I saw this book and curiosity got the better of me. A few months ago I read the Island of Dr moreau by HG Wells which I thoroughly enjoyed. So, when I read that Sylvia Moreno-Garcia, the author of Mexican Gothic which I also enjoyed was continuing Wells’ world I couldn’t help but give it a try.
Thanks to netgalley for gifting me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
I need to start by saying that it is very difficult to compare The Island of Dr Moreau with this latest novel. I love both of these authors but HG Wells’ original sci-fi epic was just that, it was a breakthrough novel of its time and his ability to create such a fantastical world with the most morbid and disturbing creatures was a masterpiece.
One of the first things I did notice is that thw Daughter of Dr Moreau has gone a slightly different route wirh regards as it feels less sci fi and more contemporary fiction style with some sci-fi/fantasy elements. The writing is still good but with the majority of the focus on the humans it loses some of its sci fi roots.
The first half of this book is pretty slow as the scene is set and you are introduced to all the characters such as Montgomery and of course the Dr himself. This is the section especially which feels much more contemporary than sci fi as we only get brief mentions of the Dr’s inventions.
As the story progresses we start to feel some tension building and some darker undertones creep out as new characters enter the picture and start to interfere with the island and Dr Moreau’s work.
One aspect I did especially enjoy was Carlotta’s character development as the story progressed. Seeing her develop from a child into a young woman and begin to become her own person with her own traits was fascinating.
However, one of the main plot twists was somewhat predictable but nonetheless a good one.
In my opinion this would be a better read for someone who has never read the original novel. Although I enjoyed it I struggled to not compare the two and I feel like I would have enjoyed it more as a standalone than as a continuation from the classic.
But, I especially enjoyed the second half when it picked up the pace and things started to progress. However, I feel the first half could have been edited down. However one thing I will say is that she doesn’t disrespect or destroy the Dr Moreau story. She kept with a similar arc for Dr Moreau and the following events in the book made sense as a continuation from the original books.
If you are looking for a slow burn, sci fi/contemporary fiction novel and you liked Sylvia Moreno-Garcia’s other works I would definitely recommend it. But if you have read The Island of Dr Moreau and you want to read this I would say don’t compare the two and treat this one as more of fan fiction esque/ homage title than a sequel. Then you will be able to enjoy it more.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 – a wonderful world and interesting character arc but with a slow burn start.
Much love 💘
Lizzieslittlebooknook 