This is such a beautiful book! This historical fantasy follows 19-year old Inez as she tries to uncover the truth about her parents’ deaths. Her uncle has hired Whitford Hayes to stop her in her search. Also, the old magic she is imbued with is pulling her towards something that will reveal more than she is prepared for.

There is banter, delicious slow burn, secrets, and mysteries! I loved it, especially how strong Inez is as a character. She is proactive, curious, and determined. Watching her story unfold was incredible.

What the River Knows had me hooked from the very first page. It was filled with great imagery and adventure, Egyptian history and archeology, secrets, lies, and intrigue. Our main characters are strong and fearless and the banter and slow-burn between them is *chefs kiss*.

Isabel Ibañez has spinned a story full of so many secrets, she gives us morsels throughout and I second guesssed myself a few times when trying to figure out where the story was taking us.

Inez Olivera is full of determination and a risk taker. She’s the “act now and think about the consequences later” type. She has a huge heart and cares deeply for her family.

When she loses her parents she doesn’t think twice about leaving the comfort of her upper class home to find out what truly happened to them. She seeks answers, and never expects the adventure that awaits her.

The slow burning love story left me wanting more, just the way I like it. Whitford Hayes is that broody, mysterious love interest that we know is full of secrets. The need to know more is what pulls Inez in. Their interactions and growing relationship was another adventure on its own.

“He was the kind of person who could charm someone while robbing them blind.”

I fell in love with this story! If you love historical fantasies paired with secrets and intrigue, fun banter, a sprinkle of magic, and a good slow-burn romance, then be sure to pick this one up.


*A huge thanks to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC for review. All thoughts are my own.*

The setting and story were right up my alley, taking place in Egypt with magic and a mystery… sign me up. The pacing was a little slow but the story itself was lovely and beautifully written. I cannot wait for the sequel.

Thank you to NetGalley, Isabel Ibañez, and St. Martin's Press and Wednesday Books for the opportunity to read this book early. I have loved Isabel's previous works, so What The River Knows has been one of my most anticipated reads of the year.
This book did not disappoint. The immersive world building, and colourful characters left me wanting more. Luckily, there will be a sequel.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martens Press for the eARC of What the River Knows.

Unfortunately .. I’m DNFing at 52%. I don’t want to, I’ve come so far and I hate to have wasted the time.. but I’m not enjoying myself.

This had a LOT of promise. Initially I thought it was so cool and unique to have a fantasy like this. Such a refreshing setting and idea.

Within the first 10% I was unsure. The letter from her uncle really just.. gave away the entire plot to me. Instantly. “Your parents are dead, I am in charge of your trust” like oh.. that’s not suspicious. Then it literally takes her until 50% in to be like “dear god, I think my uncle might have killed my parents! Maybe… my money has something to do with this!!” Which she puts together after.. she finds two other letters.

I thought okay, well the love story seems like it’ll keep me tethered. No. It’s been the same dynamic this whole time really.

Also if there is going to be marketing that this is, in part, a fantasy.. I would expect more of a fantasy element to be involved by the halfway mark. I’m reading this slowly because I’m obviously not into it, so five hours in, and the magic is literally just tingly feelings and flashbacks, a shoe that turns into a lantern. And she has a connection with Cleopatra? What a.. really special snowflake she is for some reason.

It reads like a historical fiction. Obviously a lot of research went into the setting both in location and time. From what I can tell the author has a lot of respect for Egypt. I will say, the environment, culture, and history of colonialism seemed well flushed out. I would genuinely enjoy trying out some Egyptian food some time based off the descriptions of that.

Plot/motivation wise.. I don’t care about her parents death anymore, not really sure why she does either enough to be making these uncharacteristically risky (wasn’t she like super sheltered and proper) and realistically super stupid (girl you’re gonna die) decisions to find out what happened. They were selfish and absent people, so it seems.

But the MAIN REASON I am DNFing is because one of my biggest book icks is when I notice the same phrases or key elements being mentioned too frequently. At first it was how often Mr Hayes was drinking from his flask. Like uhh it’s giving ~alcoholism~ not “this man is hurt and is trying to numb the pain” which is what I think it was going for. Multiple times she said or thought he should have some bread to soak it up. Then, constantly describing the color of his hair. It was a reddish brown, brown with a hint of red in the light, now a dark brown when wet.. and then his blue eyes- both of these things it was at one point 3x in a chapter or once on a page on consecutive pages. So his whole personality was those two physical qualities, booze, not telling her anything, and flirting to redirect. Once I got to the third “he leaned against the wall, crossing his arms and his legs at the ankles” it was a wrap for me.

