Of Swamp & Sea Volume 3

Of Swamp & Sea #3

by Mia Jay Boulton, Laurel Boulton

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Monsters, Romance, Graphic Novels Comics, Supernatural, Comics

256 pages, Paperback

Expected publication July 7, 2026

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Of Swamp and Sea, Vol. 3 feels like a much-needed transitional volume, where the dynamic between Mercy and Jonah shifts in a way that comes across both natural and necessary, pushing their journey into more emotionally complex territory.
Mercy is no longer content to remain on the sidelines—she yearns to understand the power and strength within her. Throughout this installment, she struggles between wanting to grow, especially as she seeks out others like herself, but fears the confrontation of her new abilities and identity.
Jonah’s role evolves in a more conflicted direction. While his instinct to protect and shelter Mercy remains strong, it begins to create friction between them, highlighting an imbalance neither of them can ignore. His connection to the pirate clan who raised him adds further depth to his character, offering insight into his past and the relationships that shaped him.
The volume’s opening scene begins with Jonah once again rescuing Mercy, reinforcing the pattern she’s desperate to break. Determined to be useful but still struggling to control the power within her, Mercy agrees to continue her travel towards Bromweld with him, taking on monster-hunting jobs along the way. Each encounter highlights the imbalance between them, as Mercy becomes increasingly aware of her lack of agency, and the growing complexity of her feelings for Jonah. It’s clear she wants to prove not only to him, but to herself, that she is capable of standing on her own.
The romance in this installment feels that it’s arrived at a crossroads, while it remains a slow burn, it’s marked more by tension than tenderness. As their bond continues to grow, it’s tested by miscommunication, pride, and other shifting dynamics, creating a more emotionally charged atmosphere.
In the end, this volume is a pivotal moment in the series, one where both Mercy and Jonah must decide what they truly want for themselves, their partnership, and the future.

A special thanks to First Second Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader’s Copy for review. My reviews always reflect my honest thoughts and feelings.

[Athena 💗 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the most dedicated I have ever been to a graphic novel series before. I’m in three volumes deep now and it’s safe to say I’m committed… no matter how damn slow this slow burn is.

Also, how many volumes are expected in this series? Because while I am enjoying the ride, I am still a romance girl at heart and the whole “will they, won’t they” is killing me. Although, we did see Jonah without a shirt on in this round so things are starting to heat up between the unlikely duo. 😂

In volume 3 we pick up right where we left off. We are still following Jonah and Mercy on their quest to… to… you know what, I’m not even sure at this point. 😂 It started out as a journey to eradicate the monster but it seems like now Miss Mercy is embracing her inner monster.

I am loving the character development with Mercy, she is coming into herself and going from meek, sheltered lady to a woman that can hold her own. She’s clapping back at Jonah and I’m here for it. If you are someone who is more plot driven then you will enjoy the journey. If you’re someone like me who is a romantic at heart then by the end of book 3 you’re gonna start getting frustrated with their never ending journey. I personally and somewhere in between. I’m wanting them to fall in love but I’m also enjoying the ride.

The reason I rated this one a little lower was because I fee like something was off about the art with this book. It could very well be the calibration of my phone screen since I’m reading it as a digital arc but I also read the last two books the same way and I just remember the art being so gorgeous in the other books. This book’s art didn’t quite pull me in like the others did. The story itself is still interesting though and I like that we are learning more about our two main characters.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Review ✨ Of Swamp & Sea Volume 3 by Mia Jay Boulton; Laurel Boulton

Thanks to First Second Books | 23rd St. and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!

Honestly, the best part of this was that I got this just in time to read it after volume 2 so I didn't have to wait 🤣

But seriously, this was another great read in this collection. It picks up right at the end of book 2 where Jonah has left Mercy. Mercy sets out on her own but quickly runs into trouble. Jonah and Mercy come back together (I'll let you discover the details on your own), but they agree to set off after the pirates Jonah used to live with. The two pick up monster hunting gigs along the way and begin to explore how they can work as a team.

