Prentice Alvin continues the tale of Alvin as he works as a blacksmith apprentice. While the second book in the series dealt with Alvin's relationship with the "red men", this book brings about his relationship with blacks. Alvin can sympathize with the slaves with the manner that his master is taking advantage of him. He is friends with a "half-black" boy that he thinks of as just a talented boy, regardless of the race. However, many people in the city, while against slavery, still see blacks as inferior.
Alvin also advances in the art of "making", creating a "living" golden plow. This plow is also the source of one of the main open threads at the end of the book. Other threads include Alvin's new "sidekick" (the "half-black" boy), as well as his potential love interest. (She had been in disguise as an old spinster teacher in hopes that he could develop a "love" for each other.
The book seems to be sympathetic towards violence, with no objection given to the death of two "slave seekers", one at the bare hands of Alvin. There is also a fight with some 'river rats', as Alvin pummels one that had a role in the previous book. (In this case, Alvin does show sympathy, using his powers to heal his broken legs.)
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