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In a lot of ways, this feels like the second half of a longer novel that should have been paired with "Seventh Son."
"Seventh Son" establishes the character of Alvin Miller, Jr. and the fact that he's the seventh son of a seventh son. "Red Prophet" expands the alternative history of the universe Card is creating, including a lot of time spent on the politics of the universe. Card also spends some time setting up the rules by which his fantasy will play during the rest of the series (or so I presume).
This feels like the second half of what should have been one longer starting novel for the series. Alvin does feature but he's kept off stage for the first third of the book before finally coming into the story. The first third establishes the political situation, examines the powers used by the Native Americans in the novel and shows the rise of Lolla-Wosiky to becoming a prophet for his people.
If it weren't so interesting, it could be terribly frustrating. And Card does find ways to intersect the events of "Seventh Son," expanding that book a great deal. And it helps remind readers of what's gone before.
The book builds to a central scene, depicted on the cover when Alvin and the title character cross paths and share a vision together. Alvin sees the future he can build and where all things can lead, sewing seeds that I hope will pay off in future stories.
"Seventh Son" establishes the character of Alvin Miller, Jr. and the fact that he's the seventh son of a seventh son. "Red Prophet" expands the alternative history of the universe Card is creating, including a lot of time spent on the politics of the universe. Card also spends some time setting up the rules by which his fantasy will play during the rest of the series (or so I presume).
This feels like the second half of what should have been one longer starting novel for the series. Alvin does feature but he's kept off stage for the first third of the book before finally coming into the story. The first third establishes the political situation, examines the powers used by the Native Americans in the novel and shows the rise of Lolla-Wosiky to becoming a prophet for his people.
If it weren't so interesting, it could be terribly frustrating. And Card does find ways to intersect the events of "Seventh Son," expanding that book a great deal. And it helps remind readers of what's gone before.
The book builds to a central scene, depicted on the cover when Alvin and the title character cross paths and share a vision together. Alvin sees the future he can build and where all things can lead, sewing seeds that I hope will pay off in future stories.
