What the River Knows

DISCLAIMER: These are the transcriptions of my reading journal entries, which reflect my personal opinions and rambling thoughts. Spoiler warning in effect.

I read this for the Tri-Cities TN Book Club, and it buzzed about on TikTok. Is it the best book I’ve ever read: No, by a long shot. Does it seem more modernly syntax-ed than its 1880s setting? Yes. Is the magic pretty underdeveloped? Yep. Does Ibanez use repetitive language, like referring to the similar looks among Inez’s family way too often (the same hazel eyes)? Yeah.

There are many flaws in this book. However, it is a globetrotting, fun, historical adventure that I enjoyed reading, and I’m even looking forward to the sequel (as it ended on a cliffhanger). This light-hearted (most of the time) romp helped me escape during this difficult and stressful beginning to 2025, and for that, I am genuinely grateful.

I’m a big fan of Whit, cynical and flirty and handsome. I need to know what is going on with him, and to feel compelled to keep reading is a high compliment for a book. Every time the word “darling” left his mouth, I melted. The main character, Inez, is resourceful and creative if a bit of a Mary Sue.

It was so fun to go to the book club with Shelby - her judgmental expressions entertained all. She has similar thoughts to me. I will say, too, that while I could predict Inez’s mother reappearance, Elvira’s senseless and violent death genuinely surprised me (the less light-hearted parts of the book).

So, while the writing leaves much to be desired and many aspects from magic to historical context are underdeveloped, I am invested in the plot and excited for the romance.