The Review

“What the River Knows” by Isabel Ibañez is an absolute masterpiece of historical fantasy. With its lush, immersive world-building, well-crafted characters, and a plot filled with magic, mystery, and romance, this book is a true gem in the genre.

The story follows the determined and curious Inez Olivera, a young woman from nineteenth-century Buenos Aires who embarks on a journey to Egypt in search of answers about her parents’ tragic deaths. Inez’s strength and resilience make her an instantly relatable and admirable protagonist. Her unwavering determination to uncover the truth about her family draws readers into her quest from the very beginning.

The chemistry between Inez and Whitford Hayes, her enigmatic guardian’s assistant, is electric and beautifully written. Their enemies-to-lovers relationship is a slow-burning delight, filled with witty banter and undeniable chemistry. Their interactions provide a perfect balance of tension and romance that keeps readers captivated.

The plot is a rollercoaster of twists and turns that constantly challenge readers’ assumptions. Isabel Ibañez’s storytelling skills shine as she weaves a complex narrative that seamlessly blends historical elements with magical realism. The book’s vivid descriptions of Cairo, the Nile River, and ancient artifacts immerse readers in the story’s rich and enchanting world.

The use of Spanish throughout the book adds authenticity and depth to the characters and setting, enhancing the overall reading experience. The author skillfully integrates family dynamics, social and cultural politics of the era, and Egyptian mythology into the narrative, making it both engaging and thought-provoking.

Inez’s character development is beautifully portrayed, and readers will find themselves empathizing with her journey of self-discovery. The cast of characters is diverse and intriguing, each shrouded in mystery and complexity, adding depth to the story.

The ending of the book is a jaw-dropping cliffhanger that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the sequel. It’s a testament to the author’s ability to keep readers invested in the story long after they’ve turned the last page.

In summary, “What the River Knows” is a brilliant, sensational, and phenomenal historical fantasy that deserves every one of its five stars. It’s a captivating read that immerses readers in a world of magic, adventure, and romance, leaving them hungry for more. Isabel Ibañez has crafted a must-read novel that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the top literary treasures of 2023.

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Short Review (AKA TLDR)

Isabel Ibañez’s “What the River Knows” is a true masterpiece of historical fantasy, an enchanting world filled with magic, mystery, and romance. The story follows Inez Olivera, a strong-willed young woman from nineteenth-century Buenos Aires, as she embarks on a quest to Egypt in search of answers about her parents’ tragic deaths.

Inez’s determination and curiosity make her a relatable and admirable protagonist, drawing readers into her journey of self-discovery. She constantly outsmarts the men around her, in a way that makes you think “why is anyone ever leaving her alone?” Her electric chemistry with Whitford Hayes, her guardian’s enigmatic assistant, evolves into a slow-burning, enemies-to-lovers romance, brimming with witty banter and undeniable chemistry. The plot is a thrilling rollercoaster of twists and turns that challenges readers’ assumptions, seamlessly blending historical elements with magical realism. The vivid descriptions of Cairo, the Nile River, and ancient artifacts create an immersive and enchanting world. The use of Spanish adds authenticity, and the narrative skillfully integrates family dynamics, social and cultural politics, and Egyptian mythology, making it both engaging and thought-provoking.

Inez’s character development is beautifully portrayed, and the diverse cast of characters adds depth and intrigue to the story. The book concludes with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger but don’t worry, the sequel is in the works. In summary, “What the River Knows” is a brilliant, sensational, and phenomenal historical fantasy, deserving of every one of its five stars. It immerses readers in a world of magic, adventure, and romance, leaving them hungry for more. Isabel Ibañez has crafted a must-read novel that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the top literary treasures of 2023.