His Face Is the Sun

In the Egyptian-inspired Kingdom of Khetara, a fragile peace is shattering. Pharaoh is dying of a mysterious curse while internal rebellions and an external ancient evil rise. The story rotates between four POVs: Princess Nefertari, Priestess Seshat, the rebel Hori, and the thief Kheti. They are drawn together by a forgotten oracle to stop the Red Land's darkness. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book handles death, political assassination, and systemic oppression with a direct, unflinching realism typical of upper YA fantasy. Magic is treated as a tangible, often dangerous force rooted in ancient spirituality. The resolution of this first volume is high-stakes and sets up a larger struggle, offering a realistic view of how hard-won peace can be. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story starts with a sense of brewing tension and individual isolation. As the characters' paths cross, the emotional weight shifts from personal survival to collective responsibility. It is a slow build toward a high-intensity, action-heavy climax. IDEAL READER: A 15-year-old fan of Leigh Bardugo who is looking for a more inclusive, culturally specific epic fantasy. This reader enjoys mapping out complex power dynamics and rooting for underdogs who have to make difficult choices. PARENT TRIGGER: Parents may notice their teen becoming deeply absorbed in the darker elements of the story, or perhaps questioning the fairness of power structures at home or school after reading about the corrupt systems in Khetara. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware of scenes involving body horror/monsters and depictions of illness. Reading the first few chapters on the Pharaoh's sickness will provide context for the book's darker tone. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger teens (14) will likely focus on the adventure, romance, and monster-slaying. Older teens (17-18) will better appreciate the political maneuvers and the subversion of traditional Chosen One tropes. DIFFERENTIATOR: This stands out for its meticulous world-building that honors Ancient Egyptian aesthetics without falling into clichés, blending horror elements with lush high fantasy.