I thoroughly enjoyed this book, Inez was smart and cunning against all odds making her someone you rooted for and the mystery kept me going the entire time, I also loved the Egyptian history and descriptions. The magic system was interesting but unfortunately didn't really get used as much past the first half of the book which was disappointing.

I loved how each character really had a personality and were well written to the extent that they never fell flat, some evolved and some stayed the course but either way they felt like real people and not just names.

The banter and relationship between Inez and Whit was one of my favorite things and I laughed out loud several times.

Overall the book was enjoyable, it did drag a bit and the first half seemed unnecessarily long with Inez having to sneak around again and again before the adventure really started but it was still a good story.

Rating: 3.5 stars

I have read every book by this author so far. Sometimes they can be a hit or miss but overall do keep me wondering what she will write next. I really liked the sound of this one as I hadn’t heard of another like it and because of that my attention was piqued. For the most part I liked this one.

The book is told from two point-of-views and they come from Inez and Whitford. They both have different personalities and I think that is why they bounce off of each other so well. They balance out weaknesses and strength and have quite the adventures because of it. Inez may have to wear a skirt but don’t count her out! I liked learning about their pasts and seeing what their future could hold together and even apart. Their relationship definitely has its ups and downs but they at least try to talk through it when not being stubborn. Whitford is a very swoony guy!

A lot of the plot is centered around Cleopatra and archaeology as well as family secrets. I have always taken an interest in Cleopatra and Egypt since I was younger so all of it was right up my alley! I couldn’t help but be intrigued with how the author decided to put her own spin on it while also discussing important topics like colonization and what it looked like for those living under British control and at times having their own historical artifacts taken from them.

I will say that it did take a while for my to get completely invested but I am glad I continued on because I am quite curious on what will happen next. I honestly didn’t realize this was a series!

Overall, I am pretty happy with this one as it was a fun adventure.

This is definitely one of the better books I have read this year. I’ve been a fan of Isabel since I read Together We Burn so I knew going in I would enjoy her writing style. And I did, if anything it had only become that much better. The story was slow to start but flowed really well and was a great story overall.

It’s start out with Inez receiving the news no one wants to hear: after years going back and forth between home and Egypt, both of her parents are dead. But Inez doesn’t take this news lying down. She is determined to find out what happened to them, by any means necessary. But once she gets to Egypt she is thwarted by her uncle and his assistant Whit and ends up embroiled in things she never anticipated.

There are so many twists and turns in this book. It’s a mystery in the best sense. And I couldn’t help but root for Inez to make it and get to the bottom of what happened to her parents. But it’s never that easy. I have no idea what’s going to happen but I cannot WAIT for the next book. I was on the edge of my seat at the end and I need to know what happens next! I love love loved it. If you’re a fan of The Mummy and a cute enemies to lovers romance this is for you. You won’t regret it!

Fresh, original, and fun! If half points were a thing, then 3.5 stars. I did feel like the magic was fun, but I thought the plot could've been more tight. I did like the mystery aspects and the history aspects!

Inez Olivera is a headstrong young woman in the glittering, urbane elite of 19th century Buenos Aires. She wants nothing more than to be with her parents, who spend most of their time in Egypt. When they die mysteriously and Inez inherits both a fortune and a guardian she’s never met, she journeys to Cairo in the hopes of discovering what happened to her parents.

I thoroughly enjoyed this, and I think most fans of YA and Brandon Fraser’s The Mummy will too.

The characters were surprisingly complex. For example, Inez is headstrong and independent, but more relatable than your average female protagonist– her victories primarily come from sheer willpower and the help of others rather than massive strength or out-worldly beauty.

Most Victorian/Belle Époque books I’ve read are told from a British or American perspective, so having a Bolivian-Argentinian protagonist was rad. I think some of the most sophisticated parts of the book are the critiques of the British Empire and how they operated in Egypt. I also thought the book does a particularly good job as a period piece of including more contemporary beliefs (e.g. independence for colonies, not plundering a country for artifacts, paying people a reasonable wage, etc.) far more elegantly than a lot of books do. To borrow a phrase from the costuming community, “Vintage clothes, not vintage values”.

What I didn’t like: exposition at the beginning of the book, especially regarding how magic is part of the world, is pretty clunky. And while the book looks like a standalone at first glance, this ends in QUITE a cliffhanger.

