I love The Mummy, so I was very excited to read this one, but sadly I was let down. It was so very slow that I had a hard time feeling invested. I didn't connect with any of the characters, and didn't enjoy the romance. I did like the Egypt setting, but this one was overhyped for me unfortunately.

I was so drawn into the Egyptian history in this book! As the first book in a new series, this one will leave you with more questions than answers, but it sets up the setting and the characters very well for the remainder of what I hope will at least be a trilogy because I want to spend more time in this world and with these characters.

This book has a little bit of something for everyone. There's historical fiction, a little fantasy, mystery, and even a romance.

Great book that I recommend to all!

DNF at 6%

I read the first chapter of this and it made me realize that while this is a premise that I am absolutely feral for, the young adult genre version of this story is not one that I'm going to resonate with. While it is good to realize when a story is not for me, I do not want to try and push through only to give this book a bad review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

This book was such a slow-burn that turned into an inferno of action! Similar enough to The Mummy to give me all the feels, but more emotional and with a more immersive style. 3.5 stars rounded up.

Everything about the description of this book pulled me in, but the start was very slow. I had a hard time connecting with the characters at first, and it took awhile to get into the story. I wasn't fully sold until about halfway through when the plot started to thicken and the action picked up a bit. This was a story of sections - in the first third of the book I wasn't all that interesting and it was slow-going, the second third of the book starts to pick up in plot and you start to get invested in the characters a bit more, and the last third of the book absolutely blows you away!

Honestly, if the book would have been as enthralling as the last third, this would have been a five star. But it just took me way too long to get invested in the characters and story. But that last 33%....just wow. I am almost glad that I waited to read this one because the sequel is already out, and I can quickly jump in to see what happens!

I would recommend this book to a lot of people. The world was rich and the plot just kept getting better and better. The mix of historical fiction and fantasy was perfect for the plot. I really can't wait to pick up the next one!

Isabel’s work was first previously featured right here on The Erudite Bibliophile with Wanderlust, with her TOGETHER WE BURN novel, which gained her a fan and spot on an author to watch/ future read list. Her latest releases are part of a YA historical fantasy duology, the first of which is WHAT THE RIVER KNOWS. Not only is this Ibañez’s first foray into the historical fantasy genre, but it is also her first dual POV storyline and duology. She delights readers with several of her own illustrations scattered throughout the book as well as by also including an Egyptian timeline with personally drawn map and author’s note outlining the historical events, figures, and foundations that are the basis of this story. Readers will be enraptured by the world they fall into crafted by Ibañez, filled with lush sensory details, captivating characters, intriguing mysteries, and the lure of uncovering the trail of buried Egyptian treasured artifacts and tombs of epic notables like the last pharaoh, Cleopatra. Amidst a weaved web of deception, unknowns, and adventure lies an undeniable magnetic romance in this story that sets the two main protagonists ablaze, all while they go through their own transformative self journeys. Ibañez also leaves her own unique signature mark of magic and mysticism infused throughout the book, casting a spellbound beyond-the-realm glow throughout the pages as the story unfolds. There is no doubt why this novel made multiple bestseller lists and is leaving readers clamoring to start the next installment in the Secrets of the Nile duology: WHERE THE LIBRARY HIDES (stay tuned for a future feature post regarding book 2)! WHAT THE RIVER KNOWS is part of the physical culmination of an author’s childhood dream of being an Egyptologist blooming into their realized fascination of Egyptian exploration with a 3 week long research trip atop the waters of the Nile and through the storied temples of thousands of years past. The resultant novel is a gift to Isabel the child and Isabel the writer that the rest of us get to benefit in with its success and its reading.

WHAT THE RIVER KNOWS is a mysterious, atmospheric tale with pages filled with adventure and magic in which a girl and heiress sets sail to Egypt under false pretenses on a mission to investigate the deaths of her parents. Each year Inez's parents left her alone to travel to assist her uncle with his archaeology expeditions looking for magic artifacts. Wealthy in worldly goods, Inez wished for the one thing she couldn't have - her parents. And now they've disappeared. Guided by a magical ring sent to her by her father, Inez refuses to let her uncle and handsome assistant Whit discourage her or send her home. Eventually, Whit joins her on a mission in search of Cleopatra's tomb and with her newly discovered powers that push ahead. The author takes some time to build the tension and chemistry between Inez and Whit but the pace increases as the story unfolds through alternating points of view. With danger, secrets and lies hidden around every turn, it's a race against time.

