What the River knows by Isabel Ibañez is a delightful opening book for a duology that will pull you in from line one.
What I loved
-Strong female lead with deeply personal stakes in solving the main mystery of the novel
-believable dialogue expertly utilized to keep a fast paced and engagi9ng narrative

What Didn't work for me as well
- The cliff hanger ending came across as more than slightly confusing and is likely to turn off readers if the time between book one and book two is overly long

Who this is a perfect Book for
Fans of the Mummy movie franchise and readers of thrillers such as the James Bond books will find themselves at home in What the River Knows.

This book has literally everything I love in books. interesting magic system, swoony romance, enchanting prose. but let me tell you the cliff hanger on the end of this book had be spiraling for ions. (Some say she is spiraling still and may be spiraling until book 2 is in her gruppy little hands) Please do yourself a favor and buy yourself this book.... and probably also buy one for everyone you know for a holiday present!!

Series Info/Source: This is the first book in the Secrets of the Nile duology. I got a copy of this through NetGalley to review.

Thoughts: This was well done but different than I was expecting. I was expecting more of an adventure feel to the story. Instead this is more about a girl attempting to track down her lost parents in Egypt and unravel a plot around a group selling stolen Egyptian antiquities.

Inez receives news that her parents have died while in Egypt. She decides to venture out to Egypt on her own to find out the truth about their deaths/disappearance. Once there, she finds out her uncle and parents were connected to schemes around stealing Egyptian artifacts for profit. When it becomes clear that her life is at risk, she is forced to unravel all these mysteries and hunt down the truth.

I love stories set in Egypt and would have liked a bit more description on the surroundings so I could have pictured them better. I did really enjoy the historical information around Britain's invasion of Egypt.

I also enjoyed the subtle magic woven throughout and the two main characters, Inez and Whit. There is a romance between Inez and Whit which was well done.

I do wish the world had been built out a bit better. There is some discussion around how magic used to be done and how it's still present in objects, but this idea kind of pops in and out of the story and is never fully developed.

I also did not realize this was part of a series. This book ends at a horrible cliffhanger that was pretty confusing. I re-read the last part a few times trying to figure out what I was missing because I didn't really understand the last few scenes. I see now that this is the first book in a duology, but still don't understand the ending to this book.

My Summary (4/5): Overall I liked this but thought it was also a bit flawed. I enjoyed the Egyptian setting, the hints of magic in the world, and the two main characters. I would have liked more solid world building and description and better resolution at the end of the book. I also felt like the writing could have flowed better. I am on the fence about whether or not I will continue the series at this point.

Amidst the lush backdrop of nineteenth-century Cairo, Inez Olivera sets out on a quest to learn more about her mysterious uncle and find out what happened to her parents. Are they really dead or just missing? Upon her arrival, she is thwarted by her uncle's cocky and egotistical assistant, Whit. Old world magic is swirling around the story of Inez's parents' disappearance and may just point to Cleopatra's long-lost tomb. What secrets will Inez discover, and will her uncle and Whit help or hinder her?

What The River Knows is a captivating and intriguing delve into Egyptian history with elements of romance, mythology. fantasy, and magic! The historical setting was atmospheric and lush, and the deep-dive into real-word events and people in Egypt during that time period was very interesting! The old world magic system was well-crafted, but really had me wanting more. Objects with useful spells on them, including a sandal that lights up and a scarf that produces boiling water, were super neat! But I really wanted more in terms of the spellcraft and how those objects came to be. The memories Inez had of Cleopatra crafting spells gave us a glimpse into that, but I hope that is delved into a bit more in the sequel!

I really loved the relationship drama and the mystery into Ricardo, Inez's uncle, and Whit, Ricardo's assistant. The cast of characters was well-rounded and all had their own air of mystery surrounding them, which really had me guessing the whole time! We're really tugged right into the story with Inez as to who to trust.

Inez is characterized as a confident and tenacious woman who will not rest until she seeks out the truth; a voracious intellectual with strong opinions and a curious nature, I fell in love with her instantly. The fact that she constantly kept everyone on their toes as to how she would behave made this such a fun read! Whit is first portrayed as a cocky and egotistical ass. So Whit and Inez's first meeting... instant chemistry. Their banter right from the get-go was immaculate, and I just eat that up! Give me all the banter! He is definitely a morally gray character, which instantly endeared me to him, because who doesn't love morally gray love interests!? He's characterized as especially duty-driven, but loyal to who and to what end? Inez having to observe his mannerisms and interactions and read between the lines of their conversations and really pick out things about him that he wasn't necessarily trying to outwardly portray really plunges the reader right into her falling in love with him. We kind of fall in love with him as Inez does, and I loved that. I did feel the "love story" was a bit fast, but it made sense for Inez's character, with her constantly cooped up when living with her aunt and being told to behave in certain ways and who she was going to marry eventually. Ultimately, I love their banter and the romance between them; I definitely felt the chemistry, and I can't wait to see what happens between them.

