𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🕰 Historical Fantasy
🧙‍♀️ Magic
🐪 Egypt
⛵ Adventure

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Inez has been living with her aunt and cousins while her parents are on an expedition in Egypt with her uncle. When she receives a letter saying they have been missing and are presumed dead, she decides to go to Egypt on her own in search of them. While there, she starts to suspect that her uncle may have had something to do with her parents disappearing and forces her way onto his expedition, much to his frustration. During this journey, she becomes close to her uncle’s employee, Whit, who is as handsome as he is frustrating. As the two become closer, she begins to realize that she has no idea who she can actually trust.

𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
Going into this book, I knew I would probably love it, but I had no idea how good it would actually be. I’ve always loved reading about Egypt and this book really brought the country to life in vivid and beautiful detail.

Some of the writing came across as a little too YA for me, but that didn’t detract from the story. I was hanging onto every word and I can’t get over the ending. 5/5⭐.

I am happy to say that the synopsis's comp to The Mummy was definitely present. For the first ~40% I was really enjoying the book. Then I felt my interest wane slowly until I was rushing to finish. However, even though this book isn't for me, I do think it would do well with a YA demographic.

Rick and Evie:
So there is absolutely no chance in hell that the author wasn't thinking of exactly Rick and Evie from The Mummy while she was writing the main characters. Whit is an absolute copy of Rick, from the hair to the clothes to the devilish, troublemaker attitude. The banter between the two, jaded vs naive, and the constant rescuing is very reminiscent of this top tier couple. I would've loved a book fully focused on them and I can see readers becoming very attached to this aspect of the book.

Fantasy Elements:
There are a few, cool artifacts with magic in this. The feral book living in the sunflowers was excellent, the prank-assisting scarf that shrinks things was another delight. But overall they had no material impact on the story and very loose integration.

The overwhelming impact was from magic transferred via a gold ring, which mostly served as a plot convenience to lead them to locations of significance, or to act in a magical realism sort of way so that the MC could see brief images of an ancient person's life. I think this both weakened the world-building and detracted from the very real history and people that often came up, so I would've preferred if the author had leaned harder into the magic integration or removed it entirely.

Saturday Morning Educational Cartoons:
There were several passages while reading that I had the distinct impression that I was watching an educational kids' cartoon and they were trying to teach me about Cleopatra. But 1. it was through dialogue among characters who wouldn't have a reason to discuss things in that way, 2. it was fairly surface level, 3. it felt like definitive opinions of the author that removed any nuance or controversy or scholarly debate. I think this would be cool for kids who are into Ancient Egypt, but it got a little grating for me as an adult reader.

Inez:
And this is where I'm gonna be harsh, because I did not like being in the POV of this character. Aside from a few paragraphs at the end of the occasional chapter where we get a snippet from Whit, this is entirely told from Inez's perspective. At first I thought I understood who her character was: a bright young lady from a privileged background with years of scholarly study and multiple languages under her belt, sick of swimmin' and ready to stand. But then suddenly she'd be incredibly naive because the author needed to educate the audience through dialogue to Inez (why tf would she not know about the cataracts of The Nile? it's only the second most famous feature of the country she and her parents were obsessed with, so she definitely wouldn't know any details or have overheard her parents speaking about it)

Likewise, there was a plot reveal that I swear happened three times, each time spelling it out more and more clearly to the point that I was honestly shocked when she reacted the second and third times. Like didn't we already do this? And in between discoveries (and even immediately after them) she would suddenly behave as if recent revelations or promises hadn't happened at all. Her character inconsistency gave me whiplash.

So I ultimately enjoyed her stubbornness and perseverance, but was driven a bit batty by her naivety and how she fell for every fishy and poorly concealed trap.

Tio Ricardo:
It's also worth noting that the text reminded me at least once that this her uncle is a man she doesn't know. They've barely interacted in her lifetime and she has no reason to trust or like him. She'll have elements of his character introduced and clearly delineated, then later think that his character is the exact opposite. Or suddenly they're disappointed and betrayed by each other when, again, they *barely know each other.*

I cannot keep up with this relationship.

