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Throne of Khetara #2
She Knows All the Names
The sequel to the ***INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER** His Face is the Sun.
Magic, adventure, romance, and horror collide in this lush, epic, Ancient Egyptian inspired trilogy perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Tahereh Mafi, and Sabaa Tahir.
Magic, adventure, romance, and horror collide in this lush, epic, Ancient Egyptian inspired trilogy perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Tahereh Mafi, and Sabaa Tahir.
448 pages, Hardcover
First published May 5, 2026
About the author
Michelle Jabès Corpora
10 books305 followersMichelle Jabès Corpora is the New York Times and National bestselling author of many books for readers of all ages. In addition to working in the publishing industry for more than nineteen years as an editor and concept developer, she is the author of two historical novels for middle grade readers, two horror novels for young adult readers, and author of the Throne of Khetara fantasy trilogy for Young Adults. She has also ghostwritten five novels in a long-running middle grade mystery series. In her spare time, Michelle trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a blue belt at Crazy 88 MMA, and enjoys making home-cooked meals, doing tarot readings, and playing Dungeons & Dragons with her friends. Michelle lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, a guinea pig, and a dog named Charlie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
May 12, 2026
I compared book one to Game of Thrones. This one is more like City of Brass.
An Egyptian-inspired, young adult fantasy that combines history and myth with magic.
A prophecy. A priestess, a princess, a revel, and a thief.
Each character has a purpose and a personal motive, setting this apart from other YA books by balancing different perspectives.
“I would rather wield a tempered blade than one that has never endured the flames.”
I did find the pacing odd in this one. It set up a lot, but also tried to resolve other threads in a manner that felt rushed. The climax felt chaotic and unearned.
I can’t help but compare this to The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan. This felt more complex with more mature characters. Filled with political intrigue and teased with a minor subplot of romance.
Overall, an ambitious Egyptian-inspired YA fantasy that reads quickly, has a helpful glossary, and internally strong characters.
Physical arc gifted by Tempest.
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An Egyptian-inspired, young adult fantasy that combines history and myth with magic.
A prophecy. A priestess, a princess, a revel, and a thief.
Each character has a purpose and a personal motive, setting this apart from other YA books by balancing different perspectives.
“I would rather wield a tempered blade than one that has never endured the flames.”
I did find the pacing odd in this one. It set up a lot, but also tried to resolve other threads in a manner that felt rushed. The climax felt chaotic and unearned.
I can’t help but compare this to The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan. This felt more complex with more mature characters. Filled with political intrigue and teased with a minor subplot of romance.
Overall, an ambitious Egyptian-inspired YA fantasy that reads quickly, has a helpful glossary, and internally strong characters.
Physical arc gifted by Tempest.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
August 7, 2025
Hurry up and get this published!!! You left us hanging! Argh!
April 28, 2026
I was so freaking excited to read this as an ARC! I hoped with my whole heart it was worth the wait and let me tell you friends and readers… it IS!
I devoured this book in a day. I could not stop reading it. The prophecy of the lamb, all the moving pieces, the scary shadow man from the tomb, and all sorts of palace intrigue. This book does not let up for one single page. Breakneck pace feels like an undersell. I adored His Face is The Sun, but She Knows All The Names is truly a masterpiece. And I can’t tell you a thing that happens because it’s so interconnected that it would all be spoilers. It’s beautiful and I can’t wait for the next book in this series, I am totally enraptured with this entire world.
This one? This one you NEED. It hits shelves May 5 and I highly recommend picking up a copy and diving into this series, especially if you love Egyptian history and magic.
Huge thank you to Sourcebooks and Netgalley for the gifted eARC. All opinions are my own.
I devoured this book in a day. I could not stop reading it. The prophecy of the lamb, all the moving pieces, the scary shadow man from the tomb, and all sorts of palace intrigue. This book does not let up for one single page. Breakneck pace feels like an undersell. I adored His Face is The Sun, but She Knows All The Names is truly a masterpiece. And I can’t tell you a thing that happens because it’s so interconnected that it would all be spoilers. It’s beautiful and I can’t wait for the next book in this series, I am totally enraptured with this entire world.
This one? This one you NEED. It hits shelves May 5 and I highly recommend picking up a copy and diving into this series, especially if you love Egyptian history and magic.
Huge thank you to Sourcebooks and Netgalley for the gifted eARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My mind was once again blown, although I really should have expected it since I enjoyed the first book so much!
The book dives right in, and we see the fallout from the climax of book 1. It's difficult for me to talk about how much I enjoyed this book without getting too specific, as I really think it's best when you just go into it but I'll try!
Once again alternating POVs, we follow Nefermaat as she embraces her new role in the palace, Sitamun who starts her own journey of discovery and purpose (along with Karim, who has a whole lot to deal with after his ordeal) and Rae, continuing to fight the good fight for her people. A lot is going on both politically (and cataclysmically - the new player on the board is here to cause chaos and distress and nobody is exempt.) I definitely enjoyed Sita's journey the most, as you see her grow and change arguably the most, so I would always be itching to get back to her POV, although I enjoyed all and the switching did keep me engaged and keep things fresh.
The world itself is also incredibly immersive - like with the first book, you can tell the care and passion the author put into her research. The Egyptian lore is rich and explored very well, and her descriptive writing truly made me feel like I was right there along on the journey.
Plot development is once again on point - at no point was I bored or simply going through the motions reading. Everything that happens feels purposeful and important, and I love that although once again I was shot at gunpoint with a cliffhanger, we got to see a couple storylines converge and conclude, so I closed the book (ie put down my phone) with some sense of satisfaction.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this read and cannot wait for the finale. Very rarely do I find a new fantasy series that grips me wholeheartedly, and I truly cannot recommend this series enough!
