What the River Knows is a historical fantasy adventure with a bit of magic and mystery. This is a genre I had no idea I'd enjoy, and I loved it! For a minute it was giving me Indiana Jones vibes. It does get a bit violent and gruesome by the end, but I can tell you from experience that it's the perfect book for a cozy fall morning!

I really, really enjoyed this book. It had a slow start with history dumps. However, it kept me invested enough to continue and get to the more action packed second half of the book. I loved the setting. The characters were easy to understand. And the cliffhanger!! I had no clue this was a series, and that was just mean. Cannot wait for the next one.

I'm unsure what to say in this review because the third act really solidified me dying for a sequel for a book I didn't like up until the absolute very end.

I got this book from Netgalley a while back and thought the premise sounded really cool, and thought the cover was absolutely GORGEOUS. (Seriously, it's so pretty!) I didn't know it was YA (which is fine) and didn't know it was part of a series (which I wish I would have known while reading it.) Both Barnes and Noble (YA) and Book of the Month chose the book and I was so confused about why until I got to the end.

Everything seemed slow, and sort of repetitive, and I wasn't totally in love with Inez. Now that I know that this was the first book in a series or duology, it makes a lot more sense to me why it was so slow until the last third of the book. I also kept wishing for more of Whit's POV, but now I understand why we got literal CRUMBS because of how the ending panned out.

Speaking of characters, I really like Whit- and will primarily read book 2 because I am invested in his story, and not really as invested in Inez or Tio Ricardo. I would love to get a POV for another adult in the book, but don't want to potentially spoil anything so I won't name names. I also hope Inez is a little less... childish? annoying? quick to make all the wrong choices in the next novel. She really didn't do much for me, and I'd love to have a little less of her, while getting a bit more of the supporting characters in the novel.

I'm gonna jump back to the third act, where this book goes from 0-60 in absolutely NO time at all, and I will say the last 20% or so of this book was a wild ride and I gasped out loud several times, and was fully buckled in for wherever the book took me. I think this is book that would benefit being 300-350 pages vs. the 416 that we were given. A lot of fluff could have been cut and we could have gotten to some of the big reveals and big action scenes a lot faster which I think would have done a lot for me in rating this book 4, or even 5 stars. I am excited that it seems the next book will pick up pretty fast due to events at the end of this book taking us right into the action.

I will say one thing for this book, is that the descriptions were beautiful, and I really did feel immersed in Egypt, and in the beginning in Argentina. It gives big Stephanie Garber and Alexandra Bracken vibes (which make sense if you read the author note) and any Romance plot Emily Henry has a hand in helping to figure out has to be great. (and it WAS!). I loved seeing some of my favorite authors be here to work on different part of this book that really took me back to how good they are at their respective writing. (Bracken for transporting you to faraway places and fast paced action, Henry for Romance, Stephanie for a bit of magic and beautiful descriptions of clothing and also a lot of big reveals.)

Keep in mind this is YA, and it does read like YA-- so if that isn't for you I might give this a skip.

Having read and reviewed Ibañez' previous novel, Together We Burn and loving it, I jumped at the chance to read, What the River Knows. Unfortunately, it was a disappointment. It wasn't up to the same caliber as her previous novel in my opinion. The pacing is what primarily killed it for me. Nothing magical or heart stopping occurred even by the 45% point. The story seemed to drag on without gaining any steam. I did skip around some and it didn't appear to get anymore exciting than it already was. The ending, a cliffhanger, just didn't propel me to want to read any more that I already did.

The characters in the novel didn't appeal to me. I couldn't connect with them and I didn't think they were developed enought for me to have any emotional ties to them.

After thinking long and hard about continuing and finishing the novel, I agonizingly decided against it -- considering the ending and the slow pacing. An unfortunate one star DNF at 45%

I received a DRC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

If Amelia Peabody had a niece whose parents disappeared on a treasure-seeking expedition, and started seeing visions of ancient Egypt after putting on a gold ring…

Inez is a young Argentinian woman whose absentee parents - wealthy patrons of egyptologists - suddenly disappear, presumed dead. She crosses the ocean and defies her stubborn uncle and his infuriating assistant in an effort to discover what has happened to them. But everything — and everyone — is not what they seem.

