Reviews

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez

agiecummings's review against another edition

emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

So, I really was very excited to read this book. And I overall enjoyed it. It was far more compelling than the “adult” version of this book, Raiders of the Lost Heart. This has the intrigue of paleontology and exploration of the past, without the misogyny present in that book.

And, truly I did enjoy the Ancient Egypt aspect of this as well. Absolutely fascinating from an exploration perspective. And I liked the love story and the family drama,

but I will say there was one too many “gotcha” moments with the parents/uncle being the bad guy. I think that it would have been more compelling to see her figure it out and then not change multiple more times and instead develop our understanding of the complications surrounding exploration of Egypt and the dangers around her mother’s double crossing.

Honestly, even as I write this I feel a little dazed thinking about all the twists and turns.

And did her cousin really need to die? Does Whit need to relapse? I also feel like last page/epilogue just made me more confused. I want to know who’s coming and if Whit’s proposal is true.

But there seems like A LOT of other plot that needs to be resolved in the second, and final, book. Very intrigued to see how they handle it.

kelseyj18's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

I don’t typically read too many fantasy books but I really enjoyed this historical fantasy. The magic aspects don’t overwhelm and take over the story. I do think some parts of the book were a little bit rushed.

I kind of hate how it felt like Elvira was written just to be killed off. Her coming to Egypt altogether felt unnecessary and cruel

christinanoelle15's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

meganlovesbooks's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No

3.5

nvthemist's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A

4.25

judexgraves's review against another edition

slow-paced

2.0

katelynnmilliken's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The story follows Oliveria "Inez" and her journey to Egypt to seek the reason for her parents' unexpected deaths. Along the way, there are unexpected situations that lure you into reading further (out of pure shock of betrayal). This book has plenty of historical, geographical, and cultural scenes, for those that enjoy that. I, on the other hand, know very little about history or geography. I didnt fact check anything, so assumed it all to be accurate. The author is apparently very knowledgeable of those things. There are a lot of Spanish words and phrases, but all of them are easily understood for a non-Spanish speaker. The author truly did a great job at explaining things in a way that made sense, even if you have no knowledge of any of these things. was expecting a lot more romance throughout the book, and didn't get it. Perhaps the second book has it. It leaves off on a cliffhanger that implies more romance is coming. did enjoy the addition of fantasy, particularly the use of magic in relation to Cleopatra, and the magic scenes that were described vividly. Iread this book via Kindle Unlimited. The second book is not yet released on KU, so I probably won't end up reading it. At times, felt bored and wanted to be finished. I prefer books that are so riveting that you can't put them down. It is likely that the book is someone else's cup of tea.... Just not mine.

thebookgeek's review against another edition

adventurous inspiring mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

stephpirman's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

tdawncreek's review against another edition

adventurous emotional informative mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75