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.

I, good to honest, do not know how I feel about this book. I don’t know how I feel about this book so much that I’m not giving it a rating. Which is rare because I’m an <i>incredibly</i> judgemental person. Also thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the ARC.

Featuring:
☆ Anti-colonial Archeology
☆ Egyptian Girlboss Pharaohs
☆ A snarky ‘will they, won’t they’ romance
☆ and historical fantasy set in non-white settings

<b>The Good</b>
What the River Knows, while an easy read, is an incredibly fun one. While I found parts of the plot predictable, enough of it surprised me, yet <i>worked</i> that it kept me incredibly engaged.

While reading this, I could tell the love and research Isabel Ibañez had for Ancient Egypt. She did a fantastic job looking into Cleopatra’s history, and I found the way the plot centered on her incredibly interesting.

The story, while slow at first, picked up at about 30-40% of the way through the book, and from there the story flew by, as more stakes were introduced. However Ibañez far from overwhelms, while she introduced just as many things in the second half of the novel as the first, she paces and balances them so well, that you barely notice. I was honestly so impressed.

Finally, her characters are all incredibly well characterised and distinct. I loved getting to read them and know them as the story went on, and while dialogue did blur together a bit sometimes, the various personalities and goals of everyone were so believable and well done that I just really enjoyed everyone. Even when I hated them.

<b>The Bad</b>
My biggest complaint about this book is that while the main character was Argentinian, nothing about her felt Argentinian. She was a cultureless blank slate. She could’ve been a Spainard and it would’ve made no difference for anything in the novel. While that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, I think when writing anti-colonial historical fantasy, the culture of the character matters, and Inez wasn’t Argentinian. Which is a shame, because I quite honestly picked up this book because I wanted to read some fantasy about an Argentinian girl, and this wasn’t it.

The main romance of the book also lacked chemistry. While the banter was cute, they didn’t feel particularly attached to each other beyond friends, and every time they kissed it took me by surprise. The romance did nothing for me, added nothing, they could’ve been friends and it would’ve have almost the exact same effect. And as far as romances go, that’s not good.

Finally, while the book was well written, the plot… wasn’t. Much of the book requires on bad communication, stupidity plots, and deus ex machinas. And even with that, there are plot holes abound. I enjoyed the story and plot, but Ibañez honestly could’ve used another one or two editing passes.

<b>The Ugly</b>
So while this book markets itself as anti-colonial, and I think it is, I’m not sure the actual politics of the book match what I think it was going for. The main character and her family who are at the center of this book, are all incredibly wealthy and archeologists. And while their intentions are to find things and leave them there to protect them from the British, if it was white people doing this we’d say it’s a white savior narrative. This isn’t a story about colonized people protecting their history, it’s a story about colonized people going to another country and acting on what they would do to protect their history but for a different group of people. And personally, that just felt kind of weird. There was this assumption from these incredibly wealthy Argentinians and Bolivians that they know what was best to do, and then just… went out and did it.

In conclusions What the River Knows is a fun history fantasy romance, best for people who like Rebecca Ross’s books. But while it’s a fun book, I’m not sure it’s actually a good one.

Isabel Ibañez’s debut What the River Knows follows Inez, daughter of two Egypt-obsessed parents who travel there without here half the year, finally going to Egypt in search of answers about her parents. There is rich historical detail, some romance and fantasy, and a unique combination of Latine and Egyptian culture. The 19th century Egyptian setting crossed with some magic is a fascinating and fun choice for Inez’s adventurous tale.

Admittedly, I didn’t know this was the first in a series when I started it, and for the length and pacing, I wish it was a standalone and more contained story, but that might be personal preference. I also felt like the writing style and voice could have been aged up a bit to match the characters’ ages, something I noticed early on and had some trouble adjusting to.

This book captured everything that I love in a story: magic, a bit m of romance, a helping of family drama, mystery, adventure, and wrapped it all into a beautiful bow of culture and history.
I love everything to do with Egypt and having an adventure book about archeological dig sites and magically infused items plus a handsome partner for fun adventure was exactly what I didn’t know I needed.
This story while a little slow at the beginning had me racing to finish. I felt gripped and I cannot express how much I loved Inez and her fierce, unapologetic nature.
I cannot wait for book two! I need it!

YA historical fantasy set in Egypt. I was expecting to be utterly obsessed with this book based on it’s description and vibes but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. I wasn’t invested in the characters or romance and the plot dragged. However, many seem to be loving this book so maybe it was just a timing problem with me?! I can’t recommend this book but please, don’t let my review alone deter you from diving in if interested. Super intriguing setting and premise!

Thank you to netgalley and publisher for a review ecopy!

A charming and captivating story of discovery and grief, set in the beautiful country of Egypt. Its rich culture and history draws you in as we set off on an adventure to discover the long lost tomb of Cleopatra.

Inez Olivera receives a mysterious letter from her father that contains an ancient ring seeped in powerful magic. When she receives news of her parent’s deaths, she sets off to Egypt to discover the secrets of their mysterious demise. Inez soon meets her uncle Ricardo and his annoyingly charming British assistant Whit. Together, often reluctantly, they use the old magic of Egypt to discover its secrets, all while suspecting betrayal and deceit from each other and those around them.

This story has love, mystery, betrayal, and history. If you are fans of The Mummy, or just had an Ancient Egypt phase as a kid, this book is for you!

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