This was a fantastic retelling of an old classic, and given I hadn't read the original story, I was free of biases. I would award 3.5 stars to the book, as, despite the beautiful narration, I was not moved by it.
[a:Silvia Moreno-Garcia|4088550|Silvia Moreno-Garcia|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1597118464p2/4088550.jpg] has a faithful fan in me, and I would inevitably read all that she writes. She has a way with words that make the narration fluid yet dreamy, and this was no different.
Stuck on Yuaxuktun, a luxurious and mysterious refuge for Doctor Moreau's dreaded hybrids, Carlota Moreau grows up to be hopeful, brave and blossoms into a force to be reckoned with. Montgomery Laughton is running away from life, and finds peace in Moreau's estate, as he hopes to drink to his death. As central pieces of the story, I loved the contrast they provided, the jaded and the hopeful tones, to the story Moreau's hybrids, of Moreau playing God. Moreno-Garcia is amazing at using uncommon historical backdrops for her story, and that is reflected in this book as well. If I were to pick apart the book, it would stand to be meritorious in most of its aspects, however, there was a certain lack of heart in the story. There is more than enough drama to it, the stakes are high, the setting is immaculate, yet, I found myself detached from all the characters. I would still recommend this to fans of gothic, historical horror, but I had hoped for more.