Thank you for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I wanted this book, The Daughter of Doctor Moreau, because I enjoyed Sylvia Moreno-Garcia’s first book, Mexican Gothic. However, this book by Sylvia did not capture my interest for some reason. I struggled to get through even the first pages of the book.

Silvia has done it again, this time taking a literary classic and giving it a feminist edge. Sure, there is science and the hybrids pop off the page, but Carlotta is the center of this story. It's riveting and my favorite of hers since Gods of Jade And Shadow.

The more Moreno-Garcia I read, I find her offerings very hit or miss. This one is a miss. It just fell flat and felt quite one dimensional. I finished it to see what happened and then promptly forgot the story.

"The Daughter of Doctor Moreau"
I confess that, based on the story, which involves a retelling and the whole concept of evolution of a girl living with a mad scientist who made 29 HYBRIDS, with scary and disgusting scenes, I expected a hyper mega horrifying story in the style of "American Horror Story: Asylum". I confess that I didn't like it so much, the first half was boring, even though the author wrote the story with all her heart and the writing was great, it took me a while to feel attached to the content and it was only actually fun for half of it, besides the obvious plot twist. But the cover is beautiful and the story is good, but its premise is GREAT, which left me a little disappointed. 3.5 stars.
Thank you to netgalley for providing me with an eArc.

✨ B O O K R E V I E W ✨

🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

Sylvia Moreno-Garcia is one of my auto-buy authors so when I was chosen for an ARC of her newest book I was SO excited.

This story is a reimagining of the classic- The Island of Doctor Moreau. Please Swipe for synopsis

The beginning was overall a little slow for me. I’m not sure if it was the subject matter or the pacing but once things started to pick up I was IN. The story really revs up towards the last few chapters and the reward is completely worth it. There is also a ~twist~ that I did see coming, but it was satisfying to watch it all play out. There is so much depth to all of the diverse characters included, and is not just limited to the main two. (Carlota and Montgomery) They are each flawed in their own way which really allows you to connect with each of them.

This story hits on topics such as the horrors of marginalization and colonialism in 19th century Mexico as well as the damage that can be inflicted on innocents by an ego maniac. There is romance, drama, action/fight scenes, but most importantly this is a coming of age story about finding the courage and responsibility to do what is right and the importance of family - whether it be the family that you are genetically born into or the family that you find along the way.

I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Del Rey Publishing, and Silvia Moreno-Garcia for a free ARC of this book.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were relatable and well written that I could find no reason to not like it. I'm a huge Dr. Moreau fan anyway, so this was right up my alley. Silvia Moreno-Garcia has gotten herself another fan for sure. I have already pre-ordered the hardcover and planning on getting the audiobook as well.

Thank you Random House and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and give my opinion on this.

Silvia Moreno Garcia by far is one of my favorite authors. Once again she did not disappoint with this book.
Silvia's writing is very unique and subversive into the Mexican culture. I particularly enjoyed this time period and setting of The daughter of Doctor Moreau set in the 1800s of Yucatán Mexico. If you enjoy a bit of historical fiction mixed with a bit of sci fi and thriller than this a book for you. This book is loosely inspired by The Island of Doctor Moreau. by H. G. Wells. I enjoyed this book and found myself fully invested in its characters. Silvia's attention to detail and mystery transported me into the world of this book. I highly recommend and would give it 4 stars.

This is an excellent reimagining of the classic Island of Doctor Moreau, a compassionate and brilliant version that I know I'll be rereading and recommending to everyone I know. Moreno-Garcia is, as always, spot-on with her language and in creating her characters, positioning them in a historical period and place in a way that seems effortless and is yet packed with thoughtfulness and research. There are a few typos in the eARC I read--"sooth" for "soothe" occurs at least twice, and there is a "tale" where there should be a "tail" in one spot.

A retelling of “the island of doctor Moreau “ done by one of my favorite authors, Silvia Moreno-Garcia!?? YES PLEASE!

