What do you think?
Rate this book
Of Swamp & Sea #1
Of Swamp & Sea Volume 1
Lore Olympus meets The Witcher in this thrilling supernatural series! Finally available in graphic novel format, Mia Jay and Laurel Boulton's wildly popular Webtoon series delivers a stirring tale of monsters, magic, and romance.
Mercy Gray Harding's troubles all started in the swampland on the outskirts of town, where a mist wolf murdered her father. She enlists a monster hunter named Jonah to put the creature down, but the plan quickly falls apart. When the incorporeal beast tries to attack Mercy, it instead possesses her, and is bound to her body and mind. Now Mercy’s human and wolfish sides grapple for control, and she is haunted by the memories of both.
Jonah promises to free her from the monster, and the two set off for a cure. But the open road is full of untold danger, and her new powers come in handy. And is it Mercy or the wolf who is flirting with the handsome Jonah?
Mercy Gray Harding's troubles all started in the swampland on the outskirts of town, where a mist wolf murdered her father. She enlists a monster hunter named Jonah to put the creature down, but the plan quickly falls apart. When the incorporeal beast tries to attack Mercy, it instead possesses her, and is bound to her body and mind. Now Mercy’s human and wolfish sides grapple for control, and she is haunted by the memories of both.
Jonah promises to free her from the monster, and the two set off for a cure. But the open road is full of untold danger, and her new powers come in handy. And is it Mercy or the wolf who is flirting with the handsome Jonah?
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2025
12 people are currently reading
743 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
August 22, 2025
Goodness.
Readers, as if the gorgeous cover of this book wasn’t enough to pull you in and hook you to the characters and story, I can’t even begin to properly illustrate how exceptionally well Of Swamp & Sea manages to do so.
It’s a fairly common occurrence for me to delve into a graphic novel and feel as though I’ve just entered a world reminiscent of the pilot episode of a show—only, the wait for the next episode is so much longer that it’s legitimately painful. Alternatively, the lack of a cohesive ending to the narrative makes the story feel far too open ended once you reach the final pages leaving you sat there feeling as though you didn’t really get much of a story so much as you got a first chapter. And over time I’ve come to the conclusion that this is a hazard of reading graphic novels from time to time.
Suffice to say, all of that I’ve just written out above is not the case with Mia Jay and Laurel Boulton’s phenomenal tale. Now, sure, I think there’s a case to be made for the fact that this story is still somewhat episodic, but instead of feeling like I was thrown into a story with no reasonable conclusion, I feel like I got several episodes of an exciting show I will eagerly await for the next piece of. Not only do we get an exceptional introduction to the world, but the manner in which the characters are both introduced and developed in such a short span of time is nothing short of excellent. Of course, this is achieved through the beginnings of the two leads’ meeting of each other, the instigating event for their subsequent adventure, and a slow build to a little bit of backstory.
The pacing of this? Pure perfection.
Honestly, that’s probably why the story and plot as a whole just landed so well with me.
This is without even getting to the art which, I just gotta say, is some of the most gorgeous work I’ve seen. Mercy is just so dang adorable, how could anyone not fall in love with her? And monster hunter Jonah “is something of a heartthrob, if you catch my meaning—aloof and detached. You know, on account of [his] sordid past.”
-insert ridiculous snort-giggle at my pathetic joke here-
Suffice to say, the fact that this story is also available on Webtoon pretty much just cements what I’ll be doing in the coming days. This is far too engaging and enticing to wait for.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Readers, as if the gorgeous cover of this book wasn’t enough to pull you in and hook you to the characters and story, I can’t even begin to properly illustrate how exceptionally well Of Swamp & Sea manages to do so.
It’s a fairly common occurrence for me to delve into a graphic novel and feel as though I’ve just entered a world reminiscent of the pilot episode of a show—only, the wait for the next episode is so much longer that it’s legitimately painful. Alternatively, the lack of a cohesive ending to the narrative makes the story feel far too open ended once you reach the final pages leaving you sat there feeling as though you didn’t really get much of a story so much as you got a first chapter. And over time I’ve come to the conclusion that this is a hazard of reading graphic novels from time to time.
