Actual rating 3.5 stars

Silvia Moreno-Garica is one of my favorite authors, and there are certain things I know I can expect from her books. They are very character driven, thematically rich, and well written. The Daughter of Doctor Moreau was no exception. I really loved the examination of ethics and humanity explored in this book. It was definitely a highlight for me.

Although I enjoyed this book, I can't say that it's one of my favorites that she has written. The characters were complex, but I didn't really connect with any of them. Her stories tend to be slower paced and typically I don't mind, but this one was a little too slow for me. Those are really my only complaints and both are pretty subjective. If you are looking for a genre bending story that's thought provoking, pick this one up.

Carlotta is the daughter of Doctor Moreau, they live on a secluded island in South America in the late 1800’s. Doctor Moreau is attempting to perfect the human body and is creating human/animal hybrids in his research.
3 star, very slow to begin. Second half of the book was a quick read with action and adventure and paging turning twists. Carlotta’s character development from a coddled love struck girl to an independent take charge women was great.

Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC. As I said with Mexican Gothic, the notes after the book definitely enhance the story, in this case describing the civil unrest in Mexico. It was an engaging take on the original story. Granted, I haven’t actually read the original story, or if I did I forgot, and I could be totally wrong here (tell me!), but I suspect the hybrids were more humanized in this presentation. It was an entertaining read for sure, a good escape, with a rich atmosphere. The final resolution of her situation was a little too easily achieved, but I hope Carlotta’s dream was realized. It does leave an opening for a sequel.

3.5 stars

After Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s historical drama Velvet Was the Night set at the time of the Corpus Christi massacre in Mexico City, the author now returns to the dark speculative world of Mexican Gothic with this compelling riff on H. G. Wells’ 1896 scifi novel The Island of Dr Moreau.

Set in the Yucatán peninsular, so remote it’s almost an island, in the late 19th century, the Yuxaktan ranch is where Dr Moreau is experimenting with human-animal hybrids. His daughter, Carlota, has never known any other home and is friends with the hybrids, particularly Lupe, a jaguarundi-human hybrid. Into this quiet haven of science come a new majordomo to oversee the running of the ranch: Montgomery Laughton, a British adventurer and gambler, who is using this position to pay off his debts.

Overseeing this small corner of happy paradise is Moreau, the god-like figure who gives life to these hybrids, but like Frankenstein, disregards them when they are of no use to him. He is obsessive about creating a “perfect” specimen and, while that is his objective, it is not that of his financer.

We first meet Carlota when she is 14 and still remembers her pain-filled childhood. She is a meek and obedient daughter to Moreau, believing that all he does is right and for the best possible outcome. She is an innocent, like Eve in the Garden before she meets the serpent, a scene depicted on the wall of the small chapel in Yuxaktan.

But who is the serpent and who is Adam? Six years later, this paradise is threatened with the arrival of Eduardo Lizalde, son of the man who finances Yuxaktan. Enraptured by Carlota’s beauty, Eduardo precipitates Carlota’s loss of innocence, the fall of Eden and the expulsion of Adam and Eve.

Chapters are narrated alternately by Carlota and Montgomery. We come to see all the weights that Montgomery has slung round his neck that have pulled him to his current situation. He does what is asked of him but never questions or probes below the surface. Carlota’s experience is limited and her calm acceptance of the horror of the hybrids echoes The Tempest’s Miranda “O brave new world that has such people in it.”

The setting is not just for the exotic sake of it. It takes place at the start of the Porfiriato, a time of upheaval and imposed modernization in Mexico. Moreau’s experiments - pure science at the expense of humanity - play into that as does the hacendado who will use this science to wring every last centavo from his land.

Silvia Garcia-Moreno writes some of the most intriguing YA novels around and always has something interesting to say - definitely a name to follow.

