What the River Knows

Throughout her life, Inez's beloved parents spend half the year in Egypt on archaeological digs, then return to Buenos Aires regaling her with stories, gifts, and affection. But they've never invited her to join them on their travels. Now 19, Inez receives a letter from her uncle with the news that her parents went missing in the desert and are presumed dead. Defying all high society conventions, Inez sails to Egypt posing as a widow, determined to find out what happened to her parents. The narrative annoyed and engaged me at turns and in the end the swerving plot twists, shockingly unreliable characters, and cliffhanger ending got me. On to book two!

The thing that Inez Oliveras has longed for more than anything else is to accompany her parents on one of their many expeditions to Egypt. Instead, she's like back in Argentina with her Aunt and cousins waiting for her parent's short return trip home before they're off and away again on their adventures, but Inez bets that the next letter home will include an invitation for her to join them. That letter comes, but from her Uncle and with the shocking, and heartbreaking, revelation of their deaths.

Feeling there is more to the story, Inez travels to Egypt on her own to look into her parents' deaths and comes face to face with her near-stranger of an Uncle - who is now her guardian - and his assistant. They don't want Inez anywhere within show more Egypt especially not to one of their sites, but she thwarts them at every turn.

Now, filled with the irrepressible magic of a bygone era, Inez finds herself torn between finding out what happened to her parents and a discovery that, in the right hands, could change the world.

I loved the ambiance of the story. It does call to mind The Mummy (which the book is likened to in the synopsis). It's the history and the mystery and the adventure of discovering treasures thought lost, while also giving a healthy dose of background on what it actually means when people dig up these ancient artifacts and sell them.

I like the relationship between Inez and Whit. I was surprised, in a good way, with how open Inez is about her burgeoning feelings for him and informs him of this. Even though there are obstacles (aren't there always) I like that it's out in the open. I think it slightly reduces some of the angst that can cloud up too much of a story at times.

On the other hand of that, though, we deal a lot with Inez's naivete. I don't begrudge Inez's naiveté or her impulsivity. She's been kept away from things her entire life and has yearned for her parents' love and attention. No wonder something happens to them and she throws herself into finding out what. Also, I can't fault her when everyone around her is clearly keeping secrets and instead trying to shut her out. This is especially apparent after the third or forth time she thwarted the plans to keep her "safe" thereby at least indicating that she's capable. I think this ends up leaving Inez more vulnerable. You can't prepare for what you don't know about.

Overall, I like the trip through 19th century Egypt. Some of my other minor qualms I can put aside seeing as how this is only the first book in a series and, I'll tell you now, Isabel Ibañez leaves us with such a tantalizing ending that I cannot help but want to read more. Inez's adventure is just getting started. show less

I abandoned this YA historical fantasy novel after 150ish pages. I would have ditched it sooner if I hadn't been reading at the request of a friend who wanted someone to discuss it with. The book describes itself as The Mummy meets A Death on the Nile and it was... neither of those things. Ibanez sets the novel in 1884 and has her 19 year-old heroine, after the reported deaths of her parents in Egypt, somehow manage to successfully book passage on a steamship and travel solo from Buenos Aires to Alexandria. My brain immediately took umbrage. It went downhill from there. The novel includes a light magic element which is fine. The characters, however, bounce around so much in their behaviour that I couldn't truly feel I understood any of show more them. Plus the author would write things like "I felt like we were slowly become friends" - after the main character had literally met the person the previous day. *pulls out hair* The anachronisms and willful (to my eye) ignoring of the conventions of the time period when it was useful continued to drive me crazy and I cared so little about the characters that I just couldn't make myself go on. I did skim the rest of the book and didn't find anything to make me feel I was missing out and I definitely won't be pursuing the sequels. I will, however, give Ibanez credit for being able to write really beautiful descriptive passages that did a great job of evoking the setting. Not for me but may suit teen readers who aren't super well-versed in the conventions of the late Victorian-era. show less

I was sold at Egyptian, archaeology, magic, and romance. It's a young adult novel which is easy to tell because of the brash, hasty, unthought out actions of our heroine. Inez Olivera is done being left behind in Argentina while her parents have all the fun in Egypt. She longs to go with them on their months long travels. but she always gets left behind with her aunt and cousins. When she receives word that her parents are dead, she decides to sneak away in the dead of night to board a steam liner headed to Egypt. She has to find out what really happened to her parents. Posing as a very young widow, no one thinks it's scandalous that she is travelling unaccompanied. But when she arrives in Egypt she accompanies her very irate uncle who show more demands she return to Argentina at once. Inez ignores her uncle at every turn, making Whit (her uncle's assistant) run all over Egypt trying to keep her safe and return home. Filled with intrigue, history, and romance - this is a fun novel that is the first in a series. show less

Immersed in 19th-century Buenos Aires, I journeyed alongside the determined Inez Olivera, driven by the enigma surrounding her archaeologist parents' demise in Egypt. Inheriting their wealth and an ancient ring, Inez's quest led her to Cairo, unveiling a world steeped in magic, mystery, and adventure. Despite her guardian's attempts to thwart her, Inez's resilience and artistic prowess propelled her forward, adding depth to her character. The story intricately wove Egyptian mythology, family complexities, and cultural nuances, immersing me in bustling markets and archaeological wonders. While the beginning felt slow with historical details, the narrative gained momentum, introducing a captivating slow-burning romance and surprising show more twists. Whit, the guardian's assistant, added an intriguing layer to the tale. Ending on a cliffhanger, the book left me eagerly anticipating the sequel, promising a continuation of Inez's compelling journey filled with magic, love, and unexpected revelations. show less

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 show more 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. show less

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 show more 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 show less