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Hell & High Water
A GRAPHIC NOVEL ADAPTATION
Black & white interior illustrations with a color paperback cover.
When homicide detective Dexter J. Daley's testimony helps send his partner away for murder, the consequences--and the media frenzy--aren't far behind. He soon finds himself sans boyfriend, sans friends, and, after an unpleasant encounter in a parking garage after the trial, he's lucky he doesn't find himself sans teeth. Dex fears he'll get transferred from the Human Police Force's Sixth Precinct, or worse, get dismissed. Instead, his adoptive father--a sergeant at the Therian-Human Intelligence Recon Defense Squadron, otherwise known as the THIRDS--pulls a few strings, and Dex gets recruited as a Defense Agent.
Dex is determined to get his life back on track and eager to get started in his new job. But his first meeting with Team Leader Sloane Brodie, who also happens to be his new jaguar Therian partner, turns disastrous. When the team is called to investigate the murders of three Humanitherian activists, it soon becomes clear to Dex that getting his partner and the rest of the tightknit team to accept him will be a lot harder than catching the killer--and every bit as dangerous.
Black & white interior illustrations with a color paperback cover.
When homicide detective Dexter J. Daley's testimony helps send his partner away for murder, the consequences--and the media frenzy--aren't far behind. He soon finds himself sans boyfriend, sans friends, and, after an unpleasant encounter in a parking garage after the trial, he's lucky he doesn't find himself sans teeth. Dex fears he'll get transferred from the Human Police Force's Sixth Precinct, or worse, get dismissed. Instead, his adoptive father--a sergeant at the Therian-Human Intelligence Recon Defense Squadron, otherwise known as the THIRDS--pulls a few strings, and Dex gets recruited as a Defense Agent.
Dex is determined to get his life back on track and eager to get started in his new job. But his first meeting with Team Leader Sloane Brodie, who also happens to be his new jaguar Therian partner, turns disastrous. When the team is called to investigate the murders of three Humanitherian activists, it soon becomes clear to Dex that getting his partner and the rest of the tightknit team to accept him will be a lot harder than catching the killer--and every bit as dangerous.
388 pages, Paperback
Published October 29, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
August 3, 2020
Hell & High Water was a fun read with a decent storyline and a satisfactory dose of smut (which by the way was surprising because I wasn't expecting there to be any). I am aware that it is a comic adaptation of a full-length novel of the same name and probably, it would have made more sense to read this after reading the actual book because obviously a comic adaptation can't include everything from the book and was most likely missing some detailed explanations or scenes that would have contributed to the story. Regardless, I wasn't in the mood to take up yet another romance novel. I am as it is having a hard time finishing the ones on my "currently reading" shelf. Guess, it's just been a bit too much of the romance genre for me lately.
And I am sort of glad that I chose to read this instead of the book because I personally feel, with comics/graphic novels/ mangas, the book can turn out decent even if with a mediocre plot. Because there is a lot of visual appeal to compensate for a lack of an extraordinary plot. Moreover, I felt that the graphics made the romance also easier. Like I could clearly imagine me rolling my eyes at certain scenes if I was reading the text version of it but for some reason, it wasn't so with the graphic version. Graphics always make me more tolerant of the classic cheesy tropes.
However, I really do not mean to be presumptuous by insinuating that the novel won't be that good because well, I haven't read it. It might actually be pretty nice, at least that's what the ratings indicate and I might actually try it. Maybe. But definitely at a later date. Right now, I have way too many books in line and I would really appreciate a break from romance.
As far as the characters are concerned, I really liked Dex. He is interesting, carefree, overly gregarious. It's hard to not like him. Solane was alright as well. But other than Dex, I didn't particularly feel much for the rest of the characters. The romance was again okayish for me. It wasn't strictly the only focus because simultaneously there is a case being solved by the team. Still, didn't feel any major "feels" as such with romance. Or any particular excitement about the mystery. It was good because the art was good and I was enjoying the visual charm of the book. And all in all, it was an enjoyable read.