I’m in awe of how Silvia can do it all, her fascinating ways to make her point across and tell a story are absolutely brilliant “Women were butterflies to be pinned against a board”

Silvia’s story starts our very sweet & naive MC Carlota Moreau, who lives in Yaxaktun with her father. doctor Moreau (or mad scientist), Mayordomo Montgomery and 29 of his creations, HYBRIDS, experiments between humans & different kind of animals. Their lives are turned upside down with an unexpected visit

It’s a slow read and the story definitely takes its time in developing but fear not the plot hits with such an impact that it makes it all worth the wait.

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of this wonderful story.

I was SO excited to receive this ARC from Netgalley since Mexican Gothic was a fave in 2020.

Fans coming in from that book will not be disappointed, this is a similar style of Gothic Historical though very different in particulars. My mistake was thinking this was a prequel with liberties to Island of Doctor Moreau but it says reimagining right there and it truly is -- don't expect it to align perfectly with Island.

Speaking of Island, this was a much more satisfying tale than Wells'. I always liked the *idea* of Island of Dr Moreau better than the actual book and Garcia has scratched that itch at last. Less horror but a much more fleshed out and vivid story.

The first half is a slow burn. I liked it a lot and it really puts your head in the setting. Whew, we go wild around 2/3 in! That's where I went from enjoyable read to feverishly glued! Much like Mexican Gothic, she has this way of slowly drawing you in and then BAM! You cannot rest until all is told.

Loved this one. I thought it was written better than previous works I've read by this author. There was a great sense of place. and I enjoyed the history lessons that were seamlessly threaded throughout the narrative. For a plot such as this, I was very impressed by how believable all the characters were, especially the daughter, Carlota, and Montgomery. I don't enjoy romance as a rule but the subplot here was lovely. Highly recommend!

Silvia Moreno-Garcia is becoming one of my favorite authors. Every one of her books that I’ve read so far ends up being amazing. I love the atmosphere she creates as much as the characters. Every time I read something of hers I truly feel that I’ve been transported to a new place and time. I tore through this book in like two days and enjoyed it from start to finish.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

She’s done it again! SMG weaved a beautiful and lush setting with aspects of science-fiction, contemporary social criticism, and historical fiction full of vivid imagery and sympathetic characters. Absolute must-read for anyone who loves reading about a suspenseful and colorful world.

Montgomery, with his heart sickness, soon becomes my favorite character. He is a hopeless romantic who works hard and loves hard. His tragic history and his constant yearning rounds this character out, making you miss him when he is not there.

I did not have the same love for Carlota, which is fine. She is the opposite. Carlota is young and spoiled, even with her sense of decency guiding her choices. I dislike characters that make brash decisions, even if youth is to blame. Her kindness does not make up for her childishness.

My favorite part of the book is the way these two characters took turns speaking to us with first-person narratives. Silvia volleys us back and forth between these two. Showing us how different this breathtaking scenery can look depending the eyes we see it through. One minute you are seeing the jungle as a mature man, the next a teenage girl.

This book lingered in my mind throughout my day. The characters popping up to visit me when unleash except it. The ending hurt. Hopefully, come April, you will find out why.

I think this book is perfect for those who love the gothic and historical fiction genre. I can even see people that like westerns enjoying The Daughter of Doctor Moreau, as well as those who are enchanted with Mexico.

This is a book worth reading. I look forward to hearing what you think about this tale.

Thank you to NetGalley, and the publisher for allowing me to receive an arc in exchange for an honest review- all thoughts and opinions are my own!


First of all- I went on a major deep dive for three days on the historical aspects of this story- I legitimately had zero clue about 90% of it. I loved the intertwining of historical fiction and science fiction- I don’t think I’ve read much with that same fusion but I’m a fan now.

Loved the characters, loved the plot. Loved the true human raw emotions depicted. I loved how gothic this book still was while not being marketed as such- Silvia has a real gift in the gothic novel realm. I’d give this a 5 and I can definitely see this trending all over once it’s released!

