Archetype (Waters) - Book Reviews

Book Reviews
Emotional involvement powers this absorbing gothic thriller in science fiction trappings.... The novel follows a familiar emotional pattern—a woman’s initial need for safety and love, recognition of betrayal, and painful declaration of independence—but it works better than it should because of debut author Waters’s commitment to Emma’s struggle.
Publishers Weekly


(Starred review.) Waters takes a cliched premise—a woman wakes up with no memories—and transforms it into an original and compelling thriller that takes a look at a possible and terrifying future. Comparisons to Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale and S.J. Watson's Before I Go To Sleep are justified. —Jeff Ayers, Seattle P.L.
Library Journal


Waters' debut novel explores a future in which fertile women have devolved into a scarce and precious commodity.... The first few chapters are also a tough read; the author made a deliberate decision to obfuscate Emma's circumstances in order to gin up the tension, and while the story ultimately works, it's difficult to maintain interest early on. Starts slow but eventually picks up steam.
Kirkus Reviews