Common Sense Media Review
By Jasmine Baten
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dark Ancient Egypt fantasy has murder, drinking, and desire.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In HIS FACE IS THE SUN, Sita, Rae, Neff, and Karim don't know each other, but something mysterious ties them together. Sita, a princess and triplet along with her brother, the future king, and the other brother, who has withdrawn to become a priest, just wants to be free. Rae doesn't know what to do with the fire inside her when she sees how unfair life is for her village. Neff is a 13-year-old girl whose frightening dreams lead her out of the only life she's ever known. And Karim, who's robbing tombs just to get by, may have woken up a powerful mummy who is out for blood. The four are bound by strange symbols and visions, a bond they'll need to escape with their lives and bring down a fanatic king who plans a reign of bloodshed and destruction.
Is It Any Good?
This gripping and dark tale is an interesting start to an Ancient Egypt-inspired trilogy full of magic and mummies. His Face Is the Sun is full of mystery and political intrigue that will keep the pages turning. However, readers won't find too many answers here—this book is only the beginning. Michelle Jabès Corpora's epic fantasy picks up steam as it goes and reads like a movie, with The Mummy and Game of Thrones vibes. Still, readers should be ready to invest in a story that has a slow build as the world is explained and the characters are introduced and it still hasn't fully taken off despite being over 500 pages long. While the dark aspects of the story make sense given the historical context, the sibling marriage subplot and its creepy foreshadowing may bother some readers. Even though the sister is revolted by the idea and flees the palace, the prince's behavior and their mother's approval may leave behind an oily feeling. That said, for readers fascinated by Ancient Egypt or in search of a historically inspired epic fantasy, this is a solid choice.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how stories like His Face Is the Sun are inspired by history, the good and bad parts. In this story, many innocent people are murdered, and one of the characters plans to make his sister marry him to honor old traditions, both of which were real practices. How do the characters' historical situations shape what we think about the decisions they make?
Why does Sita turn to frequent alcohol use? What are the consequences of this choice? Do you think it's possible for teens to use alcohol safely? Why, or why not?
Teen romance and sexuality are a subplot here. What does the book's representation of teenagers' interest in romance and sex tell us about consent? What about the use of intoxicating substances and sex?
What other stories have you read about Ancient Egypt? Why is this era so appealing for storytelling?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy ( Magic )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Sourcebooks Fire
- Publication date : May 6, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 528
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : March 12, 2026
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