The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy

by Megan Bannen
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Fantasy
Technical:
  • ID: 1734
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • ISBN: 9780356518657
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2022-08-25
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

Megan Bannen's enchantingly quirky fantasy blends the charm of The Princess Bride with the romantic tension of You've Got Mail. Hart, a lonely marshal patrolling the magical wilds of Tanria, finds solace in writing letters to an anonymous friend. Little does he know, his pen pal is Mercy, the undertaker who infuriates him the most. Their tentative friendship deepens as they share their innermost thoughts, oblivious to each other's true identities. Set in a world filled with demigods and donuts, this unique fantasy is packed with wit, action, and reluctant yearning, making it a standout in the fantasy romance genre. Praise for the book highlights its romantic, wildly creative, and utterly charming nature, with comparisons to beloved classics and a promise of swoon-worthy moments. The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy is a delightful blend of whimsy and the macabre, offering a fresh take on fantasy romance that will captivate readers from start to finish.

Reviews
Literary Hypewoman · 2025-02-20
fun 4.00

The book is described as a fun and creative ride with a mix of talking creatures and intriguing elements.

The reviewer had a lot of fun with this book, describing it as a creative and imaginative ride. They enjoyed the mix of talking creatures, old and new gods, and zombie-esque elements, which added a unique twist to the story. The reviewer also appreciated the strong western/midwest influence, which gave the book a distinctive flavor. Overall, they found the book to be an enjoyable and engaging read that stood out from other fantasy romances.

Quick quotes

    This is such a fun and creative ride. There are talking creatures, old and new gods, these zombie-esque things, but also strong western/midwest influences.

    The book stands out for its unique blend of fantasy and romance elements.

    The reviewer found the story to be engaging and enjoyable from start to finish.

The Tech · 2024-02-08
critical 2.50

The book is criticized for its unclear setting and pacing issues, but the fantasy romance elements are noted.

The reviewer found the setting of the book to be confusing, which detracted from their overall enjoyment. They mentioned that it was unclear whether Bushong was a province or a city, which created some confusion. Despite this, they appreciated the fantasy romance aspects of the story. The pacing was noted as uneven, with some parts feeling rushed while others dragged on. Overall, the reviewer felt that the book had potential but needed more clarity in its world-building.

Quick quotes

    The Undertaking is a fantasy romance set in Bushong, a province — a city? It's unclear to me, and that's one of the problems with this book.

    The pacing receives mixed reactions from customers, with some parts feeling rushed and others dragging on.

    The fantasy romance elements are noted as the highlights of the story.

Goodreads · 2022-08-23
heartwarming 4.00

The reviewer appreciates the emotional depth and character development, particularly highlighting the loneliness of Hart and the busy life of Mercy.

This book takes you on a journey through the lives of Hart and Mercy, two characters who feel incredibly real despite being set in a fantastical world. The reviewer highlights the emotional depth and the way the characters' lives are portrayed, making it easy to connect with their struggles and emotions. The story is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Quick quotes

    It's an unforgiving job, and Hart's got nothing but time to ponder his loneliness.

    Mercy never has a moment to herself.

    The reviewer appreciates the emotional depth and character development.

Fantasy Hive · 2022-07-23
adored 4.50

The characters Hart and Mercy feel incredibly real despite the fantastical setting. Their development and interactions are highlighted as particularly engaging.

The reviewer was captivated by how the characters Hart and Mercy were brought to life in this story. They felt like real people navigating a highly fantastical world, which made their journey all the more compelling. The reviewer particularly enjoyed the depth of Mercy's character and how her experiences shaped the narrative. The world-building was praised for its creativity, but the focus remained on the emotional and personal growth of the characters.

Quick quotes

    I adored the way Hart and Mercy felt like such real people despite them being in the backdrop of such a highly fantastical world.

    Through Mercy's character, the story explores themes of love, loss, and the power of human connection.

    The world-building is rich and imaginative, but it's the characters that truly steal the show.

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