If you have read any of Silvia Moreno-Garcia's books you already know you are in for a treat. I love how she incorporates a lot of detail into her stories and how she describes scenes! This story takes plot twists to another level I was not sure what would happened and even though I guessed, ultimately I was wrong about it. The book itself has a good story to it and I recommend you all to read it. Her characters are always unforgettable and the story itself, wow!

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this advanced review copy.

This book is inspired by the H. G. Wells Island of Doctor Moreau and it was impossible not to compare them. For the Wells book, I struggled to care about the characters and didn't really get a clear picture of the hybrids. Moreno-Garcia's book was infinitely better. I was immediately drawn into the world and had very strong thoughts towards the different characters.

This story is told in alternating chapters by Carlotta, the daughter of Doctor Moreau, and Montgomery, the hacienda's majordomo (ranch manager). There were some chapters where we would experience it from one person's point of view, and then the next chapter would go through the same events from the other's. The split point of views was done very successfully and I appreciated having both narrators. It added to the story to have both of the characters narrating, since Carlotta is more naive and grew up in this world, whereas Montgomery is carrying a lot of baggage from his prior life.

I absolutely loved how Moreno-Garcia portrayed the hybrids. In Wells' book, they were stupid, slaves to superstition, and very flat characters. These hybrids were well developed characters. I especially appreciated Lupe and Cachito, who were made to be Carlotta's friends. The book also explores how both Carlotta and Montgomery deal with the ethical questions of making creatures, especially Carlotta who was born into this world. The doctor was also an interesting character, including his drive to perfect life.

In the "not so good" category: The book does quite a bit of telling, not showing, which was a struggle for me. Some of the interactions didn't work as well for me because of this. The writing, at times, felt very simplistic.

Also, my version had a ton of spelling/grammar errors, including things like "she did __" when it was actually the "he" in the scene. Hopefully those are fixed prior to the formal release.

Overall, this was an interesting read that was hard to put down.

What a great novel! I received an ARC of this in exchange for review, and I finally got around to reading it. I have a passion for any novel that incorporates science/medicine/research int its story, and this one definitely accomplished that and accomplished it well!! The plot twisted and turned throughout in a way that kept me guessing, and though I didn’t like the final conflict being just a battle scene (not how I thought the story was going to go!!) I really enjoyed basically every other aspect of it!

(3.5+) Silvia Moreno-Garcia can write every genre — and she can write every genre well. I’ve read (and thoroughly enjoyed) a number of her other books, so, as soon as this book was announced, I preordered it. (Having such a beautiful cover on my shelf was a bonus.) Getting approved for an ARC was even more exciting. Moreno-Garcia has an incredible mastery of language, and she always gives the reader an inventive and compelling book — which is definitely the case here.

Right off the bat, I could imagine myself wandering the reddish-yellow dirt paths through the dense scrub and could hear the jungle with its mangroves teeming with the songs of the birds. I felt like I was inside the small hacienda with its dark wood and white interior, sitting on the velvet furnishings and listening to the sound of someone playing an off-tune piano and the ticking of a baroque clock. This setting is lush and dense with an arresting air of mystery, and I wanted to live in it. And, while I was within these pages, I did. Moreno-Garcia’s settings often act as a kind of character within her novels, and this one, with its untamed environment and a mix of decay and wilderness, was spectacularly done and provided a perfect backdrop for the events of the novel. 

The storyline here is engrossing, and the use of dual POVs for Carlota and Montgomery is a clever addition. Moreno-Garcia clearly understood these characters and how their development would play out from the get-go, even if their characterization did sometimes feel a tad overdone and repetitive. At times, the writing felt like it veered more toward tell than show, and the characters never quite felt 3D. Still, I was invested in both characters and their journeys within these pages. While Montgomery changes some throughout the book, I felt frustrated with Carlota and her lack of a real evolution — toward the beginning of the book, she wants peace and ease, which is almost exactly what she wants toward the end of the book, despite the myriad horrible things that have happened to her in the middle. I also wish some of the secondary characters — Lupe, Cachito, and Ramona, in particular — had been rounded out more, given they’re the impetus for so much in the book.

I think Moreno-Garcia does a wonderful job of conveying different themes — the primitive versus the animalistic, the horrors of colonialism, man as God — in a way that really gets the reader thinking. I found myself constantly questioning ideas raised in this book. Some of the suspense did feel a little telegraphed, but that could also just be because I’m a very close reader. 

