His face is the sun by Michelle Jabes Corpora

His face is the sun is the first book of a trilogy by Michelle Jabès Corpora. Within Corpora’s novel, she focuses on a fantasy world known as ‘Khetara,’ which was heavily inspired by Egyptian history and mythology. The story is structured as a multi-perspective narrative, alternating between four distinct viewpoints. It focuses on the lives of four characters: a princess, a priestess, a rebel, and a thief. The pharaoh is slowly dying and the kingdom is falling, which leads to corruption between the people below. What ties these four characters together is the potential to save the kingdom from destruction. Who will rule the kingdom Khetara?

Corpora's writing style is beautifully crafted, utilising poetic language filled with vivid imagery. Corpora’s rich descriptive language is presented when she explores the characters experiences in hardships, struggles, self-identity and romance. Moreover, Corpora’s usage of pacing is evident in her ability to shift between different perspectives, allowing her to navigate various situations effectively. As the story unfolds, Corpora emphasizes the significance of weaving together crucial life events between the four characters, which act as steppingstones toward self-discovery.

Additionally, Corpora explores the complexities of selfishness from a royal political standpoint and its impact on the social dynamics of society. She highlights the nature of royalty, illustrating how power and privilege can lead to moral dilemmas and ethical conflicts. By exploring this through four perspectives, Corpora reveals how motivations and decisions can result in consequences in self-serving actions, ultimately impacting royals but also the lives of ordinary citizens. Her focus motivates the characters to rebel and realise the implications of leadership and the responsibility in determining societal dynamics.

The setting of Khetara feels ethereal, displaying Corpora's ability to create a magical world while drawing authentic inspirations from historical mythology. The kingdom is vividly depicted, rooted in a specific time of hardships that enhances the story's emotional weight. Additionally, Corpora highlights the stark contrast between the wealth of the kingdom and the struggles of the rural areas, revealing the impact of the corrupt monarchy. Through rich imagery and evocative language, she conveys a powerful message about inequality through setting.

Truc M. (Student)

Themes: Fantasy, Mythology, Historical Fiction, Romance, Power Dynamics, Self-Discovery and Identity.