Seventh Son, the first tale of Alvin Maker, introduces us to a pioneer America where magic works, and special talents are utilized in marvelous ways. In Red Prophet, the second installment in the Tales of Alvin Maker, we learn more about those talents, both the minor gifts of white people (starting fires, finding water) or the much grander gifts of the Indians, whose lives are filled with a beautiful green music. Young Alvin Maker, the seventh son of a seventh son, is a Maker. Lolla-Wossiky, an Indian whose fate is closely linked with Alvin's, has heard black noise in his head since he watched white men murder his father. Unable to hear the green music he needs to live well, Lolla-Wossiky lives only for the alcohol that stills the black noise - until he meets Alvin.