And I am sort of glad that I chose to read this instead of the book because I personally feel, with comics/graphic novels/ mangas, the book can turn out decent even if with a mediocre plot. Because there is a lot of visual appeal to compensate for a lack of an extraordinary plot. Moreover, I felt that the graphics made the romance also easier. Like I could clearly imagine me rolling my eyes at certain scenes if I was reading the text version of it but for some reason, it wasn't so with the graphic version. Graphics always make me more tolerant of the classic cheesy tropes.
However, I really do not mean to be presumptuous by insinuating that the novel won't be that good because well, I haven't read it. It might actually be pretty nice, at least that's what the ratings indicate and I might actually try it. Maybe. But definitely at a later date. Right now, I have way too many books in line and I would really appreciate a break from romance.
As far as the characters are concerned, I really liked Dex. He is interesting, carefree, overly gregarious. It's hard to not like him. Solane was alright as well. But other than Dex, I didn't particularly feel much for the rest of the characters. The romance was again okayish for me. It wasn't strictly the only focus because simultaneously there is a case being solved by the team. Still, didn't feel any major "feels" as such with romance. Or any particular excitement about the mystery. It was good because the art was good and I was enjoying the visual charm of the book. And all in all, it was an enjoyable read.
January 9, 2021
*all my reviews henceforth will be in English and Swahili*
3.5 stars
English: not bad
Swahili: alijaribu
3.5 stars
English: not bad
Swahili: alijaribu
February 4, 2021
Sometimes the art felt rushed, and the plot didn't cover much of the series, but it wasn't bad.
September 30, 2021
ADAPTAÇÃO IMPECÁVEL
A graphic novel ESTÁ SIMPLESMENTE PERFEITA!
Tudo que é essencial e único no livro foi incluído de forma precisa. Cenas icônicas foram adicionadas DE FORMA IDÊNTICA. O começo foi tão bem adaptado que ouso dizer ficou mais fluido do que nos primeiros capítulos do livro.
O nosso Dex e sua personalidade única que trás tantos fãs para a série FICOU PERFEITO. Sua personalidade foi capturada em cada desenho.
Foi uma experiência incrível poder visualizar um dos meus livros preferidos dos meus mais de 20 anos de leitora. Queria fortemente que todos os livros fossem adaptados.
Quando li a última página queria apenas voltar ao começo e ler tudo de novo. PERFEITO PERFEITO
P E R F E I T O
A graphic novel ESTÁ SIMPLESMENTE PERFEITA!
Tudo que é essencial e único no livro foi incluído de forma precisa. Cenas icônicas foram adicionadas DE FORMA IDÊNTICA. O começo foi tão bem adaptado que ouso dizer ficou mais fluido do que nos primeiros capítulos do livro.
O nosso Dex e sua personalidade única que trás tantos fãs para a série FICOU PERFEITO. Sua personalidade foi capturada em cada desenho.
Foi uma experiência incrível poder visualizar um dos meus livros preferidos dos meus mais de 20 anos de leitora. Queria fortemente que todos os livros fossem adaptados.
Quando li a última página queria apenas voltar ao começo e ler tudo de novo. PERFEITO PERFEITO
P E R F E I T O
January 15, 2021
The characters are so weird, the story is poorly developed and the art is umm jarring sometimes. I completed it but I was neither emotionally invested nor cared for the story.
January 17, 2021
Loved the adaptation! SO FREAKING GOOD! Once again in love with these characters and story!
September 5, 2021
Just felt the story was rather confusing like I didn’t know wtf was happening so yeah dropping it…
December 12, 2019
OMG! I loved this! Nothing like having one of your favorite M/M Romances in a graphic novel. So much fun to read. It wasn't the whole book of Hell & High Water, but the plot was all there in graphics as well as the iconic start of Dex and Sloane's relationship.
Dex is transferred, or promoted, to the THIRDS (Therian-Human Intelligence Recon Defense Squadron) as a Defense Agent after an incident with his partner at the HPF (Human Police Force). Sloane is a Jaguar Therian and head of Destructive Delta within the THIRDS. After Sloane loses his partner in a meetup gone wrong, Dex is brought in as Sloane's new partner. As they get to know each other going out into the fields of bad Therians and threats against both Human and Therians, sparks start to fly. And so begins this beautiful love story.