I thought this was a fun new adventure for this pair. The romantic tension is still buzzing, Jonah remains enigmatic, and Mercy's just trying to figure out who she is now. This was full of tension and the building of a greater connection between these two. I can't wait to see where they take us next!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: fantasy graphic novel with some romance
Setting: fantasy
Pub Date: July 7, 2026

Read this if you like:
⭕️ fantasy graphic novels
⭕️ dynamic duos
⭕️ angsty love connections

[Kelsie ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to First Second Books for letting me read and review this graphic novel early. All thoughts are my own!!

I really enjoyed Volumes 1 and 2 of this series, so I was itching to get my hands on Volume 3!! Happy to report that I enjoyed it just as much as the first two, and I can’t believe I have to wait for Volume 4 now.

The story itself is developing so nicely over these graphic novels, and I’m really excited to see the universe expand a little with each new addition. It’s interesting to watch Mercy grapple with this the side of her, while Jonah broods and isn’t as willing to budge on certain things. I’m excited to see their dynamic evolve as Mercy’s monster side changes.

I loved to see the development of Mercy and Jonah’s romance. They clearly care deeply for each other and want to protect the other, even when it causes more tension between them. I’m very exited to see how they continue to build trust in each other and have more of those moments between them.

As always, the art is beautiful, and I was loving how gorgeous it was as I read this graphic novel!

Very very excited for the next volume!!

[Chelsey Hostetler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing the adventures of Mercy and Jonah, Mercy wants to defend herself and explore her powers. She doesn't want to be on the run or hide forever. Jonah reluctantly agrees to take her to meet others like herself, his pirate family who raised him. Mercy is delighted by the prospect and the two journey onward, picking up monster hunting jobs along the way. Jonah, however; still assumes he needs to protect Mercy, either out of obligation or affection. This causes some hiccups in their partnership, how can Mercy convince him she needs to be trained and not protected? Can she convince him before something that cannot be undone happens to either of them?

Once again the artwork of the graphic is stunning. I applaud the Boultons for their artwork and the unique way they create the battle scenes. VERY well done. I also like the deepening of emotions between Mercy and Jonah, they are deeply attracted to each other, but there are reservations and questions they each should really talk about. I have enjoyed each volume so far and I look forward to more!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The continuing adventures of Mercy, who is part monster, and Jonah, the monster hunter, who both has feelings for her, but also doesn’t want to hurt her.

By this time, in volume 3, they have sort of gotten used to each other, but Mercy keeps thinking that all the monsters they are fighting are just misunderstood.

Jonah tries to explain, but often it takes actually fighting them, and most often killing them, for the battle to end, and Mercy to feel badly about it.

In this volume, they are making their way to meet the pirates to raise Jonah, picking up jobs along the way.

If you have read the other two volumes, you want to pick this one up. If you haven’t, it would help to read them first, because otherwise this story will be a bit confusing.

Great illustrations and action. Well worth the ride.

Thanks to Netgalley and First Second Books for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published on the 7th of July 2026.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to the e-ARC for review purposes.

I was very excited to see the ARC of the 3rd volume available to request! I have really enjoyed this series so far and am excited to dive into more. I feel like every volume leaves the reader wanting more in the best way. The plot moves fast and there is never a dull moment. If Mercy and Jonah aren’t fighting monsters, they are fighting their personal demons or their growing feelings. Mercy and Jonah are both interesting and complex but also lovable. They have tragic backstories and are doing their best to survive. It makes you want to root for them and hope for a happy ending for them.

I am very excited to continue this series and see where all the plot points end up. I am probably the most excited to see what happens with Mercy and Jonah romance-wise. Their story has been such a slow burn that I get excited about any crumbs.

#exciting #adventure #monsterhunters #slowburnromance #romantasy

[Alex at lost Haven Homestead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I jumped into this series right at Volume 3, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it and how quickly I was able to get swept up in the world of Mercy and Jonah. The Southern Gothic atmosphere is thick and beautifully rendered—the art style is definitely the highlight for me, blending eerie monster designs with colors that perfectly capture that murky, supernatural swamp vibe. While I missed the beginning of the possession storyline, the character dynamic was fun enough to keep me hooked, and the plot has just enough mystery to make me want to go back and grab the first two volumes while I wait for the next release. It’s a great mix of "monster-of-the-week" action and a slow-burn romance that feels high-stakes without being too confusing for a newcomer.

