Thank you to the publisher, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Seventeen year old Inez Olivera lives in Buenos Aires as part of the elite social circles, but all she wants is to accompany her parents on their adventures as they spend most of their time exploring and seeking magical artifacts in faraway Egypt. But when she receives the news of their deaths, Inez, now the heiress of their fortune, decides to travel to Cairo to see her uncle Ricardo, her new guardian, and get some answers. Her uncle is less than thrilled with her arrival however, and charges his infuriating assistant Whit with packing her off back to Argentina. Inez is determined to find the truth however, and her ability to sense the old magic and connect with the artifacts sends her down a path that may lead to a history archaeological discovery, earning her place on her uncle’s crew. As she delves deeper with the aid of ancient magic, she grows more and more convinced that her parents’ disappearance is intricately linked to it and she must decide who she can trust with her discoveries and if some secrets are better off left buried in the sands.

I’m finally back to writing book reviews! As you may have noticed, it’s been a little quiet here on my blog for the past couple of weeks, and that’s because I was on vacation for some time and then it took a while to get settled into my routine once I was back home.

This is not the first time I’ve come across this author, but What the River Knows is the first book of Ibañez’s that I’ve actually picked up. Netgalley kept suggesting it to me consistently for 4-5 months and while I usually try to stay focused when browsing that site (not doing so leads to more ARCs than I can handle), I was very curious about it since the author’s name was familiar and I looked it up on Goodreads

I’m rather fond of books with historical settings and Egypt in particular has always fascinated me. It’s one of the few topics I pick up non fiction books or watch documentaries on. I would give this book an A+ for world building and atmosphere – the author has woven an intricate tale with the mystique of ancient Egypt set against the backdrop of the archaeological excavations of the 19th century, a murder mystery and some magic thrown in for good measure. I loved the descriptions of the various places in Egypt the characters travelled to from the bustling Cairo, to the boat trip down the Nile and of course the island of Philae where their excavations took them. Discovering Egpyt through Inez’ eyes as she attempts to learn about the country that her parents loved so much and their lives there was one of the things I enjoyed most about the plot as the author brought the setting to life in such a beautiful and immersive manner.

On the magical side of things, the system of magical artifacts and the ancient magic itself could have had a better introduction along with a more detailed explanation of how Inez is able to see memories tied to spelled objects. I felt like it was just dropped on the reader without much context. Nonetheless, it was fascinating, along with how Inez was able to sense the presence of the magics to lead her to important discoveries.

Having not read any of her other books, I can’t compare the writing, but the narrative was well paced and didn’t drag anywhere. The alternating POVs were easy to follow and it was an enjoyable read. The mystery angle only started to pick up in the second half of the book as Inez began to learn more about the people who worked closely with her parents in Egypt, questioning their motives and trying to figure out what may have led to her parents’ disappearance and assumed demise.

Inez was a very straightforward character, likeable enough, but there wasn’t much that stood out to me about her. She was a rather naive seventeen year old who left her home and family for the first time to travel to a foreign country and it definitely shows in her actions throughout the book, from certain reckless endeavours to placing her trust in the wrong people.

Inez was pretty much an open book as far as characters go, which is not unusual for the protagonist, but literally every other character had me questioning their motives and intentions. Even Whit, who was the second POV character was really hard to get a read on and with the conclusion of this book, his motives still remained unclear. It certainly added to the mystery aspect of this story and added another layer to the story as the truth behind the fate of Inez’s parents began to unfold.

I didn’t realize this was a series right until the very last chapters and that unexpected twist in the epilogue leading to a cliffhanger ending was a shocking conclusion to this book. I’m extremely excited that this is a series as this story, world and characters were so interesting that I can’t wait to return to it all in the sequel. There are so many questions still left unanswered and the consequences of the events in those final chapters are sure to be significant.

This was such a fun read and I enjoyed it far more than I expected to. The sequel is definitely going to be one of my most anticipated reads for 2024 or whenever it’s out! This book was a mix of genres and subjects and had something that would appeal to the taste of a wide variety of readers. Highly recommended!

5 stars This was a story that I didn't even know that I needed. It lives up to the vibes it says it has. It spoke to the kid in me who just found out about Egypt and its mysteries, mythology, and culture. The romance was not "and they feel in love", there was an attraction on both parties and a gradual realization of feelings. The ending had a bit of an "Indiana Jones" feel with "The Mummy". I cannot wait for the next novel by Ibanez, hopefully, it will be the sequel.

