Fevre Dream

by George R.R. Martin

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.
(Summary retrieved from goodreads.com)

I haven't worked up the emotional stamina to handle the Game of Thrones series, I hesitate to admit. However, Martin's style, his talent, is unquestionable. I decided to start with this work of his and I'm quite pleased I did. If you like a good horror/adventure/vampire tale, this is dark enough to be taken seriously and has incredible character development and interaction. It was perfect for my daily commute when I wanted to desperately dispose of the teeming masses I was sandwiched between. I'm grateful, however, that Martin's fantastic characters did so for me. Thanks ladies and gents.