What the River Knows: the explosive, page-turning historical romantasy

By Author / Illustrator

Isabel Ibanez

Genre

Fantasy

Age range(s)

14+

Publisher

Hodder & Stoughton

ISBN

9781399722179

Format

Hardback

Published

14-11-2023

Synopsis

A divine exploration. A deadly secret. A desire she can't escape.... The Mummy meets Death on the Nile in this lush, immersive historical fantasy set in 19th century Egypt, filled with adventure, laugh-out-loud banter, a slow-burn rivals-to-lovers romance, and a dangerous race.

In the glittering society of nineteenth-century Buenos Aires, Inez Olivera has everything, except the one thing she really wants: her parents, who frequently leave her behind on their globetrotting adventures. Then she receives a terrible letter: her parents have passed away in mysterious circumstances.

Determined to uncover the truth, she sets sails for their last port-of-call, Cairo, bringing only her sketch pads and an ancient ring that her father sent to her for safekeeping. But upon her arrival in Egypt, the ring flares with ancient magic, and Inez is thrust into a treacherous game that could threaten her life - and into the path of her new guardian's infuriatingly handsome assistant, who seems determined to thwart her at every turn...

'Expertly plotted, explosively adventurous, and burning with romance' STEPHANIE GARBER. '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. 'What the River Knows has it all: page-turning mystery, adventure, intrigue and betrayal, laugh-out-loud banter, and slow-burn romance' MARY E. PEARSON. 'A truly enchanting work of storytelling. All the stars' HEATHER FAWCETT.

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Reviews

Author Isabel Ibanez must be an alchemist herself as this book will keep you spellbound and enchanted until the 'I didn't see that coming' cliff hanger of an ending...

In the glittering society of nineteenth-century Buenos Aires, Inez Olivera has everything, except the one thing she really wants: her parents, who frequently leave her behind to go to Egypt in search for treasures that have a magical connection. Heartbreakingly, she receives a letter informing her that her parents have passed away in mysterious circumstances.

Determined to uncover the truth, she sets sails for Cairo, bringing only her sketch pads and an ancient ring that her father sent to her for safekeeping. The ring contains an ancient magic that Inez can feel. Who is the women in her visions? Why did her father entrust the ring to her care? On her arrival in Egypt, Inez is thrust into a treacherous game that could threaten her life - and into the path of her uncle's infuriatingly handsome assistant, who seems determined to thwart her at every turn.

What the River Knows will transport any 14+ reader into the magic of a Victorian British-occupied Egypt; the era of discovery, of dark, dusty temples filled with unknown treasures of past kings and queens. Inez comes across as a great protagonist as she has courage and determination along with all the curiosity of a 19-year-old girl; however, due to her age she also shows a vulnerable side and is a little too trusting. I also thought it was a clever trick to include Whit's POV in order to keep the reader guessing about his character and his intentions/feelings for Inez.

This wonderful historic mystery would also be a great title for books clubs as it has many discussion opportunities that arise within the plot and may encourage some readers to explore further reading on this historical subject. This is an easy recommendation for 2023 as I enjoyed every page of this book and only wish I had the next one to continue the adventure.

416 pages / Reviewed by Linda Brown, school librarian