Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collection
Publication
Hodderscape (2023), 416 pages
Description
Set in 1884, nineteen-year-old Inez travels to Egypt after the sudden death of her parents to uncover the truth about their deaths, and as she attempts to unravel the mysteries her parents sought, she becomes a pawn in a larger game that threatens to kill her.
User reviews
LibraryThing member CatherineHsu
*Thank you to NetGalley for a free e-copy in exchange for an honest review.*
Actual Rating: 3.5
I loved the premise of the book from the blurb alone — it seemed immediately like we would be getting a strong female lead who was on a mission to find the truth no matter the cost.
What the River Knows
I was really invested in the plot from the very beginning. How could I not be? We were tossed into an unknown place with Inez, who was a pretty great protagonist. I felt wronged and frustrated when she did, and I felt as nervous as she was when trying to decide who to trust and who not to. However, I’m a bit middle-of-the-road on all the twists and how they ended up. Some did catch me off guard and others were more predictable, but overall I don’t think any of them had enough build-up to give off the right oomph.
I think the world-building could’ve been more robust too. I really loved that magical elements started to be introduced, but it felt like they would appear and disappear at random moments and I wasn’t sure what the rules of it were.
While Inez was a great protagonist and Whit was also a great character, I enjoyed their banter more when it was plot-related (near the first half) and less so when it was romance-related (the second half).
In fact, I think I enjoyed the first half better in general. It was more focused and directed on Inez’s story, while we started mixing in romance and plot twists later in the book and it started to get messy.
Still, I’m invested in the story and I didn’t expect this to be to be getting a sequel! Since it looks like we will be, I’ll be tuning in for sure.
Actual Rating: 3.5
I loved the premise of the book from the blurb alone — it seemed immediately like we would be getting a strong female lead who was on a mission to find the truth no matter the cost.
What the River Knows
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starts with a letter that Inez receives: her parents are dead and she’s inherited their fortune. All she knows about them is that they were in Cairo and that they were looking for something; with nothing but the letter and a mysterious ring her father had previously mailed to her, Inez travels to Egypt, where she finds out there’s more to her parent’s disappearance than her new guardian is letting on. Her mission only becomes even more complicated when she gets tangled up with her uncle’s handsome assistant Whit — who she only then finds out, is already betrothed.I was really invested in the plot from the very beginning. How could I not be? We were tossed into an unknown place with Inez, who was a pretty great protagonist. I felt wronged and frustrated when she did, and I felt as nervous as she was when trying to decide who to trust and who not to. However, I’m a bit middle-of-the-road on all the twists and how they ended up. Some did catch me off guard and others were more predictable, but overall I don’t think any of them had enough build-up to give off the right oomph.
I think the world-building could’ve been more robust too. I really loved that magical elements started to be introduced, but it felt like they would appear and disappear at random moments and I wasn’t sure what the rules of it were.
While Inez was a great protagonist and Whit was also a great character, I enjoyed their banter more when it was plot-related (near the first half) and less so when it was romance-related (the second half).
In fact, I think I enjoyed the first half better in general. It was more focused and directed on Inez’s story, while we started mixing in romance and plot twists later in the book and it started to get messy.
Still, I’m invested in the story and I didn’t expect this to be to be getting a sequel! Since it looks like we will be, I’ll be tuning in for sure.
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LibraryThing member melaniehope
This was an adventure story set in 1884 Egypt. Inez Olivera has just found out her parents are presumed dead while disappearing during an excavation in Egypt. Although only 18, Inez runs away from home and boards a ship headed to Cairo to discover the fate of her parents and her inheritance.
Upon
It was a bit frustrating because Inez's uncle refused to share any details with her. The author also briefly would include some magical realism in the story that was never really expanded on. Inez could sense images from past when she held some ancient artifacts. That part seemed a little disjointed from the story.
However, the story was really good and kept my interest. By the end of the book, there were some characters who were extremely dangerous, and the storyline became a bit tense. But be prepared, this story leaves off on a cliffhanger! Hopefully a sequel comes out soon. I received a complimentary e-book from the publisher via Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
Upon
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her arrival, she discovers her uncle is full of secrets and has arranged for her immediate return to Argentina. Whit, a handsome young man, is in charge of making sure Inez leaves Egypt immediately. However, Inez is determined to stay and discover what is really going on.It was a bit frustrating because Inez's uncle refused to share any details with her. The author also briefly would include some magical realism in the story that was never really expanded on. Inez could sense images from past when she held some ancient artifacts. That part seemed a little disjointed from the story.
However, the story was really good and kept my interest. By the end of the book, there were some characters who were extremely dangerous, and the storyline became a bit tense. But be prepared, this story leaves off on a cliffhanger! Hopefully a sequel comes out soon. I received a complimentary e-book from the publisher via Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member krau0098
Series Info/Source: This is the first book in the Secrets of the Nile duology. I got a copy of this through NetGalley to review.
