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)

Well written. Well performed.

Martin continues to suffer from comically long descriptions of food, but otherwise a stellar title.

It's a fairly othrodox, albeit creative, vampire story that comes off as a breathe of fresh air in a world gone mad with sparkly sexy vampires.

Hauntingly beautiful!

The story is so well written!
I've read all of his other published works and realize more and more what a wonderfully talented mind he possess.
This has the feel of a beautiful dark fairy tale. Every line is descriptive and full of life.
The narration is absolutely superb.
I have been recommending this book to everyone and plan on revisiting it myself.

It's a great ride.

I, like you, am looking for the books that can take me away. I want to lose track of time and forget to eat because I'm so engrossed in my story. I want my co-workers to look strangely at me because I'm sitting in my car long after I've gotten to the staff parking lot, not quite ready to start reality. George R. R. Martin does it, as you suspected he would.

I know: VAMPIRES; Ugh, but trust me, he makes it work, in his way, and in the impossible to explain way the good author's do it. I wish I knew the formula: it would save me from listening to all those disappointing books, or maybe write one of my own? Audible is making me return books now through their customer service because I'm so picky.

Well, luckily for us we won't have to return this one. Enjoy.

Masterpiece

Wow. I’m blown away I’ve never heard of this book before. It’s like listening to a true classic tale but with vampires. I’ve never heard a more realistic telling. All I can think is how has this not been made into a mini series already.

A different kind of vampire story

Once you get past the vulgar use of the N-word and get to the heart of the story, you see how beautiful the story really is. Martin is a gifted storyteller that blends the emotions of a changing nation and a changing river into one masterful story. The narrator did an amazing job of grabbing the tension and emotions.

Great story by George RR Martin...before GoT

What a fabulous story. Not anything like Game if Thrones, George RR Martin’s earlier novel held my grip. Good narration.

Engrossing experience.

Best audiobook I've experience so far. Martin always delivers on story, and the reader lends extra life to every character.

Great story but be warned.

Who knew that a story about vampires and steamboats could be so intriguing? This story is so full of great descriptions about the Midwest rivers all the way to the food being eaten. What made this so enjoyable was the narrator. He gave such life to these characters that I will have to check out what else he's done. This book should come with a warning, though. It takes place in the 1850's so slavery and racist terms really stick out from time to time. It isn't constantly repeated but will make some readers uncomfortable.

A vampire tale wrought with history and science

Would you listen to Fevre Dream again? Why?

Absolutely. The performance was phenomenal and with every character receiving a unique voice which was absolutely believable.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The captain, that gruff, rough, man's man voice and action is all you need in a good river boat tale.

Which scene was your favorite?

The description of the Fevre Dream when she's brand new and unaware of the horrors and challenges that await her.

If you could rename Fevre Dream, what would you call it?

River of Blood

Any additional comments?

You'll love the show.

Pretty good

I thought this book was good, although it lost me a bit after the middle. Felt like there wasn't enough stuff resolved at the end but overall the writing was good. Some dialogue was a little unbelievable here and there