This book takes place in Card's alternate-reality of pioneer america, where the folk-magic of the pioneers and the earth-magic of the indians are powerful forces. Several powerful political leaders of the frontier territory have different plans in conflict with one another: Arm of God Hamilton wants to incorporate the Indians and the pioneers into a new, color-blind society, while governors harrison and jackson would rather completely destroy the indians. No one asks the indians what they want, so two indian brothers take up leadership of their people with opposite goals: one a pacifist, the other believing that war is the only answer. For their own reasons, governor harrisson, the french-canadian govenrment, and the militant indian brother want to bring war between the pioneers and the indians, but some people on both sides would rather have peace, including alvin maker, a young boy with supernatural powers. can he stop the machinations of the warmongers or will the fronteir rivers run with blood? | ||
Plot & Themes Tone of book - FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - alternate history Coming of age Yes Political power play Yes Political plotlets - factions fight within govt for control - preventing/managing clash/war between govts/kingdoms Magical Beings/Mental/Magical/Powers Yes Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Main Character Identity: - Male Age: - a kid Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - 40's-50's Profession/status: How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a substantial amount How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor Intelligence - Average intelligence Setting Earth setting: - 18th century Takes place on Earth? Yes Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - very explicit references to deaths and torture How much dialogue? - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog |