to ensure Alvin doesn’t grow up and into his power. Much of the novel looks at the efforts the Unmaker uses to try and destroy Alvin. It also examines the story of how Alvin comes to realize he has abilities and how he can and can’t use them. At one point, Alvin selfishly uses some cockroaches to terrorize his sisters, leading to several fo them dying. At this point, Alvin makes a vow to not use his powers for selfish gains, a decision that becomes pivotal in the final stages of the novel.As with “Ender’s Game” the strength of Orson Scott Card’s story is his ability to relate authentic, believable young characters. While not quite as complex as Ender, Alvin is still interesting and relatable while still feeling and acting like a young boy would in the circusmtances. Alvin doesn’t seem to realize he has a destiny, though he does realize he has something that sets him apart from others around him.
The story is far more episodic than “Ender’s Game” though. The first portion of the novel, relating the day Alvin, Jr is born was originally a short story. Card then decided to expand the universe and does so here, as we check in with Alvin at various other points in his life. It ends up feeling a bit too episodic at times and while the novel is supposed to introduce us to Alvin and his universe, I still can’t help coming away feeling like the overall experience was incomplete. Alvin learns to use his powers, yes. And we know that the Unmaker is after Alvin, set to destroy him. But beyond that, nothing much really happens to Alvin, except for a number of potential attacks on him that we get to see Alvin avert. A few more happen off stage as well, referenced by various characters during the course of the story.
This feels like a long prologue to a greater saga. I know there are five other novels in the story but I found myself yearning for something a bit more substantial once the final page was turned. It’s easy now that I can go out and find the next book, but I imagine those who read the story when it was first published walked away frustrated at having to wait at least a year for the next installment to hit bookstores.
Show Less
LibraryThing member buffalogr
This book presents an alternate-history account of a nineteenth-century America in which magic is a potent force, the Brits quelled the revolution and the Indian plays a significant role. Our hero, Alvin, has supernatural powers and is only just beginning to understand their import and how to use
Show More
them. More, later, I guess. It won a lot of awards, but to me was an average book. It kept my interest but did not inspire page turner status. Other characters support or attempt to destroy him. Let's go to book 2. Show Less
LibraryThing member cargocontainer
Overall, I was impressed. I expected less, and was pleased with the result. There's a lot of directions Card could have taken this, but overall, he did a good job. There are definitely parallels between this story and the life of Joseph Smith, but it's not a blatant cut-and-paste of history
Show More
combined with his own imagination. Show Less
LibraryThing member nasherr
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the rest of the series. Orson is really great at writing about kids facing genuinely dark and frightening situations. He also does this well in the science fiction based Ender series.
LibraryThing member kathysoper
An extraordinary child in an American pioneer family awakens to his powers. Engaging, believable fantasy.
LibraryThing member debs4jc
In an alternate version of the United States just after the Revolution, a family moving west faces tragedy when the mother goes into labor as they are trying to ford a flooded stream. The oldest son dies, but not before the newest son is born, making hime the seventh son of a seventh son, which
The alternate early United States that Card has created is kind of interesting, like the story of George Washington getting beheaded by the British that is told. But the story seemed to fall a bit flat for me, the digressions into politics and religious rhetoric seemed to kill some of the suspense. This may be just what draws some readers in though, if you are a fan of alternate histories be sure to give it a try.
Show More
everyone knows means he must have a powerful magical gift. Which indeed he does seem to have, as well as some sort of protection against the bizarre accidents that keep happening to him.The alternate early United States that Card has created is kind of interesting, like the story of George Washington getting beheaded by the British that is told. But the story seemed to fall a bit flat for me, the digressions into politics and religious rhetoric seemed to kill some of the suspense. This may be just what draws some readers in though, if you are a fan of alternate histories be sure to give it a try.
Show Less
LibraryThing member cotto
I am a big fan of Orson Scott Card and a big fan of alternative history. While Card's story telling is always strong, I feel that this book was almost a prelude to the rest of the series (although admittedly I have not read any more yet). It is a quick read that did not seem to climax at any point.
Show More
With the "prelude" out of the way I look forward to giving the next book in the series a chance to excite. Show Less
LibraryThing member GreggD
This might be a great series, but I did not like this book. It read more like a setup than a story.
LibraryThing member HippieLunatic
The Alvin Maker series starts with Seventh Son, the story of Alvin Maker, Jr. He is the seventh son of a seventh son in a world where this holds great powers. For those who are interested in alternative histories, beliefs and folktales, this is one for you as well.
While this first book is more an
While there are certainly aspects of this tale for which I can foresee outcomes, I still am desperate to find out what I can’t even begin to predict. There is one question in my mind that I have little clue how Card will handle as Alvin grows into a man. I know that Little Peggy will play a role in future books, but to what extent?
While this first book is more an
Show More
introduction to characters and has little plot in and of itself, I still found myself completely wrapped up in it. Perhaps that is the writer in me, wanting to learn how characters are created and developed. I did not want to put this book down, as I wanted to know everything there was to know about little Alvin, Taleswapper, and the other secondary characters in the family and the community. And I did learn a lot, but not enough.While there are certainly aspects of this tale for which I can foresee outcomes, I still am desperate to find out what I can’t even begin to predict. There is one question in my mind that I have little clue how Card will handle as Alvin grows into a man. I know that Little Peggy will play a role in future books, but to what extent?
