First off I'm going to say this book was not for me BUT that being said the story is great, its just a me thing and I won't let that take away from the book itself.

I found it slow to start, which always is a struggle for me to keep going. I felt there was a lot of unnecessary dialogue within the story, and it would have had a better flow if that had been edited a bit.

I wanted to love this book, but I couldn't get into it. I thought it was a slow start and I didn't like the main characters personality. I did love the plot could have been really good. very pretty writing

Thank you to the author Isabel Ibanez, publishers St. Martin'sPress and Wednesday, and TLC Book Tours, for an advance paperback copy of THE WITCH HITCH. Thank you also to NetGalley for an accomanying widget. All views are mine.

Opening quote: When I finally made it..., tears pricked the corners of my eyes. The objects and artifacts glinted gold from the light of the soft flame of my candle. I didn’t want to forget any of the details, but more important, I didn’t want to forget what it felt like to have found her. Loc. 4655

Three (or more) things I loved:

1. I loved the brief timeline of Egypt in the front of the book, it was enlightening and offered perspective.

2. Great history in this! Did not know that Cleopatra was Greek and not Egyptian!

3. In so many ways, this protagonist is fantastic and the protagonist I always wanted and needed. Quote loc. 1354.

4. Strong female characters, but still realistic for the time and setting. Like Isadora firing the gun, and the impact this image has on young Inez. Quote loc. 2376.

5. I love all the mentions of imperial violence against Egyptian culture, so important and adds such depth to the characters and story. Quote loc. 2783

6. What a great premise! A young woman of color in patriarchal times, on an adventure to find Cleopatra, an early feminist icon and also lost to history!

7. Holy cow the twists! There are so many, and they're so good!😍

8. I love-vuh that the love interest, Whitney, goes cold on Inez, such good mystery and tension!

9. That was a great ending. I mean, what???

Three (or less) things I didn't love:

This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.

1. Honestly, it's just a little too long, by about 15%. Ibanez could have wrapped it up much faster, since the primary conflict resolves at the 80% mark.

Rating: 🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍 journeys to Egypt
Recommend? Yes!
Finished: Sep 13 '23
Format: Digital arc, Kindle, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
⏳️ historical fiction
🚢 adventures
👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏾 young love
💇‍♀️ girl's coming of age

DNF at 26%

From the description, this book should 100% be my next favorite book and yet somehow I can’t even force myself to finish it. I have picked it up several times and only make it a few pages before switching to another book. The constant info dumping seemed never ending and Inez judging everyone/everything she comes in contact with was cringe worthy. She pompously tries to pretend she is a world traveler when the reader knows she has barely left her family’s estate in Buenos Aires. She has several arguments with British men about colonization while her family is from Spain living on a rich estate in Argentina.

Overall the flow of the story was attention grabbing or well written. The dialogue especially was not great and often times would include a summary in the middle instead of including the complete conversation.

This dislike could 100% be on me because I went in with high expectations or it could be a blah book. However, I do think its not a good sign if I am a quarter of the way into the book and I don’t care about the characters and I really don’t care about her parents who obviously couldn’t be bothered with her.

This book was a blast but the ending was so cruel! I feel like books that end in cliffhangers should come with a warning label (I'm kidding - mostly).

Anyway, The Mummy has been my favorite movie since it released and I was dying to get my hands on this book the second I read that it's comped to the movie, and the book didn't disappoint! It's fast-paced and action packed, with a slow-burn romance and really fascinating magic. The banter between Inez and Whit was so good, I was living for their interactions. And, of course, thanks to that ending, I'm dyyying to get my hands on the sequel.

Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for granting me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my goodness, that ending was completely evil. How do you leave it like that? I desperately need book two but I digress.

This book was so much fun. As a kid, I was OBSESSED with ancient Egypt. I did every project I could on the topic and even built an entire pop-up timeline with the history. I was totally that kid. And let's be honest, that adult. So when I saw Egypt and The Mummy referenced, I was sold. And What the River Knows did not disappoint. The writing brought the land, characters, adventure, and mystery right off the page. I loved that there was a touch of magic, which I always felt reading about Egypt as a kid. Inez and Whit were wonderful. I called one of the twists pretty early on but as you can tell... I have questions about that ending.

I can't wait to see what happens next and definitely recommend this one for all my fellow Ancient Egypt obsessed kids at heart or just lovers of YA mystery and adventure with some peril and romance for good measure.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy! I also listened to the audio (which was fantastic).

This title has everything you could want in a historical fiction story. The main characters have a lot of heart and their connection is evident through out. The description of the Egyptian world is tangible and executed beautifully.

I’m happy to say that What the River Knows lived up beautifully to my expectations! It’s an intoxicating blend of historical fiction, Egyptian history and mythology, exciting action, slow burn romance, and subtle, ancient magic. Isabel Ibañez did us (read: every single person who had an ancient Egypt phase as a child) a solid!

