Reviews

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez

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bunnym00n's review

4.0

ARC review

I found immense pleasure in immersing myself in the pages of this book. Inez, the protagonist, captivated me with her intelligence and resourcefulness, defying all odds stacked against her. Her tenacity made her a character worth rooting for, and the mystery that unfolded throughout the story kept me engaged from start to finish. Additionally, the inclusion of Egyptian history and vivid descriptions added a layer of depth and richness to the narrative.

While the magic system introduced in the book was intriguing, I must admit that I was slightly disappointed by its underutilization in the latter half of the story. I had hoped for more exploration and development of this aspect, as it had initially piqued my curiosity.

One of the standout aspects of this book was the well-roundedness of the characters. Each individual possessed a distinct personality, and their portrayal was so well-crafted that they never felt one-dimensional. Some characters underwent significant growth and transformation, while others remained true to their core, but in either case, they felt like genuine people rather than mere names on a page.

The banter and relationship between Inez and Whit were particularly delightful. Their interactions brought a sense of levity to the story, and I found myself laughing out loud on multiple occasions. Their dynamic added an extra layer of enjoyment to the overall reading experience.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I must acknowledge that there were moments when the pacing felt a bit sluggish. The first half, in particular, seemed to linger unnecessarily as Inez repeatedly had to navigate through clandestine activities before the true adventure commenced. However, despite this minor setback, the story remained compelling and ultimately satisfying.

In conclusion, this book provided me with an enjoyable journey filled with intriguing characters, a captivating mystery, and a touch of humor. While it had its moments of dragging, the overall narrative was engaging and left me with a sense of fulfillment. I would recommend it to those seeking an immersive and well-rounded story.