Suffice to say, all of that I’ve just written out above is not the case with Mia Jay and Laurel Boulton’s phenomenal tale. Now, sure, I think there’s a case to be made for the fact that this story is still somewhat episodic, but instead of feeling like I was thrown into a story with no reasonable conclusion, I feel like I got several episodes of an exciting show I will eagerly await for the next piece of. Not only do we get an exceptional introduction to the world, but the manner in which the characters are both introduced and developed in such a short span of time is nothing short of excellent. Of course, this is achieved through the beginnings of the two leads’ meeting of each other, the instigating event for their subsequent adventure, and a slow build to a little bit of backstory.
The pacing of this? Pure perfection.
Honestly, that’s probably why the story and plot as a whole just landed so well with me.
This is without even getting to the art which, I just gotta say, is some of the most gorgeous work I’ve seen. Mercy is just so dang adorable, how could anyone not fall in love with her? And monster hunter Jonah “is something of a heartthrob, if you catch my meaning—aloof and detached. You know, on account of [his] sordid past.”
-insert ridiculous snort-giggle at my pathetic joke here-
Suffice to say, the fact that this story is also available on Webtoon pretty much just cements what I’ll be doing in the coming days. This is far too engaging and enticing to wait for.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 5, 2025
4.5✨
Down right adorable! Best way I can describe this is a cozy new adult version of The Witcher. I rarely reach for a graphic novel but the cover art and synopsis had me intrigued. There is budding romance, an action packed plot paired with a remarkable world filled with monsters.
The artwork has a beautiful way of juxtapositioning both MC's light against some of the dark monsters they encounter. The monsters alone are incredibly unique. Mercy is a shy, introverted book lover and brings in light humor. Jonah has his own secrets which the reader gets a very small glimpse at. Much more to explore with both of these characters. My main complaint is that it was far too short and ended rather suddenly. Hopefully the next one isn't too far into the distance.
Thank you to Mia Jay Boulton, Laurel Boulton, First Second Books and Netgalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Down right adorable! Best way I can describe this is a cozy new adult version of The Witcher. I rarely reach for a graphic novel but the cover art and synopsis had me intrigued. There is budding romance, an action packed plot paired with a remarkable world filled with monsters.
The artwork has a beautiful way of juxtapositioning both MC's light against some of the dark monsters they encounter. The monsters alone are incredibly unique. Mercy is a shy, introverted book lover and brings in light humor. Jonah has his own secrets which the reader gets a very small glimpse at. Much more to explore with both of these characters. My main complaint is that it was far too short and ended rather suddenly. Hopefully the next one isn't too far into the distance.
Thank you to Mia Jay Boulton, Laurel Boulton, First Second Books and Netgalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 7, 2025
This graphic novel was so good! The art style was gorgeous, the story was intriguing and different, it was action packed, and had just a sprinkling of romance. I loved that both characters are on the outskirts of society and don't really fit in. I the midst of the journey trying to find a cure for Mercy's possession you slowly see them warming up to each other and starting to care about one another.
If you are a romantic fantasy reader wanting to dip your toes into graphic novels, or someone who enjoys graphic novels and are looking for their next fix then I would highly recommend!
I cannot wait for the next volume!
Thank you NetGalley for this Advanced Reader Copy!
If you are a romantic fantasy reader wanting to dip your toes into graphic novels, or someone who enjoys graphic novels and are looking for their next fix then I would highly recommend!
I cannot wait for the next volume!
Thank you NetGalley for this Advanced Reader Copy!
June 26, 2025
**Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher for the ARC; all opinions are my own.**
4.5 ⭐️
This was a wonderful new adult GN! It had everything I like in my stories: monsters, mystery, adventure, and a quest. I also LOVED the art!
