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Of Swamp & Sea #2

Of Swamp & Sea, Volume Two

Not yet published
Expected 17 Mar 26
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304 pages, Paperback

Expected publication March 17, 2026

100 people want to read

About the author

Mia Jay Boulton

5 books3 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Ink & Ivy.
44 reviews2 followers
October 26, 2025
I absolutely loved the second volume! It really feels like the story comes into its own here. We get to explore some amazing new locations, encounter cool spirits and monsters, and learn more about Jonah. And! Without giving anything away, I especially loved seeing Mercy take control of her life and start making choices for her future.

I’m super excited for the next volume and can’t wait to see where the story goes next!

Thank you to First Second Books / 23rd St. for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Carmen.
735 reviews23 followers
October 8, 2025
I received a copy from 23rd St. through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

After Mercy Gray Harding accidentally got possessed by the mist wolf that killed her father, things have gotten crazy. She has to leave home and never come back, and now that she has feelings for Jonah, she’s not entirely sure going back is something she wants to do. Together, they’re on a mission to get the wolf mist’s spirit out of her, but what if Mercy isn’t entirely sure that’s what she wants anymore? If only Jonah would stop insisting to lead a lonely life until the mystery behind his supernatural eye catches up to him…

I was so excited to start the second volume of this series. We’re back to following Mercy and her monster hunting friend, Jonah. This time around, we got some solid backstory on Jonah, which I was super interested in. Plus, it’s clear the two of them have feelings for each other, but Jonah is the stubborn party here. Though, I guess I don’t blame him once we learn about The Visitor and how he’s connected to it.

That said, we got to meet a new cast of characters and slowly set up the next volume in the process. I really enjoyed the group of traveling musicians they met. While I doubt we’ll see them again, it’ll be interesting to see if they pop up again, especially after the way things turned out. I also loved meeting Jonah’s old friend and getting confirmation on something I suspected might happen when I read the first volume.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book and seeing the character growth that occurred. The artwork was stunning as always, and I really enjoyed the concept art at the end. I’m really enjoying this series, and now that it’s really picking up speed, I’m even more excited for the next volume than I predicted I’d be!
Profile Image for Lucy  Larsen.
543 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2025
I would first like to thank the publisher, the artists, and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this as a follow-up to the first volume. In my review of the first book, I was very excited about the plotline as well as the light and color based art style and I can say that those particular things continued to stick out to me in this volume but there was even more that made me love this volume.

First of all, HOW CAN YOU LEAVE ME HANGING LIKE THAT?! I need the next volume now. What happens next!

I also just particularly love the side characters in this volume. The first volume was really a time for us to get to know the two main characters (Mercy and Jonah) and this one was really to get some more character set up and world building. There was a lot of continued development for Mercy and Jonah, but I also fell in love with some of the others that they met (wish I had more about Briar and Augustus – they were so cute!) and am intrigued by a new character introduced right at the end of this volume. The spicy rating was a level 1.

Overall, I would rate this a 5 out of 5 stars and I can’t wait for the third volume’s release.
Profile Image for The Library Lass.
109 reviews23 followers
October 26, 2025
A huge thank you to NetGalley and 23rd St. for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

“Just try to keep calm. I’ll find you. I promise.” *swoons*

Let me start by saying that this was a fairly angsty read, and I LOVED IT. The tension between Jonah and Mercy was perfect. On one hand, you have Jonah, who battles with his overall angst as we learn more about the monster plaguing him beneath the eye cover. On the other hand, we have Mercy's struggles, which were truly the highlight of this volume. Watching her struggle with massive life changes and the fear that goes along with them was truly powerful. With that cliffhanger ending, I shall be waiting in anticipation for the next volume.
Profile Image for Frank Chillura (OhYouRead).
1,677 reviews75 followers
November 12, 2025
Okay now this volume was exactly what I was looking for when I started the series.

Of Swamp and Sea has the vibes of Supernatural with a dash of Sinners and in this volume, a bit of The Greatest Showman. 🤯 I know! It was so action packed and exciting, that it brought a new life to my want to continue it.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.
Profile Image for Maddie.
371 reviews7 followers
November 20, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and 23rd St for the ARC!

I enjoyed this book! I felt like learning more about Jonah’s backstory and what was happening with Mercy was such an interesting intersection to see unfold.

I liked learning more about the world and the implications of what is good/evil. This was such a delight! I loved the art and side characters too!