Huge thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the advanced e-arc of this book. All opinions are 100% my own.
The book dives right in, and we see the fallout from the climax of book 1. It's difficult for me to talk about how much I enjoyed this book without getting too specific, as I really think it's best when you just go into it but I'll try!
Once again alternating POVs, we follow Nefermaat as she embraces her new role in the palace, Sitamun who starts her own journey of discovery and purpose (along with Karim, who has a whole lot to deal with after his ordeal) and Rae, continuing to fight the good fight for her people. A lot is going on both politically (and cataclysmically - the new player on the board is here to cause chaos and distress and nobody is exempt.) I definitely enjoyed Sita's journey the most, as you see her grow and change arguably the most, so I would always be itching to get back to her POV, although I enjoyed all and the switching did keep me engaged and keep things fresh.
The world itself is also incredibly immersive - like with the first book, you can tell the care and passion the author put into her research. The Egyptian lore is rich and explored very well, and her descriptive writing truly made me feel like I was right there along on the journey.
Plot development is once again on point - at no point was I bored or simply going through the motions reading. Everything that happens feels purposeful and important, and I love that although once again I was shot at gunpoint with a cliffhanger, we got to see a couple storylines converge and conclude, so I closed the book (ie put down my phone) with some sense of satisfaction.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this read and cannot wait for the finale. Very rarely do I find a new fantasy series that grips me wholeheartedly, and I truly cannot recommend this series enough!
Huge thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the advanced e-arc of this book. All opinions are 100% my own.
February 4, 2026
The second book in this incredible YA Egyptian fantasy. Wasn’t sure it was possible to like a book more then the first one but it’s been done. Following our four main characters as the oracle continues to show them the way forward, fumbling, failing and succeeding as best they can. I audibly gasped the last chapter.
May 22, 2026
I was probably most excited for this book in 2026 as book 1 was one of my absolute favorites last year.
sadly it didnt catch me as I wished for. it was still very great and I enjoyed it but it felt a bit like a book 2 in a trilogy. which it is, so yeah.
I still love the characters so much, especially Neff. Cannot wait to see more of her. I liked how Sita grew since book 1 and really loved the scenes between her and Karim. I enjoyed Karims humour a lot. Rae had some great moments that I liked aswell.
I also loved that there still isnt lots of romance in it and the story focuses on the plot and characters. I like the writing and the pov of the ibis (I missed the cat tho🤣)
I am still very much into egyptian stuff so of course I enjoyed the book no matter what🤣
I am looking forward to book 3! its gonna be epic
sadly it didnt catch me as I wished for. it was still very great and I enjoyed it but it felt a bit like a book 2 in a trilogy. which it is, so yeah.
I still love the characters so much, especially Neff. Cannot wait to see more of her. I liked how Sita grew since book 1 and really loved the scenes between her and Karim. I enjoyed Karims humour a lot. Rae had some great moments that I liked aswell.
I also loved that there still isnt lots of romance in it and the story focuses on the plot and characters. I like the writing and the pov of the ibis (I missed the cat tho🤣)
I am still very much into egyptian stuff so of course I enjoyed the book no matter what🤣
I am looking forward to book 3! its gonna be epic
May 14, 2026
i've said it once and i'll say it again: there is a perfect word for this series and it is EPIC. i absolutely loved book one last year and this one had kept the hype going. each and every chapter of this added to the overarching plot while still allowing each of the pov characters to come into themselves and their roles in the prophecy. this is set in a fantastically researched and well built fantasy world inspired by egypt, maybe my favorite i've ever read. the use of the gods, including so many niche ones, is just incredible. i definitely cried when sita met isis and nephthys. the plot is so expertly woven that i'm continuously in shock of how things unfold. on top of everything else, the characters are amazing. i adore neff and how strong and sure of her path she is despite her youth. sita is also so great as she works her way through her own balance of dark and light. karim has had my heart from day one and i absolutely love his romance with sita. what a yearner. rae and tam are also so so adorable. i love them and this series so much. can't wait for book three. 🥰
May 8, 2026
Devoured this book in a day and a half. Such a refreshing fantasy realm far from the land of a Faerie or Fae. The Egyptian lore is enchanting, the characters are worth rooting for, and the pace is just right for a second book in a trilogy where many other series second books feel like filler. Also, side note - you can totally judge this one by its cover, which is absolutely beautiful.
April 17, 2026
Thank you Sourcebooks Fire for the eARC!
I don’t even know how to start this because I am in a full emotional spiral in the BEST way.
The second book two was announced, I knew I needed it. No hesitation. This series already had such a hold on me, and somehow this one made me fall even harder. I genuinely cannot express how much I love it.
It’s giving The Mummy meets Indiana Jones but with so much heart and emotional depth that it just completely consumes you. The world feels alive, the stakes feel real, and everything feels so big in the best way.
And the CHARACTERS.
I am so deeply attached to all of them it’s actually a problem. Neff, Rae, Karim, Sita—every single one of them feels so real and so unique. Watching their stories unfold, seeing their struggles and choices and growth… it got to me. Like really got to me.
I cried. Multiple times. No shame.
There’s something about the way this story is told that makes you feel so connected to them, like you’re right there with them, carrying everything alongside them. Their pain, their hope, their fear—it all felt personal.
And the way everything is building??? I was completely locked in. The tension, the prophecy, the sense that something massive is coming… I could feel it the entire time.
This isn’t just a sequel—it expands everything. The world, the stakes, the emotions. It all hits harder.
I’m just… so grateful this series exists. It’s one of those stories that stays with you, that you carry long after you finish.
I already know I’m not done thinking about it.
I don’t even know how to start this because I am in a full emotional spiral in the BEST way.
