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smcrain's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5. Man, okay, I got off on a rocky start with this. I couldn't decide whether to DNF or keep going. The setting is kind of so bizarre and non-sensical at times it was throwing me. That being said I kept reading past about the 25-30% I was unable to put it down until the end and loved it. It's gets off to a rocky start but all I can say is if you are able to get past that you might be surprised.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, Violence, and Grief
Minor: Gore and Injury/Injury detail
renpuspita's review
emotional
lighthearted
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
4.5
To quote Horatio, " I do love a happy ending!" and amended what Bassareus said while he wept in the end "F*cking beautiful."
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy (quite a handful title, eh?) is my first book by Megan Bannen. The cover hooked me up. The premise of enemy to lover that become secret pen pal without realize each other identity at first sold me out. Nope, I don't watch You've Got Mail and while other readers said the vibe is like Ghibli, I admit I also never watch their anime movie. For me, I have a warm and fuzzy feeling reading about Hart and Mercy. Especially Hart. Bannen seems like want to incorporate grumpy x sunshine, although while like a yellow color, Mercy is not that sunshine, lel. Her struggle to maintain the family undertaking business seems plausible. Her first fight with Hart that lead to their animosity for 4 years maybe a little bit silly at first and you can said that Mercy was overreact facing Hart's barbed venom, not knowing that Hart was grieving after his dog died. Not an excuse for Hart, tho. I admit, he was a jerk too. But, what can you said about hate and love is the different side of same coins? Although 4 years is a LONG time to hold a grudge, lel.
I'm very sure that the MVPs of this book must be granted to both the nimkilim, Horatio the Owl and Bassareus the Rabbit (he's my personal favorite with his unapologetic cursing toward Hart, lel); and also to the unfortunate drugde (aka zombie like creature that roams Tanria) whom attack Mercy so Hart can be her knight (or Marshal) in shining armor, therefore giving chance to their blossoming romance. My favorites scene is of course the letter exchange between Mercy and Hart, cute but also endearing to read, although I read it with a sense of dread knowing that finally they will know their real identity. Sure their fighting in the "enemy phase" can be too tiring to read, but well, that 4 years of grudge did to you. While reading their budding romance make me grinning from ear to ear and said "awww" for many times. The angst also well written and boy.. the scene when Hart crying after he thought that his chance to have a romantic relationship with Mercy vanishing when Mercy finally knowing that Hart is her secret pen pal make my heart feel a little bit pained. I did like with the way Bannen write about Hart, his hard personality in the surface is seems pretty hard to crack, but deep inside he's a softie. His emotions were well written, show that even it's okay for a man to crying and show his emotions.
The family theme is a delight to read, especially from Birdsall family. I can't emphasize how much well written the struggle that Mercy had. She love the undertaking business but her family think she deserve other and well, what a surprise that it was Hart that understand her. Yep, I know, this is a romance written by woman author, lel. But, hey, I read romance for escapism! The secondary romance between Mercy's brother, Zeddie and Penrose Duckers whom happen to be Hart's apprentice is so CUTE, with capital C. And its funny to read how different Zeddie and Duckers compared to Hart and Mercy, but they also help our MCs in their own way.
If I have a complaint, then it's the fantasy setting. THERE'S NO MAP. That, I said it! No map whatsoever so I don't know where is Tanria, where is Bushong, or Eternity? Is it England? But, there's no queen??? I think maybe Bannen didn't want to info dumping in the first and my patience got rewarded after hundred pages of so when through Mercy I learned the mythology behind the world. A little explanation in the first will be nice. A MAP will be better. The fantasy time setting also seems like mismatched. I got a modern feeling, since there's a cab called autoduck but also have a medieval feeling too? Lol, I can't explain well so I assume the time setting happen in modern times but with fantastical elements. Though, Hart said there's no dragon in Tanria, I think otherwise!
If you like your fantasy light with a pretty much low stake (heh, if drudge attacks can be categorized into low stake) and heavier on romance, The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy is a must read! Also, it make me grinning and sad, also have adorable nimkilim, although the fantasy settings is a little bit weak.
