Review: The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd

Title: The Madman's Daughter (The Madman's Daughter #1)
Author: Megan Shepherd
Genre: Historical Fiction, Science Fiction
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Balzer + Bray 
Publication Date: January 29, 2013

Summary: 

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.

~~~

What an ending! The Madman's Daughter is a thrilling story of romance, horror, and science fiction woven together in a perfect combination, keeping you on your toes the entire time! 

Juliet Moreau lived a life of privilege until her father's scandal came to light. Though never proven Dr. Moreau was labeled a "Madman" for the gruesome experiments he was accused of. But when Juliet learns that he is alive, and experimenting on an uncharted island, she must go and see if these accusations are true. Though Juliet was never expecting what she stumbled upon.

The Madman's Daughter is a very strange read. Very good, but strange. I almost classify it as creepy, because it is. The mere thought that these things could be possible have my skin crawling. Dr. Moreau is a genius, I won't lie. The man figured out out to Vivisect animals together, and create a human like creature that can walk, talk, and complete basic human needs. That is totally insane, right? But at the same time the man is completely insane. 

I liked the characters for the most part. Especially Dr. Moreau's creations. Megan could have went in many different ways in writing the Beasts but she chose a more realistic way. The Beasts weren't perfect, all of them had some form of deformity to them. Of the Beasts, Balthazar is my favorite, I easily forget that he is a dog/bear hybrid, but more like an over sized child. 

I enjoyed Juliet's character, though she did frustrate me with her choices sometimes. I can see her growing into an awesome herione in the future novels of this trilogy. I wasn't a huge fan of Edward, actually I didn't like him at all. He was a character that I constantly questioned his motives and waited for something to happen with. Montgomery, I loved him. Flawed, and imperfect with a huge heart. Totally swoon worthy. 

The one aspect of this book I was disappointed about was the love triangle. At certain points in the novel you would think she was choosing one guy but then she was go and choose the other. In my own opinion, I like her and Montgomery, they have a history and understand each other. Juliet and Edward just didn't have those fireworks. 

All in all I really enjoyed The Madman's Daughter. It was an enjoyable read that left me with goose bumps. 

RATING: ★★★★★