I thought the scale of this was really interesting - being set in Cairo and everywhere else, and the sibling dynamic was nice to read about too. Couldn't quite gel with the writing style but was a strong concept.

Where do I even start with this book? It was such a fun adventure to go on, and it kept me reading way past my bedtime. I was seriously invested, in both the story and in Whit and Inez.

The worldbuilding is lush, the setting is perfect, and the characters are fleshed out. I want to live inside this book and inside this world. There’s a hint of magic as well, and I hope we see more of it in the next book.

What The River Knows has everything fans of The Mummy could ever want in a book, without it feeling like a rip off of The Mummy (being a fan myself, I can confirm that it’s a great comp).

This book was a very anticipated read for me but at first I was a little skeptical as the overall theme wasn’t speaking to me BUT god am I glad I read it. NEVER judge a book prematurely this one ended up being one of my absolute favorites from 2023. I absolutely loved this book, the romance was great, the mystery and plot twists were great and the characters are fantastic. I would absolutely recommend this book! It has a unique and fun concept and is very different from a lot I have read. It is historical fiction with magic realism and it's so well made and thrilling I loved every second of it! Once I started this book I had a hard time putting it down, it is very easy to read except it uses a lot of phrases and words from MANY different languages and it was sometimes hard to know what they were referring to but after a while it got better! (maybe that was a me problem xD) The author did a beautiful job with this book and I don't wanna say too much but that ending had me screaming! and I want the next book NOW!

If you enjoyed Divine Rivals this book will ABSOLUTELY be for you!

Thankyou to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for a free e-arc in exchange on an honest review!

My opinion's of this book as slightly skewed from how i am left feeling from the epilogue! Yes this book ends in a cliff-hanger and you don't realise till the last page which is absolutely excruciating! I'm now desperate for the second book in this duology and i can only hope it comes out in the next year!

This book really does give The Mummy vibes and its rich in Egyptian history and mythology. It felt a little heavier on the historical side as opposed to the fantastical side and id love to see more of the magic system come out in the next book- its hinted a little that there's more to it so fingers crossed!

The banter is SO good and the slow burn romance is done very well. The FMC goes through so much and she handles herself very well- she's funny and strong and everything you'd want in a book like this!

I'm rating it 4 stars... it cant be a 5 star for me as I did want a slightly bit more from the magic/fantastical aspect of it... and it may had been a 3.5/ high 3 up until the last bit where it put me through all those emotions (not always good ones) and then that epilogue! Wow!

Pretty good I must say. The cover was quite bleak so I didn't expect much but this book smacked me across the face and told me not to judge a book by its cover. The characters were remarkable and memorable to the point where I find myself quoting random lines for the fun of it.

When Inez's parents are killed in mysterious circumstances in Egypt, she travels half way across the world, alone, to find answers. But nothing in Egypt is as she expects, and when she joins her uncle's expedition to find the tomb of Cleopatra, she gains more questions than answers.

What the River Knows is an adventure-filled historical YA, packed with mystery, captivating historic details, a touch of magic and a great slow-burn romance. And that ending! I gasped when I read it. I can't wait to find out where this series is going next.

“No human ought to be treated as if their work didn’t matter, or their choices, or their dreams.”

This book was so much fun and had me hooked from the beginning with the murder mystery and the Egyptian mythology that was woven into the story.

Inez was such an interesting character, strong, outspoken and wants more from the world than what she’s been told she’s allowed to have.
Hayes was so mysterious and I just want to know more about him. I loved his banter with Inez and how they both clearly were attracted to each other but refused to admit it.
I really loved the slowburn romance develop between them.
We also have some great female friendships in the story and I especially loved how Elvira always had Inez’s back and tried to help her even when Inez pushed her away.

The story has some magical elements that was really interesting to see how it was woven into the story.
There are discussions on colonisation and how England stole so much wealth and historical artefacts from Egypt and we also see how there were those who tried to protect them from being stolen.
The story is steeped in Egyptian culture and ancient Egyptian history, specifically, Cleopatra.

The ending had some plot twists that left me shook and the betrayals that shocked me. Especially that last chapter, the way it ends. I need answers 😭

The book is a murder mystery with the mummy vibes and a dash of romance and a young woman trying to find her place in the world that constantly underestimates her.