If you have not yet read or listened to the original book, I highly encourage you to do so. It's full of action in a world the amazing Charlie Cochet came up with. And I promise you will fall so hard for not only Dex and Sloane, but for the rest of Destructive Delta as well.
Dex is transferred, or promoted, to the THIRDS (Therian-Human Intelligence Recon Defense Squadron) as a Defense Agent after an incident with his partner at the HPF (Human Police Force). Sloane is a Jaguar Therian and head of Destructive Delta within the THIRDS. After Sloane loses his partner in a meetup gone wrong, Dex is brought in as Sloane's new partner. As they get to know each other going out into the fields of bad Therians and threats against both Human and Therians, sparks start to fly. And so begins this beautiful love story.
If you have not yet read or listened to the original book, I highly encourage you to do so. It's full of action in a world the amazing Charlie Cochet came up with. And I promise you will fall so hard for not only Dex and Sloane, but for the rest of Destructive Delta as well.
March 20, 2021
dang ok this was pretty fun
i found this book on a whim and i was pleasantly surprised. i haven't read the original source material but i liked it lol. there were some good LOL moments and while i wished there could've been more angst im fine with that cause i just like to cause myself pain lmao
actually what i find most interesting is the art style. this was illustrated by a korean artist and to me it almost has this blend of the typical manhwa art style but a little more westernized??? if that makes any sense. it's not particularly jaw dropping or detailed but idk there's something about it that i liked so yeah lol
ps. there's some *spicy* *uncensored* scenes and im pretty sure i should book a trip to vatican city
i found this book on a whim and i was pleasantly surprised. i haven't read the original source material but i liked it lol. there were some good LOL moments and while i wished there could've been more angst im fine with that cause i just like to cause myself pain lmao
actually what i find most interesting is the art style. this was illustrated by a korean artist and to me it almost has this blend of the typical manhwa art style but a little more westernized??? if that makes any sense. it's not particularly jaw dropping or detailed but idk there's something about it that i liked so yeah lol
ps. there's some *spicy* *uncensored* scenes and im pretty sure i should book a trip to vatican city
January 6, 2020
Even if I still prefer the book, I love that they made a manga of it! It was a really cool idea and I really enjoyed it! I hope that they will do for the whole serie ...
December 10, 2019
I have VERY mixed feelings about this manga.
I'm giving 4-4.5 stars for the actual adaptation. Going from a book medium to an art/manga medium can be a challenge as the storyline has to be cut down to fit into a (usually) 100-200 page comic. Hell & High Water was certainly larger and longer than I expected it to be which was great as we got more of the original story covered! Plus, what was covered made perfect sense for someone who may have not read the novels.
I'm giving 3 stars for the art...while I like the cover (after getting used to seeing it for months), the character art is so sketchy and more like line-art than what I've come to expect a finished manga to look like. It's sharp rather than more fluid, which I realize is a style choice but I'm really not a fan. Also, there are waaaay too many chibi and silly versions of the characters. We hardly ever see them with more serious expressions. Dex is of course a ridiculous character who's so full of energy and spirit. But one of the great things about Dex is his hidden depth of emotion. Dex feels so much and can get enormously angry, upset, or focused. I saw almost none of that version of Dex...the text would read seriously and Dex would have a serious face for one panel and then it'd be back to the goofy looks. I know Dex is a goof but come on!
Finally, the logistics of the physical manga...I'm talking about the translations and photoshopping. I'm giving it 2 stars and that's a bit generous. Translation is fine for the text/quotes but omg why did none of the Korean sound effects get scrubbed and translated properly?? Even the illegal fan subs of manga scans online do better work than this. I KNOW people know what an onomatopoeia is so why didn't they use any?? I've found this same thing happen in other manga adaptations from Dreamspinner press (some more ridiculous than others).
Overall I'm really glad this exists and I hope it gets others into the series, but I wish more effort would have been put into making a tighter translation.
