"The best fantasy series now in progress."Publishers Weekly

"This superb and welcome book continues the saga at the same high level as before. [The Tales of Alvin Maker] promises to be [Card's] most notable creation."Booklist

"Card brings to building this world and his large cast of well-wrought characters formidable scholarship in history, religion, and folklorewe are talking about the most important work of American fantasy since Stephen Donaldson's original Thomas Covenant trilogy." Chicago Sun-TimesA 1996 Locus Award Winner for Best Fantasy Novel Alvin is a Maker, the first to be born in a century. Now a grown man and a journeyman smith, Alvin has returned to his family in the town of Vigor Church. He will share in their isolation, work as a blacksmith, and try to teach anyone who wishes to learn the knack of being a Maker. For Alvin has had a vision of the Crystal City he will build, and he knows that he cannot build it alone. But he has left behind in Hatrack River enemies as well as true friends. His ancient foe, the Unmaker, whose cruel whispers and deadly plots have threatened Alvin's life at every turn, has found new hands to do his work of destruction.