I think my one gripe is Jonah can too broody sometimes. I felt there was a lot of repetition of “woe is me” from him, and it’s just,,,I was getting really annoyed with him. Mercy is my girl though!!
Profile Image for Snarky Hatter.
126 reviews2 followers
October 16, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and 23rd St. for an advanced reader copy Of Swamp & Sea, Volume 2.

For the sake of transparency, before I received this copy, I had never read or heard of the Webtoon Of Swamp & Sea, but the summary sounded interesting and I liked the art style, so I requested copies of Volumes 1 & 2 via NetGalley. I only received a copy of volume 2, so that left me with a bit of conundrum. I wanted to give volume 2 as much of a fair shake as I could, so I looked up the series on Webtoon and read the first few chapters available for free on the site.

I'm glad I did. While the storylines in volume 2 are easy to follow, having just that extra bit of knowledge of how the whole series started really helps give a better weight and understanding to Mercy's plight.

Additionally, volume 2 is where we get to learn more Jonah's past and his connection to a creature called The Final Visitor. Through this knowledge we see that Jonah's desire to help Mercy doesn't just stem from guilt, but from a subconscious desire to free himself from his own monster, which he has projected onto Mercy. It's makes for an interesting dynamic, and a great set up for Jonah to embrace the more monstrous parts of himself.

Admittedly, that is where I am assuming the story is going, because it seems like Mercy and Jonah are set up to be parallels and/or foils to each other. That being said, I could be 100% wrong.

Whatever direction the story goes, I think it will be fun. There's a lot of action, adventure, and heart packed into every chapter, making this a delightful read.
Profile Image for Laura.
3,239 reviews101 followers
October 6, 2025
In this second book in the series, we learn a little more about Jonah and his monster hunting days, and why he covers his one eye. We also learn more about the wolf monster inside here, that Jonah wants to make sure is removed, at any cost.


Along the way to getting to where the magical person who can remove the spirit of the wolf monster, they meet a traveling group of musicians, where they get to relax a little. But only a little.


Not wanting to spoil anything, it is nice to see the pair kiss, and it is also nice to see them laugh. Especially with such evil following Jonah, and Mercy torn about if she should fall in love with him, nor not.
The illustrations are wonderful, and full of life. So much movement, and use of space, and viewpoint.


There will be, of course, a volume 3. So, though this one ends, we see the setup for the next volume. I very much enjoyed the world building, and am quite happy to continue to find out more about this couple, or non-couple, as the case may be. There appears to be a lot more than we know of going on, which is fine.


Thanks to Netgalley and First Second Books for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out the 17th of March 2026. The first volume is already out.
Profile Image for Steff Fox.
1,558 reviews167 followers
November 17, 2025
A long time ago. Back when I was younger and didn't know better...
...than to take people at their word.

It's official, I am just straight obsessed with Mia Jay Boulton's Of Swamp & Sea. The characters are phenomenal, the world is fascinating, the story is absolutely brilliant. Honestly, I don't think I could say a bad thing about this series no matter how hard I tried to find one. There's an absolute brilliance to how expertly Boulton has pulled me in and engineered such a deep emotional investment to what happens to all of these characters.
Beautiful can still be deadly.

It honestly sort of drives me insane, every time I reach the end of one of the volumes, to not have more to continue reading immediately. And yet the pacing of the story is excellent, each adventure finding a fitting place within the parameters of the story. These are certainly books that I can't wait to add to my shelf.
You're smart. Capable. That life you might have led... You deserve better. Small towns. Trust me, you don't need 'em.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lexa Riffe.
131 reviews11 followers
October 21, 2025
We start this volume right where the first ended with a flawless transition. Mercy and Jonah continue along their journey to rid Mercy of the wolf.

We get a bit more of a back story about Jonah in the beginning. This back story will bring us closer to understanding him a bit better and recognizing one of his big motivations to rid Mercy of the wolf. We learn that he has a devastating and destructive power, a power that he has from "The final Visitor". While Jonah was tricked into a job that almost cost him his life, he just barely escaped and is now cursed with this power.

The Final Visitor is getting closer to Jonah, and every time he uses the power, he draws him even closer. After he used the Final Visitors power to save himself and Mercy, he knows they need to get to Port Fairest, and soon. As they walk through the woods, they come across a group of traveling musicians and are lucky to catch a ride.

While Mercy and Jonah travel with their new musical friends, Mercy admits to herself and her new friends that she has feelings for Jonah. This realization that one day Jonah will leave, and she will be alone, makes her not want to give up her wolf. Mercy has lost so much, and not only does she not want to be alone, but she also wants to feel safe.