Thoughts: This was well done but different than I was expecting. I was expecting more of an adventure feel to the story. Instead this is more about a girl attempting to
Inez receives news that her parents have died while in Egypt. She decides to venture out to Egypt on her own to find out the truth about their deaths/disappearance. Once there, she finds out her uncle and parents were connected to schemes around stealing Egyptian artifacts for profit. When it becomes clear that her life is at risk, she is forced to unravel all these mysteries and hunt down the truth.
I love stories set in Egypt and would have liked a bit more description on the surroundings so I could have pictured them better. I did really enjoy the historical information around Britain's invasion of Egypt.
I also enjoyed the subtle magic woven throughout and the two main characters, Inez and Whit. There is a romance between Inez and Whit which was well done.
I do wish the world had been built out a bit better. There is some discussion around how magic used to be done and how it's still present in objects, but this idea kind of pops in and out of the story and is never fully developed.
I also did not realize this was part of a series. This book ends at a horrible cliffhanger that was pretty confusing. I re-read the last part a few times trying to figure out what I was missing because I didn't really understand the last few scenes. I see now that this is the first book in a duology, but still don't understand the ending to this book.
My Summary (4/5): Overall I liked this but thought it was also a bit flawed. I enjoyed the Egyptian setting, the hints of magic in the world, and the two main characters. I would have liked more solid world building and description and better resolution at the end of the book. I also felt like the writing could have flowed better. I am on the fence about whether or not I will continue the series at this point.
Thoughts: This was well done but different than I was expecting. I was expecting more of an adventure feel to the story. Instead this is more about a girl attempting to
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track down her lost parents in Egypt and unravel a plot around a group selling stolen Egyptian antiquities.Inez receives news that her parents have died while in Egypt. She decides to venture out to Egypt on her own to find out the truth about their deaths/disappearance. Once there, she finds out her uncle and parents were connected to schemes around stealing Egyptian artifacts for profit. When it becomes clear that her life is at risk, she is forced to unravel all these mysteries and hunt down the truth.
I love stories set in Egypt and would have liked a bit more description on the surroundings so I could have pictured them better. I did really enjoy the historical information around Britain's invasion of Egypt.
I also enjoyed the subtle magic woven throughout and the two main characters, Inez and Whit. There is a romance between Inez and Whit which was well done.
I do wish the world had been built out a bit better. There is some discussion around how magic used to be done and how it's still present in objects, but this idea kind of pops in and out of the story and is never fully developed.
I also did not realize this was part of a series. This book ends at a horrible cliffhanger that was pretty confusing. I re-read the last part a few times trying to figure out what I was missing because I didn't really understand the last few scenes. I see now that this is the first book in a duology, but still don't understand the ending to this book.
My Summary (4/5): Overall I liked this but thought it was also a bit flawed. I enjoyed the Egyptian setting, the hints of magic in the world, and the two main characters. I would have liked more solid world building and description and better resolution at the end of the book. I also felt like the writing could have flowed better. I am on the fence about whether or not I will continue the series at this point.
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LibraryThing member AmyM3317
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
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 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.
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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 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.
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LibraryThing member fredreeca
Inez has been left by her parents again. They are in Egypt living their best life without her…or so she thinks. When she receives word of their tragic deaths, Inez strikes out to Egypt on her own to discover exactly what happened to her beloved parents.
I have to say, Inez is very resourceful and
Even though I loved the time period, the magic and the setting of Egypt. This story is a bit too long and dragged in quite a few places. But, like I always say, read it yourself and develop your own opinion. Quite a few people really loved this. It does read like an Agatha Christie novel.
Need a tale set in Egypt with a twist…THIS IS IT. Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review
I have to say, Inez is very resourceful and
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she does not take no for an answer. I enjoy her ingenuity but I found her a bit vapid in places. She is a bit of a conundrum in this tale. I guess what I am trying to say is, she flip flops between tough and smart to whiny and clueless. She frustrated me a little bit.Even though I loved the time period, the magic and the setting of Egypt. This story is a bit too long and dragged in quite a few places. But, like I always say, read it yourself and develop your own opinion. Quite a few people really loved this. It does read like an Agatha Christie novel.
Need a tale set in Egypt with a twist…THIS IS IT. Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review
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LibraryThing member jennybeast
I tried several times to read this book and I just couldn’t get into it. I love that the main character is from Buenos Aires, I love that she’s headstrong and impetuous. I love the touch of magic. But man, I really hate the characters overall, and despite her good qualities the main character
Advanced readers copy provided by Edelweiss
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is deeply annoying to me. Glad others are enjoying it, not my cup of tea.Advanced readers copy provided by Edelweiss
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LibraryThing member BlueBookReviews
It is the nineteenth century and Inez Olivera is part of the upper society of Buenos Aries. She has everything a girl might want, except for the one thing she yearns the most: her globetrotting parents—who leave her in the care of her aunt and two cousins.
