Background
What the River Knows tells the story of Inez, a nineteen year-old, trying to solve the mystery of her parents’ deaths in Egypt. The story takes place in the late 1800s, starting in Argentina and continuing in Egypt. It is the first of a duology, Secrets of the Nile.
When I chose the book, I didn’t realize Amazon classifies it as Young Adult. That doesn’t bother me though. What appealed to me was the subject and setting. I’ve always been fascinated with Ancient Egypt. And though it’s been a while since I’ve read historical fiction, I consider it a go to for me. However, there was another genre within this story to which I am unfamiliar, fantasy romance.
My Thoughts
Don’t get me wrong, I read a decent amount of fantasy novels but the only ones that may come close to romance were The Others. Yet, The Others felt more like a growing tension in a relationship that built over five books. On the other hand, this book’s “romance” element beats you over the head from the moment Inez lands in Egypt. Sadly, for me, that detracted from the story. It just felt to “given,” to contrived.
Yet, for as much as the romance beat you over the head, I found the fantasy aspect so subtle and matter of fact, that I had to remind me it wasn’t real. I found the concept that there was once magic in our world, and it still lingers in some places and in some items, completely appealing. I would love for that concept to be explored more.
Lastly, for the story, I don’t want to say it’s simplistic, but I did figure chunks of it out early on. Furthermore, much of the conflict ensued because characters weren’t forthcoming with each other. Too much of that feels like a copout to me. I also found the character of Whit pretty formulaic. All that said, I liked Inez. I want to know what happens to her. So, I can chalk some of these issues up to the fact that the story is geared towards the YA crowd and there’s enough of a cliff hanger for me to want to read the next book, Where the Library Hides (don’t read this book’s description unless you want spoilers for the first).
All in, I’d give this book a solid 3.25 stars