Heartfire

June 29, 1998
Fifth in Hugo and Nebula winner Card's immensely popular Tales of Alvin Maker, this installment of alternative American history centers around two grievous social wrongs. Arthur Stuart, exiled King of England, reigns in Camelot (Charleston), capital of the slaveholding southern Crown Colonies; in New England, meanwhile, "witchers" connive to execute anyone with the "knack," the ability to connect to the powers of the universe. Just before civil war erupts, telekinetic Alvin and his historical friends, such as John James Audubon, and legendary ones, such as riverman Mike Fink, set about to abolish New England's antiwitch laws, while Alvin's wife and mentor, Margaret, uses her ability to read human souls to offer the hope of freedom to the Colonies' slaves and to heal Alvin's malevolent brother before he can kill her husband. Card's antebellum settings, dialogue and historical figures seem authentic and thoroughly researched, and, as always, he offers excellent differentiation of characters. However, Card is as occasionally windy and preachy as ever, and the plethora of lengthy philosophical and/or psychological digressions make for considerably less fictional sizzle than fizzle. Consider this a good bet for fans of the series, but not for a wider readership.

April 15, 1998
This best-selling sf writer is back with a sequel to the "Tales of Alvin Maker" series.

May 15, 1998
Devotees of Card's Alvin Maker series will rejoice that the fifth book quickly follows the fourth and that it further demonstrates the historical and folkloric scholarship, insight into the religious impulse, ethical concern, and lucid prose that distinguish its historical fantasy predecessors. Alvin is with Mike Fink and other companions in New England to fight against the laws that make witchcraft a capital offense. He is condemned and imprisoned under them, but, helped by a local girl and old--but still hard-nosed in pursuit of justice--John Adams, he triumphs. Wife Margaret, meanwhile, though pregnant with their daughter, travels to the southern colonies to persuade them to abolish slavery. There she discovers that the slaves are being made passive by Denmark Vesey and a shamanistic partner, who are stealing their aggression. The release of all this aggression bodes a bloody slave rebellion that Alvin averts in the knick of time. The pace is brisker this time, although Card's attempt to tell two stories in one compact book may make some feel that something has been left out or that Alvin's increasing powers diminish suspense. Most who have come this far with Alvin will find this an exceedingly well told, satisfying continuation of a major fantasy saga. ((Reviewed May 15, 1998))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1998, American Library Association.)