4 Stars
I'm giving 4-4.5 stars for the actual adaptation. Going from a book medium to an art/manga medium can be a challenge as the storyline has to be cut down to fit into a (usually) 100-200 page comic. Hell & High Water was certainly larger and longer than I expected it to be which was great as we got more of the original story covered! Plus, what was covered made perfect sense for someone who may have not read the novels.
I'm giving 3 stars for the art...while I like the cover (after getting used to seeing it for months), the character art is so sketchy and more like line-art than what I've come to expect a finished manga to look like. It's sharp rather than more fluid, which I realize is a style choice but I'm really not a fan. Also, there are waaaay too many chibi and silly versions of the characters. We hardly ever see them with more serious expressions. Dex is of course a ridiculous character who's so full of energy and spirit. But one of the great things about Dex is his hidden depth of emotion. Dex feels so much and can get enormously angry, upset, or focused. I saw almost none of that version of Dex...the text would read seriously and Dex would have a serious face for one panel and then it'd be back to the goofy looks. I know Dex is a goof but come on!
Finally, the logistics of the physical manga...I'm talking about the translations and photoshopping. I'm giving it 2 stars and that's a bit generous. Translation is fine for the text/quotes but omg why did none of the Korean sound effects get scrubbed and translated properly?? Even the illegal fan subs of manga scans online do better work than this. I KNOW people know what an onomatopoeia is so why didn't they use any?? I've found this same thing happen in other manga adaptations from Dreamspinner press (some more ridiculous than others).
Overall I'm really glad this exists and I hope it gets others into the series, but I wish more effort would have been put into making a tighter translation.
4 Stars
February 9, 2020
★★★★★ = *Fan girl squeal* I loved it! Straight to the favourites list!
I wrote a review for when Zero at the Bone graphic novel (also by Son Gaepi) was released. I am going to copy the exact same review because everything I said applies to this as well...
I was over-the-moon happy when I saw this. I even went as far as buying the audiobook to listen too while I waiting for this to arrive in the post. I love comics in any form and was excited for this adaptation.
I started THIRDS back in 2014 and had been following the ebooks ever since. After learning about the comic I purchased all the audiobooks to refresh my memory. Once the book arrived in the post I got to enjoy the story once again and loved ever minute of it. Sure, a lot of scenes got chopped up, cut out and altered a little bit but I understand that to make a graphic novel these things happen. I enjoyed the comic for what it was: an adaptation of the novel.
I only wish that the comic would continue with the books. That would be amazing!
So happy and will be following Son Gaepi's releases.
I wrote a review for when Zero at the Bone graphic novel (also by Son Gaepi) was released. I am going to copy the exact same review because everything I said applies to this as well...
I was over-the-moon happy when I saw this. I even went as far as buying the audiobook to listen too while I waiting for this to arrive in the post. I love comics in any form and was excited for this adaptation.
I started THIRDS back in 2014 and had been following the ebooks ever since. After learning about the comic I purchased all the audiobooks to refresh my memory. Once the book arrived in the post I got to enjoy the story once again and loved ever minute of it. Sure, a lot of scenes got chopped up, cut out and altered a little bit but I understand that to make a graphic novel these things happen. I enjoyed the comic for what it was: an adaptation of the novel.
I only wish that the comic would continue with the books. That would be amazing!
So happy and will be following Son Gaepi's releases.
January 2, 2020
Un peu partagée par le résultat. D'un côté je trouve l'histoire vraiment très bien adaptée, une grande partie de l'histoire d'origine est reprise et le tout a vraiment du sens, même si le lecteur ne connaît pas le roman.
De l'autre, le dessin, les visages notamment, reste bien souvent à l'état d'ébauche (quand ça ne part pas dans une extrême un peu chibi) qui fait que les personnages perdent en profondeur d'émotion. À cela s'ajoutent des onomatopées qui ont été traduites sans que le texte en coréen ne soit effacé, ce qui surcharge l'image et donne une impression de brouillon.
