Scan barcode
oliviantoinette's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Racism, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Body horror, Chronic illness, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Sexual harassment
sarah984's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I was really excited for this book, but I struggled to finish it. Of the two POV characters, one was so passive that she barely did anything and the other was the most boring man in the world. When something finally happened it was summarized in three pages. Every romance was deeply stupid and the familial relationship with the hybrids didn't feel earned at all. The writing was nice on a basic technical level but I couldn't recommend this.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Colonisation, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Racism, Alcoholism, Ableism, Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Chronic illness, Classism, Confinement, Gaslighting, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Religious bigotry, Sexual content, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Xenophobia
Minor: War, Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Pregnancy, and Racial slurs
hannahlee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
As always with Moreno-Garcia, this was a very compelling read and a fascinating setting and plot. The themes of womanhood/personhood vs. monstrosity, civilization vs. barbarism, and chosen family are well explored in literature, but she puts her own spin on them. The story was gripping and the plot tripped along nicely, though there were moments where I wished for a little less overt symbolism, a little more leaving the subtext up to the reader to figure out. Still, Moreno-Garcia is unputdownable, a chameleon across genres, and always provides a fresh new take on familiar tropes, and a well-drawn, well-researched setting for her stories.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Colonisation, Medical trauma, Medical content, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body horror, Racism, Racial slurs, Xenophobia, Sexual content, Alcoholism, Blood, and Death of parent
adancewithbooks's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you to Jo Fletcher Books and Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinion in anyway.
The Daughter of Doctor Moreau is a retelling of The Island of Doctor Moreau, classic sci-fi tale from 1896 by Wells. A story I read a few years ago. While the writing wasn't for me I did find the ideas very interesting. So when I saw that Moreno-Garcia was writing this book I was very excited. I kept my expectations to a minimum though as you can never know.
I enjoyed the story but also the setting of this book. The setting itself is much more important and thought out. The backdrop of nineteenth century Mexico with the colonailism and class themes adds such more depth to this novel.
Of course the author changed more than that. The experimentations are a bit different but that doesn't take away from the original themes of the original novel, religion, science and morality.
But of course also the addition of the daughter changes a lot. The focus now lays with Carlotta and the hired help Montgomory. This different view gives more depth to some of the themes we get. The morality is very diffent with Montgomory to what it is for Carlotta. Montgomery having been skewed by his previous experiences while Carlotta has been much more protected. Even more so when Carlotta has a bigger role to play in the actual experimentations.
The romance that is in here is in a way an exploration for Carlotta who has been so protected. It felt like it was natural for her to explore that part of her own womanhood when the first young man comes to her. While Montgomory, older and jaded, naturally is drawn to such a naive young woman when she is the only one around for him to be drawn to. But the romance doesn't go the way one would expect. And I really appreciate that.
The Daughter of Doctor Moreau is a retelling of The Island of Doctor Moreau, classic sci-fi tale from 1896 by Wells. A story I read a few years ago. While the writing wasn't for me I did find the ideas very interesting. So when I saw that Moreno-Garcia was writing this book I was very excited. I kept my expectations to a minimum though as you can never know.
I enjoyed the story but also the setting of this book. The setting itself is much more important and thought out. The backdrop of nineteenth century Mexico with the colonailism and class themes adds such more depth to this novel.
Of course the author changed more than that. The experimentations are a bit different but that doesn't take away from the original themes of the original novel, religion, science and morality.
But of course also the addition of the daughter changes a lot. The focus now lays with Carlotta and the hired help Montgomory. This different view gives more depth to some of the themes we get. The morality is very diffent with Montgomory to what it is for Carlotta. Montgomery having been skewed by his previous experiences while Carlotta has been much more protected. Even more so when Carlotta has a bigger role to play in the actual experimentations.
The romance that is in here is in a way an exploration for Carlotta who has been so protected. It felt like it was natural for her to explore that part of her own womanhood when the first young man comes to her. While Montgomory, older and jaded, naturally is drawn to such a naive young woman when she is the only one around for him to be drawn to. But the romance doesn't go the way one would expect. And I really appreciate that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Body horror
Mutations | Body Experimentationsjupitermond's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Racism, and Violence
Moderate: Alcoholism, Alcohol, Physical abuse, and Gun violence
Minor: Sexual content, War, Suicidal thoughts, and Sexual violence
chelsaat's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Silvia Moreno-Garcia has done it again. I love that she’s able to tackle any genre and just knock it out of the park.
