[Beleg]

I am surprised to see little or no mention of this saga previously on the board. All I remember are some fleeting remarks about the 'preachiness' of Card in this series.

So far, I am about 100 page into the first book 'Seventh Son' and can't detect any signs of the aforementioned symptom? So when does this preachiness kick in? Is it later in the series or am I missing something really obvious either because I am a dimwit or because of cultural difference/not an American thing etc.

Anyone who enjoyed this series? Opinion? Comments?

It's one hell of read so far - just the type of book I love.

[DragonReader]

Well I have read the first 3 books and don't recall any preachiness, so it might come later. Actualy I thought these were quite good books.

[Rob B]

I read the first 5 books in one shot, right after each other and enjoyed them quite a bit. I haven't gotten around to the newest, The Crystal City just yet, though.

[Soon Lee]

They are a very good read.

It's not so much the preachiness as OSC's beliefs/background coming through in the stories. I was aware of it but it did not detract from my reading pleasure.

The basic premise is cool; an alternate America where European migrants who fled to the New World to avoid persecution for witchcraft actually had 'witchy' abilities - hexmaking, firestarting, waterdowsing etc. Alvin is the seventh son of a seventh son and therefore his powers are stronger than anyone else's. The tales chronicle his life.

[Blackwing]

I read them a few years ago and liked them a lot. I didn't find them at all preachy. I guess I just took that as part of the setting.

I'm going to read the Crystal City and the last book when the last book comes out and comes to Finland.

[Julian]

I am surprised to see little of no mention of this saga previously on the board. All I remember are some fleeting remarks about the 'preachiness' of Card in this series.


You're right - precious little mention of him, at least on the fantasy pages (of course, Card is best known for his sf, the Ender books in particular).

And as to "preachiness" - I seem to remember some things being posted here a while back that went beyond that level of criticism. If I recall correctly, though, that wasn't directly concerned with the Alvin series, but rather with one or more interviews Card had given.

That surprised me at the time, since I liked Alvin (well, the first three volumes - haven't read the rest yet). And I happen to love Hart's Hope, which I read some time ago but still treasure. (Ever read that one, Beleg?)

Does anyone know what Card might have said that was so inflammatory?

Hmm, I'll try and scout around a bit...

Edit 1:

Haven't quite found it yet, but there's quite a wealth of Card stuff online. Too much to take in all at once, in fact. Anyways, the preachiness Beleg mentions doesn't seem to bear out: Card may be a Morman, but in the interviews I just read he says pretty sensible and understandable things, even if you don't agree with him. Nothing inflammatory and nothing preachy.

Edit 2:

The controversy I recall surrounding Card probably deals with the fact that he spoke out against the legalisation of gay marriages. Could be wrong, though...

[DragonReader]

I don't recall anything "preachy" but he often gives his opinions on his website (www.hatrack.com), some I agree with some I don't.

[Postaurch]

Card's controversial reputation stems in large part from the fact that he wrote a position paper for the Mormon church against homosexuality.

Re: the Alvin Maker series. Great alternate universe stuff. I was disappointed in Crystal City as:

1. It seems Card wrote some other stuff in the time line either as short story or blog or something, so CC beings in the middle of a story line that didn't exist in the previous book.

2. Mild Spoiler:





















He pulls a "C. S. Lewis" in terms of what the Crystal City is.

[Geehpsy]

I haven't read Cristal City yet, but the other five were pretty good. As good as any other Card book (I am a great fan !). Those were the first I read of him, and it made me want to read more.
As for the homosexuality thing, well, it does not appear in his books. I don't recall either anything "preachy".

[Grey Sea]

I've read up to Crystal City and yes to me I noticed he had a message. Never was offended by it, nor did it detract from the read. Never noticed that he held any position at all on homosexuality from this series. I felt he represented a moral lesson in his hero Alvin, who makes his choices on the basis of what is right, what is best for others, not necessarily himself. As I said, I don't feel that's a preachy idea, his choice to tell the story the way he wants to. I enjoyed the series up to now, but agree Crystal City did feel like our author was distracted. Awaiting his next, but not eagearly; Deadhouse Gates first, then back to George Martin.