I found the world building and alternate history WAY more interesting than Alvin himself, or any of the characters for that matter.

What do you mean everyone in England with magical ability got deported to the colonies by Oliver Cromwell? What do you mean the Iroquois have seats in congress? What do you MEAN George Washington got beheaded?

The unique magic system, alternate history elements, and generally capable story telling were able to keep me hooked throughout this book, it remains to be seen if they can keep me interested enough to read more in the series though.