What the River Knows: A Novel (Secrets of the Nile, 1) (Owlcrate edition)
The Mummy meets Death on the Nile in What the River Knows, Isabel Ibañez's lush, immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt and filled with adventure, a rivals-to-lovers romance, and a dangerous race.
Bolivian-Argentinian Inez Olivera belongs to the glittering upper society of nineteenth century Buenos Aires, and like the rest of the world, the town is steeped in old world magic that’s been largely left behind or forgotten. Inez has everything a girl might want, except for the one thing she yearns the most: her globetrotting parents—who frequently leave her behind.
When she receives word of their tragic deaths, Inez inherits their massive fortune and a mysterious guardian, an archeologist in partnership with his Egyptian brother-in-law. Yearning for answers, Inez sails to Cairo, bringing her sketch pads and a golden ring her father sent to her for safekeeping before he died. But upon her arrival, the old world magic tethered to the ring pulls her down a path where she soon discovers there’s more to her parent’s disappearance than what her guardian led her to believe.
With her guardian’s infuriatingly handsome assistant thwarting her at every turn, Inez must rely on ancient magic to uncover the truth about her parent’s disappearance—or risk becoming a pawn in a larger game that will kill her.
What the River Knows is the first book in the thrilling Secrets of the Nile duology.
"Expertly plotted, explosively adventurous, and burning with romance." - Stephanie Garber #1 New York Times bestselling author
"Take a plucky heroine, a historically grounded Indiana Jones-esque adventure through Ancient Egypt, and add a surprising dollop of magic — it’s a recipe for a delightful read." - Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author
*Book 1 in the Secrets of the Nile duology*
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Readers say *What the River Knows* delivers an immersive 19th-century adventure set between Buenos Aires and Cairo, blending rich historical detail wi...
Originally reviewed on Cyn's Workshop
A historical fiction with a dash of fantasy and danger, What The River Knows was fast-paced but struggled with characterization.
Characterization
My biggest issue with this novel is the characterization. Let’s say this, Inez is not Evie. And you know what, I wasn’t expecting that. The issue I have here is that Evie has many similarities, but Inez is not likable at all.
I feel like authors sometimes get into their heads about what it means to be a strong woman, and that means constantly making them argumentative and stubborn to the point of stupidity. That’s what happened here, and it was so frustrating.
Inez runs away from home and runs to Egypt to see her uncle because she believes her parents were murdered. She knows nothing of the country, has no money in her name, and is a young girl in a foreign land. So when her uncle sends her back home, you get it. However, that wouldn’t have been much of a story.
This just begins a cycle of her continually not listening to her uncle or anyone, being stubborn and argumentative, and getting into life-threatening situation after life-threatening situation with little to no plan that ultimately does lead to the death of someone dear to her.
Inez was so frustrating that I didn’t find her endearing at all. Half the time, I wanted to smack and yell at her to listen. I understand creating tension between characters to further the plot, but not at the risk of alienating the reader by making the MC so unlikeable.
Final Thoughts
I enjoyed the story within What The River Knows, and I enjoyed the plot, for the most part. I wish the MC had been likable and used her brain more instead of being so frustratingly stubborn and argumentative.
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What the River Knows takes readers into Egypt with romance and danger reminiscent of The Mummy.
A historical fiction with a dash of fantasy and danger, What The River Knows was fast-paced but struggled with characterization.
Characterization
My biggest issue with this novel is the characterization. Let’s say this, Inez is not Evie. And you know what, I wasn’t expecting that. The issue I have here is that Evie has many similarities, but Inez is not likable at all.
I feel like authors sometimes get into their heads about what it means to be a strong woman, and that means constantly making them argumentative and stubborn to the point of stupidity. That’s what happened here, and it was so frustrating.
Inez runs away from home and runs to Egypt to see her uncle because she believes her parents were murdered. She knows nothing of the country, has no money in her name, and is a young girl in a foreign land. So when her uncle sends her back home, you get it. However, that wouldn’t have been much of a story.
This just begins a cycle of her continually not listening to her uncle or anyone, being stubborn and argumentative, and getting into life-threatening situation after life-threatening situation with little to no plan that ultimately does lead to the death of someone dear to her.
Inez was so frustrating that I didn’t find her endearing at all. Half the time, I wanted to smack and yell at her to listen. I understand creating tension between characters to further the plot, but not at the risk of alienating the reader by making the MC so unlikeable.
Final Thoughts
I enjoyed the story within What The River Knows, and I enjoyed the plot, for the most part. I wish the MC had been likable and used her brain more instead of being so frustratingly stubborn and argumentative.
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Twitter | Tumblr | Spotify Podcast | YouTube | BookBub | Goodreads+ | LinkedIn
It took so long to get into this book and then a giant cliffhanger. I just wish the author had built suspense earlier on.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️😩
I finished this book .34 seconds ago.
