Posted by Lauren in Book Reviews, Fantasy, Featured, Historical | 9 Comments
The Madman’s Daughter by Megan Shepherd
The Madman’s Daughter by Megan Shepherd
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Release date: January 29, 2013
Pages: 432
Summary: Juliet Moreau’s father was banished from London because of his controversial experiments. She thought he was dead, but when his assistant Montgomery turns up in London, Juliet gets the opportunity to reunite with her father. She journeys to a remote island, where Dr. Moreau is still attempting to create humans with animal bodies. But as soon as Juliet arrives, someone starts murdering the islanders.
My thoughts: The Madman’s Daughter has moments that take your breath away. Certain scenes are so vividly described that you feel as if you’re there, experiencing everything with Juliet. The best part about these scenes is that they’re usually macabre—scenes that you shouldn’t enjoy, but that Shepherd somehow makes beautiful. I found myself stuck in these scenes, re-reading them to experience that cognitive dissonance. The “beauty in horror” theme of The Madman’s Daughter is definitely its most memorable aspect.
Aside from the gorgeous writing and those few unforgettable scenes, I found myself disappointed with The Madman’s Daughter. Because of those moments of jaw-dropping awesome, the rest of the book seemed to pale in comparison. I wanted more evil from Juliet’s father; I wanted the creatures of the island to be more menacing and grotesque. And most of all, I wanted less of a focus on a love triangle.
The romance in The Madman’s Daughter may work for some, but it didn’t work for me. I couldn’t buy into Juliet’s feelings for either of her love interests—the romance didn’t grow over the course of the novel, it just…appeared.
I’m still giving The Madman’s Daughter a high rating because of the quality of Megan Shepherd’s writing and because of the tension throughout the story. The Madman’s Daughter is an excellent book as a whole—I’m just nitpicky.
4/5 stars
For those who like: horror, historical fiction, love triangles
Comment question: If you could have a quality from an animal (i.e. the wings of a bird), what would it be?
The memory of an elephant! Does that count? Haha.
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I totally agree. I was a bit nit-picky on this one too! I loved the horror of the story and it was definitely thrilling but the love triangle actually took away from it for me. I felt like it could have been developed a bit better and I wouldn’t have minded. Oh well. I still really enjoyed it!
Brittany @ The Book Addict’s Guide recently posted..The Selective Collective Features Level 2: Review
I can’t wait to read this one. It sounds so good. I’m not big on love triangles, but I have heard that it’s an awesome book.
Amy @ Book Loving Mom recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday 1-23-13
Great review! I’m super excited for this one! I will keep in mind, however, what you mentioned about the ups-and-downs of the story’s brilliancy. I wish you’d liked it all – from beginning to end. But thanks for warning us!
Again, awesome review!
Sierra @ Yearning to Read recently posted..Review: Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier
I keep reading that people are turned off by the love triangle. That’s so disappointing that Shepherd does apparently try to focus more on her protagonist’s love life than the “beauty in horror,” as you describe it. It makes me not quite as sure about wanting to read this book.
And because I’m weird, I’d like the regrowth ability of shark teeth. Not actually having shark teeth, per say, but I do wish that humans didn’t only get two pairs of teeth and if something happens to your adult teeth then you’re screwed.
I’ve read reviews similar to yours so I’m going to adjust my expectations of the book. I want creepy too and not a lot of focus on love triangles. I’m curious to see what I’ll think of this one! Thanks for your insightful review. :)
elena recently posted..(i’m a modern girl but i fold in half so easily) review: just one day by gayle forman + soundtrack
I’m really looking forward to buying a copy of this book. I’m glad to hear that you were really impressed with Megan’s writing skills. Thank you for your review. :)
Krystianna @ Downright Dystopian
Krystianna recently posted..Great Expectations (6)
I’m drawn to this one as well, especially the concept, even though I’m not a fan of love triangles either. I’d still pick this one up.
I really loved The Madman’s Daughter. The dissecting descriptions made me want to crawl under the covers and wash my brain, but that’s because Shepherd’s writing is so vivid.
The love triangle didn’t work for me either. I could believe her relationship with Montgomery, but Edward was just there for conflict. I’m fine with him pining away at her, but the faux confusion was annoying.
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