I had already read the first novel of this series and was really looking forward to the sequel. It was worth the wait, what an amazing book this is! Perhaps the vibes can best be described as Indiana Jones vibes mixed with romance and a touch of magic, it is really different than usual.

The story in short:

Inez is determined to find her mother, who stole many of Cleopatra’s possessions from her grave. However, her uncle wants to send her back to Argentina, and to ensure that she can make the choice to stay, she marries Whit, her father’s assistant. When Whit withdraws all her money and sends it to his sister, it seems clear that she is on her own. They receive a telegram that the grave of Cleopatra has been robbed and her uncle and his partner are accused of this crime and taken prisoner, and so Inez is suddenly alone. She does everything she can to find her mother, to find out what happened to her father, and to ensure that the stolen artifacts and Cleopatra’s mummy are found and her uncle can be released. Her search takes her to Alexandria, where it is said that there is a secret library where her mother is hiding. However, Inez is not the only one who is searching...

The book is super thrilling and Isabel’s writing style is amazing. She has portrayed Inez very well as a somewhat naive, gullible young lady with enormous willpower, stubbornness and perseverance at the same time. You can just picture old Egypt as you read the story and are transported back in time. The drawings in the book are very nice and helpful and make the story extra lively. I did not see the denouement coming at all and I read until 1:30 in the morning yesterday because I had to know how it would end. This novel is highly recommended, thank you @netgalley and @hodderbooks for the ARC!

I loved this book. What the River Knows was such a wonderful read and the sequel did not disappoint. The relationship and dynamics between Inez and Whit really move the story forward. Perfect pacing throughout, filled with twists. The setting is beautiful, really well described and great to read. Isabel Ibanez's storytelling is truly wonderful, capturing all of the emotion of these character with well written depth.

Everything I wanted and more.

Firstly, I adore What The River Knows- it was one of my favourite books from last year- so I was desperate to read Where The Library Hides.

Inez and Whit make the dream team- they banter, they push each other, they exasperate each other- and they make a fearsome pair. The chemistry continues to boil between them and we have a delicious amount of unspoken emotions and yearning.

Once again, I love the setting which is enthused with classical details and provides a perfect backdrop for Inez and Whit’s adventures as they continue their searches for alchemy. Familiar faces reappear and it was great to see ones like Farida having her moment.

Full of twists and turns, this was fast paced but I loved every page…in fact, I may have to read it again very soon.

It's more than just the secrets of the Nile we're dealing with here...

Packed with betrayal, self-doubt, trust issues, and ancient visions to one more hidden trove, WHERE THE LIBRARY HIDES wraps up Inez's story. The cliffhanger that jaw-dropped me? It's swiftly resolved and kicks off this instalment without a hitch but not with pure naivety from our girl, here. I enjoyed the back and forth between Inez and Whit, allowing the romance to brew, drive a wedge between them, and electrify their interactions. Inez having to fight against her instinct to trust what she sees, her desire for things to be simpler and the way they were before, and her sense of justice and morality tugged her all over the place, making the story messy and juicy. It definitely strays away from the Cleopatra hook that strongly sustained the first novel, but it might be for the best to cement why we should care about Inez, her life, and her story.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with the e-ARC/DRC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton, Hodderscape, and Isabel Ibañez for granting me a Netgalley digital arc for Where The Library Hides in exchange for an honest and fair review. This was my most anticipated read for 2024. I've been eagerly waiting for this arc to go up on Netgalley to request, and I have never clicked the request button for any books before!

Where The Library Hides has been worth the wait! Our adventure sweeps away from the temples of Philae to hunt down mysterious in Alexandria about the once great library. The storytelling pacing was a rip-roar rollercoaster ride, and you were never quite sure what was coming next! There's never a dull moment in the adventures and romance of Inez and Whit. The tone of the adventure isn't as action-packed as in book one. The Mummy vibes might be on the back burner – but crank up the vibes of Death on the Nile. We've got some serious sleuthing, mystery, and shocks around every corner packed into the plot!

Isabel Ibañez writes some of my favourite fictional characters – I was so glad to be back in their company in Where The Library Hides. No character doesn't leap off the page with a big personality with quirks, flaws, and egos. Even the secondary character cast is life-like, with a big draw on your heartstrings. I'm so glad we get more into Whit's soul, back-history, and motivations. While ever the charming and mischievous chancer, Whit's got a heart of gold underneath, and his protective drive had me weak at the knees. He's the perfect partner in crime for lovely Inez with her strong, determined/stubborn, and adventurous streak but flawed by being too trusting and soft-hearted at times, landing in some hot water or staring down the barrel of a gun.

The romance between Whit and Inez hit the bulls-eye dead centre. I loved their banter, lovely one-liners, and the heartfelt, swoony declarations. Their romance was a cornerstone of the plot, driving them both to grow and fight for their relationship when everything was trying to tear them apart. I wouldn't say I liked some tropes in Where The Library Hides involving Whit and Inez. It's the only niggle I've got.

