|
| |||||||||||
What are readers saying about Seventh Son (Tales of Alvin Maker, Book 1)?
| Reviews of Seventh Son (Tales of Alvin Maker, Book 1) - Page 1 of 3 |
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-03-26 09:34:04.
(Language: English)
  
Book one in the Alvin Maker series.Fantasy set in an alternate universe America in the early 1800's where magic abounds, even as many are wary and suspicious of it. Alvin Miller is the seventh son of a seventh son and has a special "knack" for making things. As he grows up, Alvin gradually learns more about his powers and purpose, and also meets the mysterious Unmaker, who will stop at nothing to destroy Alvin. 
|
Yes (0) 
No (0) |
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-01-21 08:56:01.
(Language: English)
Fun alternate history series. I hope he finishes book 7 someday.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-12-25 12:29:01.
(Language: English)
Not as good as the ender series of books, but a neat take on a lot of American Myths
|
|
Michelle posted a review at 2008-06-27 11:24:28.
(Language: English)
I really wasn't into the book until the second half. By the end I finally got used to the strange dialect, and I finally saw things about the characters that I liked. It's worth slugging through this book to get to the second, though, especially if you are an Orson Scott Card fan already. I like how he twists history and real historical figures to fit into the story.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2008-08-10 03:27:58.
(Language: English)
I actually preferred the Alvin Maker series to the Ender series, although I am admittedly an Ender fan. Card really explores the savior-child in Alvin, takes much more time with the character development, even with minor-in-comparison characters. Plot-wise, the Alvin series, the Ender series, and several of the other singular novels Card has written, mirror each other -- coming of age novels, with a savior child -- and mirror the internal struggles the main characters face, but despite his possible overuse of this crutch-plot, Card is an eloquent writer who, in each of his novels, manages to convince his readers to reflect on themselves, a feat difficult for one novel, let alone multiple.
|
|
Jennifer posted a review at 2009-11-08 01:29:39.
(Language: English)
Another awesome author for pre-teens, especially boys. It's a 'twisted up America' with a little bit of majic thrown in!
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-08-17 12:56:21.
(Language: English)
Best of the series...
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-12-06 03:24:29.
(Language: English)
Quick paced, but expected for the start in the series. Read it in high school, taking a second look to finish the series.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-08-16 08:37:22.
(Language: English)
This book was a great read and skirts the impressively detailed reimagining of colonial America with folk-magic that is masterfully woven in an entertaining way. I enjoyed this book immensely and look forward to reading the other books in this series to see what happens to Alvin.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2008-11-22 10:24:05.
(Language: English)
There are those who would slight these tales of Alvin Maker because the author is a Mormon and there are blatant elements of the Mormon mythos in the story. The key word in all this to me is "story." I am admittedly not much of a fan of the Mormon church, but I can appreciate a great story when I read one. And let me tell you, this sure is a great one! Card's imagination is inspiring, and it's a real treat to read this type of fantasy tale set in the Americas.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-09-13 05:21:57.
(Language: English)
(Listened to via Audio Book) I was pleased with this book. I thought the reinventing of American history was certainly unique and I look forward to where it progresses. The character development was great. You really feel like you can connect with various characters. I have a feeling that, like the Homecoming series, what I thought I understood about this world will significantly change. So, I am curious how the roles of good and evil fit in with respect to "making" and "unmaking." Also, I am curious where the Christian elements will lead to. You don't usually see that fused with tales of magick. I guess I will soon find out.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-02-16 09:36:57.
(Language: English)
My personal take on this series is how well the author weaves magic into American History. There is also religious overtones as the protagonist Alvin is destined to unit a fractured post revolutionary war America. His struggle to fulfill that destiny (within himself and the host of historical figures he meets along the way) makes for a compelling series. If you like story telling with strong characters and a well thought out immersive alternate history (a more adult Harry Potter) then I think you will like this series
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-02-19 10:50:01.
