Review of The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam (Hart and Mercy, #3)
Ever since I cracked open The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, I knew I was in for an unexpected ride. The enchanting blend of romance and fantasy, wrapped up in a world rich with humor and heart, quickly captivated my imagination. So, when I learned that the finale of the Hart and Mercy trilogy had arrived—The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam by Talia Hibbert—I couldn’t wait to catch up with familiar faces and see how this story would unfold. Unfortunately, while it had its moments of brilliance, it became clear that it just didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
At its core, The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam centers on Rosie, an immortal demigod grappling with her long-standing role as a Tanrian Marshall. Her frustrations are palpable: a monotonous duty and the pain of losing those close to her weigh heavily on her shoulders. This powerful premise promises a deep exploration of not just her unique existence, but the emotional toll it takes on her. Yet, I found myself longing for a more nuanced representation. Rosie’s struggles often felt repetitive, and despite her centuries of experience, she echoed the struggles of a typical twenty-something, which left me wanting more depth.
Adam, the “pocket-sized” inventor summoned to fix a malfunctioning portal, felt equally one-dimensional. While his backstory hints at something more compelling, he never truly blossomed into the multi-faceted character I hoped to encounter. Instead, their romance, rooted in an ‘opposites-attract’ trope, came off as lacking any substantial emotional connection. I found the humor—often focusing on Adam’s height—to be amusing at first but quickly veered into overkill.
The pacing throughout the novel was erratic. While the book began with an invigorating speed, it soon settled into a slower groove that felt meandering. The repetitiveness of certain plot points, especially in the middle section, dulled my enthusiasm. However, the final quarter delivered a burst of action, wrapping up the story with a satisfying emotional crescendo that momentarily rekindled my interest. The epilogue, in particular, struck a chord, and I appreciated how it honored the characters I had grown to love.
On the positive side, returning to Tanria was a delight. The worldbuilding remains as whimsical and captivating as ever, teeming with intriguing creatures like the nimkilim and the unforgettable mix of humans and demigods. It was nice to have familiar faces from the first book, as they provided a sense of closure and nostalgia. And I must admit—Duckers and Zeddie stole the show! Their relationship offered a lovely surprise that felt fresh compared to Rosie and Adam’s more predictable arc.
Overall, while The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam is not without its charm—particularly its concluding chapters and the beloved side characters—it ultimately fell short of expectations set by its predecessors. For fans continuing the trilogy, it can still provide a sense of closure and rekindle fond memories of Tanria. However, I would recommend reading the series in order to truly savor every detail and connection.
If you’ve enjoyed The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy and The Undermining of Twyla and Frank, this book offers a chance to say goodbye to a vibrant cast of characters—although it’s wise to enter with tempered expectations. My personal experience, while tinged with disappointment, leaves me grateful for the journey. After all, the magic of reading lies in both the highs and the lows it brings.
⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (2.75 stars)
Discover more about The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam (Hart and Mercy, #3) on GoodReads >>
