The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd- Review


Megan Shepherd
Publication Date: January 29,2013
Publisher: Balzer+Bray
(The Madman's Daughter)
Sixteen-year-old Juliet Moreau has built a life for herself in London—working as a maid, attending church on Sundays, and trying not to think about the scandal that ruined her life. After all, no one ever proved the rumors about her father's gruesome experiments. But when she learns he is alive and continuing his work on a remote tropical island, she is determined to find out if the accusations are true.

Accompanied by her father's handsome young assistant, Montgomery, and an enigmatic castaway, Edward—both of whom she is deeply drawn to—Juliet travels to the island, only to discover the depths of her father's madness: He has experimented on animals so that they resemble, speak, and behave as humans. And worse, one of the creatures has turned violent and is killing the island's inhabitants. Torn between horror and scientific curiosity, Juliet knows she must end her father's dangerous experiments and escape her jungle prison before it's too late. Yet as the island falls into chaos, she discovers the extent of her father's genius—and madness—in her own blood.

Inspired by H. G. Wells's classic The Island of Dr. Moreau, The Madman's Daughter is a dark and breathless Gothic thriller about the secrets we'll do anything to know and the truths we'll go to any lengths to protect.


Review:

To say this book was good would be a lie. The Madman's Daughter was an amazing read. Historical Fiction at its finest even. Dark, haunting and masterfully written The Madman's Daughter is a must read.

Juliet Moreau was such a fascinating character right from the start. Her tale begins in London where she is a working as a maid at King's College. From the get go we understand she isn't like other girls her age. Smart, beautiful, with an independent streak uncommon for girls at that time she is a fierce force not to be reckoned with. I loved following Juliet on her journey from the streets of London to the Island inhabited by her father and his experiments. I truly cannot wait to see more of her character in the future.

While Juliet may be the star of the show she wouldn't exist and have a story to tell without the madman himself Dr. Moreau. On the run from authorities in London Dr. Moreau has taken up residence on an Island somewhere off the coast of Australia. There he continues his work on the island inhabitants. When his long lost daughter Juliet reenters the picture, he treats her as nothing more than an unforeseen complication. Juliet on the other hand really wants a relationship with her father and her need to be recognized as being worthy in his eyes is heartbreaking. While the doctor loves his daughter he also dismisses her because she is female (to say he's sexist would be an understatement) and a distraction from his work.

To further complicate things on the island, enter the suitors. Montogmery the former servant and Edward the posh gentleman are both vying for Juliet's hand but only one has her best interests at heart. I honestly liked both males equally. Either one could of ended up with Juliet and I would of been happy. Speaking of the suitors the twist at the end of the book left my stomach in knots. Those last 3 pages were killer and had me cursing inwardly(you'll understand if a fan of Balthasar Montgomery's servant). I am so glad to learn this book is a planned trilogy. I might have rioted if the book truly ended the way it did.

Overall The Madman's Daughter is unlike anything I've read in recent memory. It was a taut, well thought out thriller combining the very best elements from The Island of Dr. Moreau and giving that character a human side not fully explored in the original tale. Would I recommend this book? A resounding yes! In fact, go pre-order it right now. No, really, do it. You will not be disappointed. With that being said I will be rating The Madman's Daughter ★★★★★.

*I received this book to review from Edelweiss. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any way for providing them.

Comments

  1. I have this one coming up next. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it. I've heard the creepiness overpowers any anxiety I might have over the love triangle. :) Great review. Really can't wait to get to this one now!

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    Replies
    1. The love triangle exists but I didn't feel it overpowered the story one bit, I'd have been quick to point that out if it did. I can't wait to buy myself a copy of this one. I know it's a series I'll follow.

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  2. Yep, we are on the same page with this one! I loved the horror aspect of this book, less of a fan of the romance. And oh, I was a big Balthasar fan (And Alice, and Jaguar...:) I'm really excited to see what Shepard does net considering she is basing bk 2 on Jekyll and Hyde:)

    Thanks for dropping by my review earlier and commenting :)

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    Replies
    1. Yes, I loved the Islanders even if they weren't perfect specimens. I sorta caught The Jekyll and Hyde reference being hinted at before I even knew that the next existed or was going to be based on it. Very, very, pleased though.

      Thanks for stopping by and checking out my review.

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  3. Great review! This book was scary and the ending was shocking-with Edward. <3

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