untitledlullaby's review against another edition
1.0
Didn’t get very far with this. This writing is just bad it is both simple and confusing. Just don’t like it and don’t want to waste time with it
amy_virginia's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
mrswhiteinthelibrary'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
4.0
I'm consistently impressed with the variety of genres and concepts Silvia Moreno-Garcia works with. This is my fourth novel of hers and I think I have a feel for what to expect from her, even if I never know what ideas she'll be working with. This retelling/reworking of H.G. Wells' Island of Doctor Moreau bears many of Moreno-Garcia's trademarks: a feminist tilt, a slow build, relevant historical background and themes of white supremacy and colonialism. She does a good job capturing the tone and slow pace of Wells and his contemporaries (confession, I've never read the original, though I've read other Wells work) while adding her own stamp to them.
For all of its good points, I would be remiss to say this book does drag overly long in the middle, focusing on a courtship that, while it will be the linchpin in the climax of the story, drags on for too long, and the science fiction elements get so lost they become mundane. As both are often features of "scientific romance" I can forgive a lot, but it was frustrating to be so lost in ruffles and lace when there were freaking *human animal hybrids* around. Still, like in other books, the final act was such an immense game changer and upped the ante to such an extreme degree that I was breathless by the end. Even with a twist telegraphed so much the whole time, it was delivered so well, and the characterization of the two leads, Carlotta and Montgomery, was realized so well, I could forgive the middle of the book for much.
For all of its good points, I would be remiss to say this book does drag overly long in the middle, focusing on a courtship that, while it will be the linchpin in the climax of the story, drags on for too long, and the science fiction elements get so lost they become mundane. As both are often features of "scientific romance" I can forgive a lot, but it was frustrating to be so lost in ruffles and lace when there were freaking *human animal hybrids* around. Still, like in other books, the final act was such an immense game changer and upped the ante to such an extreme degree that I was breathless by the end. Even with a twist telegraphed so much the whole time, it was delivered so well, and the characterization of the two leads, Carlotta and Montgomery, was realized so well, I could forgive the middle of the book for much.
1_and_owenly's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-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
4.25
The Island of Doctor Moreau was a terrific launching pad for this story. And I think I actually prefer this new version. Moreau is a mess interesting character in it, and though he is definitely not heroic, he is more understandable as are his methods.
But the true star is Carlota, the eponymous daughter. I loved seeing her grow. And I adored her relations with the hybrids.
But the true star is Carlota, the eponymous daughter. I loved seeing her grow. And I adored her relations with the hybrids.
poetsofsweetpea's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The pacing of the first half of the novel was slow. I think my knowledge of Doctor Moreau meant that learning about the hybrids was expected and not interesting enough to hold my attention. I pushed through and eventually, the story picked up. I did enjoy the latter half and felt as if I knew the characters well and liked most of them. The ending was satisfying
nicolerathbone's review against another edition
4.0
I thoroughly enjoying this book once I finally got into it.. another solid read!
ccortgies's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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
3.0
katreadsalot's review against another edition
5.0
It was a little slow to start for me, but I found myself completely wrapped up in this story. Very atmospheric and thought-provoking, I'd love to read this with a book club.
readingqueen83's review against another edition
3.0
It was ok, but I enjoyed Mexican Gothic and Silver Nitrate more. This one lacked action. I was expecting more edge of your seat in this novel, but was lacking.
catwhisperer's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5