The Madman's Daughter

By: Megan Shepherd

Narrated by: Lucy Rayner

For fans of Libba Bray, this first book in a gothic suspense trilogy is inspired by H. G. Wells's The Island of Dr. Moreau and has been hailed by New York Times bestseller Carrie Ryan as having ""beautiful writing, breakneck pacing, a pulse-pounding mystery, and an irresistible romance.""

Following accusations that her scientist father gruesomely experimented on animals, sixteen-year-old Juliet watched as her family and her genteel life in London crumbled around her—and only recently has she managed to piece her world back together. But when Juliet learns her father is still alive and working on a remote tropical island, she is determined to find out if the old accusations are true. Accompanied by her father's handsome young assistant, Montgomery, and an enigmatic castaway, Edward, Juliet travels to the island, only to discover the depths of her father's insanity. 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.

Too much romance for a non-romantic premise

One of my biggest pet peeves is when a promising story gives caves to a romance. This story was no exception. Juliet is smart, a survivor, has no hesitation in disfiguring a superior to avoid unwanted sexual attention- all the makings of a strong herione. Her father is a quack scientist with his own island where he conducts horrific experiments, but plot quickly starts focusing on her torn feelings between her father's young assistant and a young man that was rescued at sea.

Don't get me wrong, if I were younger and didn't mind a bit of romance, I would probably eat this up- but I lost interest 3 hours in. I can't finish it.

exciting read

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The book it not predictable -

Who was your favorite character and why?

Edward - full of mystery

Which character – as performed by Lucy Rayner – was your favorite?

all were well performed

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

19th century incredible hulk tale

A nicely executed twist on a classic

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is a grand time passing book. Will it unlock the secrets of the universe, or blow your mind? No. It's a good STORY. By contemporary standards, maybe a bit slow... but that's part of its charm. This takes a story from 19th century literature, and brings it forward a bit in style.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The viewpoint shift to the 16 year old daughter, who is also highly analytical, provides a great point/counterpoint to the classic either-or viewpoint. Instead of a supremely mature storyteller, or a "oh no, she's not going to do THAT?!" version of the teen...we get to see a girl react with a split nature to emotional and moral quandaries... that force her to override her instinctive reactions with reasoning.

What does Lucy Rayner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Lucy approaches this book with a rare feel for pacing. Much as the 19th century feel gives it a slower pace than a modern book, Lucy does not rush, yet she clearly has a PURPOSE in her narration. She almost... STALKS her way through the book, careful, and precise, and not rushing, but with a sense of urgency behind the words.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The 19th century science fiction of the story's seed remains, which always makes me chuckle. Much as with Star Trek, there's a bit of "well, we used a modified tachyon pulse!" simplicity to the science... which is very in keeping with the story's origin. "Simple dear fellow... a proper surgeon can accomplish anything!"

Any additional comments?

Well worth the time and money, you should not look for the next modern English MUST READ here, but you will not feel cheated in any way. If you do? You should re-evaluate your relationship to fiction.

Must Read

Would you consider the audio edition of The Madman's Daughter to be better than the print version?

Nothing could be better than holding the print in your hand and imagining the story, I'm old fashioned like that. But the performance was great i couldn't of asked for more.

What other book might you compare The Madman's Daughter to and why?

Not sure what to compare it with, it was like nothing i've ever read before. It could be compared to and suspense novel i suppose but this was so unique and so much more.

Which character – as performed by Lucy Rayner – was your favorite?

As the main character of the book i do like the way Juliet Moreau is portrayed, totally hooked me onto the story.
Montgomery was also my favorite but that could also be due to how the author portrayed him in the story.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There was alot of great moment, definitely one of my favorite new read.
I liked the waterfall scene between Juliet and Edward.
The lie scene where Juliet is forced to lie to Balthazar
And the destruction scene in the laboratory.

these were strong and well described scene that stuck with me.

Any additional comments?

Loved it, the suspense the love triangle, everything was up to my expectation if not better. It is very twisted, in the best way possible.

A Dark, Mysterious, and Enjoyable Listen

What other book might you compare The Madman's Daughter to and why?

This is a retelling of The Island of Dr. Moreau.

What does Lucy Rayner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The voices and accents of the characters. She does a great job.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Nothing extreme, but it definitely had me on the edge of my car seat on several occasions.

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this book, it was dark and mysterious and altogether bizarre. I loved the characters and the story, and I was intrigued the whole time. The book is not without it's faults though. I had a hard time suspending my belief with the nature of the experiments, and I'm not even a science person. But I can't go into detail and explain without giving away major spoilers so I'll just have to leave it at that. The same goes for the ending. Some might say it's a minor detail and easily overlooked, but to me it was like a waving red flag, and it made me seriously question Montgomery's and intelligence. Still, in spite of those flaws, I think the book is great and I can't wait to start book 2.