Where to start withThe Moon and the Sun
2 versions · originally a book, 1997
Themes: Immortality, Father-Daughter Relationships, Mythological Creatures, Royal Secrets, Historical Fantasy.
Start with The Moon and the Sun (Vonda N. McIntyre, 1997) — the book. The Moon and the Sun exists in 2 versions across media, beginning as a book in 1997; each is ranked below by what it does best.
Vonda N. McIntyre’s historical fantasy explores the volatile intersection of royal ambition, scientific discovery, and the captive mermaid’s mysterious life force.
✦ Most fans start here
The Moon and the Sun (1997)

The original novel
✦ Start hereThe Moon and the Sun
Vonda N. McIntyre · Book · 1997
The Moon and the Sun (1997) serves as the definitive source material, offering a rich, immersive exploration of the intricate political and personal stakes surrounding the mermaid’s capture.

2022 film
The King's Daughter
Film · 2022
The King's Daughter (2022) translates the core narrative into a visual spectacle, focusing on the dramatic tension between King Louis XIV’s quest for immortality and his daughter’s unexpected discovery.
Common questions
Is The King's Daughter based on The Moon and the Sun?
Yes, the 2022 film The King's Daughter is a direct screen adaptation of the 1997 novel The Moon and the Sun. The movie translates the central narrative and historical fantasy premise of the book into a feature-length cinematic production.
Should I read The Moon and the Sun before watching The King's Daughter?
Reading the 1997 novel The Moon and the Sun before watching The King's Daughter is recommended if you prefer to experience the original source material first. This allows you to compare Vonda N. McIntyre's written narrative with the creative choices made during the film adaptation process.
Does The King's Daughter cover the entire plot of The Moon and the Sun?
The King's Daughter adapts the core story of The Moon and the Sun, though film adaptations often condense or alter specific subplots. To get the full depth of the character development and historical detail, you should refer to the original 1997 book.
Are there any sequels to The Moon and the Sun?
There are no official sequels to the 1997 novel The Moon and the Sun. The story remains a standalone work, and there are no subsequent books or cinematic follow-ups released that continue the narrative established in the original text or the 2022 film.