The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen

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?

General Impressions

"The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy" was everything I needed and wanted without ever knowing and I'm so thankful I got to read this book filled with originality and heart ;)

This book saved me from a reading slump and I started and finished it in a question of hours. I don't regret the hours of sleep I lost to it at all and can barely wait to repeat the experience in Megan's next book I can get my greedy hands on.

I think what I most enjoyed about this book was that it was perfect for everyone: it portrayed characters that wanted very traditional things and at the same time defied gender expectations from Mercy a seemingly very girly girl who raised her siblings after her mother died and took care of her ailing father while still earning for love while taking pride and loving her job as an undertaker, a job that was expected to be passed to her brother. While she starts the book not speaking out and even unsure about how to ask for what she wants because she is not sure her desires would be validated. Hart too goes on a similar journey: starting as very isolated and slowly creating and recognizing a family around himself and looking for emotional connections without shame. The secondary characters too go on similar journeys from the places and people they are and became that might have suited them at one point, to the next stage in their lives, with the support and encouragement of their loved ones and community.

The plot and world-building were immaculate. I know that I might catch some flack for this but this book reminded me a lot of House of Earth and Blood world-wise except a lot more polished: less drama and destiny and actual work put into improving yourself in a more believable setting and characters even.

This book mixes the romantic earnings of a contemporary romance with the world-building and stakes of fantasy and I was there for every moment. It took me on a journey and gave me all the feels! The tropes were wonderfully done, I loved the diversity in every aspect of this book and I would read ten books set in this world because the setting was delicious, original and complex.

Thank you so much to Little Brown Books and Orbit Uk for this copy

Rating: 4.5/5