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Fevre Dream

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Fevre Dream by George R.R. Martin is a unique vampire novel set in the 19th-century Mississippi, focusing on the life of steamboat captain Abner Marsh and his partnership with an eccentric, vampire-like rich man. The book blends historical fiction with a fresh take on vampire mythology, showcasing detailed descriptions of riverboat life and a complex relationship between characters Joshua York and Damon Julian. Martin's writing style vividly captures the setting and atmosphere of the Mississippi river, while introducing twists to the traditional vampire lore.

Characters:

The characters in this novel are well-developed, featuring Abner Marsh as the earnest steamboat captain and Joshua York as a morally ambiguous vampire, contributing to the story's exploration of good versus evil.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by detailed descriptions that bring the historical setting to life, while also engaging readers with the characters' experiences and emotions.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around steamboat captain Abner Marsh, who unwittingly partners with a vampire named Joshua York. As they embark on their quest to create the fastest steamboat, they confront larger conflicts involving rival vampires and the moral dilemmas of coexistence between humans and vampires.

Setting:

The setting of the Mississippi River during the 1850s provides a rich historical backdrop, deeply influencing the narrative and themes of the novel.

Pacing:

The pacing of the book varies, with a slow start that leads to a more intense and climactic second half, although some transitions may feel abrupt.
Abner Marsh rapped the head of his hickory walking stick smartly on the hotel desk to get the clerk’s attention. “I’m here to see a man named York,” he said. “Josh York, I believe he calls hisself. Yo...

Notes:

Fevre Dream is set in the antebellum South along the Mississippi River.
The story takes place in the 1850s, focusing on steamboat culture.
The main character, Abner Marsh, is described as ugly but likable.
Joshua York, a wealthy patron in the story, is actually a vampire.
The novel explores themes of race and morality, particularly slavery and exploitation.
Fevre Dream was originally published in 1982, before George R.R. Martin became famous for A Song of Ice and Fire.
The vampires in Fevre Dream are portrayed differently, lacking traditional weaknesses like garlic or sunlight.
Martin's vampire lore features a 'blood drink' that satisfies their thirst without harming humans.
The novel combines elements of historical fiction, horror, and gothic themes.
Fevre Dream has been compared to the works of Mark Twain and Bram Stoker.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers for graphic violence including descriptions of murder, particularly the brutal death of a child, and the presence of slavery may be challenging for some readers.

From The Publisher:

When struggling riverboat captain Abner Marsh receives an offer of partnership from a wealthy aristocrat, he suspects something's amiss. But when he meets the hauntingly pale, steely-eyed Joshua York, he is certain. For York doesn't care that the icy winter of 1857 has wiped out all but one of Marsh's dilapidated fleet. Nor does he care that he won't earn back his investment in a decade. York has his own reasons for wanting to traverse the powerful Mississippi. And they are to be none of Marsh's concern-no matter how bizarre, arbitrary, or capricious his actions may prove.

Marsh meant to turn down York's offer. It was too full of secrets that spelled danger. But the promise of both gold and a grand new boat that could make history crushed his resolve-coupled with the terrible force of York's mesmerizing gaze. Not until the maiden voyage of his new sidewheeler Fevre Dream would Marsh realize he had joined a mission both more sinister, and perhaps more noble, than his most fantastic nightmare…and mankind's most impossible dream.

Here is the spellbinding tale of a vampire's quest to unite his race with humanity, of a garrulous riverman's dream of immortality, and of the undying legends of the steamboat era and a majestic, ancient river.

Ratings (15)

Loved It (7)
Liked It (2)
It Was OK (4)
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Reader Stats (92):

Read It (15)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (53)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (22)

About the Author:

George R. R. Martin is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including those of the acclaimed series A Song of Ice and Fire-A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast…

 
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