What the River Knows by Isabel Ibanez
Author: Isabel Ibanez
Published: 2023
Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Historical Fantasy
Synopsis From Goodreads:
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 an ancient 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.
The Mummy meets Death on the Nile in this lush, immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt filled with adventure, a rivals-to-lovers romance, and a dangerous race.
My Take:
Ibanez combines historical and architectural details with mystery, Egyptian legend, and magic. Her lush descriptions transport you to another place and time, seeing what Inez sees, smelling what she smells. The result is a novel that is next to impossible to put down. What the River Knows has been described as a runaway train and I agree. Plot twists and turns abound, some that literally took my breath away. If you enjoy historical settings and magical elements in a novel, this one is for you. I don’t normally appreciate Egyptian mythology but I’m glad I took a chance. Be warned, this is the first of a duology that really leaves you hanging!
Language:
Swearing is lightly sprinkled throughout the novel, usually in understandable circumstances. If you are looking for a novel without any objectionable language, this is not it!
Sexual Content:
Most of the book is very clean. There are frequent scenes where the characters show desire for each other, a few kissing scenes, and one short heavy petting scene that is fairly graphic.
Drug/Alcohol Use:
Drinking plays a large part in the story line. One character is a heavy drinker and drinking with meals is an historically normal part of the culture that is explored. The heavy drinking is discouraged and it’s effects are noted. No drug use.
Violence:
There is quite a bit of violence at the end of the novel, one disturbingly graphic scene. Overall, violence doesn’t play a large part until the end.
Plot/Storytelling:
The twists and turns in this novel make this a fascinating read. While some things are predictable they are far out shadowed by the jaw-dropping elements that were impossible to anticipate.