4.5 stars. This was a wonderful take on The Island of Doctor Moreau. I loved Carlota and Montgomery. At first, I was a bit confused by the dual POV’s, especially since some of the chapters overlapped, but it ended up flowing in a seamless way. Carlota is completely innocent and naive when it concerns her father, but she’s a quick study and comes to the realization that he’s not a nice guy.. Montgomery is a lost soul who tries to take refuge at the end of the world (the Yucatán), and the bottom of a bottle, but underneath that, he’s still a likable guy and totally redeems himself. I wish we would’ve gotten more interactions with the hybrids, but what we do see is very realistic under the circumstances. This was a very enjoyable read :)

What Secrets Does the Island of Doctor Moreau Hold?


The Daughter of Doctor Moreau is a loose retelling of The Island of Doctor Moreau by H. G. Wells, to the extent that it involves animal-human hybrids who have been engineered by a man who believes he can create the perfect specimen through his work. It is set on the Yucatan Peninsula amidst the historical struggle for sovereignty and land rights of the Mayan people against the European descendants who dominated the social order in Mexico during the nineteenth century. This fusing of science fiction with historical fiction was one I really enjoyed; the novel carried flavors of caution about social inequalities and abuse of power, while also warning against too much tampering with nature and the natural order. Overall, I enjoyed the philosophical undertones of the story, but I failed to make a real connection with Carlota Moreau, the subject of the novel, and found that the pace of the plot seemed to drag on occasion. That being said, for fans of Silvia Moreno-Garcia, this book has her beautiful prose, and stays true to the wildly creative and speculative nature of her writing, so it is definitely worth a read!


The hybrids developed by Doctor Moreau, were made to become laborers for his patron, Hernando Lizalde, the owner of numerous haciendas spread out across Mexico. He seldom visits Doctor Moreau, but as the story picks up, he has made it clear that he needs to see results soon, or he will no longer be able to fund Moreau’s experiments. The problem is that all of the hybrids have some level of infirmity that comes on with age, and their life span is short. They also require monthly infusions in order to stay functional, making them unfit to work on the haciendas, although they do successfully tend the crops and household for Doctor Moreau. They are unquestioningly loyal and subservient to Doctor Moreau, Carlota, and the overseer of the property, Montgomery, although one of the younger hybrids has begun to question what the wider world might be like. The relationship between the hybrids and their caretakers serves as a microcosm of the overall issues in Mexico regarding abuses of power, and social inequality.


Doctor Moreau seeks to ensure future funding from Hernando Lizalde by using Carlota as bait for Lizalde’s son, Eduardo. Eduardo and Carlota do promptly fall in love and decide to become engaged, despite knowing that it will send the elder Lazalde into a rage due to Carlota’s lack of social standing. The scheming that follows leads to tragedy, murder, unwanted revelations, and the destruction of the only life that Carlota has ever known. Had the entire book been as action packed and fast paced as the last 30% it most likely would have been a five-star read for me. The ending is bittersweet, but fitting for the story, leaving plenty of room for each reader to imagine what happens to Carlota next.
3.5

Thank you @randomhouse for my advanced copy. This is available now!

Genre: historical/gothic/sci-fi blend
Swipe for synopsis
Rating: 3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

THE DAUGHTER OF DOCTOR MOREAU is a dark, gothic, historical, science fiction blend, that is at times horrific. I was very much out of my comfort-zone reading this one! The author explores themes of womanhood, colonialism, and class against nineteenth century Mexico. The afterword provided the historical context of where the author drew from; I appreciated that it was included.

I loved the main character and looked forward to her chapters the most. The chapters alternate POV between Carlota, the scientist’s daughter, and Montgomery, an outcast now helping on the island. I liked that they were short and provided the reader with different POVs for the same situations, but that also did make it feel repetitive at times.

The setting was atmospheric and mysterious, and the vibes truly gave isolated mad scientist. This came to life in such an exciting way at the end! I also got big “MEN SUCK” energy in a nineteenth century way. Here for it.

Personally, I found this challenging to review since I don’t read this blend of genres often! But as more of a personal preference, I do wish there was less horror and more focus on the hybrid characters.

I’m glad I picked it up and explored this blend of genres. I could see myself reading more of Moreno-Garcia, and if any of these genres interest you, I’d consider picking this up!

⚠️ TW: animal lovers, I’d skip this one.

A delightful take on the story of Dr Moreau with several twists along the way. The setting is vibrant and the characters are memorable. A perfect summer read.

