Review: Her Dark Curiosity (The Madman's Daughter #2) by Megan Shepherd

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Author: Megan Shepherd
Series: The Madman's Daughter #2
Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Expected Publication: January 28, 2014

To defeat the darkness, she must first embrace it.

Months have passed since Juliet Moreau returned to civilization after escaping her father's island—and the secrets she left behind. Now, back in London once more, she is rebuilding the life she once knew and trying to forget Dr. Moreau’s horrific legacy—though someone, or something, hasn’t forgotten her.

As people close to Juliet fall victim one by one to a murderer who leaves a macabre calling card of three clawlike slashes, Juliet fears one of her father’s creations may have also escaped the island. She is determined to find the killer before Scotland Yard does, though it means awakening sides of herself she had thought long banished, and facing loves from her past she never expected to see again.

As Juliet strives to stop a killer while searching for a serum to cure her own worsening illness, she finds herself once more in the midst of a world of scandal and danger. Her heart torn in two, past bubbling to the surface, life threatened by an obsessive killer—Juliet will be lucky to escape alive.

With inspiration from Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, this is a tantalizing mystery about the hidden natures of those we love and how far we’ll go to save them from themselves.

Review Her Dark Curiosity was a book I had looked forward to reading from the very moment I learned of its existence. The Madman's Daughter captivated and entranced me in a way a book no book had in a good long while. Needless to say, I had high expectations for this one and boy was I ever glad when I realized not only had they been met but exceeded as well.  One of the best parts about Her Dark Curiosity are of course the characters that encompass the world. I'm not going to lie it took me quite a few Chapters to rewarm up to Juliet as a character. I felt like she was a ghost of the girl I knew in The Madman's Daughter. In Her Dark Curiosity Juliet really struggles with her memories of the Island and the events that transpired. Juliet's entire existence is in a world carefully controlled chaos and we really get to see how this has affected her in the months since she's returned especially now that she has been thrust back into the world of the upper crust. I also really loved Lucy this go round. She really showed that she is more than just a boy obsessed pretty face. Lucy was the glue that held Juliet together and honestly I don't even think Juliet realized how screwed she'd be if it weren't for Lucy watching her back. Lastly, I loved the boys of the story. I don't normally like love triangles but this series has proven that if written well they can be an asset to the story. Plus the direction Megan Shepherd took a certain character had me clutching my blanket in worry by the end. Sure he might not be guilt free but he's not entirely to blame either and his love for Juliet is admirable.  Sorry if that sounds cryptic but no spoilers here.  Another thing I simply loved about Her Dark Curiosity is the way the story keeps you guessing. Just when I've thought I figured everything out the Author throws a curve ball and off I veer on another path. I felt very much like Sherlock Holmes while trying to decipher what was happening within the story.  Lastly, I really enjoyed the ending to the story. The final few pages were fast paced and furious. Yes, it is left on a cliffhanger but what a cliffhanger it was!! I really cannot wait to see what direction the story takes once they arrive at their destination. I'm also looking forward to seeing which Iconic characters they meet.  Now even though I ended up really loving Her Dark Curiosity I do think the story had a few small flaws that ought to be mentioned.  First off, I found the beginning of the book to be painfully slow and dare I say it boring. I was really worried that maybe the story wasn't going to live up to expectations but once I powered through those first few chapters it  picked up considerably and settled into what would become a great story.  Secondly, I really wished Newcastle had a bigger role to play in the grand scheme of things. I don't want to give it away but I can imagine so many possibilities had he been able to successfully integrate himself into Lucy's life. Plus I love a wolf in sheep's clothing and think he was a bit too transparent to pull it off in such little time successfully.  Final Thoughts Her Dark Curiosity was a great follow up to The Madman's Daughter and I'm glad to say doesn't suffer at all from second book syndrome. Should you read it? Yes!! Her Dark Curiosity is a book not to be missed especially for those who were fans of the first installment. With that being said, I will be rating Her Dark Curiosity by Megan Shepherd  ★★★★★. *Copy reviewed provided through Edelweiss. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated in an which way  for providing them.

Want to learn more about this book or Author? Click the links below!
Goodreads Page
www.meganshepherd.com
@megan_shepherd

Want to read my previous review of The Madman's Daughter? Click here!