If you like:
☆monster hunters
☆spirit possession
☆unlikely allies/friendship
☆sort of Rick & Evie vibes
☆the Witcher meets Southern Gothic romance
Then pick this one up!!
4.5 ⭐️
This was a wonderful new adult GN! It had everything I like in my stories: monsters, mystery, adventure, and a quest. I also LOVED the art!
If you like:
☆monster hunters
☆spirit possession
☆unlikely allies/friendship
☆sort of Rick & Evie vibes
☆the Witcher meets Southern Gothic romance
Then pick this one up!!
July 25, 2025
*Arc received from Netgalley*
This was so much fun! The art style was beautiful and the story held my attention captive right away. I got to the last page and kept trying to tap my screen to go onto the next chapter because I wanted more right away.
The relationship between the two main characters gives me the same vibe as Evie and Rick from my favorite movie, The Mummy (1999) and I am SO excited to see how their relationship develops in the future.
I feel like this was a very good first installment of the series. It helped the reader to gain their footing in this new world while simultaneously introducing us to the mysteries that we will surely face in future installments. I need volume two like, yesterday.
This was so much fun! The art style was beautiful and the story held my attention captive right away. I got to the last page and kept trying to tap my screen to go onto the next chapter because I wanted more right away.
The relationship between the two main characters gives me the same vibe as Evie and Rick from my favorite movie, The Mummy (1999) and I am SO excited to see how their relationship develops in the future.
I feel like this was a very good first installment of the series. It helped the reader to gain their footing in this new world while simultaneously introducing us to the mysteries that we will surely face in future installments. I need volume two like, yesterday.
October 15, 2025
First, I would like to start this review by thanking Netgalley and the publisher for providing me an eARC of this amazing comic.
I will admit that when I first clicked on this book to request the ARC book, it was mainly because of the art style. I saw that it was a comic book, and I thought the art looked like it would make a really fun story. I’m so glad that I did decide to read it because I was absolutely blown away and unable to put this book down. I was immediately hooked from page one.
The art did an amazing job of setting up the scene for the story so I could see exactly where we were and what kind of vibes we were getting based off a combination of the art and coloring used in the story. On top of that, the dynamic between the characters was already interesting from page one and just got more complicated and interesting as I read. When I finally reached the end of this volume I literally gasped out loud and said, “That’s it?!” I need more of this story and immediately looked to see when this one was being published so I could go out and buy it.
Overall, I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 star rating. I would give it a 6 out of 5 if I could. I loved it and immediately need the next volume.
I will admit that when I first clicked on this book to request the ARC book, it was mainly because of the art style. I saw that it was a comic book, and I thought the art looked like it would make a really fun story. I’m so glad that I did decide to read it because I was absolutely blown away and unable to put this book down. I was immediately hooked from page one.
The art did an amazing job of setting up the scene for the story so I could see exactly where we were and what kind of vibes we were getting based off a combination of the art and coloring used in the story. On top of that, the dynamic between the characters was already interesting from page one and just got more complicated and interesting as I read. When I finally reached the end of this volume I literally gasped out loud and said, “That’s it?!” I need more of this story and immediately looked to see when this one was being published so I could go out and buy it.
Overall, I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 star rating. I would give it a 6 out of 5 if I could. I loved it and immediately need the next volume.
November 17, 2025
Ugh I want more!! This graphic novel is definitely going to be my new favorite series! Also the illustrations and art style are 🧑🍳 💋!!
Mercy is so cute and funny, i’m excited to see where her and Jonah’s relationship goes… the chemistry is already building 👀
Thank you NetGalley for giving me an ARC to review!
Mercy is so cute and funny, i’m excited to see where her and Jonah’s relationship goes… the chemistry is already building 👀
Thank you NetGalley for giving me an ARC to review!
November 7, 2025
This is the perfect combination of my favorite genres, fantasy and romance, in a format I love, graphic novel.
When Mercy hires Jonah, a monster hunter to find the mist wolf that murdered her father, that last thing she expects is to become possesses by the monster. Now Jonah is tasked with helping Mercy control her human and wolfish sides as they search for a solution before it’s too late.