I'll be honest, I was not vibing with this one at first. I saw the first plot twist coming and wasn't surprised by it. The overall mystery of Inez's parents and their disappearance was not compelling until this twist about half way through the book. So the pacing was a little off, but the overall ending and cliffhanger made the read worth it.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

Oh my goodness! This book was sooo good!! I flew through this because I got hooked from the first chapter. There were so many twists and turns I have no idea what to think and who to believe!

I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars.

I can’t wait for the next one!!!!

This book was a great adventure to Egypt, an area of the world I haven't visited enough in books! It jumps right into the story and Inez quickly won me over! The mystery and setting kept me engaged in the story. I also had many feelings and thoughts while reading this book which would be a spoiler to share! I cannot wait for the next book. Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own!

If you love The Mummy movies, you’ll definitely love this. The murder mystery threw me around and around and that ending left me in a WTF moment! I was thoroughly intrigued with the Ancient Egyptian lore and the magical realism element really amplified the plot to another level. I was not expecting so many betrayals and deaths of characters you come to enjoy so quickly in just the first book! The slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance leads up to a swoony moment BUT that ending…. Again… WTF lol!

I got to the end of this book and was instantly devastated to wait for the sequel. The premise is a delightful reimagining on the typical western narrative about Egyptology. The main character's are endearing with the will they/won't they driving the story forward. I can not wait to read the next one!

As someone who recently read and loved Divine Rivals and discovered the authors connection to this novel I had very high hopes. I hope both of them continue their journeys together because this did not disappoint either. Ibañez crafted a spellbinding novel that seamlessly blends historical fiction and magic, offering readers a riveting exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of ancient mysteries. It is easily one of my favorite reads of the year and I need everyone to read it immediately.

This was a unique book set in the past, where explorers are exploring even further past, and mainly in Egypt. I loved the female lead of the time where she actually seems realistic for the time. I love that there are some ideas about "bad guys" challenged successfully. What the River Knows was not what I expected based on the title and cover, but I went in blind and ended up really happy with it.

WHAT!?! Four words in a telegram have me scrambling to know what happens next.

This book was so good, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

First, I thank Netgalley for providing me a copy to review.
Second, I apologize for being the person to give this book a low score.
The setting, the historical idea, the whole entire premise was promising and it remained there. I am mostly disappointed about how Whit and Inez was presented. Redundant narratives everywhere that it is not appealing anymore. There was very little mention of how the Nile or Eqypt itself which seem to be the heartbeat of the book. I know that if I want to read about Egypt that I might as well read a history book but, the place is vast and beautiful that to use it as setting and disregarding what it can offer was just sort of lacking in the book’s personality.
The main characters, Whit and Inez, I find it very hard to like and root for them! They failed to connect to me . If one is familiar of the movie The Mummy, I feel like this book was half inspired by it and the inspiration faded.

Okay so I’ve been holding onto this book for months. Months! Let me tell you I’m only glad I didn’t read it sooner because book 2 is no where in sight.
This one was soo good! I thought the story was unique and full of twists and turns.
The tension between Inez and Whit was so good! I enjoyed the story and how it developed.

That ending. Wow.

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez is a wonderful historical fantasy with mystery and romance elements set in 1800s Egypt.

I borrowed the audiobook from my local library. We follow the dual perspectives of two main characters, narrated wonderfully by Ana Osorio and Ahmed Hamad. I also ended up selecting the hardcover as my Book of the Month choice for November because I had high hopes I'd love it as much as I loved Together We Burn.

Inez lives in Buenos Aires and only sees her parents occasionally, as they are often in Egypt working with her mother's brother. When she receives word they are missing and presumed dead, she travels to Cairo to figure out what happened to them, against the wishes of her guardians.

The publisher blurb does not lie that this has major The Mummy vibes. The author notes that she incorporated real history within the novel. I think the ruminations on colonialism gave it additional depth for me. This is YA that leans New Adult as our main character Inez is about to turn nineteen. I love her love interest, Whit, and they have amazing banter.

This is the second book I've read by this author and I have greatly enjoyed both of them! Her prose is lush and highly consumable, and I love the way she writes headstrong female main characters. She's also a wiz at describing scenery in a way that made me feel like I was standing right beside Inez. Ibañez is quickly becoming an auto-buy for me.

Be forewarned that there was a major cliffhanger at the end. I can't wait until the sequel in this duology, Where the Library Hides comes out next December.

If you, like me, had an obsession with ancient Egypt when you were a kid, please run, do not walk, to get a copy of this book.

Tropes in this book include: forced proximity, rivals to lovers

CW: violence, firearms

What the River Knows
A Novel
by Isabel Ibañez

I am obsessed! Love ancient Egypt, love adventures, & really enjoy romance. Read this and fell in love with the characters so much that when it released I purchased my older adolescent a copy. Ibañez is such a talented author and is an automatic buy. Don’t hesitate get yourself a copy of What the River Knows.

📚Release date October 31, 2023📚

❤️Thank you St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books, NetGalley, & the brilliant author Isabel Ibañez. I’m super appreciative & gave my honest opinion❤️

AH THIS WAS SOOOO GOOD

This was so unique and immensely captivating. I am so glad there's going to be a sequel!

A immersive mix of ancient Egypt, archeology, intrigue, mystery, and swoon-worthy romance, this book is an absolute stunner that kept me guessing, gasping, and obsessively turning pages.

And excuse me, WHITFORD HAYES? My new and forever book boyfriend??? Ultimate 'touch her and die' energy and I am SMITTEN

(For real, at one point he says, "Touch her again and I will end your miserable life" RIP ME)

I am going to be thinking about this one for a long time. A truly masterclass novel.

A big thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the ebook in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. WHAT THE RIVER KNOWS is out now.

I really enjoyed this book, all the ancient Egyptian history and magical elements loved it. It was a little slow at first but once it picked up, I couldn't put it down. Also that cliffhanger, I need the second book NOW. Can't wait to read more about this story.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC

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Summary: Bolivian-Argentinian Inez Olivera belongs to the glittering upper society of nineteenth century Buenos Aires, and like the rest of the world, the town is steeped in old world magic that’s been largely left behind or forgotten. Inez has everything a girl might want, except for the one thing she yearns the most: her globetrotting parents—who frequently leave her behind.

When she receives word of their tragic deaths, Inez inherits their massive fortune and a mysterious guardian, an archeologist in partnership with his Egyptian brother-in-law. Yearning for answers, Inez sails to Cairo, bringing her sketch pads and a golden ring her father sent to her for safekeeping before he died. But upon her arrival, the old world magic tethered to the ring pulls her down a path where she soon discovers there’s more to her parent’s disappearance than what her guardian led her to believe.

With her guardian’s infuriatingly handsome assistant thwarting her at every turn, Inez must rely on ancient magic to uncover the truth about her parent’s disappearance—or risk becoming a pawn in a larger game that will kill her.
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Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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My thoughts: this was a really unique new fantasy YA series! I have never read a book set in ancient Egypt and I really enjoyed ! I found Inez to be a really dynamic and unique character. This one was packed with magic, adventure, pyramids, romance, and so much more! Overall a very quick and fun fast paced read which will be turned into a book series so that is cool! Looking forward to reading Inez next adventure, thank you @macmillanusa and @netgalley !
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QOTD- what is the setting of your current read ? Mine takes place in Derry Maine so I guess you can predict which author I’m reading 🤪
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A lovely breath of fresh air to a favorite genre of mine. The world built is detailed beautifully and I was instantly hooked. I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes a “booktok” recommendation. This is a story and world I’d love to revisit.

This book was a weird one for me. It was very hard for me to get into the book and then about halfway in I was intrigued. Then the ending just made me mad. I don't understand what happened in this book and ending it on a cliffhanger through me over the edge..lol.

I wish I could say what was missing for me to make this book a more enjoyable read for me but I can't explain that yet.

For me this is still a decent book so I give it ⭐⭐⭐.

Inez Olivera wants to join her parents in Egypt and escape her mundane life. But when they are murdered, she may be the only one to solve the mystery as to why. What the River Knows is a who done it and is set in the rich Egyptian history. The plot has the same essence as the movie The Mummy and incorporates the history of Egypt well. Wher this book falls short is the depth of the characters and deeper dive into the history. Nothing was uncovered that could have been a spark that led to more interesting facts about that period. The characters were morally grey which did add to their depth but it still felt shallow to really understand them as individuals. THe plot speed was a very slow pace and so was the romance.