Monday 10 March 2014

Review Archetype by M.D. Waters

Archetype
Archetype (Archetype #1) by M.D.Waters
Publisher: Dutton Adult
Publication Date: February 6th 2014
My rating: 4.5 stars


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18079523-archetype

Introducing a breathtakingly inventive futuristic suspense novel about one woman who rebels against everything she is told to believe.

Emma wakes in a hospital, with no memory of what came before. Her husband, Declan, a powerful, seductive man, provides her with new memories, but her dreams contradict his stories, showing her a past life she can’t believe possible: memories of war, of a camp where girls are trained to be wives, of love for another man. Something inside her tells her not to speak of this, but she does not know why. She only knows she is at war with herself.

Suppressing those dreams during daylight hours, Emma lets Declan mold her into a happily married woman and begins to fall in love with him. But the day Noah stands before her, the line between her reality and dreams shatters.

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. . . .

The first novel in a two-part series, Archetype heralds the arrival of a truly memorable character—and the talented author who created her.

 My Thoughts:


Seduce my mind and you can have my body, find my soul and I’m yours forever.—Anonymous

Archetype opens with that gorgeous quote and I find it completely fitting for this riveting story! My emotions were strung up tight and all over the place throughout this read!  I read all 384 pages in one sitting because I could not set this book down. I started the sequel which is the final book immediately after finishing, because I HAD TO KNOW what happens!

Emma wakes up with no memories whatsoever, the only thing she knows is that she’s Declan’s wife. He’s kind and patient, and Emma has no reason to question him, except her inner voice and dreams.  Emma has dreams and nightmares showing another life contradictory to what Declan and Dr. Travista tell her.  She dreams of a Noah, a man who scares her; she dreams of happy times on the beach in the arms of a man who she desperately loves, a man who is definitely NOT Declan. She also dreams of growing up in a Women’s Camp and being treated like merchandise or worse.

Emma questions what she can trust, and struggles as memories and dreams keep coming. Still, everything Declan does seem to show he loves and cares for her and Emma tries to shove everything aside and let the attraction she feels take over, settle into her life and move on. When Emma meets a living, breathing Noah, she knows that she hasn’t conjured up some of these scenarios, and must sort through what is real.

It is really hard to write a review and express my thoughts without spoiling things, but I’ll do my best.

Archetype is set in a futuristic world but one I could easily picture.  We already have the beginnings of some of the science described now, making this world believable to me.  On some levels the type of injustices done to women that are described are happening today, which is completely disturbing and made my skin crawl with the possibilities.

I felt for Emma and she brought out my protective instincts from the get go. I wanted to shield her and punish anyone who dared to harm her!  There were times I wanted to shake her and say “look at the truth in front of you!” but then I’d put myself in her position, and I really couldn’t fault her. Emma really showed strength and courage, and kept it together while I’d probably have been an incoherent, babbling mess! Plus, not is all as it seems to Emma or the reader! For much of the book I thought I had things figured out, and I did have some of it right, but I was surprised and thrown for a loop when all things were revealed.

Declan seems so very nice, patient, and perfect, which immediately stirred my suspicions. Even with my doubts it was evident that Declan did really care for Emma, but this is the kind of book where you suspect everyone, so I was still on high alert. I’m not sure what I could say about Noah without spoiling anything, so I let you figure him out when you read this.

It’s evident from the description there is a love triangle. I DETEST love triangles, but this one did not upset me. I was more upset by the revelations about Emma and how it related to the romance I was rooting for. There is an obvious choice, IMO and I think the reader is steered in that direction throughout much of the book.  I have to say my heart ached for Emma by the end *sniff*.

I can’t write this review without thanking the lovely Lauren @ Love is Not a Triangle for recommending this series to me!  I can’t believe this is a debut novel.  Bravo, M.D. Waters! This story was amazing and I’ve been consumed with it for the last two days! I’m almost done with Prototype.  While this doesn’t end with a cliffhanger per se, I felt very fortunate to have book two on my Kindle so I could start it immediately. 



18 comments:

Wendy Darling said...

Wow, Rachel! Futuristic thriller and emotional read as well? I'm sold. This is the second glowing review I've read from a reviewer I trust, so it's clear that I need to try this one ASAP. Lucky you, to already have book 2 handy, too!

Wendy @ The Midnight Garden

Siiri said...

