A review by orionmerlin
Mudflowers by Aley Waterman

emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Characters: 6/10
The characters in Mudflowers are relatable, especially the protagonist, but many secondary characters felt underdeveloped. While I cared about the protagonist’s journey, I found some side characters lacked enough depth or agency to make them truly memorable.
Atmosphere/Setting: 7/10
Waterman’s writing evokes a strong sense of place and mood, creating a vivid atmosphere that I appreciated. However, some scenes lacked enough detail to fully immerse me, and the energy in quieter moments sometimes felt less compelling.
Writing Style: 7/10
The prose is elegant and poetic, with a unique voice that I enjoyed. However, the overly lyrical style occasionally distracted me from the narrative. While the dialogue and narration balance worked well, the writing didn’t always feel effortless. I’m still interested in exploring more of Waterman’s work.
Plot: 5.5/10
The plot leans heavily on introspection and emotional exploration, but it lacked significant momentum. I found the pacing slow in places, with some sections dragging. The story offered few surprises or twists, and while reflective, it didn’t feel particularly unique or gripping.
Intrigue: 6/10
The emotional depth and Waterman’s poetic prose intrigued me initially, but the story didn’t consistently hold my attention. I often had to push myself to pick it back up, as the lack of high-stakes moments made it feel less urgent.
Logic/Relationships: 6.5/10
The relationships in the book felt authentic and emotionally charged. I appreciated how consistent and believable the characters’ motives and interactions were. The emotional logic made sense, but the story’s lack of world-building or deeper exploration of side characters left some aspects feeling underwhelming.
Enjoyment: 6/10
Overall, I found Mudflowers to be a thoughtful and introspective novel. However, the slower pacing and lack of narrative tension made my enjoyment inconsistent. While it had rewarding moments, it didn’t fully resonate with me.