How am I feeling?
In a word...distressed.
In more words...screaming. Crying. Throwing up. All at once and in a panic. My heart races still typing this and revisiting the emotional turmoil of this book.
My bookish gal pal of mine (love her but now, I hate her lol.) recommended this book to me about 3-4 days ago and said "she needed to someone to share in the misery and love with" and thought I would enjoy it. She was correct on all counts. I did enjoy it and now I also share in the misery and love and all other emotional torment this story has thrust upon me. Thanks, friend! (The best kinds of friends share these sorts of things with you, make no mistake I will be continuing the chain telling EVERYONE I know with a sense to read about this book.)
I found some parts in Inez's perspective a bit repetitive: Whit's size/stature taking up space, the over description of his blue eyes, how her mother and uncle bare such similar resemblance to her own, and all the "lines of their backs" as other characters walked away. But it wasn't overbearing and I think contributed to the storyline as a whole even if I would've edited them out as fluffy, filler parts. Similar with Kareem's introduction; other than the part he played smuggling Inez on the boat it seemed that he was not at all necessary later...but maybe that changes with the next book.
I am not typically one to go for reading any sort of "romance, rivals-to-lovers sort of trope" and ESPECIALLY with a historical fiction. But I really enjoyed this book. Inez is a beautifully portrayed main character and an actual decent female lead. It is easy for main protagonist women to be overly leaning "pick me" girl and "not like the rest" or too much like every other female that just falls unlikable and unbelievable. However, Inez was genuine and just as she was without drawing too much attention. She is an artist, a spitfire, and has a whip-quick whit (ouch, still hurts me) to her that I appreciated. She connected well with her peers throughout the book and it was refreshing that every other girl in the book (we stan Isadora) was not a threat to her status especially once the interest with Whitford continued developing. Poor girl has some serious mommy issues and hopefully learns to not be so trusting after this whole ordeal...GOD I hope Whit doesn't destroy her. It physically pains me. I want her to have him as much I do lmao.
Oh, my lovely morally grey Whit. Yes, I did think about kissing you. Many times. I would sell my left kidney to experience the harrowing cave scene pre-explosion all over again. However, I am left with too many questions (in the best way) as to his intention with Inez and if he is really the book husband I have agreed him to be with the better half of the lady readers of this book.
Final thoughts- the drawings were a lovely touch, the mastery behind portrayals of Egypt were divine, and someone needs to get my girl Inez a cigar or a therapist or SOMETHING. Maybe both. Poor girl has really been through it and I am SICK over what is to come in the next book. I fear for my emotional wellbeing, honestly...but it hurts so good.
Now, I will be left to mourn the innocence of my heart and stable emotions pre-4 days ago prior to my knowledge of sexy and mysterious english men and serpentine mothers until November.
I finished this book .34 seconds ago.
How am I feeling?
In a word...distressed.
In more words...screaming. Crying. Throwing up. All at once and in a panic. My heart races still typing this and revisiting the emotional turmoil of this book.
My bookish gal pal of mine (love her but now, I hate her lol.) recommended this book to me about 3-4 days ago and said "she needed to someone to share in the misery and love with" and thought I would enjoy it. She was correct on all counts. I did enjoy it and now I also share in the misery and love and all other emotional torment this story has thrust upon me. Thanks, friend! (The best kinds of friends share these sorts of things with you, make no mistake I will be continuing the chain telling EVERYONE I know with a sense to read about this book.)
I found some parts in Inez's perspective a bit repetitive: Whit's size/stature taking up space, the over description of his blue eyes, how her mother and uncle bare such similar resemblance to her own, and all the "lines of their backs" as other characters walked away. But it wasn't overbearing and I think contributed to the storyline as a whole even if I would've edited them out as fluffy, filler parts. Similar with Kareem's introduction; other than the part he played smuggling Inez on the boat it seemed that he was not at all necessary later...but maybe that changes with the next book.
I am not typically one to go for reading any sort of "romance, rivals-to-lovers sort of trope" and ESPECIALLY with a historical fiction. But I really enjoyed this book. Inez is a beautifully portrayed main character and an actual decent female lead. It is easy for main protagonist women to be overly leaning "pick me" girl and "not like the rest" or too much like every other female that just falls unlikable and unbelievable. However, Inez was genuine and just as she was without drawing too much attention. She is an artist, a spitfire, and has a whip-quick whit (ouch, still hurts me) to her that I appreciated. She connected well with her peers throughout the book and it was refreshing that every other girl in the book (we stan Isadora) was not a threat to her status especially once the interest with Whitford continued developing. Poor girl has some serious mommy issues and hopefully learns to not be so trusting after this whole ordeal...GOD I hope Whit doesn't destroy her. It physically pains me. I want her to have him as much I do lmao.
Oh, my lovely morally grey Whit. Yes, I did think about kissing you. Many times. I would sell my left kidney to experience the harrowing cave scene pre-explosion all over again. However, I am left with too many questions (in the best way) as to his intention with Inez and if he is really the book husband I have agreed him to be with the better half of the lady readers of this book.
Final thoughts- the drawings were a lovely touch, the mastery behind portrayals of Egypt were divine, and someone needs to get my girl Inez a cigar or a therapist or SOMETHING. Maybe both. Poor girl has really been through it and I am SICK over what is to come in the next book. I fear for my emotional wellbeing, honestly...but it hurts so good.
Now, I will be left to mourn the innocence of my heart and stable emotions pre-4 days ago prior to my knowledge of sexy and mysterious english men and serpentine mothers until November.
Let me just start by saying, if you're not into magic, ancient mysteries, or handsome archaeologists, then this book is definitely not for you. But if you enjoy a good romp through nineteenth-century Buenos Aires and Cairo, sprinkled with enough magic to make Harry Potter jealous, then strap in, my friend, because What the River Knows is about to take you on a wild ride.
Set in nineteenth-century Buenos Aires, this book follows the fabulous life of Inez Olivera, a girl who has it all: wealth, status, and a knack for attracting drama. But when tragedy strikes and her globe-trotting parents die suddenly, Inez inherits their fortune. Cue the mysterious guardian and his Egyptian brother-in-law, because nothing says "inheritance" like a side of ancient artifacts and cryptic messages. Armed with her sketch pads and a shiny golden ring, Inez sets sail for Cairo. But forget about the pyramids or the Sphinx; it's the ancient magic tied to that ring that's going to lure Inez into a world of dangerous artifacts “dealers.”
As Inez unravels the secrets of her parents' disappearance, she discovers that there's more to this mystery than meets the eye. With danger lurking around every pyramid corner, Inez must rely on her wits, her charm, and a healthy dose of ancient magic to survive.
Oh, and did I mention Whit, the guardian's assistant? He's not just handsome; he's infuriatingly handsome. You know, the kind of handsome that makes you simultaneously swoon and want to punch something. And wouldn't you know it, he's determined to make Inez's life as difficult as humanly—or should I say, archaeologically—possible. But, Inez isn't just some damsel in distress waiting for her knight in shining khakis to save her. No, she's got spunk, she's got moxie, and she's got a sketch pad that's mightier than any sword. Well, maybe not, but it's certainly more useful for recording artifacts and drawing handsome archaeologists.
So, if you're in the mood for a tale of adventure, romance, and enough ancient magic to make Indiana Jones do a double take, then this is the book for you. Just be warned: there’s a massive cliffhanger, and the sequel won’t be published until November.
Set in nineteenth-century Buenos Aires, this book follows the fabulous life of Inez Olivera, a girl who has it all: wealth, status, and a knack for attracting drama. But when tragedy strikes and her globe-trotting parents die suddenly, Inez inherits their fortune. Cue the mysterious guardian and his Egyptian brother-in-law, because nothing says "inheritance" like a side of ancient artifacts and cryptic messages. Armed with her sketch pads and a shiny golden ring, Inez sets sail for Cairo. But forget about the pyramids or the Sphinx; it's the ancient magic tied to that ring that's going to lure Inez into a world of dangerous artifacts “dealers.”
As Inez unravels the secrets of her parents' disappearance, she discovers that there's more to this mystery than meets the eye. With danger lurking around every pyramid corner, Inez must rely on her wits, her charm, and a healthy dose of ancient magic to survive.
Oh, and did I mention Whit, the guardian's assistant? He's not just handsome; he's infuriatingly handsome. You know, the kind of handsome that makes you simultaneously swoon and want to punch something. And wouldn't you know it, he's determined to make Inez's life as difficult as humanly—or should I say, archaeologically—possible. But, Inez isn't just some damsel in distress waiting for her knight in shining khakis to save her. No, she's got spunk, she's got moxie, and she's got a sketch pad that's mightier than any sword. Well, maybe not, but it's certainly more useful for recording artifacts and drawing handsome archaeologists.
So, if you're in the mood for a tale of adventure, romance, and enough ancient magic to make Indiana Jones do a double take, then this is the book for you. Just be warned: there’s a massive cliffhanger, and the sequel won’t be published until November.
“I didn’t like losing, as much as I didn’t like being told what to do.”
I really struggled to like this book. At first it gave me Emily Wilde vibes and I was really getting into it. At first...
Then I realized that I don't like Ines. Her headstrong stubbornness and recklessness did her no favours and won no points with me. Other than the requisite teen defiance, I didn't learn much about her.
The prose was descriptive and vivid when talking about Cairo and about the archaeological sites. However, it sometimes bordered on purple and the use of repeated phrases was annoying to me.
I think in the end, this was just okay for me.
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