Author Isabel Ibanez does an outstanding job of weaving historical facts from the nineteenth century into a magical, mysterious historical fantasy with larger than life characters. The cliffhanger ending leaves readers begging for the next book. Highly recommended to fans of historical fiction and fantasy with a touch of romance.

I enjoyed this book so much! I think this is the author's best writing yet. There is Egyptian history at the center of the storyline with magic woven into it. The witty banter and slow-burn romance between Inez and Whit is fun to follow along with, while trying to figure out the mystery of who he is. Speaking of mystery, just when you think you have something figured out and which characters to trust, a major plot twist happens; and you wonder again who Inez can really trust. The ending will leave readers excited for the sequel.

I found What the River Knows to be a light-hearted and engaging read, ending on a cliff-hanger that compels me to read the second book soooooon! Somewhat glad that I delayed reading and the second book is already out. I really enjoyed the historical fantasy, the culture, the banter between characters, and the back and forth on questioning who is actually the bad guy in this one?

Inez has always wished to go to Egypt with her parents. Every year they leave her, their only daughter, behind to dig in the ruins of ancient Egypt. And every year she begs to join and they refuse. This year she refuses a letter notifying her of her parent’s death. She is determined to sit on the sidelines no longer. She travels to Egypt on her own to find out what happened to her parents and what they were trying to discover that led to their deaths.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rich in ancient Egyptian culture and with a touch of old world magic, this story entranced me from the beginning. I always love a headstrong female main character that doesn’t take no for an answer. Add in a hardened love interest that only melts for her, kind of, and a mystery that you can never get ahead of and you have What the River Knows.

This left with an epilogue that was such a cliffhanger I don’t know how I’ll make it till November for the second book cause I have questions. Also there are some characters we met that I didn’t feel we were fully finished with. I’m sure they will crop up again in book two, or at least I hope they will.

Basically, it’s a yes. If you like mystery. If you like exploring/adventure. If you like a bit of romance. If you like a fight scene. If you like some historical fiction. I mean there’s something here for everyone. Highly recommend you take this ride.

Thanks to the author and Netgalley for this ARC.

Loved this book! The magic system wasn’t too hard to follow, the characters are charming and the mystery is enthralling.

Let's start with how pretty this cover is 🦋 Oh, Inez! Truth be told, I found myself thinking that she is so darn stubborn, but I can't blame her!
First, I love reading books that include Argentina or Argentinian characters because if I'm honest, it's rare, so I appreciated this! Inez's character is great for many reasons, and quite frankly, she is one that can resonate with most readers. She is resilient, stubborn, wears her heart on her sleeve and is full of magic 💫
The story takes us on an adventure from Argentina to Egypt as Inez wants to discover the truth about her parent's death. In a time when rules were so strict for females, Inez takes risks and breaks them as determination and magic guide her to find the truth. This novel throws some serious curveballs, and it pulls at the heart strings a bit. I definitely enjoyed the time Ibanez took into researching for the novel as it made it flow easily and became so vivid as I read. The ending. Oh, the ending! I only hope there's is much more to come! A great read for sure!

Ibañez's vivid descriptions bring the Egyptian setting to life, immersing readers in the rich cultural and historical backdrop. The novel skillfully blends elements of adventure, mystery, and romance, reminiscent of "The Mummy" and "Death on the Nile." The dynamic between Inez and her guardian's assistant, Whitford Hayes, adds a compelling rivals-to-lovers tension that keeps the narrative engaging. The concept of "magic-touched" artifacts is intriguing, but the mechanics and significance of this magic are not fully explained, leaving certain elements ambiguous. Additionally, while Inez is portrayed as a determined and brave protagonist, her reliance on Whit in critical situations occasionally undermines her independence.

A wonderful engaging story! The world building is amazing!

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this review copy

I loved this. The archeological atmosphere, the history, the culture combined all help aid in this Indiana Jones and the Mummy-esque story. This book could almost lean close to any genre - with blends of historical fiction, romance, and a magic system to boot. Inez was a fun character to follow. The only thing where this book struggled was the pacing! It was like a huge information dump, explanations of the magic system and all the history Ibanez could muster. To me, it was reminiscent of Brandon Sandersons "Sanderlanche", as the rest of the book in the second half chugged along pleasantly. The ending was a cliffhanger though, which I was admittedly frustrated with. However, that is to be expected when you commit to a duology!

