The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy (The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, #1)

by Megan Bannen

"A uniquely charming mixture of whimsy and the macabre that completely won me over. If you ever wished for an adult romance that felt like Howl's Moving Castle, THIS IS THAT BOOK." —Helen Hoang, author of The Kiss Quotient

Hart is a marshal, tasked with patrolling the strange and magical wilds of Tanria. It’s an unforgiving job, and Hart’s got nothing but time to ponder his loneliness.  

Mercy never has a moment to herself. She’s been single-handedly keeping Birdsall & Son Undertakers afloat in defiance of sullen jerks like Hart, who seems to have a gift for showing up right when her patience is thinnest. 

After yet another exasperating run-in with Mercy, Hart finds himself penning a letter addressed simply to “A Friend”. Much to his surprise, an anonymous letter comes back in return, and a tentative friendship is born.  

If only Hart knew he’s been baring his soul to the person who infuriates him most—Mercy. As the dangers from Tanria grow closer, so do the unlikely correspondents. But can their blossoming romance survive the fated discovery that their pen pals are their worst nightmares—each other?

Set in a world full of magic and demigods, donuts and small-town drama, this enchantingly quirky, utterly unique fantasy is perfect for readers of The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Invisible Library.

• ISBN10: 0316394211
• ISBN13: 9780316394215
• Publish Date: 23 August 2022
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Orbit
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 448
• Language: English
• URL: https://hachettebookgroup.com/titles/megan-bannen/the-undertaking-of-hart-and-mercy/9780316394215/

Reviews

[bamxo]

This book, meant as a short read, to fill the time between waiting for my sister to catch up on our last book read (on book 6 of 7 of a huge binge of SJM) has truly made it's way to the top amongst my favourite books ever! I went into this book expecting few things, and was so so surprised to find myself sucked in to the world Bannen had laid before me. The characters became part of my life and had me snorting, smiling and in some places sobbing before the pages. This story was an absolute treasure for my soul, that left me delving into more of Bannens works and adding her to my to be watched list. I don't often give reviews of this nature unless I really feel that a book is deserving of it. This book is. I urge you to look past your hesitation of cozy, fantasy, romance apprehension, and give it a whirl. I hope their words reach your soul too. XO

[Hilarye]

This book. THIS BOOK!!!!! 15/10, highly recommend. The best book I've read in 2023.

It’s 'Six Feet Under' meets 'You've Got Mail', set in a unique and immersive fantasy world. If you take one part zombie movie, one-part enemies-to-lovers romance, one part mystery novel, one part fantasy, and a pinch of a western; shake them all up, and you'll get the magic that is 'The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy'.

This book ripped my heart out, smashed it into a million pieces, and then put it back together again (better than before) in one fell swoop. All while making me laugh. Buckle up for a cozy, intriguing, romantic ride & prepare yourself to fall head over heels in love with Hart and Mercy (and every single one of their friends and family).

You get Old Gods, New Gods, demigods, zombies & anthropomorphic animals. Side characters you want to be BFFs with, some serious MC growth, a little bit of spicy-spice & some witty banter that will make you chortle and swoon. There is nothing about this book not to love.