Here she takes on what I’d label “gothic sci-fi” in this reimagining of HG Wells’ The Island of Doctor Moreau. Here, Dr. Moreau works on the Yucatan peninsula and has a daughter named Carlota. Montgomery is still around as the trusty but troubled majordomo, and the hybrids - Moreau’s half-human, half-animal creations, evoke more pity than horror.
I loved how SMG twisted this tale into one of the perils of colonialism and playing god, something the original tale barely scratches the surface of. Setting this partly in Carlota’s POV also turns this into a tale of a woman discovering her own power, which I always love to see!!
My only quibble is that the writing is slightly detached, I think to mimic Wells and other gothic tales of yore. It took me a minute to get into the minds of these characters, but it did happen. Just stick with it, I promise. Part 3 in particular is nonstop…I’m still reeling from how the events played out.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Here she takes on what I’d label “gothic sci-fi” in this reimagining of HG Wells’ The Island of Doctor Moreau. Here, Dr. Moreau works on the Yucatan peninsula and has a daughter named Carlota. Montgomery is still around as the trusty but troubled majordomo, and the hybrids - Moreau’s half-human, half-animal creations, evoke more pity than horror.
I loved how SMG twisted this tale into one of the perils of colonialism and playing god, something the original tale barely scratches the surface of. Setting this partly in Carlota’s POV also turns this into a tale of a woman discovering her own power, which I always love to see!!
My only quibble is that the writing is slightly detached, I think to mimic Wells and other gothic tales of yore. It took me a minute to get into the minds of these characters, but it did happen. Just stick with it, I promise. Part 3 in particular is nonstop…I’m still reeling from how the events played out.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Animal cruelty, and Racism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Body horror, and Xenophobia
bookish_apothecary's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I was drawn to this book due to the vibrant cover and horror tag. However, this one leans more toward historical sci-fi with minimal horror elements. It didn’t inspire any feelings of fear in me. Regardless, the story was intriguing.
The world-building was exceptional, the author’s descriptions bringing the hacienda to life in my mind. I could see myself wandering the halls and tending to the hybrids beyond the wall. But I couldn’t see the hybrids themselves. We spend very little time with the hybrids and more time talking about them. I did really enjoy learning about the Mayan culture and the history of the Yucatán peninsula.
Montgomery’s character was the most fleshed out, his past giving him layers beyond being a heartbroken drunk. Carlotta’s, on the other hand, felt like a missed opportunity. She was the doctor’s obedient daughter, unconditionally faithful and loyal. Until she’s not. There was potential here for a spectacular character arc that just fell flat. I wish we’d seen her start to have her own dreams and goals outside of what was expected. The pacing also seemed off. The first 2/3 felt slow and aimless, but the last third was fast-paced and unputdownable.
The story focuses on the ethics of creating sentient part animal, part human creatures for labor who can feel pain and emotions. It wants you to ponder who the real monsters are, the grotesque hybrids created for the sole purpose of being exploited? Or the clever human who created them to further his scientific research? Is it the haggard drunk who’s loyal till the end? Or the charming man who sees what he wants and will cross any line to obtain it? It also calls into question the role of religion, showcasing another example of how detrimental it can be when it’s wielded as a tool to control others and bend their will.
[eARC provided by NetGalley]
The world-building was exceptional, the author’s descriptions bringing the hacienda to life in my mind. I could see myself wandering the halls and tending to the hybrids beyond the wall. But I couldn’t see the hybrids themselves. We spend very little time with the hybrids and more time talking about them. I did really enjoy learning about the Mayan culture and the history of the Yucatán peninsula.
Montgomery’s character was the most fleshed out, his past giving him layers beyond being a heartbroken drunk. Carlotta’s, on the other hand, felt like a missed opportunity. She was the doctor’s obedient daughter, unconditionally faithful and loyal. Until she’s not. There was potential here for a spectacular character arc that just fell flat. I wish we’d seen her start to have her own dreams and goals outside of what was expected. The pacing also seemed off. The first 2/3 felt slow and aimless, but the last third was fast-paced and unputdownable.
