Fevre Dream by George R. R. Martin
"Fevre Dream" is a novel by George R.R. Martin that intertwines themes of friendship, ambition, and the battle against one's own nature within a richly imagined historical context. Set during the mid-19th century, the story follows Joshua York, a vampire who has transcended his bloodlust and aspires to help his fellow vampires overcome their need for blood. He partners with Abner Marsh, a steamboat captain, to realize his vision of a peaceful existence for their kind.
Their journey on the steamboat, named the Fevre Dream, takes them down the Mississippi River, where they encounter challenges that test their alliance. The narrative intensifies with the arrival of Damon Julian, a dominant and ruthless vampire who threatens York’s mission and forces Marsh to confront the darker realities of their world. As the plot unfolds, themes of loyalty and moral conflict emerge, particularly as York grapples with his commitments to both his people and his ideals.
The climax reveals the complexities of their relationship as they face external threats and internal struggles, ultimately leading to a confrontation that defines their destinies. The novel explores the nature of redemption and the possibility of change in a world steeped in darkness, making it a compelling blend of horror and historical fiction.
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Fevre Dream
First published: 1982
Type of work: Novel
Type of plot: Science fiction—occult
Time of work: 1857-1870
Locale: The Mississippi River and its tributaries
The Plot
Fevre Dream tells how Joshua York conquers the “red thirst” that dominates his people and how he forges an alliance with Abner Marsh to accomplish his dream. York, a vampire, has defeated his own need for blood. He seeks other people of the night to convince them that life without killing is a good thing. All works well until York is defeated by Damon Julian, the dominant power among the vampires. York tries to be loyal to his people and to the good but cannot do both. He finally calls for help from his friend Marsh. They join forces to defeat Julians insane blood lust.
Marsh and York have dinner late one night in April of 1857. At the end of the evening, each has his hearts desire. Despite the setback of having all but one of his boats destroyed by ice, Marsh will be able to build his advanced steamboat and York will have the freedom of the river. Marsh recognizes the presence and power in York but does not quite recognize York’s truly alien nature.
Their steamboat is christened the Fevre Dream in honor of it being Marsh’s dream boat and his company being the Fevre River Packet Company. The Fevre Dream sets out on its maiden voyage down the Mississippi River in July of 1857. The boat itself is everything Marsh could hope for, but York’s odd nighttime habits and the odd and prolonged delays that he causes produce frictions that ultimately lead to Marsh learning York’s secret.
York’s mission is to free his people from their need for blood. He has developed an elixir that cures the thirst. He scours news reports to find others of his kind that can be helped by it. All goes well as they proceed downriver until they get to New Orleans.
In New Orleans, Damon Julian comes on board with his company of vampires, and York is unable to tame him. Instead, Julian makes York submit, and Marsh is forced to flee his beloved Fevre Dream. Marsh counterattacks twice but is rebuffed each time. In the aftermath of the second counterattack, Marsh and York sorrowfully part company. York’s commitment to good is strong and he will not personally violate it, but his commitment to his people is stronger, and he is drawn to them.
Marsh bankrupts himself searching for his Fevre Dream. He goes into an uneasy retirement until 1870, when he receives a message from York. The two of them attack the vampires aboard the remains of the Fevre Dream. In the fighting, Marsh becomes a pawn in the struggle between York and Julian. Julian miscalculates: The stress is sufficient to bring out the beast in York, and York is able to make Julian submit. As he submits, Marsh executes him. The people of the night are tamed of their red thirst, and Marsh becomes a hero to them.