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

by Megan Bannen

'Romantic, wildly creative, and utterly charming, The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy is a fantasy unlike any I've read before. . . an absolutely stunning story' Lana Harper, author of Payback's a Witch

The Princess Bride meets You've Got Mail in this enchantingly quirky, completely refreshing fantasy with a rom-com-worthy premise, perfect for readers of The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Invisible Library. 

Hart is a marshal, tasked with patrolling the magical wilds of Tanria. It's an unforgiving job, and he'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-ache Hart, the man with a knack for showing up right when her patience is thinnest. 

After yet another run-in with Merciless Mercy, Hart finds himself penning a letter addressed simply to "A Friend". Much to his surprise, he receives an anonymous reply, and a tentative friendship is born. Little does Hart know he's baring his soul to the person who infuriates him most. . . 

Set in a world equally full of magic and demigods as it is donuts and small-town drama, this utterly unique fantasy is sure to sweep you off your feet.

• ISBN13: 9780356519234
• Publish Date: 25 August 2022 (first published 23 August 2022)
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Orbit
• Edition: FairyLoot Exclusive
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 418
• Language: English
• Special: Exclusive Design Signed Sprayed Edges

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.