Fun, fresh, and for fans of the Mummy. Vivid writing brings interesting characters to life readily, and the plot is clever and rockets along easily. May feel a tad long at times but a fun storyline and a great ship make for easy reading. A definite winner of the year, no matter when you read it.

The Mummy meets Death on the Nile in this beautiful historical fantasy, and it’s nothing short of phenomenal. What the River Knows has a little bit of everything: secrets, lies, mythology, magic, ancient artifacts, history, and rivals to lovers.

It’s been a minute since I wasn’t able to put a book down, but I read through this one in 24 hours because I needed to know what happened next. I also need to know what the cliffhanger means right now because I can’t wait for book two!

Our main character, Inez, has grown up with parents who spend half of their time in Egypt without her. She receives word of their tragic deaths and sails to Cairo hoping for answers. But when she gets there, old world magic pulls her in directions she wasn’t expecting. She also wasn’t expecting to deal with her Uncle’s brooding assistant

I loved the description of this book was Death on the Nile meet The Mummy, because that sums it up perfectly. Archaeology has always been intriguing to me. Indiana Jones was my hero! (Yes, I am that old.) :)
As much as I enjoyed Inez's character, Whit stole the show for me. Charming and swoony to the max. They were a great match. I was also fascinated by the setting, Egypt. The author does a great job with this.. With mummies, action, magic, secrets, what isn't to love. The book is quite the adventure and WOW the ending.
Huge thanks to the publisher for the Netgalley approval.

Beware the cliffhanger! I am so frustrated by it because I KNEW we couldn't trust this character, and so did Inez, but it seems she just can't help herself.

It really bothers me that the most important people in Inez's life at this time all lie to her. Some really terrible things could have been avoided if her uncle and Whit had just told her the truth from the beginning. She's constantly having to fight them and prove to them that she deserves a place in Egypt, and I hated that her uncle blamed her for something that could have been avoided if he'd just been honest with her about her own family.

So that's me being emotional about the story. I really enjoyed the setting and the descriptions, and that Inez is headstrong and hard-working. What I didn't like was there were some instances in the story that felt like plot points were only there for shock value.

Inez is too trusting, and one of the characters even tells her that, so I hope that in the next book she learns how to trust herself instead of others who clearly, constantly, let her down. She gives her heart, but doesn't get anything in return. She deserves the respect of those she was working with in Egypt, but her uncle gives her none (and see aforementioned rant about said uncle). I have so many feelings!!!

Robin's Rave Reviews

Are you one of those armchair archeologists, a wanna-be like me? Get your fix with What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez, a great book with intrigue, twists and turns, Egyptian history, archeological digs, adventure, and danger. Just to sweeten the pot, throw in a strong female protagonist, magic, romance, constant questioning of who can be trusted, and exotic settings including in Cairo, on the Nile River, and at a dig site in the desert. Although What the River Knows is labeled as YA, it's also perfect for adults.
This is book 1 of a duology. Be prepared as you approach the last pages; not everything will get wrapped up. It ends on a major cliffhanger. Other than that, the book was 5 stars for me!
Summary:
19th century Buenos Aires - Inez's parents have left her behind six month out of every year for as long as she can remember. Since her parents are actively involved in the archeological digs they fund in Egypt, Inez has grown up living with her aunt and two cousins. Now nineteen-years-old, Inez receives news that her parents are missing and presumed dead. She devises a plan to go to Egypt to get answers from her uncle.
A woman traveling alone in the 1800s is considered inappropriate and dangerous, and yet, Inez, pretending to be a young widow, sails all the way from Buenos Aires to Cairo. Whit, her uncle's handsome assistant, meets her at the docks. Her uncle's orders are to immediately send her back. Inez has other plans and slips away.
When she finally finds her uncle, he doesn't want her to be there. He puts Whit in charge of keeping tabs on her until he can arrange another passage home. Having opposite goals puts Inez and Whit in conflict with each other, yet there is undeniable chemistry between the two.
Inez learns there is much more to her parents' deaths/disappearances, but Whit continually blocks her attempts to discover the truth. However, when the men realize Inez may be useful to them in their pursuit to find Cleopatra's burial site, they allow her to join them.
Other parties, also interested in Cleopatra's final resting spot, add danger to Inez and her uncle's group. Who are the responsible archeologists and who would simply profit from the black market? What happened to Inez's parents? Can Inez trust Whit? Can she trust her uncle?