The second book two was announced, I knew I needed it. No hesitation. This series already had such a hold on me, and somehow this one made me fall even harder. I genuinely cannot express how much I love it.
It’s giving The Mummy meets Indiana Jones but with so much heart and emotional depth that it just completely consumes you. The world feels alive, the stakes feel real, and everything feels so big in the best way.
And the CHARACTERS.
I am so deeply attached to all of them it’s actually a problem. Neff, Rae, Karim, Sita—every single one of them feels so real and so unique. Watching their stories unfold, seeing their struggles and choices and growth… it got to me. Like really got to me.
I cried. Multiple times. No shame.
There’s something about the way this story is told that makes you feel so connected to them, like you’re right there with them, carrying everything alongside them. Their pain, their hope, their fear—it all felt personal.
And the way everything is building??? I was completely locked in. The tension, the prophecy, the sense that something massive is coming… I could feel it the entire time.
This isn’t just a sequel—it expands everything. The world, the stakes, the emotions. It all hits harder.
I’m just… so grateful this series exists. It’s one of those stories that stays with you, that you carry long after you finish.
I already know I’m not done thinking about it.
February 25, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for my ARC. I read the first book in the series as an ARC as well, and I have now completely devoured both books!
Continuing the riveting tale from book 1, we find the same characters on harrowing adventures across the sands, racing the clock, and trying to save the kingdom from Sita’s evil brother, Mery, who has successfully poisoned and killed their own father, the King. Rae and her fellow rebels are on a conquest to infiltrate the palace, save her father who has been taken as prisoner, and overtake the evil Mery. Sita and Karim have teamed up and with new powers learned, are journeying back to the palace to face her very own brother who not only killed their father, but wants to marry and bed her? Neff has become elevated in the world—she is now the priestess and closest advisor to Mery, although she despises him. These storylines eventually converge at the end when a great battle is fought to stop Mery from executing the prisoner rebels and casting a powerful dark curse on all his enemies. In the background, a strange, dark evil is also traveling across the sands—even though Mery is an evil ruler—something far more sinister is walking among us.
After finishing book 2, I found that it wasn’t as exciting as the first book. This is very typical of series; however, I still found myself very fond of the characters and I was interested and engaged in each storyline. The characters feel real and relatable, and while there may be four main characters to follow, the author does a great job making it very clear and easy to follow. I enjoyed the magic, the romance, the Egyptian mythology references, the beautiful setting, the action, the adventure, the tragedy, and the cliff-hanger ending!
I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series! I am very pleased with this young adult novel!
Continuing the riveting tale from book 1, we find the same characters on harrowing adventures across the sands, racing the clock, and trying to save the kingdom from Sita’s evil brother, Mery, who has successfully poisoned and killed their own father, the King. Rae and her fellow rebels are on a conquest to infiltrate the palace, save her father who has been taken as prisoner, and overtake the evil Mery. Sita and Karim have teamed up and with new powers learned, are journeying back to the palace to face her very own brother who not only killed their father, but wants to marry and bed her? Neff has become elevated in the world—she is now the priestess and closest advisor to Mery, although she despises him. These storylines eventually converge at the end when a great battle is fought to stop Mery from executing the prisoner rebels and casting a powerful dark curse on all his enemies. In the background, a strange, dark evil is also traveling across the sands—even though Mery is an evil ruler—something far more sinister is walking among us.
After finishing book 2, I found that it wasn’t as exciting as the first book. This is very typical of series; however, I still found myself very fond of the characters and I was interested and engaged in each storyline. The characters feel real and relatable, and while there may be four main characters to follow, the author does a great job making it very clear and easy to follow. I enjoyed the magic, the romance, the Egyptian mythology references, the beautiful setting, the action, the adventure, the tragedy, and the cliff-hanger ending!
I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series! I am very pleased with this young adult novel!
May 21, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐.75/5
I have most certainly gotten excited about a trilogy, only to get to book two and feel let down. I won’t name any names, but it’s so disappointing when that happens, because whether or not book three gets it together, there’s always that stain of a bad book in the middle. I’m happy to say that will not be the case if you pick up this book. Whether or not Corpora nails the landing remains to be seen (I have zero doubts she will), but book two only elevates everything from book one. I do think I enjoyed book one just a tiny bit more for a couple of reasons, but we’ll get to that.
It’s difficult to talk in depth about a second book in a series because now we’re in spoiler territory, but the story picks up pretty much right where we left off. The author does a great job of weaving the important facts of book one into the beginning of this book, but in a way that also provides new information or context as well. It never felt info dumpy, and you will for sure need to have read book one before diving into book two.
There’s some fantastic character development; Sita especially goes on a really fantastic and steady journey, and you can see the change in her if you look back to even the end of the first book when she started thinking for herself. I was most curious about Karim, since we left him in 𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑒 a state at the end of book one, and while I won’t spoil anything, I’ll just say things get 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 regarding the lore he’s chasing…or is it chasing him?
I think the pacing overall was really fantastic, but there were times it seemed like Rae (while doing her own thing for the Resistance) and Neff (now in the employ of the king) were sneaking around and getting away with way too much. It didn’t matter until it mattered for the sake of the plot, it was too much sneaking in a palace full of guards the rest of the time.
There’s also a certain spectral (?) figure, invisible to everyone but a supposed ally to Neff. Having an invisible friend, in my opinion, was a little pointless as it only showed up sometimes and never consistently. What triggers it to help her or not? It was a little confusing, but still a minor detail in the grand scheme of things.
If you love Ancient Egyptian lore, or you have a teenager who loves it, this YA book series is going to be for you. I was tense at times, at one point near the end I had to stop and take a break because I was upset by something, but it was such a good time and a great follow up to 𝐻𝑖𝑠 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑢𝑛.
"𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑢𝑛𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑐𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑒𝑝𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑑𝑜𝑤. 𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒 𝑎 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑜𝑛."
I have most certainly gotten excited about a trilogy, only to get to book two and feel let down. I won’t name any names, but it’s so disappointing when that happens, because whether or not book three gets it together, there’s always that stain of a bad book in the middle. I’m happy to say that will not be the case if you pick up this book. Whether or not Corpora nails the landing remains to be seen (I have zero doubts she will), but book two only elevates everything from book one. I do think I enjoyed book one just a tiny bit more for a couple of reasons, but we’ll get to that.
It’s difficult to talk in depth about a second book in a series because now we’re in spoiler territory, but the story picks up pretty much right where we left off. The author does a great job of weaving the important facts of book one into the beginning of this book, but in a way that also provides new information or context as well. It never felt info dumpy, and you will for sure need to have read book one before diving into book two.
There’s some fantastic character development; Sita especially goes on a really fantastic and steady journey, and you can see the change in her if you look back to even the end of the first book when she started thinking for herself. I was most curious about Karim, since we left him in 𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑒 a state at the end of book one, and while I won’t spoil anything, I’ll just say things get 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 regarding the lore he’s chasing…or is it chasing him?
I think the pacing overall was really fantastic, but there were times it seemed like Rae (while doing her own thing for the Resistance) and Neff (now in the employ of the king) were sneaking around and getting away with way too much. It didn’t matter until it mattered for the sake of the plot, it was too much sneaking in a palace full of guards the rest of the time.
There’s also a certain spectral (?) figure, invisible to everyone but a supposed ally to Neff. Having an invisible friend, in my opinion, was a little pointless as it only showed up sometimes and never consistently. What triggers it to help her or not? It was a little confusing, but still a minor detail in the grand scheme of things.
If you love Ancient Egyptian lore, or you have a teenager who loves it, this YA book series is going to be for you. I was tense at times, at one point near the end I had to stop and take a break because I was upset by something, but it was such a good time and a great follow up to 𝐻𝑖𝑠 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑢𝑛.
"𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑢𝑛𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑐𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑒𝑝𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑑𝑜𝑤. 𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒 𝑎 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑜𝑛."
May 14, 2026
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟!!!
Such a good book! Once again we follow multiple POVs as the stories diverge and reconvene and the characters all grow and change in their own ways. I think Karim, Sita, and Rae were my favorite POVs this time around!
Everything that takes place really helped push the story forward and the Egyptian lore was so well thought out and written by an author who truly loves Egypt.
The ending had a great wrap up, but there is still more to the story! We have another huge plot point to wrap up in book 3 and I cannot wait to read it!
Such a good book! Once again we follow multiple POVs as the stories diverge and reconvene and the characters all grow and change in their own ways. I think Karim, Sita, and Rae were my favorite POVs this time around!
Everything that takes place really helped push the story forward and the Egyptian lore was so well thought out and written by an author who truly loves Egypt.
The ending had a great wrap up, but there is still more to the story! We have another huge plot point to wrap up in book 3 and I cannot wait to read it!
May 14, 2026
She Knows All the Names proves that second books in a trilogy really can deliver.
Returning to Khetara feels immediate and immersive—you’re pulled right back into the story, effortlessly reconnecting with the characters, the tensions, and the unraveling mystery at the heart of it all. Copora does an excellent job grounding readers back into the world without slowing the momentum.
As Neff and Raye search for answers while trying not to draw suspicion to themselves, Sita and Karim are left navigating something far more personal as they attempt to blend into village life. Both storylines carry a quiet tension that steadily builds, especially under the looming weight of a self-fulfilling prophecy that seems determined to shape all of their futures.
The emotional stakes are intense, but the larger stakes for the world itself feel even heavier. Every revelation pushes the story forward with urgency, and just when you think you understand where things are headed, Copora delivers a twist that hits with full force—one I genuinely did not see coming.
Rich in emotion, layered relationships, and mounting tension, She Knows All the Names raises the stakes in every possible way and leaves me more than ready for the final installment.
Returning to Khetara feels immediate and immersive—you’re pulled right back into the story, effortlessly reconnecting with the characters, the tensions, and the unraveling mystery at the heart of it all. Copora does an excellent job grounding readers back into the world without slowing the momentum.
As Neff and Raye search for answers while trying not to draw suspicion to themselves, Sita and Karim are left navigating something far more personal as they attempt to blend into village life. Both storylines carry a quiet tension that steadily builds, especially under the looming weight of a self-fulfilling prophecy that seems determined to shape all of their futures.
The emotional stakes are intense, but the larger stakes for the world itself feel even heavier. Every revelation pushes the story forward with urgency, and just when you think you understand where things are headed, Copora delivers a twist that hits with full force—one I genuinely did not see coming.
Rich in emotion, layered relationships, and mounting tension, She Knows All the Names raises the stakes in every possible way and leaves me more than ready for the final installment.
June 7, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley and Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC. This was an incredible read. The action picks up right where we left off in His Face is the Sun, and the thrill never stopped. Multiple POVs and the fast paced action made this such a fun read. I'm also intrigued to see where things go in the next book, after the mysterious things we learn from Karim and Sita's POVs.
June 14, 2026
I do love this series. The characters and the story keep amping up with each chapter. I love this concept, and the author really capitalizes on it. She's pulled from different dynasties, sure, but things are changed enough and blend well. The characters all have vulnerabilities and weaknesses that influence their choices in sympathetic ways. Of course, another cliffhanger (gah!), so book 3 really can't come soon enough.
June 27, 2026
Holy wow! Do not sleep on this one! Book 2 was just as good if not better than book 1 — seeing all the puzzle pieces fit together and the story progression I was simply enthralled and could not put this one down!
May 12, 2026
I love this book. I love this series. PLEASE MICHELLE GIVE ME THE LAST BOOK!!
Wow the character development is through the roof and you just find yourself piecing everything together in such a satisfying way. Ugh I need to find the Karim to my Sita 😭😭😭😭
Wow the character development is through the roof and you just find yourself piecing everything together in such a satisfying way. Ugh I need to find the Karim to my Sita 😭😭😭😭
June 1, 2026
Yesss!! Great sequel. I thoroughly enjoyed this.
June 17, 2026
Veryyy high expectations after the first book. Not as exciting and not enough resolved at the end. Still so good and fun
June 21, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
May 10, 2026
Second books in trilogies are always a little scary, but this one was good! Strong plot and character development
May 27, 2026
Was so excited to jump into this sequel! It started off a little slow, but the character buildup for the 4 main characters is so worth it for the end of the book! Omg so much happens in the last 20 pages or so 😱 cannot wait for book 3! This series is so criminally underrated it’s so good. 4.25 stars ❤️❤️
May 5, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC!
An action-packed sequel to His Face is the Sun! I really enjoyed this and the development of each character throughout the story.
I can’t wait to see how everything wraps up in the next book. She Knows All the Names ended quite abruptly, and while I didn’t entirely mind, it left me aching for more. But I believe that was the goal on the author’s part!
Overall a great read!
An action-packed sequel to His Face is the Sun! I really enjoyed this and the development of each character throughout the story.
I can’t wait to see how everything wraps up in the next book. She Knows All the Names ended quite abruptly, and while I didn’t entirely mind, it left me aching for more. But I believe that was the goal on the author’s part!
Overall a great read!
May 24, 2026
I have been devouring the Throne of Khetara series. If you love Egyptian stories with prophecy, dark magic, and mummies, you don’t want to miss this series. It has multiple POVs with characters who are prophesied to cross paths for the greater good. There is fantastic character development and action throughout both books. I loved every second and can’t wait for the epic finale.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC.
April 15, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-arc.
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. I devoured His Face is the Sun and couldn't wait to get my hands on the sequel.
"If the hand of a god guides me, am I truly free?"
Things are in motion! The prophecy has been spoken and our main protagonists - Sita, Neff, Rae, and Karim - are in play. I was so intrigued to see how these four very different people would intertwine and weave around each other. They each develop so differently amidst all of the challenges. We see Sita confront her own identity as a woman, a princess, a child of the gods. Neff is playing this very dangerous game between two princes and learning how to cast her own spells. Rae is warring within herself for what's right and good while also listening to so many other loud voices about how a rebellion SHOULD be played out. Sweet Karim has so much guilt for his actions and he has to come to terms with his new reality and physical limits.
Setnakht is approaching, but he's still a dim and shadowy figure on the horizon. He's less menacing that King Meryamun, who is wreaking havoc on Khetara already. There is magic and deception and I still ate this up.
I think it's an interesting choice that we don't get chapters from Mery or Kenna (my precious boy Kenna!). We don't really get to understand the depths of Mery's inner workings, why he is making his choices. I would love that backstory, where his evil intent sprouted.
Anyway, gimme book 3 right now, please!
"I would rather die fighting for your right to live than to live with the knowledge that I walked away. Say what you will, I am not leaving without you.”
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. I devoured His Face is the Sun and couldn't wait to get my hands on the sequel.
"If the hand of a god guides me, am I truly free?"
Things are in motion! The prophecy has been spoken and our main protagonists - Sita, Neff, Rae, and Karim - are in play. I was so intrigued to see how these four very different people would intertwine and weave around each other. They each develop so differently amidst all of the challenges. We see Sita confront her own identity as a woman, a princess, a child of the gods. Neff is playing this very dangerous game between two princes and learning how to cast her own spells. Rae is warring within herself for what's right and good while also listening to so many other loud voices about how a rebellion SHOULD be played out. Sweet Karim has so much guilt for his actions and he has to come to terms with his new reality and physical limits.
Setnakht is approaching, but he's still a dim and shadowy figure on the horizon. He's less menacing that King Meryamun, who is wreaking havoc on Khetara already. There is magic and deception and I still ate this up.
I think it's an interesting choice that we don't get chapters from Mery or Kenna (my precious boy Kenna!). We don't really get to understand the depths of Mery's inner workings, why he is making his choices. I would love that backstory, where his evil intent sprouted.
Anyway, gimme book 3 right now, please!
"I would rather die fighting for your right to live than to live with the knowledge that I walked away. Say what you will, I am not leaving without you.”
June 2, 2026
Star Rating: 4 stars
Date: 5/22/26 – 5/29/26
Note: This is the 2nd book in the Throne of Khetara trilogy so this will not be an in-depth review.
After discovering His Face is the Sun on a whim (I think I heard about it on an upcoming/anticipated releases video on Booktube, but I’m not for sure.) and absolutely loving it (I was in my top three books for last year!), I was very excited to read the sequel, She Who Knows All the Names, as soon as my local public library was able to get me a copy. This book continues the story of Karim, Sita, Neff, and Rae as they struggle to save their world from dangers both modern and ancient.
My favorite part of this book remains the world-building as it is set in a faux-ancient Egyptian kingdom, which is a setting that I’ve never seen before. As many of you know, ancient history is a special interest of mine, so reading a book set in a civilization that I’ve watched documentaries on is like watching history come to life, especially since it is obvious that Corpora did her research as she discusses in her author’s note and she states that she had an expert in ancient Egypt offering insights. In a genre that is inundated with either Western-inspired fantasy or in more recent years, Eastern-inspired (These tend to rank very highly with me so keep them coming!!), it was nice to get one that was so drastically different in setting.