This is an immensely clever retelling of a well-known story, and I appreciated the twists Moreno-Garcia put on it and the way she expanded on the source material. This book is a clever mix of science fiction and romance and historical — and I loved the way it weaves folklore and religion, lushness and creepiness, obedience and independence, and a whole host of other contradictions together to make a very readable and enjoyable book. 

Special thanks to NetGalley, Random House/Ballantine, and Silvia Moreno-Garcia for proving me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau is another hit from Silvia Moreno-Garcia. This reimagining of the H. G. Wells classic brings together the strife of caste and class systems with scientifically engineered creatures set amongst dense and beautiful Yucatán jungle.

Dr. Moreau’s legacy is always on the precipice. Sometimes the precipice of scientific revelation, sometimes the precipice of devastation. His beautiful, intelligent and kind daughter Carlota dotes on her father, his work and their secluded home deep in the jungle. The hybrids are her friends and her chosen family. When Moreau’s benefactor’s son and nephew visit Yaxatun they set in motion the string of events that challenge Carlotta’s views of family, science and society.

Many readers will be drawn to The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by the title and the gorgeous cover design. I hope readers do judge the book by its cover and indulge in this fantastic novel.

I received this book as an ARC and this is my review. Wow! This story is shocking and twisted and so compelling! The characters all have secrets and the twists and turns are non-stop. This author is known for her original and quirky stories and this one is hard to top! I totally recommend this book to readers who enjoy a fantastic story with an unusual set of unforgettable characters.

Another imaginative, historical fiction* from Moreno-Garcia that challenges our preconceived ideas about life, love, and the world we live in. A coming-of-age story in which a young woman learns the powers of seduction while simultaneously learning to shoulder the burdens and consequences of our loved ones' choices.

The transformation shall be brutal, because it's always worse in that way for a woman, but if she survives it, oh how horrible and magnificent she will be.

*This reviewer has not read The Island of Doctor Moreau by H.G. Wells.

I love going into Silvia Moreno-Garcia's books blind. I barely read the summaries, I don't even know what this book was suppose to be about, but I knew I would be absolutely captivated by the imagery and that is more than enough for me.

This is not suppose to be a horror book, but the bases of the plot does have some rather horrific elements, which really added to a nice gothic edge to an otherwise sci-fi, historical novel. It starts off slow, and was a little difficult to get into until the hybrids are revealed. From then we dive into the simple and yet complicated lives of our MCs, Carlota and Montgomery. Carlota had the potential to be an annoying character. Sickly as a child, sheltered, easily given to love.. she has the building blocks for a typical naïve heroine. But she isn't that. Yes she is naïve, but she's also strong and peculiar.. and overall reveals herself to be a rather interesting character.

Montgomery, our second MC, is also just as interesting. He's a miserable sort.. almost a bit pathetic and predictable. I was a bit put off by him in the beginning, but as the story goes on I found myself growing fond of him. His backstory is sad and chases him though most of the book.

I loved also the juxtaposition between the hybrids and the Lizalde's. The ethics between the creator and the created. Humans vs the "monsters" but really who are the monstrous ones? Who is to say what counts for humanity and the privilege of freedom/life? The Daughter of Doctor Moreau tackles these thoughts beautifully, and like the rest of her books, lingers long after you've read that final page.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Huge amount of thanks to NetGalley and del Rey publishing for an advanced copy of this book!
I have been anxiously waiting on this one and it did not disappoint! I feel like everyone has heard of H.G. Wells’ The Island of Dr. Moreau, or at least seen the movie. This is a fantastic retelling, told from two points of view.

Carlota is the daughter of the brilliant Doctor Moreau. She is smart and beautiful and aware of the work her father does within the walls of their isolated home. As a child she suffered from a blood illness and her father treats her regularly. His experiments, called hybrids, are the closest thing she has to a family.
Montgomery is an outsider, and the home’s new majordomo. As someone with a troubled and sad past, he does his job without passing judgment.
Eventually the son of the owner of the estate pays a visit and instantly falls for Carlota. While her father sees this as an advantage, it unfortunately has devastating consequences.
I love when a book lives up to my expectations. Silvia Moreno Garcia can do no wrong in my opinion and once again gives us a beautiful cover.
Publication day is July 19! Preorder, pick up in store, or grab a copy from the library, but don’t sleep on this one!

I will stan SMG forever without question. I may have enjoyed other stories of hers better than this one, but I think the actual writing in this novel might be my absolute favorite yet. There are vibes on vibes on vibes,

This is a really bizarre comparison that I will get out of the way quickly so that everyone can tell me how ridiculous I am and move on- but many times when I read about the hybrids in this novel I couldn't stop thinking of the characters in Cerulean Sea?? I know. I am ridiculous. There was just something about the community that the hybrids formed that made me think of the other book. That is absolutely where the similarities end.