I absolutely loved this story. I hadn’t known of this webtoons before, but that didn’t keep me from quickly becoming invested in the story. Mercy’s curiosity and bookish charm with Jonahs mysterious background and quiet kindness, make a great pair.
I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series, I already have book 2 lined up on netgalley 😅
The illustrations and colors were fantastic, the magical elements of the story beautifully rendered.
I received a digital advance copy for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
When Mercy hires Jonah, a monster hunter to find the mist wolf that murdered her father, that last thing she expects is to become possesses by the monster. Now Jonah is tasked with helping Mercy control her human and wolfish sides as they search for a solution before it’s too late.
I absolutely loved this story. I hadn’t known of this webtoons before, but that didn’t keep me from quickly becoming invested in the story. Mercy’s curiosity and bookish charm with Jonahs mysterious background and quiet kindness, make a great pair.
I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series, I already have book 2 lined up on netgalley 😅
The illustrations and colors were fantastic, the magical elements of the story beautifully rendered.
I received a digital advance copy for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
November 10, 2025
This was an enjoyable romantasy graphic novel. I enjoyed following Mercy and Jonah in this story as she gets possessed by the wolf creature she hired Jonah to hunt. I loved the artwork and overall color palette used to capture the story and thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. I look forward to reading the next volume and seeing what happens next.
Thank you to @fiercereads for the gifted copy.
Thank you to @fiercereads for the gifted copy.
August 23, 2025
Thank you so much to Netgalley for early access!!
Mercy has hired a monster hunter, Jonah, to hunt the down the monster that killed her father. But it quickly turns around when the monster attacks Mercy and possesses her. Now, Jonah and Mercy need to work quickly to get the beast out before it takes over her mind and body completely.
I love the art style so much and the color schemes perfectly sets the mood of each scene. This was my first time reading it as I’m not on Webtoon too much, but I’m really happy I could review an early copy of it! I’m so excited to see what happens in volume two and read more of Mercy and Jonah’s relationship an how it develops. I already adore the two!!
Mercy has hired a monster hunter, Jonah, to hunt the down the monster that killed her father. But it quickly turns around when the monster attacks Mercy and possesses her. Now, Jonah and Mercy need to work quickly to get the beast out before it takes over her mind and body completely.
I love the art style so much and the color schemes perfectly sets the mood of each scene. This was my first time reading it as I’m not on Webtoon too much, but I’m really happy I could review an early copy of it! I’m so excited to see what happens in volume two and read more of Mercy and Jonah’s relationship an how it develops. I already adore the two!!
July 4, 2025
Thank you Netgalley, First Second Books, and Mia Jay Boulton, and Laurel Boulton for sending me this advanced review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was great graphic novel! The artwork was stunning.
The blurb was spot on with this book having a Witcher vibe. It's a darker story, but there are a few cozy moments, and possibly a budding romance as well. The pacing was fantastic, and I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed picking up the little bits of worldbuilding, and slowly learning about out two main characters (plus the spirit beast). I also love that Jonah isn't the type of monster hunter that will kiss every beast, and that he has compassion for gentle creatures that won't harm humans.
I can't wait for the next one to come out, and see where this adventure leads us.
This was great graphic novel! The artwork was stunning.
The blurb was spot on with this book having a Witcher vibe. It's a darker story, but there are a few cozy moments, and possibly a budding romance as well. The pacing was fantastic, and I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed picking up the little bits of worldbuilding, and slowly learning about out two main characters (plus the spirit beast). I also love that Jonah isn't the type of monster hunter that will kiss every beast, and that he has compassion for gentle creatures that won't harm humans.
I can't wait for the next one to come out, and see where this adventure leads us.