What the River Knows is every millennial who had an Egypt phase’s dream. Inez and Whit give off The Mummy vibes with their banter and romance throughout the course of the book. The action is fast paced with multiple plot twists that keep you guessing. I was thoroughly engaged in the story and worked through this novel in a fraction of the time I usually spend on longer books. While a solid story, I’m not ready to give this a full 5 stars due to a few issues in plot progression. Remaining spoiler free, I felt a few holes existed in the narrative between how Whit’s character could have so many layers without the truth coming to light. It seems very off and unusual. Additionally, the inclusion of Elvira seems wholly unnecessary as a very disposable character to begin with. Yet, through it all, it’s a wonderful journey that delivers solely on entertainment.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC of What the River Knows.

In What the River Knows, we follow Inez Olivera on a quest to Cairo to solve the mystery of her parent’s death, where we go on a journey of history, magic, romance, and family turmoil!

Overall, I think this could be a really great book for young adults interested in history or archaeology (you know, the kids who like that giant Egyptology book every school library had?). It has some cool atmospheric descriptions and has that “dusty” feel you see in things like Indiana Jones and The Mummy. Ibañez also clearly appreciates the cultures she writes about.

Where this book falls short is in the romance and magic system.

First, the romance.

I think there should not be any romance. It felt shoehorned and forced, and I really would have just preferred to read a cool story about a young woman going on an adventure and unraveling a family mystery! I think Whit is a fine character, but he doesn’t really serve any kind of great purpose and doesn’t add much to the story. He probably could have been removed, and the story would have worked just as well.

Next, the magic system.

I would have loved to see more magic! You’re telling me Inez is in possession of a magical ring that she can see visions through, and there are magic towels that produce hot water for tea? Tell me more! How does it work? What else can they do? How do they develop these skills? Drop the romance and bring on the magic!

So anyway, this isn’t a bad book. I just think it focused a little too much on uninteresting aspects in favor of much more interesting ones. Overall though, it was a fun enough read that kept me mostly interested until the end.

Three stars.

✨ Review ✨ What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez

Thanks to Wednesday Books and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!

Things I loved about this book:
1. Inez, the main character is Bolivian-Argentinian, and travels from Buenos Aires to Egypt by ship in the 19th century
2. She's full of cleverness - poising as a widow on the ship to avoid being judged for traveling alone, and scores of tricking her uncle and co. to stay in Egypt to solve a mystery around her parents' disappearance.
3. The book's set in a peak time of archaeological exploration in Egypt but the main character is constantly questioning the ethics of this exploration and removal of artifacts from Egypt through their purchase by elites. The book sets us in the ambience of this time but is still grounded in questions of ethics and colonial power.
4. Exploration and adventure galore
5. A budding romance between Inez and one of her uncle's employees is just what this needs to link the book together
6. There's a sort of fantasy / magical realism component to this that also brought some extra dynamism to the story.
7. In a final touch, Inez draws, and so the book contains occasional illustrations that you could imagine coming straight out of her sketchbook.

I'm only sorry that it took me so long to finally pick this one up!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: YA historical fiction / f-m romance / adventure and mystery / magical realism
Setting: Egypt
Reminds me of: Agatha Christie meets contemporary YA adventure
Pub Date: 2023

It is a heartwarming teen story about a girl curious about her family and parents: as she explores her questions, she uncovers how adults sometimes twist the truth to keep them safe, while teens are eager to discover what’s real.

A globe-spanning yet deeply personal work of historical fiction for teens. Engaging leads, swoony romance, and lots of adventure.

Sadly I cannot stand to follow Inez longer than 19%

First I’ll start off with what I like, it’s obvious the author has knowledge about ancient Egypt. I can see that background building.

19% in and the only thing that’s happened is she went transatlantic without permission and men are being men of the 1800s

You’re telling me this audiobook is about 17 hours long and the first three hours is just Inez going back and forth on how much or how little Inez knows her parents and her uncle Ricardo?!


Also, major plot hole - HOW DID SHE EVEN GET ON THE SHIP IN THE FIRST PLACE??