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from NetGalley and I’m so happy I was able to read What the River Knows early because I loved it so much!!! It’s set in the late 1800s and follows Inez, who travels to Egypt to get answers about what happened to her parents.
There is adventure, mysteries, fading magic, and of course romance! I absolutely love Inez’s journey throughout this book. The way this book is written I actually felt like I was in Egypt and I found all the history relating to Cleopatra fascinating. Inez is an amazing FMC because she’s so determined, stubborn, and she does what she wants. I adore her and how headstrong she is.
Inez meets many interesting characters along the way but I have to mention Whit because I love him! He’s charming, charismatic, and clearly has his demons. I adore his dynamic with Inez because they both obviously develop feelings for each other but they deny them while at the same time being there for each other. They are complicated to say the least.
This book also has so many shocking twists. Some I predicted but there are others that had me screaming “what just happened?!”. Honestly every time I thought I knew where the plot was going there was a twist.
Part of the plot has to do with the fading magic and how it latches onto objects, and I really enjoyed that aspect! It’s fascinating and I can’t wait to find out more about how it’s affecting Inez.

In this incredible historical fantasy you’ll find:
🧡 mysteries
🧡 adventure
🧡 magic
🧡romance
🧡 Egyptian history/myths

I absolutely love this book and after everything that happens at the end I’m so excited for the sequel!! But considering this doesn’t release until Halloween I don’t know how long I’ll have to wait so I’ll probably reread this book in the meantime!

This story grabbed my attention right away as you’re whisked off to Egypt in search of Cleopatra’s final resting place. With alligators along the Nile, and magical lost artifacts, this story was so much fu!! I could easily picture it in theaters!!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy. My opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC! I fell in love with What the River Knows, and with Inez and Whit. There was something so honest about Ibanez’s writing, and she really made 19th century Egypt come alive for me. The book ends on a cliff hanger, which I was not expecting!! I look forward to the sequel, I can’t wait to see what happens next.

With the description saying is a cross between The Mummy and Death on the Nile, it was impossible for What the River Knows not to grab my attention, I have been obsessed with Ancient Egypt since forever and it’s so good to find books about the subject.

What the River Knows was exceptional in every way, the characters were on point, Inez is so strong willed, and resourceful even at times where women had very little power she found ways to get what she wanted and I admire her so much for it, Whit was the perfect bad boy, always flirting, drinking and charming everyone, he was the perfect counterpart for Inez

But the plot was what charmed me, the first half was what truly made it shine, I loved seeing Inez discovering Egypt and trying to learn more about the lives her parents had led, but the second half of the book dragged a little bit, while it was interesting seeing the temples and cities I felt it became repetitive after a while, the magic system was never truly explained, I would’ve loved learning more about it and maybe it would have made the book stand out more but by the time the book ended it felt like it lost the shine and magic of the start of the book and things just dragged until I just wanted to finished it already.

Overall it was a nice book, it has more potential but hopefully Isabel will come through in the second book.

Thank you so much, st. martins press / wednesday books, for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review

Wow! What an amazing historical fantasy.
This is definitely the genre of the year.
19 year old Inez has always wanted to go to Egypt. The land where her parents reside for half the year. She desperately wanted to tag along with her parents all these years. Except this year, she receives a letter one day with condolence that they have passed.

Month have passed and Inez has traveled independently to Egypt. It is an exciting time in history for Egyptian archaeology. She first encounters Whit, her uncles assistant. Their chemistry and bantering are fun to read and the chemistry is off the charts.

However secrets have made Inez question many things. How did her parents die? What secrets are her uncle keeping? This is a journey in discovering Cleopatra’s tomb and what secrets lies ahead.

Mummy vibe but no resurrected mummy here!
There are many plot twist and I discovered there’s more to come!

I can’t believe the ending!
You know when a book is good when it evokes the right emotion in certain scenes. The betrayal. The loss. And the immense curiosity of that epilogue!

This is definitely one of my top favorite books of the yr!
Thank you netgalley for an earc and St Martin’s Publishing Group for a physical copy

I loved this book! The Egyptian setting, mystery, and action were enough to make this book amazing. Add in a slow burn romance with a secretive and aloof MMC and a determined and curious FMC, and it’s a winner for me!

Inez Olivera has lived in Argentina with her aunt and cousins her hole life while her parents leave half the year to go to Egypt and continue their archeological work with her uncle. Inez has dreamt of one day going to Egypt with her parents. When she gets the fateful news of their death with no explanation from her uncle, she is determined to find out what really happened to them. She sets off on a trip across the ocean to Egypt only to discover she is not wanted and her uncle has many secrets.

