n  A Philadelphie, Alvin et le jeune métis Arthur Stuart, l'interprète des oiseaux, font la connaissance du peintre français Jean-Jacques Audubon. Ensemble, ils partent en quête en Nouvelle-Angleterre avec aussi les compagnons de route habituels d'Alvin, l'avocat, En-Vérité Cooper et le géant, Mike Fink. Alvin voudrait savoir pourquoi il a reçu ses dons. Il a hérité d'une mission qui le laisse désemparé, construire une Cité de Cristal. Il pense trouver des réponses en Nouvelle-Angleterre, mais la région est dangereuse pour lui. Les habitants du coin assimilent à cause de leur ignorance et de leur intolérance les talents à de la sorcellerie. Pendant ce temps, Peggy la torche, la compagne d'Alvin qui a un don de clairvoyance, s'attaque à l'esclavagisme. Ressentant les prémisses de la guerre de Sécession elle s'investit dans une croisade abolitionniste au cours de laquelle elle rencontrera Calvin, le jumeau maléfique d'Alvin. Ce dernier est accompagné de l'écrivain français Honoré de Balzac qui s'inspirera de lui pour écrire ses romans. Ce cinquième volume des Chroniques d'Alvin le Faiseur (la saga en comptera sept) est un conte pour adultes sur la tolérance, plein de palpitants rebondissements et d'humour.n   


http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/2841720993n

Hey, another trial

Book 5 of 6 in the Alvin Maker series by Orson Scott Card. This one divides the recently married Alvin and Peggy; the former heads to New England to challenge and undermine the legality of witch trials while the latter heads south to Camelot [Charleston, South Carolina] in the Crown Colonies as an abolitionist seeking to prevent a bloody, divisive war over the issue of slavery. Although this narrative suffers from being a bit more cerebral and static like its immediate predecessor, there are some interesting historical figures and issues that are fairly well-executed and engaging. John Adams shows up as a reform-minded, rational, stubborn judge in Massachusetts bent on striking down witch trials while John C. Calhoun appears as a statesman in the court of King Arthur Stuart in the South determined to preserve the institution of slavery by any means necessary. The French artist Jean-Jacques Audubon also figures as an important supporting character in developing the characterization of Alvin's step-brother-in-law Arthur Stuart (who finally meets his royal namesake at the end of this book). The prime antagonist, Calvin, continues to use his powers for selfish, disgusting ends with a somewhat surprising exception when a change of heart occurs; Alvin saves his life from an odd out-of-body experience and Calvin shows signs of gratitude. The name of the book, "Heartfire," not only alludes to Peggy's much-developed power but also connects with the newly revealed plot device that African slaves magically knot-up their heartfires--along with their anger, fear, and names--as a survival mechanism against the institution of slavery. While there were indeed some slow and confusing moments, this book continues to develop the fun alternative American history that Card has been cooking up so well.

Seemed like pt. 2 of the last one. Another good entry, but felt somewhat like filler. Still excited for the last one.

here we have found a book that can be entirely judged by its cover. Not that the cover has a whole lot to do with the plot, mind, but I mean look at that awful cover. Pretty much how I feel about the series at this point. One more to go, unless Card at some point writes Alvin Maker.

This is perhaps the best so far in the series. Alvin heads to New England and being tried as a witch by no less than John Adams. Margaret goes to Camelot (Charleston, SC) to try to forge peace from a future war she sees as a torch. There she meets her husbands brother, who manages to get himself in trouble. It is a decent read. This does have a scene of seduction in case you are a parent, otherwise it is tastefully done.

this book ended too soon for me

An enjoyable read, though it seemed to me that Card had added some unlikely character actions and reactions, simply to keep the plot moving. A good example was with Purity's initial reaction to Alvin. I wouldn't expect an immediate revulsion and condemnation out of someone who had literally a minute prior learned about her parents' witch trial, particularly when she grew up around people like Emerson. The reaction would have likely taken longer to manifest itself, but the plot would have also dragged because of it. As much as I like to wrap up a book as fast as possible, I hate it when the characters "break character."

By far the best of the series so far and fastest to read. Clear plot (for all story lines).
However, Alvin was more annoying than usual.
I usually hate when they make you despise a character and then start him on redemption, but Calvin didn't bother me as much. Maybe that was the idea: make Alvin annoying to make you like Calvin more.

Not as good as the previous books in the series, but necessary to keep the story going without skipping too much time.

On to the last one, easy to listen too.

Solid story telling, with a terrific supporting appearance by John Addams and other period celebrities (Mike Fine, J.J. Audobon, Honore Balzac...). Characters' super power make it easy to overlook the religious nonsense that lies behind this series.