Many years ago my brother Rob suggested that I read the Alvin Maker series. I never did get into it much until recently, and I'm glad I did. They were every bit as good as he said, and I enjoyed them very much.

Card is, as always, a very good story teller. In this particular book, I had wished to hear more from Taleswapper, rather than just a cameo. But, the story was good, and vaguely paralleled the exodus by Moses. We learned more about Alvin and Peggy's relationship, their characters, etc. Alvin led many slaves to freedom, being joined by many more along the journey. That exodus was likened to Moses' exodus in the bible, and it was obviously similar in many ways. Arthur Stewart, Alvin's son-in-law, came into his own as he learned more about his own powers and what he could do for good.

About the most meaningful part of the book to me was only a paragraph or two when Marie la Morte (Dead Mary) said that the most powerful words ever said to her were not from some kind of knack or magical powers, but rather just when Arthur told her that she had done a good job with her work and that she was needed and useful. Those words made her feel self-confident and were more powerful on her than any hexes or magic.

I read this series with an intention of reading for entertainment. I was thoroughly entertained. There were certainly some redeeming qualities of the books (I still liked #2, Red Prophet, the best -- 4 stars), but I think that these books were more for entertainment and less about life-changing moments. Still a good quality read, and deserving of 3 stars, but not more.

I hear that the 7th and final book will be written someday, but it hasn't been yet. I'll read it.