Being an ardent fan of George RR Martin's A Song Of Ice And Fire series, I was eager to explore some of his earlier works. Fevre Dream caught my attention. The title alone was captivating, and the story, which revolved around strange vampires on big steamboats in the olden days, seemed too intriguing to pass up.
The narrative unfolds with an unlikely partnership between an ambitious Steamboat Captain, Abner Marsh, and the wealthy and charming Joshua York. York offers to finance Marsh's operations, with the condition that Marsh accompanies him on the journey and asks no questions about his peculiar behavior. Marsh dreams of building the biggest and fastest Steamboat on the river, and with York's backing, this dream seems within reach.
As the Fevre Dream sets sail, Marsh and York develop a mutual friendship and respect. However, Marsh can't help but be concerned about York's strange company and nocturnal habits. His suspicions grow when he makes a disturbing discovery. Adding to the tension is the appearance of York's old nemesis, Damon Julian, an ancient being who rejects York's offers and prefers to adhere to the old ways. Julian, along with his repulsive right-hand man, "Sour" Billy Tipton, brings carnage and destruction in their wake, much to the dismay of York and Marsh.
This book masterfully captures the atmosphere and adventure of steamboats sailing into the night, from one port to another. The presence of Julian and Tipton keeps the trouble brewing, and the protagonist, Abner Marsh, is a sympathetic character. An ambitious and determined man, he has dedicated his life to the river and his fellow steamboatmen. Uncomfortable around women and self-conscious about his appearance, he has avoided romance. The thought of losing his beloved Fevre Dream at the hands of Julian and Tipton spurs him and York into action.
Overall, Fevre Dream is a dark and gothic tale of vampires, friendships, and steamboats. While it may not be like GRRM's later work, it is an interesting read and a unique take on the vampire genre. I would rate it 3.75 stars and highly recommend it to fans of Martin's work and those looking for a different kind of vampire story.
A round book with an interesting story, well-set and with interesting elements. The underlying discourse has seemed fascinating to me and very well incorporated. In general, except that at the beginning it has been a bit difficult for it to start and maintain my interest, it has been a very good read.
The book's circular shape gives it a unique charm. The story it tells is engaging, filled with vivid settings and captivating elements. The hidden message or theme within the text is truly captivating and has been masterfully integrated.
However, at the very start, it took some effort for the book to grab my attention and keep me hooked. But once it got going, it became a thoroughly enjoyable read. I found myself immersed in the world created by the author, eagerly turning the pages to discover what would happen next.
Overall, despite the initial hurdle, this book has proven to be a great choice for those who enjoy a good story with depth and substance.
A rich, vibrant setting awaited me, one that I had not anticipated enjoying to such a great extent. The moment I was introduced to it, I was completely captivated. It was like stepping into a world full of colors and life that I had never seen before.
The protagonist was wonderfully refreshing and unique. From the very beginning, I couldn't help but root for him. His character was so distinct, with qualities and flaws that made him relatable and endearing. I found myself invested in his journey, eager to see how he would overcome the challenges that came his way.
The author's interesting take on vampire lore added another layer of depth to the story. It was not your typical vampire tale, but rather a fresh and innovative exploration of the genre. The new twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, constantly guessing what would happen next.
The story itself was gripping from start to finish. It only got better as it went along, building momentum and tension with each passing chapter. George truly knows how to end a story, as the conclusion was both satisfying and unexpected. Overall, it was an extremely fun read that I devoured in one sitting. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting and engaging adventure.
Last year, I had my first two encounters with the work of J. R. R. Martin. First, with the beautifully written and enchanting fairytale "The Ice Dragon" and then with the amazing collection of three novels "The Knight of the Seven Kingdoms". Now, it's the turn of the... good, with a truly excellent book that combines horror and fantasy with historical fiction perfectly. Written in 1982, it is now one of the best and classic fictions related to vampires.
The tall, stocky and rather ugly Abner Marsh, a riverboat captain, after the disasters that his few riverboats suffered, was left with a hulk and many financial problems. That's when an enigmatic and extremely white wealthy aristocrat, a certain Joshua York, approaches him and offers him a deal that he can't refuse. Why did York choose Abner Marsh as his partner? What are his motives and why is he behaving strangely? Marsh will of course make his dream come true, building the best riverboat on the Mississippi with York's money, but what he will experience is taken from the worst nightmares...
We are talking about a truly excellent and extremely satisfying fiction that traveled back to 1857, to the great rivers of the United States and to the beautiful and fascinating world of the riverboats. I learned a lot of things about their operation, I understood the importance they had at that time, but at the same time I also read a very powerful story, full of action, violence, intensity and anxiety for the continuation. Martin's writing is really perfect, easy to read and addictive, with fascinating descriptions of the landscapes and the action scenes. The characters seemed very interesting and well-written to me, while the atmosphere was excellent, in places dark and spine-chilling.
There couldn't be a better start for 2016. With this incredible book, I enjoyed action, violence and intensity, while I also traveled to another era, to very nice and interesting places that always attracted me. Martin has already become one of my favorite Fantasy authors, even though I haven't read the series that made him so famous all over the world. I will probably leave it for the end, until it is completed. I'm really looking forward to other books of his being translated.