I’d like to thank Netgalley, the publishers and Isabel Ibañez for this e-ARC. This review is unbiased and 100% my own.

I was excited for Where the Library Hides from the moment I finished What the River Knows. There were so many unanswered questions, so many hopes. The thing with a duology is, there’s always so much to fit in and only so limited amount of time. So, I felt like there were pacing issues. But more-so, that Inez made silly choices. Trusting too easily, despite everything that had happened before the books and in the first book for crumbs.

But the shift to Alexandria was wonderful. There was real potential there. Maybe I expected too much and forgot I was dealing with YA. There was no way Whit deserved Inez. Their relationship was horribly unbalanced and just not it. All I wanted was for Inez to be braver, smarter, and a little more accepting that she deserved more.

Perfection! Absolute perfection! The Secrets of the Nile series is amazing and more people need to know about. An amazing duology with romance, betrayal, adventure and a little bit of magic. My new favourite series. Highly recommend!

Like everyone else I loved the first book in this duology and I was excited to read the sequel. It did not disappoint, delivering a compelling, twisty story with a generous dash of romance. Isabel Ibañez writes so beautifully, transporting you utterly to a different time and place. The lush settings and keen historical insights are what make these books really shine.

After the cliffhanger of the first book, I was really excited to dive back into Inez and Whits story. I really liked how their dynamic changed in this book from the first one and how the stakes kept getting higher.

This book is easy to read and it’s fast paced enough that you can fly through it.
To me, it felt quite different from the first one and it felt like it focused way more on the romance aspects, which is not something I’m that keen on… still enjoyable though and would recommend the duology!

I was really excited to read this because I adored the first book, and though I loved elements of the follow up, I was also a bit underwhelmed by other elements.

One of my favourite parts of this series is the setting and the whole vibe that is created (I have always loved these elements and was easily taken by these themes) and I still loved them in this book. I also enjoyed the dynamic between Whit and Inez even if I felt the first book was far better in this regard.

I was a bit underwhelmed by the outcome of the plot and the ‘twists’. Though I can’t really say that it was not good, I just found it wasn’t an exciting twist and compared to book 1 which I loved, I think this one struggled to live up to that standard.

One of my favorite duologies and one that I would probably recommend if you enjoy reading about adventure, romance, historical fantasy and mystery, because this one has everything in one. I may sound repetitive, but that a book makes you want to know about something, for me, has points in favor and these books did it with Egypt, my level of curiosity increased totally. Inez and Whit were fascinating characters even if some of their decisions or behaviors have been annoying. Both are cunning, determined, courageous, and independent. Their bond and tension was good because you could tell how much they yearned for each other, and I'm glad how their relationship evolved a lot compared to the previous book. The plot was exciting when it had to be but also entertaining. There were several twists that I predicted, but that didn't stop the book from being intriguing. For me, it was a shocking and satisfying conclusion.



Thanks Netgalley for this ARC

Isabel writing is beautiful. Her words are sharp and thoughtful with a great mix of slow burn sparks, adventure and delicious anticipation. My favourite is her dry wit (pun intended) and the ways she weaves her characters with nuance and heart.

Solid 4 stars!

Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for my e-ERC of Where the Library Hides.

Full review included in GoodReads URL link.

Despite really enjoying What The River Knows, unfortunately its sequel let me down. This was due to the heroine’s frustrating naivety, the hero’s very morally questionable actions and the overall predictability of the plot.

The story moved swiftly on from the tragic event that occurred at the end of the previous book. I thought Inez would have been more affected by it, but no, she was ready for romance, marriage and to even embrace new family members! I was hoping she’d show more character growth by shedding some naivety and being a better judge of character. Instead, Inez repeated the same mistakes she made in the first book, but evoked a lot less sympathy this time around.

The marriage ‘of convenience’ between Inez and Whit was strange. Despite their feelings for each other being very clear (yet obviously ambiguous to Inez), Whit went on to do something borderline irredeemable that could have easily been avoided if he had simply told her about it. Inez would have been more than understanding of his situation. His betrayal added tension to their relationship, but also made me a lot less invested. This culminated in a confusing courtship, one that became less cute and more aggravating.

There was far less action and excitement than in the previous book. The plot seemed more passive, lacked focus, and the 'big' reveals were predictable, especially in the final act. I couldn't help but wish this duology wasn't split in two.

All that being said, the novel was still written really well and succeeded in conjuring an atmosphere of adventure and intrigue. However, I'm sad to say I'm not sure I would recommend it.