I knew nothing about The Island of Doctor Moreau but did read the synopsis for this particular book before starting it. This was NOT what I expected, but I really liked it. I hadn’t realized that this novel would be more of a romance novel, within a great sci-fi setting.

It did have a slow start; part 1 was a lot of set up. Once I began part 2 though, it was difficult to put the book down. It moved at a good pace. I loved the characters— a very interesting and diverse lot. (I loved the friendship between Montgomery and Cachito most of all. The latter being my favorite character of the bunch.) I did love the science fiction aspect of it and thought the ending was fabulous.

Thank you Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey for this digital arc in exchange for my honest review which is not affiliated with any brand.

A captivating, passionate adventure novel, The Daughter of Doctor Moreau offers an impressionistic rendition of a jungle plantation run by a mad scientist whose dutiful daughter has yet to realize her potential. The story is delivered in vivid, hallucinatory episodes portrayed from alternating perspectives, leading the reader to speculate that some of the events described may obscure hidden truths.

Moral and spiritual questions surrounding the family patriarch are reminiscent of Stephen King's Chapelwaite (based on the short story "Jerusalem's Lot"), and Moreno-Garcia does a great job of staying loyal to HG Wells’ source material while including elements of modern horror and classic adventure stories. Historical context and aristocratic opulence contribute elements of realism to an otherwise surreal narrative as readers observe the privileged existence of Carlota Moreau and the suitors drawn by her magnetism. Her father, the infamous doctor, has become obsessed by his alchemical ambitions for the hybrids he’s created and overwhelmed by the duplicity required to maintain tranquility at his isolated estate on the Yucatan peninsula.

As the doctor’s secrets are revealed and a demanding financier adds pressure to the estate’s already tenuous existence, Carlota discovers her own identity and recognizes her truest desires. Fans of Louis Bayard will be right at home with this fantastic historical adventure and should appreciate the author’s notes distinguishing fictional elements.

A big thanks to Del Rey and NetGalley for the ARC.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia's writing is engaging, exciting, and enchanting. She's become an instant purchase for me and I'm constantly recommending her books to patrons. I loved her take on the Doctor Moreau story.

This book was a weird one and while I might not have been the ideal audience for it, there's a good chance my library patrons will greatly enjoy it.

This book is a reimagining to The Island of Dr. Moreau by HG Wells. This book focuses on Moreau's daughter Carlota and her relationship with Moreau's patron's son, Eduardo Lizalde and the chaos that arises from his arrival.

First, the good parts: Carlota is a great protagonist and far-and-away was my favorite part of the book. Moreno-Garcia remains one of the best authors currently in regards to writing fascinating female protagonists and this book is another great example of that trend. Moreno-Garcia also does a wonderful job adapting and modernizing Wells's tale.

On the other hand, this book was pretty hard to follow for me and the sections that focused more on Eduardo and other members of the cast were far less successful than the ones that were more Carlota-centric. This book also just didn't grab me like Moreno-Garcia's Velvet was the Night did and I kept just wanting it to be as absorbing as that earlier book.

Overall, I'm sure there will be a lot of readers that love this book and that I just wasn't the right reader at the right time. I'm very thankful to the publisher for the opportunity to read this in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Silvia-Moreno’s highly anticipated new novel magnificently reimagines H.G. Wells’ science fiction classic, The Island of Dr. Moreau, setting it in the lush Mexican South of the 1800’s and centering the tale on Moreau’s daughter, Carlota. Growing up on an isolated estate in the Yucatan, Carlota has only ever known the company of her father, the human-animal hybrids he’s created, and Montgomery, his new assistant with a checkered past. Told from the overlapping viewpoints of Montgomery and Carlota, what unfolds is a story that explores themes of colonialism, slavery, and the ethics of creating new life. Silvia-Moreno’s choice of setting, and the diverse set of characters add layers and meaning to the original work by Wells. This masterful mix of sci-fi, historical fiction, and gothic horror will appeal to readers of those genres as well as fans of retellings of classics.