An exhilarating ending to the beautiful world of the Secrets of the Nile duology set! I'm sad this series is over, as it's been a whirlwind adventure with all the best vibes and a uniquely magical world crafting the perfect historical fantasy story. It didn't quite pack a punch as its predecessor, but it's held its own in the ring of Secrets of the Nile duology, keeping me hooked from start to finish as a gripping page-turner.

[Rating 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for this review]

The Nile did indeed have many secrets.

I could not put this book down. I read and LOVED the What the River Knows, I absolutely adore Egypt and all its history, I've always had a profound interest in it. But I'll be honest here- I picked up the series because I (may) have seen the B&N exclusive editions artwork and fallen in love with Whit. That still remains true, I love Whit's character- he's got depth.

Where the Library Hides 1000% lived up to the hype of the first book for me- sometimes I find that sequels fall off or I lose interest. That was not the case.

This book is rife with betrayals and misdirections and it hurt my soul in the best way. I laughed, cried and got irrationally angry all in the span of one book.

For anyone who is thinking about picking this series up- I urge you to do so. I found the storyline profoundly unique- Inez is a wonderful heroine (albeit maybe a bit reckless lol). Whit is an enchanting scoundrel and the plot and setting are remarkable.

It's one of those books that is going to live with me awhile.

✨5 stars✨

This was one of my most anticipated reads since loving the first book when I read it all the way back in January!!

What an amazing sequel and conclusion to this series. I loved being back with Inez and Whit while they attempted to solve the mystery of Inez’s parents. I found the setting of Egypt fascinating and the twists in this book continuously had me on the edge of my seat!

I would recommend this book to everyone but especially to people who read and enjoyed the first one because this is an amazing conclusion that manages to tie up all the loose ends leaving the reader incredibly satisfied.

I cannot wait to get a finished copy when it comes out in November!

I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

Amazing! Probably the only sequel that I have read that does the first book justice. I had my eyes on this series for a while but only picked up the first book a couple of weeks ago. I completely fell in love. Both with strong willed Inez and charming Whit. When I read the reviews and saw people were saying it was like Brendan Fraser’s The Mummy, I knew I had to read it.

I genuinely adored this series. It was quick paced, filled with adventure and steamy romance. All the characters were so well formed and the twists were so unexpected!

I wished that this series was more than just a duopoly. I need more!

What can't I say about this book It was utterly AMAZING!!! The moment I saw this on NetGalley I knew to automatically read this as I was obsessed with the story in What the river knows and to be able to read the second part before the book drops was a dream.

The story picked right back up where we left the main characters and let's just say we dive straight back into the mystery and drama of the story. I love the new characters we meet as well as some old ones. There was a lot of twist in turns in this sequel that really shocked the system but nonetheless it was fantastic. I will definitely be giving this book 4.75 stars.

Massive thank you to NetGalley and Hodder Books for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC before release.

I adored What the River Knows and after that cliffhanger, I had to request this book and immediately dive back in!

I just love the characters of Inez and Whit and they are one of those book couples that will stay with me and that will remain one of my favourites. One character was very annoying the whole book and I don't know if this was what distracted me a little, because while I was still hooked on this book, there was something missing for me and I can't quite put my finger on what it was.

But there were twists I didn't expect and I really loved being surprised!

I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first (which I obsessed over), but I still did like it overall.

4.5⭐

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton, Hodderscape and the author for the review copy, provided in exchange for an honest opinion.

I just finished Where the Library Hides by Isabel Ibañez, and I’m still caught up in the magic of it all. Whit remains the charming schemer I can’t help but adore—he’s got that perfect blend of mischief and loyalty that keeps me hooked. And Inez, well, she’s still the fierce adventurer driven by her heart, pushing against every boundary with courage and passion.

There were some twists I hadn’t anticipated, which made things exciting, and the pacing was great—never a dull moment, with plenty of tension throughout. The romance had some really lovely one-liners and whimsical declarations that made me smile. I also enjoyed how the relationships shifted and grew, keeping the stakes high and the story engaging.

While it didn’t quite pack the same punch as the first book, it’s still a solid follow-up that kept me hooked from start to finish. With espionage, intrigue, and the vibrant backdrop of 1880s Egypt, the story felt like a real adventure. Isabel Ibañez has crafted another great blend of romance, magic, and danger. Highly recommend this duology.

Where the Library Hides picks up from where What the River Knows left off. With adventure and perilous journeys, from the sweeping temples of Philae to the hidden library of Alexandria this breathtaking sequel in historical Egypt has every bit of action and romance that made me fall in love with the first book.

I felt so much for Inez in this sequel, the hurt, the grief and tribulations she has to endure are heartbreaking. And whilst her kind heart can make her naive at times her warmth and determination to do everything she can for the people she loves shines through. She has steadfast become one of my favourite characters I've got to read about.

Whit is as complex and brooding as ever. Not every decision he makes pays off. He's stubborn and sometimes an idiot. But his actions and the dangers he leaps to for Inez was everything. The lengths he would go for her were redeeming and full of love.

I was also genuinely shocked at some of the plot twits in this book. I was at the edge of my seat.
Beautiful. Breathtaking. No words.

Thank you Hodder & Stroughten for letting me read my most anticipated sequel of the year. I had the most incredible experience reading this.

Thank you NetGalley and Hodder Books for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
OMG! This duology is simply perfection! Where the Library Hides was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and it did not disappoint.
I love nothing more than a historical setting that makes me feel like I’m in an Indiana Jones movie. From learning about Egyptian culture and history, to the romance, the fantasy, the adventures, and the plot twists. Everything kept me literally at the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. I enjoyed this book so much! Can’t wait for you to have the chance to read it!

Picking up where its cliffhanger of a predecessor left off, this is an absolute page-turner of a sequel that more than delivers on the first book's promise. The characters feel more developed, and the magical elements feel more integrated. Inez is a determined, impetuous delight, and Whit is her exasperated and still-frustrating foil - their interactions are the highlight as they try to achieve their goals and encounter a breathless array of twists and turns in the process. With drama, emotion, and humour all set against a vividly-described Egyptian backdrop, this is a duology I'll definitely return to.

This book, just as the first, is rich with plot and characters and history and magic.....but honestly most of all it's vibes. Stubborn (in the best of ways) Inez and part-time idiot Whit just going on with their adventures, both emotionally and physically and secretly. In a world that is truly lush and also a bit dangerous.

I just love this dilogy and I'm glad about how everything ended. Expect good plot twists and fearing for Inez.

This series lives in my heart now and I love it.

4,5/5 stars

Thank you @netgalley @hodderbooks for the eARC!

#WhereTheLibraryHides #Netgalley #Bookstagram

This book was a much anticipated sequel for me and I absolutely loved it! I love Ancient Egypt and the integration of it within this duology was perfect! I devoured this and loved the adventure!

What the River Knows was one of my favourite books of last year so naturally, Where the Library Hides was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024.

This sequel picks up right where the previous book left off and for the first few chapters, my eyes were completely glued to the screen because I was so excited! I really enjoyed the plot, although it was not as fast paced as the first book.

After the events of the previous book, I was hopping that Inez would show some much needed character growth. Unfortunately, I found that Inez was more naive and gullible than ever. Whilst I understood her reasons, I still found it to be mildly infuriating.

Whilst Where the Library Hides concludes Inez and Whit's story,
It is pretty obvious by the end that there is a spin off in the works about Whit's sister.

Overall, this was a really fun duology and highly recommended it to fans of fantasy & adventure.

Thank you so much to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC!

🐊📜Where the Library Hides 📜🐊

an absolutely smash hit follow up to What the River Knows!

I loved how Inezs personality shone through the trials and tribulations she goes through in the first book and, in this one, how she stays determined in her beliefs and morals throughout.
Isabel is the master of the hidden motive and the plot twist, I was just taken aback by developments so many times, and it was so fun and enthralling to read

I loved how more was revealed about Whits background and how this motivated and influenced his actions; and while he did annoy me at times, he never fails to be the dashing hero we all know and love

the research and time put into the historical context was incredible! I just adored the rich descriptions and storytelling surrounding cleopatra; she's such an interesting and important historical, and I think her depiction in this series was so wonderfully handled and respectful to her memory and standing in society.
the depictions and detail around older Egypt and the antiquities trading were so gripping and fun to read!

I got through this book in like a day and a half, and while it's bittersweet to know the duology has properly ended; WTLH is a beautifully rounded ending to it. It was so great to see how all the character arcs rounded out

I can't wait to see what Isabel writes next as well as reading her previous publications! 🫶

thank you to Netgalley for the advance e-arc! 🤎

4.5 STARS

This has been one of the best duologies I've had the pleasure of reading!

I especially loved the subtle use of magic in an otherwise almost normal world, which really helped the story feel fresh and entertaining. I'm so glad it was kept to a duology and not a longer series as Isabel Ibañez was able to keep up the pace of the story and at no point did I feel like I was losing interest.

I'm glad she has left a few characters futures open for potential future projects, as I would love to dive back into her Egypt!

Sadly I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first. While it’s still an entertaining read but I am disappointed with some aspects of it.

Inez and Whitt’s relationship was pretty painful and felt very forced. Inez’s character also didn’t develop at all, she’s still naive, stubborn to a fault and basically refused any and all help.

The magical artefacts… I was hoping they would have more of a main role in the second book but unfortunately they actually just felt like an afterthought with random (and convenient) useful objects showing up to be used a handful of times then forgotten about again.

The twists towards the end were good, if not fairly predictable but there was lots of action. I think anyone who enjoyed the first books would probably like this second instalment. The world building was really good, same as the first book with a really great amount of detail!

Overall it was an okay conclusion, some things could have been done better but it’s an easy to read book and it was entertaining, I was just expecting something more.