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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.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

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

View all
  • What the River Knows
    A divine exploration. A deadly secret. A desire she can't escape. In the glittering society of nineteenth-century Buenos Aires, Inez Olivera has everything, except the one thing she really wants: her parents, who frequently leave her behind on their globetrotting adventures. Then she receives a terrible letter: her parents have passed away in mysterious circumstances. Determined to uncover the truth,...
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    Backorder
    Ships late August
  • On Sale
    13% off
    Where the Library Hides
    AN IMPOSSIBLE LOVE. AN ENCHANTED LEGACY. A DANGEROUS DISCOVERY. The stunning conclusion to Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling What the River Knows. A lush immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt filled with adventure, and a rivals-to-lovers romance like no other! 1885, Egypt: Inez Olivera is left reeling from her cousin Elvira's murder, her mother's betrayal, and when Tio...
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Where the Library Hides
    AN IMPOSSIBLE LOVE. AN ENCHANTED LEGACY. A DANGEROUS DISCOVERY. The stunning conclusion to Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling What the River Knows. A lush immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt filled with adventure, and a rivals-to-lovers romance like no other! 1885, Egypt: Inez Olivera is left reeling from her cousin Elvira's murder, and her mother's betrayal, and when...
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • What the River Knows
    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...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

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.

Book Hero reading reviews

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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View all
  • What the River Knows
    A divine exploration. A deadly secret. A desire she can't escape. In the glittering society of nineteenth-century Buenos Aires, Inez Olivera has everything, except the one thing she really wants: her parents, who frequently leave her behind on their globetrotting adventures. Then she receives a terrible letter: her parents have passed away in mysterious circumstances. Determined to uncover the truth,...
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    Backorder
    Ships late August
  • On Sale
    13% off
    Where the Library Hides
    AN IMPOSSIBLE LOVE. AN ENCHANTED LEGACY. A DANGEROUS DISCOVERY. The stunning conclusion to Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling What the River Knows. A lush immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt filled with adventure, and a rivals-to-lovers romance like no other! 1885, Egypt: Inez Olivera is left reeling from her cousin Elvira's murder, her mother's betrayal, and when Tio...
    Paperback
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    Elsewhere:
    $2999
    In Stock
    Ships today
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    Age range 12+ A lush, enchanting standalone fantasy inspired by medieval Spain, filled with romance, adventure, and just the right amount of danger! An ancient city plagued by dragons. A flamenco dancer determined to save her ancestral home. A dragon hunter refusing to teach her his ways. They don't want each other, but they need each other, and without him,...
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    In 15th-century Volterra, sculptress Ravenna Maffei enters a competition hosted by a secretive, immortal family who offer an invaluable boon to the victor. Desperate to win so she can save her brother, Ravenna reveals a rare magical talent—a dangerous act in a city where magic is forbidden. Her revelation makes her a target, and she is kidnapped by the Luni...
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  • Where the Library Hides
    AN IMPOSSIBLE LOVE. AN ENCHANTED LEGACY. A DANGEROUS DISCOVERY. The stunning conclusion to Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling What the River Knows. A lush immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt filled with adventure, and a rivals-to-lovers romance like no other! 1885, Egypt: Inez Olivera is left reeling from her cousin Elvira's murder, and her mother's betrayal, and when...
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