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Secrets of the Nile #2
Where the Library Hides
The stunning conclusion to the story that started in What the River Knows. A lush immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt filled with adventure, and a rivals-to-lovers romance like no other!
1885, Egypt
Inez Olivera is left reeling from her cousin Elvira’s murder, and her mother’s betrayal, and when Tío Ricardo issues an ultimatum about her inheritance, she’s left with only one option to consider.
Marriage to Whitford Hayes.
Former British soldier, her uncle’s aide de camp, and one time nemesis, Whit has his own mysterious reasons for staying in Egypt. With her heart on the line, Inez might have to bind her fate to the one person whose secret plans could ruin her.
1885, Egypt
Inez Olivera is left reeling from her cousin Elvira’s murder, and her mother’s betrayal, and when Tío Ricardo issues an ultimatum about her inheritance, she’s left with only one option to consider.
Marriage to Whitford Hayes.
Former British soldier, her uncle’s aide de camp, and one time nemesis, Whit has his own mysterious reasons for staying in Egypt. With her heart on the line, Inez might have to bind her fate to the one person whose secret plans could ruin her.
400 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication November 5, 2024
About the author
Isabel Ibañez
9 books3,568 followersIsabel Ibañez is a USA Today, Indie, Sunday Times, and #1 New York Times bestseller and the author of the Secrets of the Nile duology, Together We Burn, Written in Starlight, and Woven in Moonlight, which is listed among Time Magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy Books Of All Time and was a finalist for the William C. Morris award. She is the proud daughter of Bolivian immigrants and has a profound appreciation for history, traveling, and writing stories where her characters are often running for their lives. She currently lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with her family, their adorable golden doodle, and an overwhelming amount of of books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
Want to read
February 19, 2024I need answers. I need them. I need to know what the hell the last book’s ending meant or i will throw up.
December 12, 2023
I just know this is going to be a 5 star 😍 can’t wait to read more about my man Whit
Want to read
January 25, 2024I NEED THIS
I NEED THIS
I NEED THIS
I NEED THIS
I NEED THIS
Want to read
February 1, 2024If I die before November someone better bring this book to my grave and read it to me
Read
January 27, 2024THAT COVER?! I NEED IT NOW.
Want to read
January 26, 2024The library is hiding with the fictional guys that I can't have. I'm sure of it.
I'm so excited for this book. 🤭
I'm so excited for this book. 🤭
June 18, 2024
Thank you Macmillan for sending me an early copy — this was absolutely spectacular. I was obsessed and devoured it in a single day. Filled with adventures, love, and so many wonderful discoveries. I truly enjoyed reading this a lot. The perfect conclusion to the duology and i hope we get more in the future.
Want to read
February 13, 2024Tell me why does the first sentence spoil the first book so fast?
August 20, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Is it just me or was this book even more fantastic than the first one??
I honestly think that this second book handled and dealt with each of my complaints from the first one. From the amount of language to the unclear magic system to the pacing and the lack of emotion shown by Inez on certain occasions, this one had none of those issues that bothered me in the first book!
The plot was so well done, I could hardly put it down. Inez and Whit’s story picks up where it left off in book 1 and the rest is a roller coaster ride of adventure. So well done!
Thank you to Wednesday Bools for a copy of this ARC.
Is it just me or was this book even more fantastic than the first one??
I honestly think that this second book handled and dealt with each of my complaints from the first one. From the amount of language to the unclear magic system to the pacing and the lack of emotion shown by Inez on certain occasions, this one had none of those issues that bothered me in the first book!
The plot was so well done, I could hardly put it down. Inez and Whit’s story picks up where it left off in book 1 and the rest is a roller coaster ride of adventure. So well done!
Thank you to Wednesday Bools for a copy of this ARC.
December 18, 2023
Genuinely know that this book will be a 6 (yes, 6) star read for me. I can't freaking wait. 😭
September 1, 2024
won in a goodreads giveaway!
wonderful conclusion to the duology!
wonderful conclusion to the duology!
