Seventh Son (novel)

Seventh Son, published in 1987, is the opening volume of Orson Scott Card’s *The Tales of Alvin Maker* series. An American author, Card blends alternate history with fantasy in this novel. The story centers on Alvin Miller, who is the seventh son of a seventh son—a status that grants him rare and potent magical talents, known as “knacks.” Such individuals are extremely uncommon, and Alvin appears to be the only one of his kind in existence. His abilities mark him as a Maker, only the second in history; the first performed feats like walking on water and turning water to wine. Because of this, a destructive entity called the Unmaker targets Alvin, seeking to kill him before he can master his powers. The Unmaker primarily operates through water.

The plot begins as Alvin’s family migrates westward. Before Alvin is even born, the Unmaker attempts to prevent his birth by sending a tree crashing into the wagon carrying his pregnant mother. Alvin’s eldest brother, Vigor, diverts the tree but is mortally wounded. Since a seventh son must be born while his six older brothers are alive, Vigor clings to life until Alvin arrives. A five-year-old girl named Peggy Guester, a “torch” who can see life forces and possible futures, perceives Alvin’s potential as a Maker and insists on sending help.

As Alvin grows, he survives numerous attempts on his life, often aided by a mysterious protector. His father, who does not believe in God, suspects a water spirit is behind the attacks. When Alvin is seven, a new Reverend named Thrower arrives and tries to build a church. Alvin’s father refuses to help, but his mother sends all her sons to work on it. During construction, the ridgebeam breaks mid-air and splits in two, narrowly missing Alvin. Later, after provoking his sisters, Alvin uses his knack to send cockroaches after them in revenge. He then has a vision of a “Shining Man,” who makes him promise to use his abilities only for good.

When Alvin is ten, a traveling storyteller named Taleswapper (William Blake) arrives in the town founded by Alvin’s parents. After visiting the church, Taleswapper notices its altar has been touched by an evil presence and is thrown out by Reverend Thrower. He then goes to the Miller home, where his timely intervention stops Alvin’s father from killing the boy. Taleswapper helps name the force opposing Alvin: the Unmaker.