Show Less
LibraryThing member TadAD
An interesting concept for an alternate-history America, but the whole book felt kind of flat to me. The characters were real enough, the plot if fairly light-weight (more of a prelude for later books), but I didn't get sucked in the way I did with Ender.
LibraryThing member Neale
An interesting premise. I enjoyed the characters, the story was a bit thin but it is setting up a series. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
LibraryThing member willowcove
My personal feelings about the author aside. This first book was a fun read. Unfortunately, each successive book in the series got more and more disappointing.
LibraryThing member Grumpus
This is a tale of North American mythology. It is compelling enough to change the feelings of the era in ones heart. Magic and history blend to give a believable rendition of our past.
LibraryThing member gilroy
While I enjoy most alternative histories to see what if, this book has a brick to it that I would like to avoid. Card develops a good history for the US, but the problem I run into is his insistence of handing one of his characters the brick of religion that he smacks into each of the characters,
Show More
though more frequently the reader. I understand that the character is a preacher, but I don't want to be preached AT when reading a book. I had plans of continuing with this series, but now doubt that will happen. Show Less
LibraryThing member laileana
Come live in an America that might have been. Where everyday people used hexes and charms in their homes and lives. Where a slave turned into a bird and flew to freedom with infant in her arms. Where Red men created a powerful magic with the sacrifice of their lives and in doing so created a
Show More
barrier no white man could ever cross. Where a Weaver sits in her cabin weaving our lives-as her ancestress did in the old country-as her cousins in the old country do even now-and as her daughter in the Red mans land does as well. Where Ben Franklin was a Wizard and a Maker and George Washington was beheaded. Where the Iroquis-in the books the Irawaka are one of the original states that sign the constitution-known in the books as The Compact. A Compact that makes Red men-Native Americans- citizens as well as black men-no slaves. The books tell the tale of Alvin, who is the seventh son of a seventh son and a very powerful Maker-almost like a wizard. He fights against the Unmaker. The books also feature a very prominent Torch-or psychic. In these novels Card weaves a wonderful Continent full of powerful characters. Show Less
LibraryThing member RRHowell
The Tales of Alvin Maker are very interesting alternate history books. While not a retelling of the life of the founder of the Mormon church, Joseph Smith, Jr. , they contain many elements that are meant to remind people of him. Card is a Mormon, and his books ring with Mormon theology in many of
And, as a warning, I would encourage young children away from this work. I might say that in my opinion the series as a whole has a PG-13 rating. This book may not be too bad but further down the series there are some rather graphic scenes.
Show More
the same ways that the Narnia books resonate with a more traditional Christian faith. That is not to say that you need to be a Mormon to appreciate his work (I am not), but I found I liked it better when I thought about the stories in the light of Mormon understandings. I give the series as a whole 5/5, but this is not the best book in the series. And, as a warning, I would encourage young children away from this work. I might say that in my opinion the series as a whole has a PG-13 rating. This book may not be too bad but further down the series there are some rather graphic scenes.
Show Less
LibraryThing member sharken
What a great beginning to an epic adventure.
This book is difficult to put down, at best! This is one of many Orson Scott Card's stories that have drawn me in, and left me feeling as if I'd just experienced a real-life adventure. Every writer should aspire to build such fantastic and yet realistic
This book is difficult to put down, at best! This is one of many Orson Scott Card's stories that have drawn me in, and left me feeling as if I'd just experienced a real-life adventure. Every writer should aspire to build such fantastic and yet realistic
Show More
worlds and realities as this! Show Less
LibraryThing member jnfalvey
I have seen this series compared to Stephen R. Donaldson's Thomas Covenant series, and I can see why; the scope of the saga that begins here is every bit as broad, and the stakes for the world as high. The main difference here, and the one that might make it more appealing to YA readers, is that
Show More
this journey begins with the birth of Alvin Maker. Following Alvin from his childhood makes him an even more accessible character for YA readers, and gives great sense of depth to the story. The setting, also, makes this series even more appealing; here is a world we recognize--an America not so very different from the one we live in, which makes it even easier for the reader to suspend disbelief and sink into this alternate world. Readers can't help but want more when they reach the end of this first installment in Alvin Maker's life. Show Less
LibraryThing member aethercowboy
Alvin Maker is the seventh son of a seventh son, which means that in this Alternate History 19th century America, he has great powers.
He is born while his family is traveling out West, just as his brother clings to the last bits of his life before being rushed away in a river. Seventh Son takes us
Alvin is helped along the way by Peggy, a torch, Alvin's senior by five years, as well as Alvin's older brother, Measure. The Unmaker, however, is assisted by a wayward preacher by the name of Thrower.
This book takes us on a journey through Alvin's early life, just as he is beginning to learn what Making truly is. We meet interesting historical characters alongside the fictional ones, such as Taleswapper, who is one William Blake. Seeded throughout are other gems sure to be appreciated by most history buffs.
