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.
I've been seeing a lot of questions pop up about Isabel Ibañez's 'What the River Knows,' and after diving headfirst into this incredible duology, I totally get why! Beyond the captivating story, many of you are asking about the stunning cover art, the 'spiciness' level of the romance, and just how much of ancient Egypt you really get. So, let's chat about it! First off, can we talk about that book cover? When I first picked it up, I was immediately drawn in. The cover art itself is a masterpiece that perfectly sets the tone for the adventure within. You can see a hand holding the book, and the Egyptian-themed design features iconic elements like graceful palm trees and even watchful crocodiles. There's a mysterious figure standing in a doorway, hinting at the buried secrets Inez uncovers. What truly caught my eye was the background textured with intricate hieroglyphs, and an overlay showing an Egyptian figure alongside a map. The title, 'What the River Knows,' in elegant white script, stands out beautifully. It's not just pretty; it's a visual promise of the rich, historical mystery that awaits, making you feel like you're holding a piece of ancient history in your hands. Now, for the big question many of you have asked: Is 'What the River Knows' spicy? Given that it's a YA (Young Adult) novel, the romance isn't 'spicy' in the way an adult romance novel might be. However, don't let that deter you! The relationship between Inez and Whit is absolutely compelling and a highlight of the book. It's a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers dynamic, packed with tension, witty banter, and genuine emotional development. It's not insta-love, which I personally appreciate; instead, you get to witness their connection grow organically amidst danger and betrayal. There's plenty of angst and yearning, making their journey incredibly satisfying and realistic for the genre. It's the kind of romance that makes your heart ache and root for the characters without needing explicit scenes. Finally, let's delve into the heart of the setting: Egypt (or 'Egipat' as some of you might search!). Isabel Ibañez doesn't just use historical Egypt as a pretty backdrop; she weaves it into the very fabric of the story. You truly feel transported to the scorching sands and ancient wonders. The descriptions of venturing into buried tombs are chillingly vivid, and the mystery surrounding Cleopatra adds a layer of historical intrigue that’s hard to resist. The author clearly did her research, bringing the culture, mythology, and even the political tensions of the era to life. The magic system, while unique and maybe a touch underdeveloped at times, feels intrinsically tied to this ancient land, adding another layer of wonder to the narrative. If you're a fan of immersive historical settings and mysteries that feel steeped in ancient lore, this book delivers a fantastic experience. It’s an adventure that feels both grand and deeply personal, all thanks to its incredible Egyptian heart.
