Book Review: Archetype by M.D. Waters

Image (c) Penguin Publishing Group

Archetype (Archetype #1) by M.D. Waters
Publication Date: June 24th, 2014
Format: Physical book (my own copy).

In a future where women are a rare commodity, Emma fights for freedom but is held captive by the love of two men—one her husband, the other her worst enemy. If only she could remember which is which . . .

In the stunning first volume of a two-book series, Emma wakes with her memory wiped clean. Her husband, Declan—a powerful and seductive man—narrates the story of her past, but Emma’s dreams contradict him. They show her war, a camp where girls are trained to be wives, and love for another man. Something inside warns her not to speak of these things, but the line between her dreams and reality is about to shatter forever. 

The first thing I feel like mentioning about this book is that it can be incredibly confusing. It does sort of come together around the end but there are still many questions left that need answering. I'm hoping that the second book, Prototype, will help close things off pretty nicely. But if you're not the kind of person who likes being kept in the dark about a lot of information (after all, you first see Emma as a clean slate with no memory of what she was beforehand), this may not be the book for you. If you like a bit of mystery, then this might be the book for you.

All we know about Emma, at the beginning, is that she dreams of nightmares that she doesn't quite understand. She is Declan's wife, but she doesn't know why. She just is. Despite the luxury that she receives where she currently lives, she wants to leave. No clear reason why, she just does. 

On top of that, she hears something in her head- thoughts that aren't hers. She speaks of things she doesn't quite understand but, somewhat, realizes that they're important and knows they must be followed.

See how confusing this can be?

Some of her dreams involve, what just might be, her past. Things that she recall but can't quite remember why they're so important. But she can't talk about them. There is something about them that she knows she must hide, especially since it could mean her 'freedom' could be compromised.

I've said this a lot, but confusion is the main theme of this book. There's so much to learn about this world but because of how limited Emma is to everything, so is the reader, and it can be quite frustrating. I found myself ramming my head against the wall wondering what was going on. 

It is not a world that I would want to live in, that's for sure. Women are rare in this world so, because of this, they are very sought out. So much so that, apparently, they must be branded as a way to say that they are already owned by a man. Being able to bear children is a plus. I won't say anymore on that topic. It's not spoilers but it's certainly one of the things you'll be learning throughout this book.

This book works out for setting up everything for the second book. I can't wait to read the sequel, Prototype. I want to know what was going on beyond the walls that Emma's so accustomed to. I want to know just how life is for everyone else and not just for the rich. I want to learn more. Give me more!

Still, I love this book. It's not a book for everyone although it's not because it's good or bad. Some people just might not like this sort of book and that's fine. If you read the synopsis and it caught your eye, I'd recommend it. As long as you understand that a good chunk of the stuff won't make sense. It's not you, I promise.

(Originally posted on A Court of Ink and Paper, previously known as Cosying Up With Books)