Oof. I had such high expectations for this novel. I loved Mexican Gothic and Gods of Jade and Shadow and Silvia Moreno-Garcia's short stories. I love that Moreno-Garcia blends genre and her work always seems to be a mix of conventions. But this one didn't quite work for me. The beginning was so, so boring and slow. It took me forever to get through! It picked up a bit after that, but it felt like it never knew what it was *about.* I suppose I was expecting this to be a bit more exciting than it was.

Not a bad book by any means, I'd still recommend it, and I'll still keep reading whatever Moreno-Garcia puts out, but this one wasn't for me.

I just love how Silvia Moreno Garcia writes. She creates such vivid settings and such full characters. I loved Carlota and Montgomery. Frankenstein is a favorite book of mine, and this book really captures the same overarching themes that I really love and appreciate. This is not a mystery/thriller or horror, it's a science fiction story that is more focused on the characters of the story and their motivations. I think lovers of her prior work will enjoy this book just as much.

This is an interesting turn of the Dr. Moreau story. This is told from the perspective of the Dr.'s daughter, Carlota Moreau tells her story and that of her father. Meet the hybrids creations of Dr. Moreau, who are Carlota's friends and some are the servants. This is the story of her life and that of those around her.

I loved this book and it's so surprise that Silvia Moreno-Garcia has become an autobuy author for me.

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau is a reimagining of H.G. Well's classic The Island of Doctor Moreau set on the Yucatan peninsula in the late 1800s. Carlota, the doctor's daughter, is raised in near isolation with her father, their housekeeper and a menagerie of "hybrids" who are like her family. They live a relatively peaceful life, with the doctor experimenting and his daughter learning from him as much as she can.

What I really liked about this book is that it made you question what makes a monster. Is it the hybrids, who have no choice in their creation by some mad doctor who thinks he's God? Or is it the outsiders, the humans who will treat anyone (or anything) that is socially beneath them as unacceptable? This story is beautifully written, but it is also full of the real life horrors that humans face.

This book won't be for everyone. The story is a bit slow moving, but it's beautifully written and if you're ok taking your time you will enjoy it. This is science fiction with a bit of historical fiction/social commentary, not at all spooky.

Thank you so much to Del Rey and NetGalley for a review copy. I cannot wait to see what genre Silvia tackles next.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia books always get to me, her writing is just phenomenal and reading her books feel like a much needed comfort.

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau is a new level of brilliant storytelling by Silvia, it is character driven and immersive.

This book made me feel all the feelings and kept me flipping the pages late into the night until I was done!

I received an advance digital review copy of this book for free from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey, and NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily as a courtesy.

I have to admit, I was first drawn to this book because of the stunningly beautiful & vivid cover! Gorgeous and inviting! I am glad that I was given the chance to read this book too, though, because Silvia Moreno-Garcia did not disappoint with her historically accurate gothic sci-fi retelling of the story of Doctor Moreau.

Set in the late 19th century in the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico during the indigenous Mayan fight for freedom, this book was full of beauty, struggles, betrayal, and love. Although I have never read H.G. Wells' "The Island of Doctor Moreau," I was instantly transported to this retelling of that story through the eyes of his daughter, Carlota, and their majordomo, Montgomery. The vivid imagery used by Moreno-Garcia made me feel as though I were right there in the midst of the beauty of the estate and lush surroundings. The characters were interesting and quirky and the storyline and world-building were outstanding!

I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical, gothic, and/or science fiction, especially retellings of classics!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Silvia Moreno-Garcia has done it again! Every single book that she writes is incredible, beautifully written, and never disappointing. This was one of my most anticipated releases for 2022. The world was so well written that I felt like I was there and I loved how Doctor Moreau's creations felt like people; each with their own specific personalities.

As in most of her works, I love that there is a bit of romance and that it is never insta-love or too much. I really like that the romances she writes always add to the story instead of taking over the whole plot.

I think everyone should try reading one of Silvia Moreno-Garcia's books!

I was really unsure about going into this book as it wasn’t really one of my normal genres. I saw all the buzz and decided I had to see what everyone was raving about.

Obviously this story is inspired by the classic tale The Island of Doctor Moreau and although I’d never read it, I had some idea of the premise of the classic.

In this book, Doctor Moreau has a daughter and the setting is in the Yucatán in Mexico. I’ve spent many a happy vacation near there so kind of knew the locale. I also knew there’d be hybrid type human/animals. But really, that was pretty much all I knew going in.

For the first half of the book, to be honest, I just kind of slogged through. It was fairly slow moving. It kept my interest enough that I wanted to continue through as I just knew something had to be coming. And then… wow, did it ever!! At a little past the midway point, everything changed and I couldn’t flip through the pages of this book fast enough.