The story focuses on the ethics of creating sentient part animal, part human creatures for labor who can feel pain and emotions. It wants you to ponder who the real monsters are, the grotesque hybrids created for the sole purpose of being exploited? Or the clever human who created them to further his scientific research? Is it the haggard drunk who’s loyal till the end? Or the charming man who sees what he wants and will cross any line to obtain it? It also calls into question the role of religion, showcasing another example of how detrimental it can be when it’s wielded as a tool to control others and bend their will.
[eARC provided by NetGalley]
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery, Alcoholism, Racism, and Physical abuse
kari_f's review against another edition
challenging
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
“Hers was the water and the black soil and the trees and those birds in flight not because she owned them but because they had each other."
This was an interesting reimagining of The Island of Doctor Moreau that incorporates historical events and cultural ideologies from late 1800s Mexico.
💕Aspects I enjoyed: 💕
🐆 Much of the original premise is the same, where the doctor works on creating hybrid human + animal creatures. I love that we see some of them as primary characters! This allows us to examine what humanity really means, comparing the humanity of the hybrids against that of the humans.
🐕 There is a unique take on found family, and this is built upon throughout the novel.
🐐 There are multiple themes explored, including colonialism, gender stereotypes, racial inequality, and ethics in scientific experimentation.
🐆 The book steered away from some of the tropes I expected it to embrace, which was extremely refreshing!
🐕 The character depth and growth for the protagonist was wonderful to see as she grew in her own sense of justice and self-worth.
✨Some things I wished: ✨
🐐 I thought the book needed a bit more sci-fi material. For a story marketed as historical science fiction, I felt that it didn’t include much of the science. We come into the novel with the hybrids already in existence, and we don’t really learn much about the doctor’s theories or procedures.
🐆 While we get some depth and growth from a few of the side characters, I wish we’d gotten more of their perspectives and growth. I especially wish we’d had more from the housekeeper who watched over the household and a few of the hybrids.
Overall I enjoyed the book! I’m glad I read it, but there was a bit of spark missing for me, so I don’t know that I’d read it again. I’ll definitely be checking out other books by the author, though, as I thought her ideas were unique and her writing was engaging!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Gun violence, Racism, and Slavery
Moderate: Sexual violence
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
bkwrm1317's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moreno-Garcia does it again! First and foremost, big thanks to NetGalley, Random House-Ballantine, and Silvia Moreno-Garcia herself (learned about this eARC on Twitter a number of months ago when she encouraged folks to read on NG) for early access by eARC for The Daughter of Doctor Moreau in exchange for an honest review! I've thoroughly enjoyed all other novels by Moreno-Garcia, and am thrilled to contribute to folks raving prior to release on this one with my first Moreno Garcia eARC.
Releasing later this month (July 2022), Moreno-Garcia graces readers once again with a historical SFF novel, this time set in the 1870's in Mexico. Based loosely on a reimagining of H.G. Wells' The Island of Doctor Moreau, alongside an actual conflict that was happening in the Yucatán (México) in the 1870s called the Caste War of Yucatán, beginning in 1847 and lasting more than 50 years (see Afterword for more information), which resulted from the abusive labor system that discriminated against and indebted native Maya in the region. This likely isn't the right place for new readers of Moreno-Garcia looking for a faster-paced read (she's released other novels that fit a quicker pace), and isn't usually my first choice, but took my sweet time enjoying the read and the pacing doesn't detract, rather lends itself to the slow burn and build of the narrative.
With familiar tropes from Moreno-Garcia including enemies to lovers (sort of? with a twist?), the horror of racism and classism through a historical lens, and elements of sci-fi horror, The Daughter of Doctor Moreau is another slow-building, slow-burn of fabulous quality by one of my contemporary favorites. Do see CWs on this one, as there are elements as relate to the status of femmes during this time period, as well as relate to differences of class/caste that include emotional manipulation, gaslighting, and the possibility of violence (including sexual), which could be troubling for some readers. These are moderate CWs at most from my read, and are incorporated in a way that focuses the reader on how the characters are/might/will fight back against this (sexual) violence and oppression in ways that are compelling and satisfying.
