Book Review: What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez
Historical Egypt is the gorgeous backdrop for this duology, which is full of chilling journeys into buried tombs, truly upsetting betrayals, complicated relationships, and a bit of romance between two people who couldn’t be any more different.
The story follows wealthy Argentinian heiress Inez as she tries to uncover what led to her parents untimely (& highly suspicious) deaths during their most recent dig in Egypt. Teaming up with her estranged uncle and his bristly assistant - if that’s what you could call Whit - leads to glorious discoveries that don’t come without twists and betrayals. I was surprised by how violent the book had to be at times, but the author absolutely wasn’t afraid to get serious.
This book started out a bit slow for me and took a while to get into, but once I was hooked around the quarter mark, I couldn’t put it down. The magic system here is unusual, and maybe a bit underdeveloped, but it is very intriguing and fits into the story and its world very well.
The romance took me by surprise. I love that there was very little insta-love, nor was it a long slow burn. This is YA, but the development of their relationship is exciting and not without angst. SLIGHT SPOILER: However, I am really not sure how the author will redeem what happened on the last page.
Until the very very end, this was 5/5 ⭐️ for me. One little tidbit made me reduce to 4.25/5 ⭐️, just something that bothered me personally. I think others would find it to be an exciting plot point as we move into book 2. I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loves Egyptian history an the mysteries of Cleopatra, with a dash of family drama, betrayal, and unexpected romance.
Reading 'What the River Knows' was a captivating experience that seamlessly blends historical elements with fantasy and romance. The vivid portrayal of Egypt’s ancient tombs and the mysteries surrounding Cleopatra add an immersive backdrop rarely seen in YA novels. One aspect that really stood out to me was the emotional depth of the characters, especially Inez. Her relentless pursuit to uncover the truth behind her parents’ deaths adds a layer of suspense that kept me hooked throughout. The dynamic between Inez and her estranged uncle, along with Whit's gruff yet intriguing presence, creates a complex family drama that explores themes of trust and betrayal. Despite the slow start, the story gains momentum quickly after the initial chapters, revealing a magic system intertwined with Egyptian mythology. Although the magic felt a bit underdeveloped, it fits the story’s darker tone and promises more excitement in the sequel. The romance avoids clichés like insta-love, opting instead for a realistic progression filled with angst and tension that complement the plot’s intensity. The unexpected twists near the end left me hopeful yet curious about the next installment. The combination of historical intrigue, magical elements, and rich characterization makes this book a must-read for fans of romantic fantasy and YA fiction.
