SEVENTH SON & RED PROPHET, BY ORSON SCOTT CARD

What I’ve read of Orson Scott Card has ranged from brilliant (Ender) to plodding (Shadow), so I figured I’d try some of his non-Ender material. This series tells of an alternate history of the U.S., in which, among other things, the Iroquois posess their own state in the Union (most of NY), George Washington fought for the Brits (until heroically refusing to do so and suffering execution), and some people have magic powers. Magic powers? Yes. Pyrokinesis, prognostication, telepathy, minor spells and hexes for protection and warding. It is, of course, somewhat less corny than I am depicting it.

All in all, it’s a fun little world, and while the story isn’t much more than a guided tour of that world, the idea of a magical America is still a lot of fun. My only real objection is the superficial depiction of the natives as noble savages, living in absolutely peaceful harmony with the land until the white devils show up with their whiskey and will to dominate all life (I’m sure Sauron had a still ’round back). If you’re going to encode a healthy helping of liberal guilt into your little snow dome, you might as well do it with some liberal nuance.