(Language: English)
This is an excellent story; a miss-mash of American alternative history featuring a juxtaposition of religious convictions and magic. Orson Scott Card has this fantastic ability to create characters that are so very unique. He can tell a story from everyone's perspectives in such a way that even the most insane idea will make sense in that characters voice. 4 stars because the book didn't feel complete (because it's a 1st of a series) and also because it requires a lot of knowledge of American history which is not necessarily accessible to non-Americans.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2007-11-29 12:03:10.
(Language: English)
Reading the first 100 or so pages, I was skeptical over whether I'd really get into this book. However it all started to gel together at that point, once you get used to all the "folkyness". The alternate universe that Orson Scott Card creates with this first book is both detailed and believable, so much so that you'll almost wonder why history didn't take that turn. Towards the end, I started to realize that this wasn't some simple little bedtime story like I'd thought it would be... and the series will probably be a future fav of mine.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-08-03 10:19:06.
(Language: English)
This is a fun read...an original and creative premise.
|
|
|
Emily posted a review at 2007-09-09 03:43:02.
(Language: English)
Okay, so it's pretty clear to the LDS readers that this story is actually a blatant rip-off of the life of Joseph Smith, Jr, founder of the LDS religion. However, after you roll your eyes, you can appreciate the imagination that Card has used to write this incredible story of a different version of America where the country is altered and folk magic runs amok. Even though this is noticeably imaginary, Card makes it work with his coloquial writing that sucks you in like a professional storyteller that has been wandering the backwoods.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-05-17 11:30:34.
(Language: English)
this book, and the others of the series, completely changed my perspective on americans as people. i, for the first time in 8 years i've been living here, have been introduced to americans as a distinct people and with a distinct culture even though it was made from some long existing ingredients. card's knowledge of american and world history as well as lives of eminent historical figures is not only impressive but inspiring, and his style of writing is utterly engaging. above all, the lessons tought through the story of alvin maker made me re-evaluate my own life and my motives for living.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-02-22 05:10:30.
(Language: English)
Read this a long time ago, back when Orson Scott Card was probably better known for SF and not so well known for his oft-controversial opinions about modern sexuality. Great stuff from an alternate, historical America.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2008-07-04 01:11:38.
(Language: English)
just when i think orson scott card has done his best with his ender's game series, i read something else he wrote and realize he's just a genious all the time... this series is great for anyone who likes to think about the mysteries/purpose of life, possibilities of magic, and of course a struggle of good against evil (although, it's never so black and white with card). all of which is tied into this fantastical historical recount of american colonization where magic and superstition become reality.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-06-27 11:15:56.
(Language: English)
This book starts a bit slow but just keep going. The pay off is huge. Card is an awesome story teller and this book is just the beginning. Read them all!
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-11-16 12:25:12.
(Language: English)
Once again, Card brings the story of an amazing child to life. The story pulls all the right heart strings; and leaves you asking him to pluck them again with a sequel.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-12-29 05:52:16.
(Language: English)
An amazing beginning to an amazing and inspiring series.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-12-28 10:08:27.
(Language: English)
My favorite triliogy by Orsan Scott Card..some of the concepts he put into this is basic on factural history tht most people are not aware of.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-11-24 10:38:06.
(Language: English)
Love Orson Scott Card, he is one of my favorite author.
|
|
Bob posted a review at 2009-03-17 05:43:48.
(Language: English)
Seventh Son is a bit of historical fiction mixed with a bit of fantasy from the creative and bewildering Orson Scott Card. This is the first book in his Alvin Maker series. This is not as good as the first Ender book (Ender's Game), but it is certainly well worth the read. The story centers on Alvin Jr., born after surviving a raging river torrent which takes the life of his oldest brother. Being the seventh son of a seventh son, Alvin discovers he has a special gift which allows him to perceive the world around him more clearly and to shape metal and to heal. His gift is at odds with the local preacher, who has dedicated himself to turning the boy toward strict Christianity or, failing that, to destroy him.
|
| Reviews of Seventh Son (Tales of Alvin Maker, Book 1) - Page 1 of 3 |
Share your views!
Similar books