It just wasn’t developing enough for me to continue to dedicate hours to, when I have an extensive TBR. I don’t have time for a
book slump, which I see on the horizon. And to find out from other reviews it ends on a cliffhanger? Why not just…make this book more fulfilled. Like I said, genuinely awesome idea. Probably should have just kept the bones of it and made it a normal historical fiction.

The story and cover immediately captured my interest. I was very excited when I received an ARC, The Mummy is a beloved film and the more I can read stories like it, the better! Unfortunately, my anticipation was in conflict with the actual reading experience. It was an interesting historical setting but the dialogue felt very modern between the characters and within the main character's first person narrative. I found the characters likeable enough. Inez and Whit are good pair and I am most intrigued by their development. The magic system is pretty simple--which is fine since it didn't complicate the story. The pacing was very drawn out, perhaps a critique on setup for a sequel affecting development. It is worth mentioning that the art alongside the book is beautiful. I wish it had It would have been featured within the pages since the main character, like the author, has an artist background and it was ever evident in the visual styling of the writing. It could have added to the reading experience.

YALLLL I LOVE THIS BOOK. I've been in a YA funk ever since Covid and I've not been able to find a YA book that has truly gripped me and kept me engaged. This book follows Inez, a nineteen year old Bolivian-Argentinian who years to be in Egypt with her parents. Her parents are archeologists who spend 6 months of the year in Egypt while Inez stays back with her aunt and her cousins. Inez has a curious spirit, so when she gets a letter from her uncle in Egypt that her parents are MIA and considered dead, she knows she must go to Egypt to find out whatever she can.

The research that had to have gone into this story is absolutely astounding. The Egyptian culture and history are ever-present in the story in a way that had me feeling I was immersed in the streets of Cairo myself. The descriptions were so vivid and the stories were so haunting that I couldn't help but fall for every aspect of the plot.

I loved the characters. Inez's uncle made me want to strangle him a few times, but I ended up kind of liking him toward the end of the book. Elvira, Inez's cousin, was such a calming presence even though she wasn't active in the story for the long. She acted as a sister to Inez who had no siblings, only her mother and father.

Inez was such a determined, curious, and loving female main character who would stop at nothing to figure out what happened to her parents. I rooted for her along the whole journey because I had to admire her determination she had to find her parents. Whit was a smart, protective, and cunning character who had me swooning since his first time on page!! As I've gotten older, it takes a lot for me to swoon over a character, especially YA. HOWEVER! Whitford Hayes did the unthinkable and had me swooning over his protective nature and willingness to do whatever to protect Inez from danger. Like, c'mon. Who DIDN'T swoon over that button!!

Can we just talk about that ending??? The last chapter already had me super excited for the next book but then that epilogue! What a crazy ending that I'm still not sure what means, so I am beyond excited for the next book.

I received this as an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

The Mummy meets Death on the Nile in this glittering historical fantasy set in nineteenth century Egypt. Steeped in adventure, romance, and ancient magic, this is a story I couldn’t put down.

First, I must say - I AM UNWELL. The tension… the adrenaline… the agony… the HEAT… and the cliffhanger… 🫠 I may or may not have already looked to see when we get the next book… that’s how desperate I am for these characters and this story.

I absolutely love the setting of this story and the world building did not disappoint. The imagery was vibrant and vivid, and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Seriously. The whole time. The adventure and the mystery and the secrets are beautifully woven together

But let’s talk about this romance…. THE ANGST. THE TENSION. THE YEARNING. I am gone for Inez and Whit. They have my heart. I was enamored from the moment they met each other and now I am so invested in their stories, that my heart aches to know what happens next.

Overall: Read. This. Book. PLEASE. It’s catapulted to my top three reads of the year, and I’m already dying to have the next book in my hands.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel (of which I actually finished before publication date....which has not been my norm lately) anyways 4/5 stars.

I fell in love with this the same way I did with Ibanez's other work to where I wasn't sure at the beginning but then the lush writing and story telling and beautifully crafted histories and stories drew me in. The combination of archaeology and the late 1800s and murder (?) mysteries and like...Indiana Jones vibes really just was *chef's kiss*

Inez is a headstrong character who comes from high society in Buenos Aires...and ends up on an archeological dig. It's important to note her status though, because it accounts for a lot of the things in the book. Her mysterious uncle....the hunt for cleopatra's tomb....magical artifacts....there's just so many things about this I loved.

