With The Daughter of Doctor Moreau, Silvia Moreno-Garcia adds her name to the growing list of authors re-imagining classic stories through a distinctly feminist lens.

The title leaves no mystery as to the original text, and most readers will recognize many elements of Wells’ The Island of Doctor Moreau. The fanciful nature of the original story fits beautifully with Moreno-Garcia’s style and tendency towards magical realism. The author’s decision to set the novel deep in the Yucatan provides a rich and appropriate setting for her version of the story.

Moreno-Garcia’s rendition of the classic tale is presented through the perspective of Carlota, Moreau’s daughter, and Montgomery, his majordomo. In this way we explore Moreau’s work through characters who, for various reasons, lack agency rather than through the Doctor himself. This allows the reader to experience a more nuanced exploration of autonomy, humanity, and morality in both the context of the original story and through these viewpoints. Eventually, the chaos that ensues when Moreau’s work is fully exposed allows our the characters to gain agency in their own lives to varying degrees.

Moreno-Garcia is truly a master of atmosphere. Her writing carries with it a richness that immerses the reader and creates engagement in the story. This is a theme in all of her writing, but it especially important here, because the narrative falters at times. This story opens up the dialogue on a number of heady themes, and the author’s inclusion of additional coming of age and love story lines for Carlota feels like too much to address. There just isn’t enough time to treat every theme with the thoughtfulness we have some to expect from Moreno-Garcia. This leaves some flat spots in the overall narrative that could disappoint some readers. However, the atmospheric expertise of the writing will still leave most readers fully engaged.

This is a good addition to the growing list of adapted stories, and most Moreno-Garcia fans will find this story worth the read.

My gratitude goes out to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for access to this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
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*I received this book as a digital ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Thank you NetGalley, Random House, and Silvia Moreno-Garcia for the eARC of this book.

I either really love Moreno-Garcia’s works or find them just meh. Every one of them, in my opinion, is written a beautiful, engaging style, and I love the marrying of historical content to scifi or fantasy. All that being said, it’s the pacing of the stories that just sort of pull me out of the narrative. Despite so much being revealed and occurring in the first quarter of the book, I felt like nothing at all had actually happened and that I knew very little of the characters that this story revolves around.

Overall, it felt a bit like a chore pushing through the first half of the book, and while I started to enjoy it in the second half, I still didn’t find myself particularly invested in any of the characters.

3 stars from me.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia has done it again. Another masterful work that had me entranced from start to finish. This reimagining of The Island of Doctor Moreau set in 1800s Mexico is less of a horror novel as some of her previous works showcased. This story focuses more on the historical context and scientific elements of the plot, which is what I believe the author mentioned in her discussion of this title on Goodreads. I think if you like any of the previous elements that you will definitely find it in fine form throughout these pages.

The plot was well-paced and strong. The story follows Carlota, the only child of Doctor Moreau, as she lives on the secluded Yucatan peninsula with a host of hybrid creations that her father has experimented with over the years. The novel oscillates between Carlota's point-of-view and Montgomery Laughton, the new overseer/assistant of the property at the start of the novel. Eduardo Lizalde, the son of Doctor Moreau's financial benefactor, arrives unexpectedly and brings havoc that will tear asunder the world in which Carlota and the other inhabitants live in. As Montgomery is one half of the primary perspective we view this world in, he also plays a large part in the dynamic of the story and his relationship with other characters is key to the plot and the heart of this novel. All of the characters in the novel contributed weight to the story and didn't feel like pieces to fill plot gaps. I would have enjoyed much more time with the hybrids in the story, but I did appreciate the pieces of their personality that we did get to see.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia's writing is so fluid and descriptive without overstating or being repetitive. I could wander along in her stories indefinitely. The historical context of this novel concerning the native Maya and other populations on the peninsula at the time is a deep-rooted part of the novel. This issue is the origin of why Doctor Moreau is recruited by a wealthy landowner to perform his unworldly experiments to begin with.

Another stellar read for me. As I've mentioned in a previous review for one of her books, I would absolutely pick up another book by this author. I will be giddily making my way through her backlist of books considering every title I've read so far has been top tier for me. This read is much less horror-centric than Mexican Gothic, but I think anyone who loved that book would enjoy this title as well. Also, the cover vibe for this book is outstanding. The covers for her titles are on point. every. single. time.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this title.

I enjoyed this book, but honestly I was expecting something completely different, which threw me off, and put me on the wrong foot.

Thinking of Moreno-Garcia's other work, and the work she based this story off of, I thought I would be reading another sweepingly atmospheric Gothic tale. T'was not the case, sadly.

However! If you enjoy the political intreuge of 19th century Mexico, or the Bronte/Austen-esqe dance of propriety and station, paired with her signature atmospheric writing, this is sure to be a great read for you!

My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to the Random House Publishing Group and Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

The Daughter of Dr. Moreau is a compelling tale of vulnerability and self discovery. While the focus could have been on the grotesque research, Silvia Moreno-Garcia tells a more human tale. We all yearn for acceptance and Carlota is no different. It is the story of Carlota and her coming of age in the remote estate in the Mexican jungle. She will soon discover things are not as they seem.

The Daughter of Dr. Moreau is a fresh take on the classic tale that is inspired by historical events. Silvia Moreno-Garcia's latest does not disappoint. Fans of Mexican Gothic will be right at home in this moody, dark story. It boasts a surprising twist and a satisfying ending.

The review is live on Goodreads and will be shared on Twitter.

*This book was received as an advanced reader's copy from NetGalley.

Prepping for this book, I read the original 'Island of Doctor Moreau" to understand where this one drew its inspiration from. I'm glad I read it, although it was slightly violent and definitely a strange one, because it did help me understand the correlation and underlying motivations that went into this one.