July 1, 2024
Absolutely LOVED this one!! There were so many twists and turns throughout the series that there wasn’t a single moment where I was bored.
Inez was just everything. I loved her stubborn attitude and how despite being hurt she continued to love whole heartedly. I love how her strength really comes from her intelligence and willpower. My poor girl went through it in this book and there were so many times where my heart just hurt for her. She truly deserves the world.
I’m not going to lie I kinda hated Whit for like 60% of the book. He made me so angry so many times but as the book went on I really started to understand his character better. Also his love declaration couldn’t have been more perfect. Nothing beats an angry love confession. 🤭 I love how he made it so clear through his actions that he would do anything for Inez. Even though he had messed up, he was willing to spend the rest of his life making it up to her.
Overall, it was such a great ending to this duology. I’m so sad it’s over because I absolutely loved both books.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc of this book!
Inez was just everything. I loved her stubborn attitude and how despite being hurt she continued to love whole heartedly. I love how her strength really comes from her intelligence and willpower. My poor girl went through it in this book and there were so many times where my heart just hurt for her. She truly deserves the world.
I’m not going to lie I kinda hated Whit for like 60% of the book. He made me so angry so many times but as the book went on I really started to understand his character better. Also his love declaration couldn’t have been more perfect. Nothing beats an angry love confession. 🤭 I love how he made it so clear through his actions that he would do anything for Inez. Even though he had messed up, he was willing to spend the rest of his life making it up to her.
Overall, it was such a great ending to this duology. I’m so sad it’s over because I absolutely loved both books.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc of this book!
Want to read
March 9, 2024I already know I’d forgive Whit even if he tore Inez’s heart out and stamped on it. The boy can do no wrong in my eyes 🤭😍
June 4, 2024
I practically begged to know what came next after the end of WTRK and Wednesday Books said we need to help this poor girl. And I'm so glad they did.
This is weird to explain but basically the book itself isn't actually five stars but the vibes and feelings it gave me are worth ten stars? I don't know, I just know I had a very good time with this. Like the first book, this took a little while to get going. It wasn't as adventure or tomb unearthing-filled (they didn't even leave Cairo until the halfway mark) BUT I could not put this down and read 200 pages in a day. After the events of the first book, especially that ending, it became a lot harder to trust many of the characters and that suspense kept me on my toes all the way through. Never knew what any person would do and I kind of loved that.
WTLH is a worthy finale to such a fun duology and I can't wait to see what else Isabel Ibanez writes next!
This is weird to explain but basically the book itself isn't actually five stars but the vibes and feelings it gave me are worth ten stars? I don't know, I just know I had a very good time with this. Like the first book, this took a little while to get going. It wasn't as adventure or tomb unearthing-filled (they didn't even leave Cairo until the halfway mark) BUT I could not put this down and read 200 pages in a day. After the events of the first book, especially that ending, it became a lot harder to trust many of the characters and that suspense kept me on my toes all the way through. Never knew what any person would do and I kind of loved that.
WTLH is a worthy finale to such a fun duology and I can't wait to see what else Isabel Ibanez writes next!
August 6, 2024
Oh boy. Where do I even start with this. I wanted to like this book so badly, as its predecessor earned a solid 5/10, but it was just so poorly structured and disappointing.
Let’s kick it off with the fact that the titular library isn’t even introduced as a plot point until like 65% of the way through the book. Plot and storyline were all over the place.
And the characters. We have Whit, who is supposed to be the swoon-worthy, brooding love interest but instead remains a thumb with zero consistent personality traits and even less chemistry with Inez. He is a British man written by someone who has evidently never heard British people talk outside of the Harry Potter movies, because other than the fact that he says “bloody hell” every other sentence, you basically forget he’s British.
Our female MC, Inez, is supposed to be a strong, courageous, and slightly headstrong young woman who values her independence. She is in actuality a complete airhead with no impulse control who makes ill-informed decision after decision to the point where I was barely rooting for her by the end of the book. She also spends most of the book switching between diving headfirst into plans without telling anyone and daydreaming about Whit, the love of her life, who she has known for like two months. Any remaining respect I had for her vanished immediately when she immediately forgave Whit no-questions-asked for the frankly egregious act he committed earlier in the book regarding her finances.