July 6, 2025
Mercy and Jonah, I've only had you for one graphic novel so far but I'm already obsessed with you. Their dialogue feels grounded, even within this otherworldly premise, filled with electricity and banter. There's substantial emotional stakes and they naturally drive character development, both as a duo and individually. Stellar art style and use of color that enhances the worldbuilding that's always intriguing without ever being confusing. Mercy and Jonah's slowly developing dynamic, and their monster side quests, left me wanting the entire rest of the story immediately!
Thanks to NetGalley and First Second Books for the arc!
Thanks to NetGalley and First Second Books for the arc!
June 28, 2025
Received NetGalley arc.
What an unexpected duo Mercy and Jonah make.
One a monster hunter with a stoic air and a mysterious past, the other a shy and bookish girl that hires the monster hunter to kill the monster that killed her father.
Things go a bit sideways however, leading Mercy and Jonah to go on a journey to fix the mess that has been made.
The setting feels like going back in time, maybe in the 1800s. A simpler time, as they say.
There is a lot of intrigue and mystery to the plot and the character designs for both the people and the monsters pair with the concept beautifully.
I really look forward to reading the second volume.
What an unexpected duo Mercy and Jonah make.
One a monster hunter with a stoic air and a mysterious past, the other a shy and bookish girl that hires the monster hunter to kill the monster that killed her father.
Things go a bit sideways however, leading Mercy and Jonah to go on a journey to fix the mess that has been made.
The setting feels like going back in time, maybe in the 1800s. A simpler time, as they say.
There is a lot of intrigue and mystery to the plot and the character designs for both the people and the monsters pair with the concept beautifully.
I really look forward to reading the second volume.
June 29, 2025
Pub date: November 3, 2025
OMGGGG IM OBSESSED!!! I devoured this graphic novel in less than an hour. I loved the plot and i loved all the different creatures in the story. The monsters were so creative and unlike anything i’ve read before (the rain fairies were awesome). The art was incredible and it really grabbed my attention and pulled me into the story alongside Jonah & Mercy.
I’m preordering this book now hehehe & I can’t wait for the second one already!!
THANK YOU to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I’m obsessed 🤩
OMGGGG IM OBSESSED!!! I devoured this graphic novel in less than an hour. I loved the plot and i loved all the different creatures in the story. The monsters were so creative and unlike anything i’ve read before (the rain fairies were awesome). The art was incredible and it really grabbed my attention and pulled me into the story alongside Jonah & Mercy.
I’m preordering this book now hehehe & I can’t wait for the second one already!!
THANK YOU to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I’m obsessed 🤩
December 31, 2025
4.5
I can't wait for the second volume! the romance, the adventure, the wolf!! I absolutely loved it. It's such a good pallet cleanser as well.
a huge thank you to First Second Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion
I can't wait for the second volume! the romance, the adventure, the wolf!! I absolutely loved it. It's such a good pallet cleanser as well.
a huge thank you to First Second Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion
October 29, 2025
English:
This year I made it my goal to dive into graphic novels, and NetGalley has a great selection of them as ARCs — and this one was no exception.
What drew me to this story was the The Witcher vibes — and since I absolutely love The Witcher, I knew I had to get my hands on this graphic novel.
From the artwork to the intriguing story that starts unfolding, everything led me to the same conclusion: I need volume two, right now.
The characters were funny at times but also quite intriguing, since we don’t get much context about where they come from. What we do know is that our protagonist, Mercy, hires Jonah to hunt down the monster that killed her father.
I was so immersed in the story — in every scene, every panel — that by the time it ended, I was left wanting more. I also finished it in just a few hours because I couldn’t stop reading.
For now, I’ve only read it digitally, but at some point I’d love to own a physical copy to fully appreciate the amazing art behind every drawing.
Español:
Este año me propuse incursionar en las novelas graficas y NetGalley tienen una buena variedad de novelas gráficas como ARCs y este es el caso.
Lo que me atrajo de leer esta novela es que tiene vibes de The Witcher y yo amo The Witcher, entonces me dije que tenía que tener si o si esta novela gráfica en mí poder.
