4/5 stars. To be released November 2023.

This was marketed with "The Mummy" vibes, so naturally I had to pick it up. The story follows Inez, who travels from Argentina to Egypt after learning that her parents have died. She meets up with her uncle and the handsome Whit and becomes part of their adventure to find the tomb of Cleopatra. What's unique about this is there is a dash of magic that infiltrates the story. It's not at the forefront, but instead is a remnant of an older world that gives Inez insight into Cleopatra's life and demise. You definitely to not know who to trust throughout the course of the book and I was absolutely shocked by a few turn of events! The book ended on a cliff hanger, and probably one of my favorite lines ever, and I can't wait until the sequel!

Thanks to Netgalley for my ARC. When I saw this novel advertised, I was so excited to request it early and even more excited when I got the arc. Historical Egyptian adventures are rare to find in fiction, and The Mummy movies are my favorites. So I was champing at the bit to read What the River Knows. I really wish I'd loved the book as much as I wanted to.

Inez is an heiress from Buenos Aires. Raised with her cousins, Inez hardly knows her parents, who prefer to spend most of their time exploring Egypt and refuse to bring her along. Before her 19th birthday, she sends a letter pleading to finally be allowed to visit. But the responding letter comes from her uncle: her parents are dead. Inez packs up everything she owns and journeys to Egypt to discover what really happened to her parents.

What the River Knows boasts an Egyptian adventure similar to The Mummy; instead we get a novel that doesn't know what it wants to be when it grows up. Is it adult? The main character is 19; the love interest is presumed in his 20s. All the characters are definitely adults. There's graphic gun violence, murder, brothels, and alcohol addiction. Is it YA? The main character acts like a rebellious, reckless child 90% of the time. The writing feels dumbed down, and the characters get all worked up over chaste kisses. Is it historical? It's set in Victorian Egypt with a backdrop of British colonialism. But it wants to be fantasy, because magic is *real* but for some reason, no one bothered to write any of it down. So no one practices it, and the magic lingers on enchanted objects like dust.

Inez is reckless to a fault. It's less-so a character trait and more her entire personality. She has no regard for anyone and is constantly putting herself and others in danger. And when things turn sour, Inez continues to make it worse. Whit is an interesting character, but his POV feels like an afterthought. The "romance" between Whit and Inez has almost too much tension, like it's artificially tense and annoyingly wishy-washy. And the constant lying from all the characters was exhausting. Half the conflict could've been avoided with communication - if Inez was adult enough to demand the truth faster.

The magic is weirdly underutilized and mundane. People use random enchanted objects that do little tricks (like a handkerchief that shrinks things and a sandal that lights on fire) but they have no idea how to cast enchantments, because no one wrote the spells down? Magic is normal, and not really a big deal, but also definitely not needed in this society. The author chose to keep the world almost exactly like ours historically, except for the magic. I think it would've made sense to keep magic secret and unknown (yes, like The Mummy) until it's discovered randomly and has story influencing implications. But the author chose to make magic normalized and mostly useless.

Okay, now let's talk about the fridging - the real reason I'm absolutely disappointed. We meet Inez's cousin and sidekick Elvira in the beginning. She's portrayed as Inez's biggest supporter, best friend, and closest family. She does whatever she can to protect Inez from her mother and is a bubbly, doting girly-girl. Elvira is given absolutely zero personality traits outside of being ditzy and loving her cousin. Elvira would do anything for Inez, including following her to Egypt to support her quest to find out why her parents died, *without* Inez knowing. So when Elvira arrives in Egypt and finally finds her cousin, she's kidnapped not even 24 hours after being with Inez, kept prisoner in an Egyptian tomb and then murdered right in front of Inez. Elvira's only purpose was to love Inez and die for it - a poor choice by the author that I absolutely hated.

I hate that I didn't enjoy this novel; I just wish the author had made different decisions.

