Where the Library Hides is a beautifully atmospheric and emotionally driven read with strong romantic tension—but its impact is dampened by an occasionally cloying sweetness and a protagonist’s romantic decision that doesn’t quite convince. Fans eager for magical escapism and emotional highs will likely enjoy it; those craving more grounded or nuanced motivations may find it falls just short.

4 stars (book 1 - 5 stars)

The first book in this series holds a special place in my heart (and at the top of my recommendations list). Its sequel brought the same emotional connection to our main characters, with plenty of strife, resentment, and pining. Inez continues to be whip smart, likable, and admirable, whereas Whit is one of my favorite leading men in YA. The audiobooks of this series are a real gem, especially for those of us who want to hear words, names, and places spoken as they are intended. Overall, this second installment paled in comparison to the pedestal I've placed the original on, but it was still a lush, immersive, enjoyable read worth reading and owning in my library.

I devoured this sequel even faster than I did the first book. Stellar storytelling with lovable, quirky characters transported me to a world so different from my own. I sorely wish this story didn't have to end.

While I didn’t enjoy this as much as the first, and I could see many of the twists coming, I still thoroughly enjoyed this story! I especially loved that we got more romance from Whit and Inez as their marriage progressed!

A riveting conclusion to the duology, we pick up where What the River Knows left off. Inez is being coerced into marrying Whit to save her inheritance. But is his proposal genuine? Inez seeks to track down her mother and get to the bottom of the mystery that led her to Egypt.

This one was a total adventure—rich with mystery, magic, and just the right amount of slow-burn tension. The setting was lush and immersive, with every chapter pulling me deeper into its secrets. It had a perfect blend of action and heart, making it hard to put down. A captivating escape full of hidden truths and bookish magic.

I would like to start off with the fact that I may hate Inez????? That's it that's the review.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.

The sequel we were all waiting for. Rarely is a sequel better than the original and yet Isabel Ibañez makes it so. A clever heroine, family secrets, and a race through Egypt that’ll make any Indiana Jones or Death on the Nile fan froth at the mouth.

There aren't many books that have a theme centered around Egypt. I think I was so much for there to be more that I forced this book to be more than it is. I will say however, this book was far better than the first in my opinion for what it was: an adventure tale. More action, more adventure, more tense romance and betrayal. When I stopped trying to make this book live up to my hopes of a "The Mummy" revival I found I enjoyed it more.

A great conclusion to this duology, filled with magic and mystery and romance. Surprisingly intense, with some truly great twists.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

What a way to end this series. So many twists and turns. I loved read more of the history and setting in Egypt. Also more Whit. A good conclusion to a beautiful and suspenseful story.

A whirlwind of a beginning to this book that made me not able to put it down!

With the odds of finding her mother and father keep stacking up against her, and her future in Egypt still in question, Olivera must make some quick decisions. Who can she trust? Whit, also being forced to play a losing game, has to decide who to choose - his family or Olivera. Can he live with his choice?

With the help of old friends, and new, can they find Cleopatra's cache and the Chrysopoeia before it disappears forever?

A wonderful conclusion to the Secrets of the Nile Duology!!

Where the Library Hides is a delightful read for young adults and anyone who cherishes the magic of books. Isabel Ibañez has created a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, which is sure to leave readers in anticipation of the next installment. The book's pacing is well-balanced, with moments of suspense mixed with heartwarming interactions between the protaganists. There are themes of identity, belonging, and the power of knowledge throughout the narrative, sure to encourage readers to reflect on their own connections to literature.

I loved the first book in the series with its magic and Indiana Jones-sque story. However, this one was disappointing as a sequel. In this novel, the main character, Inez is reeling from her cousin's murder and her mother's betrayal. She also ends up married to Whitford Hayes, only to find out that he stole her inheritance. There were so many more surprises which made it a little ridiculous. This novel lacked the rich story telling that was steeped through out the first book with lots of great character development.

A thrilling conclusion to Isabel Ibañez's duology set in 1800s Egypt. The story picks up right after the cliffhanger ending of "What the River Knows," following Inez Olivera's continued quest for justice amidst romance, betrayal, and ancient magic. The swoony romance with Whit keeps readers invested and honestly, I was hoping for a little bit more time with the two of them. The major plot twists pack an emotional punch.

With hints of potential spin-offs dropped throughout, I'd particularly love to see more stories in this world perhaps involving Arabella? Thanks to Netgalley

Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an advanced copy!

I loved What the River Knows, so I was excited for the second and final instalment in this duology! And this one did not disappoint. I loved Whit and Inez just as much as I did in the last book, and I love how their relationship grows despite ups and downs. If you like the movie The Mummy and want to read a books that's similar but with some magic thrown in, this is a great book for you! I would highly recommend.

Where The Library Hides
Isabel Ibanez
4⭐️

Pub Date: 11/5/2024

Eeek! First chapter and my heart already was pounding! Whit and Inez just jumped right in! Their banter was still great although the tension is definitely less now that they're together. Now, I have loved Whit and Inez since book 1 but for some reason, their chemistry went down a little for me. Now there are definitely characters that are suspicious and it broke my heart to know who they were and what their motivations were. There were so many ulterior motives, sinister plans, and betrayal in this book as I would expect in an adventure-y plot in an Egyptian setting.

I didn't have to reread book1 because of how good it was and how much it really stuck to me. I remembered the important parts. And the other things and characters that left my memory, it was very easy to recall them as you read on with this book. You really just jump right back into the plot. This book is just action-packed. The plot is complex in a good way. It kept me guessing. I will say, I enjoyed book 1 better that this one but this is a good, satisfactory ending for this duology.

Thank you @netgalley and @wednesdaybooks for a gifted e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

It was exciting to see how things faired for Inez but Whit became a loathsome character who didn't deserve forgiveness. He loved her, he didn't, he couldn't live without her. His feelings seemed to shift depending on the need and that made him unbelievable. I can't understand why she forgave him. The twist with her dad though was thoroughly unexpected, and also sad. Poor Inez! She was used by everyone and is not a strong feminine character because she was so gullible. I'm glad this wasn't a trilogy!

Thank you so much to Wednesday Books for this e-ARC of one of my most anticipated reads EVER, Where the Library Hides by Isabel Ibañez!!!! The way What the River Knows ended kept everyone awake and screaming, me included, and this book literally picks up right where we left off. I love Inez deeply, but her growth over the last two books was minimal and if anything, nonexistent. Her character has always been prone to taking risks and she continues to do so, but there's no true character arc and/or development for her. Whit is the same way, albeit on a smaller scale. I found that the tension that the author was trying to build was forced and their relationship was fraught with chemistry that was just a bit grating. I feel like if I was on the fence about Inez and Whit, I would not have enjoyed them in this book. Plus, the plot twist was practically thrown in your face. All that to say, I still enjoyed this book a lot and I'm really attached to the characters, but this book fell quite flat compared to What the River knows, in my honest opinion.