Desde los dibujos, a la historia intrigante que empieza a desarrollar, todo me lleva a la conclusión de que necesito ya el segundo tomo.
Los personajes me resultaron cómicos en ciertos momentos y a la vez intrigantes, porque no tenemos mucho contexto de dónde provienen, solo que nuestra protagonista, Mercy, contrata a Jonah, para cazar al monstruo que asesinó a su padre.
Estaba tan metida en la historia, en las escenas que iba viendo y leyendo que en cuanto se terminó me dejó con ganas de más. Además en pocas horas me la termine porque no podía parar de leer.
Por el momento la leí de forma digital, pero en algún momento me gustaría poder tenerla en físico para apreciar muchísimo mejor el arte que hay detrás de cada dibujo.
This year I made it my goal to dive into graphic novels, and NetGalley has a great selection of them as ARCs — and this one was no exception.
What drew me to this story was the The Witcher vibes — and since I absolutely love The Witcher, I knew I had to get my hands on this graphic novel.
From the artwork to the intriguing story that starts unfolding, everything led me to the same conclusion: I need volume two, right now.
The characters were funny at times but also quite intriguing, since we don’t get much context about where they come from. What we do know is that our protagonist, Mercy, hires Jonah to hunt down the monster that killed her father.
I was so immersed in the story — in every scene, every panel — that by the time it ended, I was left wanting more. I also finished it in just a few hours because I couldn’t stop reading.
For now, I’ve only read it digitally, but at some point I’d love to own a physical copy to fully appreciate the amazing art behind every drawing.
Español:
Este año me propuse incursionar en las novelas graficas y NetGalley tienen una buena variedad de novelas gráficas como ARCs y este es el caso.
Lo que me atrajo de leer esta novela es que tiene vibes de The Witcher y yo amo The Witcher, entonces me dije que tenía que tener si o si esta novela gráfica en mí poder.
Desde los dibujos, a la historia intrigante que empieza a desarrollar, todo me lleva a la conclusión de que necesito ya el segundo tomo.
Los personajes me resultaron cómicos en ciertos momentos y a la vez intrigantes, porque no tenemos mucho contexto de dónde provienen, solo que nuestra protagonista, Mercy, contrata a Jonah, para cazar al monstruo que asesinó a su padre.
Estaba tan metida en la historia, en las escenas que iba viendo y leyendo que en cuanto se terminó me dejó con ganas de más. Además en pocas horas me la termine porque no podía parar de leer.
Por el momento la leí de forma digital, pero en algún momento me gustaría poder tenerla en físico para apreciar muchísimo mejor el arte que hay detrás de cada dibujo.
September 15, 2025
Of Swamp & Sea is a fantasy romance graphic novel. The story follows Mercy, a young woman who has just lost her father to a mist wolf. Mercy hires Jonah, a monster hunter to kill the wolf. Things get complicated when the wolf possesses Mercy.
Of Swamp & Sea is a Webtoon turned graphic novel. I think that format shift makes this first volume seem a little off in terms of the story arc. This volume focuses on Mercy and Jonah meeting and going out to hunt the wolf. Mercy gets possessed and Jonah vows to help her. As they go to find the person that can help Mercy, Jonah helps with other supernatural creatures they run into. Obviously, the story will continue in the next volume, but I felt that this first volume didn’t have a ton of substance.
Even though this first volume felt kind of slow and wandering, I am interested in carrying on and seeing how Mercy and Jonah’s relationship evolves and what they do about Mercy’s possession. I am interested in learning more about this world and the magic within it.
*e-ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Of Swamp & Sea is a Webtoon turned graphic novel. I think that format shift makes this first volume seem a little off in terms of the story arc. This volume focuses on Mercy and Jonah meeting and going out to hunt the wolf. Mercy gets possessed and Jonah vows to help her. As they go to find the person that can help Mercy, Jonah helps with other supernatural creatures they run into. Obviously, the story will continue in the next volume, but I felt that this first volume didn’t have a ton of substance.
