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3.0étoiles sur 5
good characters slow story, Juil 2 2004
I love vampire novels, and I had really high hopes for Fevre Dream. Perhaps too high. I had read comments that claimed the book was equal in quality to 'salem's Lot and The Hunger, and had always held off reading Fevre Dream until I wanted a really special experience. The first big disappointment was finding out the 'vampires' were not of the supernatural kind - the truly evil, utterly damned sort - but I adjusted and hoped the plotting and narrative drive would make up for this. It didn't, and that was my second big disappointment. It was very good quite often but not brilliant. The author was aiming for an epic feel, which he occasionally achieved, and good characterisation, and here he succeeded. Abner Marsh was a grittily realistic, larger than life, yet sympathetic individual, and to a lesser degree so was Joshua York. The two evil characters were truly evil - I won't be forgetting Sour Billy Tipton and Damon Julian for awhile. Joshua's girlfriend Valerie provides the only truly terrifying moment. But it is Abner that makes the book a good one ultimately, he is the reason why the novel's epilogue is so moving. A good novel but the potential was there for a much better one. Read it on a slow winter's night to get the full effect, don't expect the earth, and perhaps you will enjoy yourself so much you'll wonder what I'm quibbling about.
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5.0étoiles sur 5
WOW, Jui 27 2004
I normally hate vampire books... because they're more romance novels than fictional adventures. And the only reason i picked up this book, is because i've been absolutely hooked on GRR Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series. But i have to say, this book is absolutely amazing. I thought the only reason why Martin was able to recreate medieval life so accurately and amazingly in Song of Ice and Fire was because he must have been a medieval buff or expert... and maybe he is, but that means he must also be a Mississipi steamboat expert as well, because his writing is almost like he lived the time. Heck, i think i would have given this book 5 stars even if it wasn't about vampires and lacked any plot, and it was simply a diary or recounts of somebody from that time.I won't spoil the book, but if you truly want to be transported to another time, this book is definitely for you.
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5.0étoiles sur 5
Southern vampire tale richly backlit by the Steamer trade, Fév 29 2004
Taking place in 1857, this story is about Abner Marsh, who is owner of the Fevre River Packet Company, and once held a profitable steamboat business upon the Mississippi River. But one foul winter and a freezing river crippled his fleet and left him with nothing but his reputation as a formidable captain, and honest tradesman, and the ugliest man on the river. He is down to one lowly boat that travels only on the Illinois, and that one fading fast, when he is approached by Joshua York, a pale, enigmatic businessman who makes an offer of partnership with Abner.York makes an offer far above what the Fevre River Packet Company is worth, but tells Abner that it is because of his desire to own and operate a real steamboat, and be captain though Abner would run the daily functions and pilot the boat. With Abner's experience and York's money, they come to an agreement to build the finest steamboat on the Mississippi, The Fevre Dream. Crewed with the best, she sets out from New Albany towards New Orleans, stopping first in St. Louis. Abner had not batted much of an eyelash when York first mentioned that he and his "guests" would be traveling up and down the river with him, his lust for owning a large, luxurious steamer that could beat The Eclipse's speed driving away the warning from York that he could be a bit...peculiar. For York is a vampire, and is on a quest of his own. He has developed a drink that staves off the Vampire's hunger for flesh, and has a dream of turning his people away from the killing of humans. But working against him is Damon Julian, and his pack of hungry followers, who believe that the old ways are the good ways. Also with Julian is Sour Billy Tipton, their human servant who assists them in acquiring what they need and protecting them. Little by little, things begin to unravel, and by the time Julian and Sour Billy join up with Joshua York on The Fevre Dream, Abner has come to realize his dream of running the biggest and fastest steamer on the Mississippi was nothing more than a dream, and that his desires had blinded him to the reality of York's mission. This is a unique vampire story, appropriate for both vampire purists and vampire modernists; actually staging a battle between the two factions. Should vampires want to mingle amongst the human population, or should they retain their status as feeders and monsters? By taking this approach and placing it in the 1850's South amid the lively steamboat trade up and down the Mississippi River, Martin has created a creepy and exceptional tale of languid horror in a lush backdrop. This is a not to be missed novel whether you love vampire books or creepy southern tales. Highly recommended. Enjoy!
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