His Face Is the Sun Summary, Characters and Themes
His Face Is the Sun (Throne of Khetara #1) by Michelle Jabes Corpora takes readers into a captivating world set in ancient Egypt, where the gods, destiny, and human struggles shape the lives of royals, rebels, and commoners alike. The story is filled with mystical forces and powerful political intrigue, exploring the lives of characters who are bound by fate yet striving for freedom.
Through the experiences of the royal family, a young rebel, and others, the novel presents a compelling tale of sacrifice, power, and transformation in a kingdom ruled by gods, kings, and divine forces.
Summary
The novel opens with a cat who lives in the royal palace of Khetara. Revered as a god by the people, this cat has seen many rulers rise and fall.
Despite being treated with respect, the cat has grown weary, sensing that her time in the world may be ending. Her reflections are interrupted by the sounds of a woman in labor, which pulls her attention to the birth of triplets.
These children, born under mysterious circumstances, are attended by three enigmatic women who carry a sense of divine blessing. The queen, Bintanath, is in the throes of a difficult birth, and the atmosphere is one of awe and secrecy.
The cat watches the events unfold, wondering about her place in the grand scheme of things, while also sensing that the triplets’ birth may have far-reaching consequences for the kingdom.
The narrative shifts to Sitamun, the young daughter of Queen Bintanath. Sitamun, also known as Sita, finds herself in a complex relationship with her royal duties and her desires.
Although she is a princess, Sita longs for freedom and struggles with the constraints placed upon her by her status. Her growing curiosity about her own sexuality and her feelings for Femi, a palace guard, highlight the internal conflict she faces.
Sita spends time in the garden, a place of both liberty and surveillance, where her desire for independence is often at odds with the watchful eyes of the royal palace.
Sita’s family dynamics are complex as well. Her mother, the queen, exerts control and power over her, while her father, King Amunmose, is distant and increasingly ill.
Whispers about the king’s health grow louder, and his weakening state signals an impending crisis for the kingdom. Sita’s life is further complicated by prophecies surrounding the birth of the royal triplets, a birth that seems to be connected to the kingdom’s future and its political upheaval.
At the same time, Neff, a young girl from a humble family, experiences a prophetic dream that leads her to the goddess Bast. Neff’s journey takes her to the temple in Thonis, where she is marked by the goddess for a sacred path.
This divine intervention propels Neff toward a life entwined with the gods, setting her on a path that will change her life forever. Her family is supportive, yet the calling she receives from the goddess brings with it a heavy burden that will alter her future and her understanding of herself.
The plot further explores themes of divine influence and the intricate connections between fate, power, and family. The royal family, particularly the queen and the king, find themselves in a battle not only against external forces but also within their own walls, where internal turmoil and prophecies seem to foretell the kingdom’s downfall.
Sita’s journey is one of growth, as she navigates her responsibilities as a royal figure and her personal desires. Her relationship with her father, and her feelings of guilt for Maet, a young girl who dies from illness, weigh heavily on her.
The situation at the palace grows darker with the king’s illness, and Sita’s struggles mirror the impending collapse of the kingdom.
Meanwhile, the tensions in the city of Sakesh are rising. Rae, a young woman who is involved in a street fight, reflects the unrest within the common people.
After losing a fight to a larger man named Buto, Rae’s resilience shines through. Her friend Omari tries to offer her advice and comfort, encouraging her to control her temper.
Rae, however, feels trapped by the stagnation of her life and the injustices surrounding her. Her father, once a scribe in the royal palace, has been reduced to farming after losing a hand in the war.
Rae’s frustration intensifies when the nomarch increases the tax burden, threatening their survival. Rae’s internal conflict is a central theme, as she wrestles with her desire for freedom and the sense of duty to protect her father’s legacy.
Omari reveals that he is involved in a resistance group, a movement aiming to liberate Low Khetara from the oppressive High Khetarans. This revelation creates tension between him and Rae, who is reluctant to engage in rebellion, despite understanding the need for change.
As Rae faces the realities of life under oppression, her internal battle grows as she questions her role in the world and the costs of rebellion.
