Prentice Alvin is the third entry in The Tales of Alvin Maker, a fantasy epic chronicling the life of the titular Alvin. The third book deals with Alvin's experience as an apprentice magical smith. It also deals with his friend Stuart, an escaped black slave, and with their efforts to help Stuart evade slave hunters wielding powerful tracking magic. The novel dwells on themes of American individualism, the barbarity of slavery, and the essential dignity of human life.