This book is sure to be a delight among fans of fantasy, alternate history, as well as other works by Card.
He is born while his family is traveling out West, just as his brother clings to the last bits of his life before being rushed away in a river. Seventh Son takes us
Show More
on a journey through Alvin's life, as Alvin contests the Unmaker, a sort of Satan-like adversary.Alvin is helped along the way by Peggy, a torch, Alvin's senior by five years, as well as Alvin's older brother, Measure. The Unmaker, however, is assisted by a wayward preacher by the name of Thrower.
This book takes us on a journey through Alvin's early life, just as he is beginning to learn what Making truly is. We meet interesting historical characters alongside the fictional ones, such as Taleswapper, who is one William Blake. Seeded throughout are other gems sure to be appreciated by most history buffs.
This book is sure to be a delight among fans of fantasy, alternate history, as well as other works by Card.
Show Less
LibraryThing member norabelle414
I'm not sure what I was really expecting from this book. All I knew about it was that it had something to do with early America, and magic.
I ended up really liking it. It was more religious than books I normally read, but not in a preachy way. I really liked the way every character or force in the
I'm not sure I agree with the book's ideas on fire vs. water, however. While water can certainly be destructive, it is often necessary for making as well. And I'm not sure I can think of any way in which fire makes things. Maybe this will develop in later books.
I ended up really liking it. It was more religious than books I normally read, but not in a preachy way. I really liked the way every character or force in the
Show More
book could be, by the end of the story, categorized into good or bad, maker or unmaker. I felt the maker vs. unmaker (order vs. chaos) dichotomy was much deeper and more interesting than good vs. evil.I'm not sure I agree with the book's ideas on fire vs. water, however. While water can certainly be destructive, it is often necessary for making as well. And I'm not sure I can think of any way in which fire makes things. Maybe this will develop in later books.
Show Less
LibraryThing member bethlea
Alvin Maker is the seventh son of a seventh son, he has the gift of creating. He has an enemy - water -
Also a fundamentalist preacher who doesn't believe in these paranormal gifts is trying to save Alvin.
Also a fundamentalist preacher who doesn't believe in these paranormal gifts is trying to save Alvin.
LibraryThing member mirrani
Card's historical America-that-could-have-been is well thought out and beautifully described. Each character adds to the story in such a way that also helps to make the country grow, just as what would happen in a new place with new ideas, only as readers we get to experience it intimately. When
The culture created around this alternate America was clearly well thought out. You have the magical aspect that is rooted in superstition and tradition pushing against the Christian ideas that are introduced as the country grows and churches are built where there was once only open country and a few houses. Neither one is right or wrong over the other, they simply both exist and although there are some families that clearly pick one over the other, it is also good to see homes like Alvin's where tradition and the church have found a way to survive together as an accepted way of life. Could the magical way have been real at one point in time and we simply lost that ability to recognize it? Reading Seventh Son certainly can make you believe it would all have been possible.
I have both the book and the audio version (read by Nana Visitor) and though I know the story well, I find myself regularly turning on the audio or picking up the book to experience everything over again. The audio is so beautifully delivered that when reading the actual book, my mind hears the audio as I read, making both experiences even more magical as they are joined together. This is a story that does not get old, a reader can easily relive it with fondness and wonder again and again.
Show More
you read you feel as if you know the characters, their families and situations just as if you had stopped in for dinner on a long journey to somewhere new. Descriptions are written as they would have been thought up in the time, adding to the natural feel of the story.The culture created around this alternate America was clearly well thought out. You have the magical aspect that is rooted in superstition and tradition pushing against the Christian ideas that are introduced as the country grows and churches are built where there was once only open country and a few houses. Neither one is right or wrong over the other, they simply both exist and although there are some families that clearly pick one over the other, it is also good to see homes like Alvin's where tradition and the church have found a way to survive together as an accepted way of life. Could the magical way have been real at one point in time and we simply lost that ability to recognize it? Reading Seventh Son certainly can make you believe it would all have been possible.
I have both the book and the audio version (read by Nana Visitor) and though I know the story well, I find myself regularly turning on the audio or picking up the book to experience everything over again. The audio is so beautifully delivered that when reading the actual book, my mind hears the audio as I read, making both experiences even more magical as they are joined together. This is a story that does not get old, a reader can easily relive it with fondness and wonder again and again.
Show Less
LibraryThing member DaleVanWyhe
Very interesting story. Easy to read. Looking forward to the rest of the Alvin Maker books.
Awards
Hugo Award (Nominee — Novel — 1988)
Mythopoeic Awards (Finalist — 1988)
Locus Award (Finalist — Fantasy Novel — 1988)
World Fantasy Award (Nominee — Novel — 1988)
Ditmar Award (Winner — 1989)
Evergreen Teen Book Award (Nominee — 1991)
Grand Prix de l'Imaginaire (Winner — 2000)
Best Fiction for Young Adults (Selection — 1987)
Original publication date
1987
Physical description
241 p.; 9.4 inches
ISBN
0312930194 / 9780312930196