Once they get to the port, will she be able to give up both her wolf and Jonah? That's the question she faces.

Volume two will draw you in just as Volume one did. The art remains beautiful and original. The new characters all are unique and fit into the story without distracting from the main plot line. I enjoyed how they both interact with the musical group members, Mercy is easier to trust and open up, where Jonah stays on alert and keeps mostly to himself. The cliff hanger at the end made me wish I could have the next volume right away. I really hope Mercy is up for this next part of her story, and I hope she doesn't have to go into it alone. Shes stronger and braver than she thinks, and I think she is about to truly find the inner strength she has.

Thank you NetGalley and First Second Books | 23rd St. for the Digital ARC.
Profile Image for Skyler.
64 reviews3 followers
October 10, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and 23rd st publishing for the eARC!!!

I'm so excited i got this arc to be able to continue reading the series!!!
The second installment Of Swamp and Sea picks right where we left off in volume 1

I really loved getting Jonah's backstory as it adds to his character and how he has changed over the years as he gains more experience being a monster hunter. Mercy's character development on how to handle the wolf going from scared to a confident queen was excellent to see. I loved all the side character but wish we got more with musicians but I have a feeling they might make a return in a future volume. I loved Snarl's character design and laughed out loud when Mercy realized she was inbetween two stunning people, same girl same. The monsters were so cool to see and love that we get descriptions for them in the bts portion of the arc. Seeing the concept art and character designs at the end of each chapter is so fun to see and the full graphic novel is filled with even more beautiful artwork like the first volume. Can not wait to buy this book as a trophy for my shelves!
Profile Image for Tara.
491 reviews33 followers
October 5, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


Favorite quote(s):

“Just try to keep calm. I’ll find you. I promise.”

Review:

I thought this was a great next instalment in the story. The art was just as great as the first volume, and I loved the details. Mercy and Jonah were great, and I loved their teamwork and bonding. I loved meeting new characters and going to new places and seeing how Mercy reacted to it all. Learning Jonah’s story and what happened to him was heartbreaking, but it does explain why he is how he is and his struggles. I loved that it showed Mercy changing with everything regarding the wolf and how it affected her. It did seem to be a bit slower pace than the first one but it was nice. I cannot wait for more to see what happens next with Mercy and Jonah and their relationship, as well as with the wolf and the Visitor that Jonah must deal with, and that thing is creepy. That ending has me worried for Mercy and what will happen with her being hunted. Overall, I enjoyed this and am excited for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Athena 💗.
755 reviews10 followers
October 10, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers at First Second Books for an ARC of Volume 2 in the Of Swamp And Sea graphic novel series. I’m not much of a graphic novel reader but something about this series keeps having me come back for more.

Volume 2 picks up right where 1 left of. Mercy and Jonah are on a mission to help save Mercy’s soul from the beast that lives inside her. It’s crazy how just a few blurbs and illustrations on a page can bring so much life to a story. Jonah is a tormented, monster hunter destined to live a life of solitude. Mercy’s wolf has destroyed everyone and everything she holds dear in life and has hired Jonah to help remove the wolf’s spirit from her body. Now the two must work together to help Mercy.

I love following their journey and just like the last book, this one had me turning the pages. It always leaves you wanting more and now I must patiently wait for volume 3.
Profile Image for Kathryn .
186 reviews3 followers
October 4, 2025
This was just as good as the first volume, but packed with even more plot.
In the first volume there are a lot of different monsters the pair go up against. There are fewer beasts in this volume, but more new characters to meet and love. And a few not to love.
The development of the relationship between Mercy and Jonah was nice, though the ending left us with a big cliffhanger. The development of Mercy's character was the standout of this volume and I'm excited to watch it progress further. The tone veered towards cozy in a few places, which added some necessary lightness to the story. The art remains charming and visually interesting, though I would like some more varied faces in the character designs.
This was another solid installment that left me wanting more.

Thank you to First Second Books and Netgalley for the ARC.
Profile Image for Brittany.
470 reviews10 followers
October 4, 2025
This series is so much fun! "Of Swamp and Sea" follows Mercy, who hires a monster hunter named Jonah to kill the spirit wolf that killed her father. When the job goes wrong, Mercy accidentally gets possessed by the spirit wolf, and she and Jonah embark on a journey to set things right.

