I have tried to enjoy this book. Based on the description, this book should be on my favorites list, but it just isn't for me. I read it as an eARC (Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the E-Galley of this work in exchange for my honest review), and checked out the audio book and still I just can't get into the plot, the romance, the pacing. I know this book is beloved by some, and if you read the description and think it ticks all your boxes, then by all means read this book. Sadly, for me it just didn't work.

Compelling characters, twists I didn't see coming, and intriguing mystery and an ending that had me begging for the next book!

✔️ Rivals to lovers
✔️ Forbidden romance
✔️ Forced proximity
✔️ Historical romance
✔️ Slow burn
✔️ The Mummy (1999) vibes

All things I love dearly & I feel so lucky to have read it early.

The blossoming, passionate romance between the enigmatic Whit and Inez stands out as one of the book's highlights.

Fun setting, engaging plot, likeable characters, and great writing - to get invested in the story. and, with that ending, I know I'm hooked and cant wait for the sequel!

This was a DNF for me, I just couldn't get into the characters and storyline even though it sounded like a lot of fun!

My only concern with this book, which could be seen as a good thing is the slower pacing which allows for deeper character development and thematic exploration, fostering a more immersive reading experience.

This was, unfortunately for me, a DNF. I plan to try again at some point, but it was a bit too slow in the beginning for me to dedicate any more time to trying to get through it.

"What the River Knows" by Isabel Ibañez offers a compelling blend of historical fantasy and adventure, set against the evocative backdrop of nineteenth-century Egypt. The premise promises an intriguing mix of "The Mummy" and "Death on the Nile," and for the most part, it delivers on this blend of mystery, romance, and ancient magic.

The story follows Inez Olivera, a young woman from the elite society of Buenos Aires, who finds herself drawn into a world of old magic and secrets after the mysterious deaths of her parents. Inez's journey to Cairo, armed with her sketch pads and a magical golden ring, is filled with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to the bustling streets and ancient ruins of Egypt. The historical and cultural details are lush and immersive, making it easy to visualize the setting.

Ibañez excels in creating a rich atmosphere and a sense of adventure. The elements of magic interwoven with historical fiction are intriguing, and the central mystery keeps the reader engaged. However, the pacing can be uneven at times, with some sections dragging while others feel rushed.

The characters are a mix of compelling and frustrating. Inez is a strong protagonist, determined and resourceful, though her development sometimes feels inconsistent. The rivals-to-lovers romance with her guardian’s assistant adds a layer of tension and charm, but it occasionally veers into predictable territory.

What the River Knows is a plot-driven tale that’s reminiscent of The Mummy with ever-so-slight a touch of Bridgerton (for the high-society, historical romance elements) but with a Latina lead.

While the vibes are an A+ —archaeology meets action with an anti-imperialist lens— the actual execution at times left me wanting. During my read, I kept picturing the book as movie scenes instead. I think the novel suffers a bit from its medium; it seems to want to be this action-packed drama, but it suffers from its info-dumping feeling out of place and its dialogue feeling unpolished. In my opinion, a TV show would allow the plot to shine in a way that feels more genuine and might give the audience more time with the characters (and a better understanding of the leads’ chemistry, which sometimes feels awkward in the novel version). As it stands, I found myself wanting to connect more with the characters. The stakes were high because of the book’s high concept (what’s at threat is ultimately the Egyptian cultural legacy) but the sub-plots that relied more on interpersonal conflict (like the MC’s parents disappearing) fell flat because the characters do not feel fully realized.

Overall, it’s worth a read if you want a fresh take on the Mummy that has something to say about British colonialism. And definitely pick up a copy if you’re the type of reader who values settings that act as a character.

I did enjoy this one! I liked the characters, the plot, the writing. It was very enjoyable! I don’t know if I’d pick up the sequel but I know that this was a good read.

What a journey! This read is so immersive that I didn't want to come out of it at the end. The author's descriptions are vivid and lively and make you yearn for a place you've never seen like it's your home. The characters feel so vibrant and real - like a bunch of people you know or would really like to know. I love that the author boldly wrote such a variety of complicated relationships, yet none of them felt tropey or flat. Almost every type of love and heartbreak are included somewhere in these pages and they all shine on their own. While I do wish we'd gotten a little bit more of the fantasy elements, the action and adventure really made up for it. The twists were twisty and the hits never stopped coming, right until the last page. Can't wait to pick up the sequel later this year!

⚱️I was excited about this book! I was drawn in by its unique premise and the promise of a rivals-to-lovers story with an Indiana Jones/The Mummy feel. The stunning cover art only heightened my excitement.

⚱️Regrettably, the novel fell short of my expectations. While the core story had potential, it was marred by two significant issues: purple prose and repetitiveness. The excessive length—stretching at least 100 pages beyond necessity IMO—detracted from the overall experience. The first half of the book seemed preoccupied with travel details and complaints, leaving little room for genuine engagement.

⚱️Even though the book is categorized as young adult, the main female character came across as overly naive, especially within the context of the love story. It was awkward to read.

⚱️Furthermore, the promised parallels to Indiana Jones and The Mummy were disappointingly scarce. The connections felt tenuous at best, failing to deliver the adventurous spirit I had hoped for.

⚱️While the book had potential, its execution left me wanting. I’m genuinely bummed that I didn’t enjoy it more.

Thank you @netgalley and Wednesday Books for an eARC of this book, which I have read and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

This book just wasn't for me. The main female character read way too young, and it took me way too long to figure out who the love interest was supposed to be. I was hoping for more history, archaeology, and Egypt, and got way too much FMC angst and confusion. I know many others who love this one, but it just wasn't my taste.

In this fantasy-lite, historical fiction, an Argentinian woman (overprotected and treated like a child, the only explanation to account for her ridiculosity) goes to Cairo to investigate her parents’ death. Oh, who to trust, what to do, who to fall in insta-love with? Although the story develops slowly, I couldn’t put it down. I didn’t know it was the first in a series though. 😭 The wait will be excruciating.

This was an intriguing mystery set in the backdrop of the discovery of Cleopatra's tomb. Inez is envious of Egypt's appeal to her parents and wants to join them there. Waiting for their reply, she instead finds out that her parents are missing and presumed dead. She travels to Egypt to meet her uncle and discover what happened to her parents. Rife with distrust, betrayal, and confusing feelings, this was an interesting historical fantasy mystery and rival-to-lovers romance.

I am absolutely in love with this story! I couldn't put it down! I demand more! I love these characters and this world beyond belief. Honestly, such a lyrical writing style that kept me captivated.

"What the River Knows" by Isabel Ibañez is a beautifully crafted historical adventure set in a richly detailed world. Ibañez's vivid descriptions and engaging plot make for an immersive reading experience. The protagonist's journey of discovery and self-realization is both heartfelt and inspiring. This novel is perfect for readers who love historical fiction with a touch of magic and romance.

While this book was little slow for the first 100 pages, once you passed that mark it picked up fast and I finished it in 3 days! I was fully engrossed and enjoyed the adventure and mystery! I can't wait for the next book! I need to know what happens!

Inez only sees her parents for half of year at home in Argentina. They spend the rest of the year in Egypt on digs with her uncle. Instead of a letter inviting her to finally visit, Inez receive a letter telling her that her parents have disappeared and are presumed dead. She undertakes a solo voyage across the ocean to her Tio Ricardo, her guardian, and the only person with answers about her parent's disappearance. Instead of meeting her at the docks upon her arrival, he sends his employee Whitford Hayes, a rogue with secrets to spare. Inez gives Whit the slip and thus begins a friends to lovers back and forth that burns through the whole novel. Once in Egypt, Inez feels traces of lost magic that will lead her to help on the digging exhibition with her uncle.

This novel is full to bursting with action, secrets, double-crossing, and intrigue. The sequel is well set-up with an epilogue that leaves readers begging for more. Highly recommended for summer reading for high school and up.

Easily one of the best books of 2024. The characters have so much depth, the vibes are immaculate, the tension is perfect, I could never guess what was coming next, it was a perfect book. I have absolutely no notes, you must go read this book ASAP!!!!!

I had a really great time reading this book! It sounded really good, and I enjoyed Isabel Ibañez's other book, so I had to pick it up! It was atmospheric and I loved these characters and watching as the story unfolded and we found out more of what was going on!

The magic in this book combined with this setting was really magical to read! I wanted to know more, and the atmosphere and these characters really brought it to life and I just had to keep turning the pages and seeing what was going to happen next!

Watching Inez look into what happened to her parents, finding out what was going on, even with the obstruction attempts, was so fascinating! Inez was such a great character to take on this task, she was smart and determined, and it was personal.

I really hope we get a sequel, because the way that we end things, well, I need to know what is going to happen next! I'm pretty sure that it is going to be a series, but I hope that this doesn't stay a stand alone, because that ending left these characters in quite a predicament!

This was a fantastic read, and I hope that it becomes a series, I would love to read more!