The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy - book cover
Action & Adventure
  • Publisher : Orbit
  • Published : 23 Aug 2022
  • Pages : 448
  • ISBN-10 : 0316394211
  • ISBN-13 : 9780316394215
  • Language : English

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy

"A uniquely charming mixture of whimsy and the macabre that completely won me over. If you ever wished for an adult romance that felt like Howl's Moving Castle, THIS IS THAT BOOK." -Helen Hoang, author of The Kiss Quotient

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?

Set in a world full of magic and demigods, donuts and small-town drama, this enchantingly quirky, utterly unique fantasy is perfect for readers of The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Invisible Library.

"Truly outstanding romantic fantasy." -India Holton

"An unabashedly offbeat adventure." -Freya Marske

"I cried twice and smiled plenty." -Olivia Atwater

"A little sweet, a little spicy, a little sharp and entirely moreish!" -Davinia Evans

"I showed up for the fantastic, fun fantasy setting but it was Hart and Mercy that kept me reading." -Ruby Dixon

Readers Top Reviews

AlissaErin DavisJ
I didn't know what to think of it but all of a sudden I was hooked and could read this book. It's a great slow burn secret lovers kind of story that really got to me. I didn't know going in but I am so happy I bought a copy of this book
Lola TootleAlissa
This was a delightful book! The playful use of language, well paced plot, and characters I came to truly care for all made for a wonderful reading experience.
EmilyLola TootleA
I've probably reread this 3 times this year and will be reading it at least 3 more times before the year is over.
Lacey B.EmilyLola
I can’t put into words how much I loved this book. It’s such a cozy story that drops you right into a fantasy world. The characters are richly written and have such deep flavor. The romance is sweet and spicy and will make you want to squeak for both reasons. The plot is great with a little adventure, a little mystery. One of my favorite books of the year.
Kat StacksLacey B
Screaming, crying, throwing up This was so fun to read and so dang cute I’m going to simply pass away. It’s like pushing daisies vibes but also howls moving castle but also zombies and gods and (my favorite) grumpy x sunshine AND enemies to lovers tropes??? Incredible

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