Martin: Fevre Dream

Set in 1857 on the Mississippi River, Fevre Dream follows Abner Marsh, a struggling riverboat captain, who forms an uneasy partnership with the enigmatic Joshua York. As they launch the lavish paddle steamer Fevre Dream, Marsh slowly uncovers York’s hidden agenda, discovering that York and his companions are vampires. But these are vampires striving for a new path—York has devised a potion to suppress their bloodlust. What begins as a commercial enterprise becomes a gripping battle between vampire factions, loyalty, and the possibility of coexistence. The novel blends historical adventure, gothic horror, and moral complexity.

Key Features

• Originally published in 1982 by Poseidon Press; later mass-market and paperback editions under various imprints

• A standalone historical fantasy/horror novel

• Approximately 350 pages in most editions; one paperback noted at 391 pages

• Rich historical setting aboard a steamboat on the antebellum Mississippi

• Deep themes exploring friendship, morality, identity, and redemption

• Nominated for both the Locus Award and World Fantasy Award in 1983