Thanks to Ballantine and Netgalley for the digital review copy.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia has become one of my must-read authors. She has an affinity for transforming the tropes of iconic genres — noir, vampire lore, folk tales, Gothic manor house — into something that pays homage while being fresh and surprising. Her plots are finely-tuned, and her characters are indelible. Noemí in Mexican Gothic, Atl in Certain Dark Things, Casiopea in Gods of Jade and Shadow — these are my girls.

So my expectations were high for the Daughter of Doctor Moreau, and they were not misplaced. Once again, Moreno-Garcia transported me to Mexico. Sure, it's fantasy, but it feels REAL and engages all the senses. Also loved the hint of romance. Will definitely be recommending this book on my website and The Library of Lost Time video show and podcast. https://strongsenseofplace.com/library

In this story we find Dr. Moreau living on an hacienda in Mexico. He has been carrying out his scientific research thanks to a wealthy patron, Hernando Lizalde. At the beginning of the novel, he brings in a new mayordomo, Montgomery Laughton, to help oversee the 'patients' in his 'infirmary' at Yaxaktun. Laughton is a troubled soul, and while he is unsure that he will be able to do what Moreau is asking of him, he is running from his past and can take refuge there at the hacienda.
Of course, the main character of this story is Carlota, the beautiful young daughter of Dr. Moreau. She was a sickly child, but her father found treatments that eventually kept her spells at bay. She thinks of her father as her savior and believes in his work. She learns to assist him in the laboratory and hopes one day to be able to carry on with his research. He guards much of his knowledge however, so she must be patient, unquestioning, meek - the way her father has raised her to be.
When the son and the nephew of their patron, Lizalde, arrive at Yaxaktun out of the blue, Carlota plays the gracious hostess. Having been secluded from society all of her life, this is the first time she's ever considered romantic prospects. Seeing opportunity, the doctor encourages her to be open to the possibility of courtship with one of these wealthy young men. Sparks fly and she falls for one of them, but when they discover some of the secrets of Yaxaktun things begin to unravel.
This was my first SMG novel, and I enjoyed it for the most part. It was an interesting mix of historical fiction, science fiction and horror.

I had no idea where this book was going but I enjoyed every second of it! This book takes you to the Yucatán peninsula of Mexico in the 1870s where it feels like an entire world away from civilization. You find yourself immersed in this gothic historical fiction that not only gives you action from a time of war but a little dash of romance. And I can’t read a book without romance!! “I’m afraid— Not of you. But of loving you.” SHUT UP I WAS SCREAMING. These characters are so lovable you can’t help but feel like they’re your friends from another time. This is a release you won’t want to miss!

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau is a reimagining of The Island of Dr. Moreau, set in late 1800s Yucatan, and featuring the famous mad scientist’s teenage daughter, Carlota Moreau. I’ve been trying to think of other books in the same vein, but historical science fiction isn’t that common a subgenre. The genre blend works really well with this one: the lush setting and the attention to historical and aesthetic detail really heightens the creepiness and peril, which refreshingly do not come mainly from the doctor’s hybrid creatures. I also liked its strong romance subplot, between Carlota and the Moreaus’ majordomo, Montgomery Laughton, from whose point-of-view half the novel is told.

The only version of The Island of Doctor Moreau that I know is the 1996 movie with Val Kilmer, Marlon Brando, and Fairuza Balk. That being said, I was instantly drawn into wanting to read this book. I am a fan of retellings and this gothic twist to a sci-fi classic had all that makings for something I would love. I had a great time and I got lost in the prose, but I did not love it.

I did love Carlota, our main character, and thought she was an essential element to this version of the Moreau universe. I will say I did love the first 20% or so, but then we have a 6 year time jump and it just pulled me out of the story. The format of the story broke the flow for me and the pacing was just off for me. Aside from the 6 year time jump, each chapter alternates between 2 different characters: Carlota and Montgomery. Sometimes this format works for me, but there was just something about this story where it didn't this time. I struggled with the progression of the plot and I think a lot of it was how detached I felt from this format of storytelling. I really did not care much for Montgomery, his past, or any part of his story. I would have loved an entire story from the POV of Carlota - as the title of the book even suggests a bit.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia does a wonderful job at pulling the reader into the time period with the history, politics, and culture, but unfortunately it just wasn't enough for me to make me fall in love with the book as a whole. The cover is absolutely exquisite and rich with so many colors - I love that so much! I know so many people who will devour this book and probably put it on their Best of 2022 lists, but this book just did not have that impact on me.