Even though this first volume felt kind of slow and wandering, I am interested in carrying on and seeing how Mercy and Jonah’s relationship evolves and what they do about Mercy’s possession. I am interested in learning more about this world and the magic within it.
*e-ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
November 3, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and 23rd St Books for providing me with an earc!
This book is pitched as Lore Olympus meets The Witcher and while I do think that is an accurate statement, it does not tell the whole story. As much as it is a cozier version of those IP’s this is very much its own thing.
Aside from the stunning artwork, what I enjoyed most about this volume is its ability to suck me completely into this story without needing to drown in a bunch of exposition. We are dropped off immediately into the story starting with Mercy showing a monster hunter, Jonah, where she found her father, dying from a monster attack. By the time this volume ends, we still do not know much about the town, Mercy, Jonah, or the monster attack that killed her father and I love it! This is a story that benefits from not revealing too much to the reader. All I want to do now is keep reading because I want to know what is happening - maybe even need. I was disappointed I reached the end of the volume instead of being happy I finished another book.
I’m looking forward to the next volume and learning more about this world, the magic of it and discovering whatever is blooming between Mercy and Jonah!
September 8, 2025
Mercy Harding is going through it. Her father was killed by a mist wolf, the cute monster hunter she hired is a total grump, and now she's possessed by the beast they set out to kill. After Jonah promises to free Mercy from the monster, but he's definitely hiding some secrets of his own. Hopefully they don't run into any more trouble on this journey...
This was CUUUTE. I ate this up and now I'm desperate for more. There's a giant hole in my heart that Lore Olympus left, add in some Witcher vibes and I know this can heal me. The art was fun and expressive, it really elevated the story. Mercy is adorable and I'm rooting for her and Jonah!
Of Swamp & Sea: Volume One is out November 4. 2025
Thanks to First Second Books, 23rd St., NetGalley, and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was CUUUTE. I ate this up and now I'm desperate for more. There's a giant hole in my heart that Lore Olympus left, add in some Witcher vibes and I know this can heal me. The art was fun and expressive, it really elevated the story. Mercy is adorable and I'm rooting for her and Jonah!
Of Swamp & Sea: Volume One is out November 4. 2025
Thanks to First Second Books, 23rd St., NetGalley, and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 18, 2025
After her father is brutally murdered by a ghost wolf, Mercy hires a monster hunter to kill the creature. When Jonah tries to kill the ghost wolf, it instead possesses Mercy, body and soul. Determined to help Mercy with her supernatural problem, Jonah and Mercy begin their travels through swamplands, ghost towns, and meddling neighbors. What starts as a professional relationship turns into something more friendly over time for both of them. But what happens when Jonah’s past collides with the present?
Delightfully creepy and morbid, this graphic novel catches readers by surprise throughout the deep south and the hauntings that live there. With blackened edges of each page, this first volume of shadows and navy blues, the paranormal and the creatures within, Mercy and Jonah have their hands full. A story of possessions and potential exorcisms, flesh-eating bugs and eerie monsters, this nightmare-like graphic novel is sure the haunt.
Delightfully creepy and morbid, this graphic novel catches readers by surprise throughout the deep south and the hauntings that live there. With blackened edges of each page, this first volume of shadows and navy blues, the paranormal and the creatures within, Mercy and Jonah have their hands full. A story of possessions and potential exorcisms, flesh-eating bugs and eerie monsters, this nightmare-like graphic novel is sure the haunt.
August 22, 2025
Love the art and the story starting here! Boulton has created a steampunk-esque world in which magic mingles with humans, and her characters Mercy and Jonah must confront the dangerous magic all around them. While the names and the set-up were a little obvious, I enjoyed the story. I found myself rooting for Mercy and intrigued by Jonah. The art is clean and stylized, giving enough information without overwhelming the reader. I'm looking forward to further volumes!