Rae’s path is intertwined with that of Karim, a tomb robber who uncovers a hidden treasure in the Red Lands. However, his discovery of an ancient tomb brings with it a growing sense of unease.
In Thonis, Neff’s arrival at the grand city sets her on a journey that exposes her to the spiritual and political complexities of the temple. She undergoes a purification process that forces her to leave behind her old self, preparing her for her divine calling.
Her encounter with Prince Bakenamun, a former prince turned embalmer, introduces her to a new world filled with secrets and hidden power.
As Rae, Omari, and others join the rebellion, they move toward a larger conflict. Rae struggles with the leadership role that others want her to assume, feeling unprepared and unsure.
Yet, the rebellion needs her to be a symbol of resistance. Rae’s growing sense of responsibility forces her to confront the oppressive forces in the kingdom, as the story moves toward a larger conflict that pits the rebellion against the ruling power.
Simultaneously, Sita’s journey takes her through a tragic turn when Karim, whom she unknowingly brings back to life, begins to form a connection with her that transcends death. The king’s collapse signifies the kingdom’s unraveling, and Sita is left grappling with the consequences of her actions.
The characters’ struggles for power, survival, and freedom converge in a world where divine forces and human choices intertwine, shaping the fate of their lives and the kingdom they inhabit. The plot builds toward a conflict that will ultimately lead to the rebellion’s transformation, as Rae steps into her leadership role and Sita faces the consequences of her own choices.
Characters
Rae
Rae is a tough, independent young woman whose resilience and inner turmoil drive much of the narrative in His Face Is the Sun. Despite being a skilled fighter, as demonstrated by her street fight with Buto, Rae struggles with her temper and frustration, especially when it comes to the injustices she witnesses in her world.
Her anger is often provoked by personal insults and systemic oppression, particularly when dealing with the treatment of her father, a war hero turned farm laborer after losing his hand. Rae’s connection to her family and farm is deep, yet she is restless, yearning for a sense of purpose beyond survival.
This internal conflict is compounded by the revelation of her involvement in the rebellion against the ruling regime. As the story unfolds, Rae is reluctant to take on a leadership role, feeling inadequate for such a task, yet her actions and the trust others place in her push her toward a new path as a symbol of resistance.
Rae’s journey is one of self-discovery, grappling with the weight of her choices and the harsh realities of rebellion. As she navigates these challenges, Rae emerges as a reluctant yet determined leader who is willing to fight for justice, even at the cost of personal sacrifice.
Omari
Omari serves as both Rae’s closest companion and a source of wisdom throughout the story. While his loyalty to Rae is unwavering, Omari’s actions reveal a deeper understanding of the political and social struggles that define their world.
As a member of a resistance group, Omari’s involvement in the rebellion contrasts with Rae’s initial skepticism. His calm demeanor and ability to provide advice, particularly regarding Rae’s temper, position him as a grounding force for her.
Despite their close friendship, Omari is not without his own conflicts. He harbors a sense of urgency about the rebellion’s goals, advocating for more aggressive action, which creates tension with Rae, who is more cautious.
Their differing approaches to the fight for justice illustrate the challenges of balancing ideals with the practicalities of resistance. Omari’s character embodies the ideal of fighting for a greater cause, even if it means making difficult decisions, and he stands as a symbol of unwavering commitment to the fight for freedom.
Karim
Karim’s character is introduced as a tomb robber, a man driven by a thirst for treasure but gradually shaped by an unsettling series of events that lead him into a supernatural realm. His journey shifts from a simple search for wealth to an encounter with the eerie and dangerous forces tied to ancient kings and curses.
The discovery of a hidden tomb marked by a growing sense of foreboding signals a darker path for Karim. His unease escalates with a chilling encounter in the tomb, where mysterious forces seem to have a life of their own.
This marks a turning point in Karim’s story, as his fate becomes entwined with powers that transcend the physical world. Karim’s transformation from a mere treasure hunter to someone entangled in an ancient curse mirrors the broader themes of destiny, divine intervention, and the cost of uncovering long-buried secrets.
