喬治·R·R·馬丁，一九四八年齣生於美國貝約恩市，二十七歲以小說《萊安娜之歌》摘下象徵幻想小說最高成就的雨果奬。此後他不僅在文學上獲奬連連，更曾在好萊塢擔任編劇長達十年之久。至今，他已獲四次雨果奬，兩次星雲奬，一次世界奇幻文學奬，十一次軌跡奬等等。

Abner Marsh has had his wish come true - he has built the Fevre Dream, the finest steamship to sail the Mississippi. Abner hopes to race the boat some day, but his partner is making it hard for him to realise his dreams. Joshua York put up the money for the Fevre Dream, but now rumours have started about his the company he keeps, his odd eating habits and strange hours. As the Dream sails the great river, it leaves in it's a wake one too many dark tales, forcing Abner to face down the man who made his dreams become reality.

The Fevre Dream was one of the fanciest steamboats ever made. Built with the know-how of her captain, Abner Marsh, and the money of his partner, Joshua York, there was every chance of racing her one day, and winning. But then the rumours began. Joshua ate only at midnight, and in the company of his friends, none of whom was ever seen in daylight.