November 2, 2025
4.5 🌟 Gorgeous artwork! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher I was able to read this beautiful graphic novel early. It will release on 11/04. Very much gives off the Witcher vibes with a bit of Lore Olympus exactly like the description suggests. I do love the beginning of chemistry between Mercy and Jonah. Can not wait for Volume 2!
July 25, 2025
3/5 Stars
Thank you Netgalley for the arc.
This was ok. It has potential for the rest of the series. I liked the art style, and there is potential for romance. It has a mystery element going on, and I like the magical aspect. Kind of reminds of the Witcher a few ways.
Thank you Netgalley for the arc.
This was ok. It has potential for the rest of the series. I liked the art style, and there is potential for romance. It has a mystery element going on, and I like the magical aspect. Kind of reminds of the Witcher a few ways.
August 25, 2025
*Thanks to NetGalley and First Second Books for early copy for review*
Hello romantsy Witcher! This was such a fantastic start to a graphic novel series. The ending makes me want the second volume now!
Hello romantsy Witcher! This was such a fantastic start to a graphic novel series. The ending makes me want the second volume now!
January 13, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
such a beautifully illustrated graphic novel!! the story is definitely gripping (though the pacing starts off so rushed so i wish we got some exposition at first!) but loooove how the ending finished and really curious what the heck is going on!
such a beautifully illustrated graphic novel!! the story is definitely gripping (though the pacing starts off so rushed so i wish we got some exposition at first!) but loooove how the ending finished and really curious what the heck is going on!
October 7, 2025
Review Coming.
November 11, 2025
This was action packed from start to finish. This reminds me of a much more toned down, cozy version of The Witcher. The artwork is absolutely gorgeous and the characters are unique. Jonah is a monster hunter hired by Mercy to hunt down her father's killer. Tables get turned when the monster attacks Mercy and possess her body. Now it's a race against time to get the monster out of Mercy before it permanently stays inside of her. As they race to their destination, they get sidetracked multiple times by little quests that keep this story highly entertaining. You're turning page after page because you're so engrossed in the plot and before you know it you've run out of pages. I need the Volume 2 ASAP so I know what happens next!!
November 21, 2025
Don't know how I feel about the main character yet. She seems annoyingly naive.
January 3, 2026
Wow this is different and interesting and I loved it!! I want to know more and am crushed I don’t have the next book right now.
January 1, 2026
3.5/5
I feel like I read a different book than everyone else.
The Good: Great character designs, cool monsters. Horror light that would be good for kids.
The "bad" isn't even bad. some panels didn't seem to match stylistically or had strange proportions. While this is an original story, I didn't feel like I was reading anything groundbreaking or fresh. I'm not sure what the age for this was meant to be for. I don't feel like Jonah's a good monster hunter. Or we get to see that? there are a lot of Witcher comparisons but at least one when Geralt gets beat up, we've already established that he's competent.
This was fine. The graphic novel itself wasn't very long and I was surprised people talk about this great character development. I don't feel like I've ever really learned more that could not have guessed from the first few pages. But it's FINE. I can absolutely understand why some people might have enjoyed it more than me. (that I am shocked at some of the praise of these reviews.)
Thanks NetGalley and First Second for the ARC. I may never get another from :01 though 😅
I feel like I read a different book than everyone else.
The Good: Great character designs, cool monsters. Horror light that would be good for kids.
The "bad" isn't even bad. some panels didn't seem to match stylistically or had strange proportions. While this is an original story, I didn't feel like I was reading anything groundbreaking or fresh. I'm not sure what the age for this was meant to be for. I don't feel like Jonah's a good monster hunter. Or we get to see that? there are a lot of Witcher comparisons but at least one when Geralt gets beat up, we've already established that he's competent.
This was fine. The graphic novel itself wasn't very long and I was surprised people talk about this great character development. I don't feel like I've ever really learned more that could not have guessed from the first few pages. But it's FINE. I can absolutely understand why some people might have enjoyed it more than me. (that I am shocked at some of the praise of these reviews.)
Thanks NetGalley and First Second for the ARC. I may never get another from :01 though 😅
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews