snipinfool's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Mercy Birdsall had been running Birdsall & Son since her father's heart attack. She was hanging on until her brother could finish his Funerary Rites and Services degree and take over as head undertaker. She enjoyed her work, but could definitely use some help in all areas of their business. Mercy had an overall sunny attitude except when a certain Tanrian Marshall came to drop off a body for burial. For some reason, Marshall Ralston had rubbed her the wrong way since day one. He was condescending and sarcastic. Mercy had no problems giving it back to him in full. Dealing with him would be one thing she would not miss once her brother came on board.
Hart Ralston worked as a ranger, keeping Tanria safe from drudges (like zombies). Hart was a loner in more ways than one. He was a demigod, which made him different from most, and he had been on his own since he was sixteen. Hart had a few partners he enjoyed working with in the past, but currently, he preferred being on his own. Keeping citizens safe from drudge attacks was enough work without having to navigate the niceties of working relationships. After a conversation with his ex-partner and boss, Hart took a closer look at his life. He realized he was a bit lonely. He decided to write a letter to an anonymous friend to disclose his empty life. Hart had written letters to his mother and mentor when they died as a way to stay connected to them. He hoped writing about his solitude would help to ease his sense of isolation. After finishing the letter, Hart did what he usually did after writing his mother and guide. He posted the letter addressed to "A Friend" never expecting it to be actually delivered to someone.
Hart Ralston worked as a ranger, keeping Tanria safe from drudges (like zombies). Hart was a loner in more ways than one. He was a demigod, which made him different from most, and he had been on his own since he was sixteen. Hart had a few partners he enjoyed working with in the past, but currently, he preferred being on his own. Keeping citizens safe from drudge attacks was enough work without having to navigate the niceties of working relationships. After a conversation with his ex-partner and boss, Hart took a closer look at his life. He realized he was a bit lonely. He decided to write a letter to an anonymous friend to disclose his empty life. Hart had written letters to his mother and mentor when they died as a way to stay connected to them. He hoped writing about his solitude would help to ease his sense of isolation. After finishing the letter, Hart did what he usually did after writing his mother and guide. He posted the letter addressed to "A Friend" never expecting it to be actually delivered to someone.
This story was all kinds of cute. I loved both Hart and Mercy. They had an enemy to lovers relationship. Mercy was the sunshine to Hart's grumpy. When Hart posted his letter pouring out his loneliness, he never ever thought it would land in the hands of Mercy. Mercy was also lonely. She worked constantly and rarely had time for socializing. Because they had many negative encounters over the years, it was hard for them to think of the other in any alternative way. I loved how they continued to write the "To a friend" letters expressing their deepest thoughts and wishes, never realizing their letter went to their adversary. The side characters in the novel were also great. I loved Mercy's family and Hart's new partner, Penrose Duckers. That has to be one of the best character names I've seen in a while. The creatures who delivered the mail were humorous also. The world Megan Bannen created in this book was interesting and enjoyable. A sequel is set to come out next year and I will be reading that ASAP.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual content, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Body horror
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Animal death and Death of parent
theespressoedition's review against another edition
4.5
This isn't a true review. Just quotes I liked.
“I want to be with someone who asks me how my day was, someone who finds what I have to say interesting. I want to be with someone who thinks that—I don’t know—that I’m kind of special. That’s all.” Nathan puffed his lips as if Mercy had uttered the most unreasonable thing he’d ever heard. “Thanks a lot!” she said. “I’m not trying to be mean, but come on. Life isn’t like those fluffy books you read. People don’t sit around mooning over each other. This is reality, and in reality, you find someone you like and that you’re attracted to, and you get married and you have a family, and that’s all there is to it. It’s that simple.” Mercy sagged in her chair. Maybe Nathan had a point. Maybe she was reaching too high and wanting too much. Maybe it was time to lower the bar and readjust her expectations.
(Woof. I felt this in my soul).
It’d be like reading a book that doesn’t end. No matter how good the story is, you want it to be over at some point.
(Talking about life here. Interesting).
“I think I’m about to do something stupid.” “Okay.” Mercy stood on tiptoes and kissed the corner of his mouth on the exact spot where the frosting had been. She pulled away and watched him as he gawked at her and said nothing, and his silence screamed around her until she couldn’t take it anymore. “Well? Say something.” “I’m still waiting for you to do something stupid.”
(This has got to be one of the cutest scenes I’ve ever read. Ever).
He hadn’t realized how tight his lungs were until Mercy gave him room to breathe.
(My heart. Or should I say “my Hart”).
He figured that if he could no longer love Mercy in person, he could at least love her through the pages of her favorite novel.
(Everyone should love someone through their favorite novel, just saying).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, and Sexual content
Moderate: Gore, Pregnancy, and Body horror
Minor: Alcohol and Death of parent
faithwingo's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Sexual content, and Death
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Pregnancy and Animal death
pinkfloydian's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Pregnancy, Gore, and Death
Minor: Animal death
kshertz's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I really loved our protagonist Mercy. She’s fierce and I like that Hart and her have mean nicknames and the banter is great. Plus the side characters are so loveable. I love the world. It’s done so well! I didn’t LOVE the ending twists and turns but I still really think it’s worth the read and the journey regardless
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Sexual content, Violence, Gore, Blood, and Medical content
popquizliz's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Gore, Abandonment, Medical content, and Violence
Moderate: Pregnancy, Animal death, Chronic illness, and Infidelity
wrensreadingroom's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Sexual content, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Chronic illness, Death, Gore, Alcohol, Animal death, Body horror, Cannibalism, Cursing, Abandonment, Blood, Eating disorder, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, and Vomit
regent_ace's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I love this book and It reminded me so much of a studio ghibli movie.
The world of the book was so unique and interesting to me and I hope the author continues to build and explore it in their next book within the series.
I loveddd the characters and their intertwining relationships, Hart and Mercy had such a fun enemies to lovers dynamic and I actually really loved seeing their banter with each other.
The character development for Hart and seeing him evolved from a loner with a rough shield over his heart to a softie surrounded by friends and family was so sweet and honestly had me smiling and kicking my legs lol also his father/son relationship with Tucker was one of my favorites to read.
My only complaint would probably have to be the antagonist that the story was building up to was concluded in a way that felt underwhelming but given the conflict that did come from it, I didn't mind too much
The world of the book was so unique and interesting to me and I hope the author continues to build and explore it in their next book within the series.
I loveddd the characters and their intertwining relationships, Hart and Mercy had such a fun enemies to lovers dynamic and I actually really loved seeing their banter with each other.
The character development for Hart and seeing him evolved from a loner with a rough shield over his heart to a softie surrounded by friends and family was so sweet and honestly had me smiling and kicking my legs lol also his father/son relationship with Tucker was one of my favorites to read.
My only complaint would probably have to be the antagonist that the story was building up to was concluded in a way that felt underwhelming but given the conflict that did come from it, I didn't mind too much
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Gore, Animal death, and Violence
Minor: Death of parent
aklovekorn's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Death of parent, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Pregnancy, and Sexual content
meaghancook's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Gore