A THRILLING REINVENTION OF THE VAMPIRE NOVEL BY THE MASTER OF MODERN FANTASY, GEORGE R. R. MARTIN Abner Marsh, a struggling riverboat captain, suspects that something’s amiss when he is approached by a wealthy aristocrat with a lucrative offer. The hauntingly pale, steely-eyed Joshua York doesn’t care that the icy winter of 1857 has wiped out all but one of Marsh’s dilapidated fleet; nor … dilapidated fleet; nor does he care that he won’t earn back his investment in a decade. York’s reasons for traversing the powerful Mississippi are to be none of Marsh’s concern—no matter how bizarre, arbitrary, or capricious York’s actions may prove. Not until the maiden voyage of Fevre Dream does Marsh realize that he has joined a mission both more sinister, and perhaps more noble, than his most fantastic nightmare—and humankind’s most impossible dream.
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‘Fevre Dream’ by Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin, is lauded as a groundbreaking vampire novel. I wouldn’t go so far. In fact, I think fans of vampire novels might actually be a bit put off by it.
The story focuses on the relationship between Abner Marsh, an aging riverman down on his luck, and Joshua York, a handsome, pale-skinned aristocrat from Europe with questionable nighttime habits.
We, of course, understand from the get that Joshua is a vampire, or something like it, but Abner doesn’t, for such a thing to be true would be outrageous, and he is a pragmatic man not believing in monsters, none but men who behave as such.
Joshua comes to Abner offering to build him a new steamer, the biggest, fanciest, and fastest ship on the Mississippi. In exchange, Joshua wants Abner to teach him how to captain a ship, pilot it, learn how to read the river, the currents, etc… He also wants to be left alone during the day. He makes it clear that he and his companions have peculiar idiosyncrasies that Abner and his crew will have to overlook and not question.
Abner and Joshua’s relationship grows steadily. A friendship develops. They both want to race other ships and place their fortunes on being the fastest on the Mississippi. Abner, however, becomes more and more perturbed by his partner’s strange habits. Joshua often requests they stop the ship at ports they had not intended or stay over longer while he sees to private affairs, holding up the delivery of the freight, cargo and people, giving the new ship a less than respectable reputation – and in the steamboat world, reputation is everything.
The author does a masterful job of keeping the reader locked in the world and the life of one living in the 1800s, especially those on a steamship. People should also be warned that the language of the characters fits the time period so there are words customarily not used today, used as needed in the book.
“Deckhands and firemen and roustabouts spilled ashore… out ahead of the yawl, taking soundings… because of snags or low water in the chutes or cutoffs… paddles barely turning… Quarter twain… Quarter less three… Mark three… some night it was hard even to spy the nighthawk, the device partway up the flagpole by which pilots gauged their marks…”
The effort put into writing this book is evident on every page, the meticulous attention to detail, the research the author did to tell this tale. I’m not sure every reader will appreciate this. At times, the story can feel weighted down because of it.
And for those seeking the sinful deviltry commonly associated with vampires, might feel there isn’t much here. For the first half of the book, the exploits and murderous habits of these creatures are largely disregarded as bonds are built between Abner, Joshua and a host of crew and companions.
Abner, as it turns out, can’t take all the secrecy of his new partner and eventually breaks into his stateroom one night when he is off in the wood somewhere. He finds little to educate him but bottles of a bitter tasting wine Joshua and his companions constantly indulge in, and newspaper clippings of horrible murders in places up and down the Mississippi. He’s not sure what Joshua is into but he fears it.
Joshua, of course, learns that Abner invaded his sanctum, and while Joshua’s partners think Abner cannot be trusted with the truth, Joshua decides to reveal the truth about himself. He explains to Abner who and what he is, where he comes from, and what he is doing here on the Mississippi.
There is a lot of exposition at this point which I thought slowed the story down a bit more. It is was interesting but…
Joshua is convinced he is a bloodmaster and able to lead all vampires. With a special drink he developed, he wants to help other creatures like himself (which he does not refer to as vampires), make peace with humanity and even return to their place of origin. Joshua is on the Mississippi trying to gather up others like them and help them see the world the way he sees it.
Some of his followers, bound to him, are not convinced he has the power to overcome a truly evil vampire living down in the swamps around New Orleans area. This fellow, Damon Julian, we learn in a few quick chapters, is truly evil and has a crew of his own, as well as a disgusting human caretaker named Sour Billy Tipton. Billy is convinced if he serves long enough, Damon will turn him into a vampire.
Some of the assumptions of what vampires are don’t exist in this book. The author has adapted and created his own unique creature.
I enjoyed reading it – and it does get bloodier and gorier in the last half of the book for real vampire lovers.
One other complaint I would mention in passing is the paperback version I was reading actually started breaking apart at the seems by the time I was halfway through. It wasn’t bound well. I wonder if others have had similar experiences with this or if my copy happened to be one of the few.
I’ll give it four stars. If you like history, reliving the middle to late 1800s and have a penchant for steamer ships, and a dash of vampire activity, you will really like this tale.
This was written by George R R Martin before he wrote A Song of Ice and Fire. It is a vampire story, about a very special steamboat and the captain hired to pilot it down the Mississippi river. No one creates characters or their world better than Martin. It is not your average vampire story either.
I devoured this book! It is the first book I have read by the author; although I am addicted to the series Game of Thrones on Netflix. This book is unlike any “vampire” read. It will draw you in and you will stay up until way past midnight reading this book. Truly unique.
This was an interesting take on vampire mythology, where George RR Martin knew to stick with the important stuff while expanding on sensible traits to use as his own.
The protagonist, Abner Marsh, is an unlikely one. Being a big, ugly, mean spirited brute of a man, it’s tricky to root for the guy at first, but Martin does just the right things to create that arc for the character.
Two of the main vampires, and one of their followers, are very interesting. Unfortunately, the rest of the supporting cast are just place holders that don’t amount to anything. I feel like there was a waste in regards to Valerie, Jean, Hairy Mike, and others.
This is a cool introduction too Martin’s work if you haven’t read Game of Thrones. It’s got a great vibe and flavor to it, though Martin does seem to go overboard with the Steamboat lingo at times. But I would really like to see a movie of this get made, all kept in the time period. And an unlikely casting choice I’d make for Abner Marsh…. Jack Black in a more serious role. Just picture it.
Cool vampires. Cool setting and atmosphere. Check it out.
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This is the vampire epic that only George R.R. Martin could have written – and I’m so glad he did.
Southern splendor, barbarous brutality and monsters that will haunt your dreams.
I loved this one.
This is a riveting read set during the times paddle steamers ruled the rives of America. It has been extremely well researched to provide the background to a tale of vampires trying to survive in the world of humans.
The characters, both human and non-human, are brilliantly written and a wonderful story of survival, love, hate, fear and all the emotions in between are crafted into a web of lies and deceit, friendships and betrayals that keep the readers entranced throughout the tale.
I definitely recommend this book to any fantasy lover and all vampire fans.
I own a soft back copy of this book
One of the best written vampire novels I have read. A real pleasure after having waded through so much tripe elsewhere.
GRRM knows how to write, and how to plot.
The main character in this book isn’t really a person at all… it’s a steamboat, the Fevre Dream. It is built by a Captain, and his strangely pale partner. Together they take to the river, getting involved in trying to set fast times and race other steamers.
Things hot up when it becomes obvious that the pale partner has night-time interests. He is hunting for others of his kind. And when he finds them, we get to some of the most vicious vamps in literature, along with their equally vicious human “pet”
The characters are all vividly drawn, especially Abner, the steamboat captain who just wants to be on the river, in a big boat.
And GRRM has enough twists and turns in the plot to keep the reader interested through until the end, which comes with a perfect grace note. There won’t be a dry eye in the house.
They really should make this into a movie… just to show what “Interview with The Vampire” COULD have been.
This is more of a tribute to steamboats and the rivers they traveled during the 1800’s, rather than a vampire horror story. All of it’s elements combined (there’s adventure, drama, & vampire myth) made for an excellent story.
With the excellent descriptions of food you can definitely tell that this is one of George R.R. Martin’s works. I enjoyed it, but his fantasy is way better!
We are all so wrapped up in Game of Thrones, this one gets overlooked. I grant you it is NOT of GOT caliber but I really enjoyed this one (a lot more than Armageddon Rag). It’s a quick read. Well worth the time…I thought a sequel would come about but alas better fish to fry elsewhere.
This is a really good story. Could not believe it was by George R. R. Martin. Nothing like GoT. A little long-winded. Kind of drug in the middle. This is the first book that wasn’t about Westoros that I have read. I was surprised.
A vampire, Joshua York, has a steam-wheeler built, hires a captain, Abner Marsh, and plans to rescue the remaining vampires that are around. He has a drink that keeps vampires from wanting fresh blood. Julian is the ultimate vampire. He dominates York and stops the rescue for years.
Except for the slow middle, this is a really good book.
One of the best vampire books I’ve ever read.
I enjoy George. You never know what to expect. Loved the cast of characters…learning to trust no matter what. it was very entertaining. Never expected a vampire story to take place on board a steam ship. I quite enjoyed the story
Unique twist on the standard vampire theme. Good writing. Captured the time period in history. Easy reading.
I enjoyed this book, even though it did drag a little in the middle.
I enjoyed this book the first time I read it in paperback, I was told it was a must read list item. It is one of my favorites that I turn to often
George R.R. Martin, vampires, and Mississippi steamboats? How can you not want to read this book? Dark and gothic, in a New Orleans steamy sort of way, with insights into steamboat life and culture. It’s a very entertaining read and highly recommended, not only for Martin fans, but for Anne Rice fans as well.
I don’t normally go for horror but the author of Game of Thrones intrigued me. It took the vampire genre someplace different.
Tedious. I couldn’t finish it.
I reviewed this one, too
I read this on one sitting. The author creates a normal world and draws you in, then things get…. different. Hard to put down and unpredictable.