Common Sense Media Review
By Jasmine Baten
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thrilling race through 1800s Egypt has romance, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
As WHAT THE RIVER KNOWS opens, Inez Olivera lives a peaceful but lonely life in Buenos Aires with her cousins, dreaming about the day she can join her parents on their archeological expeditions in Egypt. When she suddenly receives news of their deaths along with a mysterious package from her father, Inez makes her way to Egypt to find her uncle. She embarks on a dangerous journey to learn more about her parents' last project, accompanied by Whitford Hayes, or Whit, her uncle's handsome but mysterious right-hand man. Inez's exploration takes her through Egyptian history and culture, even as she is threatened by others who want the same answers she's seeking.
Is It Any Good?
Isabel Ibañez's exciting, well-crafted novel makes for a fun and fast-paced read with the satisfaction of beautifully-researched histories and culturally accurate portrayals. What the River Knows is packed full of mystery, magic, and romance, which will have young adult readers glued to its pages. The pacing of the novel is interrupted only by its cliffhanger ending, which leaves more unanswered questions than problems solved. While the ending will have readers clamoring for the next book, the lack of any resolution could be frustrating. Also, for more sensitive readers, the murders may feel unnecessarily graphic, but for older teens who are ok with a little violence, there's much to love. Inez is a bright, courageous heroine, the Egyptian setting sparkles, the slow-burn romance is enchanting, and there's even thoughtful reflections of colonialism's impacts on those who experience it. This genre-blending novel will hit the spot for many teen readers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in What the River Knows. What is the purpose of including graphic details of a murder versus a more vague description? How does this change the tone of a story for you? Is it different to read it than to see it in a movie or TV show?
Inez is told by multiple men that she isn't strong or knowledgeable enough to travel or join the expedition. How is she made to feel insecure or doubt herself in this story? Does this happen in real life? How does Inez persevere and show young women how they can respond to such ideas?
In this story, alcohol consumption is connected to how a character is feeling. What emotions are characters feeling when they consume alcohol? How else might the characters have dealt with their emotions?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Adventure
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Wednesday Books
- Publication date : October 31, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
- Number of pages : 416
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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