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rubywhatashmoo's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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
4.75
aruktai's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A fun, second chance love involving an older main couple (fifties), dragons and our beloved Penrose Duckers.
Sequel to The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, this follows the events quite nicely after, with ample time to allow the folks of Eternity to have a breather before the next big thing happens. While like the first book, with the aim of a dual POV, there is more of a definite focus on Twyla rather than Frank. We get to know Twyla and her hardships more than we do Frank, and when he does get a turn, it comes through what Twyla knows.
There's a strong 'mom' vibe this time round, most likely because of Twyla's age. There's less action (apart from the end) despite it starting off with purple riding boots and glitter puke. This is definitely more of a coming-to-maturity book than the previous.
However, it was still an enjoyable read and the plot was more focused. The culprit reveal was a little surprising and, well, stupid honestly, but that's more to do with who it was than how it was presented.
Sequel to The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, this follows the events quite nicely after, with ample time to allow the folks of Eternity to have a breather before the next big thing happens. While like the first book, with the aim of a dual POV, there is more of a definite focus on Twyla rather than Frank. We get to know Twyla and her hardships more than we do Frank, and when he does get a turn, it comes through what Twyla knows.
There's a strong 'mom' vibe this time round, most likely because of Twyla's age. There's less action (apart from the end) despite it starting off with purple riding boots and glitter puke. This is definitely more of a coming-to-maturity book than the previous.
However, it was still an enjoyable read and the plot was more focused. The culprit reveal was a little surprising and, well, stupid honestly, but that's more to do with who it was than how it was presented.
clarkeemma's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
readwithria's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.0
The Undermining of Twyla and Frank is a delightful book with lots of whimsy and magic, and just the right amount of adventure.
I loved The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, so this book high
Up on my anticipated reads list, and it didn’t disappoint. Cute dragons, Duckers, and finding love?! Sign me the heck up!
Read this book if you love
💕 Older MCs (early 50s) finding love
💕 dragons, but cute
💕 laugh-out-loud characters
💕 low-stakes family drama
💕 fun adventures
Thank you to Orbit and NetGalley for the eARC and the opportunity to share an honest, voluntary review.
I loved The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, so this book high
Up on my anticipated reads list, and it didn’t disappoint. Cute dragons, Duckers, and finding love?! Sign me the heck up!
Read this book if you love
💕 Older MCs (early 50s) finding love
💕 dragons, but cute
💕 laugh-out-loud characters
💕 low-stakes family drama
💕 fun adventures
Thank you to Orbit and NetGalley for the eARC and the opportunity to share an honest, voluntary review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Cursing
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Death
bookish_selkie's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
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
morte_aeternax's review
4.5
Thank you NetGalley and Orbit books for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!!
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, as anybody in my life can tell you that I yap about Hart & Mercy any chance that I get. This book delivered on everything that I needed it too. I was so happy to be back in this world and to see more of the love of my life, Penrose Duckers. The only reason that this book is not a full 5 stars is that I struggled with Twyla at times. I definitely recommend picking this book up if you loved The Undertaking of Hart & Mercy like I did.
Also the plot twist at the end had me GAGGED I can’t lie
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, as anybody in my life can tell you that I yap about Hart & Mercy any chance that I get. This book delivered on everything that I needed it too. I was so happy to be back in this world and to see more of the love of my life, Penrose Duckers. The only reason that this book is not a full 5 stars is that I struggled with Twyla at times. I definitely recommend picking this book up if you loved The Undertaking of Hart & Mercy like I did.
Also the plot twist at the end had me GAGGED I can’t lie
allofmyfriendsarebooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
chelcadventures's review against another edition
3.0
Does anyone remember that video game Spyro the Dragon? That’s almost all I could think about throughout the first half of this. Not in a bad way, just in a “I did not expect this” kind of way. That sentiment held true throughout my entire experience reading this. While I enjoy Megan’s writing, and absolutely LOVED The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, this one went an entirely different direction that I had a difficult time latching onto.
