**Fevre Dream by George R.R. Martin: A Captivating Vampire Tale on the Mississippi River**

Fevre Dream, a remarkable vampire novel penned by American author George R.R. Martin in 1982, takes readers on a thrilling journey along the antebellum Mississippi River. Set in 1857, it has been aptly described as "Bram Stoker meets Mark Twain" by both critics and Martin himself.

The story centers around Abner Marsh, an unattractive yet highly skilled Mississippi River steamboat captain. In 1857, Marsh is facing a financial crisis when he is contacted by Joshua York, a rich and soft-spoken gentleman.

The narrative unfolds in the early days of 1857 along the Mississippi River. Many consider this novel to be one of the three greatest vampire novels in history. It was first published in 1982 by Poseidon Press.

As the story progresses, we are drawn into a world of mystery and danger. The description of the steamboat's grand salon, with its magnificent chandeliers, fine furnishings, and crystal and porcelain dishes, sets a vivid backdrop. Marsh, lost in thought, walks towards the end of the salon where a strange, well-dressed figure is dining alone. The stranger, who may be from the East or even a foreigner, has a tall and lean build, but is shorter than Marsh.

Fevre Dream is a captivating blend of horror, history, and adventure that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

It is a must-read for fans of vampire literature and those interested in the rich history of the Mississippi River.

Coming to terms with a novel concerning vampirism is most of the times risky business.

Let's just say it: stereotypes, shallowness and poor entertainment have been a little too much on the agenda, when speaking of literary or theatrical vampires or supernatural creatures in general.

In this sense, Fevre Dream by the notorious founder of the Game of Thrones universe, George R. R. Martin, is in many ways a pleasant surprise. Written in the eighties, the novel has that classic gothic/stokerian taste, but even some more contemporary references to Anne Rice's romanticism. Through this, she launched her new and personal perspective on "the creatures of the night."

At the same time, Martin draws his inspiration from many of these great predecessors and yet he offers his own interpretation of vampires as an alternative animal species. He includes his tale in an interesting "newborn America" XIX century context, where he cleverly criticises and questions the concept of slavery and race. Who is the real beast? The human, in an insidious fashion, or the beast itself? This is one of the greatest issues regarding Fevre Dream.

The novel's title itself is pretty clever and a tribute to the gothic tradition of vampire novels, when vampirism was seen almost as a mental, feverish state, an illness.

Moreover, the story is told almost as the narrator's personal logbook, in a curious adventurous style so indebted to Twain and Melville. Abner Marsh could result as Martin's own version of Ahab, but also because of Martin's accurate descriptions (perhaps at times a little pedantic) of steambots and life on board. The steambots are almost depicted as living organisms, creatures to preserve and to be grateful to.

(... SPOILER...)

Martin's vampire genesis is, among other things, a captivating perspective. Rooted in a Biblical tradition and the myth of Cain and Abel, it retraces the causes of enmity between brothers, between humans, and then how the vampire race came to be born in sin.

Fevre Dream is a tale full of adventure, darkness and the dark side of humanity. It is a tale coping with secular themes as self-transcendence, conflicts between people and races. A delirious journey that, despite its length (the central part could have been shortened a bit and deprived of some irrelevant details and scurrilous dialogues), is a gripping experience.

Perhaps the greatest difficulty with "Tuf Voyaging" is that "George R. R. Martin" has set our expectations too high with the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series.

In "Tuf Voyaging", we see familiar features. The characterizations and world-building that we are familiar with from Martin, his amazing ability to create suspense, and his bravado in depicting bloody battles are all present. The narrator here is also among the main characters in motion. Martin once again uses a mythical being (in this case, the dragons) to spin a new tale. However, all the features I mentioned are weaker and less developed in "Tuf Voyaging" compared to "A Song of Ice and Fire". We are dealing with a younger Martin who is on the path to gaining the experience to create his future masterpieces. This is why "Tuf Voyaging" is not as mature as "A Song of Ice and Fire", even if it is considered one of the great works of the dragon genre in history. The volume of this single-volume novel is not comparable to the multiple volumes of "A Song of Ice and Fire", but its story seems more engaging than the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series. Perhaps one of the remarkable and encouraging points of this novel is Martin's progress in storytelling from this book to the first story of the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series ("A Game of Thrones") after 14 years.