His eventual tragic end at the hands of an undead creature adds to the story’s supernatural undercurrent, with his death and subsequent resurrection bringing new layers of mystery and consequence.
Sita
Sita, the princess of the royal family, is a character whose emotional journey is defined by guilt, power, and the complexities of family relationships. As her father, King Amunmose, falls ill, Sita grapples with her own sense of duty and identity within the royal court.
Her guilt intensifies after Maet, a young girl she unknowingly poisoned, falls critically ill and dies. Sita’s emotional turmoil grows as she becomes increasingly aware of the consequences of her actions, particularly in relation to the kingdom’s decay and her father’s deteriorating health.
Her internal conflict is also linked to her strained relationship with her father, who is distant and incapable of providing her with the love and validation she craves. Sita’s struggles with guilt and resentment toward her father intensify as she witnesses the kingdom’s unraveling.
Her emotional journey leads her to question her role within the palace and the cost of her actions on both a personal and political level. Sita’s character is a poignant exploration of the weight of responsibility, the complexities of familial bonds, and the emotional cost of power.
Neff
Neff’s story is one of transformation, both spiritual and personal, as she finds herself caught in the web of divine destiny and the weight of a mysterious calling. From humble beginnings in Bubas, Neff’s path takes a sharp turn when she experiences a prophetic vision and is chosen by the goddess Bast for a sacred role.
Her journey into the spiritual and political world of Thonis marks the beginning of her transformation, both physically and emotionally. Neff undergoes a painful purification process that strips her of her old self, forcing her to confront the trauma of leaving her family behind and embracing a new identity within the temple.
Her connection to the gods, especially Bast, becomes central to her journey, and her evolving relationship with Prince Bakenamun, a former prince turned embalmer, offers her both guidance and potential alliances in a world that feels both alien and powerful. Neff’s character is a study in personal growth and the tension between divine intervention and free will, as she navigates a world of hidden rituals, spiritual power, and secret knowledge.
Themes
Power and Authority
The theme of power and authority plays a central role throughout the narrative, focusing on both political and divine structures that govern the lives of the characters. In His Face Is the Sun, power is seen not only in the hierarchical political systems but also in the divine intervention that shapes the characters’ destinies.
The characters constantly struggle with the weight of power and the influence it has on their lives. Sita, for instance, navigates the complex role of being a royal figure caught between her personal desires and the duties expected of her as a member of the royal family.
Her relationship with her father, the king, is strained by his declining health, symbolizing the fragility of authority. As the kingdom begins to unravel, Sita’s internal conflict highlights the instability of power, both in the personal and political realms.
Rae, on the other hand, faces a different form of power as she encounters the oppressive forces of the nomarch and the Medjay. Her resistance to these forces becomes an act of rebellion, illustrating how power, once established, is not easily overthrown but requires great sacrifice and determination.
The power structures in the narrative are not only political but also spiritual, with divine beings like the goddess Bast intervening in the lives of the characters, further complicating their relationships with authority. The characters’ growth and decisions are shaped by their interactions with these forces, demonstrating the complex relationship between individuals and the power they are subjected to or seek to challenge.
Fate and Free Will
The tension between fate and free will is another pivotal theme explored in the story. As characters face extraordinary circumstances, they wrestle with the extent to which their lives are determined by forces beyond their control, and the degree to which they can shape their own destinies.
Rae’s journey exemplifies this struggle as she is thrust into the role of a reluctant leader. Despite her initial reluctance and doubt, Rae finds herself drawn into a rebellion that seems fated by her actions, despite her efforts to avoid such responsibility.
The conversation between Rae and the Jackal, where they discuss fate and the unpredictable nature of life, serves as a metaphor for the choices the characters face. Rae’s internal conflict about her leadership role reflects the larger question of whether people can truly make their own choices or if they are merely following a predetermined path.
Sita’s experiences also highlight the tension between destiny and self-determination. Her guilt over Maet’s illness and her role in it forces her to confront her actions and question whether the events unfolding around her are the result of her own choices or if they are simply the consequences of a larger, uncontrollable destiny.
