In seventeenth-century France, Louis XIV rules with flamboyant ambition. In his domain, wealth and beauty are 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 sacred family bonds.

'A wonderful book! Adventure, love, history, magic - it's an engrossing story with magnificent characters, balanced perfectly on the edge between,' said DIANA GABALDON

By the fiftieth year of his reign, Louis XIV has made France the most powerful state in the western world, but 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 mythical sea monster. 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 in a covered basin, an imprisoned sea-creature.

Marie-Josephe de la Croix has been looking forward to assisting her brother Yves in the scientific study of the sea monster, until she makes a discovery that will threaten everything her brother, the court and the King believe.

'The finest alternate history ever, light-hearted and wise - a luminous, radiant novel,' said URSULA K. LE GUIN

But in the decadent court of King Louis, where morality is skewed and corruption reigns, will anyone listen to a single voice? Somehow, she must find the courage to follow her heart and her convictions - even at the cost of changing her life forever.

About the Author
Vonda N. McIntyre (1948-2019), a highly acclaimed writer of science fiction and fantasy, was born in Kentucky. In her early life she lived in the Netherlands and Poland before settling in Seattle. As well as writing, she worked as a biologist in the field of genetics. She won her first Nebula Award for the novelette that became part of Dreamsnake; the novel itself won both the Hugo and Nebula Awards. In addition she wrote a number of Star Trek and Star Wars novels and novelisations (she was responsible for giving Sulu his first name!) as well as several volumes of stories. Her historical fantasy The Moon and the Sun, set in the court of King Louis XIV of France, was made into the film The King's Daughter, starring Fan Bingbing and Pierce Brosnan as the Sun King. The Vonda N. McIntyre Memorial Scholarship has been established to enable women writers and writers of colour to attend the Clarion West Writers Workshop.

Reviews
The finest alternate history ever, lighthearted and wise - a luminous, radiant novel
A dazzling and spirited evocation of the passions, intrigues and preconceptions of the age: an enchanting slice of what-if historical speculation * KIRKUS *
Successfully melds fantasy and alternate history to create a charming, well-written and meticulously researched novel * FANTASY BOOK REVIEW *

McIntyre has done her historical homework, as is evident in a superbly realised setting, and she executes the plot with superior skill. A splendid historical fantasy that shows sf star McIntyre admirably opening new territory

* BOOKLIST *

A wonderful book! Adventure, love, history, magic - it's an engrossing story with magnificent characters, balanced perfectly on the edge between

* DIANA GABALDON *

The story thrives in the details . . . gives it a thematic richness and resonance that made me care deeply about the story

* EYRIE *

McIntyre vividly re-creates a Versailles poised on the cusp between alchemy and modern science. Her imaginings enliven her history with wonder, but, as in the best fantasy, they serve less to dazzle by their inventiveness than to illuminate brilliantly real-world truths - here, humanity's responses, base and noble, when confronting the unknown

* PUBLISHERS WEEKLY *

Fans of McIntyre, or simply alternate history fans and romantics who love an intelligent, compassionate heroine will devour this book, yelling in outrage at the men who belittle our heroine and sighing with delight when she finds love

* FEMSCIFI *

One of the most enjoyable and well-written novels I have read in a long time. The novel has got splendid characterisation, a tightly-woven plot, and a fascinating story. It's also obviously meticulously researched, and full of intricate details about the historical era in which it takes place. Read the book. It is a marvellous, fascinating, uplifting experience

* JOHN WALTERS, author of ADRIANA'S FAMILY *

An excellent alternative history

* ARTSANDWINE *


Awards
Winner of SFWA Nebula Award Novel Category 1997.



Book Information
ISBN 9780857054241
Author Vonda McIntyre
Format Paperback
Page Count 448
Imprint Jo Fletcher Books
Publisher Quercus Publishing
Weight(grams) 303g
Dimensions(mm) 197mm * 130mm * 28mm