The most prominent points of the story are as follows:

The Dragons: Martin is not the first to use dragons as a fictional element in his story, just as wizards and undead men are not new elements in literary history. One of Martin's abilities is to use these old elements in a new story. If you are a fan of the fantasy genre with a penchant for dragons, this book is one of the stories that I recommend you read.

The Riverboats: Martin lived near the Mississippi River for a period of his life and has gained a lot of experience in dealing with boats. This story is also the account of a naive lover of riverboats and is written under the influence of Martin's life during that period.

Anti-racism: Martin artistically links his dragon story to anti-racist thoughts. The story begins at a time when slavery is still prevalent in America and coincidentally ends at a time when, after the American Civil War, the law abolishing slavery has been signed.

Personal Struggle: Perhaps the most important feature of "Abner Marsh", the main character of the book, is his courage. The struggle and effort he shows in the most hopeless moments of the story remind us of the recurring message that in the hardest days and the darkest times, the resistance and struggle of even one person can be crucial in defeating the forces of evil.

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Captain Abner Marsh has endured a series of misfortunes, one after another. His steamboat company is on the verge of collapse, and he is desperately trying to hold it together. Then, he meets the mysterious Joshua York. Mr York proposes to become a partner, injecting much-needed funds into the company. This allows them to build the most magnificent steamboat on the Mississippi River, the Fevre Dream. However, York has his own stipulations, some of which are rather strange. But Captain Marsh can't resist the opportunity to regain his standing on the river and turn his luck around.

York has his own motives for traveling down the river, and as his true nature is revealed, both he and Abner find themselves in great danger.
In short, I adored this book. It was one of those that I wanted to relish and not rush through. The writing is captivating from the very beginning. The beautiful prose, excellent character development, and intricate details all worked their charm on me, and I was completely immersed in the harsh world that Martin has crafted.
In terms of characters, it was Abner Marsh that I cheered for. He is an unattractive, overweight man whose prime years are behind him. He is by no means a heroic figure ready to save the day. But time and again, he proves himself to be a true friend, courageous and committed to doing what he believes is right. While I liked Joshua, I found him somewhat frustrating at times and wished he had more courage.
At the end of this book, I felt as if I had lost something, the end of my adventure with Abner. It was a bittersweet feeling to turn the last page. I believe Captain Marsh will not be easily forgotten.
Highly recommended.

A G.R.R. Martin's tale is like a delicious dish that is well-cooked and yet full of blood and gore, and oh so luscious at that.

Martin has a way of weaving stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning the pages to see what will happen next.

The quote, “We all make our choices,” whispered the memory. Morn came and went, and came, and brought no day, adds an air of mystery and foreboding to the tale.

It makes the reader wonder what choices the characters will make and how those choices will affect their lives and the outcome of the story.

With his vivid descriptions and complex characters, Martin creates a world that is both captivating and terrifying.

His tales are not for the faint of heart, but for those who are willing to take a journey into a world of magic, mystery, and bloodshed.

So if you're looking for a good read that will keep you entertained and on the edge of your seat, look no further than a G.R.R. Martin's tale.

So wait, is it truly possible to have a vampire story devoid of a heap of teenage angst? It's truly amazing!

As an individual who has delved into Martin's other, more substantial works in A Song of Ice and Fire and to a lesser degree Wild Cards, it was incredibly fascinating to peruse something from a time before he achieved widespread acclaim outside of a specific niche within the already specialized SF/F world. Fevre Dream, hailing from the early 80s, is set along the Mississippi River in the mid-1800s. This setting imparts an otherworldly quality to the narrative, presenting a world of river steamers that has long since vanished and no longer exists.