Oh this sounds intriguing! I'm glad that Emma has strength in her to solve this puzzle. I don't know what I'd do in her place. Declan sounds wonderful, but ha! You're right. With these kind of plots you always suspect everyone :D I've seen you and Lauren discuss these on Twitter and you guys got me intrigued now after your review I know this is something I must read. Such an awesome review, love!

Joni said...

Sounds like a unique set-up. I'm not big on love triangles, myself, but your review might've nudged me to give this one another look… I looked forward to your review of book two- and the story as a whole. ^^

Mary @ BookSwarm said...

I can totally see needing to read the next book immediately. I think I'd need to, also. Thank goodness you had a copy! (Are they both out now?) Kind of a creepy set-up, which draws me in. And, even though there are a glut of dystopians at the moment, I'm still intrigued.

Melissa (i swim for oceans) said...

A love triangle that works? Wow...that's amazing in and of itself! I think that might just be enough to make me want to read it! Great review, Rachel! :)

The Readdicts said...

That truly is one gorgeous quote. I had never seen or heard of this book before, but it does sound like an interesting read. I'm really glad you loved it so much. And what better than a book proving your own belief wrong! The love triangle didn't bother you- yay! Excellent review, Rachel!

Sarika @ The Readdicts

Unknown said...

WOW. This book is not my typical read, but it sounds like a story I would love. Between dealing with the society issues, and the intriguing love story, Archetype sounds pretty fantastic. Thanks for the review, Rachel!

Jules said...

Loving the idea of this book! Accurate review too, I know though there's so much more good stuff you can't tell us because of spoilers. Can't wait to check this out. :D

Jules Bookshelf

Emma said...

Oh a suspense novel, given the similar names I feel inclined to really get stuck in this book. I think I could really relate to the premise and the characters. I especially love the romance involve, is there quite a distinctive love triangle in this Rachel? Sometimes I'm not always in favour of them but I think I could give this one a go. Brilliant review Rachel, I'll look forward to your review on Prototype.

Rashika said...

I saw you reading this a while ago and the book intrigued me so I immediately added it to my TBR list. I've been waiting to hear your thoughts on this one for a while and I am glad that you enjoyed it. A futuristic thriller sounds extremely exciting and although the love triangle bit throws me off a little... it seems as though she makes a choice at the end of the book and perhaps I can live with that.

Wonderful Review, Rachel!!! :)

Carina Olsen said...

Aw, I do love the cover. <3 So pretty. Wouldn't be a book for me, though, not yet. But hopefully one day :D I'm so glad that you loved it, though. <3 Thank you so much for sharing your awesome review :)

Tanja - Tanychy said...

First I love the quote at the beginning of your review. So true! :) I haven't heard of this one but when you say futuristic and emotional for a book I'm all in. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Great review, Rachel :)

Keertana said...

I'm thrilled to see that both you and Lauren enjoyed this one and haven't had any troubles with the love triangle. I'm excited to pick it up myself, at least as soon as the sequel releases, and I'm especially curious about this unique dystopian world. Wonderful review, Rachel!(:

Lauren @ Love is not a triangle said...

I had so much fun following along with your progress through this book! I'm glad this story was as addicting for you as it was for me. I agree that all the science and women's issues were so frightening and seemed scarily possible if birthrates started dropping. And Emma! That poor girl. I can't imagine dealing with what she has psychologically. I agree that sometimes I wanted her to stand up and do something. But I also wouldn't have been as brave as she was. This was definitely more adult than YA and I loved relating to that. Great review!

Unknown said...

oh wow. I am definitely picking this up tomorrow, Rachel. It sounds so good!

Great review.

Giselle said...

I was very wary about this one at first because I have read so many books with loss of memory in the last year that they kind of all mesh together now. This one does seem like a very well rounded and deep story though. Her remembering growing up in a Women’s Camp is kind of scary! O_O And the futuristic setting def. makes it stand out from the others! I love how deep you get to care for Emma, and how you suspect everyone - even the love interest - those are usually my favorite books. Great review, hun!

Tirta said...

Wah, the cover of this book is pretty! From what I've read in your review above, this book seems REALLY intriguing but the love triangle factor makes me a lil bit unsure about it. I'll keep in mind that you enjoyed this one, though, Rachel. Thanks for sharing! :)

Jess said...

This book sounds so amazing! The fact that some of the injustices done to women in this future are happening today sounds very scary. Thanks for sharing your review, Rachel! This series sounds like something I'll love and is going on to my wishlist!

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