This review originally published at More Than Just Magic 
 There are a lot of fairy tale and myth re-tellings out right now, and though I love them they can get a tad repetitive. So when I heard The Madman's Daughter was a re-telling of The Island of Doctor Moreau it got my attention - here was something you didn't see everyday. 
 I think that Shepherd did a great job capturing the tone and atmosphere of both London and the Island itself. It was very dark and creepy and you got the sense that something was always lurking right around the corner. However where this book lost me was the portrayal of Juliet. In the beginning she is set up as very strong - able to fend for herself, very intelligent, a survivor. But as the book continues her characterization isn't consistent. She becomes a damsel in the distress, focusing more on which of her two love interests is superior instead of dealing with the very real, life-threatening, dangers of the island. I also found the science a bit lacking. We know so much about genetics and human biology now, that I just couldn't suspend my disbelief when it came to the Doctor's creations. It really pulled me out the story to think about how impossible it all was. 
 Though I didn't love this book I am intrigued by the sequel - which is a re-telling of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde. I think Juliet being back in London, without her father's creations, might make the story a little more believable. And hopefully we'll see a return to her original character traits.