In the characteristic GRRM style, the third-person limited perspective is utilized. In this instance, we are introduced to Abner Marsh, the riverboat captain, and Sour Billy Tipton, the human errand boy of a powerful vampire. There are indeed vampires in the story, but we are never privy to their inner thoughts. Their schemes and motives are only observable through the eyes of others. There is little mystery surrounding what they are. Besides the cover boldly proclaiming this to be a groundbreaking vampire novel, which somewhat gives it away, there is a rather blatant description of the "good" vampire, Joshua York, from the very first time he meets Marsh. Thus, the reader is privy to information that Marsh is unaware of, and this dramatic irony serves as a driving force for much of the story.

The descriptions are vivid, and even in this vampire story from the early 80s, Martin lingers extensively on food, which also contributes to painting a creepy picture of the scenes and much of what is transpiring. It almost has the quality of a horror story, which is a positive aspect. After all, vampires are rather terrifying.

I highly doubt I would have ever actively sought out a vampire book were it not for the author. However, if I had happened upon it without knowing the author, I would have still enjoyed it regardless. Nevertheless, one can discern some familiar themes: a longing for the past, in particular. The changing world leaving certain individuals marginalized and left behind. The greatest men always being in the rearview mirror. The taming of a wild frontier. In a rather surprising twist, there are no sex scenes, whether gratuitous or otherwise, so at least at some point Martin was capable of pulling that off.

Towards the end, the plot slows down significantly, with the action diminishing as the number of words increases, which, I suppose, is also a familiar trait. There are aspects in which this is somewhat unsatisfying, especially because it is more challenging to execute a montage sequence where a significant amount of time is skipped in a book compared to a movie or other mediums. Nothing is perfect, but it's still a good read. Be forewarned that, as a book set in the South in the 1850s, there is more than a hint of racism on the part of some characters. This is not the central focus of the story but rather a reflection of the time period in which it is set. Nevertheless, it is present.

Thankfully, there's also no sparkling.

It is well worth the read. Marsh makes for a great hero, and it's easy to cheer for him to overcome whatever comes his way.

Vampires, the American Southwest, and steamboats? Well, without telling you whether all of the above is true or not, we are faced with one of the most original novels of Mr. Martin.

It is outrageously original, one of my favorites of this gentleman along with "Muerte de la Luz" and "Refugio del viento" (although these two books are not the most highly regarded by Martin in these parts...).

The combination of these elements creates a unique and captivating world that draws the reader in from the very beginning. The vampires in this novel are not your typical bloodsuckers, but rather complex and fascinating characters with their own motives and desires.

The setting of the American Southwest adds a sense of mystery and adventure, while the steamboats add a touch of nostalgia and romance.

Overall, this is a must-read novel for any fan of George R.R. Martin or anyone looking for a unique and engaging read.

Riverboats and vampires, an unlikely combination that immediately piques one's curiosity. You ask for more details? Well, here it is. Abner Marsh, a riverboat captain with a burning desire to build the fastest boat on the Mississippi River, finds a backer in Joshua York, and they form a partnership. With the construction of the Fevre Dream, Abner's dream becomes a reality, and they embark on a trip from St. Louis to New Orleans to make its reputation. However, York's strange behavior starts to raise questions in Abner's mind. He frequently has them stop at various points while he goes ashore on mysterious errands, and he only emerges from his cabin after dark. To add to the mystery, he casually mentions having known Lord Byron personally.