Releasing later this month (July 2022), Moreno-Garcia graces readers once again with a historical SFF novel, this time set in the 1870's in Mexico. Based loosely on a reimagining of H.G. Wells' The Island of Doctor Moreau, alongside an actual conflict that was happening in the Yucatán (México) in the 1870s called the Caste War of Yucatán, beginning in 1847 and lasting more than 50 years (see Afterword for more information), which resulted from the abusive labor system that discriminated against and indebted native Maya in the region. This likely isn't the right place for new readers of Moreno-Garcia looking for a faster-paced read (she's released other novels that fit a quicker pace), and isn't usually my first choice, but took my sweet time enjoying the read and the pacing doesn't detract, rather lends itself to the slow burn and build of the narrative.
With familiar tropes from Moreno-Garcia including enemies to lovers (sort of? with a twist?), the horror of racism and classism through a historical lens, and elements of sci-fi horror, The Daughter of Doctor Moreau is another slow-building, slow-burn of fabulous quality by one of my contemporary favorites. Do see CWs on this one, as there are elements as relate to the status of femmes during this time period, as well as relate to differences of class/caste that include emotional manipulation, gaslighting, and the possibility of violence (including sexual), which could be troubling for some readers. These are moderate CWs at most from my read, and are incorporated in a way that focuses the reader on how the characters are/might/will fight back against this (sexual) violence and oppression in ways that are compelling and satisfying.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism, Gaslighting, and Racism
Minor: Sexual violence
hanarama's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thank you Net Galley and Random House for providing me with a digital ARC for an honest review.
The Book at a Glance:
• Dual POVs
• Historical Yucatan
• Mad science
• Retelling of a classic
• CWs: murder, blood, injury, assault, medical content, racism, colonialism, body horror.
Set against the volatile backdrop of 1800s Yucatan and the Caste War, comes a dreamy piece of speculative fiction from Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Hidden in the remote settlement of Yaxaktan, Dr. Moreau plies his trade: manipulating flesh and genetics to grow animal-human hybrids, with the aim of producing an obedient and tireless labor source for his patron Hernando Lizalde. In his task, the doctor is assisted by Montgomery Laughton, an Englishman hired by Lizalde, and his young daughter Carlota.
Carlota wants nothing more than to live in Yaxaktan forever. She could never abandon her father or the hybrids for the wider world. However, something changes irrevocably when Lizalde's son arrives unannounced at the estate. Carlota's world is thrown out of balance and she must grapple with the consequences.
SMG presents a beautiful, moody tale that updates the original source material. The doctor remains similar to the original text: a man driven by his own ambition and hubris. He and Lizalde act as mirrors of one another, both commodifying and exploiting animals and humans alike. They represent a the tyranny that colonizers inflict on nature, and those deemed "less" human.
As a coming-of-age, the book grapples in large part with Carlota's view of the world shattering. We see her first as a young girl, and watch as she uncovers the truths hidden from her. This is a story about the loss of innocence and finding inner strength.
The Book at a Glance:
• Dual POVs
• Historical Yucatan
• Mad science
• Retelling of a classic
• CWs: murder, blood, injury, assault, medical content, racism, colonialism, body horror.
Set against the volatile backdrop of 1800s Yucatan and the Caste War, comes a dreamy piece of speculative fiction from Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Hidden in the remote settlement of Yaxaktan, Dr. Moreau plies his trade: manipulating flesh and genetics to grow animal-human hybrids, with the aim of producing an obedient and tireless labor source for his patron Hernando Lizalde. In his task, the doctor is assisted by Montgomery Laughton, an Englishman hired by Lizalde, and his young daughter Carlota.
Carlota wants nothing more than to live in Yaxaktan forever. She could never abandon her father or the hybrids for the wider world. However, something changes irrevocably when Lizalde's son arrives unannounced at the estate. Carlota's world is thrown out of balance and she must grapple with the consequences.
SMG presents a beautiful, moody tale that updates the original source material. The doctor remains similar to the original text: a man driven by his own ambition and hubris. He and Lizalde act as mirrors of one another, both commodifying and exploiting animals and humans alike. They represent a the tyranny that colonizers inflict on nature, and those deemed "less" human.
As a coming-of-age, the book grapples in large part with Carlota's view of the world shattering. We see her first as a young girl, and watch as she uncovers the truths hidden from her. This is a story about the loss of innocence and finding inner strength.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Racism, Death, Death of parent, Gun violence, Sexual violence, Blood, Ableism, and Body horror