(Young Adult | 2023)
⭐ Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Why This Book Caught My Eye
With a stunningly beautiful cover that grabbed my attention and a blurb that held it, What the River Knows combined the magic of Egypt with young adult fantasy. The blurb promised The Mummy meets Death on the Nile, and as a fan of both, I was hooked immediately.
Plot Overview (Spoiler-Free)
The story follows Inez Olivera, a teenage girl with adventurous parents who split their time between Argentina and Egypt. Despite her deep desire to visit Egypt, Inez is always left behind. One day, she receives a letter informing her that her parents have died, leaving her with a large inheritance. Determined to uncover the mystery of their deaths, she travels to Egypt to join her uncle—now her guardian.
Enter Whitford Hayes, her uncle’s assistant and a professional pain in the neck. Naturally, he’s also handsome, brooding, and harboring secrets.
Character Insights
Inez Olivera: Our protagonist is a strong, determined, yet naive young girl. Betrayal is a recurring theme in her story. As a jaded 30-something-year-old, I found myself occasionally frustrated with her decisions, but then I reminded myself—she’s a sheltered teenager embarking on her first real adventure.
Whitford Hayes: Hands down, my favorite character. Whitford is the quintessential brooding, witty, handsome love interest with a dash of danger. The author skillfully drops hints about his true nature throughout the story, keeping the suspense alive. His obvious infatuation with Inez from the start was endearing.
Tío Ricardo: Inez’s uncle and her parents’ business partner. Initially, he’s portrayed as a villain, but without spoiling too much, I found his character a bit underwhelming. While there are layers to his personality, he ultimately felt somewhat flat.
Minor Characters: Several minor characters are introduced, but they aren’t deeply explored in this book. However, the hints about their potential roles in the next installment are intriguing.
Writing Style Breakdown
Voice & Tone: The author excels at creating a whimsical, magical world of adventure. Her vivid descriptions and immersive worldbuilding were a highlight. While there’s magic, it plays a subtle, background role rather than taking center stage.
Pacing: The pacing is excellent. The story moves steadily, with no sections that feel slow or unnecessary.
Techniques: The worldbuilding is seamlessly woven into the dialogue and action, avoiding heavy exposition. For example, in the opening scene, Inez reads a book while soaking in an enchanted tub. In just a few sentences, the author establishes Inez’s personality, the mechanics of magic, and the setting.
What Writers Can Learn From This Book
- Worldbuilding: Small, subtle drops of information in dialogue and action can create a rich setting without overwhelming the reader.
- Characterization: While the main characters are vibrant and compelling, secondary characters should be given depth to enhance the overall narrative.
- Description: Masterful descriptions can transport readers to entirely new worlds. The atmospheric detail in this book is a fantastic example of this skill.
Favorite Quote or Scene
My favorite scene was the adventure in the bazaar with Whitford. The author painted such a vivid and enchanting picture of the marketplace, making me long for more Egyptian adventures. The dynamic between Inez and Whitford in this scene crackled with chemistry—electric!
Reader Takeaways vs. Writer Takeaways
For Readers: If you’re looking for a fantastical adventure in a breathtaking setting, with a sprinkle of magic and romance, this is the book for you!
For Writers: If you want to refine your skills in description and worldbuilding, this story offers valuable inspiration.
Final Thoughts
I adored this book and can’t wait for the sequel! The cliffhanger leaves you eager for the next installment of Inez’s journey. Plus, the special Barnes & Noble edition includes stunning portraits of the protagonists—a delightful bonus!
Let’s Chat, Cheekies!
If you’ve read the book, what did you think?
And that cliffhanger!!
Whit! (Swoons)
