Immersive world, beautiful writing
Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.75/5)
What the River Knows was the perfect palate cleanser for me. After spending weeks buried in dense adult fantasy and emotionally heavy fiction, I needed something that felt lighter—something that let me breathe a little. This YA fantasy delivered exactly that.
The story follows Inez, a young Argentinian girl who travels to Egypt in search of answers about her parents’ mysterious deaths. It’s a premise that instantly intrigued me, and the setting only deepened my interest. I’ve always been fascinated by Egyptian mythology, especially when it weaves in historical figures like Cleopatra. She’s often seen as a symbol of power and feminism in a time when that was rare—and I love when fiction explores those themes.
Reading YA after so many weighty books was a conscious choice. The simpler, more accessible writing style was refreshing. It reminded me why I still enjoy this genre, even as an adult. I also really appreciated the inclusion of Spanish and Arabic in the narrative—it added a layer of cultural depth that made the world feel more immersive and real.
There were moments, particularly toward the end, where the tone felt a bit more mature than I expected—which was a pleasant surprise. Still, the overall voice remained consistent and true to the genre.
One of my favorite elements of the book was the dynamic between Inez and Whit, the main male character. Their relationship is a fun mix of endearing and witty, hitting all the right notes of a classic rivals-to-lovers arc. It felt natural and added warmth to the adventure. I’m genuinely curious to see where Isabel Ibañez takes their story next.
In the end, I gave this a solid 3.75 stars. That’s not a knock on the book—it’s beautifully written and thoughtfully crafted. I just think it’s geared slightly younger than my current reading preferences. But if you’re in the mood for a smart, culturally rich YA fantasy with adventure, romance, and mythological flair, this might be just what you need.
Rincón de Stories 