Reviews

"What the River Knows" by Isabel Ibañez is an enthralling journey that captures the reader's imagination from the very first page. The novel introduces us to Inez, a young Argentinian girl grappling with the strained relationship she has with her parents, who are wealthy and often absent Egyptologists. The sudden and mysterious deaths of her parents propel Inez into an adventure that takes her from the comforts of her home to the mystique of Egypt.

Inez’s arrival in Egypt is met with resistance from her uncle, who places her under the watchful eye of Whitford Hayes. Whit, a young British man with a roguish charm and a mysterious past, adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative. His relationship with Inez evolves beautifully throughout the story, marked by witty banter and undeniable chemistry. Their interactions are a highlight, adding both tension and tenderness to the unfolding drama.

The setting of Egypt is brought to life with lush, vivid descriptions that make the reader feel as if they are walking alongside Inez through bustling markets, ancient ruins, and shimmering deserts. The atmosphere is simultaneously enchanting and perilous, perfectly capturing the essence of a land steeped in history and mystery.

As Inez delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding her parents' deaths, the plot thickens with twists and turns that are as surprising as they are thrilling. What seemed like a straightforward mystery unravels into a complex web of danger and deceit. The narrative's pacing is impeccable, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, especially as it builds to an explosive climax that leaves you breathless.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its characters. Inez is a fantastic protagonist, embodying a blend of vulnerability and strength. Her intelligence and determination make her a compelling heroine. Whit, with his enigmatic background and charismatic presence, complements Inez perfectly. Their dynamic is electric, adding depth and emotion to the adventure.

The only slight expectation that wasn't fully met was the presence of magic. While it was more understated than anticipated, the ending strongly hints at a more significant role in the next installment, leaving readers eagerly anticipating what comes next.

"What the River Knows" is one of the best books I’ve read this year. It combines a richly detailed setting, a gripping plot, and memorable characters into an unforgettable reading experience. For fans of historical adventure with a touch of romance, and especially for those who wished for more of Evie from "The Mummy," this book is a must-read. I can't recommend it highly enough—10/10!

bkbookend's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

‘“Imagine everything she’s seen through the centuries.” It was a sobering thought. The Nile knew everything, had seen the best and worst of Egypt.’ - Page 272, Chapter 25

Follow along as Inez goes on a journey to uncover the secrets of her family, the curious hidden treasures of Egypt, and the deception behind the mysterious disappearance and untimely death of her parents.

This book was slow to grab me but picked up with immediacy about halfway through. Our characters all have secrets and they have so much going on that they take many chances on who they surround themselves with in order to push their agenda. Tio Richardo, Whit, Elvira, Isadora, Kareem, etc. - the character were all so unique and well-fleshed out. Betrayal was a running theme within the storyline as well, so you feel as though you are right alongside Inez as she is figuring out who to trust and who to keep at a distance.

While I would have appreciated more consistent pacing, the author did a good job of keeping the reader on their toes and creating a magical world set in a real world setting that was not too hard to immerse oneself in. The world building was light, the magical realism was abundant and a central piece to the plot, and the tone of the novel was pleasant while also being tense, which made for a few jaw dropping moments throughout.

Overall, I would recommend this to those who like -
- YA fantasy
- no spice, but the slightest dash of romance
- magical realism, but not an overly complicated world
- Egyptian culture
- a lot of twists (with only a couple that were predictable enough to guess)
- a wildly stubborn FMC who just loves her parents but they are uber complicated people