thanks to Netgalley for the arc of the this to read.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I really enjoyed the past two volumes I found this one felt disjointed.
I still like the characters and the overarching plot, but there were times I couldn't quite tell where we were in the timeline. Along with that, Jonah and Mercy's relationship feels like it flip-flopped a bit throughout this volume without much reason. They would have great repore for most of a chapter and then it would switch on a dime. I found it hard to follow in comparison to the last two volumes. It might be because I feel we need a tighter story on the two now they've come to such a turning point in their relationship, and the spread out stories aren't hitting what I expected.
However, I'm still a fan of the art style, the world, and the main plot, so I do plan to keep reading and see where things go.

Thank you to First Second Books and Netgalley for the ARC.

[Adri Holt · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the end of the last volume, Jonah and Mercy had a disagreement about the wolf residing within Mercy, and had went their separate ways. Jonah’s being a monster hunter doesn’t mean he is the only one. Thankfully, Jonah steps in just in time to save Mercy from another hunter and they join forces once more. Jonah begins to teach Mercy how to monster hunt so that she can keep herself safe. They decide that the next step in their journey is to go to the Quorum and get some answers.

Do you ever have it in your head when you know two characters have feelings for one another and they just won’t see past their own bullheadedness and so you’re just screaming “KISS ALREADY!?” That’s how I feel about Jonah and Mercy. That is all. Can’t wait for the next installment!

#ThxNetGalley #MiaJayBoulton #LaurelBolton #OfSwamp&SeaVol3

[PlotTrysts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm having so much fun reading this slow burn fantasy romance webtoon-to-graphic-novel series! Volume 3 sees Mercy and Jonah commit to a partnership in monster hunting (and, while they both seem to want more, neither is willing to commit to a romantic relationship until they work out some other issues). They're working their way to a monster/pirate get-together while trying to figure out how their new partnership will work. Both are quite protective of the other, which keeps interfering with the effectiveness of their monster hunting.

As with every volume, I can't wait for the next to be released so I can get another fix!

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the graphic novel.

[Collin Stiglbauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and FirstSecond Books for the ARC!

I'm so thankful this volume managed to keep the pressure on, resolving cliffhangers early on and exploring the growing relationship between Mercy and Jonah, all while doing the miscommunication trope well. Mercy continues to grow into her new form and powers, while Jonah remains determined to remain unchanged, instead giving glimpses of his past to explain his current life.

The pair travels onwards in a series of vignette-style adventures, showcasing their growing attachment and power, and further straining their relationship with each encounter, until we are left with another cliffhanger to tide us over.

The art is gorgeous, as we've come to expect over the previous two volumes, and I look forward to the physical copy!

[Sabrina Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

So happy to be back with these characters, but this novel did feel a little like filler. I was still very happy to see more adventures and them fighting more monsters, I just felt like we weren’t going towards anything. Their relationship is getting worse, she’s still fighting with herself internally (but making small progress), and they are no where near finding a solution still as they are still on the journey. I know that this is a webtoon so I realize this is just where they unfortunately had to cut the story into the novel sized portions, it just wasn’t what I was wanting to see to progress along.

[Nadine Sturgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am hooked on this series. I know its book style of a comic and thankful for that, as I missed out on Volume 2. Caught up on the comic to the point of Volume 3 then devoured Volume 3 via NetGalley. Really love the interactions between Jonah and Mercy, especially now as Mercy has accepted what she is. Her strength is amazing in the fact that she is choosing to move forward with these changes, even wirh her feelings towards Jonah. Jonah is struggling as well. It seems he does have feelings for her but won't act on them. Love how we're getting more backstory on Jonah. First we met Cassady, which I thought was awesome. Meeting Gravebarr was a bit more entertaining/intense. Can't wait to see what's next!

Thank you NetGalley, Mia Jay and Laurel, and 23rd St for approving my request!

[Isa Newbury | reading_isa · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Thank you to Publisher & NetGalley for the e•ARC; all opinions are my own.**

4.5 ⭐️

STUFF IS HAPPENING!!!!

This volume was so good- we've got a plot goal, we've got more antagonists, more side missions, more moral dilemmas...it was great! I honestly cannot wait for volume 4 because everything is picking up!

Mercy is dealing with a lot after the end of vol.2 and her relationship with Jonah isn't what is once was because of that. She's learning how to be her new, true self, and Jonah is just...scared. I'm really looking forward to learning more about his past and the bigger world at large in the coming volumes!

[Sarah Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I get into the review, THANK YOU to NetGalley for always approving my requests for this series! This is the third volume and I have read all of them via NetGalley. Now, if you have seen my other reviews, you know I could not wait for this one AND that this series is famous for cliffhangers that make me lose my mind (in a good way). I am already dying for the fourth volume! Mercy and Jonah continued their adventure and it took turns I did not expect while the expected heightening of tension between them played out. Things get inspired by other works of literature, things get scary, and things get tender. Like I said, I need the fourth volume ASAP! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this onnnnnee.

I love Mercy so much. I love that she is strong and independent and doesn't let Jonah control her life. It's refreshing to see a smart character who is resistant to a man. As always, the color and illustration were able to communicate so much. I wish all the books were out so I could read all of them at once.

The slow-burning romance in this is just so peak. I love that Boulton is taking time to really build their friendship. I want their relationship, and I want them to fight for it.

I will be there to read book four and can't wait for it.

[Amelia Suedel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and First Second books for a digital copy of this graphic novel in exchange for my review!

This was another great installment in this series, it didn't feel like too much happened in this volume but I am still interested in continuing the series. The art was a little pixelated and I hope that it looks different and optimized when it is fully printed. The romance between the two main characters is a sweet slow burn and every little monster hunting adventure is unique and fun to read.

[Melody Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean, there are no words to describe truly how much I love these books! the tension in this one is just... muah chefs kiss. I absolutely loved this quote when I read it, and I'm still thinking about it now. "Fine? your 'fine' is my 'nearly lost the only thing I have left.'" I NEED the fourth volume now!!

A huge thank you to First Second Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion <3

[Mimsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books for the e-ARC of Of Swamp & Sea Volume 3!
5 / 5 ⭐

I’ve been lucky enough to receive ARCs for the first 3 volumes of Of Swamp & Sea over the last year or so, and I enjoy the writing and art style of each installment. The graphics are gorgeous, and Mercy and Jonah’s relationship finally has room to develop in new ways this issue, Excited to see what happens in the next volume.

[Nicole Ekmalian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, this series is a 4 star for me. However, the last ‘season’ felt a little rushed and we spent a lot of time dealing with their same argument over and over again. The ending was sweet even tho Penny’s transition to captain felt super unexpected and the last scene with her was kinda weird with the eye mask sans explanation.

[Clara Lash · Rating 5 out of 5]

The art for this GN series is beautiful and quirky. I hopped into Volume 3 without 1 or 2 read prior (the art and title caught my attention!), and was still able to follow the storyline just fine. I think this is great GN series for anyone who's middle grade and up, Hope's adventures is something that is gripping and wonderful.

[Natalya · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

I really enjoyed this one too! I liked to see Jonah and Mercy hunt monsters together while Mercy questioning if Jonah would think of their relationship as more. The introduction of a human "monster" was a great addition to the series. I hope they do show up more and add to the conversation about monsters in this series. Also, with that ending, I need to know when the next book comes out.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

[Sheba Hector · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy!

So we continue the journey of Mercy and Jonah. Lowkey the “will they, wont they” is killing me. We meet new people and people from past. It is really a learning experience for Mercy and I can’t wait for her to get familiar with her powers!

[Kristen ⭐️ (beansbooktrove) · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you Netgalley for the advance copy!!

yess this one came back with all the action, punches, and intrigue again!! i felt like the characters are continuing to get flushed out and we’re making progress on the storyline! fun!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad Jonah returned for Mercy!
I am loving their journey to Bromweld & the people they meet along the way.
Hoping they will get together soon!
Hate the cliff hangers thou!

Can't wait for the next volume to see what happens next.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read via Webtoons
This adventure-filled, supernatural series continues to deepen the connection between the two main characters and also reveals secrets from their past. I really love the art style and also the magical world-building of this series. Highly recommend.