I was surprised to discover this book has fantasy elements with an ancient magic system. They are very light but it added a little extra something to the book that I really enjoyed! My only negative was that I thought the language was sometimes too modern for the time period. But honestly, I enjoyed the story so much that it didn’t bother me. I thought the plot was fast paced. The mystery was just enough to keep me guessing. The romance was so great. I loved the push and pull between both main characters. Every time they were together the chemistry just poured off the page. And THE END!!! I just can’t. I’m still processing and trying to figure out what it means!


Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the eARC. All opinions my own.

4.5/5 🌟
Wow! What fun!
A unique story of a young woman traveling to Egypt in search of answers, but arriving only to find more questions. This was an extremely well done slow burn romance. I adored the characters and found the events keeping me on edge. I was a little discouraged to reach the end only to realize that it was the first book in what will likely be a series, instead of a stand alone. I also was disappointed that the Whit POV were very few and very short. If there’s going to be dual POV then commit to it.

However, I am hooked. The history with a sprinkle of magic was enthralling. I can’t wait for the next book and will definitely be recommending this to those who like Fantasy Romance YA/NA.

A twisty beginning to a historical fiction adventure set in 1880s Egypt. This deals heavily with the British control in Egypt as well as the unchecked tourism (resulting in desecration of cultural heritage sites), looting, and illegal antique smuggling running rampant at the time. As far as Inez (fmc) knows, her parents lost their lives in the hunt for a precious cultural heritage site that is in need of protection from such organizations, which leads her to Egypt to find out what happened. Now she’s all alone in a foreign country and doesn’t know who to trust; her parents’ end and objectives are shrouded in mystery. This reads like a prologue for the next book; the first quarters are quite slow and mainly deal with setting the stage and giving us info, the next quarter is where things get rolling and then all the action goes down near the end. I expected more of a high stakes adventure and there wasn’t too much of that, but given the way the book ends, there’s a chance the next book will be delivering on it instead. The romance is delicious; the banter between Whit and Inez was perfect and despite the barriers in their way, they can’t help but become closer, it’s a natural gravity that’s just *chef’s kiss*. Is all as it seems though??? Hehe who knows. Lastly, as someone who’s been wanting to try Egyptian food for a while, every scene where the characters ate a meal was a direct attack on my stomach, thank you, I do love foodie scenes.
Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for a copy of an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What the River Knows follows Inez Olivera, a curious and intrepid young woman who travels to Cairo to investigate the mysterious death of her parents. She’s immediately at odds with her new guardian, Tio Ricardo, and his charming and scrappy muscle man, Whitford Hayes. Pulled by the magic lingering in the ring her father left her, Inez is led on an exhilarating, romantic, and twisty adventure through Egypt to find answers about the parents she grew up without.

This is the kind of book that reminds me of why I fell in love with reading in the first place. From start to finish, it was packed with fun and magic. Ibañez’s vivid descriptions of Cairo immersed me in city’s rich history. The characters were compelling enough to keep me glued to the page because I was desperate to know what would happen to each of them. Inez in particular was such a force to be reckoned with despite all her flaws and mistakes—I found myself attached to her immediately. I was also pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the romance between Inez and Whit, which was perfectly beautiful and complicated and juicy with tension.

I’m so looking forward to the second book and would recommend this one to readers who want a romantic adventure filled with heart. It’s very much in the vein of those nostalgic adventure movies that brought me so much joy as a young girl, like The Mummy, Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones, etc. If you love those movies, you’ll love this book.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review :)

# What the River Knows (412)

This book was so hyped up on YouTube that I had to request an ARC to see what it was all about. While the premise sounded promising, I kinda of wish this had been written by Silvia Moreno-Garcia instead. Overall was okay but our main character really felt “not like other girls” and then tried to self-correct by being. We are told that she is close with her cousin, but that’s not really developed, so when that plot point becomes relevant towards the end, it lacks the emotional weight it needs. That said, there was hardly any depth for any of our characters or plot points. I felt like I was being spoon-fed how I should be feeling, which was increasingly frustrating. Inez’s uncertainty and questioning quickly became repetitive, as it felt like the same conversations were happening time and time again. Most of the plot twists are so obvious to the point where I was checking if this was a young adult novel because I could have sworn it was new adult. (I was wrong in this, and kinda of happy about that fact since it was written in such a simplistic style.) The magic system is inconsistent and seems not to make any real sense: Do only some people know about magic? Is it more prevalent in certain areas? Is this widely known? I forgot there was magic even in the book for a while, and when it popped up again, I was mildly confused.

Honestly, I wish there was an epistolary element, maybe the journals from the mom and newspaper clippings to have better context of what is happening in the politics of the area rather than just info dumping in the dialogue. Also a more consistent narrative shift, rather then changing to Whit’s perspective a handful of times.

Ah, fellow literary explorers, gather 'round as I unveil a gem from the realm of quill and parchment! With stars in my eyes and a quill in hand, I eagerly pen my thoughts about the enchanting voyage that is "What The River Knows," masterfully crafted by the wordsmith extraordinaire, Isabel Ibanez. A twinkling quasar of gratitude beams upon me, for I've been graced with a prelude to this literary treasure, ahead of its grand unveiling on October 31, 2023. Can you believe the fates aligned so divinely?

As the ancient scrolls proclaim, a book can whisk you across the globe while you lounge in the comfort of your abode, much like a magic carpet ride for the mind and soul. Prepare to be spellbound, for such was my wondrous sojourn through the tapestry of "What The River Knows." This delightful concoction of Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, and Romance forms a symphony that harmonizes with the senses of all who dare to tread its pages.

Isabel Ibanez, the literary alchemist, wielded her quill like a magician's wand, transporting me to the bustling bazaars and mystic marvels of 1800s Egypt. Through her words, the tapestries of time unfurled before me, painting scenes so vivid that I could practically smell the spices wafting through Cairo's alleys. Can you blame me for pondering whether I should secure a one-way ticket to Cairo, whisked away by the allure of this evocative tale? And lo, a unique magic system, akin to a pharaoh's treasure, was unveiled, casting an enchantment that has me eyeing even the humblest of trinkets with the hopes of savoring roses in every whiff.

Picture Inez, a woman of unyielding purpose, a heroine whose journey becomes your own. A compass pointing to the north star of your heart, urging you to root for her with every heartbeat. Oh, the tendrils of empathy that wound around my very soul! But wait, here's Whit, our charismatic yet morally enigmatic champion. Ah, how easy it was to surrender to his charms, like an oasis in the desert of my emotions.

As the Nile's current flows leisurely, so does the romance in this tale, a gentle dance that's as tantalizing as a desert mirage. A SLOOWWW burn, oh what a delightful potion, a magic elixir that caresses the senses and kindles a fire of anticipation, much like a desert sun kissing the dunes.

Behold, a cavalcade of characters parades through this narrative, each as intriguing as a cryptic hieroglyph. There's a medley of endearing souls, a chorus that enchants your spirit, while the not-so-endearing bring a storm to the desert skies. The twists in this tome? More intricate than the labyrinthine corridors of a pyramid, leaving my mind a delightful whirlwind of surprise and awe. And the crescendo, the zenith of this grand symphony—the ending! Ah, it left me thirsting like a traveler in the desert, yearning to quench my curiosity at the oasis of the sequel.

Thus, my fellow seekers of literary marvels, heed this scribe's exhortation: "What The River Knows" is an oasis of storytelling brilliance. Isabel Ibanez's sorcery has woven a tapestry that has ensnared my heart, a devotee I shall remain, forever under her captivating spell. As you embark on this odyssey, carry with you the spirit of an intrepid adventurer, and brace yourself for an expedition through a tale as bewitching as the pyramids themselves.

➸5/5 Stars

I appreciate NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance copy (ARC) in exchange for my sincere review.

4.5 Stars
WHAT THE RIVER KNOWS, by Isabel Ibanez, is novel that takes place mainly in historical Egypt--blending Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery/Thriller, and a bit of Romance as well.

Inez is living with her Aunt and cousins in Argentina, as her parents spend most of their time away in Egypt, doing excavations with her Uncle. Though she's longed to go with them, she's always been refused. Other than sitting around and waiting to be married off, her mind is much more progressive for a woman in the late 1800's. Due to her family's immense wealth, she is expected to remain in the mansion, learning what she considers "trivial things", like her two cousins do.

Until the last letter arrives, from her Uncle.

"My parents are dead.

After this dramatic beginning, the story REALLY takes off. Inez sneaks away to Egypt, ready to find her Uncle and hear what happened to her parents. However, her arrival is certainly not approved of for a myriad of reasons.

I loved the characters in this book! Inez's strength, intelligence, and quick wit make her the perfect main character. Enter her Uncle and his mysterious "employee", Whit, and you have a recipe for all manner of things to go wrong... or right. The atmosphere written here made me feel as if I was actually seeing ancient Egypt through the eyes of the characters. The terms, and history recounted, led more authenticity to the narrative, in my opinion.

". . . Desperation made people dangerous . . ."

