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A review by kmbrly925
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen
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? It's complicated
5.0
Oh my goodness! I'd give this book more stars if I could. This cozy fantasy was unputdownable.
Bannen did an amazing job with the world building. It was familiar and amusing. Yes, it's a fictional town in a fictional land but it also felt familiar with town dynamics. We do have funerary services and marshals in real life so it was real easy to feel comfortable with the story. The fantastical elements weren't outrageous and questionable, but were whimsical and made sense in the story.
The characters were diverse and relatable. The "good guys" were endearing and you rooted for them hardcore. The "bad guys" you detested. As much as I loved the main characters and their mortal human compatriots, I adored the non-human characters even more. The range of emotions I experienced in this story was another reason why I loved it so much. I laughed and I cried. I felt I was right next them and experienced their emotions. I felt I was watching them in a tv show and started talking them. My engagement with this book was by far the most I've had with a book in a long, long time.
Bannen's writing wasn't lyrical and this beautiful prose, but it wasn't simple in need of editing either. I got my hands on the audiobook for this as well and the editorial changes made for publishing were spot on and enhanced the story more. It's hard to make a fantasy read like a cozy mystery so major props to Megan. The length was perfect. There are no parts I would omit, just like there are no parts of the story that needed more.
My only regret is that I didn't read and get to this sooner. I cannot wait to get my hands on The Undermining of Twyla and Frank and be emersed back in this world. High recommend this to those looking for a fantasy-lite story with heart and humor. Heads up there is some adult language in here. Plus side, it's not every other world. It is used thoughtfully and purposefully and doesn't deteriorate from the story at all.
I received this in a Goodreads giveaway and many thanks to the publisher for this ARC.
Bannen did an amazing job with the world building. It was familiar and amusing. Yes, it's a fictional town in a fictional land but it also felt familiar with town dynamics. We do have funerary services and marshals in real life so it was real easy to feel comfortable with the story. The fantastical elements weren't outrageous and questionable, but were whimsical and made sense in the story.
The characters were diverse and relatable. The "good guys" were endearing and you rooted for them hardcore. The "bad guys" you detested. As much as I loved the main characters and their mortal human compatriots, I adored the non-human characters even more. The range of emotions I experienced in this story was another reason why I loved it so much. I laughed and I cried. I felt I was right next them and experienced their emotions. I felt I was watching them in a tv show and started talking them. My engagement with this book was by far the most I've had with a book in a long, long time.
Bannen's writing wasn't lyrical and this beautiful prose, but it wasn't simple in need of editing either. I got my hands on the audiobook for this as well and the editorial changes made for publishing were spot on and enhanced the story more. It's hard to make a fantasy read like a cozy mystery so major props to Megan. The length was perfect. There are no parts I would omit, just like there are no parts of the story that needed more.
My only regret is that I didn't read and get to this sooner. I cannot wait to get my hands on The Undermining of Twyla and Frank and be emersed back in this world. High recommend this to those looking for a fantasy-lite story with heart and humor. Heads up there is some adult language in here. Plus side, it's not every other world. It is used thoughtfully and purposefully and doesn't deteriorate from the story at all.
I received this in a Goodreads giveaway and many thanks to the publisher for this ARC.