Things I loved:
Things I loved:
ksheetz713's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was so excited to be selected for this ARC, but I won’t lie. I was so hesitant to start The Undermining of Twyla and Frank, because book one nearly did me in. I would call Bannen’s series cozy fantasy, but The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy destroyed me in all the best, not so cozy ways. I don’t know that I have ever cried that hard while reading. I was straight up heartbroken. Bannen came through with a HEA, but it was a journey to get there. So going into Twyla and Frank, I felt like I needed to suit up in armor. But, to my pleasant surprise, there was no need. I loved this story. I read book one seven months ago. I was able to slip right into Bannen’s world, with no problems. A few things I needed to stop and think about in her world, but I wasn’t spending pages and pages just lost. That didn’t happen.
I love that we got a middle age love story. All the accuracies of aging and finding a second love later in life while also in a fantasy world. So beautifully done. The banter, my gosh, the banter. So good. I was giggling like a school girl, at just the banter.
I hope we get a book with Duckers, because he’s hilarious. I also liked his little story arc with Zeddie. An important growth point, we don’t always stay with our first love.
What can I say, this book hit every point of cozy fantasy. I loved it with my whole heart and can’t wait to recommend it to friends and anyone I come across while browsing the bookstore. I’m so hopeful for a book three!
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for a review via NetGalley.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for a review via NetGalley.
joyfullylauren's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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
5.0
I adored this book, and if you're in the mood for a cozy, quirky, low-stakes fantasy with romance, you'll adore it, too! I think it's especially perfect for fans of books like Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries or The Absinthe Underground.
The Undermining of Twyla and Frank is a heart hug in book form. Twyla and Frank are Tanrian Marshals tasked with patrolling the quirky and somewhat magical land of the Old Gods. While on patrol, they stumble across a group of poachers, and they end up accidentally uncovering the existence of a species of creature the world considered long extinct.
The overall vibe of the book is quirky, light fantasy. There are adventures and a mystery, but overall the plot feels very low-stakes, so it's not the kind of book that's going to keep you on the edge of your seat with twists and turns. The real appeal of this story is in the characters.
Twyla is a 53-year-old widow and mom of three who is navigating the complexities of changing relationships with her grown children, the changes in her body, and the prospect of dating in her stage of life. She has a deep and meaningful friendship with her work partner Frank, but their relationship begins to shift when Twyla meets someone who expresses a romantic interest in her.
Twyla is such a real character. I'm only 37, but I related to her so much more than I relate to new adult fantasy stories about women conquering the world at 19. I want more stories like this.
If you are looking for a light-hearted fantasy with a tender, friends-to-lovers romance, then The Undermining of Twyla and Frank is 100% for you. Thank you so much to Orbit Books and NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of this book for my review.
The Undermining of Twyla and Frank is a heart hug in book form. Twyla and Frank are Tanrian Marshals tasked with patrolling the quirky and somewhat magical land of the Old Gods. While on patrol, they stumble across a group of poachers, and they end up accidentally uncovering the existence of a species of creature the world considered long extinct.
The overall vibe of the book is quirky, light fantasy. There are adventures and a mystery, but overall the plot feels very low-stakes, so it's not the kind of book that's going to keep you on the edge of your seat with twists and turns. The real appeal of this story is in the characters.
Twyla is a 53-year-old widow and mom of three who is navigating the complexities of changing relationships with her grown children, the changes in her body, and the prospect of dating in her stage of life. She has a deep and meaningful friendship with her work partner Frank, but their relationship begins to shift when Twyla meets someone who expresses a romantic interest in her.
Twyla is such a real character. I'm only 37, but I related to her so much more than I relate to new adult fantasy stories about women conquering the world at 19. I want more stories like this.
If you are looking for a light-hearted fantasy with a tender, friends-to-lovers romance, then The Undermining of Twyla and Frank is 100% for you. Thank you so much to Orbit Books and NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of this book for my review.