In the spirit of attending a book signing and Book 2 in this duology releasing, I finally got around to reading this. And BOY am I happy I did. Meeting Isabel Ibanez was so much sweeter knowing what a fantastic book she wrote.
Synopsis: After her parent's presumed death, Inez is determined to travel to nineteenth-century Egypt to see where her parents spent most of their days, days they spent away from her. There, she plans to uncover not only the bustling city she has never known but what truly happened to them. Staying with her mysterious and cryptic uncle, Inez finds a way to join his team's expedition to find Cleopatra's tomb. Inez may just uncover more than she bargained for. An immersive rivals-to-lovers story filled with whimsey, magic, and adventure.
Plot: Usually, it takes at least 50 pages for me to get sucked into a novel, but I was with this from the jump. The pacing was exactly what I wanted, and I could not put this down. I lost precious sleep staying up to finish and find out what happens in Inez's story. Not only is this highly consumable, but it is also so vibrant and filled with atmosphere and aura that jumps off the page and takes you into the story. I was right alongside Inez while she uncovered secret after secret. I laughed with her and truly covered my mouth in shock at some of the crazy twists I was not expecting. This story has range too, because I was also kicking my feet and giggling at this unexpected love pairing. Historical fantasy strikes again and is truly unmatched.
Characters: I think this is one of the best female leads I've read in a while. Now, that is not to say that she doesn't have her flaws. She is way way way too trusting and naive in a lot of situations. But I adored her ambitious, driven, and loving personality. Wit is such a star. I wasn't sure about him in the beginning, but page by page, I fell in love with his sarcastic, dry humor...which turned into protective love. Inez and Wit together is a match made in heaven, and I cannot wait to see where the next book takes them.
Rebecca Ross and Isabel Ibanez are not only editing partners but also dedicated their prospective first duology books to each other. I can see Ross's hand in this and why they are such good partners. Both of them know how to nail a YA historical fantasy.
4.5/5 stars.
I mean, this really could be a 5...I'm just super picky with my 5-star awards.
I will be picking up the next one ASAP. Because WHAT was that cliffhanger ending. RUDE. So happy I didn't have to wait a year like everyone else.
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