As someone who's been a fan of Silvia Moreno-Garcia for a few years now, I can confidently say that this is one of her best books I've read so far! This book covers so much, there's a coming of age story within Carlota's character, it's set during the same time as the Mayan uprisings (which we can see a lot of hints towards throughout the book) and discussion on how women were treated and seen during that time. There's a lot in in this story, but it all comes together so well, which is something I've always admired about Moreno-Garcia's writing style: it's packed with different themes with intention to cover them all.

I personally don't read too much Science Fiction, but The Daughter of Doctor Moreau has me searching for my next Sci-Fi read! Maybe it's because this was written by one of my favorite authors or because it's set in Mexico (as a Mexican-American reader, I looove finding authors/books that give us a bit of representation in genres like Sci-Fi). Silvia Moreno-Garcia was able to take all the necessary themes and ideas that show up in a classic H.G. Wells (or Sci-Fi in general) novel and in a lot of ways, did it 10x better. Silivia Moreno-Garcia always knows how to get me out of my usual comfort zone when it comes to reading and will always be my go to author any time I want to mix up my genres!

Silvia Moreno-Garcia is an automatic buy author for me and she doesn't it again with The Daughter of Doctor Moreau. This is a great reimagining of The Island of Doctor Moreau set against the backdrop of nineteenth-century Mexico. Moreno-Garcia knows how to write strong female characters.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia once again delivers a gripping historical science fiction novel, this time set in the Yucatan Peninsula in the nineteenth century. Based on "The Island of Doctor Moreau", this book takes place in a remote village of the Yucatan Peninsula, and the mad or brilliant Doctor Moreau is developing human-animal hybrids, who all live alongside the doctor his daughter, Carlota, and the mayordomo Montgomery Laughten. These hybrids are being created as a new workforce for the wealthy land owner, Mr. Lizalde who sees them as nothing more than his property. This book poses the question of what really makes someone a monster.

Moreno-Garcia's fast-paced writing and unforeseen twists and turns make this novel hard to put down. Highly recommended for all library collections. Fans of Mexican Gothic will be fans of this one as well!

THE 411...

The genre blending Silvia Moreno-Garcia is back with another hit and this one has managed to dethrone Mexican Gothic for me! didn’t think it was possible, foolish me. This time we’re transported to 19th century Mexico in a reimagining of H.G. Wells The Island of Doctor Moreau. Carlota Moreau is growing up in a lavish estate alongside her father who’s genius mind pushes boundaries and defies ethics, a madman who was exiled from his birth country in Europe. Moreau’s work is centered on creating human-animal hybrids, his experiments have led to the creation of many that are deformed and suffering from the pain of their limbs/bone structure. The benefactor of the estate is beginning to apply pressure on results and has threatened to cut off funding. The Hybrids come to life, some with endearing personalities and others with a whole lot of heart and desire for something more than a life in hiding. Some have heard the rumors of a Mayan rebel leader who is fighting back against colonization out in the Yucatan Peninsula. They dream of escaping by joining his rebel groups and want Carlota to leave with them. When the benefactor’s son Eduardo Lizalde arrives at the Hacienda, it’s love at first sight and Carlota’s dad who is desperate for continued funding is overjoyed with their romance. The only person who stands in their way is the new Mayordomo in the Hacienda, Montgomery Laughton.

WRITING & FINAL THOUGHTS

Friends, to say that I hated Eduardo is an understatement. A sleaze ball who sees Carlota more as a trophy he must win. In the other corner we have Montgomery Laughton who is the second POV we get in this story. Yes, he does have a LOT of demons and Yes I still ended up enjoying his broody drunk character. There’s an age gap between him and Carlota but he isn’t pressed to try and win her over even though he acknowledges the fact that he loves her. SMG gives us Gothic vibes in a historical backdrop where we have themes of colonization, human exploitation/experimentation and the ethics bound to it, racism towards the Mayans, abuse of power, and a feminist MC who could EASILY have become a better scientist than her father if she weren’t expected to conform to societal expectations. That being said, seeing Carolta’s evolution was satisfying on a whole other level! This is one not to be missed especially if you were on the fence over Mexican Gothic. I’d say give this one a go but be prepared to see yourself become over protective of Cachito, my favorite of the hybrids! ❤

Thanks @prhinternational for this ARC!

Em uma fazenda isolada no interior do México, doutor Moreau conduz seus experimentos com híbridos. Ele conta com a ajuda de sua filha Carlota e Montgomery Laughton, o mayordormo da casa.

Seus experimentos são financiados por um poderoso fazendeiro da região e a rotina de todo mundo muda quando o filho dele, Eduardo, chega de surpresa no local.

Minha experiência com Gótico Mexicano não foi das melhores e por isso fui com poucas expectativas para esse novo trabalho da autora. Não conheço a história que ela se inspirou - The Island of Doctor Moreau -, mas nem por isso deixou de ser uma boa leitura.

O começo é um pouco lento, o que já percebi ser uma característica da autora. Silvia vai te familiarizando com os personagens e os experimentos do doutor Moreau. Nesse ponto as explicação são bem detalhadas e com termos científicos, o que pode gerar um pouco de confusão mas no caso eu só fiz abstrair.

A narração alterna o foco entre Carlota e Montgomery. A filha do cientista é uma jovem um tanto inocente, de personalidade gentil e contente com sua vida pacífica. Com a chegada do filho do patrocinador do seu pai, ela começa a questionar não apenas o seu futuro, mas o futuro que seu pai espera para os híbridos. Já Laughton é um homem que tenta afogar seus traumas e decepções passados na bebida; de início ele estava receoso em aceitar o trabalho na casa de Moreau, mas também acaba se afeiçoando às criações do cientista.

O livro tem um ritmo meio calmo e constante, um tanto idílico, o que combina com a história contada. As descrições são bem vívidas que você se sente ali, vivenciando tudo.

Diferente de Gótico Mexicano, aqui eu achei que ela soube desenvolver melhor a história até chegar o clímax. Não há muitas reviravoltas; de fato, algumas situações já eram esperadas, mas não foi algo que me incomodou.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Daughter of Doctor Moreau.

I've heard so many positive things about the author and though I've read Mexican Gothic and was underwhelmed, I keep hoping to be wowed by the author's books one day.

Today was not that day.

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau is a retelling of the seminal classic The Island of Doctor Moreau. by H.G. Wells (which I read nearly a decade ago).

Retelling classic novels is the trend thing to do in publishing now since this isn't the only retelling I've read this year. And I know it won't be the last.

Set among the backdrop of old timey fun timely 19 century Mexico (loved the historical context), the narrative is told between Carlota, the daughter of the famous doctor, and Montgomery, the broody alcoholic hired to assist the good doctor with his devilish experiments.

My caveats; okay, there are more than a few.

First, the pacing. It's slow. Like watching paint dry slow.

The writing is good, but it doesn't detract from the snail pace of the narrative. The novel is only 320 pages but it read like it was 500 pages. Nothing happens in 90% of the novel.

There's a lot of dialogue, chit chatting between the characters, which brings me to my next caveat.

I didn't like any of the characters, and there were quite a few of them, their names all have flown out of my head. I didn't connect or sympathize with anyone but I also don't remember who they are.

Next, where's the science fiction? The suspense? The horror?

The hybrids are mentioned, and they sound interesting but not enough 'screen time' is given to them.

Then, there's the romance element. Seriously, is that necessary?

As I like to say, why does there have to be a romance in nearly every book? A love triangle or romantic relationship doesn't make a story exciting and thrilling.

A good story does with interesting and complex characters and though the author uses the foundation of the original tale, she seems to be unsure of the story she wants to write:

Is it horror? Suspense? Romance with a bit of domestic drama?

The vibe was all over the place, and not in a good way.

I wasn't shocked or surprised by anything, but then it takes a lot to rock my boat. I wasn't invested in the story or in Carlota's perspective. I just didn't care about how it was all going to wrap up.

I really wanted to like this way more, and I had higher expectations than I normally would considering the author's popularity.

I don't like sci-fi. I hadn't read the original Island of Dr. Moreau. But I loved this. Why?

Strong female protagonist, lots of atmosphere, and a bizarre plot. It's an amazing book.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia is one of the best authors writing today. Her newest novel, The Daughter of Doctor Moreau, is a fantastic reimagining of the classic Wells story that has an emotional core missing from the original. The two narrators and protagonists, Carlota and Montgomery, provide alternating views of the world of Doctor Moreau and his experiments; each is satisfying in its own way and together they weave a beautiful tale.

This one just didn't read the same for me as Mexican Gothic did, and maybe it's my fault for trying to compare the two. I enjoyed it, but it missed the mark..

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars rounded up.

If you enjoy retellings you’ll enjoy this story. In this version Dr. Moreau, the French doctor, has been disowned by his family and has taken to the wilds of 19th century Mexico.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau is another beautiful tale by Silvia Moreno-Garcia! In telling the coming-of-age story of Carlota, the titular daughter, this book blends history, scifi, and horror in a way that's unique and will stick with you long after you finish reading. The characters are fascinating and the setting of the Yucatan peninsula is its own character in this story. The colors, textures, sights and sounds of a world with its own rules and singular way of life come alive in this story. This is a must read!

I think that maybe this author is just not for me. I really loved Mexican Gothic, but everything after that, I just haven't been able to get into. The story for this one sounded really interesting, as I really enjoy retellings. I found the story to be really slow though, and I struggled to stay invested. There are definitely people that will love this one, but it didn't work for me.

👨‍⚕️ᗷOOK ᖇEᐯIEᗯ👨‍⚕️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Daugther of Doctor Moreau

“An interesting family we are…. Dr. Moreau’s twisted mistakes.”

