Reviews with content warning for Colonisation - What the River Knows

Before we begin, let me just say that ending was rude. I need book two NOW. Ranting done.

Now, here’s the rest. That was such an enjoyable ride! I absolutely loved the main character, Inez, and loved her character development across the entire book. I loved all the historical aspects of the story & the thrill of archeological discoveries! The only aspect I didn’t care for in the book was its pacing, at times it felt slow and drawn out then other times numerous things happened in span of a few paragraphs. It just felt that the two main halves of the book were a little disproportionate to each other, the front half was a tad too slow then the back half went too fast (I needed more). Overall, the book was an amazing read and I can’t wait for the next one!

Content Warnings

sarahkatereads's review

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3.0

What the River Knows suffers a lot from being an underdeveloped story with all around unlikeable characters. It’s difficult to know where the story is taking you until you’re about halfway through the book, and once it’s finally made clear, you’re kind of left wondering “why did it take so much longer than necessary to get to this point?” I really hated how most of the build up for different plot points resulted in such mundane and emotionless resolutions. “What happened to Inez’s parents” and “what is Inez’s uncle searching for” are resolved with basically no fanfare despite being the main plot points mentioned in the blurb on the dust jacket of the book.

The magic system is woefully underdeveloped, as well. It is sprinkled in solely for convenience and there seems to be no structure or explanation of how the magic system functions beyond items taking on remnants of magic. The only people in the story who seem to use magic is the FMC and those immediately surrounding her.

The FMC is the most reckless, naive, and gullible character I’ve ever encountered. Inez is constantly telling herself to be brave, but she acts like 10 year old child in every single situation despite being a 19 year old.

I did enjoy the actually setting of the book and the archaeology sketches. Similarly, the open disdain and condemnation towards British imperialism and Britain’s theft of historical artifacts from other countries and peoples is great.

Content Warnings

porcupinesnuggles's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

Pretty good book, but reading and reacting with Tara made it more fun. Pace changed suddenly toward the end. I'm curious for the next book to see how a lot of the late stage twists and events will be resolved there

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kirstenpod_'s review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful mysterious tense 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

4.5

Content Warnings

finnzebelle's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring mysterious fast-paced

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

5.0

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