Seventh Son

Set in an alternate America in which the Revolutionary War never occurred and George Washington was beheaded for treason, this story introduces a new series about a gifted young man. Young Alvin Maker has many close calls with death, but unseen forces protect him. The book uses a collection of narrative voices to tell this intriguing tale, each of which is presented by a star narrator. They pass the story among themselves seamlessly. Through the ranting of a preacher, the calm recounting of the visions of a young woman who can see the future, the stories of a tale swapper, and the musing of Alvin himself , the narrators make the characters vivid and move the plot along smoothly. J.E.M. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

June 26, 1987
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.''

Nana Visitor's spirited and intuitive reading of Card's story, which is set in an alternate America, immediately draws in the listener, holding on until the conclusion which begs for the next installment. (Currently, there are five volumes in the series.) Sorcery, magic and special powers exist in this America of the 1800's frontier--they're said to always grace the seventh son of a seventh son. Alvin, Jr., knows even as a boy that he has special powers. As others become aware of his powers, he faces danger from unexpected quarters. Visitor deftly captures all the nuances of character and emotion with her malleable and expressive voice, consistently finding the tone, pace and emotion to fit the scene. M.A.M. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine