LoveReading Says
Richly imagined and punchy with action, adventure, and mystery, this fabulous read dips into old world magic, and an interesting romance. Desperate for answers, 19-year-old Inez Olivera travels to Egypt after the deaths of her parents in 1884. If I hadn’t previously known this was a young adult novel I might not have realised, so this is wonderfully accessible for older adults too. That is the beauty of really well-written YA fiction, that it isn’t obviously aimed at an age range, and this is one of the reasons I’ve chosen What the River Knows as a LoveReading Star Book. Author Isabel Ibanez has created the most fabulously immersive world into which Inez bursts and I rushed along beside her, eyes and mind open wide. Inez is independent, determined, and has a good heart, she really does make the most perfect protagonist. The rest of the characters maintain an edge of mystery, I found my thoughts changing as I read, at times wanting to caution Inez as she rushed into her adventures. The magic on offer feels so very realistic, attached as it is to an ancient past. I loved travelling back to the nineteenth century and then further back again, it ensured that I was present in every moment, aware of the depth of the story. The sense of place is immense, Egypt sings with colour and vibrancy, while the adventurous and clever plot filled my heart with joy. The first in the Secrets of the Nile Duology is a resounding success, What the River Knows is awash with adventurous souls, a dynamic plot, and exciting locations, its fabulously entertaining and I can’t wait for more!
Liz Robinson
Ancient Egyptian tombs and magic. Sizzling romance. A gloriously gutsy heroine. This 19th-century-set adventure is an exhilarating joy.
What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez, the first book in the Secrets of the Nile duology, is a thoroughly entertaining period adventure — think Death on the Nile meets Eva Ibbotson. Set in the late nineteenth-century, and moving from Buenos Aires to the Nile, it shimmers with mystery and ancient magic, and sparky enemies-to-lovers romance. And all this driven by a spirited heroine who breaks all the rules in applaudably audacious style. Bravo!
While living a high-society life in Buenos Aires — though deeply frustrated by the constraints of her sex, and missing her parents, who spend half the year on digs in Egypt — 19-year-old Inez receives news that said parents have died. Set on discovering what happened to them, and passionate about visiting the land they’d spent 17 years working in, she sets sail from Buenos Aires to see her uncle Tio Ricardo, who also works in the field of ancient archaeology and artefacts.
On finding her in Cairo, Tio Ricardo makes it abundantly clear that Inez must return home at the earliest opportunity. But with mystery (and magic) around a special ring from her father already taking hold, along with a thrilling, right royal new dig, she finds a way to remain. And so the adventure ramps up.
Alongside the enthralling overarching mystery of Inez’s missing parents, there’s intrigue and treachery, ancient magic, and fiery desire-fuelled banter, all playing out in a fabulously conjured story world that’ll have you thinking you’ve been transported to the banks of the Nile in the late 19th-century. What the River Knows is a magnificently exhilarating read.
Joanne Owen
LoveReading
Find This Book In
| Primary Genre |
Fantasy
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| Other Genres: |
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What the River Knows Synopsis
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 . . .
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781399722179 |
| Publication date: |
14th November 2023 |
| Author: |
Isabel Ibañez |
| Publisher: |
Hodderscape an imprint of Hodder & Stoughton |
| Format: |
Hardback |
| Pagination: |
404 pages |
| Series: |
Secrets of the Nile Duology |
| Primary Genre |
Fantasy
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| Other Genres: |
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Isabel Ibañez Press Reviews
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
Fast-paced yet lyrical, with twists that keep you flying through the pages while Ibañez's evocative prose makes you want to savor every sun-drenched paragraph, What the River Knows is a truly enchanting work of storytelling. All the stars - Heather Fawcett, author of Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries
Expertly plotted, explosively adventurous, and burning with romance. What the River Knows is a pulse pounding archeological hunt that exquisitely weaves together glittering pieces of history with fascinating mythology. This book should come with a seatbelt, because you'll will want to buckle up for this brilliant ride - Stephanie Garber #1 New York Times bestselling author of Once Upon A Broken Heart
Phenomenal. This is a book that truly deserves that word. What the River Knows has it all-page-turning mystery, adventure, intrigue and betrayal, laugh-out-loud banter, and slow-burn romance with characters that jump off the page. I am a fan for life - Mary E. Pearson, New York Times bestselling author of The Remnant Chronicles
A sweeping historical fantasy brimming with adventure, romance, and richly researched lore, What the River Knows is a treasure of a book. Ibanez's worldbuilding is masterful, and the chemistry between her characters is swoon worthy - Elizabeth Lim, New York Times bestselling author of Six Crimson Cranes
Luminous and enchanting, What the River Knows gleams with dangerous secrets, a clever heroine, ancient tombs, and a mystery that readers will be eager to unravel. A romantic, spellbinding adventure - Rebecca Ross, internationally bestselling author of A River Enchanted and Divine Rivals
Intricately threaded with real history, What the River Knows is romantic, adrenaline-soaked, and gleaming with clandestine magic. Opening like a dusty puzzle box, it reveals a spirited heroine, her prickly love interest, and an adventure that will spirit you away to the serpentine waters of the Nile. A masterpiece - Ava Reid, internationally bestselling author of The Wolf and the Woodsman
Magic and mystery, quests and romance sparkle in Ibañez's dazzling historical adventure novel. Prepare to be whisked on a whirlwind ride to the glittering banks of the Egyptian Nile by a plucky, courageous heroine! - Amélie Wen Zhao, author of the Blood Heir trilogy
What The River Knows is a historical adventure ripe with delicious twists, swoony angst, and sassy wit that is as thrilling as it is insightful - J. Elle, New York Times bestselling author of Wings of Ebony
With vivid descriptions, singular magic, and shocking betrayals, What the River Knows is a thrilling adventure the whole way through. Add in a swoon-worthy romance and Ibañez's beautiful prose and this is a journey readers will eagerly go on - Rachel Griffin, New York Times bestselling author of The Nature of Witches
