Fevre Dream

By: George R.R. Martin

Narrated by: Ron Donachie

Length: 13 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2004 George R. R. Martin (P)2012 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"A novel that will delight fans of both Stephen King and Mark Twain...darkly romantic, chilling, and rousing by turns...a thundering success. (Roger Zelazny)

"An adventure into the heart of darkness that transcends even the most inventive vampire novels... Fevre Dream runs red with original, high adventure." ( Los Angeles Herald Examiner)

"Engaging and meaningful." ( Washington Post Book World)

Vampires, the Mississippi, and George R. R. Martin

This is not a typical vampire story. It is not a typical George R. R. Martin fantasy. The vampires are more like Barnabas Collins of "Dark Shadows" and Louis and Lestat of the Ann Rice novels than the Transylvanian Count, but they soon stand beyond comparison. Imagine Jonathan Harker morphed into Mark Twain. Sour Billy Tipton fills the Renfrew role, but you won't even remember who Renfrew was within 30 seconds of meeting Sour Billy.

So I guess I'd better stop with the similes and just say that this book defies categorization. It's not set in any of Martin's famous fantasy worlds, but travels up and down the Mississippi River and its tributaries in the magnificent steam paddlewheelers of the mid nineteenth century, one of which is the eponymous "Fevre Dream." From New Orleans to the shipyards of New Albany, Indiana, with stops in plantations and cities, the saga flows on Ol' Man River. And yes, there will be a race and an on-board fire (reference the famous "Robert E. Lee").

George R. R. Martin can create a full-blown minor character with a few strokes of the keyboard, and his major characters are indelibly etched within one chapter of meeting them. This artistry reaches its peak, in my opinion, in "Game of Thrones" and "Clash of Kings," the first two volumes of "Song of Ice and Fire," but it's plenty evident in "Fevre Dream." Martin is simply a magnificent writer.

As good as Martin's written words are, I suggest listening to this version rather than reading the book. The Scottish actor Ron Donachie doesn't narrate the book, he performs it. Donachie played Ser Rodrik, Winterfell's master-at-arms, in HBO's "Game of Thrones," and I like to think (though of course I don't know) that he and Martin are friends. Friend or not, Donachie does Martin's novel full justice.

Go Down the Mississippi with GRRM and Vampires!

There’s a lot of talk these days about vampire fatigue, and whether or not vampires should hole up in their coffins for a few years until they figure out how to be scary or interesting again.

George R.R. Martin’s Fevre Dream probably isn’t going to change anyone’s mind about the state of vampires in literature, and since the book was written in 1982, that’s really only fair. It is, however, solid proof that vampire stories can be laced with horror and rollicking adventure, and for those of us who like them that way, it's a hell of a good time.

Mississippi River, 1850s. Abner Marsh is a down-on-his-luck riverboat captain until a mysterious man named Joshua York makes him an offer he can't refuse: buying and building a new steamboat to Marsh's specifications, and going down the river with him as co-captain.

Of course, there are a few conditions. York only comes out at night, and makes inconvenient stops as they travel toward New Orleans. Pretty soon, Abner starts to wonder what York is.

Abner Marsh is the kind of hero we don't seem to see much of anymore. He's big, ugly, strong, gruff, loyal, and smart enough to realize he's not the sharpest tool in the shed. His personality, his determination, and his desire to do the right thing all ring true, and he's very easy for us to love and follow.

The setting is the other key: the story tales place primarily in the 1850s on the Mississippi River. Slavery is still legal - Lincoln hasn't yet been elected, and the Civil War hasn't happened. Zelazny's comment that it's part Mark Twain and part Stephen King is apt, and it's made me yearn for more dark stories set on riverboats.

Martin's prose is solid - you can feel both the humidity and evil sweltering as Marsh and York progress further down the river, with bugs buzzing just out of swatting distance. This is a dark fantasy with horror leanings, but to be honest I don't think it's anywhere near as dark or disturbing as G.R.R.M.'s ASoIaF series. It's not the scariest vampire book I've read by a long shot (Tim Powers' The Stress of Her Regard still holds that honor), but it is a fun one.

I’m of two minds on Ron Donachie’s narration. Donachie's an accomplished actor, and played Ser Rodrik in G.R.R.M.’s Game of Throne TV show, so I can partially understand the decision to cast him. But…for a novel set on riverboats in the deep south of America, casting a Scotsman to narrate the whole thing seems an odd choice. Donachie’s character voices do sound American (though his pronunciations of words like “clerk,” advertisement,” etc. are definitely British), but the body of his narration does not contain an American accent. After several hours, I was able to just go with it – and in the end it was a very satisfying experience. Donachie’s storytelling is expert, his reading clear, his characters well-drawn, and most importantly: he gets Abner Marsh completely right. In the end, I would have preferred a thick southern drawl telling this tale, and I think this was a missed opportunity for a great match. However, I'll also be very happy to hear more of Donachie's narrations.

Fevre Dream is one for fans of Dracula, 'Salem's Lot, and even bits of Interview with the Vampire. Those of us looking for a dark but fun vampire tale, with good characters in a unique and haunted setting are in for a good ride.

Cheers to the fever dream!

for some reason I always put off adding this to my collection after the first two chapter I quickly realized my error and became completely addicted, I recommend to anyone that is apprehensive about picking this up give it a shot.

great except where it drags

theres a mopey section around the tail end, and the story reads like it was improvised rather thsn outlined; but, eh: that george's style.
all in all a solid addition to the movement of vampiric fiction. if u want martin's prose and world building, with less swearing and gratuitous sex, pick it up.

Poetic and beautiful

This book and its production compelled me to write my first review. Beautifully written, fully captivating, original story brought to life by a poetic production. I want more books by this reader. I could not put this one down and was sad when it was finished. The characters and the Mississippi River itself were brought to life. Somewhere between the vampire Lestat and the beastly yet sad Sandor Clegane of the GOT, the Fever Dream reads like a classic. I wish there was more...

Captivating!!!

If you could sum up Fevre Dream in three words, what would they be?

New outlook on Vampires

What did you like best about this story?

The story of the origin of vampires.

Have you listened to any of Ron Donachie’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't listened to any others as yet.

If you could take any character from Fevre Dream out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Joshua York, because he seems like someone you would never have a dull moment with even if the conversation may border on the grave/ serious.

Any additional comments?

This was my first George R. R. Martin book and I am even more interested in listening to the Song of Ice and Fire series.

Outstanding

Best vampire novel I've read in many many years. Awesome story very well written. Excellent narration.

Great Vampire story!

what an incredibly engaging performance and a wonderful story told by a master at writing dialogue and creating beautiful imagery.

Epically fantastic!

Man! This was a superb book! Never lost my attention and I couldn't wait to get back to it whenever I had to stop listening! Excellent performance, great voices. 10 stars!!

Fun!

Any additional comments?

While not the most original idea (vampires, bayou etc.), this was a great story that was told well. Which made it feel wholly original. What really helped was the narration: fantastic, I say! I definitely recommend it.