- Hardcover: 432 pages
- Publisher: Pocket Books (29 Sep 1997)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0671567659
- ISBN-13: 978-0671567651
- Product Dimensions: 23.6 x 16 x 3.3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 371,298 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- See Complete Table of Contents
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Product Description
Review
Diana GabaldonA wonderful book! Adventure, love, history, magic -- it's an engrossing story with magnificent characters, balanced perfectly on the edge between enchantment and belief.
Product Description
In seventeenth-century France, Louis XIV rules with flamboyant ambition. In his domain, wealth and beauty take all; frivolity begets cruelty; science and alchemy collide. From the Hall of Mirrors to the vermin-infested attics of the Chateau at Versailles, courtiers compete to please the king, sacrificing fortune, principles, and even the sacred bond between brother and sister. By the fiftieth year of his reign, Louis XIV has made France the most powerful state in the western world. Yet the Sun King's appetite for glory knows no bounds. In a bold stroke, he sends his natural philosopher on an expedition to seek the source of immortality -- the rare, perhaps mythical, sea monsters. For the glory, of his God, his country, and his king, Father Yves de la Croix returns with his treasures: one heavy shroud packed in ice...and a covered basin that imprisons a shrieking creature.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
I purchased this novel almost entirely on the strength of it winning the 1997 Nebula Award. Now I find myself asking: "How on Earth was it even nominated, let alone win?" The Moon and the Sun is not a science fiction novel. True, it is a fantasy novel, but ultimately it's more an historical romance. Moreover, it's set in a period I don't really care much for - 17th century France.
That said, it is not a bad novel by any means. The period has clearly been very well researched, and many of the historical characters are very convincing. The heroine of the story, however, does seem a little over the top. She apparently is a gifted composer, artist, mathematican/scientist and horseperson (have you ever tried riding side saddle at a gallop) all rolled into one. Oh, and of course, she was a stunning beauty too.
Overall, The Moon and the Sun is quite a good read, and will appeal to those who like historical fantasy with a strong emphasis on romance, and where everyone lives happily after.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
After only a few pages, I was hooked on one of the most enjoyable "reads" I've had lately. I appreciated the attention to detail, especially because McIntyre's writing style incorporated the many obviously well-researched and fascinating historical references effortlessly into the plot - unlike many "historic" novels which come off as thinly disguised vehicles for the author to parade his/her knowledge of the period, usually with a plot and dialog that is stilted and dull. Yes, Marie-Josephe is both beautiful and incredibly talented. But there were such women in the real world - we just didn't hear about them because ... well, you know and no need to flog a horse that's down and dying (to use a nasty metaphore)! Along with the fascinating descriptions of life at court and almost incomprehensible wealth of the Sun King (visiting Huron indian chiefs gifted with diamond encrusted suits), the sea, Marie-Josephe's origins in the Caribbean and an appreciation of a good horse all appealed to me and kept me reading. All the while, I wondered why the novel had not been made into a movie - then I read McIntyre's afterword and went to the web page. So I am looking forward to the Jim Henson-produced movie as another chance to share the adventure!
Format:Mass Market Paperback
I like fantasy and really enjoyed reading this book. Easy to read and engrossing.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
No meaning
I didn't like this book because the story is too big and the character is too strong. I don't know how a book like this one can win an award
Published on 24 Aug 1999
Highly overrated
I'm surprised so many people liked this book. It was okish but it certainly didn't deserve that award.
Published on 24 May 1999
An excellent, wonderful book.
This book does what only certain rare, strange, magical bits of art can do-- show a person that this world is wonderful, and that miracles are everywhere. Read more
Published on 17 May 1999
Good, But Wanting
I liked this book; it's quite entertaining and the writing is smoothly accomplished and palatable. Easy going down. Read more
Published on 2 May 1999
McIntyre's best yet
I've been a fan of McIntyre since DREAMSNAKE many years ago and have read everything she's written (well, I haven't missed anything I know of). Read more
Published on 18 Jan 1999
Fantastic and Enthralling!
I wasn't sure that I was going to enjoy this book when I picked it up, but friends of mine had given it rave reviews. Read more
Published on 17 Dec 1998
Magical Historical Romantic Realism
The two genres of magical realism and alternate history collide with stunning effects in McIntyre's Moon and Sun. Read more
Published on 18 Sep 1998
A captivating alternate historical novel.
If you are interested in the pomp and circumstance of French royalty mixed with science and a sea monster, then this is the book for you. Read more
Published on 11 Sep 1998
Great story, slightly disappointing writing
Sometimes, there's nothing an author can do to kill a great story. Mermaid/Monster gets captured and brought to the court of Louis XIV, where a spunky young servant girl must... Read more
Published on 28 Jun 1998
So good I read it in one day!
This book is definitely a keeper on my bookshelves. The story line was very unique; mixing true historical figures with fictional ones. Read more
Published on 20 Jun 1998
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