Alvin, the man with the golden plow (I still wonder if that isn't a whimsical reference to James Bond) is still trying to oppose the designs of the Unmaker, build his own community of followers, figure out what he's supposed to do with his life, and somehow figure out how to build the Crystal City of his dreams. This all takes place in an alternate history version of early 1800's America. ( )

In his introduction, Card acknowledges that when "Alvin Journeyman" was first published, some fans had been waiting several years for the next installment in the series. Had I been one of those fans, I would have probably been really annoyed that I'd waited a long time and only got "Alvin Journeyman."

Just as is the case with the later Ender novels, the Alvin series seems to have descended into a series where people sit around and have lots of philosophical conversations that, while interesting, don't really do much to advance the plot. The most frustrating part of this is that we have some interesting subplots in here such as the rift between Calvin and Alvin that are brought up, sort of developed and then left dangling once the final pages are turned. Card hints at something more to come and maybe this novel is groundwork for that, but it still feels like an incomplete read. Or maybe this is just one long preview for the next installment in the series.

"Alvin Journeyman" seems to be more concerned with wrapping up bits from the last book and introducing a plethora of new characters more than it is about advancing the story of Alvin and his becoming a maker. Enough with visions of the Crystal City. Let's get onto actually building it or bringing it back. ( )

My personal feelings about the author aside. The first book was a fun read. Unfortunately, each successive book in the series got more and more disappointing. ( )

fourth in the "Tales of Alvin Maker" series this episode focuses on Alvin returning to the town where he was educated to submit to trial for theft and to answer charges regarding a black boy he has taken under his wing and his possible status as a runaway slave.

in keeping with the rest of the series, this book is part morality play, part revisionist history of an America where magic really works. this book is engagaing in the same manner as its companion peices in the series and a must for anyone who enjoys the other books. ( )

This feels as though it was a book written in order to get to the next in the series. It did not have as much love or compassion as the others I have read so far. That is not to say, however, that the book was not enjoyable.

I found myself drawn into Calvin's life with his parallel travels, wanting to know what will become of the two Makers from one family. ( )