This review originally posted at More Than Just Magic 
 Prototype drops the reader back into the futuristic world of Archetype not long after Emma left the resistance to find her parents. But when it is revealed that Declan survived the fall at the end of book one, he puts out a reward for her return that makes it too dangerous for her to continue her search. She is forced to return to the resistance and ask for their help. 
 I was happy this happened so close to the beginning of the novel. I find the resistance to be one of the most interesting parts of this series and I was worried too much time was going to be spent on Emma's search for her parents. Not that I didn't want Emma to find her parents, but because a book like this is always more interesting when different characters are acting against one another, rather than running off on their own. Because Waters puts Emma back in the hands of the resistance right away the action and tension starts high and maintains its pace the whole way through. 
 The tone of Prototype is very different than Archetype. Whereas Archetype was more of a mystery/thriller in the style of Before I Go to Sleep, Prototype is more of your standard sic-fi adventure. This was both a good thing and a bad thing. I think this took away from the page-turner quality of the first book. The mystery has been revealed so there's no longer any reason to race through the pages, excited for the big twist. The benefit of this however is that it allowed more time for world-building and character development. Emma especially became a much more interesting and three dimensional character. Not only is she more aware of the world around her, she's also begun to create some new memories that are distinctly hers (not the original Emma's) and she begins to make new friends and allies. 
 I think this book could have had more to say about the topics it was addressing. The issue of women's health and women's right are incredibly relevant right now (especially in light of the recent SCOTUS ruling) and although this series touched upon them, and the dangerous path we're headed down, it wasn't the focus of the novel. The central plot of Prototype was focused mainly on Emma and her relationship with Noah. Don't get me wrong I like a good love story as much as the next person, but it felt like it was getting in the way of bigger issues. And it made Noah's character inconsistent with the man we met in Archetype - particularly the back and forth between his feelings for Emma and his feelings for Sonya. I am disappointed that this was the direction Waters took this story in, although others may feel differently. 
 Overall Prototype was a fun, entertaining read. I really enjoyed getting to know Emma and the new friends she makes in the resistance - particularly Foster, Leigh and Miles. They are an interesting and unique bunch and Waters writes them well. The book was well paced and full of action but didn't touch enough on the issues I hoped it would. But if you like a good dose of romance with your science fiction and you want a book that's fun and emotionally-driven to read this summer, this is definitely a perfect duology to throw in your beach bag.