In The Moon and the Face, McKillip effectively combines the fantasy and science fiction genres. While Terje's journey to the ancient Riverworld becomes a fantastic adventure into dream and ritual, Kyreol's space adventures on Niade's moon offer elements common to science fiction. McKillip's use of narrative form—she focuses alternating chapters on each main character's story—is emblematic of the central issue in this novel: the interdependence of distinct cultures and peoples.

McKillip's presentation of this idea is fairly sophisticated in terms of her use of literary devices. In addition to the balancing of genres through narrative form, the author also uses character, setting, conflict and contrasting images and motifs to stress the importance of cultural diversity and cooperation.

Contrasting images, particularly setting, highlight differences between the technologically simple and advanced worlds. The Riverworld is a lush natural place; in contrast, Domecity is "huge...