“The Mummy” Meets “Indiana Jones” in Lush YA Romantasy Sequel

Where the Library Hides by Isabel Ibañez

I was enthralled with this book from the very beginning.

There aren’t many pleasures in this world, but reading a sequel that actually lives up to the hype and expectations of the first that you fell in love with is definitely one of them.

Ever since I read that insane ending to What the River Knows, I have been chomping at the bit to find out what happens next. Thankfully author and genius Isabel Ibañez did not disappoint! Where the Library Hides is the stunning conclusion to the Secrets of the Nile duology, a lush and immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt. This is a story brimming with mystery, adventure, and of course, romance.

Mystery, Adventure and Romance

Our story picks up right where it left off (thank God, because that cliffhanger last time was brutal) so I was gripped from the very beginning. Once the ride started, things quickly went downhill in this The Mummy meets Indiana Jones-like tale.

When I say downhill, I mean it in a good way, the way that brings action, scheming, and betrayals. Ibañez wrote such a captivating story filled with plot twists — some that I didn’t even see coming! Very rarely does a book keep me on my toes, but I was constantly waiting for what was lurking around the corner.

Our heroine, Inez Olivera, traveled halfway across the world to figure out the mystery of her parents’ death only to be led down a road filled with heartache, betrayal, and a dangerous magic pulling her into the past. Not only that, but the threats regarding her inheritance from Tio Ricardo leave her with only one option: marry Whitford Hayes.

Keep in mind Whit, who was a British soldier and at one point Inez’s rival, has his own motivations for staying in Egypt that are still a mystery. Inez might have to tie herself to someone who has secret plans of their own.

The Perfect Duo That Won’t Disappoint

Speaking of Whit, I am glad to report that we do hear more from him in the sequel. The duology is a dual POV which I personally love. I felt like in the first book, I wasn’t getting enough of Whitford Hayes, but now I realize that was by design.

In the first book, Whit was meant to be a mysterious character, someone working in the shadows, so we only got little tidbits here and there, but now we are able to learn more about him. His POV lets us into his head to learn what his motivations and true feelings are. 

Inez and Whit have a very complicated relationship, but the tension and their chemistry keep me begging for more and they sure deliver!

While the romance in Where the Library Hides tends to take a back seat to the main plot of the story, what we do get had me squealing and kicking my feet! One of my favorite tropes is an angry love confession and these two did not disappoint: “In the utter chaos of my life, you are the only thing that makes sense.” I mean, how can we not swoon at that?

Magical Adventure Full of Shocking Twists

I was enthralled with this book from the very beginning — Inez’s bravery and determination is something to aspire to and Whit’s cunning and swoon-worthy personality is what the romantasy genre is all about! Put these two together and add adventure, danger, intrigue and magic and you’ve got yourself a spectacular book.

Also, I would like to note that I’m pretty positive that Isabel Ibañez invented the plot twist because there was one at every turn! Where the Library Hides was one of my most anticipated reads of this year and I am so pleased to announce that this is a perfect ending to this duology that is just as magical as the artifacts found on this Egyptian adventure!

Publish Date: 11/5/2024

Genre: Action and Adventure, Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult

Author: Isabel Ibañez

Page Count: 400 pages

Publisher: Wednesday Books

ISBN: 9781250822994