Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. I enjoyed this book that reminded me a bit of Indiana Jones. The characters, the dialogue, plot and action were great!

I thought this book was really exciting because Inez was willing to do anything to avenge her parents and defy others to find out exactly what happened to them. This book really reminded me of Indiana Jones and provided a fresh perspective on treasure hunting.

This story had a nice combination of historical fiction and mystery with a taste of fantasy that I appreciated.

The story centers around the character of Inez who hopes to one day travel to Egypt, where her parents and uncle currently reside. Upon her parents’ sudden passing, and her uncle’s lack of specificity on the details, she embarks on her own quest to discover what really happened. Her journey takes her from Argentina to various places in Egypt, where she comes up against her uncle’s gruff persona, troublesome revelations about her parents, some rather unsavory characters, magical objects that hold memories of the past, and her uncle’s assistant who is consistently getting in her way while, at the same time, stirring deeper feelings within her.

I loved the multiple settings the characters traveled to, the dual POVs, the references to ancient Egypt, and the banter between the main characters. However, I would have loved more of the memory scenes and more depth with some of the characters. For instance, I felt like I wanted more interactions between Inez and some of the other characters that were around her beyond her uncle and Whit. Overall though, I really appreciated the storyline, and I can’t wait to see where that cliffhanger ending goes in the next book!

If you are a fan of ancient Egyptian legends, archaeology, history, occasional Shakespeare references, magic, action/adventure stories, and a bit of romance, I think you will enjoy this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the eBook ARC!

ARC review

Story: 5/5 ⭐

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The Mummy meets Death on the Nile in this lush, immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt filled with adventure, a rivals-to-lovers romance, and a dangerous race.
I'd throw in some Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark vibes in there too. :)

What the River Knows follows the story of young Inez Olivera and her search for the mysterious death of her globetrotting parents. Yearning for answers she finds herself on a boat to Cairo with her sketch pads and an ancient golden ring her father sent to her for safekeeping before he died. But upon her arrival, the old world magic tethered to the ring pulls her down a path where she soon discovers there’s more to her parent’s disappearance than what her guardian led her to believe.
With her guardian’s infuriatingly handsome assistant thwarting her at every turn, Inez must rely on ancient magic to uncover the truth about her parent’s disappearance—or risk becoming a pawn in a larger game that will kill her.

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I was hooked from the start. I powered through this book in one sitting. I enjoyed the pacing of the book. The plot and characters were well developed albeit the first half of the book reads a tad bit like a history lecture. Ibañez does a fantastic job giving us the lay of the land it felt like I was fully immersed in the book the whole time. Throughout the story we discover more layers to each character that make us just love them even more. Inez is a strong FMC who's fun and strong willed. She independent and adventurous, setting off on this journey alone. Whitford Hayes is our morally grey love interest, also Inez's uncle's "secretary". Their relationship is a slow burn, with witty and flirtatious banter. Tio Ricardo is mysterious and secretive. All of their relationships are complex and well developed and fit well with the pacing of the story. It starts off a little slow at the beginning but once the groundwork has been laid out, the plot progresses quickly and action and adventure ensue!

FAIR WARNING. This is not a stand-alone series. I have once again been tricked into thinking that from yet ANOTHER book. This book ends in a cliffhanger! I damn near threw my kindle at the wall when I read the epilogue. I can't wait for the second book to come out!!

The grip that Brendan Fraser and The Mummy had on my formative years as a millennial is borderline ridiculous. When I saw the description for What the River Knows, tied in with the fact that I’ll also be in Egypt this year I knew I had to get my hands on this book.

This novel started STRONG, and then tossed me overboard somewhere in the middle. While the background on Egypt, the mythology of Cleopatra and the conversations around the pillaging of its artifacts (truly, why are so many of the ancient items STILL in the British museum) were interesting and important, the main storyline was a bit repetitive and puttered on in fits and stops until the last 30% of the novel. Somewhere towards the end the author found her accelerator and I was immediately reeled back in as we raced towards the finish line.

In terms of the characters, Our leading lady Inez has gumption and she’s not afraid to take risks to get what she wants. I appreciated her character in a historical period where we typically see the opposite. Whit I could honestly take or leave he just didn’t do it for me.

I really thought I’d be able to lay this series to rest and then the author had the audacity to write an epic mic drop that will rudely force me to have to continue this series.

Here’s to hoping that her editor will cut the fluff in the next one and stick to the glimmers of juicy thrills and mythology that struggled to shine through the first book.

Rating: 3 (truly the ending saved this rating)

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

What the River Knows is the first in an enchanting YA Historical Fantasy duology. Set in 1884, this story travels from Buenos Aires to Cairo and follows Inez Olivera on her journey to discover the mystery of what happened to her parents.

Inez is a spirited, clever, and witty mc; I absolutely loved her!
Whit immediately captured my heart from the moment we met him 😍 The endless banter between the two was so entertaining. I loved every single interaction.

This story is intoxicating; it is steeped in history, lush landscape, magic, and mystery. I couldn't put it down.

The ending had me reeling 😮 and as soon as I finished, I immediately pre-ordered a physical copy bc this will be a story I revisit over and over ❤️

Releases date: November 14, 2023

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

“Grief was like a memory keeper. It showed me moments I’d forgotten, and I was grateful, even as my stomach hollowed out.”

Oh Inez… I really enjoyed this book. Blending The Mummy and Death on the Nile in the nineteenth century, Inez Olivera is a girl who dreams of adventure and enchantment… much like her archeologist parents who travel to Egypt for half of each year while they leave her behind with family in Argentina. When they suddenly pass away, Inez travels to where they resided in Egypt, showing up to her uncle and his infuriating assistant unannounced. The old magic that is scattered throughout Egypt pulls her in, and it may give her answers to her parents deaths, her role in all of this, and the mystery of what her parents were truly after.

I felt there were moments in the writing (especially in the beginning) where, in my opinion, the author tended to “tell” rather than “show.” Statements such as “I blinked the tears away…. They stared down at the water…. They moved out of view…” When back to back, those kind of statements left me a little disjointed at times and it felt a little choppy. But, once it started picking up the writing really drew me in and I wanted to know everything that was happening to Inez and Whit! When I put the book down I was still thinking about them throughout my day.

I also really enjoyed the twist of the “villain.” I wasn’t expecting it. I actually had the thought it could be that person towards the beginning but then the author completely dragged me away and had me looking in a different direction. So when the twist was revealed, I was as shocked as Inez! I loveeeeed the red herrings there.

Poor Inez couldn’t catch a break in the second half of the book… and that CLIFFHANGER! I really was not expecting that. 🙈 Now I have to wait extra long for the sequel 😭😂

Isabel’s book comes out NOVEMBER 14—— but you can preorder the book now from Barnes & Noble!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

What can I say about this book that can even capture half of the beauty in the pages? Ibañez is an extremely talented writer who knows their audience. The characters come off the page and the world itself could be considered a character.

Inez lives a life of relative ease in 1884 Buenos Aires, though her parents are gone most of the year working with her uncle on his archaeological digs in Egypt. When she receives word that her parents have gone missing and are dead, she boards a ship to Egypt in the hope of finding answers. What she finds instead, however, is a search for Cleopatra's tomb, many more questions... and no one she can truly trust.

I was intrigued by the premise of a historical adventure/mystery in Egypt, laced with a little magic (magical artifacts, especially those attributed to Cleopatra). After all, I used to devour Elizabeth Peters's Amelia Peabody mysteries, and I loved the updated take on Egypt of the Victorian era found in A Master of Djinn (by P. Djeli Clark). But this didn't quite measure up, though it was fun for a while...

What I enjoyed:
--the use of magic to connect objects to memories
--the research into the people and events of the time period
--the use of an Argentinian character to offer commentary (instead of the oft-used British colonial view)
--pointed statements regarding recording and protecting archaeological finds for the people of Egypt, NOT the colonial powers
--giving the Egyptian characters (Abdullah, Kareem) more depth and autonomy of opinions
--creating an atmosphere of suspicion in which Inez couldn't find anyone to trust

What I didn't:
--I'm not going to label Inez as TSTL but between her hotheadedness and lack of experience in Egypt, she surely made some questionable decisions!
--The vacillating descriptions of Whit's character. Inez, if someone is going to act that hot and cold with you, you need to run away.
--Characterization often felt a little flat.
--The whole we're-enemies-but-I-want-to-kiss-you vibe felt like a carbon copy of the relationship in Together We Burn.
--NOWHERE in any of the information I have seen about the book did it indicate that this would be a first book in a duology(?), so the ending felt astonishingly abrupt...
--Which meant that the book wrapped up so quickly that I felt lost and very confused.

At time I could sit back and enjoy the adventure, but when I got caught on something that would pull me out of the story, I had a tough time getting back into it. I wanted to like this much more than I did. 3 stars,

Thank you, Wednesday Books and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.

4.5/5

I found this the Mummy meets Ebola Holmes type story absolutely charming. If you read the Dear America diaries growing up, this is for you.

When Inez’s adventure seeking parents disappear and our presumed dead in early 1900s Egypt, she sneaks away to discover what find her uncle and discover what truly happened. Everything is not as it seems, and she’s swept into a world of history, Magic and the charms of Whit Hayes.

An easy and lovely read. I look forward to reading more by this author!

I loved this book! I initially was interested in it because of the cover, but then I realized it was about Egypt. As a kid, I loved anything Egyptian and so it gave me all the feels. It was very adventurous and I loved how many twists it had! The MC is sassy, the love interest is rugged, and the mystery is captivating. The chemistry between the two MCs was everything I love in a rivals-to-lovers book. I was entertained, crushed, and then left wanting more. I know this hasn’t come out yet, but I already can’t wait for book 2!

Egypt? Cleopatra? Magical artifacts? YES!

The story begins with Inez Olivera traveling to Egypt to find answers for her parents' untimely deaths. Her quest isn't easy, especially when her uncle and his henchman, Mr. Whitford Hayes, continue to thwart her at every turn intent on sending her right back to Argentina. Tensions rise between Whit and Inez which buds into a beautiful romance between the two. I loved Whit. He was a mystery I wanted to unravel, but the more we learned about him, the more questions I had about his past. I also liked Inez, though some of her decision were questionable, especially towards the end. I'm not sure I understood her thought process and I'm not surprised by the way it ended due to her poor planning.

My favorite part was the history, Eygpt, the era. I was fascinated by the description of not only the country in the 1800s, but the ancient sites. We sailed down the Nile! I wish we had more because I loved the glimpses we got of Cleopatra's history. I want to read everything about her now.

In terms of the race to find artifacts, I wouldn't necessarily call it a race. It seemed more like things simply fell into place for Inez rather her go out and hunt for it. The ending was OMG. I'm here for some answers.

Thank you to the publisher for the advanced reader's copy.

I really wanted to like this, and at times I did admittedly, but It’s becoming apparent to me that I’m not so sure I care for the info-dump that happens in books. I also felt that this really wasn’t that much of a paranormal/fantasy story. Again, another book that isn’t for me and that’s okay!

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez offers readers a lush and immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt, filled with adventure, a rivals-to-lovers romance, and a dangerous race. However, while the novel captures the essence of its atmospheric setting and features a determined protagonist, it falls short in certain aspects, leaving the reader wanting more.

Inez Olivera, a member of Buenos Aires' upper society, is thrust into a world of magic and mystery when she inherits her parents' fortune and a mysterious guardian. With a desire to uncover the truth behind her parents' tragic deaths, Inez embarks on a journey to Cairo, where she encounters an infuriatingly handsome assistant and becomes entangled in a larger game that threatens her life.

One of the strengths of the book is Inez's character. She is portrayed as stubborn, determined, fearless, and intelligent, making her a compelling protagonist. The setting of Egypt is vividly portrayed, creating an immersive atmosphere that transports the reader to the historical period. Additionally, the friendship between Inez and Isadora adds a refreshing dynamic to the story.

The author demonstrates careful attention to Egyptian culture, showcasing the result of extensive research. This adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, allowing readers to experience the rich tapestry of the setting.

However, the novel falters in several areas. The pacing and plot progression suffer in the second half of the book, where the story becomes focused on Inez's trust issues, leading to a repetitive and somewhat dull narrative. The magic system is under-explained and feels weak, leaving readers craving more depth and development.

Furthermore, the book leaves the reader with a sense of incompleteness. It would have been preferable to have a self-contained story within one book, rather than extending it to another installment. Additionally, the excessive pages dedicated to describing minute details hinder the balance between pacing, plot progression, and vivid imagery.

While marketed as a historical fantasy, the book leans more towards historical fiction with a sprinkle of paranormal elements. Some readers may find this disappointing if they were expecting a stronger integration of fantasy elements into the narrative.

Overall, What the River Knows is a book with potential, offering a determined protagonist, an immersive setting, and a refreshing friendship. However, it falls short in terms of plot progression, pacing, and the development of its magical elements. The decision to recommend the book ultimately depends on how the next installment unfolds and whether it addresses the shortcomings of this first book.
3.4 rounded down to 3/5.

This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year (still is, I want to re-read it in print)- and it was more than I dreamed! I knew going in that there's a terrible cliffhanger, I was prepared for that... what I wasn't prepared for were the 50 different plot twists in the last part of the book! The story starts slowly, and then it picks up speed, and picks up more speed, and more...until a whirlwind finale which left my mind reeling!

I've always loved both the time period (1880s) and the location (mostly Egypt, but also Argentina 🥰) so this was right up my alley, but now I fell in love both with the plot and the characters! Oh, the characters! Inez! And WHIT! And the slow burn, swoon-worthy romance 🤎 I'm incoherent still, but I blame staying up until 4 am to finish this, so here's a tagline while I still dream of hidden treasure, Egyptian tombs and the Nile...

All the stars! ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

5/5 STARS

WOW. I could not put this book down! The twists and turns were all so addicting. This book is packed with adventure, slow burn romance, unexpected twists and turns that leave your jaw on the floor. I absolutely can't wait for the sequel in 2024.

The main character Inez, lives in Argentina while her parents travel to Egypt - so she doesn't get to see them very much. She receives a letter from her uncle that shares the unfortunate news that her parents have died in the desert. Inez goes to Egypt to get closure and get the full story of her parents death. Little does she know what surprises await her in Egypt......

The Mummy was my bi-awakening, so you put "the mummy" in any description. I'm there. I can feel the inspiration in the book, with a sweep of historical fantasy.

This book came at such a great time after I'd watched the National Treasure show and The Mummy for the first time! I loved reading about Egypt and the different places Inez traveled. The plot twists in this book absolutely GOT me--I have to know what's going to happen next to Inez and Whit! I'll be honest, I was here completely for the romance so I ended up skimming the chapters from Whit's perspective. And I was absolutely devastated by Elvira's death. I wasn't expecting it to go that far, and I really wish there would've been a little more about Inez processing that horrific experience. Overall it was a great read! I can't wait to find out what happens next!

This is a 19th century historical fantasy following Inez, who has just learned that her parents have died under mysterious circumstances while doing archaeological work in Egypt. Against the wishes of her new guardian, she travels from Argentina to Egypt to find out what happened to them.

This was described as The Mummy meets Death on the Nile, which... kind of? I think Death on the Nile was really only thrown in there because a significant portion of the book takes place on a boat, but that's neither here nor there. This is extremely fun and fast paced, with an action/adventure romcom vibe and lots of twists and turns. I did predict every twist except the final one that leaves the reader on a pretty big cliffhanger, so while none of them were shocking, they did keep things interesting and moving forward.

I usually really prefer a character-driven story, but this was a bit of a new experience for me in that I liked the characters (and the romantic pairing), but looooved the setting. Normally that wouldn't be enough for me, but I felt completely immersed.

This is technically written as dual POV with Inez and the eventual love interest, Whitt. However, I wanted so much more from Whitt's POV. I think we got, maybe, a cumulative 15-20 pages from his POV, and it mostly felt like it was there to fill in the gaps in scenes where Inez wasn't present as opposed to giving us greater insight into his character. But Whitt is a fun character, so I still enjoyed it, but am hoping for more depth in the next installment in the series.

Speaking of series... this ends on a pretty big cliffhanger. So, go into it knowing that you're going to finish this and feel desperate for more information. This is fine for me, because I'm really looking forward to re-reading this closer to when the next installment is released (which I believe is coming in 2024).

**eARC provided by Netgalley and Wednesday Books

You had me at The Mummy meets Death on the Nile!

Needless to say, this is a fun exciting and unique read! I found this to be a refreshing premise compared to so much else that is out.

Ibanez paints such an immersive, beautiful and rich world. How intriguing to learn all about Egyptian history and feel like you are right in the world as you read. The first half of the read moved quickly and was paced well. The last half felt rushed and I had to go back and read to know what was going on. Seemed too quick. I also wished I had more of Whit's POV then we got. I don't feel like I know his character like I should. But that could also be the point. Also the CLIFFHANGER. I read this as a standalone so I was thrilled to know there would be a second. But alas, now we wait.

Read if you like:
- main character that is likable
- immersive settings and lush descriptions
- action packed
- history of Egypt and all things archeology
- great chemistry of mc and love interest characters

A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press & Wednesday Books for an ARC!