This aforementioned plot point, which only existed to create tension between Whit and Inez, was WHOLLY unnecessary to the storyline and could have been solved in an instant had these two chosen to sit down and be honest with each other for literally fifteen seconds. For two people supposedly in love with each other, they really need to work on healthy relationship choices.
All in all, this was pretty predictable, and where it wasn’t predictable it was really stupid. I feel like that sounds mean, but I have high standards and I just wanted to like this so badly - it could have been so much better. I feel like if you REALLY liked the first book, you’ll still enjoy this?? But it left a lot to be desired.
Let’s kick it off with the fact that the titular library isn’t even introduced as a plot point until like 65% of the way through the book. Plot and storyline were all over the place.
And the characters. We have Whit, who is supposed to be the swoon-worthy, brooding love interest but instead remains a thumb with zero consistent personality traits and even less chemistry with Inez. He is a British man written by someone who has evidently never heard British people talk outside of the Harry Potter movies, because other than the fact that he says “bloody hell” every other sentence, you basically forget he’s British.
Our female MC, Inez, is supposed to be a strong, courageous, and slightly headstrong young woman who values her independence. She is in actuality a complete airhead with no impulse control who makes ill-informed decision after decision to the point where I was barely rooting for her by the end of the book. She also spends most of the book switching between diving headfirst into plans without telling anyone and daydreaming about Whit, the love of her life, who she has known for like two months. Any remaining respect I had for her vanished immediately when she immediately forgave Whit no-questions-asked for the frankly egregious act he committed earlier in the book regarding her finances.
This aforementioned plot point, which only existed to create tension between Whit and Inez, was WHOLLY unnecessary to the storyline and could have been solved in an instant had these two chosen to sit down and be honest with each other for literally fifteen seconds. For two people supposedly in love with each other, they really need to work on healthy relationship choices.
All in all, this was pretty predictable, and where it wasn’t predictable it was really stupid. I feel like that sounds mean, but I have high standards and I just wanted to like this so badly - it could have been so much better. I feel like if you REALLY liked the first book, you’ll still enjoy this?? But it left a lot to be desired.
August 24, 2024
maybe 2.75⭐️?
That was... quite the experience
RTC
That was... quite the experience
RTC
July 8, 2024
At this point I’m pretty sure Isabel Ibañez invented the plot twist, because wow, there was one at every turn. I was utterly enthralled by this book. Inez’s determination is aspiring and Whit’s cunning (and swoony) personality are the stuff that romantasy dreams are made of. The perfect conclusion for a duology that felt just as magical as the artifacts uncovered on this grand Egyptian adventure.
Thank you Net Galley and Wednesday Books for this ARC!
Thank you Net Galley and Wednesday Books for this ARC!
Want to read
February 3, 2024And im supposed to wait close to 9 MONTHS FOR THIS? im going insane fr
June 13, 2024
What an amazing ending to an amazing duology. Everything in this book was so well-done and wrapped up so nicely, I could scarcely put it down. There were plottwists I didn't see coming, and the overall vibes were just immaculate. As with the first book I was really transported to Egypt for a little while. And Whit and Inez are just two of the most amazing characters! I don't often like main characters, but these two were just *chef's kiss*, especially together.
August 8, 2024
I unhinged my jaw and, like a snake, consumed this book whole.
I was so worried it wouldn’t live up to the first one but I LOVED the development of Whit and Inez both separately and together. Forever a top 3 series for me, I’ll miss this world so much!
I was so worried it wouldn’t live up to the first one but I LOVED the development of Whit and Inez both separately and together. Forever a top 3 series for me, I’ll miss this world so much!
May 18, 2024
The beginning of 'Where the Library Hides' was slower than book one. However, it still kept me riveted to find out the conclusion. And THE END! So many twists and surprises! I couldn't read fast enough to find out what was going to happen. Learning about Egypts geography and history was fascinating. An absolutely engaging read.