When Inez receives word of the death of
With her guardian’s 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 may kill her.
This is such a beautifully written book. It is a unique historical fiction book with elements of fantasy and is filled with magic, mystery, secrets, lies, betrayal, slow burn romance, and unexpected twists. Ibanez’s ability to immerse the reader in the setting is wonderful – I felt like I was walking through a Cairo market or an archaeological dig. I thought I had the mystery figured out about 2/3 of the way through the book, but Ibanez pulled out a cliffhanger that changed everything. My only complaint is that the story started off a bit slow, but Ibanez’s descriptive imagery and the discussion of Egypt’s history and mythology kept me interested. By the second half, the story picked up the pace, becoming more action-packed, so be patient and you will be rewarded. This book managed to feel unique as a historical fantasy read. This book is the first part of a duology, and I am very eager to read the second part.
Thanks to NetGalley, Isabel Ibanez, and St. Martin’s Press for providing a complimentary copy of this book in hopes that I will leave my unbiased review. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and the above review is simply my opinion of the book.
When Inez receives word of the death of
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her parents, Inez inherits their massive fortune and a mysterious guardian, an archeologist in Egypt. When her guardian does not provide details on her parents, Inez sails to Cairo, bringing her sketch pads and a golden ring her father sent to her for safekeeping. Upon her arrival in Egypt, the magic tethered to the ring pulls her down a path where she soon discovers there’s more to her parent’s fate than what her guardian led her to believe.With her guardian’s 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 may kill her.
This is such a beautifully written book. It is a unique historical fiction book with elements of fantasy and is filled with magic, mystery, secrets, lies, betrayal, slow burn romance, and unexpected twists. Ibanez’s ability to immerse the reader in the setting is wonderful – I felt like I was walking through a Cairo market or an archaeological dig. I thought I had the mystery figured out about 2/3 of the way through the book, but Ibanez pulled out a cliffhanger that changed everything. My only complaint is that the story started off a bit slow, but Ibanez’s descriptive imagery and the discussion of Egypt’s history and mythology kept me interested. By the second half, the story picked up the pace, becoming more action-packed, so be patient and you will be rewarded. This book managed to feel unique as a historical fantasy read. This book is the first part of a duology, and I am very eager to read the second part.
Thanks to NetGalley, Isabel Ibanez, and St. Martin’s Press for providing a complimentary copy of this book in hopes that I will leave my unbiased review. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and the above review is simply my opinion of the book.
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LibraryThing member bell7
Inez Olivera lives in Argentina, and her parents leave her behind about half the year to go to Egypt, a place they adore. But they won't bring her with them. Receiving word that they have passed away and determined to find out what happened to them, Inez leaves propriety behind to travel alone to
For an adventure story, this has a rather deliberately-paced start, and I got impatient with how long it took before the pacing really took off. Inez is fun to root for but often naive, and I got frustrated with her uncle not telling her much but getting angry with her choices - which were clearly based on her not having all the information - all the same. Still, it was intriguing, with a bit of a romance with the mysterious Whitford Hayes, her uncle's helper, thrown in for good measure. There's a lot of loose ends and an extra little cliffhanger in the epilogue leaving me reasonably sure I'll at least pick up book #2.
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Egypt and meet her unknown uncle, Tio Ricardo.For an adventure story, this has a rather deliberately-paced start, and I got impatient with how long it took before the pacing really took off. Inez is fun to root for but often naive, and I got frustrated with her uncle not telling her much but getting angry with her choices - which were clearly based on her not having all the information - all the same. Still, it was intriguing, with a bit of a romance with the mysterious Whitford Hayes, her uncle's helper, thrown in for good measure. There's a lot of loose ends and an extra little cliffhanger in the epilogue leaving me reasonably sure I'll at least pick up book #2.
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LibraryThing member Eliz12
Thought I would try something different, but it's not for me. Interesting bits of magic, but everything is too long, too drawn out. If I am not interested in the main character at this point, I'm sure I will never be. At this first, short glance it feels like a romance in the hands of someone
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trying to write like a great novelist so no, just no. Show Less
LibraryThing member ecataldi
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
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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 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
LibraryThing member KallieGrace
4.5 stars, this is a lot of fun, but maybe not as detailed as I like my fantasy. I love the setting in Egypt, the headstrong protagonist, the deceits and betrayals, and the bits of magic. Looking forward to the next!
Awards
Libby Book Award (Finalist — 2023)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2023
Physical description
416 p.
ISBN
1399722174 / 9781399722179
Local notes
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 for the most: her globetrotting parents - who frequently leave her behind when they venture off on their exploring adventures.
GSFF Oct 2023. Signed by the author, #270 of 2000 numbered copies with green ombré sprayed page edges.
GSFF Oct 2023. Signed by the author, #270 of 2000 numbered copies with green ombré sprayed page edges.