The story is super engaging and I couldn't stop reading! I read both books 1 &2 back to back. The artwork is so cute - the characters are vibrantly colored and really charmingly drawn. I can't wait for the rest of the series to come out! This series would be great if you like romantasy where the relationship builds super slowly and is wholesome and sweet. This series would be fine for both teens and adults.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and First Second Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for McKenna.
250 reviews10 followers
November 3, 2025
In Of Swamp & Sea, Volume Two we get to learn more about Jonah and dive deeper in to who/what Mercy is. These two are on a journey that takes them through new places, where they'll meet a variety of friendly (and not so friendly) faces.

Yum I ate this up and I'm already asking for more! This series is so cozy, it's becoming a comfort of mine. Mercy and Jonah are complex and clearly a wonderful pairing. As they go on their journey we get to see more of their world and meet new people. These side characters are just as important and add to the story, expanding the relationships our characters have. The ending sets up for the next volume smoothly, I can't wait to see what happens next!

Of Swamp & Sea: Volume Two is out March 17, 2026.

Thanks to First Second Books, 23rd St., NetGalley, and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Sam.
138 reviews
November 24, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and First Second Books for the digital ARC for review.
I was so excited to see that the second installment of one of my favorite graphics of the year was available on NetGalley.
I really enjoyed this continuation! We get more of Jonah’s backstory, which is even more heartbreaking than I could have guessed.
We also get to learn more about Mercy and the wolf. I really like how we got more background on these characters this volume. I feel more connected to them and care even more about their happiness.
I love how they can relate to each other and listen to each other in such a thoughtful way.
I also really enjoyed the introduction of new characters. It really added to the reading experience. I hope we see more of these characters in future volumes.
If you love Romantasy books with adventures and slow-burn, I high recommend this series.
Profile Image for Alexis Travis.
40 reviews2 followers
October 10, 2025
Volume 3 is much needed now please!

I cannot wait to continue this story! I absolutely loved the different characters found when our main characters are on their travels. The multiple twists and turns have you on the edge of your seat. The story is so action packed while also being so cute and cozy and I absolutely loved that our two main characters had a little moment! The ending amazed and crushed me and I want, no I NEED to know what happens next!

This art is so unique and visually stunning the the story continues to be one I keep thinking about, I highly recommend this series!

Thank you so much Netgalley, First Second Books, and 23rd street for the opportunity to read the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Megthereader.
343 reviews24 followers
October 10, 2025
Oh my god do I love this series! This volume was just as good as the first one and I had such a fun time reading it. I loved seeing the characters’ chemistry and intimacy develop in this book. I love that their romance is very much a slow burn, but that’s not to say that they don’t have their moments! I loved the plot development that happened in this one and we got a lot of things explained in this volume. The Visitor character is so ominous and intriguing and I can’t wait to hopefully find out more about it in future volumes. I NEED volume three ASAP!! This is my new obsession!

Thank you to Netgalley and First Second Books for sending me an e-arc to read and enjoy!
Profile Image for Kelsie ✨.
428 reviews22 followers
October 14, 2025
Thank you to First Second Books for letting me read and review this graphic novel early. All thoughts are my own!!

The second volume of this series really expanded the universe and the lore!! I loved the first one, and I was really excited to read this one as soon as possible. And it DELIVERED!!

I really enjoyed meeting all the new characters and seeing how the story unfolded. We learned more about Jonah’s story, and we saw how Mercy is changing as well. I am very invested in these two, and I’m so excited to see how they come back together after the way they left things at the end of this volume!!

Again, I have to mention how much I love this art style!! The color choices and shading and everything was so lovely to look at while I read.

Very excited for the next volume, and I can’t wait to see these character again!!
Profile Image for Taylor.
152 reviews2 followers
October 7, 2025
Wow! It’s got everything I want from a comic. The spooky and dangerous vibes are there, but so are the light, silly characters. I love the tension between Jonah and Mercy. I’m not usually one for blonde men, but he’s got that nose and the protective attitude. I’m into it. Mercy isn’t quite the helpless damsel either, is she?

Then there are the cute side characters we meet in this book. I adore Honey! Bubbly and chatty? Treating everyone they just met as if family? So wholesome.

I will definitely want to read the next one.

Thank you to NetGalley for the free ARC. It was wonderful.
Profile Image for PlotTrysts.
1,200 reviews471 followers
October 21, 2025
This second entry in the webtoon-to-graphic novel Of Swamp and Sea continues Mercy and Jonah's journey to separate the wolf soul from her body so she can live a normal life. But maybe she can't have a "normal life" anymore ... and maybe doesn't want one after they share a kiss!