Isabel Ibañez is the author of multiple novels including Woven in Midnight which is listed among Time Magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy Books Of All Time. If you love fantasy, check out the list! To learn more about Isabel Ibañez and her books, go to her website here.
What the Rivers Knows comes out October 31, 2023. You can pre-order from your favorite bookstore or click here to order from bookshop.org. (They support Mom and Pop bookstores across the country.) Or, when you visit your local library, ask them to buy a copy!
If you liked this book review, check out my other book reviews here.
Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books/St. Martin's Press for the ARC of What the River Knows. The opinions are my own.

Thank you, NetGalley and Wednesday Books, for providing me with a complimentary digital copy of this book for review.

"What the River Knows" is a captivating blend of adventure, mystery, romance, fantasy, and historical fiction, all expertly woven into a single book. The story follows Inez, a stubborn and headstrong protagonist whose curiosity becomes her greatest strength and weakness. As she navigates through various challenges, she discovers a longing to uncover the truth about her parents, realizing that she never truly knew them.

The book not only entertains but also introduces readers to the enchanting world of Egypt, where the race to preserve ancient tombs clashes with those who seek to exploit their discoveries. The narrative is enriched with historical references to Cleopatra, skillfully intertwined with elements of magic and fantasy, creating a truly mesmerizing plot. However, I find certain parts of the book slow in pace, impacting my reading experience.

The romance in the story is a slow burn, with opposites attracting and adding an exhilarating dynamic to the narrative. The cliffhanger ending further intensifies the excitement, leaving readers anticipating the next installment.

Ahhh! What the River Knows was excellent, a solid 4 star.

This was another one of my most anticipated releases this year, particularly for the setting in Egypt (it needs to be said: there really should be more books set in Egypt). Inez's story beautifully weaves magical elements with Egyptian history, taking place in the late 1800's during a pivotal time for Egypt. With likeable characters and an intriguing mystery, I couldn't put this book down!

What I wasn't expecting to love was the mystery, which had me on the edge of my seat and constantly guessing. And that cliff hanger! So evil. I didn't realize this would be the start of a series, and now I cannot wait for the next book. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

What the River Knows brilliantly weaves together adventure, mystery, and fantasy elements. The novel captures the essence of the historical settings in both Buenos Aires and Cairo; I was transported to these cities' rich cultural and mystical landscapes. The old-world magic that permeates the story adds depth and wonder to the narrative, making it a truly immersive experience. I highly recommend it, and I can't wait for the next installment of the series.

Um...what about that epilogue?!?

I didn't love Ibañez's previous book but got this recommendation from a trusted friend. Fantasy/magic set in Egypt might just be my kryptonite. This story of Inez's journey to discover the truth behind her parents' death on an Egyptian excavation site is filled with mystery and intrigue and magic. Whit is magic himself from his first moment on page. It was so addicting and page turning that I sat down to read a few chapters and then finished 60% of the book. I am currently devastated for the wait on the next book.

I enjoyed this book so much. Ibañez has written a story that will draw you in from the first chapter and keep you guessing at every turn.

Inez Olivero has spent half of her life dreaming of joining her mother and father on their yearly adventures to unearth ancient treasures in Egypt. When a letter arrives from her uncle informing her of her parents' mysterious deaths, she does not hesitate. She packs what she can and leaves in the night, making her way to Alexandria where she hopes to learn more about how they lived and why they died. What she finds is an uncle who wants nothing more than for her to return home to Buenos Aires, an infuriatingly charming former soldier who wants nothing more than to reach the bottom of his whiskey bottle, and the realization that her parents were not at all whom she imagined them to be. But Inez refuses to be stopped, and she takes you along on a journey that is rife with humor, uncertainty, and magical discoveries unlike the world has ever seen.

Ibañez has populated her magical version of 19th-century Egpyt with a cast of characters that are layered and full of personality. Inez is vibrant, headstrong, and incredibly resourceful. You cannot help but cheer for her even when she's throwing herself head-first into danger. Her uncle is obstinate, aloof, and insistent on standing in her way at every turn. Whit continually offers Inez differing versions of himself, sometimes carefree and agreeable, other times reserved and cold. Inez boldly proclaims her desire to uncover details surrounding the mystery of her parent's deaths, and the mistrust and secrecy that Whit and her uncle respond with create a relational landscape that sets them all up for disaster.

The world-building is meticulous, combining a whimsical magic system with an astute understanding of the conflicts and political maneuvering that marked this period of Egyptian history. The story feels urgent from beginning to end, but Ibañez weaves in scenes of levity and lightness that keep the book from being too heavy. The banter between Whit and Inez gave me several laugh-out-loud moments while reading. The romantic tension between them is delightful, and it makes the twists and turns in this book all the more heartbreaking.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing a digital ARC of this book for me to review.