De l'autre, le dessin, les visages notamment, reste bien souvent à l'état d'ébauche (quand ça ne part pas dans une extrême un peu chibi) qui fait que les personnages perdent en profondeur d'émotion. À cela s'ajoutent des onomatopées qui ont été traduites sans que le texte en coréen ne soit effacé, ce qui surcharge l'image et donne une impression de brouillon.
December 15, 2021
Really hope there will be more
As a huge fan of the actual novels I really enjoyed this interpretation and I hope this wasn’t a one shot but that we might get to see some of the rest of the series adapted into manga form!
As a huge fan of the actual novels I really enjoyed this interpretation and I hope this wasn’t a one shot but that we might get to see some of the rest of the series adapted into manga form!
February 23, 2025
It wasn’t one of the best comics I’ve read, but it’s definitely what I needed after a long time of no reading.
To add to that, I seriously cant believe how fun and hilarious our mc was! The humour had to be the best part of the whole thing!!
To add to that, I seriously cant believe how fun and hilarious our mc was! The humour had to be the best part of the whole thing!!
December 11, 2019
The adaptation was great and the art was beautiful. I really hope they make the rest of the books in the series into mangas.
August 8, 2021
Actual Rating: 3.5 / 5
November 28, 2022
2.5 / 5
Je préfère le roman.
Je préfère le roman.
March 8, 2023
Only stayed for the plot (2.5 to 3 ⭐️s)
May 27, 2026
A MM romance book made into a comic/manhwa! It has sci-fi shifters, cop coworkers, grumpy/sunshine & murders!
I saw this story rec on FB (the name reminded me of another book so I thought I'll check this out ASAP!), but when I found the comic, I realise I know the author. I haven't read a Charlie book yet, but well I read their comic 1st now 😁.
The story was fun & got me interested, I read this in like 3-4hrs. I do wish the art was more my style, but it wasn't. But in its capacities they looked good enough. There must be more in the book, things get confusing when info is given fast in comic but I do end up getting it. I may try this series, I think I'll end up giving the book 5 stars, maybe lol! I wonder if Cael got a book 🤔. Now the good things:
Dex is such a playful, carefree yet observant, protective human who likes to make people smile. Sloane is the broody, grump, leader jaguar therian but he's caring, atleast once he opens up 🥹.
Therian as a concept is interesting, as it is just shifters but more sci fi & mutations. Pretty cool! Dex coming from an adopted, mixed family made him open minded which is great. The murder mystery was interesting, with the flashbacks for the MCs as truths get revealed.
Sloane's type is his partner(s) lol 😅. I freaking knew something was going on with him & Gabe, duh. We see most of Ash, Hobbs & Calvin, I hope they get their books. This team & their dynamic was fun!
They're all cops, Dex got to work with his family 😆. His new partner (aka S) seems to hate him, but D wins them over 😁. Comic is humourous, like some - ain't no way it was like that in book, I should read & compare 😂. The murders are taken seriously & the climax is hella dramatic 😳.
S+D's tension snapped in a hot way, it was uncensored, guys 🔥. It sucks they gotta keep it secret or one will be moved 🫠. Couldn't resist forever 😏. It actually felt fast paced, I'd say moderate to mild angst at times. I was surprised the relationship talk happened in last ch, as I'd've liked to see them as a couple for atleast 1 more ch! Still cute ending.
Comic rating: 8/10
1) The Characters: 5/5
2) Story: 😯😁😆😅🙃🥹😬😉😌😶🌫️😤🥵😏😍😳🥲🥰
3) Art: 3.5/5 (colored)
4) Sexy/Steamy scenes: Yes!
FB Page | Instagram | Bookbub | FB group
I saw this story rec on FB (the name reminded me of another book so I thought I'll check this out ASAP!), but when I found the comic, I realise I know the author. I haven't read a Charlie book yet, but well I read their comic 1st now 😁.