I also thought it was very interesting how we were able to explore the theme of the cyclical nature of history. Egypt is one of the oldest and vastest civilizations to ever exist, approximately 3000 years, and as a result, in a faux-version of it, we are able to explore not only how civilizations rise and replace each other on a macro scale, but how this can also happen on a micro scale as well, within the confines of an existing civilization, which is very interesting as this isn’t an angle we are able to explore very often as most civilization never make it to the micro point. One of the main ways that Corpora showcases this theme is through her mirroring of different characters off not only each other, but past characters as well. Although I don’t think she utilizes this method as well as she could, it was still interesting to see this cycle explored in this way.
In the first book, we saw ancient evil arising from the past and how it mirrored what was happening in the present, but in this installment, we lost a lot of that exploration, which really made the narrative lose a lot of punch, in my opinion. All our characters are rediscovering lost magic by connecting to prominent individuals from the past, whether through reincarnation or circumstance, but we don’t really explore those connections. I think we needed some flashbacks where they are accessing these connections to not only flesh out the world-building but also deepen the character and thematic development. These flashbacks moments would have added nuance that was missing from the narrative and would have made me a lot more invested in what was happening. She did include some in the beginning, but then we just dropped that portion of the narrative, and I think that was a mistake. The narrative needed them for the readers to feel connected to the characters and their journeys.
All in all, this book was missing a lot of the depth that I needed to make it a total win, but I am looking forward to finishing the series and seeing if Corpora sticks the landing. This series has so much potential! 4 stars!
Date: 5/22/26 – 5/29/26
Note: This is the 2nd book in the Throne of Khetara trilogy so this will not be an in-depth review.
After discovering His Face is the Sun on a whim (I think I heard about it on an upcoming/anticipated releases video on Booktube, but I’m not for sure.) and absolutely loving it (I was in my top three books for last year!), I was very excited to read the sequel, She Who Knows All the Names, as soon as my local public library was able to get me a copy. This book continues the story of Karim, Sita, Neff, and Rae as they struggle to save their world from dangers both modern and ancient.
My favorite part of this book remains the world-building as it is set in a faux-ancient Egyptian kingdom, which is a setting that I’ve never seen before. As many of you know, ancient history is a special interest of mine, so reading a book set in a civilization that I’ve watched documentaries on is like watching history come to life, especially since it is obvious that Corpora did her research as she discusses in her author’s note and she states that she had an expert in ancient Egypt offering insights. In a genre that is inundated with either Western-inspired fantasy or in more recent years, Eastern-inspired (These tend to rank very highly with me so keep them coming!!), it was nice to get one that was so drastically different in setting.
I also thought it was very interesting how we were able to explore the theme of the cyclical nature of history. Egypt is one of the oldest and vastest civilizations to ever exist, approximately 3000 years, and as a result, in a faux-version of it, we are able to explore not only how civilizations rise and replace each other on a macro scale, but how this can also happen on a micro scale as well, within the confines of an existing civilization, which is very interesting as this isn’t an angle we are able to explore very often as most civilization never make it to the micro point. One of the main ways that Corpora showcases this theme is through her mirroring of different characters off not only each other, but past characters as well. Although I don’t think she utilizes this method as well as she could, it was still interesting to see this cycle explored in this way.
In the first book, we saw ancient evil arising from the past and how it mirrored what was happening in the present, but in this installment, we lost a lot of that exploration, which really made the narrative lose a lot of punch, in my opinion. All our characters are rediscovering lost magic by connecting to prominent individuals from the past, whether through reincarnation or circumstance, but we don’t really explore those connections. I think we needed some flashbacks where they are accessing these connections to not only flesh out the world-building but also deepen the character and thematic development. These flashbacks moments would have added nuance that was missing from the narrative and would have made me a lot more invested in what was happening. She did include some in the beginning, but then we just dropped that portion of the narrative, and I think that was a mistake. The narrative needed them for the readers to feel connected to the characters and their journeys.
All in all, this book was missing a lot of the depth that I needed to make it a total win, but I am looking forward to finishing the series and seeing if Corpora sticks the landing. This series has so much potential! 4 stars!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Our stories are not defined by our demons, said the voice of her conscience or a goddess or both. They are written about the choices we make when we are left alone with them."
She Knows All the Names had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through, whether crossing my fingers that Neff would get away with her clever plans or holding my breath while Sita finds herself alone in dark places. It was invigorating and exciting, and I don't know how I'm going to manage to wait for the third book! If you are a fan of The Mummy (1999), you are going to love this book.
Jabès Corpora's writing captures the imagination and sucks you into the world of Khetara (and if anybody is asking me, I think it would make an incredibly TV show or movie series!). The four lead characters - Rae, Neff, Sita, and Karim - are the kind of people you root for, who you want to win no matter the cost. While the genre makes it clear that these four heroes will have their day it's still possible to fear for their safety and success (because winning doesn't mean everybody comes home safe, and succeeding isn't the same as not losing).
As with the first book the attention to and love for ancient Egyptian culture is woven throughout, from referencing specific historical festivals to incorporating what might now be seen as obscure gods (e.g. Medjed, Shesmu, Bennu) into places of significant importance within the plot. As Kenna says, "Heka is not outside nature; it is nature," and Jabès Corpora absolutely maintains that framing perspective throughout - the idea that a pharaoh might curse all his enemies or that a girl might summon an invisible familiar are understood and accepted possibilities.
