The Madman's Daughter

January 14, 2013
Drawing liberally from The Island of Dr. Moreau, Shepherd debuts with a dark novel, the first in a planned trilogy, which explores many of the themes of the Wells book, including the ethics of scientific experimentation, progress, and civilization. Several characters have parallels in the original—Moreau, the disgraced physiologist; his assistant, Montgomery; and a rescued castaway named Edward. Assuming the role of narrator is 16-year-old Juliet Moreau, who has eked out a living in London following her father’s downfall and mother’s death. When Juliet learns her father is possibly alive, she sets off for the island he escaped to, along with Montgomery, who is recast as a dashing former childhood friend of Juliet’s. At times, the horrors of Moreau’s experimentations take a backseat to the romantic passions that engulf Juliet (“Being so close to a half-naked man—to Montgomery—made me breathless”), as her affections vacillate between Montgomery and the mysterious Edward. Nonetheless, Shepherd’s atmospheric interpretation ought to pull readers in, with unexpected twists and a cliffhanger ending that should leave them craving more. Ages 13–up. Agent: Josh Adams and Quinlan Lee, Adams Literary.