Throughout the story, characters repeatedly encounter moments that challenge their understanding of fate, suggesting that while destiny may influence their paths, their ability to act within those constraints is what ultimately defines their futures.
Resistance and Rebellion
The theme of resistance and rebellion runs deeply through the narrative, particularly in the lives of Rae and her companions. Rae’s transformation from a simple farm girl to a leader of a rebellion is one of the key character arcs that illustrates the theme of standing against oppressive systems.
The political environment of the kingdom, marked by the divide between the wealthy, powerful High Khetarans and the downtrodden, exploited Low Khetarans, fuels Rae’s anger and frustration, leading her to take a stand. However, her involvement in the rebellion is not a straightforward path, as she faces doubts about her ability to lead and the moral costs of violence.
Omari, her friend, introduces the idea of an organized resistance, and while Rae initially hesitates, she ultimately takes on a leadership role, rallying others who share her desire for change. The resistance becomes a symbol of hope for those oppressed by the system, and Rae’s journey mirrors the broader struggle for justice and freedom.
However, the rebellion is not without its moral complications, as Rae grapples with the necessity of bloodshed and the toll it takes on her soul. This theme is also echoed in the experiences of Neff, who, after being chosen by the goddess Bast, becomes involved in the spiritual aspects of resistance.
Neff’s journey into the heart of the temple highlights the theme of resistance from a more metaphysical standpoint, where fighting against a corrupt system involves both spiritual and physical realms. The rebellion in the story is thus not just a fight against political oppression but also a battle for the soul and identity of those who resist.
Family and Loyalty
Family and loyalty are fundamental themes that shape the characters’ motivations and actions throughout the story. Rae’s relationship with her father is central to her character development.
Despite the hardships they face after the war, Rae remains deeply committed to her father and their life on the farm. The tragic loss of her father’s hand and the subsequent hardship they endure highlight the theme of familial duty.
Rae’s frustration with the injustices of the world is partly driven by her desire to protect her father and preserve their way of life, which becomes increasingly difficult as they face the oppressive taxation and cruel actions of the nomarch. Her sense of loyalty to her father is further tested when he is captured, and Rae must confront the consequences of her involvement in the rebellion.
This internal conflict between familial loyalty and the need to resist the oppressive forces underscores Rae’s character journey. In contrast, Sita’s family dynamics are complicated by her complicated relationship with her parents.
While she is royal by birth, her relationship with her mother, Queen Bintanath, is strained, and her father’s declining health deepens the emotional turmoil within the family. Sita’s sense of responsibility toward her family and the kingdom is weighed down by her personal guilt and the unresolved tensions with her parents.
The theme of family loyalty also extends to Neff, whose departure from her family to follow the goddess Bast’s call represents both a personal sacrifice and a commitment to a higher, divine purpose. The theme of loyalty to family, while critical, often comes into conflict with the characters’ desires for personal growth and the pursuit of justice.
Self-Discovery and Identity
As the characters face tumultuous events, they are also on a journey of self-discovery and the search for identity. Rae’s development from a fighter in street brawls to a leader of a rebellion marks her evolution in terms of self-awareness and personal growth.
Initially, Rae’s anger and frustration define her, but over time, she learns to channel these emotions into a cause greater than herself. Her journey is not only about fighting for her people but also about finding her purpose and understanding the role she must play in the world.
Similarly, Sita’s internal struggle with her identity becomes more pronounced as the narrative progresses. Caught between her royal duties and personal desires, Sita’s exploration of power, guilt, and responsibility leads her to question who she truly is.
Her involvement in the kingdom’s unraveling, coupled with the complexities of her family relationships, forces her to confront her deeper emotions. Neff, too, experiences a profound transformation as she moves from the familiarity of her family and her home to the unknown world of the temple.
The purification process she undergoes is not just physical but symbolic of the shedding of her former identity to embrace a new purpose as a chosen one of the goddess Bast. The theme of self-discovery in the narrative underscores the personal growth of each character as they navigate their challenges, ultimately forging their identities in the face of external and internal forces.