I loved the Egyptian setting in this book. It was so interesting and created the perfect backdrop for an adventure. The pyramids and the treasures in them came to life. It made me want to trade there and see for myself. There’s just a touch of magic throughout the book which worked well in the historical setting.

Along with the setting, I really enjoyed the romance. It’s slow burn with plenty of push and pull. It takes its time developing. The scenes with Inez and Whit were filled with banter and tension. Inez is naive and impetuous. Because of this, she gets herself into some pretty interesting situations. And Whit! I wanted more of Whit.

There were several twists towards the end that I didn’t see coming. I’m very interested in where this is going in the next book.

This book contains scattered strong profanity and passionate kissing.

The only thing Inez has ever wanted is to be close to her parents, however they keep disappearing off to Egypt with their own priorities. One day when Inez receives a letter claiming that her parents had journeyed off on their own and were assumed to be dead, she takes matters into her own hands. She books a trip to Egypt to see what was so intriguing that it keep them from their own daughter and gets caught up in a heist to find the lost tomb of Cleopatra.

I enjoyed the setting of this one a lot, I'm fascinated by Egypt and tombs and anything of that nature. It was giving Indiana Jones vibes in a way as well. If you enjoyed the movies Indiana Jones, Jungle Cruise, or Night at the Museum I think you would enjoy this book.

I also enjoyed the found family aspect of this book. We uncover more about her family along the way and I was shocked with each reveal.

Overall, a really fantastic adventure fantasy novel.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My Selling Pitch:
Do you want to read bad author insertion fanfiction of The Mummy?

Pre-reading:
Unpopular opinion, I think the cover is hideous. I fucking love the Mummy. I’ve heard such mixed things about this book. And y’all know me. I’m a hater at my core.

Thick of it:
Please don’t open a book with homework. What is this? My brain is so small. I will not be consulting a timeline to read your book. I get pissy about indexes and footnotes. Don’t do this to me. (You literally never need this table.)

It’s a no from me, dog. What is this passive voice already?

OK, fanciful, whimsical magic is great, but shit if you don’t balance it out with like weapons. Humanity’s not just gonna use magic for funsies.

You’re genuinely going to name a character Elvira in this Monster Mash economy?

Is English not the author’s first language? If it’s not, full pass. If it is, what the fuck kind of sentence construction is this?

Yeah, we had this all-powerful magic, but we just forgot. We’re silly like that. Oh, this world-building is in shambles.

Lol, we couldn’t keep track of which objects were magic and which weren’t so we just destroyed them! Girl.

Oh man, The Last Letter. All caps.

Oh, this writing style is horrible.

Oop, she’s got special eyes. Look at her. Look at Mary Sue, everyone. Isn’t she so talented and special?

Girlypop lives in Buenos Aires. Sam does not know where that is. Sam is an ignorant slut. (Listen, I’ll rag on a book all day, but I also won’t hide that I’m probably legally an idiot.)

Uh, Papa will take what he can get. He’s not the one makin' and birthin' those babies.

Any other girlies’ brains auto-correcting this bitch’s name to Amarantha?

Imagine your boss is like you have to come watch me and my daughter be theater kids.

So help me god, if she’s telling me how many bedrooms this house has and we leave this country immediately- (Lmao why do I even bother protesting.)

When does this book take place again? Would there have been unmarried 19-year-olds at that time? (Could I Google this? Yes. Am I going to? No. History nerds sound off in the comments below.)

Immediately sus of Ricardo. He did it. (And then immediately not sus of Ricardo because the book said he’s our main character and suspect! And I’m like whatever the book immediately tells me is a lie lol.)

Would she be able to travel alone safely at this time? I feel like no. I feel like I can’t travel safely now. Very lol but not lol.

Oh, his wife and child are dead? I bet he’s definitely not trying to bring them back to life. (Uh, ask me in book 2.)

Why would you not learn the language?

She said Rick O’Connell.

This is The Mummy fanfiction.

Oh, not the YA alternative swearing. She really says Wednesday? Are you joking? I have to read a whole book of this? (And there’s literally no need because every other character curses all the time.)

The banter is so bad that it took me a minute to figure out why he was emphasizing triumphant.

Also, you know what I don’t fuck with? The idea of a man saying make me force you. So many other ways to phrase that. Usually that phrase is something so bad.

Tarbooshes

It’s like this book was made with an overactive thesaurus. It’s so bad.

Effendis

Minarets

SJM and her rude gestures.

Lmao, Flynn Rider at the market much?

Brougham

Pashas

Beys

Oh, there's art in the book. That's fun. (Tell me that portrait wasn’t reused. They photoshopped out an arm, and they were like look, a brand new graphic!

What's the orgasm rom-com because they're doing that. (On this episode of Samantha has seen almost no movies, but she knows enough about pop culture to make jokes.)

Firman

How often do you think they think about the Roman Empire?

Dead brother lol. (Wrong!)

Girl, I get it. You think he's hot. Please stop.

Wow, I love when an author has to spell out her plot and not trust the audience to find it in the very obvious fucking letter she just gave them. She’s like oh my god, did you catch that he was up to suspicious shit? And the audience is like uh yeah, we’re not blind. She’s like did you also catch that Whit is a hottie? And the audience is like jesus christ, give it a rest.

Girlypop, you forgot to pack tampons and condoms for your romance. Lol. But I guess if she forgets the condoms, she won’t need the tampons. Maybe she’s just being efficient.

Why bother to include the graphic of the list that adds nothing to the story?

Like she's obvi seeing Cleopatra, no?

This is so random, but I'm picturing the Nimona guy as the uncle, and if you're like Samantha that's a cartoon, I didn't ask for this brain.

Piastres

Galabeya

This book said all in on the instalove.

Hey Benny!

I love tahini.

This book is much funnier if you picture her cutting the lemon like Kendall Jenner and her cucumber.

Unending salt would be so valuable. Are you joking?

Dahabeeyah

…horny jail.

I don’t think this author gave a single shit about how crocodiles actually work, but I’ll let it slide because cliche and horny.

Horny jail. Girl, getting wet does not mean he’s practically naked. Come on.

Literally, a Hinge date requisite is asking men if they have friends, and homeboy doesn’t, so girlypop, run away.

Samantha, horny jail. We’re different girls because my instinct was like yeah, go ahead. Try and drag me.

This book really can’t decide what it is because the plot? Bad. The writing? Bad. The romance cliché as fuck, but it’s the stuff that always works, so I’m like wait, do I like it? But I think it’s just I love Brendan Fraser.

Why the uncle kinda hot though? Again, we’re different girls.

This author has never heard of show don’t tell lol.

I’m assuming they’re hunting for a way to bring people back from the dead and the uncle wants to bring back his dead kid, and the book’s going to end with Whit betraying them all so that he can bring his dead brother back who will then be the love interest for Isadora. (Ask me in book two. I gave this book way too much credit for how much ground it would cover. Also, I think it's to cure his sister now, not his brother. I thought the brother died at war. My b.)

Girlypop you’ve known him for like two days.

I genuinely don’t know what cream of tartar is. Like I know it exists, I know people bake with it, but I have no idea what it is.

This book is so bad lol, but like it’s almost The Mummy, and I really like The Mummy.

I just don’t need constant inventories from her.

Feteer

So Abdullah dunnit since she suspects the uncle? And he's salty he's not on the museum board?

Lol, now he's a scientist. Guess he's the cream of tartar boy.

Oh, maybe lesbians! I don’t know how woke this book is. She has opinions is code for she drives a Subaru.

You’re an item for him to do all right.

This book is just inventories, and food, and horny, and ripping off The Mummy.

Wait, I don’t understand their big secret at all.
They’re like we’re doing secret expeditions!
And I’m like but everyone knows you’re on an expedition? You like hire a whole ass ship, and like pay an entire crew, and like you have to get a license to dig anywhere, so it’s like very much not a secret. Like people over in Argentina know you’re doing expeditions. What do you mean?
They’re like we don’t bring back souvenirs, so it’s a secret.

So they just described Blanche with brown eyes and then not two pages later she has blue eyes. Was this even edited?

She’s wet over the fact that he has a neighboring room? Girl, please.

Quadrille

Cuadril

Nothing like a love interest who gaslights you. This is not for me.

Asperity

She really named her villain BS like bullshit.