A retelling version of the classic novel “The Island of Dr. Moreau” which takes place in the 70’s Yucatán, Mexico. The Daugther of Doctor Moreau focuses on Carlota Moreau, the Daugther of a scientific Dr. that will change the world as we know it. Dr. Moreaus patients are unusual creations the Doctor has created himself, they are part human and part animal hybrids. Hernando Lizalde, a wealthy landowner is funding his operation. Things start to go south when Doctor Mareaus research leads to dire consequences.

This book is so intoxicating you won’t want to stop reading it. The cover is gorgeous and was what attracted me to the book at first. It transport you to the exact time and place of the story. The expectations of Hernando, what Carlota has to go through, and the doctors outcome are well detailed. I have not read Mexican Goth yet(on my TBR pile) but Silvia Moreno-Garcia has got me hooked with her storytelling.

Thank you @netgalley and @randomhousepublushing for the ARC.

#TheDaughterofDoctorMoreau #Netgalley

I love Silvia Moreno-Garcia books, so I was so excited to read The Daughter of Doctor Moreau. I never read Doctor Moreau, but I have seen the movies about it so I kind of knew what to expect. It was an interesting read. The beginning part of the book was very slow due to the world building, and honestly some of it was a little too slow. Once the action happened though it went by very fast, and I couldn’t stop reading. So while this is not my favorite of her books it did turn out to be a decent read.

Since I’ve never read (or researched) the H.G. Wells original that inspired this book, I went into reading it knowing only two things about it: (a) that it was science fiction rather than horror and (b) that it was by an author whose writing I enjoy.

The narrative structure was interesting. The perspective alternated between the female protagonist and the male protagonist; however, the entire story was told from the third person point of view. Therefore, the reader is never truly inside any one character’s head - just seeing the events from their perspective. The place of the story - the Yaxaktun hacienda on the Yucatán peninsula - plays as great of a role in the story as any of the characters. The story itself starts in 1871 with the arrival of the new mayordomo, Montgomery, and continues through 1877 when outsiders arrive, secrets are revealed, and all hell breaks loose.

I enjoyed this book because it was a story well told with characters well rendered. I was grateful to have the foreknowledge that it was science fiction rather than horror because that kept me from taking the creepiness of the place for more than it was intended. And the messy-but-clean ending was quite fulfilling. Totally unlike the guaranteed happily ever after endings in the romances that I’ve been reading of late.

Of course, the inevitable comparison with Mexican Gothic comes up short for me. That book was just, wow, for me. This book was a little less shocking in that, by being so detailed and well-rendered, there seemed to be less space for the brain to settle into mistaken conclusions. So I, unfortunately, loved it just a little bit less.

I've decided to table The Daughter of Doctor Moreau - after the first few chapters, I just cannot get into the storyline.

I loved Mexican Gothic, but I did think it was about 70-90 pages too long, and I can already feel The Daughter... heading that way with an onslaught of tedious and most likely unnecessary details.

It doesn't help that many of the Goodreads reviews note that nothing happens for the first 40-60% of the book.

However, Moreno-Garcia is a talented and beautiful writer. I have no doubt that this is a well-written story. It's just not for me, right now. I may return to it. Almost all of the bookstagrammers I follow loved it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for a free advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. I really appreciate it!

3.5 stars. An interesting twist on the classic sci-fi story, here set against a gorgeous jungle background on the Yucatan peninsula, with a Mayan rebellion simmering behind the scenes. The actual plot felt slow to me, but the setting and creative spin provide drama and beauty.

Wow Silvia Moreno-Garcia does it again!! I must admit something first because I feel this disclaimer will open so many more eyes! I passed Mexican Gothic so many times saying oh the cover is so pretty but I just don’t think this book is for me. Then finally I caved and I read it and wow I was so angry with myself for waiting so long. So when I saw The Daughter of Doctor Moreau I was like YES!! And peeps let my tell you Silvia Moreno- Garcia did it again! This book was amazing! The story is so dark and sinister but so smart and beautiful.

This book started a bit slow but I liked the setting and the rich descriptions of Yaxaktun. I was thrown by the story format, there are two perspectives, and every time we changed perspective it went back to the same scene, and was taken aback. After a while, it stops doing that and then starts to move along with the story. I liked the gothic and mystery aspect of the story but didn't really connect with the characters and besides Carlota being now independent I felt like there wasn't much that I took from this story, It was OK but I was expecting more from this book.

What another fascinating book by SMG! This had a similar vibe to Mexican Gothic but had more a science fiction vibe to it. Something that I do like about SMG is that she’s not scared to try out different genres and she excels in each area.

The Daughter was beautifully written with some really interesting characters. There was a twist/reveal in the beginning that left me hooked for the rest of the book and I was surprised such a big reveal was done so early on, it was a nice change! The story is slow to the big reveal at the end but I think overall everything was well paced.

I don’t want to get much into the plot because I think it’s easy to reveal things by evening just hinting at plot points, but I think if you were a fan of Mexican Gothic, you will enjoy this just as much!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for this eARC