MOVING ON!

I definitely recommend any readers of this novel to familiarize themselves with the source material. I am not suggesting you buy a copy of The Island of Doctor Moreau and read it cover to cover. An internet search will suffice, but I think having the context makes this book more enjoyable.

SMG tackles a lot- colonization, race, class, slavery, medical experimentation- and successfully writes this book in a way that will make the readers consider all of these heavy topics while being completely engaged in a book full of slick storytelling. I felt the heat- physical, emotional, etc. Writing this book could not have been an easy feat but I think SMG has repeatedly shown us that she has the chops.

There is a twist that I am not sure is really a twist- it's unclear to me if SMG wants us to know it's coming or not, but regardless- it's a good one.

SO TL/DR this is a great book and you should read it and I can't wait to see what color the pages of my Waterstone's preorder are. As usual, the cover design is incredible.

Thanks so much to Del Rey and NetGalley for the review copy!

A really well-done retelling if The Island of Dr. Moreau” by H.G. Wells, centered on the uprisings happening in the region at the time. Though it felt a little drawn out in places, I liked that events were repeated through different characters’ eyes. I loved Carlota and her final showdown with Eduardo.

Yet again, Silvia Moreno-Garcia knocks it out of the park. This was fantastic! I loved every page and I cannot wait to recommend this book to everyone.

The writing was well done, the sorry was unique and engaging. I never regret picking up anything by this author.

After enjoying Mexican Gothic, I sought out another read from Silvia Moreno-Garcia. This time I found myself wrapped up in a tale of unexpected friendships and alliances set in a culture which is rife with discontent and a need for change. Carlota Moreau never thought of herself as more than just "the doctor's daughter", but as it turns out she has a wild soul that just needed the right incentive to show itself to the world. When her home and family, including the hybrids her father created, come under attack; Carlota must decide what sacrifices she will make to save all that she loves.

Good premise with a well researched mix of Yucatan history and the classic Island of Dr. Moreau story, as well as interesting character development. Not quite in the same vein as Mexican Gothic, but I am glad I read it all the same.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this book.

This was soooo good! I’m absolutely blown away with this stunning story. It was entertaining, masterfully written, and probably one of my all time favorite reads of this year. Carlota-amazing, Montgomery-amazing, Lupe-amazing (can I just say, all of the characters were AMAZING!) I’ve been in a bit of a book slump lately, and The Daughter of Doctor Moreau just pulled me right out of it. Go buy this book when it comes out, you will not be disappointed! Excuse me while I run to add all of this author’s other books to my shopping cart.

This was not my usual genre but I really enjoyed this book. It piqued my interest as soon as I read the synopsis. The writing was excellent and really put me into the atmosphere of the story line. Looking forward to more from this author.

I received an advance copy via NetGalley.

I haven't read the original <i>The Island of Doctor Moreau</i>, and recall only bits of what the original story entailed; therefore, I approach this book on its own considerable merits rather than as a derivative work. This book is something of a character study of the young daughter, Carlota, and the hired mayordomo, Montgomery. The set-up: Doctor Moreau works at a remote estate in late 19th-century Mexico. He has created human-animal hybrids as medical marvels--though he has truly been hired to produce strong slave laborers for his patron. His daughter Carlota has been raised among the hybrids and considers them friends. The arrival of sullen Montgomery, a man haunted by lost love and alcoholism, only briefly disrupts the rhythm of the place. It is when the patron's arrogant son arrives and becomes smitten with Carlota that things take a decisive, dangerous shift....

The book is quite literary in tone, with a much greater focus on the interpersonal drama than on the science fictional side, which normally isn't my thing at all, but Moreno-Garcia's writing pulled me in. I found some of the major reveals to be a bit telegraphed, but the ending still delivered surprises and immense satisfaction. I knew very little about Mexico and the Yucatan during this period, and I feel like I learned some genuine history. The insights into state of colonialism there were both disturbing and enlightening--a more real horror than Moreau's creations, for sure.

A brilliant retelling of the Legend of Dr. Moreau. I really love this authors writing style. Look forward to more by this author.

