Isabel Ibáñez

It's 1884, and a 19-year-old Argentine and Bolivian heiress sets sail to Egypt to investigate the mysterious deaths of her parents. Inez Olivera grew up in Buenos Aires largely without her mother and father, who often were in Egypt, assisting Tío Ricardo, her uncle who was an archaeologist, with his expeditions. Word comes that Inez’s parents have disappeared in the desert and are presumed to be dead. She makes it her mission to find out exactly what happened to them. Whitford (Whit) Hayes, a former British soldier who works for Tío Ricardo, orders him to send Inez back to England for her own safety. Inez has a mind of her own and other ideas and repeatedly ignores his demands. She finds that a gold ring that her father had sent from Cairo before he disappeared has somehow given her a gift of magic that may help find Cleopatra’s tomb. Tío Ricardo, a historian who opposes the colonial exploitation, is desperate to find it before treasure hunters can rob Egypt of its artifacts. As the story continues through Inez and Whit’s alternating points of view, the chemistry between them starts to sizzle, and they run into danger and deception at every turn of their quest. All this takes place while they remain unsure if they can trust one another. The first half is "wordy" but it was worth sticking with it for the fast-paced conclusion loaded to the gills with numerous and shocking twists. A word of warning though...it's a cliffhanger that leave the reader questioning everything and hoping that there will be a sequel. I haven't checked yet to see if there is but if it exists, I will diffidently want to read it… (altro)

What the River Knows — A Tribute to Myths and Magic

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez is a fascinating trip that lures readers into a world where the ordinary and the extraordinary blend perfectly. It is a tribute to myth and magic, as well as a gripping narrative of love and sacrifice. I found myself captivated by a brilliantly created novel that easily blends mythology, mystery, and passionate emotions with each page turn.



What the River Knows ♦ Isabel Ibañez

Opinion

Ibañez’s skill as a storyteller is clear from the first chapter, bringing readers into the lives of the characters with vivid imagery and fascinating conversation. The protagonist’s journey, which is weighted with personal hardships as well as the weight of fate, feels surprisingly authentic. The intricacy of each character’s connections and the depth of their emotions are depicted with such precision that it’s difficult not to be emotionally invested in their futures.

The world-building in What the River Knows is outstanding. The author offers a vivid picture of a universe in which old tales merge with late-nineteenth-century times, producing a tapestry of wonder and enchantment. The seamless integration of real-world elements with mythological folklore is enthralling, providing a fresh and unusual perspective that kept me flipping pages late into the night.

Furthermore, the story’s tempo is well maintained, keeping suspense and tension at precisely the appropriate proportions. The plot’s ebb and flow are expertly handled, providing moments of calm among dramatic, heart-pounding episodes. The story’s twists and turns are both shocking and satisfying, constructing a narrative that keeps you interested from start to finish.

While the book provides an extremely immersive experience, there were times when I hoped for a bit more depth in some of the secondary characters and their motivations. Despite this, the story’s overarching tapestry is so engaging that it rarely detracts from the novel’s overall enjoyment.

Conlusion

Finally, What the River Knows is a book that transcends age and genre, appealing to both young adult and adult readers. It’s a story about the enduring power of love, the tenacity of the human spirit, and the riddle of old stories. Isabel Ibañez has created a gripping world full of wonder, making this story a must-read for anybody looking for an intriguing escape into a world where the river actually knows everything.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This review was first published at The Art of Reading.… (altro)

I really liked the worldbuilding - magic, dragons, and the integration of Spanish! Dragonador immediately had my interest for the unique spin on matadors

I couldn’t take Arturo’s barbed mouth at times. No one is going to kiss your behind, sir. But after he defrosted, he was all right. Zarela never failed to call him out for it too. More importantly, I enjoyed Zarela’s spunk and stubbornness. I was always rooting for her. How she cared for her family estate and its workers was done well.

One pet peeve on character descriptions: So many characters are referred to as having dark black skin. Visually what does this look like? Skin the color of ink toner or midnight? Because some characters have brown skin, this must mean something else culturally.

Overall, I enjoyed my reading experience. But I would've given this 5 stars if the author hadn't killed off the dad. This is what pissed me off with Wakanda Forever too the female character has already gone through so much and you make her an orphan :/ Still worth reading though!… (altro)