The story was fun & got me interested, I read this in like 3-4hrs. I do wish the art was more my style, but it wasn't. But in its capacities they looked good enough. There must be more in the book, things get confusing when info is given fast in comic but I do end up getting it. I may try this series, I think I'll end up giving the book 5 stars, maybe lol! I wonder if Cael got a book 🤔. Now the good things:
Dex is such a playful, carefree yet observant, protective human who likes to make people smile. Sloane is the broody, grump, leader jaguar therian but he's caring, atleast once he opens up 🥹.
Therian as a concept is interesting, as it is just shifters but more sci fi & mutations. Pretty cool! Dex coming from an adopted, mixed family made him open minded which is great. The murder mystery was interesting, with the flashbacks for the MCs as truths get revealed.
Sloane's type is his partner(s) lol 😅. I freaking knew something was going on with him & Gabe, duh. We see most of Ash, Hobbs & Calvin, I hope they get their books. This team & their dynamic was fun!
They're all cops, Dex got to work with his family 😆. His new partner (aka S) seems to hate him, but D wins them over 😁. Comic is humourous, like some - ain't no way it was like that in book, I should read & compare 😂. The murders are taken seriously & the climax is hella dramatic 😳.
S+D's tension snapped in a hot way, it was uncensored, guys 🔥. It sucks they gotta keep it secret or one will be moved 🫠. Couldn't resist forever 😏. It actually felt fast paced, I'd say moderate to mild angst at times. I was surprised the relationship talk happened in last ch, as I'd've liked to see them as a couple for atleast 1 more ch! Still cute ending.
Comic rating: 8/10
1) The Characters: 5/5
2) Story: 😯😁😆😅🙃🥹😬😉😌😶🌫️😤🥵😏😍😳🥲🥰
3) Art: 3.5/5 (colored)
4) Sexy/Steamy scenes: Yes!
FB Page | Instagram | Bookbub | FB group
September 27, 2026
One of a kind story that easily is my favorite read of 2026. It unique and HOT. I also had a great time laughing and giggling with everything going on in the story! ❤️
September 28, 2020
Graphic Novel Review April 2020:
As for the story itself, nothing has really changed from my original ebook and audiobook reviews for Hell & High Water, Dex and Sloane are still absolutely amazing, brilliant, fun, sexy, intense, and all around lovely. As for this graphic novel/magna edition, well it is brilliant! I'm talking HOLY HANNAH BATMAN! THE FORCE IS STRONG WITH THIS ONE! Brilliant! To be honest, I've never read magna before, I've read many Star Wars comic book collections which are often labeled "graphic novels" but never actual magna. I've seen pictures and screenshots from some so I knew what to expect as for the artwork(and to all those who think "comic books" aren't artwork, well you haven't actually read any because they have to tell a story in short dialog and miniaturized pictures so it truly is artwork). There is so much that goes on in Hell & High Water I was unsure how they would be able to capture the true nature of the journey but you know what? Charlie Cochet did it! I can't imagine how much time and energy went into choosing the moments that best told the story, being able to "cut things out" for brevity or space but it works. As much as I'd love to see the whole THIRDS universe in magna form, I know it's a one off because well, I expect she'd probably not get anything else done for at least a couple of years if she tried to accomplish it.
One last note: I'm not familiar with the illustrator, Son Gaepi, but HOLY MOLY! Amazing work, really captured Dex, Sloane, and the whole Delta gang pretty darn perfectly.
Hell & High Water Audiobook Review October 2019:
I'm not going to say I forgot just how amazing Dex, Sloane, and the whole Delta gang was because let's face it: how could anyone forget them even way back in the beginning? The humor, the wit, the danger, the heat is still absolutely off the charts and Mark Westfield brings that all to life beautifully. Obviously there are different voices for different characters but what I really loved was the added elements that showcased the communication devices, the inflections that technology does to one's voice. It was these little things that really made Hell & High Water stand out in the audiobook department that isn't often used in other stories. I can't say anything more that wasn't in my original review other than I still love THIRDS and can't wait to listen to the rest and look forward to future re-visits.
Original Overall ebook Review for Books #1-4 October 2017:
I'm going to start by saying that some of my most trusted book lover BFFs have been singing the praises of Charlie Cochet's THIRDS for ages now, I've even had the first two in the series on my Kindle for nearly three years. With it coming up on October, I decided it was a perfect time to give it a read for my paranormal posts. Simply put: THIRDS is BRILLIANT!
