I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Together We Burn was one of my favorite YA releases of 2022, so I was literally waiting like a psycho to request What the River Knows the minute it appeared on NetGalley. Imagine my disappointment when this didn't work for me. The tone was all over the place, the fantasy elements felt more like plot devices than an integrated part of the world, and the ending felt unnecessarily shocking.

I had also thought this was a standalone but...uhh....nope. TBD if I pick up the second one.

In all fairness, Whit was swoony and the setting was vivid.

Prepare for a gripping journey through Egyptian history! Inez, a young girl grappling with the mystery of her parents' death, ends up on an unexpected search for Cleopatra's tomb. Her quest takes her to Egypt, the last place they were seen alive, where she encounters an untrusting uncle she barely knows and an enigmatic Englishman named Whit who challenges her at every turn yet sparks her curiosity.

This tale is a rollercoaster of deception, concealed truths, murder, love, and betrayal that keeps you eagerly flipping the pages. Talk about a cliffhanger!

A very exciting adventure with loveable (and hateable) characters. Vivid descriptions made it feel like I was walking down the street in Alexandria. Can't wait for the next instalment!

A riveting & exciting adventure that takes readers on a fantastical ride! I would highly recommend this book others!

Even though I DNF’d this about halfway through, I am still rating what I read. Unfortunately this one just didn’t grip me enough to continue. I think given the YA nature was part of the problem as I am finding YA titles are becoming harder to hold my interest any longer. There will be plenty of readers who will enjoy this, and the writing is good, it just ultimately wasn’t for me.

This book has all of the elements that feel so characteristic of Isabel Ibañez's work: a strong female protagonist, slow-burn romance, complex characters (particularly family), and a historical setting that feels so vivid it readily comes to life. I loved going to Egypt with Inez and reading about her journey (both physical and emotional). Inez never gives up, and wanting her to succeed and be happy is the easiest thing. All of the conflicts were interesting, both on the global scale with the issue of partage in Egypt and on the familial side, as Inez learns more about her parents and uncle. The pacing was done well and, although some twists were fairly obvious, I definitely was not expecting the ending. I do think that the magic system is intriguing and I wish it had been more present throughout the book. I am excited for the sequel (I need lots of answers and details) and eager to see what's next for Inez and Whit.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in archaeology, exploration, 1880s Egypt, and anyone who enjoys an emotional rollercoaster.

Overall a 4.5 stars for me!

This is my first novel by Isabel Ibanez, and it did not disappoint at all!

The writing style pulled me in immediately and it was pleasant style to follow along with. I felt as though it wasn't so simple that it lacked in description and for me - the detailed quality of the description did not overshadow the action and dialogue of the novel. It was balanced for me, and not too flowery and not too lacking in detail and I felt myself immersed in the world and story while I was reading. The writing style also lended well to the atmosphere. I really enjoyed the Egyptian archeological dig insights and I certainly loved the "flashbacks" that Inez experience. I did get some The Mummy movie vibes from this and it made me love the story even more, and lended more to the atmosphere of the story. I also enjoyed some of the more sensory descriptions, such as smell, which I can't always relate to but I did relate to in this one - especially for the smell of roses that was mentioned a few times.

Obviously I have two characters that are favorites, which are our two mains: Whit and Inez. I really really enjoyed the character and relational development of both. Inez's development was a little more obvious and mentioned in plain terms in the narration of the text, her perspective was fun, passionate and interesting. Her growth through travels and experience was well done and fun to read on. My favorite character arc was definitely Whit's, I enjoyed learning about his past and his story developed slowly, which made it that much more enticing. I enjoyed reading about the relationship blossoming between these two and how their experiences changed them and the way they perceived the other.

The plot was very intriguing and fun to read. I did feel that the first 40-50% of the plot was fast paced and I couldn't stop reading! There was a bit of a lag where the plot becomes more political towards the middle of the novel but I still found that to be enjoyable. There are certain situations that occur in this that are absolutely surprising and unexpected - plot twists that I never saw coming! From the epilogue, it really seems that there will be more surprising twists in the second of this duology! It's one of those stories where you never really know anyones motives or if they are leading a double life vs. being true and honest.

