I still don't know if I finished this book, or if this book finished me?

I have a lot to say about this book, but when I want to express them, it seems like I have nothing to say.

Why did it end? Whyyyyyyyyyyy
My heart is aching because of its characters

This book truly astonished me. I have perused three of the Game of Thrones books, and I would have never imagined that this was penned by the same author. Make no mistake - I have a great affection for Game of Thrones, and I also adored this book. Martin is far more descriptive in Fevre Dream! It truly aids in setting the mood and breathing life into the time period. I thoroughly relished the setting. I felt it was somewhat of an atypical choice, but it furnished the darkness and isolation requisite for the story, while being entirely realistic simultaneously.

***Spoilers Follow****

I believed Martin had a rather unique perspective on the vampire story as well. They are not demonic - they are merely a different species. He retains a significant amount of the conventional lore - they are pale, they consume blood, they cannot venture out in the sun (without consequences), they exert supernatural control over people; but you do not die to become a vampire. In Martin's world, you are born into this life. Having read numerous versions of vampire history, I thought this was believable and superior to most. It surely outshines sparkly teenage vampires observing their human girlfriends sleep throughout the night!

Abner Marsh is an unconventional hero, yet one that you like and cheer for. He is not flawless, but he proves to be an honorable man. Joshua, too, is an unconventional character, and also honorable. Julian and Sour Billy are the individuals you love to loathe, and boy, do you ever despise them! When Julian is described as having an ancient beast visible in his eyes, I found it reminiscent of Stephen King.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will likely reread it in the future!

According to Martin's website, this is his "favorite of my early novels."

Although it doesn't share the scope, breadth or flavor of 'A Song of Ice and Fire,' I have to say that I'd highly recommend this entertaining vampire story.

I'm surprised it hasn't been optioned for a movie - I kept "seeing" it on film while I was reading it.

The first vampire scene reminded me of Anne Rice, but probably only because vampires in a decadent, Southern, 19th century setting have become associated with her writing. The rest of the story did not seem like something she would have written.

The main character is the down-on-his-luck, fat, ugly, crusty - but honorable and eminently likable riverman Abner Marsh. When he receives an offer from a mysterious and suave character who offers to bail out his bankrupt steamboat company - on the condition that he not ask any awkward questions - it's a deal to which he can't say no.

However, after his new partner and his friends are on board - but don't appear on deck in broad daylight - and the ship's ports of call along the Mississippi seem to oddly correspond to sites of unsolved murders in the newspapers... Marsh can no longer refrain from asking questions. He begins to suspect that there is something very strange and perhaps dangerous going on. As he delves deeper, he discovers a world of secrets and horror that he could never have imagined. The story builds tension and excitement as Marsh tries to figure out what is happening and how to protect himself and those around him. It's a thrilling ride from start to finish.

Some time ago, I converted to the genre of fantasy, which I confess that in adulthood, I always declined. Obviously, I read the Chronicles of Ice and Fire at an alarming rate and as such, although the theme of vampires does not particularly interest me, I risked reading this book, solely and exclusively for the creative genius of this writer.

The plot with a new approach creates expectations, a mix of repulsion, mystery, fascination... Unlikely friendships, dedication and determination in the pursuit of their dreams, faithful to their causes and the complicities created in the meantime. A fluid and captivating writing.

Frankly, I don't see myself repeating this dose of this literary genre, only George R. R. Martin can convince me.

I truly relished this amazing horror urban fantasy. I am rating it a five-star read for numerous reasons.

First of all, it was incredibly difficult to put down until the very end. The story had such a captivating hold on me that I found myself completely immersed and eager to see what would happen next.

Secondly, it is a highly creative and thoroughly enjoyable vampire thriller. The concept and execution of the vampire aspect were fresh and engaging, adding an element of excitement and mystery.

Thirdly, the excitement of the riverboat traveling tale added another layer of adventure and interest. The descriptions of the river and the boat were vivid, making me feel as if I was right there on the journey.

Moreover, the characters in this book are truly excellent. They are well-developed, with unique personalities and motives that make them both believable and relatable.

Finally, George R.R. Martin is one of my favorite authors, and his writing style is simply great. I love everything about "Fevre Dream". It is the best vampire story I have ever read (admittedly, I have read very few, perhaps less than 5).

So, while I can't compare this book to other vampire stories in great detail, I still think it is very well written. The intensity of the story continued until the end, keeping me on the edge of my seat. I would highly recommend this book to those who enjoy thrillers, vampire tales, suspense, and traveling river stories. It is a must-read for fans of George R.R. Martin and those who appreciate a good, engaging story.

Martin is one of the most versatile writers I know, and he excels in every genre. "Fevre Dream" kept me intrigued until the very last page. It is definitely one of the most original vampire novels I have read in a very long time.

The story is filled with complex characters and a unique plot that sets it apart from other vampire tales. Martin's writing style is engaging and immersive, drawing the reader into a world of mystery and horror.