2 stars

I have been craving a book like this for forever it seems - they just don't write teen historical fiction well anymore. Thank the stars for Isabel Ibanez! This book was everything I had been wanting and missing. Excellent dialogue, solid historical accuracy and details, an independent, likeable heroine, romance, exotic locations, Egypt and archaeology! It was incredible. How she writes is more like poetry than fictions, and I just savored each word, phrase, and page and was very sorry when it ended. I will definitely be buying this book in print! TEN STARS!

What the River Knows was such a fun read, and I can hardly wait for the second book. Part of me wishes I hadn’t read this until the second book was written and published so I could immediately know what happens next. I will definitely be getting my hands on the second book as soon as possible.
This book had everything. There was adventure, Egyptology, mystery, magic, strong willed characters, romance and more. The publishers were spot on when they described it as a cross between “The Mummy” and “Indiana Jones”.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
#WhattheRiverKnows #NetGalley

I really struggled with this book.
The story's pace seemed to either go too slow or too fast. There were pages of descriptions or, even worse reflections on the characters' emotions, that just seemed to go on forever. Then the action sequences just used minimalistic detail and were brief to the point of skipping over what happened.
Then there was the issue of dangling storylines. There were too many questions left at the end. Maybe that was in anticipation of a sequel but I was more frustrated than intrigued.
I really wanted to like this book because it had all of my favorite things. A strong heroine, mystery, magic, and archeology. So I was sadly disappointed when the story didn't live up to my expectations.

What the River Knows is such a fantastic book! I loved pretty much everything about this one. The setting was perfect and it was really cool to learn more about Egypt, its history, and the Nile. The characters were top-notch. I really loved Inez Olivera, her Uncle, and Whit, Inez and Whit had crazy chemistry, and the Uncle was well-meaning at times but really needs to work on how he treats people. The story is an adventure, mystery, and romance with a touch of magic. Really the perfect combination. The twists and turns were legitimate surprises that you will not see coming. I loved this book and cannot wait for the next one.

What the River Knows is an adventure that will have set your emotions on a wild loop ranging from heartache to determination to suspicion.

My first book by Isabel Ibanez.

The worldbuilding is well done and the intentions of the characters are clear even when most of the characters are keeping their secrets tight.

I didn't quite feel connected to all of the characters, although I did feel Inez had so many bad days and wanted her to have a good day to rest her heavy heart.

Whit's pov greatly added to the story and I wish there was more of his pov to balance out with Inez's to really feel the yearning and tension and romance between the characters.

The story had a few twists and turns that kept me hooked and the ending was not something I fully expected. It will be interesting to see how the sequel plays out! If anything I hope there is justice for Inez!

I finished What the River Knows, screamed into a pillow (the windows are open and I don’t want to scare the neighbors), and immediately tried to find any information I could find about a sequel to this book (there will be according to Isabel Ibañez’s Instagram…phew!!!)

That ENDING!!!!! 🤯

Listen, if you live for enemies to lovers slow burn romances, this will be right up your alley. The back and forth banter between Inez and Whit had me giggling out loud on more than one occasion. I loved Inez’s resourcefulness and how she got what she wanted. The plot is pretty light on fantastical elements so this would be perfect for people new to the fantasy genre. No spice and no dogs died.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go reread this.

What an immersive experience! It was a fast paced read with really amazing world building. I liked the FMC so much and truly felt like I can relate to an imaginary character! We are taken on an adventure to solve a mystery that turns into a dangerous adventure! The author weaves in history that's ancient and modern. I would label this a historic mystery with lush world building. Someone likened the book to Indiana Jones meets The Mummy and I fully endorse that comparison!

First I want to say a huge thank you to NetGalley for approving my arc request. I've been eyeballing this book since I first saw it on Instagram and I've been jealous and envious of everyone reading it.

Ok, now I can scream from the rooftops about how much I enjoyed this book! I could barely put it down, it had me hooked from page one. I really love Inez and her headstrong spirit for adventure and, even in the face of literally everyone telling her no, she still said no right back and kept on doing what she truly felt in her heart was right.

Without revealing too much of the twists of this plot I can say, it took me a bit by surprise. I'm not one who catches on quickly to mysteries, and personally I'm ok with that because it keeps the genre exciting, but this was so much more than just a mystery: it's a historical fiction of one of my favorite topics: Egypt. I mean, honestly, what person on the planet isn't intrigued by the country and their mythology? I'll wait while you try to name one. I was enraptured as a small child and, true to the comparison, loved The Mummy. So to say I knew I was going to love this from the start is an understatement.

Whit is wonderful, even in his gruffness and I think he balanced out Inez perfectly. Overall, I very much enjoyed this book and am so glad I was afforded the opportunity to read it before it's release.I know this will be a hit on the market for anyone who likes mysteries, historical fictions, maybe has a love of Shakespeare or maybe even a hint of Anne Rice, definitely for fans of Agatha Christie mysteries, as this has a similar feel.

I loved this book! Set in the late 1800’s, Inez is an Argentinian girl who travels to Egypt to solve the disappearance of her parents. I loved Inez, and Whit, and every character for that matter. There were a few twists throughout the book that surprised me as well. I’m hoping a sequel is in the works to explain the epilogue!!

This book was an instant favorite.

Magic, archeology and a simmering romance combine to make a five-star read in this YA historical fantasy.

When Inez's parents mysteriously disappear, she travels to the one place they'd never allowed her to go: their archeological digs in Egypt. Her only clue's a mysterious ring filled with magic that her father sent to her shortly before his death. It's importance is confirmed when it's immediately stolen from her on the train as soon as she arrives in Egypt. Suspicious of everyone, but most of all her uncle, Inez is determined that no one will send her home until she finds out the truth. She's almost met her match in the handsome Whit, assigned to get her on the boat back to Peru, but she bests him at every turn.

Whit's relationship with Inez makes the book. He's mysterious, with a shady past, and so protective of her. They can't stop bickering and bantering, even after he saves her life. Inez's ability to see through his mask allows him to find room for her in his heart of gold. But his die-hard loyalty to
Inez's uncle often puts them on opposite sides.

This has a great cast of suspects - Inez's uncle, gem merchants, a potential artifact smuggling ring, and a challenging race to be the first to find the tomb of Cleopatra, a secret Inez's parents may have died for.

This is the perfect Indiana Jones retelling with a strong female heroine.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The description says, " The Mummy meets Death On The Nile" that was enough to get me interested and then throw in some archaeology and I'm totally invested. I already love Isabel Ibanez's writing, and she just continues to get better and better. She is fantastic and I loved What The River Knows. I can't wait to add this to my shelf.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced digital copy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (and a half)
Thank you to NetGalley for giving this ARC, and this doesn’t influence my review. Caution: slight spoilers ahead. I am glad to have received another ARC from this author through NG!
There was rich culture of Egypt shown, many plot twists and heartbreaks, and that cliffhanger???? Excuse me I’m sorry what!?????
I need the next book!
Tropes: rivals to lovers, forbidden romance, slow burn romance, touch her and you die, secrets, forced proximity, historical romance,
We love cocky and flirty guys #whattheriverknows

This book is marketed as The Mummy meets Death on the Nile and that is a truly apt description.

Inez Olivera has shared her parents with Egypt as long as she can remember, and while she waits patiently at home in Argentina she does everything to learn about the place that holds her parents captive. When news arrives that both her parents are missing and presumed dead, Inez takes off for Egypt to get her own answers.

Historically rich and wildly imaginative this story is full of adventure, family drama, mysterious and haute locals, Egyptian history and a race against time.

Nothing goes smoothly on Inez’s journey for answers, she is clever and conniving as she forges her own path and search for the truth, with the deplorable Mr Hayes hindering her at every turn.

Nothing is as it seems and the truth cuts deeper than anyone expected. I was riveted, shocked and completely flabbergasted in the best ways watching this story unfold. And the ending left my jaw and heart on the floor. I am excited to see where this series will go.

With a dash of magic, a sprinkling of romance and a woman determined to do whatever it takes this should be high on your TBR come November 14 when it is released.

Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the ARC all opinions are my own.

Wait….WHAT?! Okay I am IN! When does the sequel come out?! Cus there HAS TO BE ONE.

Wow. So right from the start I love the book. I love the incorporation of different languages, the historical facts, the witty banter. I’m a huge fan of Egyptian history. It’s fascinating! So romantic and beautiful and the mark they they have left on this Earth is just incredible to think about. So obviously the premise of this book is right up my alley. The characters were each unique in their own way, the plot was unpredictable and captivating. It ended how I wanted it to (I THINK?!) and I cannot wait to read the next installment!

My two complaints are: 1) I did find some typos. I know it’s an early release copy so hopefully those are remedied. They were minor so they weren’t too distracting. 2) around the 60-75% mark some of Inez’s whining felt repetitive. But she was still a great character.

Bravo!

Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This story is anything short of remarkable. I think the publisher has advertised this well with it being The Mummy meets Death on the Nile in regards to the vibes. (Not so much the ancient mummy curses.) What the River Knows is a lush historical fiction with hints of magic placed within with utmost care. I loved it and was swept away by Ibañez' story telling right away.

Inez is a strong will character, who is very relatable. I felt so bad for her when it comes to how she really didn't know her parents. Honestly, her parents kind of suck for leaving her half the year in Argentina while they live in Egypt. I get why she still loves them but I had a hard time caring for them as much as she does.

Whit is...phew...he's great. I wish we got full length chapters of his POV instead of the snippets every so often but he was the perfect mysterious love interest. And that ending?? UGH I need the sequel now.

I don't have many critiques per say. Though I did find it incredibly annoying how little we know throughout the story. Give me more dammit!! But the twists were good and I'm dying to see what happens.

Minus one star cause saying this is like The Mummy mislead me into thinking I was gonna get more action and more...well curses. I got archeological digs instead (which was still cool).

Thank you St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books and NetGalley for providing me a free copy of this Arc in exchange for an honest review. All the views and opinions in this review are purely my own and not affiliated with any brand.

I freaking LOVED this book!I was about 50% through when I went ahead and preordered a copy for my best friend and myself. The story had me hooked from the beginning! I love Inez and how feisty and independent she is. The characters in this story were all really engaging and like able. Isabel Ibanez wrote a page turner. I was so anxious and excited to find out what would happen next. The story also had great pacing and didn’t seem to drag or slow down at any points in the book. Overall, this is my favorite book of the year so far! I can’t wait to see what Isabel Ibanez comes out with next!

What the River Knows is an immersive historical fiction with wonderful YA and romantic aspects. I was intrigued by this book, being described as great for fans of “The Mummy” and “Death on the Nile”. Being a fan of both, I immediately knew I wanted to read this and I was not disappointed.

The story follows Inez, who, after her parents’ death, travels to Egypt to discover the truth. What follows is a beautiful adventure enveloped in magic. The book is overall fast-paced, with the last quarter of the book slowing down significantly. It sets up very nicely for a second book, and I would definitely recommend this to YA readers!

Nineteenth century Buenos Aires- Inez Olivera is accustomed to her parents leaving her behind while they explore the world finding archeological finds imbued with old magic. When Inez learns of her parents tragic deaths, she escapes to Cairo in search of answers. There she is met by her uncle and guardian of her and her new fortune as well as his handsome employee. Despite their best efforts to send her home, Inez utilizes her special talents to join them in search of Cleopatra's tomb. Inez soon discovers her family had dangerous secrets and she may have just put herself in harm’s way.

What the River Knows is an exciting novel about a young woman's adventure along the Nile in search of Cleopatra's tomb. This is a new to me author and I really enjoyed immersing myself in this charming novel. I was a little disappointed to realize close to the end that this is not a standalone novel as I wasn't expecting to end with a cliff hanger. Now I will have to wait for the next book to be released so I can see what predicaments Inez finds herself in next...a must read for 2023!