It’s such stilted dialogue all the time

Is he cursed to obey her uncle or something? (Unclear, but I'd go with no.)

Not the Princess Bride nonsense.

Is it not her and Mark Antony’s pair of rings that they found?

I do like the Whit chapter that’s just one sentence of bloody hell. That was funny.

That’s not Mom. Somebody has a face changer artifact.

Yeah, tell us why your gaping plot hole actually isn’t a gaping plot hole and makes total sense.

Ha ha, bottom. Samantha, jail.

Faience

Insouciant

Did she just say my uncle’s hot? Gross.

A man complaining about something being too big? I don’t believe you.

And he goes both ways. Samantha, jail.

Did they check the random shed bathtub for her cousin?

By all means, put your evil plan in writing. That's easy evidence.

He’s like OMG, you’re still mad at her? And it’s like my dude, it’s been approximately a day and she ruined his life‘s work.

I mean you don't really have to do any hard work to have those children, but go off.

It’s not a fantasy YA without a ball.

Wait, is the gun not his dead brother’s? Am I an idiot? I thought we knew it was his brother’s. (I'm a dumb dumb.)

Not my gumdrop buttons!

Not the Americans!

Literally take a shot every time they’re like go home, Dora Explora, and she’s like lol no.

I hate that that line worked on me, but it totally did.

Aaaand there’s the betrayal.

Post-reading:
God, there’s so much wrong with this book. It’s readable. I understand why it’s a book box pick. It’s very typical mediocre fare for them, but also like dear god, where was the editor?

It’s author insertion The Mummy fanfiction. If you love the movie and want an easy read and don’t mind a completely unoriginal plot, you might have a decent time with this. You're not going to have a good time, but like you could have a time.

Granted, I’ve never read or seen Death on the Nile, but I genuinely don’t see any Agatha Christie in this book.

The magic system is a joke. The plot hinges entirely on the main character randomly going to Egypt and then staying in Egypt despite basically every single other character telling her to go home.

There's a lot of filler in the book. Like we genuinely get multiple packing inventories that contribute nothing to the story. The story itself doesn't cover much ground. It feels more like act one of a book rather than an actual complete narrative. The writing is bad. It's all telling, no showing.

The romance is unoriginal and tropey, but I'm easy, and that always works just enough for me to let it slide. The dialogue and banter are stilted at best. It's instalovey. Like it’s not good, but it's serviceable because there's nothing else to this book’s bloated page count.

I wouldn't recommend this to anyone, but I've read way worse.

Who should read this:
The Mummy fans
Generic historical YA fans

Do I want to reread this:
No

Similar books:
* Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia- but only in that it’s historical and with Mexican influences
* The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashemite-Egyptian inspired fantasy romance, enemies to lovers
* The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty-historical fantasy adventure novel
* Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Torsz-magical realism, family drama
* Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson-generic YA fantasy romance, enemies to lovers
* The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller-listen you can be as mad as you want that I have this opinion, but I still think this book reads like bad fanfiction of the original

I really liked this book, it was different than anything else I've read which was a breath of fresh air. I will be recommending this to my friends, and auto buy this author!

“Why don’t you just sit there and look pretty and admire the surroundings?” I waited a beat, heart fluttering in my chest like a wayward butterfly. “You think I look pretty?”

LOVED!!

THINGS AND STUFF
-egypt, 1884
-snippets of whit’s pov
-treasure hunter
-excavation sites
-cleopatras tomb
-she’s off limits
-banter!!!
-touch her and i’ll unalive you
-oh no! you’re in mortal peril
-he’s a dark knight with a heart of gold
-indiana jones 🤝🏼 laura croft
-cliff hanger!!!
-#IsThisAKissingBook: closed door. “have you thought about stealing a kiss from me?”

thank you wednesday books for an advanced copy!

This was written so well. Love the way it would lead me reading focused on one storyline while another was brewing in the background waiting to come out at the end of the book. Can not wait for book two to come out and see where else in Egypt we’ll get to explore next.