What I particularly liked about this novel is how Martin explores the人性 of the vampires. They are not simply bloodthirsty monsters, but rather complex beings with their own desires and motivations.

Overall, "Fevre Dream" is a must-read for fans of vampire fiction and anyone who enjoys a well-written, engaging novel. I highly recommend it.

I initially placed this on my paranormal-urban shelf. However, upon further reflection, it doesn't truly belong there. It is a horror story that features vampires, which are considered natural creatures. Nevertheless, it isn't strictly supernatural. Set in the mid-1800s on the Mississippi River, the book exudes a great deal of ambiance. The setting is masterfully crafted without being overly verbose. It appears to be quite accurate in most historical and physical aspects.

Although I had a few concerns regarding a shotgun incident towards the end. I have personal experience shooting a shotgun, and I found it difficult to believe how the character Billy was able to withstand the blast. The characters in the story really come to life. Each one is vividly drawn, with distinct attitudes and motivations.

This is a gory book, but that is an integral part of its horror. The things that men are capable of doing to one another are truly awful. The way they manage to rationalize their actions is even more horrifying. Still, the story has a satisfying ending, and I'm glad I took the time to re-read it. It has probably been almost 30 years since I last read it, and I had no recollection of it from the title, author, or the blurb. Once I began reading, however, I recognized it immediately. Some of the scenes, especially the ending, are still very clear in my mind.

I don’t write reviews.

And until now I haven’t read George R. R. Martin. However, I must say that I really enjoyed this story, although not enough to completely immerse myself in A Song of Ice and Fire. The writing style was quite decent, yet it had a tendency to be a little repetitive at times. Nevertheless, it was definitely descriptive and managed to capture the essence of the river and steamboats beautifully. The setting truly counts for a lot in this one. I firmly believe that this story would have failed without such a colorful and vivid backdrop.

Abner Marsh was a really fun character. He developed and grew as the story progressed, and he used the word “damn” more frequently than anyone else in the history of mankind. Joshua York, on the other hand, was the “nice” vampire and was mainly well-intentioned. But he lacked the allure and mystery that has always drawn me to other vampire characters. This story was clearly Marsh’s, despite his vulgarity and raw ugliness. He was the hero and the champion of the day.

There are a few things I didn’t like about the vampire myth as Martin presented it. He made the blood drinking seem like a woman’s period. He even went so far as to call it the “red thirst.” -shudders- The vampires are only compelled to feed for three days a month, which felt too much like a menstrual cycle and made me feel a bit uncomfortable.

Also, the “blood master” concept was rather beyond my comprehension. The strongest vampire, like an alpha wolf, is in charge of the other vampires to such an extent that they cannot defy his wishes. However, sometimes the characters claim that this is an absolute truth, while at other times they mention that they willingly subscribe to the “blood master” control idea because it is part of their society and culture. Once again, it becomes confusing because they sometimes follow the “blood master” blindly, even to the detriment of themselves and their friends, and then at other times try to defy him. (Usually when the plot requires it).

I have some other questions, I suppose, but I’ll limit myself to just one. How did vampires exist before mankind? Animal blood couldn’t satisfy the “red thirst.” -shudders-

El capitán Abner Marsh, a river man, is in financial trouble due to a bad streak that has affected his boats. Just when things seem bleak, a mysterious man named Joshua York makes him an offer. York promises to give Marsh all the money he wants to build the best boat on the river, a huge, fast, and luxurious one. But as the saying goes, "when something is too good to be true...".

The publicity compares it to a "Bram Stoker crossed with M.Twin", but I don't believe that. Instead, it has a lot of Anne Rice's style, but in a river version.

When Joshua York asks for a cabin on board and to live only at night, it doesn't attract too much attention in that world of gamblers, adventurers, and river players. However, his insistence on following certain routes and stopping even when it's uneconomical causes headaches for Captain Abner, and rumors and suspicions start to spread.

The other side of the story is told by Damon Julian, who has been up to his own tricks in the style of Lestat (as seen in Interview - as viewed by Louis - and not in what he becomes later).

As the story passes through vampire annals (they are not undead, but another race), anecdotes of the Mississippi River, boat races, and suddenly there is a comment about the slave conflict and the American Civil War.

Between the conflict between two ways of thinking of two leaders called by blood and the obsession of an old captain with his boat and a race, this story unfolds, containing many more pages.

Cosa curiosa, que ha sido señalado también por otros, es que el capitán Marsh se asemeja físicamente al mismo señor GRRMartin.

The rest of the characters in the story pass by without much fanfare, barely marked by some names and others by some characteristics, but they don't produce much depth in content.

Leido como curiosidad, pero mmm no es lo que me esperaba.

For quite some time now, I have been an ardent fan of George R.R. Martin's A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE series. In the past few years, whenever my thoughts turn to that series, it is usually either to speculate about the potential plot twists that could unfold or to impatiently wish that the next book would be out already. However, what I often forget is just how much I truly enjoy Martin's writing. His ability to create nuanced and flawed characters, and the way he can turn a phrase, is truly remarkable.

