A review by marylannireads
His Face Is the Sun by Michelle Jabès Corpora

adventurous dark mysterious sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Thousands of years ago, the great land of Egypt was in turmoil, caught between the relentless demands of a heartless king and the people who suffered at his hand. An ancient prophecy foretells impending doom for the kingdom, and when the predictions begin coming true, the lives of a group of otherwise unconnected youth quickly become entwined. However, the prophecy only tells the beginning of the story; together, the key players united by the mysterious prediction must ultimately determine how the story ends. This gripping young adult novel takes place in ancient Egypt, a land filled with myth, mystery, and a people determined to survive, no matter the cost. Told from several perspectives, the narrative begins slowly, patiently building the world in the mind of the reader. Though the link among the characters is not clear until several chapters into the narrative, each piece keeps readers curious about what will happen next. A blend of horror, beauty, strength, and cleverness are featured throughout the story, elegantly echoing many of the quintessential elements of Ancient Egyptian culture. In addition to the descriptive writing, details are included that reflect the careful research that was done in preparation for creating this book. While the story itself is fictional, the world of Ancient Egypt comes alive for readers thanks to the quality design and presentation of this novel. Best for mature readers, this book is a resonant and memorable addition to library historical fiction collections, and it is primed for a sequel.