Inez receives a letter indicating her parents have passed, she has a new-to-her guardian, and a fortune at her fingertips. Unsatisfied and grieving, Inez flees to her parents' last known location to unravel what happened. Confronted on all sides with a message of "go home", Inez manipulates her way on to her uncle's expedition.
Five stars for setting. If I could go to Argentina and do all of the things Inez does throughout the book, I'd be likely no longer among the living... but that aside! I'd have the best time. Isabel's descriptions of the scenery was practically perfect.
Whit was the real MVP here. His small point-of-view sections for the dual perspective were so well done. I hope he gets more page time in the second book. He's a bit messy with the drinking and grief and familial responsibilities, but all of that tied in with his nature makes him such a lovely character.
Inez on the other hand... I don't know that I have the bandwidth to explain how her gullibility and refusal to adhere to instructions from anyone (her aunt, her guardian, Whit, etc, etc) made her so unlikeable. I found her to be frustrating for the majority of the book.
The best scenes were the two main characters together. Their rivalry and chemistry are what I love to see in a romance of any kind. The other scenes' pacing bogged the read down until the last 20% or so. I wish that level of high stakes in the ending had been peppered throughout the balance of the book. It does give me hope, however, that the conclusion of the duology will be a stunner.
Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

This was such a great start to a duology! When Inez's parents go missing in Cairo and are presumed dead, Inez decides to figure out what happened to them by visiting her Tio Ricardo. But when she arrives to Egypt, she discovers that finding out what happened to her parents is not so simple, and her questions could lead her down a dangerous path.

What I loved the most about this book was the beautiful setting of late 1800s Egypt, the magical realism, figuring out the mystery surrounding Inez's parents along with her, the budding romance between Inez and Whit, and the plot twists!

The characters were all crafted so well--they all had so many layers, Whit especially. He is the perfect example of a morally gray character you want to root for but don't understand why. Tio Ricardo was also a great character--they both keep you guessing until the end.

What didn't work so much for me: 1) Inez's choices are questionable at times--she's typically astute when it comes to observing others and her surroundings, but not astute when it comes to making decisions--so it's confusing. 2) I was a bit confused about the organizations behind the scenes that were important later in the plot. I didn't remember who was who or their connection to everything. Hopefully this is rehashed in the second book. 3) The romance, or I guess the lack of romance? I wanted more moments between Whit and Inez. The tension between them is so palpable at times, it kept me wanting more. 4) The secrets upon secrets. Are 'incessant secrets meant to create suspense' a trope? I feel like this messed with the momentum. Everything was a secret waiting to be discovered, and it got tiring towards the end. The book already has two amazing plot twists--it didn't need all the secrecy on top of that.

That said, I enjoyed this book so much and can't wait for the sequel!

Thank you Wednesday Books and Netgalley for my eARC. All thoughts and words are my own.

This story follows a young girl as she adventures to Egypt on her own to discover the truth about her parent's deaths. Along the way she joins her uncle, a team of artifact hunters, and a handsome, somewhat irritating man, Whitford Hayes. Together they discover more of her parents and the magic in the history.

A solid 3.5 stars for me.

I absolutely LOVE historical books, so I was so excited to jump into this one. The Egypt history was fun, descriptive and intriguing. I enjoy reading stories in this specific time period as well.

Whitford Hayes is a fantastic character. I love his character arc. War-torn hero with a haunted past. Flirty, charming but also sweet and tender. Every interaction with him and Inez was good. Great dialogue between them. Need more of his POV.

So here is where I struggled:
-Inez seems very innocent and naive yes, but she doesn't grow much. I did not like a lot of her actions. She needs a redemption arc. I was frustrated with her character throughout.

-I felt the story was on the slower side. I wasn't as intrigued as I wanted to be. The moments that were supposed to be "high stakes," did not feel intense enough.

-The fantasy in here is very light. So more magical realism? I wish this magic was explained more. Why the connection to the MC?

-I had a hard time with the ending. I didn't like how the plot arc ended. I struggled with two big things that happened. I won't share spoilers, but let's just say I wish she went a different direction.

Overall, I enjoyed this book for the history and Whit. I wanted so much to love this story but it missed the mark for me. However, I will definitely pick up the next one.

WHAT KIND OF ENDING WAS THAT?!

Am I supposed to be happy? Elated? Angry? WHYYYYY

I adored Indiana jones and the mummy so this was absurdly up my alley! Marketed as enemies to lovers….? More like slowwwwww burn.

I juuuuuust need more. I’m just expected to go on with my life and wait for an unknown amount of time for a sequel?! *sobbing externally*

WHAT THE RIVER KNOWS was pure magic, adventure and swoony romance!

I was easily transported to Egypt with all the atmospheric descriptions. I felt like I was on an archaeological dig right along with our plucky heroine, Inez.

When her parents go missing and the worst is feared, Inez takes matters into her own hands and travels to Cairo to find answers.

With the help from a ring that her father sent to her, she hopes to solve their mysterious disappearance. But this is no ordinary ring, it is one that once belonged to Cleopatra and holds within it old magick.

If you like a determined heroine, then you’ll enjoy reading about Inez as she heads straight for danger if it means solving her parents' mystery.

What makes this story such an entertaining book to read are the Mummy and Indiana Jones vibes you get. The sights and sounds of the Nile, Cairo and archaeological digs come to life.

I also enjoyed the twits given to the artifacts in the story. Many of them are considered to be magic-touched. Meaning they still hold magical spells within them. This definitely adds an element of danger and surprise.

Besides all the action and adventure, there is a rivals-to-lovers romance with plenty of banter between Inez and Whit reminiscent of dialogues shared between Rick and Evelyn or Indy and Marion which are fun.

This filled my adventure and romance craving and although I saw the ending coming, I’m completely in for the story and the sequel. That ending!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What you can expect:
Historical Fantasy
Egyptian setting & Mythology
Mystery & Adventure
Touch of Magic
Slow Burn Romance
Rivals to Lovers

I was completely swept away by Isabel Ibañez's "What the River Knows," a mesmerizing YA historical fantasy that unfolds in the vibrant tapestry of the 1880s. Inez Olivera, a spirited nineteen-year-old of Bolivian-Argentinian descent, takes center stage in this tale teeming with magic, mystery, adventure, and a dash of Egyptian mythology, all seamlessly woven into a captivating narrative.

From the very first page, I found myself immersed in a world where the past comes alive, and every chapter holds the promise of discovery. This isn't just your typical YA fantasy; it's a compelling coming-of-age story with an edge of sophistication that sets it apart. Ibañez skillfully blends elements of romance, historical intrigue, and a quest for truth, creating a narrative that refuses to loosen its grip.

The novel's strength lies in its meticulous attention to detail and the vivid portrayal of 19th-century Egypt. As Inez embarks on her journey to unravel the mysteries surrounding her parents' deaths and the elusive treasure they sought, the reader is transported to a world reminiscent of classics like "The Mummy" and "Death on the Nile." The sense of exploration and opportunity is palpable, making each turn of the page a thrilling adventure.

I can't help but applaud the author for her captivating storytelling, which is both unique and beautifully executed. "What the River Knows" isn't just a book; it's a masterclass in historical fantasy and adventure. It has rightfully earned its place as a top recommendation for readers who crave a rich, immersive experience in the pages of a novel. If you're a fan of historical fantasy, be prepared to be enchanted by Ibañez's unparalleled narrative skill and the world she has brought to life. This is a top-tier pick that shouldn't be missed.

Pitched as 'the Mummy meets Death on the Nile', Isabel Ibañez's latest release, What the River Knows, is a lush YA Fantasy set in Egypt in the 19th-century.

In this story we follow Inez Olivera, who lives in Argentina, mostly with her Aunt and cousins. Inez's parents spend the majority of their time away from their Argentinian home, traveling and researching in Egypt. Because of this, it has always made sense for Inez to stay behind with her Aunt.

As she has gotten older though, it has started to make less sense to Inez. Why won't they take her with them? She knows that plenty of children travel and live aboard with their parents. Why can't she? Before she is able to get to the bottom of these questions, she receives terrible news. Her parents are dead, lost in the desert of the country they clearly loved so much. That is all the explanation Inez is given.

Inez's head is left spinning. How could something like this possibly happen? What were they doing unaccompanied out in the desert? Her parents were experienced travelers, in Egypt in particular, they wouldn't have unnecessarily put themselves at risk.

When everyone in her life refuses to answer her questions, Inez decides to take matters into her own hands. Under the cover of darkness, she decides to set out on the journey that will change her life forever. Setting sail for Cairo as a young woman traveling alone, Inez has to be extra resourceful just to get by.

Once in Cairo, she's reunited with the Uncle she barely knows, her Mother's brother, Ricardo, who had been a large part of all her parents' expeditions. She also makes quick acquaintance with her Uncle's assistant, Whit, who though handsome, becomes a big thorn in her side, dogging her every move.

Inez begins looking for clues immediately, trying to discover the truth about what happened to her parents. Her Uncle wants to send her immediately back to Argentina, but Inez isn't giving up without a fight. She's not leaving until she finds the answers she seeks.

This story is an absolute roller coaster ride. You go through it with Inez. Her emotions are palpable throughout. I had such empathy for her. Although she is smart and strong, there's also something about her that is just so innocent, you want to protect her.

I loved the initial set-up and the small details of magic that Ibañez wove throughout. There is magic in this world, but it is just touches and it never overwhelms the story in any way. It's Fantasy Light.

This story is a bit of a slow burn, and it did take me a while to read, but there was never a moment when I wasn't enjoying it. I think the story, as it is, is just built out beautifully and although it may seem a little long, there's nothing I would take out of it.

I loved learning about these characters, watching the relationships evolve and also trying to figure out what actually happened to Inez's parents. It was all compelling. The mystery does successfully build in intensity over the course of the story and I definitely suspected everyone at one point or another.

Overall, I was impressed with the scope of this adventure. I also appreciated the commentary included on colonial powers and tomb raiders, or treasure hunters, in Egypt.

Ibañez included a lot of different layers in this story, but they all worked so well together. Finally, I will just say, when I first learned about this novel, I do not believe there was anything said about it being a part of a series, so I did not know that going in. I genuinely thought this was a standalone, then I get to the ending and I'm like, jaw on the floor, guess freaking not!?

Thank you to the publisher, Wednesday Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I was looking forward to this and it was just as wonderful as expected. Ibañez is an incredibly talented writer. Her stories truly come to life on the page. I can't wait to see where this goes from here. This is one ending that I will not forget!

5 stars
I freakin loved this. Isabel can take all my money. I heard fans of The Mummy would like this- can confirm. This gave me a rollercoaster of emotions I thoroughly enjoyed. I didn’t know all of the Egyptian background, but it didn’t impede any reading.

Oh my gosh this cliffhanger!! I received an ARC and I am already jumping for book 2.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for this digital ARC. Review delayed due to St. Martin’s Press boycott.

This Was such an interesting story and I loved every second of it. I can’t wait to read what comes next from this author.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

3.5…. Maybe close to a 4 for me?

So. It’s good. But it dragged in parts. It took me a bit to feel invested in the characters. I was able to put the book down and step away for a few other books without questioning what was happening in the book and if I had fomo… I didn’t. It was good. But the hold on my mind wasn’t there until the end.

I’ll be excited for the second book to get answers, but I was hoping for a bit more (and I didn’t compare it to the mummy, I encourage you not to either)

Oh, thanks netgalley for the arc! Completely my own thoughts and feelings

I enjoyed the premise of this story. Inez is young and naive when it comes to the world and the people who move through it. I am hoping that she will be able to grow and learn more in the following installment as I feel that would really drive the character development and my enjoyment of the story.

I have always loved Egyptian history and really enjoy seeing that history reflected here. Ibañez also setting this story in a period where we can see the colonial reach and control of the british empire also made this more interesting.

I will read the next book as I want to uncover more about Whitford and how his developing feelings for Inez will affect whatever plan he is a part of. The fallout if handled well will be delicious. So far a good opening to a series.

Perfect for readers who enjoy:
*historical fiction that acknowledges colonialism, Inez is Argentinian and regularly notices colonial influence in her journey through Egypt
*spunky heroines who refuse to be limited by station or societal pressure
*mystery as Inez tries to discover what happened to her parents who died on an archeological dig
*treasure hunting tales as they search for the lost tomb of Cleopatra
*Enemies to Lovers
*Cliffhanger endings
*duologies
*A little predictability in the story arc

I LOVE THIS BOOK. I obsessed over it before it came out, bought copies for my friends once it came out and even now I am obsessed with the characters, with Inez and Whit and the rich Egyptian history we get along with a magical mystery that keeps you hooked until the very end!