I loved the combined story of Karim and Sita, to some extent they felt like the characters closest to the plot for this book - especially Sita's personal growth. I appreciate how Jabès Corpora makes each character feel like a hero in their own story: Neff's is a story of deep intrigue (and it's hard to remember sometimes that she's only 13), Rae's is the story of how a farm girl becomes the leader of a rebellion, Karim's is about a charismatic thief who makes himself worthy of leadership through action, and Sita's is the story of a princess with a birthright far beyond a crown or throne. Each of these would be an exciting and fun story on its own but weaving them together in a way where none overshadow the others takes a lot of skill, and I really look forward to seeing how the characters shift and change around each other in the next book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for giving me a copy of the e-ARC, I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 17, 2026
TL,DR: I inhaled this. Couldn't put it down. Perfect pacing. Recommend.
This is one of those sequels that doesn’t just carry the trilogy forward, but instead deepens the story in every possible way. Everything that worked in book one is still here, but with more weight, more complexity, much higher emotional stakes.
The characters GROW. Their arcs feel earned and intentional. No one is static, and you can feel the pressure of everything they’ve been through shaping their choices. There’s a constant push and pull between duty and desire, loyalty and self-preservation, destiny and choice.
The family dynamics, in particular, are so very compelling. Loyalty isn’t simple here. It’s layered, tested, strained. You can feel the weight of all of history in these relationships. Generational expectations, unspoken obligations, and a deep-rooted sense of belonging that both anchors and complicates everything. It makes the stakes feel real, because it’s not just about power or destiny, but about who you stand with when it matters most.
Speaking of history, the Egyptian influence is one of my favorite parts of this series. It’s woven in so seamlessly. Mythology, cultural details, a sense of place that feels vivid without ever being overwhelming. You are IN the landscape. There’s a richness to the storytelling that makes the world feel ancient and alive at the same time, like you’re uncovering something that’s always been there just beneath the surface. It adds depth without slowing anything down, which is not easy to pull off. UGH this is stellar world-building.
The pacing is honestly perfect. I was hooked the entire time. No dragging middle, no filler. No endless dialogue ghat goes nowhere. The story moves with purpose: balancing action, intrigue, and character development so well that I never noticed what Jabès Corpora was artfully weaving. This author has my RESPECT. She can tell a story!! The political tension and underlying drama keep things sharp, while the paranormal elements add just enough mystery to keep you leaning forward, wanting answers. I kept turning pages long after the real world was beckoning me to put the book down.
I loved the restraint with the romance. It’s present, it matters, but it stays in the background where it supports the story instead of overtaking it. It adds emotional depth without distracting from everything else that’s unfolding. It's also all clean, makes this another book perfectly fine for a well-read middle grade reader wanting a sophisticated story without needless spice.
This really is a standout middle book. It delivers on its own, while clearly building toward something bigger. By the end, I felt simultaneously satisfied and completely impatient, because now I need that final installment.
This is one of those sequels that doesn’t just carry the trilogy forward, but instead deepens the story in every possible way. Everything that worked in book one is still here, but with more weight, more complexity, much higher emotional stakes.
The characters GROW. Their arcs feel earned and intentional. No one is static, and you can feel the pressure of everything they’ve been through shaping their choices. There’s a constant push and pull between duty and desire, loyalty and self-preservation, destiny and choice.
The family dynamics, in particular, are so very compelling. Loyalty isn’t simple here. It’s layered, tested, strained. You can feel the weight of all of history in these relationships. Generational expectations, unspoken obligations, and a deep-rooted sense of belonging that both anchors and complicates everything. It makes the stakes feel real, because it’s not just about power or destiny, but about who you stand with when it matters most.
Speaking of history, the Egyptian influence is one of my favorite parts of this series. It’s woven in so seamlessly. Mythology, cultural details, a sense of place that feels vivid without ever being overwhelming. You are IN the landscape. There’s a richness to the storytelling that makes the world feel ancient and alive at the same time, like you’re uncovering something that’s always been there just beneath the surface. It adds depth without slowing anything down, which is not easy to pull off. UGH this is stellar world-building.
The pacing is honestly perfect. I was hooked the entire time. No dragging middle, no filler. No endless dialogue ghat goes nowhere. The story moves with purpose: balancing action, intrigue, and character development so well that I never noticed what Jabès Corpora was artfully weaving. This author has my RESPECT. She can tell a story!! The political tension and underlying drama keep things sharp, while the paranormal elements add just enough mystery to keep you leaning forward, wanting answers. I kept turning pages long after the real world was beckoning me to put the book down.
I loved the restraint with the romance. It’s present, it matters, but it stays in the background where it supports the story instead of overtaking it. It adds emotional depth without distracting from everything else that’s unfolding. It's also all clean, makes this another book perfectly fine for a well-read middle grade reader wanting a sophisticated story without needless spice.
This really is a standout middle book. It delivers on its own, while clearly building toward something bigger. By the end, I felt simultaneously satisfied and completely impatient, because now I need that final installment.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
She Knows All the Names is the second book in the Khetara trilogy, and picks up where His Face is the Sun ended. The story continues with the journeys of Sita, Rae, Nefermaat, and Karim, as they all find themselves on various adventures: Sita and Karim are on the run from newly crowned pharaoh Meryamun while also seeking out a lost city, Rae continues to work with the rebels to bring justice to her people, and Nefermaat is working as Meryamun’s personal oracle while also trying to unravel the prophecy in which she has found herself entwined. Heart-pounding adventure pairs with swoon-worthy romance to deliver an exciting, edge-of-your-seat ending that will leave readers hungry for the next installment. All characters in this book cued as Egyptian.