Inez, a young woman living in Argentina in the late 1800’s, has spent her life feeling left behind by her parents, who frequently travel to Egypt for archaeological pursuits and the discovery of magical artifacts. When she receives word that they have disappeared, lost in the desert and presumed dead, Inez travels to Cairo to seek the truth of their deaths and unearth the mysteries of the country that always fascinated them. There she is received by her uncle Ricardo, who has secretive motivations of his own and wants nothing more than for Inez to return home, and Ricardo’s infuriating assistant, Whit Hayes. She becomes embroiled in a high-stakes hunt for Cleopatra’s tomb, which proves to be more than she bargained for.

Although the book got off to a slow and sometimes repetitive start, the story is always anchored by Inez and her unrelenting search for answers. She’s a determined, headstrong heroine and is a lot of fun to follow; I found I was still rooting for her even when she crossed the line into recklessness. The budding romance between her and Whit was also a highlight. Their dynamic, to me, is reminiscent of Audrey Rose and Thomas from Stalking Jack the Ripper in the best way! Inez and Whit’s relationship has an element of the forbidden and tons of sharp banter and tension. Their chemistry is laid down slowly but surely, in tantalizing little pieces, and their push and pull was so entertaining.

The portrayal of the setting is lush and well-realized, from the bustling city of Cairo to the archeological dig sites and ancient tombs we explore. A subtle undercurrent of ‘old world’ magic runs through the novel, which I would love to see more of in the future second installment to the series.

The promised elements of mystery and action were somewhat lacking for the first third of the book, but then things really started to pick up and got absolutely insane. Moving into the final third, the twists and turns kept coming until we reached a mind-shattering epilogue that had me feeling confused, a little betrayed, and left saying only: I BEG YOUR PARDON?? I’m totally desperate for book two now.

"What the River Knows" by Isabel Ibañez is a captivating journey through the enchanting realms of nineteenth-century Buenos Aires and Cairo, blending old-world magic with a gripping mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The story follows Bolivian-Argentinian Inez Olivera, a young woman from the glittering upper echelons of Buenos Aires society. Inez's life takes an unexpected turn when she learns of the tragic demise of her globetrotting parents, leaving her with a massive fortune and a mysterious guardian—an archaeologist with ties to an intriguing Egyptian brother-in-law.

Ibañez weaves a tale of loss, discovery, and ancient magic as Inez embarks on a quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding her parents' untimely death. Armed with her sketch pads and an ancient golden ring her father entrusted to her, Inez sets sail to Cairo, only to find herself entangled in a world where old-world magic is very much alive.

The author skillfully crafts a narrative that keeps readers guessing at every turn. The plot takes unexpected twists and turns, with Inez discovering that her guardian's version of events might not be the whole truth. As she navigates the ancient magic tethered to the mysterious ring, Inez must confront challenges, including the infuriatingly handsome assistant who seems determined to thwart her at every step.

Ibañez's writing is both evocative and immersive, transporting readers to a bygone era where magic and mystery coexist. The characters are well-developed, with Inez's journey of self-discovery adding depth to the narrative. The author's vivid descriptions of Buenos Aires and Cairo enhance the atmospheric setting, creating a rich backdrop for the unfolding events.

In "What the River Knows," Isabel Ibañez delivers a spellbinding blend of historical fiction, mystery, and magic. The novel's intricate plot, well-drawn characters, and the allure of old-world magic make it a compelling read for those who enjoy tales of adventure and enchantment. Ibañez's storytelling prowess shines through, leaving readers eagerly anticipating her next literary creation.

I tried reading this many times but couldn’t get into it. Unfortunately it just wasn’t for me. Giving it 3 stars as to not being down the book just because I lost interest

I’m so sad because I had SUCH high hopes for this book. The vibes, the plot, the cover had me pumped but oh my goodness was this disappointing. I am left utterly confused and infuriated after finishing that epilogue…

The FMC was insufferable and reckless to a fault for no reason. The MMC had 0 charm and there was no chemistry. The magic seemed pointless. The dialogue felt robotic.

So many people loved this and I’m genuinely wondering if I read a different book? I’m so sad because I wanted to love this with all my heart

3.5

This was a really interesting genre blend. It’s a YA historical fantasy with a mystery element and a romantic subplot that tackles the 19th century Egyptomania in a really interesting way. I loved the conversations about colonialism through tourism and the looting of historic artifacts for private sale or to go into museums in colonizer countries. The magic elements were interesting and I think will get explored more in the duology’s finale and I liked how twisty the book was.

That being said, I didn’t love this as much as I wanted to and I’m not sure if it’s because the hype got to me or if it’s because I started the book on audio and it wasn’t a good way for me to consume the story. The narrator was fine, I just found that once I switched to the ebook version I got along with the story more.

There is a rather large cliffhanger at the end of this book and I’m intrigued enough by the plot threads left open to want to read the sequel when it’s released.

Inez Olivera is a young socialite in nineteenth century Buenos-Airies who seemingly has everything she wants...wealth, privilege, cousins who are like sisters and an Aunt, who while overbearing, protects and cares for her. What she really wants, though, is her parents who frequently leave her while they go on adventures around the world. When Inez is sent word that they have been killed on one of those adventures, she is drawn to go where they had gone, to explore what they had explored and to find out just what happened to them. Off to Egypt she goes, on her own, to find her Egyptian Uncle (and her parents' business partner) and the answers she seeks.

This has been described as the Mummy meets Death on the Nile and I can see why...as a sidenote, I'd also add Sahara and National Treasure into the mix because the treasure hunting piece was legit. The setting that Ibanez has created is so rich and vibrant that at times I could feel it all as if I was watching a move. The magical elements are subtle but definitely there; the whole system has been created with care. The sense of urgency and betrayal that seems to always accompany a treasure hunt of this magnitude was real. And through it all, Inez's grief, naivety and resiliency come through.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Mr, Hayes. He is pretty much the epitome of a scoundrel but is the perfect counterpart to Inez's innocence. I loved the banter between the two of them and the complete exasperation he exudes. I dare you to be able to decide if he is friend or foe!

The cliff hanger at the end came totally out of left field. I won't spoil it for you but as far as endings go, this one was a bang and, of course, now I need to read the next one. I won't be sad to go back into the Egyptian adventures of Inez and Witt!

I didn't know what to expect plot-wise before going into this book, but knew a lot about the setting and feel of it due to everything that I had seen, and I was not disappointed by the content! I was frustrated by the amount of times Tio Ricardo tried to send Inez back to Argentina and how every time Inez would come close to actually following that order, but other than that I had a lot of fun reading about her (and Whit's) antics. The little snippets of Whit's perspective were really nice to have, and I loved the reveals even though I had figured out what the major reveal was, and the way the book ended was marvellous. Looking forward to the sequel!

Isabel Ibanez has become a must-read and an auto-buy author for me. I love the way that her books are filled with tension and a hint of romance while completely sweeping you away on an adventure. This story read almost like a murder mystery and had me regularly gasping for air and biting my nails with abandon. What the River Knows has so many magical qualities and while I expected a standalone, I’m so happy this story didn’t end with one book. I am simultaneously distraught over the ending and tickled that I get to step back into the world in the future. The imagery of the Egyptian waterfront was so vivid and felt as though I was transported to the Nile. The characters were very well thought out and their personalities created palpable tension with all that has yet to be revealed. The betrayals and deceptions kept me guessing and the conclusion left me absolutely breathless. I will be waiting with bated breath for the next.

I loved everything about this book. The time period of this book, late nineteenth-century exploration and archaeology is a longtime fascination of mine. I thought the author did an incredible job with the world-building. It was clearly very well-planned and mapped out while she was writing. The characters were so beautifully written as well. The complexity of the social norms of the time were highlighted, and were part of how the characters interacted with one another and why they were motivated to act a certain way. I could feel the hot Egyptian sun in my face and sand in my hair as I was exploring the Nile with Inez and Whit. I also realized while I was reading this that when I read books about this time period, it is almost always from the a white British perspective, and to have a BIPOC main character from Argentina was much-needed to better understand the oppression happening around the world at that time.

I loved the plot as well. I was constantly surprised, and had to keep reading. The twists and turns were so satsifying and more than once, I audibly gasped. It was fantastic. I can't wait for more!

First of all, don't hate me. I kind of having troubles when read the book and it took me weeks to finally dive into the real deal.

The idea was remarkable. As an Egyptian-stories lover, this book delivered Egypt right into my minds. The world building was vividly described. The foods, the people, the streets, everything was perfect to me. This book surely had the antique we need to make it Egypt.

Tomb-robber idea, with sparks of fantasy was fitted "The Mummy" like it marketed as. No doubt.

But, I hate the romance subplot. No single character had an actual realistic response-to-conflict. They'll were like fictional fictional. No dialogues or narration would made them feel alive to me. Let alone the banter between the mc and fmc. They keep arguing about unnecessary things and those shit were written all over the pages.

This would be great if the romance reduced. Not that I hate romantasy, but this just too much for 400+ long pages with not so complicated tasks to do.

THIS BOOK. THIS BOOK! I cannot get over this book. I literally cannot wait for the next one. This book is everything. I have been obsessed with Egypt and Egyptian gods and goddesses, and Cleopatra for ever. So this book is for me. I loved every moment of it and I just can’t wait to see what’s left in store for Whit and Oliveria!

Thank you netgalley for my copy of this book!

I have read and enjoyed past Isabel Ibanez books so I was so excited to read this one. I loved the environment and the premise of the story but I had a hard time connecting with the characters. Sometimes the story was a little slow, but that ending left me speechless. I didn’t realize this was book one in a series! I’ll definitely pick up the rest of the series when it releases though so overall I enjoyed this one.

Perfect for fans of "Death on the Nile". This book is filled with mystery, intruige, and a whole lot of wonderful plot twists! Add it to your TBR, do yourself the favor now.