In an alternate late 18th century frontier, America’s George Washington is beheaded for treason and the colonists use magic and hexes that really work. When American settlers cross the Appalachian Mountains into the Northwest Territory they bring their magic and curses with them. Among the new settlers is the Miller family who bears a very special son named Alvin. Alvin’s birth is considered special because he is not only the seventh son of the seventh son, but a Maker. Makers can control forces through their thoughts, and there has not been a Maker for one hundred years. Young Alvin’s powers include his knack for working with stone and wood. When Alvin is confronted with the dark forces of the Unmaker he becomes a Maker and uses his powers to stop the Unmaker. Alvin’s family takes in a traveler with prophetic powers called Taleswapper. As Taleswapper witnesses Alvin’s powers he realizes that dark forces are out to destroy him. With the help of a young girl who was born with special powers to be a torch or “guardian” for Alvin, he manages to cheat death many times over. Alvin will be challenged to escape death past the age of fourteen. With the help of Taleswapper and the torch he may grow up to help the world hold back the Unmaker. 256 pages Ages 13 and up
Recommended by Anna Pelio, Librarian.
