Rating: 
Summary: Leaves you hungry for more.
Review: This is a satisfying continuation of the tale of Alvin Journeyman on his way to becoming Alvin Maker and the creation of his Crystal City dream. Alvin is now an adult, free of his onerous apprenticeship, and returns home for the first time in years. There he becomes re-acquainted with his family, and attempts to teach Making, with mixed results. One result is a false accusation of sexual misconduct by a young lady infatuated with him. He flees to Hatrack, where he was born and apprenticed. There his bitter ending with the smith who trained him develops into a trial, not only for a specific charge of theft, but also of his character. Alvin's estranged brother and fellow maker, Calvin, has gone to Europe and studies how to control people from Napoleon, and inadvertently is the catalyst that sends the right attorney from England to Hatrack, where he can defend Alvin. Once again, the alternate history is fascinating. This time we not only see America (but not much more than we've seen before), but we see how England and France have fared in this world of small and large magicks. My only complaint: it felt like a middle book in a series, which it is. It seems less a complete story than a continuation. It introduces new characters that obviously have more to do (having a torch around helps the author give glimpses of the possible futures). I wouldn't start anyone with this book. And I want to get more than just a hint as to how the Crystal City will be created. I want more in general. So I guess I'll go read Heartfire and then wait like everyone else for the culmination of the series. I suspect Card won't let us down: he hasn't so far.
Rating: 
Summary: definitely the best so far
Review: this is in my opinion the best book so far in the alvin maker series. although i wish card would just get to the crystal city, this book still had suspense and excitement. the only thing i have to complain about is the way card can draw out scenes to last pages when the only need about 1/2 a page to explain. but still one of the best books card has written.
Rating: 
Summary: Slow but worth it
Review: This novel was an interesting story to the Alvin Maker series. I did enjoy the story and the adventures that Card told but I felt that this story was a stopping point-a temporary detour as he regrouped. I felt that this tale was an attempt to finish the story he started and gather the characters he needed to reach the Crystal City.
This is a very important book in the series. It introduces characters that I feel are going to be fundamental to the conclusion of the Alvin Maker series. If have been enjoying this gift from Card, you need to pick this book up and struggle through the slight lulls and finish this one.
Rating:
Summary: Loved this one too... best of series so far
Review: What's cool about Journeyman is that I finally feel connected to the characters in this book. My conceptions of the real life historical characters depicted in this volume has changed. I think Card is brilliant in how William Henry Harrison evil ways are ultimately punished, and then by who exactly is ironic and more intriguing. A great yarn. Currently reading Heartfire, but I love also the Ender series, but I have to say I think I like the Alvin Maker series the best. Also love how Peggy finally is "tamed" and the following that Alvin develops. Verily Cooper is also a fantastic addition to the flow. love it.
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