Nebula Award Best Novel Winner

The Moon and the Sun

by Vonda N. McIntyre

Summary

Set in the opulent court of Louis the Fourteenth at Versailles, this novel follows Marie Josephe, a young woman caught up in the king's quest for immortality after a sea creature is captured and brought to court. As Marie Josephe comes to recognize the creature's intelligence and humanity, she must defy the powers around her to protect it. McIntyre mixes meticulous historical detail with science fiction and fantasy to question power, faith, and what counts as human.

Historical Context & Significance

The novel won the Nebula Award for Best Novel, controversially beating George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones in that category.