The old chief of a powerful Javanese tribe wants another bride – and he selects a young Malay girl called Melati. Her family reject this traumatic proposal. To escape from the hostile Javanese, the Malay tribe are building a boat, big enough to carry them across the sea to a new land. But before their boat is ready, a murder destroys the fragile peace. Now the Malay have to confront their prejudices and their most profound spiritual beliefs. Can they negotiate with the other tribe? Can they identify the murderer and restore the tribe’s honour? Can they survive? Or will Melati be forced to succumb when the Javanese kill her entire family in a tribal war? Set among the ancient tropical rainforests and coral seas of Indonesia, Spirits of the Sun is more than a romantic thriller coupled with a murder mystery. It is an adventure with tribal ancestors as they strive to keep themselves alive in an untamed and natural world. Rich with emotion and primal impulses, this stunning and beautifully written story delves deep into our sense of humanity.

To capture the strength and determination of the Malay tribe, Melati is seen standing tall in tribal dress and holding her curved rattan bow above her head. As the sun rises, the radiant sunlight engulfs both her and the jungle around her, sharing its strength with its worshippers.