When this story begins Carlota is preparing to meet with her father, Dr. Moreau, associates, Lizande and Montgomery. Dr. Moreau is a french scientist who moved to the Yaxaktun to open a sanatorium in which to do his scientific research into hybrids. He lost his wife and child and after trying again, has Carlota. But Carlota was born with a blood disease which he believes he has cured with his medication and research. Lizande is the long time funder of Dr.Moreau and is bringing Montgomery on the prospect of being the mayordomo for Yaxaktun. Montgomery is my favorite character. He is an Enligshman with a lot of debts, suffering from personal tragedies and a dark past that drowns out with alcohol.

Montgomery is hesitant at first about taking on being the mayordomo of Yaxaktun but is severely indebted to Lizande and after their first night on the property, finds himself accepting the position.

It then forwards to six years later, Montgomery finds his place on this new property, not just as mayordomo but as caretaker for the hybrids that Moreu creates. Even becoming close and considering some friends. Everyone within Yaxaktun has a rhythm, a pace, a routine that suddenly torn asunder when Eduardo Lizande, son of Dr. Moreau’s funder, shows up and becomes infatuated with Carlota. What follows is a chain reaction of events that there is no coming back from.

I don’t want to spoil anything that comes after because it is a journey that needs to be experienced. Silvia Moreno-Garcia captured perfectly in chapter one who lonely it is to be on Yaxaktun by introducing us to Carlota and her upbringing. Not knowing who her mother is, having just the hybrids, Ramona the caretaker and her father as company. Her intelligence is also something that isolates her. She knows languages, is taught about other places, and has read about the world, but instead of seeming like places she might go one day, they are fairytales to her. Ramona, who was running away from an abusive situation herself tells Carlota, "I came to Yaxaktun because nobody can find you here," Ramona said with a shrug.

Montgomery on the other hand has seen much of the world, has seen a lot of tragedy and just wants to be left alone and drink his days away. We slowly get to know more about Montgomery and his troubled past as we follow him along these events. I love complicated characters, so it's no surprise that I fell in love with Montgomery in the journey that he takes in this novel. He not only care for the hybrids but befriends them. He watches Carlota grew and even sees bits of himself in her and wishes for her to not end up like himself. Their relationship is a complicated one and how it changes and where it was left at was great to see.

Something that I loved as well was that Silvia Moreno-Garcia did not shy away from what was happening in this part of the world during this time. The war of the Maya people in the Yucatan is not just a backdrop or mention in this novel but plays a huge part for not just Carlota and Montgomery but the hybrids themselves. The one thing I wished we got more of was the hybrids. I wanted to know more about them and spend more time with them than we did but I still loved this read and recommend everyone to pick it up.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing/ Ballantine/ Del Rey for a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Moreno-Garcia solidifies her place among current horror writers with this spin on The Island of Doctor Moreau.

I love Silva Moreno-Garcia's books, primarily because she never writes the same story twice. In this novel, she reimagines the basic premise of The Island of Doctor Moreau, setting it in the lush wilds of the Yucatan peninsula and introducing the lovely daughter, Carlota, of the titular scientist.

Like Dr. Moreau's hybrids with whom she has been raised, Carlota has to take a weekly serum to keep up her strength; she suffered from a painful illness as a child, and only medicine derived from the blood of jaguar can keep her from relapsing. We first meet her as a teenager when Dr. Moreau's patron, Hector Lizalde, brings a new majordomo, Montgomery Laughton, to the hacienda to help care for the hybrids. While first stunned by the hybrids, Montgomery becomes a valued part of life in Moreau's hacienda. Six years later, Lizalde's son arrives unexpectedly and sets off a chain of events that upends the lives all of the inhabitants of the compound--humans and hybrids alike. Hidden secrets are revealed, alliances made and broken, and violence unleashed.

Chapter by chapter, the book alternates between Carlota's and Montgomery's points-of-view. This allows for a fuller and richer perspective: that of the insider (someone who has grown up in this strange world and is seduced by new experiences) and the outsider (someone who arrived at the hacienda jaded by experiences in the wider world who finds safety in the unlikely community of animal-human hybrids).

By keeping the source novel's same timeframe (late 1800s) while relocating the setting to the Yucatan peninsula, Moreno-Garcia is able to explore issues of colonialism and social and racial stratification. Here, the hybrids are being bred to substitutes as workers for the Indigenous population rebelling against atrocious labor conditions created by European-descended hacendados. I would have liked to see her more overly tease out these themes, but even as undercurrents, this adds a fascinating layer of depth to the story.

Once the book got going, I could not put it down. This is a perfect for anyone who enjoys action and adventure, sci-fi and fantasy, romance and intrigue. Basically, the perfect package, and just in time for those looking for a compelling summer read!