I knew I wanted to read this story from the moment I saw it. The cover, the author, the Egyptian setting....it all appealed to me. I've been fascinated with Egypt since I was a teenager and I love finding books that are inspired by Egptyian history and mythology. There are so few historical fantasy books that are. This book did not disappoint. I loved Inez, she's strong and stubborn but has her flaws that she needs to work on. Whit gave me every Rick O'Connell vibes my young heart desired. I loved their slow progressive attraction and dynamics. I loved how Isabel wove the slight magical elements in with history. Reading Inez's journey through Egypt was such an emotional experience for me. It reminded me of my younger self who while fascinated by Egypt, never thought it would be a destination for her. Now as an adult reading this, I have begun paying for my own Egypt adventure and it just hit all my emotional buttons. I loved the family dynamics within the story. Seeing how each person plays a different role in how Inez developed as a character and how her viewpoint changes as she learns more. The ending though......WHAT WAS THAT!!!!! Now I'm questioning everything. This book gets a coveted SIX STAR from me and thank you Isabel for writing this amazing story that touched my inner teens soul.

3.75⭐️ rounded up

All her life, Inez Olivera wanting nothing more than to be able to follow her parents to the country they spent so much time in - Egypt. After Inez receives a letter from her uncle telling her of her parents sudden and mysterious deaths, she finally sails to Cairo in search of answers. Her journey there is filled with adventure, mystery, secrets, magic, and romance.

Ok I was going to give this 3.5 because honestly, the first 60ish percent was kind of slow for me. But once the plot twists started, I was hooked. And that ending?!? I went into this book fairly blind, assuming it was a standalone novel. But it obviously cannot because I NEED answers?!?!! OMG.

Despite this book starting off slow for me, I really enjoyed Inez and her spunky personality. She’s charming and funny, and a very fun character. I also adored the atmosphere and lush descriptions of Egypt - they truly painted a beautiful picture. The romance between Inez and Whit was fun also! Assuming this is the first book of a series, I will definitely be continuing.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced digital copy!

I have read the previous book from this author which I did not like at all, but this book was a pleasant surprised. It was a good story, I like the aspect of magic engraved in ancient objects and how the MFC was having visions and see past events, as well as the ancient Egypt atmosphere. The last 1/3 of the book was the best part and the plot twist made the story more interesting. I really hate the mom, but was really necessary to kill the cousin? I didn’t see the point of this but maybe it was done to help Inez character developed. Since most of the characters in this book are morally gray and base on this fact is seem that Inez cousin will serve as her excuse for her character to become morally gray as well.

What I didn’t enjoy was the tone and majority of the dialogue of the book this is supposed to be a historical book and as such the tone and interactions of the characters should be different and if it weren’t for the date that the author provided I would have think that the story was set in modern times. Another thing that I didn’t like was the romance it felt too insta-love. Whit was such a jerk with Inez since the beginning and it didn’t change through the hold book. Yes he has his moments but not enough to convince me. I didn’t like his character at all. So I don’t root for their relationship. I Could have do without the romance in this book.

Overall the story was entertaining and I will continue I want to know what happens next. I already pre-order my physical copy plus I have my fairyloot edition coming as well. I loved the book cover.

DNF @ 14%. I try to finish advance reader copies, but couldn’t bring myself to read more of this one.

It’s written in that awkward first-person POV with third-person omniscience that I only see in YA, with lines like “I shook my head absently” and “my ever-changing hazel eyes.” By definition, if you are doing something absently, you aren’t aware you’re doing it. And does our main character spend hours watching herself in a mirror to know her eyes are “ever-changing”?