Patriarchy and Misogyny:
Good god the amount of patriarchy in the beginning was <i>stifling</i> and I really struggled to want to continue, not knowing if there would be a pay-off. Spoiler: <spoiler>there wasn't.</spoiler> But thankfully after they leave Cairo it really stopped being a theme at all, even though they wouldn't stop slapping me in the face with it mere seconds before. Rant: <spoiler>I know this is a series so maybe it comes up later, but I cannot handle the 0 retribution for Sterling. Fuck that dude.</spoiler>

The Ending:
The ending came out of nowhere and was so fast and seemed like it was trying to be as startling and emotional as possible. But also I <i>literally</i> could not stop myself from rolling my eyes <spoiler>as she read her father's letter, spelling everything out so that it was honestly comical. It needed to be much better set up to have any resonance so it just felt silly and another way to convince/remind the reader of recent reveals.</spoiler>

Overall:
Ultimately I'm really disappointed because, apart from the misogyny, the first 40% was really fun and I loved the FMC and MMC's relationship. I don't know if I'll continue on with the series.

Bonus star because I love Rick & Evie.

What a fantastic, thrilling read! 4.25 stars! The twists and turns this book took were unexpected, the characters were as loveable as they were shakeable for their decisions, and the settings were amazing. Full of adventure, mystery, and betrayal with flashbacks to a time when magic was more widely used. Inez is pretty naive throughout the whole book, but is determined to find out what happened to her parents and create her own a path to the truth. I highly enjoyed the connection between Inez and Whit, who start at odds with each other and grow closer over the course of the novel. It has been a few weeks since I've finished the book and I cannot stop thinking about the ending and what it could mean! Book 2 cannot come soon enough.

The gasp I gasped!!
For anyone obsessed with Egypt, Cleopatra, or not listening to men, this is the book for you! It’s so good. I’d like to thank Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC before it comes out to the public. The start of the book is a little slow, but quickly starts to speed up. There’s excitement, travelling, historical knowledge, magic, a touch of love, and murder. The last 20% of the book is a “I can’t go to bed until I finish this book omg omg omg!!” kind of text you’d send to a friend kind of book. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to get out of slump.

Inez discovers an awful truth, and while that awful truth has brought chaos to her life, she spends quite a bit of time falling in love with Whit.
The hunt for Cleopatra's Tomb in Philae of all places has more to do with magic than it does the discovery of her tomb.
Meanwhile, Inez's father is a dangling plot detail.

This book is clearly part one of a duology or trilogy, but I don't know if I want to continue to follow Inez's journey.

This book is just fantastic. It’s a great balance of romance and plot. The story follows 17 year old Inez to Egypt as she searches for answers about the death of her parents. There she enters their world of archaeology, magic, and more. She also meets Whitford Hayes, handsome and mysterious.

If you liked Divine Rivals, I think you’ll like this one. If you liked Divine Rivals and have an interest in ancient Egypt, you’ll absolutely devour this one.

Thank you Wednesday Books and Netgalley for early access to this book. All thoughts are my own.

Don’t you love reading a story that immediately immerses you in its world? You feel sucked in and can’t stop until you discover what happens next. Well, that’s exactly what this did to me. When I tell you this story had me on edge the whole time, I’m not lying. This story is mystery-filled action-packed, with a bit of romance to boot. The characters are so well delivered, and you begin to love one and then start to distrust another, or the one you doubt starts to be someone you love. It’s all so well written and flows so nicely. Your emotions will be toyed with, and you will finish this story with a big question mark because of all the possibilities that could be at play in the next installment. It does have a slow-burn romance but don’t go in thinking this story is focusing solely on it. The story is so much more than the romance. It’s just one piece of a giant puzzle. What The River Knows is one of my favorite reads of the year, if not my favorite. If you love Indiana Jones, The Mummy, or National Treasure adventure movies or TV shows, this story is perfect for you. If you’re looking for a heavy romance, you’re not going to get that here, which isn’t a bad thing because, as I said before, it’s only a little piece to a giant puzzle that’s still not done; I highly recommend going out and getting this book when it comes out. It’s that good.