I usually don't pay much attention to vampire stories as there are so many of them. But this graphic novel stands out because it's not just about vampires. It delves into the lives of the people and the historical context of a time when riverboats were at the forefront of transportation. The historical details are well-researched, bringing the era to life. Captain Marsh is a fascinating character, and his story alone makes the book worth reading. Martin's take on vampires is refreshingly different, presenting them more as superpredators rather than just supernatural beings. The artwork, while mostly good, has a few moments where the stylization gets a bit excessive, like when the vampires take over the Fevre Dream. Overall, this book exceeded my expectations with its engaging characters and strong sense of the setting. I highly recommend it.

I think one of the aspects that I truly adored was the fact that despite the presence of blood and violence, it never stooped to the level of relying solely on gore to substitute for the truly scary elements and then simply label it as horror. This had several genuinely creepy and terrifying moments, but they were achieved more through the tension and the dynamics of the people involved rather than by creating a bloodbath to the greatest extent possible. It was executed extremely well.

The story commences with Captain Marsh being hired by a man named Joseph York. Marsh has recently lost everything on the Mississippi, and since his occupation is transporting goods via a steamboat, it implies that he is a man without a boat. York approaches him with the desire to hire him and entices him with the ultimate lure - the finest steamboat on the Mississippi. Marsh accepts the offer, and soon they are happily paddling their way down the river. However, Marsh begins to suspect that York isn't disclosing everything to him and decides to uncover what is happening. I relished the story of the relationship between these two men, as well as the manner in which things were altered when Damon Julian entered the scene. I believe it is fair to state that this is also a tale of friends and enemies, and that was the most powerful element of this particular book.

Moreover, there is the entire Mississippi Steamboat aspect, which was truly a great deal of fun. We got to witness a great deal about navigating the river, how the paddleboats signaled to each other, and... yes, we even got to see a couple of races. It was great fun ;)

In one word, masterpiece!

It is one of the best vampire stories I have ever read, if not the best.

The writing by Martin is of high artistic quality. I consider it a great injustice that this book is not as well-known as "The Song of Fire and Ice".

It is an absolute must-read for all lovers of horror literature.

This story takes you on a thrilling journey into the world of vampires, filled with mystery, danger, and unexpected twists.

The characters are vividly portrayed, and you can't help but get emotionally invested in their fates.

Martin's descriptive language brings the scenes to life, making you feel as if you are right there in the middle of the action.

Whether you are a die-hard fan of horror or just looking for a good read, this book is sure to satisfy.

Don't miss out on this hidden gem of a novel.

Another group book and my first by Mr Martin. I must say it was very different from other Vampire books that I’ve read.

There was no love story here. Instead, it was a battle of wills between good and bad.

Joshua York offers a partnership to Abner Marsh, a former successful riverman. However, he sets some conditions for Abner. He must never ask questions about York’s behavior or his guests. Abner accepts these conditions and the partnership begins.

With York’s wealth, Abner builds a boat of his dreams and names it “Fevre Dream”. During the journey, Abner discovers that Joshua is a vampire and is furious at him for hiding his true nature. But when Joshua tells his story and motive of helping his people and being friendly with humans, Abner sees it as a worthy cause and decides to help him.

Joshua wants his opponent Damion, an old vampire, to understand his motive and help him create a new world for his people.

The story is told from a dual POV. Abner describes the story for himself and Joshua, while Bill Sour (a human) tells the story for Damion Julian and himself. Abner and Joshua are symbols of good, while Billy and Damion are pure evils.

Abner is my favorite character. His love for “Fevre Dream” is admirable. He is fearless and courageous. His determination to recapture his boat from Damion makes the story exciting. Billy’s role is also worth mentioning. Although he is pure evil and a slave to Damion, his end is pitiful.

One characteristic that every character has is selfishness. Abner is selfish about his boat, Joshua is selfish about the good of his race, Damion is selfish about maintaining his domain, and Billy is selfish for the wish of becoming a vampire. This selfishness of the characters forms the base of the story.

Martin’s research on the Mississippi river transportation system was thorough and captivating. His writing was compelling. The story was good, but sometimes it was a bit slow-paced.