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy (quite a handful title, eh?) is my first book by Megan Bannen. The cover hooked me up. The premise of enemy to lover that become secret pen pal without realize each other identity at first sold me out. Nope, I don't watch You've Got Mail and while other readers said the vibe is like Ghibli, I admit I also never watch their anime movie. For me, I have a warm and fuzzy feeling reading about Hart and Mercy. Especially Hart. Bannen seems like want to incorporate grumpy x sunshine, although while like a yellow color, Mercy is not that sunshine, lel. Her struggle to maintain the family undertaking business seems plausible. Her first fight with Hart that lead to their animosity for 4 years maybe a little bit silly at first and you can said that Mercy was overreact facing Hart's barbed venom, not knowing that Hart was grieving after his dog died. Not an excuse for Hart, tho. I admit, he was a jerk too. But, what can you said about hate and love is the different side of same coins? Although 4 years is a LONG time to hold a grudge, lel.
I'm very sure that the MVPs of this book must be granted to both the nimkilim, Horatio the Owl and Bassareus the Rabbit (he's my personal favorite with his unapologetic cursing toward Hart, lel); and also to the unfortunate drugde (aka zombie like creature that roams Tanria) whom attack Mercy so Hart can be her knight (or Marshal) in shining armor, therefore giving chance to their blossoming romance. My favorites scene is of course the letter exchange between Mercy and Hart, cute but also endearing to read, although I read it with a sense of dread knowing that finally they will know their real identity. Sure their fighting in the "enemy phase" can be too tiring to read, but well, that 4 years of grudge did to you. While reading their budding romance make me grinning from ear to ear and said "awww" for many times. The angst also well written and boy.. the scene when Hart crying after he thought that his chance to have a romantic relationship with Mercy vanishing when Mercy finally knowing that Hart is her secret pen pal make my heart feel a little bit pained. I did like with the way Bannen write about Hart, his hard personality in the surface is seems pretty hard to crack, but deep inside he's a softie. His emotions were well written, show that even it's okay for a man to crying and show his emotions.
The family theme is a delight to read, especially from Birdsall family. I can't emphasize how much well written the struggle that Mercy had. She love the undertaking business but her family think she deserve other and well, what a surprise that it was Hart that understand her. Yep, I know, this is a romance written by woman author, lel. But, hey, I read romance for escapism! The secondary romance between Mercy's brother, Zeddie and Penrose Duckers whom happen to be Hart's apprentice is so CUTE, with capital C. And its funny to read how different Zeddie and Duckers compared to Hart and Mercy, but they also help our MCs in their own way.
If I have a complaint, then it's the fantasy setting. THERE'S NO MAP. That, I said it! No map whatsoever so I don't know where is Tanria, where is Bushong, or Eternity? Is it England? But, there's no queen??? I think maybe Bannen didn't want to info dumping in the first and my patience got rewarded after hundred pages of so when through Mercy I learned the mythology behind the world. A little explanation in the first will be nice. A MAP will be better. The fantasy time setting also seems like mismatched. I got a modern feeling, since there's a cab called autoduck but also have a medieval feeling too? Lol, I can't explain well so I assume the time setting happen in modern times but with fantastical elements. Though, Hart said there's no dragon in Tanria, I think otherwise!
If you like your fantasy light with a pretty much low stake (heh, if drudge attacks can be categorized into low stake) and heavier on romance, The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy is a must read! Also, it make me grinning and sad, also have adorable nimkilim, although the fantasy settings is a little bit weak.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Animal death, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, and Abandonment
Minor: Cancer and Sexism
lizzysk555's review against another edition
adventurous
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing and Pregnancy
Minor: Animal death, Death of parent, and Alcohol
mk_meow's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
2.75
1.5🌶️
Slow burn = not my fav
Slow burn = not my fav
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Moderate: Sexual content, Violence, and Pregnancy
lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
4.5
I received this as part of my FairyLoot subscription.
"The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy" is a novel that follows Hart and Mercy. Hart is a marshal that patrols and keeps safe the land of Tanria. Mercy has been working tirelessly as the office manager of her family business, Birdsall & Son Undertakers, and she has single handedly been able to keep the business afloat. Hart, out of a loneliness he will not admit to, writes a letter to a "friend". That letter is delivered to his enemy, Mercy, and the two unknowingly start some correspondence to each other that changes both of their lives.
I enjoyed this book more than I expected to. I have had it on my shelves for a while but kept putting it off because I thought other books sounded better, but I am so happy I finally gave this one a shot! This is a story about finding yourself, facing death, finding the joy in life, and allowing yourself to be happy.
Hart and Mercy had a tumultuous first impression, and they both think they do not like each other. These letters, because they do not know who is writing them, allow them to have a second chance at a first impression, and I loved it. Hart and Mercy bring out the best in one another and they are so good for each other. They really inspire each other to face their demons and fight for the lives they truly desire.
