Isabel Ibanez’s What The River Knows has been on my wish list since its October 2023 release. The allure of historical mysteries set in Egypt – from Agatha Christie’s iconic Death on the Nile through to Elizabeth Peters’ much loved Amelia Peabody series – is hard to ignore. And, while not typically a reader of young adult fiction, I was in the mood for an escapist read. On that score, this novel did not disappoint.

What The River Knows is bursting with fun and entertaining tropes. Isabel Ibanez treats readers to opulence, luxury and adventure in exotic locales, scheming and enigmatic characters, competing localities, dangerous races to find things lost and answers to perilous questions, plus a sprinkling of magic and a rivals-to-lovers romance.

I do enjoy feisty female leads, and leading lady Inez Olivera is most certainly that. For the most part, her stubborn streak and recklessness is highly amusing within the historical societal context. By that I mean the extent to which it makes things difficult for her loyal but bravado-filled male minder and adds spark to their bickering. Continue reading: https://www.bookloverbookreviews.com/2024/06/what-the-river-knows-by-isabel-iban... ( )

This book combines two of my favorite things: Egypt and adventure stories. Inez is a nineteen-year-old girl who goes searching for answers in Egypt after finding out her parents have died there. Once she reaches the land of the pharaohs, she quickly becomes involved in an adventure that she never dreamed would happen.

Solid writing, a long, slow burn romance, and a cliffhanger ending I didn't see coming made this book exciting to read. I eagerly look forward to the next installment and the conclusion of the story. ( )

It's 1884, and a 19-year-old Argentine and Bolivian heiress sets sail to Egypt to investigate the mysterious deaths of her parents. Inez Olivera grew up in Buenos Aires largely without her mother and father, who often were in Egypt, assisting Tío Ricardo, her uncle who was an archaeologist, with his expeditions. Word comes that Inez’s parents have disappeared in the desert and are presumed to be dead. She makes it her mission to find out exactly what happened to them. Whitford (Whit) Hayes, a former British soldier who works for Tío Ricardo, orders him to send Inez back to England for her own safety. Inez has a mind of her own and other ideas and repeatedly ignores his demands. She finds that a gold ring that her father had sent from Cairo before he disappeared has somehow given her a gift of magic that may help find Cleopatra’s tomb. Tío Ricardo, a historian who opposes the colonial exploitation, is desperate to find it before treasure hunters can rob Egypt of its artifacts. As the story continues through Inez and Whit’s alternating points of view, the chemistry between them starts to sizzle, and they run into danger and deception at every turn of their quest. All this takes place while they remain unsure if they can trust one another. The first half is "wordy" but it was worth sticking with it for the fast-paced conclusion loaded to the gills with numerous and shocking twists. A word of warning though...it's a cliffhanger that leave the reader questioning everything and hoping that there will be a sequel. I haven't checked yet to see if there is but if it exists, I will diffidently want to read it ( )

What the River Knows — A Tribute to Myths and Magic

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez is a fascinating trip that lures readers into a world where the ordinary and the extraordinary blend perfectly. It is a tribute to myth and magic, as well as a gripping narrative of love and sacrifice. I found myself captivated by a brilliantly created novel that easily blends mythology, mystery, and passionate emotions with each page turn.



What the River Knows ♦ Isabel Ibañez

Opinion

Ibañez’s skill as a storyteller is clear from the first chapter, bringing readers into the lives of the characters with vivid imagery and fascinating conversation. The protagonist’s journey, which is weighted with personal hardships as well as the weight of fate, feels surprisingly authentic. The intricacy of each character’s connections and the depth of their emotions are depicted with such precision that it’s difficult not to be emotionally invested in their futures.

The world-building in What the River Knows is outstanding. The author offers a vivid picture of a universe in which old tales merge with late-nineteenth-century times, producing a tapestry of wonder and enchantment. The seamless integration of real-world elements with mythological folklore is enthralling, providing a fresh and unusual perspective that kept me flipping pages late into the night.

Furthermore, the story’s tempo is well maintained, keeping suspense and tension at precisely the appropriate proportions. The plot’s ebb and flow are expertly handled, providing moments of calm among dramatic, heart-pounding episodes. The story’s twists and turns are both shocking and satisfying, constructing a narrative that keeps you interested from start to finish.

While the book provides an extremely immersive experience, there were times when I hoped for a bit more depth in some of the secondary characters and their motivations. Despite this, the story’s overarching tapestry is so engaging that it rarely detracts from the novel’s overall enjoyment.

Conlusion

Finally, What the River Knows is a book that transcends age and genre, appealing to both young adult and adult readers. It’s a story about the enduring power of love, the tenacity of the human spirit, and the riddle of old stories. Isabel Ibañez has created a gripping world full of wonder, making this story a must-read for anybody looking for an intriguing escape into a world where the river actually knows everything.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This review was first published at The Art of Reading. ( )

4.5 stars, this is a lot of fun, but maybe not as detailed as I like my fantasy. I love the setting in Egypt, the headstrong protagonist, the deceits and betrayals, and the bits of magic. Looking forward to the next! ( )