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau explores the life of the daughter of a doctor, who in their own slice of Yucatan, conducts experiments and furthers his scientific understanding of hybrids (animals/humans). While his methods do differ from the original books (slightly less violent), they still evoke the same questions of morality and feeling that the original does. His daughter, having grown up with these hybrids as a matter of course in her life, wants to understand her place and future.

I liked the daughter, Carlota. While she made some interesting decisions at times, at heart, she's a good person and wants the best for her home. Montgomery too, I thought was well done in this book, having had much more depth than the original had given him. And we get more nuanced hybrids as well. The antagonists, well, I thought they were a bit heavy-handed, but given the historical nature of the book and actual atrocities committed at the time, they were probably described fairly accurately.

Given that this is an adaptation of the original, it differed as much as it mirrors the original. I liked the changes, and while I thought the ending was a bit chaotic, it was satisfying to be able to have some more questions answered during the course of the book. The science too was a bit more 'believable' than the original, although I'm sure there are plenty of biologists out there that have better insight into that than I ever could. I will say the surprise that comes in the book wasn't a surprise for me, it seemed the most likely thing to happen, but it didn't much alter the enjoyment of the book. My only real complaint is just the pace of the second half, where a lot of things happen and get explained, and it was a bit of a whirlwind.

Overall, I think this was a well-done telling of the story, giving it a unique twist. I look forward to reading more from the author.

Review by M. Reynard 2022

I will always appreciate anything by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. The way she weaves language is captivating and beautiful. This was no exception.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

Is there anything that Silvia Moreno-Garcia CAN'T write? The range of Moreno-Garcia's writing is expansive, and her newest offering is testament to this. Inspired by The Island of Dr. Moreau, this is another unique, noteworthy addition to her long list of accomplishments. Though it does contain some triggers (be warned), readers looking for something that will pull you in with a mix of sci-fic will enjoy this!

2.5 /5 stars

Oof, this was a weird read. I kept waiting for something, anything to happen, and I still couldn’t tell you what the point was…

I couldn’t really connect with any of the characters. The “conflict” (of what little there was) wasn’t very compelling or interesting. The saving grace was M-G’s writing, which I found engaging enough that I sped through it relative to how odd I found the story.

Mexican Gothic was one of my early BOTMs and I gave it 4 stars; I hoped I’d like this one as much, but sadly it just was not for me.

TDODM comes out July 19th! Many thanks to @penguinrandomhouse @delreybooks @netgalley for the chance to read & review this ARC.

4.5 stars

Silvia Moreno-Garcia is one of my favorite authors and her newest book “The Daughter of Doctor Moreau” is another beautifully written and thought-provoking story that’s sure to impress both new and current fans of her work. Tapping into Wells’s classic "The Island of Doctor Moreau," Moreno-Garcia examines many of the same themes such as humanity, social responsibility and ethics but with a feminist lens.

As with most of Moreno-Garcia’s works, you learn a bit of history. It’s something I’ve come to love from her books. One aspect of her retelling is taking the setting to the Yucatan peninsula during the nineteenth-century. Within the main plot of the story is the backdrop of the war of the Maya people against Mexican tyrants. She also touches upon slavery and the part the British played during the time. The setting itself is a lush and dreamy peninsula where Doctor Moreau is tucked away in his own world doing shocking experiments—all the while convincing himself it’s in the name of science and humanity.

I loved Carlota. Her essence was captured so beautifully—a daughter torn between loyalty to her father, love of her friends and desire for independence. She’s complex, tortured and relatable on many levels despite her unique situation. As with many of Moreno-Garcia’s works, this is a highly character-driven story with Carlota’s struggles, growth and dreams spearheading the plot. Montgomery is another unique character as well and while damaged and roguish, he’s oozing with the anti-hero vibe and I really liked him.

The story tackles multiple themes much the same as Wells’s classic, but in this one we get a feminist lens and it’s one of the things I loved most about the book. Themes of animal cruelty, science, humanity and social responsibility are tackled as well as the more common themes of love, family and loyalty. Top it all off with examining the “role” of women in accordance to society’s demands and expectations and not only do we have a beautifully written and intriguing story but also one that makes us think bigger picture. Again, this is something I’ve come to expect from Moreno-Garcia and it’s why her works are consistently a step above the rest.

A lot of people are calling this a horror but it reads more as a historical thriller with sci-fi elements. Both a thrilling and contemplative read, Moreno-Garcia delivers yet again.

While not the only re-imagining, The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, is a clever spin-off of the classic thriller The Island of Doctor Moreau by H.G. Wells.
On the Yucatan Peninsula set among the rising conflict between the Mayan and the European/Mexican settlers (based on the real Caste War of 1847), Dr. Moreau, with the aid of his financial patron Eduardo Lizalde, has again sought to manipulate nature in his animal-human hybrids.
Being familiar with the original plot worked both in favor of and opposed to the thrills of this new take. I wasn't "shocked" by Dr. Moreau as a mad scientist bent on creating a twisted race, but I appreciated how Moreno-Garcia had fun with her creative twists and injected some fresh plot turns.
My only wish is that there was a closer sense of characters in the novel. It progressed at a 'safe' distance that kept me from being fully invested in their journey. It does, however, all tie together quite satisfactorily and the pace ramps up in the last third of the novel and lands in a memorable, exciting conclusion.
Fans of moody noir mysteries will eat up Moreno-Garcia's latest work; She skillfully mashes up fantasy, adventure, and even romance; the result is hard to classify but definitely a lot of fun.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Daughter of Doctor Moreau in exchange for an honest review.
Look for The Daughter of Doctor Moreau starting July 19th (2022) at your favorite bookstore.

Absolutely loved this-great family intrigue and the sci-fic aspect is really neat and grapples with moral and ethical issues in a very interesting way.

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.