April 21, 2024
Thank you to Edelweiss and Wednesday Books for this ARC!
Wow!
This book was everything that I hoped it would be and more!! I judge sequel books harshly because a lot of times they do not add up to the first book. However, this is one of the rare instances when I would say the second book is better! Whit and Inez really become vulnerable in this book and it was really great to see them tackle the hard obstacles. I devoured this book and I cannot wait til more people have the pleasure of reading it!!
Wow!
This book was everything that I hoped it would be and more!! I judge sequel books harshly because a lot of times they do not add up to the first book. However, this is one of the rare instances when I would say the second book is better! Whit and Inez really become vulnerable in this book and it was really great to see them tackle the hard obstacles. I devoured this book and I cannot wait til more people have the pleasure of reading it!!
July 6, 2024
I got to borrow this book from a friend who got sent an advanced readers copy. Truly a well written series very different from anything I’ve read as I normally do not gravitate towards historical fiction however, this series had me hooked from the beginning. Really well written, and a couple of twist to keep the story intriguing! Definitely recommend if you want something out of your element and something that is not a traditional romance book as it hits different points with murder, theft, romance, betrayal and magic!
Want to read
August 18, 2024shut up i just wanna know how that hot mess of a first installment finishes
Want to read
June 19, 2024GUESS WHO JUST GOT AN ARC—
September 5, 2024
I love, love, LOVED it! I COULD NOT put it down, and was dying to know how it would end. But I was sad when I finished it. I was still thinking about it for days afterwards. So good!
Want to read
September 7, 2024september 9, 2024: nvm, read the first book and doubt I'll be reading this
august 23, 2024: historical romantasy set in Egypt in 1885???? im sold!!!
august 23, 2024: historical romantasy set in Egypt in 1885???? im sold!!!
August 19, 2024
A fantastic follow up to What the River Knows and a very satisfying conclusion to this action-packed duology! The twists and turns and mysteries were just as enticing as the first book, but what I really loved was the relationship between Inez and Whit, as well as Inez's fantastic character growth. This is a story about learning to stand on your own, carve your path and make your own mistakes. I loved these books!
July 20, 2024
This book lived up to my expectations! Everything I adored about What the River Knows continued in this installment, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading every page.
The setting of the duology sets such a unique scene for the action and adventure. The pacing was engaging, and the characters are complex yet lovable.
Isabel has such a talent for weaving words together into a beautiful and addictive story, and I can't wait to dive into her blacklist while we wait for her next project!
The setting of the duology sets such a unique scene for the action and adventure. The pacing was engaging, and the characters are complex yet lovable.
Isabel has such a talent for weaving words together into a beautiful and addictive story, and I can't wait to dive into her blacklist while we wait for her next project!
July 1, 2024
3.5ish rounded up to 4 stars.
I did enjoy this title, though not quite as much as the first one.
I still enjoyed the characters, but the plot for me wasn't quite as strong as the first one, and the reveals at the end felt a bit too similar to the first book for me. Plus, with Inez making a very similar mistakes in book two as in book one, it did make me wish that we had seen some growth or hesitation from her experiences in the first book.
Inez and Whit were still such fun to read about, I did love reading about their relationship, although the tension was not quite the same as it was in book one, which made that extra little bit better.
Overall, a solid sequal that I found enjoyable to read, and I will be picking up more of Ibanez's books in the future!
Thanks for the eARC.
I did enjoy this title, though not quite as much as the first one.
I still enjoyed the characters, but the plot for me wasn't quite as strong as the first one, and the reveals at the end felt a bit too similar to the first book for me. Plus, with Inez making a very similar mistakes in book two as in book one, it did make me wish that we had seen some growth or hesitation from her experiences in the first book.
Inez and Whit were still such fun to read about, I did love reading about their relationship, although the tension was not quite the same as it was in book one, which made that extra little bit better.
Overall, a solid sequal that I found enjoyable to read, and I will be picking up more of Ibanez's books in the future!
Thanks for the eARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews