Seventh Son

From the author of Ender's Game comes this unforgettable fantasy novel drawing on the legends, beliefs, customs, practices, and rites of the men and women who settled the North American continent—and of the tribes who were here before them. This is the story of young Alvin Maker: the seventh son of a seventh son.

Born into an alternative frontier America where life is naturally difficult and fierce—but folk magic is real—Alvin learns early on that he has been given the power. He must learn to use his gift wisely, but dark forces are arrayed against him. Soon Alvin discovers that only a young girl with second sight can protect him.

Seventh Son is the first novel in the Tales of Alvin Maker series.

Praise

"There is something deeply heart-wrenching about an America come true, even if it is only a dream, a fantasy novel. [This] first volume of The Tales of Alvin Maker is sharp and clean and bracing."—The Washington Post Book World

"Card brings to building this world and his large cast of well-wrought characters formidable scholarship in history, religion, and folklore. He also brings to it his maturing command of the English language . . . We are talking about the most important work of American fantasy since Stephen Donaldson's Thomas Covenant trilogy."—Chicago Sun-Times

"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."—Library Journal

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

About the Author(s)

Orson Scott Card

Orson Scott Card won both the Hugo and Nebula Awards for best SF novel two years consecutively—for Ender's Game and its sequel, Speaker for the Dead—in 1986 and 1987. Born in Richland, Washington, he currently lives in Greensboro, North Carolina.

photo: Bob Henderson, Henderson Photograpy, Inc.

Visit Orson Scott Card's Website

Find Orson Scott Card on Goodreads

Visit the IMDB Page

Visit Orson Scott Card's Wikipedia page

Excerpt

1
 
Bloody Mary
 
 
Little Peggy was very careful with the eggs. She rooted her hand through the straw till her fingers bumped something hard and heavy. She gave no never mind to the chicken drips. After all, when folk with babies stayed at the roadhouse, Mama never even crinkled her face at their most spetackler diapers. Even when the chicken drips were wet and stringy and made her fingers stick together, little Peggy gave no never mind.

View Entire Excerpt