Waaaaaay back, I read the first Alvin book, Seventh Son. When I realized it would be an ongoing series, I decided to buy the books, but hold off until the series was complete. That seemed viable at the time. Now, Lo these many years later, as my bones creak and my body aches, I am wondering if the series will ever be complete? Is there any idea when the final Alvin book will come out? I'll buy it in hardcover if I have to! I promise! marc
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
Problem is that Card writes of such an amazing Smith that he doesn't himself realize when he has too many irons in the fire.
So many of us are anxious for it, but we don't have any word on it aside from 'it's not next on the list right now.'
Welcome to Hatrack.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
I wouldn't be surprised if it never gets written, honestly.
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
I fully expect to return in the seventh book as a janitor. So it must get written.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
quote:Originally posted by mr_porteiro_head: I wouldn't be surprised if it never gets written, honestly.
I won't be upset if it doesn't, honestly. I have to assume that if a series trails off, it's because the author has either butted up against an insoluble problem in the narrative, and weren't able to work around it, or simply lost interest. I'd much rather see an author I like produce something entirely new that they're excited about than put out a hugely flawed book, or a book that was simply written out of contractual obligation.
Posted by Sean Monahan (Member # 9334) on :
The "bones creak and my body aches" phrase, I can identify with. I was 19 when I first read Seventh Son. I'm 42 now. I've read the first three so many times. I've read Journeyman and Heartfire once each. I purchased Crystal City when it was published, but have not read it yet. I will not until the last book is finished, then I will read them all straight through.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
quote:Originally posted by Noemon:
quote:Originally posted by mr_porteiro_head: I wouldn't be surprised if it never gets written, honestly.
I won't be upset if it doesn't, honestly. I have to assume that if a series trails off, it's because the author has either butted up against an insoluble problem in the narrative, and weren't able to work around it, or simply lost interest. I'd much rather see an author I like produce something entirely new that they're excited about than put out a hugely flawed book, or a book that was simply written out of contractual obligation.
Exactly.
Posted by badman (Member # 11886) on :
This is what happens when Authors write with no clear plan for an ending. There's a lot to be said for that organic style, but it can be pretty frustrating for the reader.
Posted by scifibum (Member # 7625) on :
I dunno, I think the plan for this series was always pretty much existent.
Posted by marcmandy (Member # 12430) on :
Hi there. Marc again from the top. I decided I'd waited long enough and have just completed listening to the unabridged Audible presentation of the complete series. The books were all very well done and I come out of the experience wanting the "more" That Mr Card does indeed promise in a postscript to one of the early books in the series, *But* [pay attention Sean] I do not feel as though I am left hanging at the end of "Crystal City." Without spoilers I can safely say that he leaves us with the main story-lines tied up neatly and gives hints and forebodings of things to come, but you come away *without* that cliff-hanger, "Oh noooo, Pauline" feeling. I would very much like to go onto the next book, but I can, for now, walk away from it and move on to my next book. If you're holding out to read it, I would say "Don't" It's thoroughly enjoyable and mostly complete unto itself. I'm glad I decided to dive in.
Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :
Wow. Hey, guy. We don't get many people who join and make one post and then actually come back two years later to further respond to the original post.
In any event, glad you enjoyed the series. If you haven't already read them, I suggest the Homecoming series.
Posted by Sean Monahan (Member # 9334) on :
I must admit, my resolve is weakening.
Posted by vineyarddawg (Member # 13007) on :
Responding to dormant threads FTW...
The Alvin Maker series was the first OSC series I ever read, and I completed the first 5 books before reading any other OSC book, even before Ender's Game. I loved the alternate history aspect mixed with the early American folklore, and I soaked it up just as eagerly as I have any Enderverse book.
With that said, I'm satisfied if "Crystal City" turns out to be the final book in the series. The places all of the characters have ended up at that point in the book is relatively stable (from a plot perspective), and there is a satisfying feeling of most of the major plot lines having been resolved in some form or fashion.
All of the ends have not neatly been tied up, but I actually prefer a narrative that doesn't conclude with a neat, tidy ending. I like using my imagination to figure out what the various factions in Alvin's world might do next, and how those actions might evolve out over a period of 10 or 20 years.
At this point, I'm in a place where I'm actually hoping that "Alvin Master" is shelved. I've given so much thought to where the various characters might go from the end of Crystal City that I'll almost be disappointed to figure out which version is "correct," if any of them turn out to be. :-)
Posted by mulrich (Member # 12863) on :
Personally, I'd rather see OSC pen a conclusion to the series. This was one of my favorite series growing up and I'd love to reread it but I'm waiting until the final book comes out. I have an idea of how it ends but I'd rather read OSCs story.
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We don't get many people who join and make one post and then actually come back two years later to further respond to the original post.