Using the lore and the folk magic from the men and women who resolved a continent, as well as the beliefs of the tribes who had been here before them, Cards has created another frontier America; a global in which a particular kind of magic really works and where that magic offers colored the entire background of the colonies. Charms and beseechings, hexes and potions, all possess a location in the lives of the folks of this globe. “Knacks” abound: dowsers find water, sparks arranged fires, blacksmiths talk with their iron, about Seventh Child the second view warns of hazards to come, and a torch can browse the heart-fire of anyone within reach. It really is into this globe, inside a roadhouse on the monitor westward, amid the deep hardwood where the Red man still retains sway, a very special child exists.

Young Alvin is the seventh son of the seventh son, born while his six brothers all even now lived. Such a birth is a robust magic; such a son is destined to become something great-perhaps even a Machine. But no Machine has been given birth to for many a century, and there is no lore to tell how the Maker’s knack works. At the age of six Alvin doesn’t appear to possess any special talent whatsoever, unless it’s the knack he has of dealing with rock and hardwood, crafting equipment and ornaments; unless it’s his capability to color a hex perfectly; unless it’s the way he has with animals…

Yes, Alvin is something special; and even in the loving safety of his house, dark forces get in touch with destroy him. Something will do anything to keep Alvin from developing up.