Mercy's family dynamic I think is so relatable for a lot of people, and I loved seeing her realize that her family ultimately just wants her to be happy, and, most importantly, only Mercy truly knows what will make her happy.
I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a fantastical story with amazing character development.
"The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy" is a novel that follows Hart and Mercy. Hart is a marshal that patrols and keeps safe the land of Tanria. Mercy has been working tirelessly as the office manager of her family business, Birdsall & Son Undertakers, and she has single handedly been able to keep the business afloat. Hart, out of a loneliness he will not admit to, writes a letter to a "friend". That letter is delivered to his enemy, Mercy, and the two unknowingly start some correspondence to each other that changes both of their lives.
I enjoyed this book more than I expected to. I have had it on my shelves for a while but kept putting it off because I thought other books sounded better, but I am so happy I finally gave this one a shot! This is a story about finding yourself, facing death, finding the joy in life, and allowing yourself to be happy.
Hart and Mercy had a tumultuous first impression, and they both think they do not like each other. These letters, because they do not know who is writing them, allow them to have a second chance at a first impression, and I loved it. Hart and Mercy bring out the best in one another and they are so good for each other. They really inspire each other to face their demons and fight for the lives they truly desire.
Mercy's family dynamic I think is so relatable for a lot of people, and I loved seeing her realize that her family ultimately just wants her to be happy, and, most importantly, only Mercy truly knows what will make her happy.
I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a fantastical story with amazing character development.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
dkgreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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? No
4.5
Oof, my heart 🥹. This book was quirky and magical and kinda weird, but I loved it! I also may have sobbed for, like, three chapters straight. It was really, REALLY good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content and Death of parent
samflowerv6's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
“Hello, Hart-ache,”
“Hello, Merciless.”
Hart and Mercy are so cute to me. I love friends first and pen pals. Both tropes I personally really enjoy. It dragged for me after the third act breakup (oh no I am so shocked) but I felt happy and resolved by the end. I loved the build up and relationship building. They had good banter but I wouldn't say it's enemies to lovers, more like miscommunication meets irritation. The fantasy elements were interesting but I kept hoping there would be a bit more explanation of the creatures and lands. It was a unique concept though and a very fun and beautiful story. Hart is basically a ranger/cowboy/guard (marshal) combination and Mercy is an undertaker (she preps dead bodies). She's sweet and a plus-size FMC! He adores her and they bond over books and life. It's real real love..... IMO. Her family really pissed me off though. They were so judgmental of her and expected her to deal with their problems 24/7. Overall I believe Hart is wicked hot and overall really enjoyed the unique and sweet fantasy story.
“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.”
“Hello, Merciless.”
Hart and Mercy are so cute to me. I love friends first and pen pals. Both tropes I personally really enjoy. It dragged for me after the
“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.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, and Blood
bibliomich's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy is a romantasy adaptation of Norah Ephron's 1998 classic rom-com You've Got Mail (one of my favorites). The references to the film were by far my favorite parts of the book. I loved the back and forth banter in the MMC and FMC’s letters, as well as the enemies-to-lovers arc of their relationship.
The fantasy elements didn’t quite capture my attention in the same way. There wasn’t very much world building, so I didn’t really engage with the fantasy elements of the story; but mostly, I also didn’t really care to understand them. I was much more invested in the relationship plot than the action.
I enjoy reading books that push me out of my genre comfort zone, which Hart + Mercy definitely did. I’d be interested in reading Bannen’s companion novel, The Undermining of Twyla and Frank (a nod to When Harry Met Sally), when it comes out this summer.
The fantasy elements didn’t quite capture my attention in the same way. There wasn’t very much world building, so I didn’t really engage with the fantasy elements of the story; but mostly, I also didn’t really care to understand them. I was much more invested in the relationship plot than the action.
I enjoy reading books that push me out of my genre comfort zone, which Hart + Mercy definitely did. I’d be interested in reading Bannen’s companion novel, The Undermining of Twyla and Frank (a nod to When Harry Met Sally), when it comes out this summer.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, and Death of parent
Minor: Infidelity, Violence, Grief, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
alfarmer's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
I laughed and I ugly cried. I did not expect a fantasy romance set in a world with undead to be so emotional, funny, and have an incredible love story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
zias'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? Yes
5.0
I laughed, I cried, I loved this book. I loved the relationships built throughout the story between different characters, the unique concept of this world and undead zombies, and the adventure this book took me on. I also really appreciate the authenticity of this story and the representation of LGBT.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Pregnancy and Abandonment