Oh, and Whit. We can't forget Whit. Or the tension between him and Inez. I would like one Whit, please.

The only things I didn't like were that I DIDN'T KNOW THIS WAS A SERIES?? and also...there were maybe a bit too many twists and revelations at the end. I felt like my head was spinning and some of them were just....meh. Will I be reading the next book? absolutely.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

4/5 stars

This book synopsis had me intrigued. I always love Egyptian history so I was excited to see a book incorporate this. I didn’t expect to fall in love with the characters! The author weaved a fun story that kept me interested!

Inez takes after her parents for her sense of adventure. I enjoyed that she went after what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to take risks!

Whit was such a fun character and I enjoyed getting to know him and watch his banter! His countenance held so many secrets I was excited to find out more.

That ending! Did not expect that and I really enjoyed it (even if I’m dying for book 2)! My own complaint is the pacing. It was very slow in the beginning setting up the world. Which was needed but I wish it was broke up a bit. It felt like a lot of knowledge dump at times.

Adventure, romance, magic and Egyptian tombs, all of my favorites! This story had good pacing, was funny and I was surprised with many of the events that happened. I know the main character is portrayed as very curious and inquisitive, but at times I was like, ‘stop worrying already!’. But towards the end of the book I see that she had all the resin to be worried. I didn’t know this book is part of a sequel, so eager to read the next book.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the Advanced copy of this book. This review was written voluntarily.

eARC Review: What The River Knows by Isabel Ibañez

Pub Date: October 31st 2023

My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for an early copy of this book to review!

My Thoughts: Everyone has a subject that they are strangely interested in and obsessed with. Ancient Egypt has always fascinated me so when I saw this on Netgalley I knew I had to request it. The author did a great job of creating an atmospheric book for the reader to get lost in. I felt like I was with the characters in Egypt during the late 1800s. Along with the magical atmosphere, I loved the characters and the story itself. I’m so glad there was romance because I am for sure a romance girly. The mystery plot line had me guessing until the end, and I can’t wait for the sequel to see where it goes!

4.5/5 ⭐

Having a newborn makes reading these days a little challenging. So when a book comes along and makes you forget about how tired you are and keeps you up late at night when you should be catching up on sleep, you know it's a good one.

Isabel Ibañez draws you right into the lush world of Egypt as Inez, our main character tries to solve a personal mystery. So many times I felt like I was walking down the streets of Cairo myself. The fantasy elements in this are more along the lines of magical realism, where random objects in the world hold magical properties. We have love, adventure and betrayals up the wazoo!

If you're like me, and you loved National Treasure or the Mummy, prepare to have your boots knocked off. There's plenty of twists and turns and that ending, OMG!

I hope this book picks up steam because it deserves every bit of positive attention. If you liked Divine Rivals (another banger imo), then I think you'll love What the River Knows.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martins Press for a copy of this ARC.

What the River knows is a fun YA fantasy heavy on the archeology vibes and light on the magic. When Inez learns her parents are presumed dead on an expedition in Egypt, she travels there from her home in Buenos Aires to find out what happened to them. The problem is she has no idea who to trust.

I found this story entertaining. It is interesting to see the relationship between England and Egypt as seen through the eyes of the main character, and the story certainly problematizes the way Egyptian artifacts were excavated and sold to westerners instead of staying in Egypt. I also liked the suspense and romance in this book- I did have a hard time warming to the FMC though- she is headstrong, but often in ways that are not very smart, and things that seemed obvious to me as a reader were not the case with her. It is hard to root for someone who is their own worst enemy. I also wasn't a huge fan of the ending- I knew there would be more to come, but the particular turn it takes was frustrating.

Will I still want want to read the next book? Yes, yes I will.

Many thanks to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for this fair review.

I love the concept of this book. Cleopatra and finding her tomb are very near and dear to my heart. So, a book that talks about looking for the lost tomb is right up my alley. This book was a hit or miss for me. There were times that I was really drawn into the story and other times I felt either the story dragged, or I wasn’t quite sure where it was going to go next. I enjoyed that Inez was such a strong character, and that she was portrayed as doing things that woman didn’t normally get to do during that time period. I think adding in the magic was a fun twist. It added to the plot, though I sometimes didn’t realize that Inez was having a flash back. The end felt a bit rushed, like they had to pull some ties together quickly to set up the next book. I am interested to see what happens next as that was a huge cliff hanger. So overall this book was one I am still pondering how I feel about it.
Thank you to St Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book.

THIS BOOK THIS BOOK THIS BOOK!!!

I love Egypt and so this book already had high expectations sat upon its shoulders.

I loved the writing and the obvious attention to detail that went into every day.

The character development top notch.

what did I hate? THE ENDING!! Cliffhangers GUHHHHHHHH

I hope book 2 is on the way because I just can't wait!

4.5 stars

• 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 •

✿ What the River Knows | By Isabel Ibanez

✿ Historical Fantasy
✿ Romance
✿ Young Adult Fantasy

This story follows 19 year old Inez throughout Egypt while she seeks answers to her parents mysterious deaths.

Apparently I am in my young adult era? I keep picking them out without meaning to and it’s not usually my favorite genre. Initially, the cover drew me in instantly and then the fact that it was set in ancient Egypt.

So.. it was very young adult. But I did surprisingly really enjoy it! It was so atmospheric and kept me invested. The romance had lots of banter which I love. It ends on SUCH a cliffhanger that I have absolutely no choice but to read the follow up when it’s released.

Big thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for gifting me a copy of this eArc!!

Tl;dr -- 4/5 stars I loved this and cannot wait for the sequel. If you love high stakes, YA historical fiction with a dash of magic, and enemies to lovers then this is for you!!

Characters: 5/5
Characters were the strong point of this book for me. I love Whit, despite his flaws and vices. He was a great character with a mysterious air about him and I loved the banter he had with Inez. Inez could seem very naive at time, as one would expect of a sheltered girl in this time period, however she did grow as a character and wasn’t as rash in her decisions later on in the book. I like the romance between the two as well, it was a great slow burn.

The side characters had less to them as they had less page time, but because they were still doing things in the background, off the page, so they still seemed fully realized.


Story/Plot: 3/5
The overall plot was great and kept me guessing, and like I said before, characters were taking action off page and pushing the plot along. I loved the sense of family and loyalty throughout the book as well, it really challenged the “blood is thicker than water” ideology.

The one thing that kinda seemed out of place was Whits point of view sections. They seemed to take place sporadically and not very often. They were mainly used as a way to try to solidify his feelings for Inez without actually interacting with her. Occasionally they were also used for the reader to gain information that he was not willing to share with Inez. I almost would have preferred staying in the dark just like Inez, but that might boil down to personal preference.

Additionally, the Magic system was not as well utilized as I would have liked. It was mentioned in the beginning with the ring to set up the plot, and then not really used again until about the 50% mark. I thought maybe this was due to magical items being rare, however when they are introduced again it was with a multitude (>3) of new items being introduced at the same time. I would have loved these to be more spread out. I actually kept forgetting this was even a magical world!

Writing:4/5
The writing in this was really strong, easy to follow and had great descriptions. It could be a little lengthy in describing foods, clothes, architecture or anything else that aided in trying set the Egyptian atmosphere however. Often using words I did not know, and would have had to research to understand, for example:

“We pass through the second pylon and straight into a portico.”

Uncertain what either Pylon or Portico meant, I struggle to visualize what this looked like. I'm not sure if there could have been a better words to describe this type of architecture though, so this was more of a personal issue.

However, despite these things I still felt immersed in the world and the dialogue was really great!

Other:
The ending was CRUEL. I need book 2 immediately.

Final Verdict: 4/5
This was a fun read! I have never read from Isabel Ibañez before, but I will absolutely be picking up the sequel to this. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants more of a high stakes historical YA fantasy with enemies to lovers relationships.

Inez Olivera lives in Argentina with her aunt and two cousins. For six months of the year, her mother and father are abroad in Egypt, and Inez misses them terribly. They’re Egyptologists on the hunt for the ultimate find, Cleopatra’s tomb. One day word arrives that both her parents have died in the harsh desert and that Inez is now the ward of her Uncle Tiõ.
This is the first volume of a planned duology and it is stunning. It’s a historical fantasy filled with adventure, romance and lots of twists. Inez is an intelligent, headstrong young woman who becomes obsessed with finding out what happened to her parents. She often acts rashly irregardless of the danger to herself and others. Loved the slow simmer of a romance between her and Whit, her Uncle Tiõ’s handsome assistant. Well developed characters and a compelling narrative kept me interested throughout the story. 4.25 stars

I absolutely loved this book. This book brought back the feelings of when I was a kid and obsessed with reading about ancient Egypt. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. So, so, so good.