The set up here is a lot of fun - mystery! adventure! treasure! murder (maybe)! romance! There’s a lot to like here: a plucky young woman who won’t take no for an answer when it comes to getting the answers she deserves, a fabulous setting (Philae is absolutely stunning), and a dashing love interest.

But the execution didn’t really live up to it. It’s a bit my own fault I didn’t realize [b:What the River Knows|65213381] is the first of at least two books (though it’s not advertised as such), but getting to the last few chapters and realizing we weren’t heading for a resolution was jarring to say the least.

And the mystery wasn’t well executed. There’s a difference between letting a mystery unspool across many pages only to have the threads come together in a satisfying conclusion, and then there’s just not telling the reader anything until (maybe) the end. It’s hard to know how much of what is unresolved was left that way for future books, versus just not well set up. Plus - what looks like a cliffhanger betrayal at the end is more baffling than shocking.

Their romance was sweet, but I wanted to see more growth and depth from Inez and Whit, rather than the same beats repeated over and over. I found Tio Ricardo’s actions — particularly as the story went on — to not make much sense, and the role of Inez’s cousins to be thrown in for effect without it suiting the logic of the narrative.

I enjoyed this enough that I’ll probably read a sequel when it arrives, but it fell short of my expectations.

<i>Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and Wednesday Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.</i>

I want to preface this review that I may either be the wrong audience for this or I possibly read this book when I wasn't in the mood. I think it is really well written and the characters are interesting and engaging and I'm curious to see it going forward - especially with that out of left field ending. I wouldn't even call it a cliffhanger because it just felt so random and I have a lot of questions.

I think for me maybe the pacing was just off. It starts rather slow before the main plot gets going and the character of Inez is very stubborn and hard headed while also being really naive which is kind of a lethal combination in a YA book. There are more than a few moments where I was screaming at my book for her not to make a certain decision or not trust a person. There are also multiple people in the book that call her out for being too trusting or running into situations without thinking it through and I feel like the consequences of her actions are not really felt until the end and even then she doesn't really take responsibility.

The Egyptian setting and background is fascinating and I would like more of that. Particularly the magic system I would love more information on how that works - can everyone feel magic? Where is it more prevalent, do some people have more of a proclivity?

I think the relationship between Whit and Inez is the strongest part of the book although I don't know how well it holds up under scrutiny. I want to root for them...hopefully that's enough. Whit also has some random POVs in the book that seem really unnecessary and don't add anything to the book in my opinion.

I wasn't going to continue on with the series but the ending really captured my attention and now I'm rethinking a lot so I'll definitely pick up the next book because I want to see what happens.

Thank you so much to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A sweet mix of history, magic, family and enemies to lovers. The story kept me turning pages and made me question everyones motives not trusting what they wanted from the search for Cleopatra. My one unease of the book is that Inez has a connection to Cleopatra through the magic she is pulled to but its never explored deeper than it being a took to find the tomb. Is there more to their connection that isn't explored? The cliffhanger at the end left me needing a second book as soon as possible to know what happens with the treasure, the love story and the deceit to come!

What the River Knows is a mystery, fantasy and romance all packaged together with a historical fiction framework.

The story is told mostly from one point of view — Inez. However, her uncle’s assistant, Whit, gets a few chapters — interspersed throughout the novel — of his own.

Inez is a young woman trapped by society’s dictates. She’s supposed to be a poised young woman with every hair in place. She’s supposed to marry well and take her place in society. But she’s not. Inez is an artist who is full of curiosity. She’s smart and independent and knows her own mind. She’s stubborn and full of fire, and is able to think on her feet.

While Inez is an open book, Whit is an enigma. He’s never what he seems and will keep readers guessing until the last page. Even as she begins to fall for Whit, she can’t quite figure out “who” he his. An ex-soldier, Whit is strong and handsome and he knows his way around explosive situations. He’s drawn to Inez, but tries to keep his distance.

The push and pull between Inez and Whit is fun to read, and their playful banter adds a lightness to the novel overall. But the real star of the show is Egypt.

Author Isabel Ibañez’s ability to transport readers to 19th century Egypt is commendable. All five senses are awakened by her scene building. You really feel as if you’re walking through the bazar, eating the sweets, floating on the Nile and entering ancient Egyptian ruins.

And then there’s Cleopatra. Ibañez makes you feel as if the last pharaoh of Egypt is sitting right in front of you. In Ibañez’s world, the magical elements that bring Cleopatra to life feel right and real.

What the River Knows is an immersive read with a few twists you’ll see coming and a whole bunch that will knock you off your seat. With a beautiful cover and magical mystery, this historical romance is the whole package. I can’t wait to read its sequel.

The Mummy meets Death on the Nile is a pretty good comparison for this book. It was a lovely story. The magic and mystery was fun. The historical Egyptian setting beautiful and the mythology and ancient history fun and inspiring to learn about. The characters were plotted well, but I found the romance hard to follow.

It was 50/50 for me but I think that for atmosphere alone this book is worth a try.

Thank you to Wednesday books and Netgalley for a complimentary advanced copy of this book. All the review opinions are my own.

Treasure hunting along the Nile, family secrets, and the delicious tease of young romance make WHAT THE RIVER KNOWS a compelling read.

☀️ Book Review: WHAT THE RIVER KNOWS by Isabel Ibañez ☀️

Inez Olivera belongs to the high society of Argentina, but her parents spend half their time every year in Egypt away from her, their only daughter. When they mysteriously die in Egypt and nobody answers her directly, Inez takes matters into her own hands, ignores all the rules, and joins her uncle’s archeological team in Egypt.

What Inez doesn’t expect are whispers of murder, the hum of magic, a connection to Cleopatra, and a budding romance. Yet, this all makes the adventure a highly satisfying story that had me reading way past my bedtime.

Definitely recommend!

😘 Thank you @WednesdayBooks, @StMartinsPress, and @NetGalley for the early eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. The world building was great and really drew you in. It definitely gives The Mummy and Death on the Nile vibes. Everything was well written from the romance to the twists and turns. I highly recommend this book.

4.75 stars! -- This book is what would happen if The Mummy met Indiana Jones and Death on the Nile. As a huge fan of all three I ate this book up! I also read and loved Ibanez's previous book Together We Burn and was really looking forward to this.

I really enjoyed the lush details, attention to the cultural implications of the antiquities trade, and the discussion of grief in different settings. The setting mixes 1880s Argentinian and Egyptian history as we know it, but adds in a touch of fantasy and magic to the world. (The magic latching on to people and objects interested me a lot!) I enjoyed the moments where the team is scouting out the tombs and could feel the rush that comes with finding artifacts and places that have been left for many centuries.

Inez is a strong character because she's had to adapt to things quickly but she remains positive even when faced with some strong betrayals and plot twists. Whit is a hot-and-cold character and since it's only book one of a duology, we still don't know him fully. Yet the chemistry between Whit and Inez is totally apparent. Their banter alone had me laughing out loud several times. My favorite 'Whinez' moment was when Whit is chasing Inez's carriage on foot and she literally just sits back, blows him a kiss and appreciates his agility and determination? Immaculate vibes there, your honor.

A quote that resonated with me a lot was: "The truth had a way of changing things." Like how about that twist ending?? I am shook, Ms. Ibanez. And now I have to wait for like months? a year? to know what happens?? I am probably going to watch The Mummy just to recover from that cliffhanger ending in the interim of waiting for book two!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced readers copy. This did not affect my review in any way.

Inez has spent seventeen years feeling second fiddle to her parent’s obsession with Egypt. When a letter brings the worst news possible, Inez leaves the safety of her home in Argentina to find out what happened to her parents.

But a young woman traveling alone in 1884 is prey to all sorts of danger, and her uncle is determined to send her home right away. Inez is determined to help, so she dodges the roguishly handsome man her uncle has assigned to guide her. With her connection to an ancient magic, she knows she can help, even when everyone else says it’s too dangerous.

If only someone will tell her the truth long enough to know what she’s in danger from…

“They’d chosen Egypt, had given themselves heart, body, and soul.”

Her parents' obsession with Egypt has made a lasting impression on Inez, and now that the distant land of wonder and mystery has stolen them from her forever, she’s no longer content to stay in Argentina. I loved how Inez refused to be a passive character in this story. At every turn, she does the opposite of what is expected of her.

I loved seeing her grow, and even more as she falls in love with Whit, despite the obstacles there.

This book is full of vivid descriptions that pull you into that Death on the Nile aesthetic, heightened by a delightful cast of characters.

There’s a heartbreaking twist, but that’s not the worst thing that happens to Inez. The epilogue just makes it worse!

I’m not opposed to epilogues that promise a future story, but the ending of this one felt abrupt, like we didn’t hit the actual conclusion of this book.

There is some swearing in this book, but not from the main character. A few kisses and one short make-out scene. Violence is minimal, but threats are frequent.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Wednesday Books for an advance reader copy. This is my honest review.
5 Roses

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Fantasy, Romantasy, Historical Fantasy, Historical Mystery
Age: Marketed as YA, but I think it's better for the adult market
Spice Level: Medium because of visit to prostitute's domain

Did you ever read Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody series? WHAT THE RIVER KNOWS has some of that vibe but updated for today's audience; a little less innocent plus magic.

The magic is sparsely sprinkled throughout, but I loved it. Magic feels rare and valuable (and potentially dangerous).

I immediately liked both Inez and Whitford Hayes—you can just tell they're going to be at each others' throats. Haha. I also love the history of Egypt and archeology that's tossed in along with ethical concerns. And I loved how this book includes Cleopatra.

If I was reading this with an adult audience in mind, it gets all the stars. For YA, I'm docking a star. because of sexual content and language. (Not that kids don't participate in all these things, but . . . I prefer fiction to avoid these things for teens because their parents might not know what's in there.)

I'm anxious to read more about Inez and her world!

Happy reading!

What The River Knows ⚰️⛏️

Inez Olivera lives in Argentina under the care of her aunt while her parents spend most of the year in Egypt. But when she receives news of their tragic passing she decides to embark on a quest to find answers and reasoning about their deaths and why they left her behind all those years. Facing opposition from her new guardian and his assistant following her every step, can she discover what really happened to her family?

This genre is completely out of my comfort zone, but when I heard this book being compared to The Mummy, I needed to read it. After finishing it, I can certainly say that it was nothing like the movie and I think this works against the book by heightening the reader's expectations.

The setting was exceptional and the descriptions made me feel like I was there. I didn't really like FMC, even considering she was only 18 she was a little reckless and self-sabotaging at times. I did like the MMC, even with the constant description of his posture and mannerisms. But as a couple they were cute and the banter was great. I might add, this was a double POV book, but Whit’s were too short and sometimes not necessary.

This book has a little bit of many things. A little mystery, a little action, a little historical fiction, a little magic and a little romance. I found the beginning to be at the right pace, but the last 15% was a rollercoaster that I'm still trying to understand. So many twists and turns, and one scene that was soooo unnecessary, that I'm still furious about. It actually felt like the first and last part of the book were written by two different persons. Still for me this was a solid 4 stars especially because of the ending, it was amazing and unexpected.

For a book out of my comfort zone I can say that it is an entertaining read and even if you are not a fan of ancient Egypt you will definitely enjoy it.

What you’ll find:
Double POV
Historical Fantasy
Set in Egypt
Rivals/Enemies-to-lovers
Forced proximity

TW:🚨
Loss of a parent
Death
Murder
Kidnapping

Thank you @NetGalley and @ for sending this ARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Inez is a socialite from Buenos Aires in the 19th century who’s getting to the age when society deems she must be married.

Her parents have always left her for half the year to work as paleontologists in Egypt. As much as Inez has begged to join them, she was never allowed.

Now she’s gotten a letter saying they died suddenly and without answers, she feels that she must go to Egypt to see what they loved so much and find answers about their death.

I’ve never thought I was a fantasy reader but I think that’s changing and this book helped!

The balance of magic, history, mystery and betrayal here was perfect!

There were a few times I actually gasped from how shocked I was.

Beware of the cliffhanger at the end of this because just like I said I didn’t think myself a fantasy reader, I’d say the same about series BUT I will be anxiously awaiting the next novel in this series.

Big thanks to @pragmaticallypassionate_reader for talking about this one and putting in on my radar!

Thanks to @netgalley, the publisher and the author for this e-arc. Inez is a socialite from Buenos Aires in the 19th century who’s getting to the age when society deems she must be married.

Her parents have always left her for half the year to work as paleontologists in Egypt. As much as Inez has begged to join them, she was never allowed.

Now she’s gotten a letter saying they died suddenly and without answers, she feels that she must go to Egypt to see what they loved so much and find answers about their death.

