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What the River Knows

the addictive and endlessly romantic historical fantasy
3.84 goodreads logo

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( 80,406 ratings, 16,076 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez, the story follows a young woman named Inez as she embarks on a thrilling journey through Egypt. After an unexpected inheritance from her archaeologist parents, she becomes embroiled in a world of ancient secrets and dangerous discoveries. The tale weaves elements of fantasy and adventure, exploring themes of heritage, mystery, and self-discovery amidst the backdrop of a vividly depicted historical setting.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're captivated by historical adventures laced with a touch of fantasy. It's ideal for readers who appreciate rich settings, strong female protagonists, and a storyline that weaves mystery with ancient cultures. Exploring journeys set against the backdrop of mystical elements can be immensely satisfying for those who relish an escape into a vividly detailed imaginative world.

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What the River Knows

The first in a crossover historical fantasy duology from the author of Woven in Moonlight, set in the glittering society of 19th century Egypt, as feisty Inez fights the restrictions of her time to discover what happened to her missing parents.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A divine exploration. A deadly secret. A desire she can't escape.

'Expertly plotted, explosively adventurous, and burning with romance' – STEPHANIE GARBER

The Mummy meets Death on the Nile in this lush, immersive historical fantasy set in 19th century Egypt, filled with adventure, a rivals-to-lovers romance, and a dangerous race.

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.

When she receives word of their tragic deaths, Inez inherits their massive fortune and a mysterious guardian, an archaeologist in partnership with his Egyptian brother-in-law. Yearning for answers, Inez sails to Cairo, bringing her sketch pads and an ancient golden ring her father sent to her for safekeeping before he died. But upon her arrival, the old world magic tethered to the ring pulls her down a path where she soon discovers there's more to her parents' disappearance than what her guardian led her to believe.

With her guardian's infuriatingly handsome assistant thwarting her at every turn, Inez must rely on ancient magic to uncover the truth about her parents' disappearance—or risk becoming a pawn in a larger game that will kill her.

Author Reviews for What the River Knows

'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

What the River Knows has it all: page-turning mystery, adventure, intrigue and betrayal, laugh-out-loud banter, and slow-burn romance' – MARY E. PEARSON

'A truly enchanting work of storytelling. All the stars' – HEATHER FAWCETT

'Ibanez's worldbuilding is masterful, and the chemistry between her characters is swoon-worthy' – ELIZABETH LIM

'A thrilling adventure the whole way through' – RACHEL GRIFFIN

'Luminous and enchanting... A romantic, spellbinding adventure' – REBECCA ROSS

Reader Reviews for What the River Knows

'Absolutely charming' – NetGalley - five star review

'Excuse me, but archaeology? Cleopatra? Speculative touches? This book is made for me!' – NetGalley - five star review

Series: Secrets of the Nile Duology

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez is praised for its blend of historical adventure and magical elements, drawing readers into a thrilling journey through Ancient Egypt with a plucky heroine. It's an enchanting mix of romance, mystery, and myth, winning accolades for its lush prose and engrossing plot twists. With compelling character dynamics and vibrant world-building, the book offers a richly textured reading experience that delights both fantasy and historical fiction enthusiasts.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781399722186

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 31 October 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Hodderscape

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 34.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 232.0mm

Weight: 507g

Pages: 416

About the Author

Isabel Ibanez is a USA Today, Indie, Sunday Times, and #1 New York Times bestselling author of whimsical historical fantasies for teens and adults. She has written many highly acclaimed novels, including Woven in Moonlight, which is listed among Time Magazine's 100 Best Fantasy Books Of All Time and was a finalist for the William C. Morris award, as well as the bestselling Secrets of the Nile duology, Together We Burn, and Written in Starlight. She is the proud daughter of Bolivian immigrants and has a profound appreciation for history, traveling, and writing stories where her characters are often running for their lives. She currently lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with her family, their adorable golden doodle, and an overwhelming amount of books.

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