The book is fun, romantic, and beautifully drawn! It ends on a slight cliffhanger, but that's par for the course with a graphic novel series so I was not disappointed. (I guess disappointed that I have to wait for the next one!!!)

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the graphic novel.
Profile Image for Becky.
1,371 reviews10 followers
October 28, 2025
This series keeps getting better with the second Of Swamp and Sea volume. Mercy and Jonah each have their own secret/hidden monster as they journey toward a possible cure for Mercy. They encounter various characters and threats along the way as well as some magic and mystery. The art is great with full color. The bond between Mercy and Jonah grows and chemistry crackles. I found this interesting, readable and appropriately paced. I was lucky to receive a digital ARC of this graphic novel from NetGalley. Looking forward to volume 3!
Profile Image for Kimberly.
898 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 18, 2025
I love this series!

With Volume 2, we dive deeper into Jonah's backstory. What his job entails and how he lost his eye. Wow. What a great backstory. And the art really sings in this volume. Without spoilers, the reason for Jonah's missing eye gave me actual goosebumps. GOOSEBUMPS! Great art. Very well done and a fantastic story that adds an additional layer of urgency to his and Mercy's mission as well as giving Jonah some much deserved history. The volume just cemented this graphic novel series into one of my favorite ones to read. In fact, I'll be buying both as gifts for some friends next year because I know they'll love them.

I love Mercy. I like how she is a really complicated character. It's great to see them push and pull together as they both sort their journey out. Jonah's for his own reasons that are hunting him, and Mercy for her guilt and then eventual acceptance of the person who she has become.
And the art is fantastic. I love the art and the panels really show the movement and action. The softer, quieter scenes are slower and you can visually see how the pacing of the book changes with the panels.

Can't wait for volume 3!
Profile Image for Adri Holt.
248 reviews4 followers
October 17, 2025
Mercy and Jonah are on the hunt for a solution to the wolf’s soul residing within Mercy. They are heading towards Point Fairest to find assistance. As they travel together on this journey, they find themselves more and more drawn to one another. Problems arise when Mercy declares that she no longer wants to separate from the wolf. I’m dying to see what happens next!

#ThxNetGalley #MiaJayBoulton #LaurelBoulton #OfSwamp&SeaVol2
Profile Image for Isa Newbury | reading_isa.
534 reviews7 followers
October 22, 2025
**Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher for the ARC; all opinions are my own.**

4.25 ⭐️

I am LOVING this series! Volume 2 answers some more questions and leaves you with more! For me, it was a little disjointed or quick to jump onto the next part of the story, but I am very excited to continue the series! 

If you love:
☆gritty characters 
☆Witcher vibes
☆monster hunters
☆possession 
☆trauma
Pick this graphic novel series up!
Profile Image for Kasi.
76 reviews1 follower
December 22, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and FirstSecond for the ARC.

This is volume 2 in Of Swamp & Sea and I was not disappointed. Mercy and Jonah continue their journey to try to separate the wolf from Mercy. The last volume ended on a bit of a cliffhanger and this one clears up some questions first thing. Along with a little bit of angst. They meet a wonderful music troop and get to travel through a mysterious city. You won't be disappointed! No spice, just one kiss.
Profile Image for Mimsy.
372 reviews8 followers
October 4, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books for the e-ARC of Of Swamp & Sea Volume 2!
5 / 5 ⭐

Of Swamp & Sea is such a fun, vibrant series. The art is always stunning and the second volume deals with more themes of self acceptance. I love Mercy and the wolf.

“What’s a little growl between friends?”

Profile Image for Emma.
42 reviews1 follower
November 15, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for my advanced readers copy of Of Swamp and Sea Vol 2.

Wow! I liked the first one a lot and this one did not miss as a sequel. It did feel like a stepping stone to the third book, BUT I’m not complaining because of how well this story is done. A lot of characters were introduced, but it adds to the reality of the characters’ world. It breaks my heart to see the way this one ended, but I’m excited for the third one!
If you like to read about magic, suspense, and dangerous circumstances PLUS charming moments of flirting, I definitely recommend this graphic novel!
Profile Image for Bethany.
252 reviews
December 1, 2025
I really, really enjoy this graphic novel series. So much so that I am not sure I can stand to wait for the next volumes to come out! An interesting story about what it really means to a be monster, a charming FMC, and a gruff, but secretly sweet MMC. This series has been the perfect palate cleanser between heavier reads and the art is simply lovely. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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