I’ve never thought I was a fantasy reader but I think that’s changing and this book helped!

The balance of magic, history, mystery and betrayal here was perfect!

There were a few times I actually gasped from how shocked I was.

Beware of the cliffhanger at the end of this because just like I said I didn’t think myself a fantasy reader, I’d say the same about series BUT I will be anxiously awaiting the next novel in this series.

Thanks to @netgalley, the publisher and the author for this e-arc.

Immersed in 19th-century Buenos Aires, I journeyed alongside the determined Inez Olivera, driven by the enigma surrounding her archaeologist parents' demise in Egypt. Inheriting their wealth and an ancient ring, Inez's quest led her to Cairo, unveiling a world steeped in magic, mystery, and adventure. Despite her guardian's attempts to thwart her, Inez's resilience and artistic prowess propelled her forward, adding depth to her character. The story intricately wove Egyptian mythology, family complexities, and cultural nuances, immersing me in bustling markets and archaeological wonders. While the beginning felt slow with historical details, the narrative gained momentum, introducing a captivating slow-burning romance and surprising twists. Whit, the guardian's assistant, added an intriguing layer to the tale. Ending on a cliffhanger, the book left me eagerly anticipating the sequel, promising a continuation of Inez's compelling journey filled with magic, love, and unexpected revelations.

Happy Publication Day to What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez! This was a wild ride, and I just loved it.

Inez Olivera lives in nineteenth century Buenos Aires and is the daughter of two globetrotting parents, and she is frequently left behind. When she receives word that both her parents have died in Egypt, she is determined to find out what happened. She sneaks away and travels by herself to Egypt to meet her uncle and demand the truth. What follows is a daring adventure story that includes romance, tension, and danger. Who can Inez trust? Who can readers believe?

I could not put this down. This is historical fiction with elements of fantasy that works perfectly. Inez reminded me of a younger Veronica Speedwell–she is made of strong stuff. The characters are wonderfully developed and the setting fascinating–I felt like I was in Egypt with Inez. But can we just stop for a minute and say OMG THAT ENDING. No spoilers here, but I need book two asap.

Highly recommend this romantic adventure story. You’ll find yourself swept away by the story. And if you’re a BOTM subscriber, I see it is one of the November books. Just go ahead and put it in your box. You can thank me later. @wednesdaybooks

When Inez Olivera’s parents pass away tragically while they are abroad on a dig, she is determined to find answers. She sets sail for Cairo, where she meets her guardian’s handsome and infuriating assistant. He is determined to send her home to Bolivia and she is determined to discover what really happened to her parents. As they spend time together in Egypt, loyalties shift like the sand and their attraction continues to build.

Let’s get this out of the way - the ending was not nice. I am DESPERATE for the next book in a way I haven’t been since I finished The Ballad of Never After. It was so good and not at all what I expected.

I really, really loved the setting of this book! As someone who dreamed of discovering something buried in my backyard as a child, archaeology is a profession that I love reading about. Isabel paints such a magical picture of Egypt, and I felt like I was right there alongside the characters.

I thought the romance was handled excellently! I love a rivals-to-lovers story and this one has TENSION! 🥵

I would love to see more historical fantasy novels, preferably as well written and researched as this one. 🤩 I highly, highly recommend this book! Even if you’re not normally a fan of fantasy, give it a try! It leans more into the adventure and action genres than fantasy, but I loved the magical elements Isabel wove into the story.

I re-watched The Mummy the other day and I love how What the River Knows merges The Mummy’s fun puzzle solving adventure vibes with a YA romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an eARC. All thoughts are my own.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Wednesday Books! 💚

4.3 ⭐

Wonderful YA historical fantasy with magical artifacts and swoon-worthy forbidden romance. While trying to solve the mystery of her parents' tragic deaths, Inez journeys to where they were last seen exploring in faraway Egypt. She meets the handsome yet infuriating Whit, and they are forced to go on an archeological quest and work together to find Cleopatra's tomb while denying their burning attraction to one another.

The tension and the banter were such a good time, and while there were parts that slowed down the story a bit for me, there was still plenty of action and danger to keep me hooked. Also the cliffhanger had me gasping and reeling.

NEED BOOK 2 NOW!!! 😭