Although I did find the first third or so a little "slow" to reveal any major action or details of the plot, it gave me time to see more of the large cast of characters and form opinions of my own on them. When we get to one major part of the mystery, the story takes off without pause. I was absolutely riveted on it for the entire last half or more.

Overall, one of the most unique, memorable novels I have read this year.

Recommended.

*Thank you NetGalley for the digital ARC. All opinions expressed are uniquely my own.*

Thank you to the publisher St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books for access to this eARC via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review!

Release date: 31 October 2023

Inez lives with her aunt and cousins in Argentina but longs to be reunited with her parents, who are treasure-hunting in Egypt. A letter from her uncle announces that her parents have gone missing and are presumed dead.
When Inez learns that her treasure-hunter parents have gone missing and are presumed dead, Inez becomes singleminded in her determination to find out what has happened to her parents. She ditches her aunt and cousins in Argentina and hops a ship to Egypt. Upon her arrival in Cairo, however, Tío Ricardo and his assistant “Whit” Hayes try to send her home. Inez refuses to abort her mission.

STRENGTHS
+ Isabel Ibañez sets her story in Egypt during the reign of Tewfiq Pasha (1879 to 1892), at a time of British occupation. The sense of time adds texture to the plot and characters.
+ Who can say no to vibes reminiscent of The Mummy and Indiana Jones? This story should, in theory, scratch that itch to be an archaeologist born out of childhood fascination with ancient Egypt.
+ The magic is easy to understand. This is low-fantasy magic that is tied nicely into the plot through Inez’s family drama and the broader political-historical struggles of Egypt.
+ The writing style is simplistic, delivers the story without distraction, and makes the story digestible.

WEAKNESSES
- I could not stop being annoyed by Inez. She recklessly gallivanted around the world by herself and then rebelled against her uncle to do whatever she wanted in a foreign country. I understand that needed to happen for the sake of the plot, but I think the author could have brought Inez to the same plot points in a different way. Maybe teen me would have cheered on headstrong Inez, but I just found her behavior to be stupid and thoughtless.
- I could have done without the romance. I cannot understand why Whit, someone experienced in the world, would go after petulant, childish Inez. I guess it was convenient.
- A lot of the book felt like filler. Inez and Whit have frequent antagonistic conversations verging on flirtation that feel copy-pasted with the same emotional beats and content over and over.
- The big reveals fall flat because no clues or foreshadowing were placed in the story beforehand. As a reader, I was robbed of feeling any tension or anticipation that might have made the payoffs bigger.

As one of my most anticipated books for the fall of 2023, I found <i>What the River Knows</i> to be one of my most disappointing reads of the year. Even the things I found to be strengths of the books like atmosphere and historical influence remained light. I wish Ibañez would have leaned more heavily into the treacherous political climate in Egypt, would have spent less time on Inez's angsty feels, and would have incorporated more action and complex intrigue into the story.

OMG, I loved it!!! I discovered Isabel Ibañez through a reel that she made about this book’s aesthetic and I was instantly hooked!
The Mummy movies are some of my all time favorites and I just knew that I had to read this.

Where do I begin??

I loved the characters, the setting, the adventure, the romance, the descriptions, everything! (Whit is my new book bf 😉)

Ancient Egypt is so fascinating and the author does such a good job of explaining it’s history and the consequences of outsiders involving themselves in that history.

The first half of the book, for me, was a very slow buildup of learning about Egypt and the politics of that time, as well as learning the complexities of the main character, Inez, and her family dynamics.
The second half of the book was so full of action and new discoveries, I couldn’t put it down!! There were several twists I didn’t see coming & the ending left me speechless.
I need the next book now, Isabel!!! lol

I highly highly recommend this book to you if you love The Mummy movies, Death on the Nile, romance, and adventure! 🤎 You won’t regret it! It comes out on October 31, 2023!

Thank you to NetGalley + St. Martin's Press for this advanced copy!

3.5 ⭐️
It’s romance mixed with mystery and kind of magic from the old centuries!

I love how the writer describes the setting and how we explore the archeologist’s site. It’s fascinating.

I honestly enjoyed the banter of the main characters. Inez and Whit. But i don’t know, i feel irritated by two of them from mid to the end of the book.

Inez with all her naiveness, and i think i need more of whit pov so atleast i could think he’s not one dimensional.
And the last thing is how could they flirt or even kissed in the middle of “chaos”?
(i keep reminding myself that this is a romantasy, so it possible to happen)

The betrayal and the excavate thing keep me reading further.

But overall, i enjoyed this book. I demand more Whit pov. And more explanation about the magic itself!

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for granted me the e-Arc