The premise sounds fun, but the awkward and extremely young-sounding POV, jarringly modern dialogue for a book set in 1884 (“Bold move, Olivera, bold move” and “Don’t try that shit with me again”), and our main character’s privileged background resulting in a sense of entitlement and impetuosity grated on me so much I didn’t make it to The Mummy knockoff part of the story.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a complimentary copy of this novel! This is Book 1 in the Secrets of the Nile Duology by Isabel Ibanez. It is a Young Adult Historical Fiction Fantasy novel and I loved it….5 stars! This novel is set in Argentina and Egypt in the early 1800’s. Inez Oliveria is an upper class young woman of Bolivian-Argentinian descent. When she receives devastating news from her uncle that her parents have died while excavating in Egypt, she is intent on going there to Egypt to find closure and hopefully some answers. Inez is a headstrong and determined young woman who won’t take no for an answer. When she arrives in Cairo, her uncle has sent in his stead a very handsome and mysterious man named Whit. Inez doesn’t know who she can trust. She finds a note and diary belonging to her mother, claiming her uncle (her mother’s brother), was maybe responsible for their deaths. Inez ends up disguising herself as a crew member to board the Elephantine, to travel to where her uncle and parents were excavating. Her uncle is trying to get her to go back home so she doesn’t meddle. Eventually, sparks fly between her and Whit, but Inez still doesn’t have all the answers. What happened to her parents? Why did her father send her a ring belonging to Cleopatra before he died? Who can she trust? AVAILABLE October 31, 2023!!! A 5-star read!!, This story isn’t over yet! I’m looking forward to Book 2 in the series!

This might be one of the best YA books I’ve read all year.

The whole story is impressive and had me engrossed from chapter one onwards. It’s a YA historical fiction (set in 1880s Egypt) and has a twist of magical realism and a small romance subplot.

Overall, the plot is engaging, the story is mid paced with lots of great writing, the main characters are lovable, and the setting makes you want to transport there.

Synopsis:
Inez Oliviera has lived in Argentina her whole life, splitting half the year with her parents and the other half at her aunt’s home while her parents venture to Egypt in search of ancient artifacts. At age 19, having grown up immersed in Egyptian studies/history, she dreams of getting to travel with them and participate in an archeological dig…that is until a letter arrives from her uncle in Egypt informing her of their passing. Inez, desperate to find out what happened to them and learn more about their other life in Africa, sneaks away from her aunt and books passage to Egypt. Upon her arrival her uncle and his employee (a handsome young man named Whit) try to send her back but to their dismay she manages to stowaway on their boat and makes herself invaluable on their search for the lost tomb of Cleopatra…all while trying to uncover the mystery of her parents death and figuring out who she can trust.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for this ARC. It was a joy to read!

There's a blurb that describes this book as The Mummy meets Death on the Nile and that's the PERFECT description. It's full to the brim with vividly descriptive history, action and adventure and all the romantic tension you can handle. It took me so long to finish reading because I kept stopping to look things up and investigate further!
When you think it's going to zig, the book zags. And just when you think it's going to zag, it zigs. There are so many exciting twists and turns and she never chickens out on pushing the limits. The epilogue - Oh. My. Goodness. What the heck?? Someone please read this so we can talk about the epilogue!! It's definitely set up for a second book. And I'm not mad about it! Do not skip the Author's Note. Lots of great information!

*immediately seeking out books set in Egypt!

This was a tricky one for me to gather my thoughts on! A first for me by Ibañez… and definitely not my last.

The setting was one I never knew I was yearning for in a book… she immerses you into the history of ancient Egypt and an archeological site to the point of feeling like you covered in dust and a bit claustrophobic. I enjoyed the characters as well as the plot. At times I felt the story would pique my interest and then quickly fizzle out for a bit and then pique it once more repeatedly… but don’t let that sway you I really enjoyed the book and I’m looking forward to book 2… that ending!!!

Thank you to the publisher for my advanced ecopy!

5⭐️

Ughh this book is going to be living rent free in a good way until I can get book two in my hands. That ending!!

I really loved my time with this book. This is my first experience with this author and I'm going to check out her past work.

This book is shrouded in mystery, adventure, and magical realism. Inez had traveled to Egypt in search of her parents. Her parents uncle, now appointed Guadian, does not want her tagging along and has put his associate Whit in charge of her. Which he is not really good at.

I loved the characters of this book. Tio was my least enjoyed character and Whit was my absolute favorite. He was charming and hilarious. Yet also so incredibly sweet. I couldn't get enough and I'm so sad I have to wait for the next book. Chefs kiss 💋

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St Martins Press for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.

I will be posting my review to my Instagram page the.floofs.booknook and retail sites close or on publication.

I kept hearing about this book and decided to give it a go without really knowing what to expect. I'm not an egyptophile and I don't know too much about the history of egypt so it was nice to get the initial timeline and some background information sprinkled throughout.

The relationship between the characters is a really great enemies to lovers dynamic and I knew from the moment Inez left Whit on the docks with her luggage it was going to be a fun ride.

The twists and turns in the plot are unexpected and made me not want to put the book down. I also had no idea this was a duology so the ending was truly devastating. I don't know how I'm going to survive the wait until the next book.