I ended up really enjoying this story and even now, the next day, I can’t get it out of my head. The setting, the characters, the hybrids…. I wish I wouldn’t have stayed up late last night to finish because now I’m having a bit of a book hangover and want more. I see what all the fuss is about now!

And also… There’s that absolutely stunning cover! It’s so beautiful!

*Thank you so much to Del Rey Publishing and to NetGalley for the advance copy!*

(Writing this review some time after reading, as personal events got in the way. Due to brevity, I am choosing to only post a star rating on Goodreads).
I came into this book expecting something similar to Mexican Gothic. I wasn’t expecting something so fantastical, but it was captivating, nonetheless. Moreno-Garcia has a gift and I would recommend to others every single time.

Welp, I was hoping for more with this retelling of Doctor Moreau.

In fact, I read The Island of Doctor Moreau before tackling this one. I'd never read the classic and wanted to give this new book by Silvia Moreno-Garcia justice with my review and rating. I'm glad I did this too since I was able to understand the characters actions and overall plot for this new retelling.

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau has the same type of setting and idea for some of the characters from the original. Doctor Moreau is still a sociopath playing God and Montgomery is still doing the unhinged errands for Moreau while being a complete drunk.

Where the book struggles is the lack of suspense and horror elements. The pacing is glacier, and the slow build of the book doesn’t deliver in the end.

In fact, I’m not sure what this book was going for in a genre: horror, thriller or sci-fi?
It ended up being none of the three.

I enjoyed Mexican Gothic more and hope her next book will not be so tame and have more suspense and horror in it!

I absolutely love Silvia Moreno-Garcia's lyric, beautiful writing. Her writing really carried this story. I say that because I thought the actual plot in this one lacked. I was hoping for either more in-depth science fiction or more historical/geographical pieces to the story.

I thought this one moved pretty slowly as well, which isn't really a problem for me, but I was disappointed with the slow pace when I realized there wouldn't be any surprising revelations at the end of the book.

“The Daughter of Doctor Moreau” is an updated version of H. G. Wells’ “The island of Dr. Moreau”. I don’t know how I never read the latter in school, because I read many of the classics. I only remember a movie that came out when I was in high school starring Marlon Brando, that looked creepy to me.
I loved this book! Carlota Moreau lives on a secluded peninsula, with her father, her cook and maid, and Montgomery Laughton, the overseer of the hybrids. They hybrids are exactly what they sound like, human and animals mixed to create a new species. Two men come to the peninsula and Carlota’s life and the lives of her family and friends, is upended.
If you are looking for a fast paced novel that is nothing like you have read before, this book is for you. It’s a perfect beach read. I have never read a book by this author but I will definitely check out her other books. I want to thank the author, Random House Publishing Group—Ballantine , and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. #TheDaughterofDoctorMoreau #NetGalley

Wow I really enjoyed this! Silvia is such a gifted writer, I always auto-buy whenever I see a new book. Thank you so much for the early copy!

Once again I am in awe of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s writing and storytelling ! I love how she incorporates the conflicts within Mexico, and includes deeper issues between the characters. Another great read by this author !

I'll start by saying, as I've never actually read The Island of Doctor Moreau, that I have no knowledge whatsoever of the story that this is a reimagined version of, or no basis of comparison.

That said, as a standalone work, I have greatly enjoyed The Daughter of Doctor Moreau!

Carlota lives a very isolated life, far from the rest of civilization (although also from the dangerous conflicts occurring elsewhere in Mexico), the daughter of a scientist or madman, depending on one's point of view. She's never been away from her family's estate, and the only people she's ever met are her father, her father's overseer, their housekeeper, Ramona, and "the hybrids," two of whom are Carlota's closest friends. They live a peaceful, if sheltered and to Carlota, at times boring existence. However, all of this begins to crumble with the arrival of both a new overseer, Montgomery, hired because he will keep his mouth shut about what he sees on the estate and because he can be controlled through his addiction and debts, and Lizalde, Moreau's benefector who is becoming less and less patient with the doctor's work/lack of results. Then, when Lizalde's son becomes involved in the estate as well, a dangerous chain reaction begins.

Although this one took me awhile to really get into at first, a bit of a slow start, I think it was probably necessary to lay the groundwork/setting so the reader understands what's to come - at least what Carlota understands of her own world, other things we learn with her which was a great delight. In the end, I found this story both excellent and gripping as I've come to expect of Moreno-Garcia, and I say "well-done" once again!

I loved this. Silvia is one of my favorite Latinx authors of all time. Her writing is beautiful and the pace is great.

I haven't read the original but I like the way she approached this retelling. I liked the sci-fi and (to me) horror elements of this story, and the characters are all very unique. I stayed up until 3 am to finish this.

Highly recommend!