The second installment in the Khetara trilogy does not disappoint! I gobbled this book up as quickly as I did the first one, and I am eagerly awaiting the conclusion. I liked how seamlessly this book continued from where the first one ended, without too big of a timeskip. This book contains a lot of different story elements: mystery, adventure, romance, and paranormal thriller, but Corpora manages to represent each equally in the story, without overwhelming the narrative. I never got the sense that “too much” was happening, while still being entertained in every chapter. The romance between Sita and Karim was very sweet, and I liked their dynamic a lot. I also appreciated the inclusion of a queer relationship in the book, between Rae and Tam. I liked seeing the characters continue to grow and develop, especially Sitamun. Her journey shows great personal growth, from a self-absorbed princess to a mature young woman prepared to rule a kingdom. The scene where Sitamun is led to Queen Anet’s tomb by the two goddesses and she chooses to accept her past wrongdoings and to forge ahead and fight for her kingdom was so powerful, and it showed a lot of strength from her. I was also very intrigued by the King Sematawy storyline, which added an exciting paranormal element to the book, and sets up the conflict for the third book. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
The second installment in the Khetara trilogy does not disappoint! I gobbled this book up as quickly as I did the first one, and I am eagerly awaiting the conclusion. I liked how seamlessly this book continued from where the first one ended, without too big of a timeskip. This book contains a lot of different story elements: mystery, adventure, romance, and paranormal thriller, but Corpora manages to represent each equally in the story, without overwhelming the narrative. I never got the sense that “too much” was happening, while still being entertained in every chapter. The romance between Sita and Karim was very sweet, and I liked their dynamic a lot. I also appreciated the inclusion of a queer relationship in the book, between Rae and Tam. I liked seeing the characters continue to grow and develop, especially Sitamun. Her journey shows great personal growth, from a self-absorbed princess to a mature young woman prepared to rule a kingdom. The scene where Sitamun is led to Queen Anet’s tomb by the two goddesses and she chooses to accept her past wrongdoings and to forge ahead and fight for her kingdom was so powerful, and it showed a lot of strength from her. I was also very intrigued by the King Sematawy storyline, which added an exciting paranormal element to the book, and sets up the conflict for the third book. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
She Knows All the Names by Michelle Jabes Corpora
Throne of Khetara #2
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (rounded up to a 5)
Spice: 0.5/5
Cursing: none
Format/Source: ebook ARC from NetGalley and SourceBooks Fire Publishing
Genres/Tropes: fantasy, romance, magic, Egyptian mythology
Audience: YA
Setting: Khetara (Ancient Egypt lore)
Characters: Sita, Neff, Rae, Mery, Karim, Kenna, Wings, Elyas, Aya, Tam
👍 short chapters, multi POV, learning Egyptian hx/beliefs/traditions, character development, no cursing, magic
👎 none
Description:
Fresh to the throne, the cunning new pharaoh schemes to bring unprecedented power to the Kingdom of Khetara. He commands absolute allegiance, leaving bloodshed in his wake as he searches for the missing Princess Sitamun, and at his side, the young priestess Nefermaat serves as divine counsel. Having witnessed the king's merciless acts, Neff furtively plots to free the kingdom from his grip, though she knows the heavy price of treason.
Meanwhile, the rebellion in Low Khetara grows, and Raetawy, a courageous farm girl, leads the resistance. Her quest is clear: infiltrate the capital and free the imprisoned rebels—including her beloved father. Yet in her desperation, Rae agrees to a plan that could destroy all she is fighting for….
In the Red Lands, the thief Karim grapples with the new life he's been given. Is it a blessing or a curse? He fears what lurks within him, yet he and his unlikely companion, Princess Sita, grow ever closer as they search for a lost city believed to harbor the secret to saving Khetara from destruction.
The ancient oracle that once whispered to these four strangers now speaks with an urgency as powerful as the mighty Iteru. The current of destiny is strengthening, but will it bring redemption…or annihilation?
I thoroughly loved this sequel, especially enjoying the Egyptian mythology, well-developed characters, and eventual merge of storylines. I cannot wait for the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book to all who love fantasies.
#bookstagram #booklovers #fantasybooks #egyptianmythology
Throne of Khetara #2
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (rounded up to a 5)
Spice: 0.5/5
Cursing: none
Format/Source: ebook ARC from NetGalley and SourceBooks Fire Publishing
Genres/Tropes: fantasy, romance, magic, Egyptian mythology
Audience: YA
Setting: Khetara (Ancient Egypt lore)
Characters: Sita, Neff, Rae, Mery, Karim, Kenna, Wings, Elyas, Aya, Tam
👍 short chapters, multi POV, learning Egyptian hx/beliefs/traditions, character development, no cursing, magic
👎 none
Description:
Fresh to the throne, the cunning new pharaoh schemes to bring unprecedented power to the Kingdom of Khetara. He commands absolute allegiance, leaving bloodshed in his wake as he searches for the missing Princess Sitamun, and at his side, the young priestess Nefermaat serves as divine counsel. Having witnessed the king's merciless acts, Neff furtively plots to free the kingdom from his grip, though she knows the heavy price of treason.
Meanwhile, the rebellion in Low Khetara grows, and Raetawy, a courageous farm girl, leads the resistance. Her quest is clear: infiltrate the capital and free the imprisoned rebels—including her beloved father. Yet in her desperation, Rae agrees to a plan that could destroy all she is fighting for….
In the Red Lands, the thief Karim grapples with the new life he's been given. Is it a blessing or a curse? He fears what lurks within him, yet he and his unlikely companion, Princess Sita, grow ever closer as they search for a lost city believed to harbor the secret to saving Khetara from destruction.
The ancient oracle that once whispered to these four strangers now speaks with an urgency as powerful as the mighty Iteru. The current of destiny is strengthening, but will it bring redemption…or annihilation?
I thoroughly loved this sequel, especially enjoying the Egyptian mythology, well-developed characters, and eventual merge of storylines. I cannot wait for the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book to all who love fantasies.
#bookstagram #booklovers #fantasybooks #egyptianmythology
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