Whit's (very few) POV scenes were confusing but enlightening at the same time. I liked the small (miniscule) glances into what he was doing and how he was really feeling, and it REALLY sets the pace for the next book. HELLO CLIFFHANGER. I needed a warning for that. I literally yelled out loud during the epilogue, and I cannot wait for the next book. Considering I DID NOT KNOW this was a series, I was super nervous during part four, thinking HOW can this be wrapped up in the next 20% of this book? But it is not...so be warned. Hopefully it will be updated somewhere that this is book 1 of a series so that people know that going into this book.

I absolutely loved the mystery and the twists in this book, the setting was immersive, the plot was riveting, and the relationships were realistic and evocative. I seriously cannot wait for the sequel!

*I received this eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

4.75! I am not a fan of cliff hangers so it cannot be a full 5 ⭐️ but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It sucked me right in with a strong female lead, ancient Egyptian intrigue, archeology and mystery with a pinch of magic and a bit of angsty romance from the late 1880’s!

Isabel Ibanez prior books are now all on my TBR. Can my book people please read this when it comes out 10/31/23 so we can talk about this one? Thank you @netgalley for the advanced copy for an honest review!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC.

Wonderful. That’s what this story is.

I cannot wait for my physical copy to arrive.

This book was better than what I was hoping for.

The mixture of history and magic was so beautiful, and I absolutely loved the characters. The magic was so delicate and mysterious, and I rather quite enjoyed the uniqueness it had to it. It was this very subtle element that gave this story a little extra push. I enjoyed the two main characters. I thought both of them were interesting, and there was never a dull moment between the two of them. This book reminded me a lot of Divine Rivals in many ways. The magic honestly was the one thing that really captivated me. But I also enjoyed the historical qualities this book had. Also that ending! There has to be a sequel, and I will be eagerly awaiting news of it.

Now for the cons. I really struggled with the pacing in this book, especially at the 75% mark. I was so in love with the Cleopatra storyline that I felt a little let down by the big reveal. It also felt like the whole point/mission of the book was abandoned for this "bigger" storyline. I also wasn't a huge fan of the dual POV. I'm never a huge fan of them, but I struggled with them in this book because they weren't balanced and at times they disrupted the pacing. I also could've used a touch more angst between the rivals to lovers. Like it was there, but I wanted more.

This book was definitely a change of pace for me, and it was more than I could've expected. I did have a few issues with some more nitpicky details, but overall, I really enjoyed the premise of this book. I think there is a lot of potential for a series as well. I look forward to seeing where this story goes.

Thank you NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for letting me read this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

I'm a big fan of The Mummy but this isnt the kind of Mummy-ish book I was hoping for. This is Just walmart Rick and Evie. Rick and Evie didn't have to try, they had effortless charisma on their own and chemistry together. These two? Not even close.

The beginning is really slow until about 40%, there's plotholes throughout, and i just don't recommend this.

This book is like a beautiful fever dream of magical realism and folklore tied together with a moving and well thought out and paced plot. I loved reading this and the way it transported me as a reader.

Thank you so much TBR and Beyond Tours, St. Martin's Press/ Wednesday Books Publishing, and Netgalley for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

*4.75 stars*

This book was one of my favorite reads of September, and I loved everything about it. From the mysterious family members with questionable motives to Egyptian mythology/archaeology to the romance and even the characters, this book had it all. I also enjoyed the fact that Ibañez's writing has really matured, even in comparison to her previous novel, Together We Burn.

First of all, the mysterious family members with questionable motives made this story all the more interesting! While I did typically anticipate the twists, the entire story kept me on the edge of my seat, and if I could have, I probably would've read this book in one sitting.

In regards to the characters, I loved Inez's stubbornness, determination, and curiosity. She was a very real character to me, as I could taste her palpable sadness near the beginning of the book, as well as the betrayal/anger/sadness (again) at the end of the book. Whit was an interesting, brooding, morally gray MMC (my favorite, of course). Their banter was top-notch, and I 1000% giggled and kicked my feet during some of their scenes. I also loved that we got both her and Whit's POVs, which added an extra element to the story.

One thing I'd have to nitpick though was the magic system. It was neither ever fully developed nor really explained, besides the fact that the magical objects lose some of their magic every time they're touched/used and people had to imbue them with magic. But where does the magic come from? What do people have to do (in a ceremony or otherwise) to imbue objects with magic?

Finally, in regards to the ending, here is the real-time reaction I gave: OMG WHATTTTTTTTT?!?!?!? NOOOOOO!!! I might actually cry if (redacted) betrayed her too! And why would (redacted) do that?!?!?

In summary, I definitely recommend this book to lovers of historical fantasy/mystery.

As soon as I finished this book, I told my husband that I now see why being an advanced reader is not all sunshine and daises. This book hasn’t been published yet, and I need to know what happens to Whit & Inez!!!! So many emotions.

Thank you NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for giving me the opportunity to enjoy this lovely read.

The descriptions of Egypt, the period clothing & customs, the unreliable nature of Inez’s judgment, the mystery that keeps growing, the romantic connection, were all beautifully unique! I’ve absolutely never read another book like this.

I honestly couldn’t give it a perfect 5 stars because of a certain incident at the end that left me reeling. It was something I’d expect to see in an action movie, but it was so much harder to read about. The total devastation. Ugh, my heart.

Inez is devastated to learn of her parents’ deaths during their travels away from their home in 19th century Buenos Aires. Inez uses her sizable inheritance to travel to Cairo in search of answers about their disappearance. A golden ring given to Inez by her father pulls her into a world of ancient magic that reveals her parents’ long-hidden secrets.

I love how Isabel Ibañez uses real Egyptian and Argentinian history to build out a fantastical YA world. Inez is a great protagonist, and even though it took me a while to get fully into her story, there are some great twists late in the book. An adventurous and immersive ride!

I'm clearly in the minority here, but I just lost interest after chapter 2. Whit's POV was thrown in so randomly, and the beginning of the romance seemed forced. I also felt like I couldn't tell exactly where the plot was going, and it just felt like Inez was running away from Whit over and over instead of trying to piece together clues related to her parents' deaths. I'm glad others enjoyed this, but it just didn't work for me.

This was a really great read if you enjoy historical fantasy in an Egyptian setting. I really enjoyed Inez as a main character, she has this interesting duality. She is spunky and smart and wont take no for an answer, but she was also raised in high society and cares about propriety. I enjoyed the dynamic between her and Witt and how he is a bit of a rouge and really does stick to his character.

There is a tone shift towards the end of the book I didn't see coming, and in my opinion a few things at this point get a little muddled and don't come together as well as the rest of the book did, that being said, I still really enjoyed it and am dying to get my hands on book 2.

The book lures you with the mystery of the death of Inez’s parents, but keeps you captivated with the magic and history of Egypt and romance. From the first chapter I could tell that I was going to love this book and I did. Ibañez does a wonderful job of transporting you to an 1884 Egypt full of history, archeologists, and magic. The magic system was enough to add to the mystery and high stakes without being too much or too confusing. Inez uses this to her advantage to discover what happened to her parents while also helping her uncle. I really liked her as the main character. She is stubborn high society lady who only ever wanted to join her parents in Egypt and now won’t let anything deter her from finding out what happened to her parents, while also still dealing with the grief of their recent deaths. Through this all, comes one of the best hat to loves between her and Whit. The hate, the tension, the looks, the angst, the slow build. It had me reeling and screaming and just waiting in anticipation.

Overall, I loved this book and highly recommend you read it when it’s released!

Read if you like…
•historical fantasy
•hate to love
•The Mummy
•mystery

A huge, huge thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for 'What the River Knows' by Isabel Ibañez.

Due to the setting being in Egypt during the 1800's I knew this book was for me. I know for sure I would have been one of those following the Egyptology craze back in the day. The history is so rich, and the architecture, and artifacts are so stunning. This book has been on my want to read list for awhile due to this. I've already had a copy pre-ordered, reading it ahead of time was just a bonus.

Inez Olivera receives word about her parents deaths, and sneaks off the Egypt, but once arriving there slowly starts to realize not everything is what it seems. The mystery and deception in here was phenomenal, and when I finally thought I had it all figured out I was left with more questions.

Bonus: I also really liked seeing the items being seen as historical artifacts instead of treasures. <3

My only real complaint is that it would actually take up to 5 minutes or longer for chloroform to render someone unconscious... it wouldn't be instantaneous.

But also.... when is the sequel for this coming out?! That cliffhanger at the end...

Overall 5/5 - I can't wait to recommend this to everyone.

What the River Knows

Isabel Ibañez

I like the main character Inez. She is feisty and I like feisty women. But I struggle with some of the other characters. I know I am to dislike Whit, but I dislike him intensely, which may be a problem as he turns out to be the love interest. Also, Tío Ricardo keeps referring to the character Abdullah as his brother-in-law but I don’t understand the relationship. He’s not Ricardo’s sister’s husband because they are Inez’s parents and we know they are dead. So is Abdullah his wife’s brother? That means Ricardo must be married to an Egyptian, but we haven’t been told that.
Ms. Ibáñez uses Egyptian and Spanish words without translating or defining them. I think that will leave some readers confused.
What redeems the book from its tedious tussle between Inez and everyone else in the world is the idea of old magic. But then it is almost spoiled again by the author’s overly florid writing. Inez’s uncle doesn’t just kiss her cheek, he “swoops down” and kisses her cheek.
I think perhaps someone who enjoys a different style of writing than I do will enjoy this book more. It is original, and I did want to finish. Those are both good things. I’m grateful to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

Isabel Ibañez's "What the River Knows" is a true masterpiece of historical fantasy, an enchanting world filled with magic, mystery, and romance. The story follows Inez Olivera, a strong-willed young woman from nineteenth-century Buenos Aires, as she embarks on a quest to Egypt in search of answers about her parents' tragic deaths.

Inez's determination and curiosity make her a relatable and admirable protagonist, drawing readers into her journey of self-discovery. She constantly outsmarts the men around her, in a way that makes you think "why is anyone ever leaving her alone?" Her electric chemistry with Whitford Hayes, her guardian's enigmatic assistant, evolves into a slow-burning, enemies-to-lovers romance, brimming with witty banter and undeniable chemistry. The plot is a thrilling rollercoaster of twists and turns that challenges readers' assumptions, seamlessly blending historical elements with magical realism. The vivid descriptions of Cairo, the Nile River, and ancient artifacts create an immersive and enchanting world. The use of Spanish adds authenticity, and the narrative skillfully integrates family dynamics, social and cultural politics, and Egyptian mythology, making it both engaging and thought-provoking.

Inez's character development is beautifully portrayed, and the diverse cast of characters adds depth and intrigue to the story. The book concludes with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger but don't worry, the sequel is in the works. In summary, "What the River Knows" is a brilliant, sensational, and phenomenal historical fantasy, deserving of every one of its five stars. It immerses readers in a world of magic, adventure, and romance, leaving them hungry for more. Isabel Ibañez has crafted a must-read novel that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the top literary treasures of 2023.

3.5 stars rounded to 4. The setting of this book is rich in culture and imagery of Egypt. It definitely lives up to its tagline of having vibes from The Mummy with ancient magic and looking for lost treasures. I enjoyed the mystery of it all and the plot twists (of which there are several) were surprising. Inez is an interesting character with spunk and drive but all too trusting and naive. With all that said, I’m a romance reader and this fell flat for me in that area. I was expecting Rick and Evelyn level chemistry and I just didn’t see it. There was definitely some good banter in the beginning but that part didn’t continue to pull me in as the story progressed. While I think this was the idea, I was just very confused by the ending. Perhaps Whit will have some growth in future books that make me want that connection. The pacing was also a little slow at times for my taste. I kept reading expecting to get hooked based on other reviews but it never happened for me.

Content Notes: Gun violence, passionate kisses, loss of parents, kidnapping

Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Inez’s parents have left her behind in Buenos Aires, Argentina while they search for artifacts and hieroglyphs in ancient Egypt. The only thing Inez wants is to be with her parents, be a real family again. When she gets word that her parents have passed away, she must make her way to Egypt. Her uncle is her sole guardian now and he’s not what she remembers. Secrets lie at every turn and Inez has difficulty trying to figure out what’s right and wrong. Enter Whit, her uncle’s right hand man who has a whole host of secrets of his own. While Inez is trying to figure out what happened to her parents, the unexpected happens and she must figure out what is the truth is while figuring out her next steps in life.

This book was so good and I couldn’t put it down. Ancient Egypt isn’t usually a favorite to read but this book might have changed that. Inez was sassy and sarcastic and I love her wit and determination. While she made some not to smart choices, she was following her heart and what she thought was correct. I absolutely love her and Whit and cannot wait to see what happens. That ending made me almost throw my kindle across the room - cliff hanger leading me to ask more questions about what’s to come. Highly recommend this book for Egypt, historical fantasy, magic and a great romance.