In an alternate history of the American frontier where folk magic actually works, Andrew Jackson is a lawyer in Tenezzy, Napoleon commands an army in Detroit, and William Henry Harrison has named himself governor of Carthage City, and he has big plans to expand his authority along the Mizzipy river. But standing in his way is the Shaw-nee chief Takumsaw, who has no desire to see his fellow Red Men enslaved by the White Men and their like and who begins arming his tribe with the intent of war. And soon, there arises another figure, a man who calls himself the "Red Prophet," who calls for peace and separation, and who teaches the Red Men to restore their connection to the land. But something else is happening on the frontier, as a young boy named Alvin Miller finds himself endowed with the powers of a "Maker," with the ability to change the world around him as he sees fit. And in an encounter with the Red Prophet, Alvin must learn to use his powers either to further the cause of his enemy, the Unmaker, or to create good things for the benefit of others. Alvin's decision will change the course of his life forever, but the consequences will also prevent him from using his power to prevent the coming war.