In Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s book, Dr. Moreau has a daughter named Carlota that he has raised in his own cult-like environment, teaching her that she is to be meek, gentle, and obedient: just like his hybrids.
She is the most precious of his possessions because her beauty can be used in his quest for further funding for his experiments. - creating more "monstrous" hybrids of humans and animals.

This is a deep, dark and complex novel that is filled with horror, romance, coming-of-age, and prejudice. Who exactly are the real monsters?

Definitely recommend this book.

I'm a huge fan of Silvia Moreno-Garcia's work, and this read a lot like a mix between Mexican Gothic and Untamed Shore. It has her trademark blending of history and the fantastical, with the languidity of the writing and setting underlining the sudden forays into brutality.

I'm afraid I've never read the original Island of Dr Moreau, but I really enjoyed how Moreno-Garcia used the the conceit of animal-human hybrids to explore themes of humanity, colonialism and place- does Carlota Moreau belong with the hybrids, and in what sense is she her father's daughter? And how much, ultimately, does she want to be? It was especially gratifying to see hybrid characters Lupe and Chachito really come into their own in the second half of the book- Lupe in particular is a great foil to Carlota and a wonderfully prickly character in her own right.

Thoroughly absorbing, a strong sense of place, and with a plot that gripped me and wouldn't let go. In other words, classic Silvia Moreno-Garcia.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC of "The Daughter of Doctor Moreau" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. This is a retelling of The Island of Doctor Moreau.

I really did enjoy this! The story telling was spectacular from Moreno-Garcia and I was invested throughout. I would happily pick up another read by Moreno-Garcia as this was a brilliant book by her.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau is a historical novel with sci-fi elements woven into it. The story revolves around Doctor Moreau and his little family especially his daughter Carlota and his assistanst Montgomery. The book is set in Mexico in the 19th Century.
The book is categorized under horror, which I didn`t see in the book at all. As I already mentioned above it is a historical novel with sci-fi element, but no horror.

First things first, I gave this book 4 stars. I really enjoyed the story itself. Moreono-Garcia has an amazing way around words to keep you hooked through the very first page. The characters were absolutely perfecty created and they felt so real. The only issue I had that it wasn`t long enough for me. I wish it would had more pages and more story, but I guess that`s how good books are. Praise asaide, the true only issue I had was that I would have loved to read more of mexican history and such detaisl, but overall a very likeable read. I enjoyed how Moreno-Garcia played with the trope "Scientist plays God". Hope to see more of that very soon.

I can absolutely recommend this book for already Moreno-Garcia fans and for those who wants to become one! Thank you again Netgalley for this chance!

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau does indeed feel much like a modern iteration of classic speculative fiction. It has a relatively simple premise and plot, written in polished prose that feels like a very traditional novel. The ideas aren't that revolutionary, but the characters are endearing (even if I kinda wanted if to be just Carlota's book) and there is some well-handled theming of what it means to be human. I do wish this had gone a bit deeper, as the backdrop of Mexican history felt a little decorative rather than fully implemented, and I don't know that the hybrids were taken in particularly interesting philosophical directions beyond the obvious. But ultimately this is a book that brings a 19th Century story into a new perspective, and does so smoothly and convincingly.

hands down one of the most gorgeous covers i’ve seen this year. now for the actual story - it was just ok. didn't vibe with this one like i did with “mexican gothic”.

the writing, as usual, was fantastic but it wasn’t enough to save this book. the beginning half felt sluggish to wade through, found my attention wandering but as the book progressed, I got more interested in the story. the titular character of carlota was interesting to watch grow and evolve as the plot progressed and THAT twist (semi predictable twist however, saw it coming from a mile away)
felt like the book could’ve delved more into the darkness of the subject matters that it presented - scientist playing god - but it falters to do so, which is kinda disappointing.

overall, I did end up enjoying the book but in my opinion could’ve been way better.

many thanks to netgalley for supplying me with an arc in exchange for my honest review.