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia releases July 19th

This retelling of The Island of Dr. Moreau from the viewpoint of Carlota gives us a different perspective from which to view the hybrids and the slow train wreck that is their lives. It adds a fresh feminist twist to the original story that is both rich and satisfying. As with some of Silvia Moreno-Garcia's other novels this one isn't high action and although it can feel long-winded at times it absolutely transports you back to nineteen century Mexico. I like the writing style here and the fullness of the characters. I definitely recommend this to fans of Moreau.

This was an incredibly well written and interesting book, it just wasn't the read for me. Every now and then I try to get out of my comfort zone and some experiences are better than others! I think that this book will be loved by many, I'm just the wrong audience.

H. G. Wells Island of Dr. Moreau was one of my favorite books as a girl. The hybrid humans and their crazy creator was fascinating and the 1930's movie with Charles Laughton really captured the spirit of Wells' characters.
Speaking of capturing Mr. Wells spirit, Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Daughter of Doctor Moreau does it beautifully! Ms. Moreno-Garcia's new book is a brilliant, evocative take on the classic.
Dr. Moreau's beautiful daughter, Carlota, grows up on the island paradise that is their home and also a compound with a hospital. Her best friends are about her age, Lupe and Cachita. They are hybrids created by the doctor and engaging characters who will win your heart as you fall into the rhythm life in the exotic retreat.
Disruptions to their every day life are caused by Doctor Moreau's patron, Hernando Lizalde. It's his money that keeps the place going and enables the doctor to carry on with his research and "experiments". One day he shows up and brings a new manager, or mayordomo, to oversee Lizalde's property, the doctor and everyone and everything else. The man who will be filling the role is Montgomery.
Montgomery is an alcoholic and a sardonic presence. He's a man who has seen it all and drinks to forget the beautiful, rich wife who left him in the Yucatan, where he could never make the kind of living she expected.
An outsider, he is slowly drawn into life with the doctor and his creations and develops a special soft spot for Carlota.
Told in the alternating voices of Carlota and Montgomery we learn more about them both as time passes and with it possible changes and threats to their idyllic life. What happens will keep you reading until the last page!
I love Ms. Moreno-Garcia's work, having read Mexican Gothic and reviewed it on this blog. I will be looking forward to reading more of her titles. The Daughter of Doctor Moreau is one of the best books I've read recently and I was completely involved in the world and the characters the author created. If you are looking for a great book to enjoy this summer...or anytime, look no further!
Thanks to NetGalley for the DRC!

This is the best sort of retelling/reimagining.

It takes a story that was...good, to start out with. The Island of Doctor Moreau is gruesome and disturbing at times, and Wells makes it extremely clear. But anyway. It takes this story and makes it SO MUCH BETTER. As in, lyrical storytelling, lush descriptions of the environment, and a story that, while sticking to the general themes, enhances the tale to something far grander and more important.

Instead of just following Montgomery, this book has the reader joining Moreau's daughter, Carlota as she tends to Moreau's hybrids and grows into adulthood. Carlota obviously wasn't in the original story, but you gain so much by having her here, now. To understand Moreau, you have to understand Carlota.

I think Silvia Moreno-Garcia has such a talent for writing, and this is a reimagining that I think both fans of the original story and just fans of her work will enjoy.

Thank you to Random House for the earc!

I received this ARC free in exchange for an honest review.

This book was slow to start but push through because after a few chapters you become attached and want to binge read it!!

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia didn't captivate me as much as I would have liked; Moreno-Garcia's usual vivid imagery and settings are apparent, yet the story didn't hold my attention.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Silvia Moreno-Garcia does it again by bringing us into a magical world where women are allowed to grow and make their own choices! This story was like reading a coming of age story that is part traditional and part otherworldly.
Carlota is a young lady who is grappling with the nuances that come with being a woman and yet society also telling her that she should be obedient like a doll. Like any young girl she is in love with love and doesn't see anything wrong in her life until she meets Eduardo who changes her life forever. She is suddenly faced with the pressures to get married in order to help her father continue doing what he loves in the name of science. Unlike everyone else in her life there is one person who disagrees with this and that is Montgomery. He offers her a different perspective and at times I found him irritating because it felt like he was just someone else telling Carlota how to live her life. Fortunately, Carlota learns to decide for herself what is best for her and out of all the supernatural that she faces, that is where the real magic lies.

I definitely recommend this book and can't wait to get my special Waterstones Edition (it has sprayed edges!!) Also, will provide a more in depth review when this gets published!

*Thank you NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

When I first started reading this novel, I felt bamboozled by Silvia Moreno-García because I expected something similar to her previous gothic horror novel, Mexican Gothic. I am glad she gave me something different from what I expected!

Moreno-García’s writing is amazing in how she develops and presents her story using vocabulary rarely used by many authors. She was able to transport me to that hacienda in the jungles of the Yucatán through the eyes of all of her characters.

I usually don’t like to compare authors, but Silvia Moreno-García was able mesh the storytelling of of the great Mexican American writer Victor Villaseñor and romantic science fiction of Margaret Atwood in this novel. Moreno-García is the newest and best Mexican, Canadian, Chicana, Latina writer!

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love this book. What are creative novel! I enjoyed the female protagonist and the twists and turns. Very well written.

I'd like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. Opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I may be coming into this was a bit of a disadvantage, having not read the source material that this book was inspired by, but I saw a new Silvia Moreno-Garcia book, and who am I to say no? The premise of the novel is intriguing, this hidden away life surrounded by the lush exoticism of the landscape. Moreno-Garcia consistently constructs beautiful descriptions. I could feel the heat and humidity of it, see the vibrant green as if I were there myself.

There are also many interesting ideas presented in this book, the hybrids being one of them, the development of creatures that are a cross between man and animal and how the experiments of Doctor Moreau developed as he progressed with his research.

The story is told through dual perspectives - Carlota's (the titular character) and Montgomery, and English man hired as the majordomo. Despite the fact that Carlota is the central heroine, I was less interested in her storyline. Something about her, or the way she is written, feels entirely detached from the world around her. She seems a step back, unlike Montgomery, who felt like a man of flesh and blood. Perhaps it was because Carlota's flaws weren't so easy to distinguish, perhaps because she reads like any other raven-haired femme fatale. It was this lack of interest in her sections that slowed the pace of the book for me.

It's an interesting story, and it is very vibrantly told. Moreno-Garcia has a gift with language, I only wish she would flesh out her main character more.

I’ve loved Dr. Moreau since I saw the movie years ago. Dr. Moreau is a scientist living with his daughter and household in a remote part of Mexico. To begin with it all seems very ordinary. They are trying to hire an overseer. Enter Montgomery. He’s a drunk and altogether unhappy, just getting through life day by day. When Montgomery visits, he sees what Dr. Moreau’s life with is all about. Human C animal hybrids.

The story focuses on Carlota, Dr. Moreau’s daughter. She’s gentle and beautiful and wonderfully suited to the life she loves. She loves where she lives and the people she lives there with. But is she more than she seems? Will she find love? She is still a girl/ woman. She dreams. She yearns.

This book was wonderful. I love the realistic tone in a sci fi/fantasy story. The imagining of Dr. Moreau’s daughter is done so well and gives a magical perspective to a story already told. The female point of view is refreshing, because let’s be honest.. we girls think a bit different from the men.
Wonderfully done!