Fevre Dream, a captivating tale of vampires set on the Mississippi River in the mid-to-late nineteenth century, presented the perfect opportunity for me to savor Martin's writing in a stand-alone novel with a relatively straightforward plot.

Abner Marsh, a steamboat captain on the verge of financial ruin, meets the wealthy and enigmatic Joshua York. York offers to become his partner and help him build a magnificent vessel, but on one condition: Marsh must refrain from questioning York's strange habits. As the boat's maiden voyage progresses, Marsh's curiosity is piqued, and what he discovers will haunt him for the rest of his life. The story is mainly told from the perspectives of Marsh and Sour Billy Tipton, a slimy overseer who works for the novel's villain. Later, York takes over the point of view for a chapter as he shares his story with Marsh.

The name Fevre Dream not only refers to the steamboat but also symbolizes the obsessions that drive each of the three central characters and give their lives a sense of Greek tragedy. Each man has a single driving goal that repeatedly leads him back into a situation from which he could have easily walked away. Marsh dreams of owning the fastest and most beautiful steamboat on the Mississippi. Sour Billy desires to become immortal and a fine gentleman, seeking revenge on a society that has treated him like trash his entire life. York's "fever dream" is a secret that is best discovered by reading the book.

The supernatural elements of the plot are truly stuff of nightmares, and the historical aspects are equally well-written. Even without the vampires, Fevre Dream would still be a fascinating historical novel about the steamboat trade and the cities along the river during that era. I learned a great deal about the time period without ever feeling like I was being "taught." Some of what we witness is horrifying, as most of the book takes place during the era of slavery. Martin draws a parallel between the vampires' predation on humans and antebellum America's parasitic dependence on slaves. One of the most satisfying developments in Marsh's character occurs when he begins to see these injustices as analogous.

Just like in A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, Martin includes a significant amount of gore in Fevre Dream. Some of the violent scenes are deeply disturbing, but I cannot say they are gratuitous. They seem appropriate, emphasizing the fact that these are not nice vampires and this is not a gentle world.

Martin concludes the book with a beautiful epilogue, transitioning from the final combat to an evocative description of the Mississippi River. This skillfully shifts the reader's mindset from action to contemplation and gives a sense of the passage of time before returning to the "where are they now" aspect. The epilogue is too long to quote in its entirety here, but here is my favorite part of it: "On a clear night, the water flows dark and clean as black satin, and beneath its shimmering surface are stars, and a fairy moon that shifts and dances and is somehow larger and prettier than the one up in the sky. The river changes with the seasons, too. When the spring floods come, it is brown and muddy and creeps up to the high water marks on the trees and banks. In autumn, leaves of a thousand colors drift past lazily in its blue embrace. And in winter the river freezes hard, and the snow comes drifting down to cover it, and transforms it into a wild white road upon which no one may travel, so bright it hurts the eyes."

I thoroughly enjoyed Fevre Dream, and I believe you will too if you are a fan of Bram Stoker's Dracula and the early books of Anne Rice, both her vampire novels and her "straight" historical novel The Feast of All Saints. I also highly recommend it to Martin fans who are eagerly awaiting the release of A Dance with Dragons and are in need of a fix in the meantime.

This was my very first encounter with a George RR Martin book. I have watched the Game of Thrones TV show, which served as the catalyst for my interest in reading something penned by him. However, I thought it would be wise to give a stand-alone novel a try before diving headfirst into the epic A Song of Fire and Ice series.

So, what were my thoughts? Well, to be brutally honest, my initial reaction was that it seemed like a complete rip-off of Anne Rice's Interview With the Vampire. But as the book progressed and Martin began to showcase a significant influence from Mark Twain as well, it gradually deviated from being a mere copycat and charted its own unique course.

Despite my early misgivings, I found myself completely engrossed in the captivating tale that Martin was weaving and thoroughly enjoying the (steamboat) ride. It was undeniably sinister and bloodthirsty enough to satiate the horror enthusiast within me. I truly took a liking to the protagonist; Abner Marsh is about as unlikely a hero as one could hope to find in modern fiction, and that is precisely what accounts for a large part of his charm. If only he hadn't met his untimely demise at the conclusion of the book, I would have most definitely been eager to read more about his (mis)adventures.

Martin undoubtedly knows how to masterfully pace a story, and his prose style is an absolute delight. I will most certainly be delving into more of his work in the future. However, as for this particular novel, although I derived enjoyment from it, I felt that it leaned too closely towards the 'rip-off' end of the 'love-letter or rip-off?' spectrum for me to award it more than three stars. I mean, the cover proclaims that this is a groundbreaking vampire novel, but his vampires, aside from the fact that they are unable to turn humans into vampires, were virtually identical to Anne Rice's. Moreover, the story is even set in the same region of the world! While this didn't entirely ruin my enjoyment, I can hardly classify it as groundbreaking.

Nevertheless, Fevre Dream remains an entertaining and thrilling horror novel. You could certainly do a lot worse than pick up this book.