Overall, I Ioved this novel, I would've preferred the pacing to be a bit better in the middle of the novel, and I would've loved it even more if it was adult - but that is a personal preference! I would highly recommend to anyone that loves a low fantasy novel with mystery and intrigue set in an older time with Egyptian Archeology and history!

This was fantastic! The setting was perfect, the integration of magic was clever, and the main character was bold and stubborn and challenged what her family and society expected of her. I couldn't get enough of the story and the ending about gave me gray hair!

Inez's upbringing was split between her aunt teaching her to be a lady in society and her parents teaching her to be smart and brave and question things. I liked how this all melded together and that she kept surprising everyone, especially the roguishly handsome Whit. The banter between these two was perfect and I'm rooting for them to get together.

The plot moves along fairly quickly and the magic was a cool addition to the archaeology and history. There were a few things that shocked me and I am now clamoring for a sequel!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the copy.

More on a 3.5 star side. I had no clue this was a series when I started it so I am so excited that there is going to be more. I really loved our main character and all the mystery that unraveled surrounding her family. Whit was pretty insufferable throughout the book, but that was probably the point - that he be a morally grey villain. I felt that the book had good pacing then the last 30 pages everything just BAM! so much happened and so much came together. The only thing wanted more of was the Indiana Jones type story that blurbs promised.

What the River Knows was a sweeping story about Inez on her journey to find the truth about her parents. Filled with twists and turns around every corner, it mimics the feel of some of my favorite adventure movies.

The setting and some of the characters were reminiscent of National Treasure (the show), and I was constantly impressed by Inez and her ability to wiggle her way out of trouble. From the start, her stubbornness gets her into all kinds of situations, but the same tenacity sees her through. Whit is a little more cookie cutter grumpy-bodyguard-with-a-dark-past kind of love interest, but I enjoyed their dynamic nonetheless.

On that note, the twists and turns might've been a bit too twisty for my tastes. Some of them were completely unprecedented and left me feeling confused by how they came to be, leaving a taste in my mouth that wasn't...what I was looking for in this book.

Wow, okay, so this book, for me and its relationship, was a slow burn. I started out thinking, this book is interesting, what a fun historical concept! Halfway through I was like oh, oooo super intriguing! And then the last 30 pages or so hit and my eyes bulged out of my head multiple times!

If you ever had a fixation on Cleopatra or any of Egypt's history, you enjoy a female main character who messes up and is trying *so hard* to be her own person and get over grief and loss and then a different grief, you like mystery, and/or you can vibe with a book that starts off slow and you can't really see where it's going, then try out this book!

Looking forward to seeing where this one goes!

Thanks to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for the e-ARC!

"The Nile knew everything, had seen the best and worst of Egypt."

What the River Knows is a book that took me by surprise. I have to admit, by the time I hit about halfway through, I was just about ready to DNF. I didn't feel super connected to the story, and I didn't know if I could finish the whole book. BUT I'M SO GLAD I DID.

There was a point at about fifty-five percent of the way through where everything turned on its head, and the story was gripping, exciting, and thoroughly engrossing. I was fascinated by the characters and the choices they were making. I wanted more of Inez and Whit and Tio Ricardo and the excitement that was unfolding.

And now, with the kind of ending that leaves its hooks in you and keeps you up at night, I find myself eagerly awaiting the next installment. I literally gasped and felt my mouth drop open in shock as the ending unraveled, and I cannot believe I have to wait an entire year to get any kind of resolution.

I will say, it takes a bit to get through this book. The beginning is quite slow, but, in my opinion, the fast pace of the ending made up for the slowness of the start. I've heard this book be compared to The Mummy, but I really didn't get any of those vibes, except both being set in Egypt. I actually enjoyed the book far more once I stopped comparing the two.

Reading this book was like going on a rollercoaster with a really big drop. You have to climb for a while before you reach the payoff, but once you do, you are in for the ride of a lifetime.

If you are a romance/adventure fan and want to explore the untamed beauty of Egypt through the eyes of a fiery Argentinian, then this book will be perfect for you.

My rating: 3.75 stars rounded up

Content: A couple of f-words (maybe 6?), a semi-inappropriate makeout scene (nothing really explicit), some semi-graphic violence. I would say this book should be read by 14+.

Thank you so much Wednesday books and NetGalley for this ARC!

This book is for everyone who was obsessed (or is still obsessed) with Egyptian mythology and archeology. This book really felt like it had everything, mysterious deaths, Egyptology, magical objects and a slow burn romance.

Inez lives in Argentina with her aunt and cousins while her parents live Egypt half the year. Then one day, she gets a letter that says her parents have gone missing in the desert and are presumed dead. She decides to run away to Egypt to discover the truth of her parents death, but finds herself in a world of magical objects, shady figures, and in a race to discover an ancient tomb.

What I loved:
- the 1880’s Victorian era
- the multi-cultural combination (English, Egyptian, Argentinian)
- the slow burn, rivals- to- lovers romance (no spice, this is YA)
- the tomb exploration and overall Egyptian vibes

Bonus: this is a BOTM option this month and I already chose it for my box!
I cannot wait to read book 2!!

Thank you Wednesday Books for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

That ending!!!

The writing was extremely immersive and atmospheric. The fantasy aspects of the book were well balanced with the historical aspects. It was also the perfect slow burn romance!!

Can’t wait for the sequel.

This was a fun adventure with a great romance and an interesting plot. It was a bit slow to get into, but got better farther into the book. I’m looking forward to the next book!

"The Mummy meets Death on the Nile in this lush, immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt filled with adventure, a rivals-to-lovers romance, and a dangerous race."

Ugh. Isabel, I desperately need book 2! I mean…

Isabel’s writing is vivid and immersive. Grab this book, and you’ll find yourself transported to Egypt. The slow-burning romance, intertwined with adventure and the irresistible tension of forced proximity (who doesn’t enjoy that), comes with a compelling shift from rivals to lovers. Plus, there’s a classic dose of “touch her and d1e.”


Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the ARC!

This historical fantasy is an enchanting blend of magic, mystery, adventure, and Egyptian mythology. The story follows Inez Olivera, a young girl living in Argentina while her parents work as archeologists in Egypt. After hearing about her parents' puzzling death, she escapes to Egypt to investigate, however when she arrived, she is sent back home by her uncle. We follow along as Inez disguises herself as part of the crew and embarks on an archeological adventure. What the River Knows is filled with fascinating quips, and unexpected twists and turns, making it a must-read for fans of forbidden romance and historical adventures.

Thanks to Wednesday Books for the ARC!

“It was a sobering thought. The Nile knew everything, has seen the best and worst of Egypt.”

I was obsessed with Ancient Egypt as a kid, so this book is RIGHT up my alley.

It’s such a fun adventure to follow Inez from Buenos Aires to Egypt, trying to unravel the mystery what happened to her recently-deceased parents. You’ll feel like you’re right alongside Inez on the journey experiencing danger, love, adventure, and magic as she sails down the Nile, navigates Cairo, and tries to uncover Cleopatra’s tomb. Inez is extremely headstrong and I loved her character, as well as Whit’s. Their playful back-and-forth was done so well!

The ENDING of this book, on the other hand, was infuriating because I DON’T HAVE BOOK TWO IN MY HANDS. That’s right, folks, this is not a standalone read, and there is a huge cliffhanger. I need more ASAP.

Inez, a young adult sets off to solve the mystery of her parents disappearance-presumed-death, departing from Argentina to Egypt by herself. Her parents were uncovering archaeological treasures, and kept her across the world at arm's length. Inez's curiosity and determination to understand what happened has her trying to connect with her uncle despite impediments galore, and she won't be held down.

This was a fun read with touches of history, adventure, and mystery - I'm excited to read the next book - especially after that ending!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an ARC.

Not reviewing this or any other from SMP imprints until they acknowledge and apologize the behavior of their racist employee.