This book has beautiful, visual Egyptian history, along with mystery that has you guessing on every single page. The experience reading this book was very immersive, as I felt like I was truly in Inez’s place. The romance and familial relationships were well done. This book is probably one of the most unique fantasy novels I have read this year.

Thank you so much Netgalley and St. martin’s Press for the Arc!


I found a book in July of 2022 that opened up a void inside of me that had me looking for an Egyptian-style fantasy book similar in feeling to The Mummy. I spent so long looking and I really thought I’d never satisfy that craving. Well, this book was what I needed, it has filled that void and my heart is so full!

This is such a dreamy, clever and heartbreaking book. I felt so many different emotions right from the first chapter. The pacing of this book was fantastic, I was constantly on edge waiting for the next detail to unfurl. The mystery of Inez’s parents' death is woven so perfectly around the greater mystery of ancient Egypt. Isabel took so much care in sprinkling in real historical figures and events, this really adds so much depth and historical accuracy to this book that I was not expecting from something in the fantasy genre.

This story has so many wonderful characters; from Inez’ prickly uncle, to kindhearted Kareem. There's no shortage of characters to love or hate. Inez herself is such a fantastic character. She’s so stubborn, hilarious and so full of hope. Her slow build friendship and more with Whit is so wild and dreamy. I loved Whit immediately, the banter between them is to die for.

And this book's ending left me with so many questions and emotions, I cannot wait to continue this story! Inez is in my heart and I need her to find happiness!

GAH WHAT A CLIFFHANGER!!! The budding romance and multiple twists made this one exciting. I Loved Inez's ingenuity about sneaking around and escaping different situations in which she found herself.

ARC by NetGalley and the publisher.
While everyone on social media is talking about the Roman Empire I’m a firm believer that my version of this is ancient Egypt. this book very much embodies that fascination that started at a young age much like our main character Inez.
Inez has dreamed of following alongside her parents grand adventures to Egypt her whole life. Her requests are constantly thwarted and she is made to stay behind with her Aunt and cousins in Argentina. Inez spends her days drawing and fantasizing of the day her invitation to join them will come, it never does. Word of her parents deaths sparks Inez to finally journey to the intriguing country she has always dreamed of. Who can Inez trust in her quest and what secrets does the mysterious golden ring her father sent have to do with their disappearances.
Ibañez truly transports the reader to Egypt, I enjoyed the enchanting descriptions she painted for the reader and found myself turning pages quickly. Inez was a strong main character, her ingenuity and pluckiness was very refreshing. Whit was charming and the banter between the two main characters brought a smile to my face. While I loved the setting and plot I did find that inconsistent pacing towards the last half of the book to be a bit jarring. Upon completion it is apparent that Ibañez will be making this into a series and I look forward to learning more about the magic we were given a small taste of.
This YA novel is as a fun blend of historical fiction, mystery, a pinch of magic, and a dash of romance. I have no doubt that the targeted audience will absolutely swoon over this book and discover a great love for Egypt.

What the River Knows comes out October 31, 2023.

Thank you again NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

An incredibly fresh and fun take on historical fantasy! This book is for anyone who grew up feeling different and also obsessed with Egypt. What the River Knows strikes an amazing balance between the history between Egypt and England, exploring historical artifacts/archeology in a sociological and anthropological context and actual magic. The characters are full of life and the mystery will bring you on an intense and wild ride!

I... don't know what I thought about this book!

It definitely gave off the vibes it promised, being The Mummy and Death on the Nile, but in a surface level way. I saw one review mention that a confusion about it being YA versus adult with the characters in their early 20s/late teens, and while it definitely felt YA, something did feel a bit weird that the 19/20 year old characters were acting like such children at times (Or I should say, younger teens perhaps).

The twist was telegraphed so loudly that I thought that I was missing something or that the main character was just very dense (though, who ended up betraying her did make sense why she would ignore those signs). The other shocking thing at the end also felt strange because while it was sad that a certain character died, it almost felt like they got reintroduced to off them.

I don't know. I read this because I thought it would be a fun little adventure, but it did what books always seem to do - be a surprise series, and that was another disappointment.

I'm really talking myself down on this - I think a 3 star is a good place for this, though I know a lot of people enjoyed it.

Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for a chance to read and review.

Amazing story, amazing character development, and amazing narrative arc. The plot flowed smoothly, everything made sense, and I loved every minute of reading this. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I never knew who I could and couldn't trust, which worked perfectly for the purpose Ibanez set out to accomplish. Already CANNOT wait for the sequel

I really enjoyed this story - quick style summary: Runaway South American Socialite travels alone to Egypt to find out what happened to her parents. The plot has twists and turns and a bit of Indiana Jones style action. This is a fun romp including a mystery, forbidden romance, and a little magic.

4 stars. I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This novel was a fascinating blend of history, magic, and intrigue. There were times when I questioned some of the character development, especially Inez, as she was a little unbearable at times. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and cannot wait for the next book.

If you’re looking for a book with a slow born romance, complicated relationships, a little murder mystery, magic, loads of plot twists, and a strong female character who a little naive to go along with your ancient Egypt addiction, then this book was written in the stars for you! Would like to clarify that this is a duology and not a standalone, which I wasn’t aware of when I started it. I cannot wait to get my hand on the next book. The ending had me gasping and punching air. Couldn’t recommend enough!

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martins Press, Wednesday Books, and Isabel Ibañez for this captivating Arc in exchange for my honest review! You all are the best!

If you liked the Mummy and a fun adventure, pick this book up. I was hoping for more magic and mysticism, but I enjoyed the chemistry between Inez and Whit. Looking forward to the next book!

I received an ARC from Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press.

What the what?! The way this book ended has me like 🤯🫣 Whyyyy?!!

This book was so good. I’m not very good with historical type of books but this one was amazing. Epic! The blurb begins with ‘The Mummy meets..’ I mean, say less!
There’s a LOT going on in this book. You have a girl from Argentina, Inez. She always dreams of going off with her parents who frequently go to Egypt excavating and doing adventure-y things there. They never allow her join so she lives with her aunt and cousins. Then she receives word that her parents have died so she decides to go to Egypt and figure out what exactly happened to them. In Egypt, she encounters her uncle and a Mr. Whitford Hayes. They want to send her back home and she doesn’t want to go until she gets some answers.
The magic in this book is found in old artifacts. A seemingly ordinary scarf can shrink things or pour hot water. This book takes place in Egypt so there’s lots of fun stuff with that. They’re searching for lost tombs and such.
This book is so adventurous. There’s never a dull moment. It’s first person POV so you’re along for the ride. You learn everything as Inez does. I loved Inez and her stubbornness. I loved Whit and his guarded but sweet self! I loved all of it. So much!
There is a bit of romance. It’s fun too because this is the late 1800s so a man even looking at you too long is scandalous! So when their hands touch or something so innocent happens it’s fully swoon worthy in this book! I loved it. You do get a few little POV parts from Whit too and it’s veryyy interesting!
If you want an adventurous historical fantasy that has lots of twists and turns, this is for you! I highly recommend. It was so so good. It ends on a cliffhanger that had my heart racing 😫
Thank you NetGalley, Isabel Ibañez, and St Martins Press for the eARC! It was an honor to get to read this book:)

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

"What the River Knows" is a historical mystery infused with magical realism. Inez learns of her parents' demise in Egypt, prompting her to leave her aunt in Argentina and surprise her uncle while seeking the truth behind her parents' death.

The book reminded me somewhat of an Agatha Christie novel, albeit without a traditional detective. The author excels in character development and keeping readers guessing at every twist and turn. Although the pacing occasionally felt slow, I enjoyed the author's vivid descriptions of the Egyptian scenery.

At times, I found the main character's naivety more akin to that of a young teenager rather than a 19-year-old, creating a sense of a significant age gap between her and her love interest. However, considering the time period and societal norms, you often see young women as inexperienced and sheltered. Eventually, I accepted this and appreciated their banter and friendship. It would have been helpful to know that this is not a standalone book; the surprising cliffhanger caught me off guard.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, appreciating the historical context and vivid scenery the author provided. The unexpected twists in the story kept me engaged, and despite the occasional slower pace, I couldn't put it down, finishing the book quickly. I will definitely read the next book and recommend it to others.