The wait for this book has felt like a lifetime!!! But ABSOLUTELY worth it! The magical realism was so unique and the Egyptology was everything I had hoped for!

I'm not hugely into romance but this was perfect for me!! Romantacy at its best for my tastes!!

I didn't know if I was coming or going with all the action - never a dull moment and always something to be gleaned from the situation on the page!!

Isabel's writing is all encompassing and consuming once you start! It's very hard to put down!! I slipped right back in as thought I'd never been away!!

I felt like I had just figured out was was going on and the the rug was whipped from beneath my feet! Though I always knew about one specific character who shall remain nameless 🤨

I wish I owned so many of the magical items that Isabel wrote of...... the things I could do with them! For good of course 😉

The wrapping up of this duology was simply perfect!

Isabel Ibañez delivers a captivating finale in Where the Library Hides, blending historical fantasy, romance, and mystery. Set in 1885 Egypt, the story immerses readers in lush descriptions and an intriguing plot. Protagonists Inez and Whitford Hayes navigate betrayal, secrets, and an evolving romance, balancing personal stakes with magical and historical elements. While the magic could have been explored further, the compelling mystery and shocking twists keep the pace engaging. Inez’s bravery and Whit’s charm create relatable, well-rounded characters whose chemistry shines despite occasional missteps in communication. The ending ties the story together sweetly, though it leaves a slightly muted impact. A satisfying read for fans of immersive historical fantasies.

I was a bit disappointed in this concluding book. Having really enjoyed the first installment, I found this second offering a bit long winded and it focused entirely too much on the romantic plot line for my taste (which I appreciate, is my own issue and not the book). I would recommend the series as a whole, but I definitely preferred the first book.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

2.5 ⭐️
I was a big fan of the first book in this series but sadly this second book was a huge disappointment in my opinion.

Unfortunately, the romance was one of the things that fell completely flat for me in this book. Inez is completely naive which made her infuriating to me as a reader. Additionally, Whit is supposed to be a swoon worthy leading man but I found his personality boring and honestly I just couldn’t get past the fact that he just didn’t seem like a good guy. His personality throughout the book just didn’t seem consistent to me, after his reconciliation with Inez it’s as if he decided to get a personality transplant.

While the story had interesting ideas and a unique magic system, I found that the pacing was way off which made the book feel SO long. I honestly had to force myself through some parts of this to get to the action.

Sadly I felt that as I read more of this book, I became increasingly underwhelmed :(

It took me a little bit to get into the story, but when I did I really enjoyed being back in this world.

3,5⭐️

What this book did to me! I expected the author to be a fan of plot twists after the first book ending, but to this extent?
I love this story! Ancient Egypt, lots of puzzles and even more secrets. I think what I liked most, however, was how the main character matures and changes before our eyes. Great blok!

Where the Library Hides is book #2 in the Secrets of the Nile duology, and the conclusion to What the Rive Knows. An easy-to-read historical romance set in Egypt. I picked this one up as I'm a huge fan of ancient Egypt and movies like The Mummy. I enjoyed a lot about this rich world and found it to be a fun adventure. I wasn't as sold on the romance although I liked both main characters. I'd describe this one as NA and so it would appeal to a range of ages and audiences.

*Where the Library Hides* by Isabel Ibañez is EVERYTHING! Set in 1885 Egypt, it’s a dazzling mix of magic, mystery, and one of the most swoon-worthy romances I’ve ever read. Inez Olivera is the sharp, determined heroine of my dreams, but can we talk about Whitford Hayes for a second?! WHITT. Absolutely infuriating, entirely charming, and so full of layers you just want to scream. The banter? Electric. The tension? Off the charts. The *moments* between them? I’m unwell.

This story is a book lover’s paradise, with a magical library, lush settings, and writing that feels like stepping into a dream. If you’re into enemies-to-lovers (and falling for fictional men who’ll ruin your standards), this is a MUST-READ. Isabel Ibañez, take a bow! And give me Whit😭🫶🏻

okayyy she was still very much enjoyable, but i feel like in retropect i prefer the first book in the series! with the setting, budding romance, and quest vibes of the first book it truly set a standard. granted, i did not reread it before diving into this one, so this could be my faulty memory talking!

This was such a great sequel to an amazing duology! Isabel's writing is so lush and beautiful, it is so easy for me to picture everything as I read! Inez and Whit are easily a new favorite couple and I will miss them! I look forward to read more books from this author!

A really enjoyable and captivating follow up to it's successful predecessor with a strong lead character who you really invest in and a world you can't help falling head first into.