This was both an Anticipated book, as well as a NetGalley ARC. This is marketed as similar to The Mummy, but as YA, and those vibes were definitely present. I did really enjoy our characters and the setting. What kind of let it down was the magic. It felt more like an afterthought, and for something so special it had very little direct influence on the world in general. To be fair, this story would have been almost exactly the same without the magic, and I wish it either had been explored more or just left out all together. The end though still makes me intrigued to pick up the sequel!

I loved this book! Inez was a fun, loveable character to follow, the setting was beautiful written, and the plot felt like it was the perfect mix of fast paced but not breakneck speed.

I am bummed that I’ll have to wait so long for the sequel

Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder Books for the advance reader copy of What the River Knows for an honest review.

Inez Olivia belongs to the upper society of Buenos Aires she lives with her aunt as her parents are away for half of each year in Egypt.

When word reaches her of their shock death she runs off and makes her way to Egypt to question her uncle and learn more about what really happened to them.

Only on arrival he wants her to head straight back home and sends his assistant Whit to send her back.

What they don't count on is Inez doing everything in her power to stay. She learns of their expedition to Egypt and stows away on their ship to learn more about their expedition and ultimately her parents.

Overall I really enjoyed this book I loved the writing style it really captured my attention and made me feel like I was seeing the same sights as the characters.

I really liked Inez as a character from her brazeness and determination. I also really enjoyed the enemies to lovers trope between her and Whit.

However the book had so many twists and turns and betrayals it is clearly open for a sequel and I need to read this following that shock ending.

I highly recommend this book.

I enjoyed this YA Egyptian adventure/mystery about a young Argentinian girl whose archaeologist parents go missing in Egypt. The first half of the book built the story over a steady pace, the blossoming attraction between Inez (our protagonist) and Whit (mysterious English scoundrel) was a fun element to the story, as we gradually found out more about Whit’s past and how he found himself in Egypt.
At around the 60% mark, there was a plot twist (no spoilers!) that became pretty transparent, pretty quickly. A new character was introduced, and this became a catalyst for exposing parts of the story that lacked credibility, compared with the first half. Up to that point, the mystery elements had been opaque and intriguing, and I hadn’t noticed any obvious inconsistencies. This part of the book felt a little clumsy in comparison, and I found I had more and more issues with what happened (or didn’t) as I read the rest of the story. By 75% of the way through, this felt like it had resolved itself and the story seemed to be (mostly) back on track.
I loved Whit’s character; full of charisma, rebellious, stubborn and weighed down by a mysterious darkness.
The downside of this story was twofold for me: the plot twist, which I felt lacked credibility, was clumsily done, and the trauma it would have caused to Inez, skipped over. The depth and complexity of emotion on this point was ignored, which for me created a significant plot hole.
Secondly, the last part of the story stretched the imagination somewhat, and there was a character death towards the end that felt out-of-sync with the spirit of the rest of the story.
It’s clearly been written with the sequel in mind, as there was an almighty cliffhanger at the end.
That being said, it was an enjoyable read with a decent pace and plenty of action, particularly in the second half.
4 stars from me, with thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the chance to read an ARC.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I actually enjoyed this a lot more than I was expecting to. I like the fact that it grappled with colonialism and Egypt's violent history, though given the main character's South American roots I would have expected a little acknowledgement of Spanish colonialism as well - all the venom seems to be aimed towards the English with no recognition that the Spanish were just as bad! I thought the romance element was well done and having Whit's side of the story represented was good, though I would have liked more of it. I did see a few of the twists coming, but that didn't affect my enjoyment, and the ending was surprisingly intense. I'm intrigued to see where it goes next.

While I found the book interesting, and certainly was determined to finish it, I cannot say I overly enjoyed it. Inez was heartbreaking with obvious abandonment issues that led her to be impulsive and naive (A dangerous combination). The characters overall were flat, and while some of the romance was very swoon worthy, it was very tropey. The book read like a children's 9-12 adventure tale and the illustrations didn't help.

Overall, not one of my favorite books that I have read and if I was to read more in the series, it would only be to see if Inez got a happy ending.

4.25-4.5 / 5

This book was absolutely fantastic!
Set in Egypt, this book not only highlights the country but also the culture, its history and the people creating an absolutely wonderful atmosphere and setting for this equally amazing story!

I cannot speak on the historical accuracy regarding anything mentioned, let alone anything Egypt related, but the least this book made me do is google certain stuff and educate myself more.


The chemistry between Inez and Whit was just absolutely exquisite. Both characters individually were incredibly likable, witty and funny but them together paired with the constant flirting was an absolute treat.

What I think really came through in this book was the constant back and forth of Inez’s emotions and feelings mourning a life with her parents she didn't get to have and at the same time being jealous, maybe even envy, and mad at them for leaving her in Buenos Aires most of her life while they were in Egypt (presumingly) having the best time away from her.

The book has about a handful of illustrations which I thought were a great add on to the overall story and helped visualize certain aspects.

There were a couple of plot twists I hadn’t seen coming! Especially the ending and I'd say the last 50-ish pages were amazing and make me really really excited for the sequel!!

DNF at 33%/Chapter 13.

After thoroughly enjoying Isabel Ibañez's previous book, Together We Burn, and following her journey of writing this book on social media, I was really looking forward to reading What the River Knows.

Unfortunately, it just didn't live up to my expectations.

While it was clear What the River Knows was well-researched in regards to the setting and the worldbuilding - Ibañez visited Egypt herself and even hired an Egyptologist to go over the book - the characters are its main letdown.

In the 33% I read, I never really felt connected to Inez or Whit. Inez felt very cookie-cutter to me - a copy of the FMC from Together We Burn. I haven't read her first companion series, Woven in Moonlight and Written in Starlight, so perhaps the FMCs there are also very similar, but I got the distinct impression that this is the only kind of protagonist Ibañez can or wants to write.

That being said, I didn't dislike Inez. Her naivety makes sense, given her sheltered upbringing, and she does the best she can in the circumstances she's in. I don't really have too much to say about Whit, either. He didn't display too much of a personality in the 33% I read - all I could tell you about him is that he drinks, has some kind of sad or dark past, and is obviously Inez's love interest.

There wasn't much 'romance' per se in what I read, but I could see Ibañez building towards it. Like the MCs themselves though, I didn't have any connection to this supposed relationship. I wasn't rooting for them to get together at any point.

Overall, I was disappointed by this book. I don't know if I'll read any books by Isabel Ibañez going forward - or if I do, I'll go in with low expectations and hope for the best.

Thank you to Hodderscape for sending me an eARC via Netgalley!

↠ 2 stars, for what I had read up to 33%

3.5 ⭐️

Let's talk about what I liked first. I think it was a great touch for the author to include a brief history of Egypt at the start of the book. I loved the sketches and hieroglyphs that were included throughout, too. The author did a good job of describing what they could see, and I found the magic inclusions interesting. I picked the book up because Rebecca Ross recommended it, and the way the fantasy is included reminds me of her writing.

I will say at the 70% mark I had to put the book down as I had a feeling unease, which given the scene was actually a good thing. When you can sense a character, shouldn't trust someone, the situation has been written well in my eyes.

I have to give it to the author that sequence at the end after the tomb had a big shock impact, and I cried in horror. Sadly, the other plot twists were predictable. The first half of the book is dedicated to world building and scene setting, but I do wish we had some action scenes in this time. If they believe someone is after the tomb, why not have people coming after them to give some excitement.

I found that a lot of the dialogue between our MC, her love interest, and her uncle was quite repetitive. She wants to help/ know information, and they refuse. Even her conversations with Whit in private are similar. They tend to fight, and then they come back and just gloss over it.

The book is compared to the mummy, and I think this may have done it a disservice. Evelyn and Rick are such an iconic couple, and I'm not sure that anyone could match that. They have their moments like the sightseeing trip at the beginning, but I wish they had more of them. They also let their fights go far too often, give me lasting tension and arguments, please.

Overall, I've gone with 3.5 stars. It was slow in the first half, but it picked up a lot in the second, and I'm looking forward to the second book. There are definitely things I would have changed, and it gained an extra half star for the shock fact of that ending.

I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review represents my honest opinion. Thank you to netgalley, Isabel Ibañez, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

What the River Knows — A Tribute to Myths and Magic

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez is a fascinating trip that lures readers into a world where the ordinary and the extraordinary blend perfectly. It is a tribute to myth and magic, as well as a gripping narrative of love and sacrifice. I found myself captivated by a brilliantly created novel that easily blends mythology, mystery, and passionate emotions with each page turn.

What the River Knows ♦ Isabel Ibañez

Opinion

Ibañez’s skill as a storyteller is clear from the first chapter, bringing readers into the lives of the characters with vivid imagery and fascinating conversation. The protagonist’s journey, which is weighted with personal hardships as well as the weight of fate, feels surprisingly authentic. The intricacy of each character’s connections and the depth of their emotions are depicted with such precision that it’s difficult not to be emotionally invested in their futures.

The world-building in What the River Knows is outstanding. The author offers a vivid picture of a universe in which old tales merge with late-nineteenth-century times, producing a tapestry of wonder and enchantment. The seamless integration of real-world elements with mythological folklore is enthralling, providing a fresh and unusual perspective that kept me flipping pages late into the night.

Furthermore, the story’s tempo is well maintained, keeping suspense and tension at precisely the appropriate proportions. The plot’s ebb and flow are expertly handled, providing moments of calm among dramatic, heart-pounding episodes. The story’s twists and turns are both shocking and satisfying, constructing a narrative that keeps you interested from start to finish.

While the book provides an extremely immersive experience, there were times when I hoped for a bit more depth in some of the secondary characters and their motivations. Despite this, the story’s overarching tapestry is so engaging that it rarely detracts from the novel’s overall enjoyment.

Conlusion

Finally, What the River Knows is a book that transcends age and genre, appealing to both young adult and adult readers. It’s a story about the enduring power of love, the tenacity of the human spirit, and the riddle of old stories. Isabel Ibañez has created a gripping world full of wonder, making this story a must-read for anybody looking for an intriguing escape into a world where the river actually knows everything.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This review was first published at The Art of Reading.

It wasn't love at first love but it kept me reading and grew on me. Well plotted, great world building and well plotted characters.
I loved the world building and the storytelling.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Wait what??? What just happened? If Mrs Ibanez does something very well is making you hungry for more!!! The end of this story is just that! I will now count the months to read the next book! Thanks for that Mrs Ibanez!!!

“What the River Knows” is an intriguing book by Isabel Ibanez. Isabel made me want to visit all the places mentioned in her book and discover for myself the amazing history of Egypt.

Following Inez to Egypt in her quest to find what happened to her parents, through Egypt’s archaeological sites and a love in the making. A strong willing girl who won’t stop to anything that tries to stop her progress to the end goal. In the process, she learns to be independent, and honest and gets into adulthood. This book makes you want more. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. I loved all the interactions between Inez and Whit and all the times they were trying so hard to stay away from one another.

Also, all the details like Spanish words in the mix, drawings and letters make this book so special and creative.

I would definitely recommend it to all lovers of history, romance and young adult lovers. In my opinion is a must-read!

My thanks to NatGalley, the publisher and the author for my early copy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book is probably one of my favourite YA reads of the year. It was so good. I first read the synopsis of this book and it definitely appealed to me, and boy did it deliver. This book had me hooked. I don't think there was a point in it where I felt bored.

It had a captivating mystery, ancient Egyptian mythology, a super interesting magic system, amazing side characters, a great plot, and even a bit of romance!

I absolutely loved Inez and Whits characters and the relationship that grew between them. I was hooked on the mystery aspect of this book, and when we finally got the reveal, I was so upset for Inez.

My mouth was hanging open at the cliffhanger ending, im shocked, confused. Can someone who's read this book please message me so we can discuss theories!🤣 I am beyond excited for the next book in this series.

That's it, that's my review, I honestly don't have anything else to say except you 100% need to drop what you're doing and go read this book because it was absolutely fantastic!!!

Thank you Netgalley, Hodder and Stoughton and Isabel Ibañez for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.