When I started Hell & High Water I thought, hmmm Dex is interesting. Talk about an understatement. As a high school graduate of the Class of '91, I grew up with the music of the 80's, now I can't say they ever filled me with the "drop everything, sing, & dance" adrenaline rush that Dex brings to the team, but it made me smile every time he starts singing. As a life-long devoted Star Wars geek, I really loved Sloane's closeted geek side that he shares with Dex.
As for the mystery side of the series, to say it had me on the edge of my seat from cover to cover may sound cliche but its no less true. I won't touch on the plot as I don't do spoilers but let me say I could not put it down, when I finished one I immediately started the next. The characters just blend together so well, even when they are at odds, as in Dex and Ash, he is not a fan of Dex's fire or his love of everything 80s. As for the romance, well lets just say that its off the charts and the chemistry between Dex and Sloane is what we all hope to find.
Dex, Sloane, and Destructive Delta is the paranormal equivalent of Abigail Roux's Ty, Zane, and Sidewinder. Now, I am not saying its a copy, far from it! No, what I mean is the passion, anticipation, intrigue, excitement it sparks in me is similar to how I felt with the Cut & Run series. THIRDS is most definitely an incredible, emotional roller coaster all on its own and I can't believe it took me so long to check it out because now I'm waiting on tender hooks waiting for more of Delta's adventures.
As for the story itself, nothing has really changed from my original ebook and audiobook reviews for Hell & High Water, Dex and Sloane are still absolutely amazing, brilliant, fun, sexy, intense, and all around lovely. As for this graphic novel/magna edition, well it is brilliant! I'm talking HOLY HANNAH BATMAN! THE FORCE IS STRONG WITH THIS ONE! Brilliant! To be honest, I've never read magna before, I've read many Star Wars comic book collections which are often labeled "graphic novels" but never actual magna. I've seen pictures and screenshots from some so I knew what to expect as for the artwork(and to all those who think "comic books" aren't artwork, well you haven't actually read any because they have to tell a story in short dialog and miniaturized pictures so it truly is artwork). There is so much that goes on in Hell & High Water I was unsure how they would be able to capture the true nature of the journey but you know what? Charlie Cochet did it! I can't imagine how much time and energy went into choosing the moments that best told the story, being able to "cut things out" for brevity or space but it works. As much as I'd love to see the whole THIRDS universe in magna form, I know it's a one off because well, I expect she'd probably not get anything else done for at least a couple of years if she tried to accomplish it.
One last note: I'm not familiar with the illustrator, Son Gaepi, but HOLY MOLY! Amazing work, really captured Dex, Sloane, and the whole Delta gang pretty darn perfectly.
Hell & High Water Audiobook Review October 2019:
I'm not going to say I forgot just how amazing Dex, Sloane, and the whole Delta gang was because let's face it: how could anyone forget them even way back in the beginning? The humor, the wit, the danger, the heat is still absolutely off the charts and Mark Westfield brings that all to life beautifully. Obviously there are different voices for different characters but what I really loved was the added elements that showcased the communication devices, the inflections that technology does to one's voice. It was these little things that really made Hell & High Water stand out in the audiobook department that isn't often used in other stories. I can't say anything more that wasn't in my original review other than I still love THIRDS and can't wait to listen to the rest and look forward to future re-visits.
Original Overall ebook Review for Books #1-4 October 2017:
I'm going to start by saying that some of my most trusted book lover BFFs have been singing the praises of Charlie Cochet's THIRDS for ages now, I've even had the first two in the series on my Kindle for nearly three years. With it coming up on October, I decided it was a perfect time to give it a read for my paranormal posts. Simply put: THIRDS is BRILLIANT!
When I started Hell & High Water I thought, hmmm Dex is interesting. Talk about an understatement. As a high school graduate of the Class of '91, I grew up with the music of the 80's, now I can't say they ever filled me with the "drop everything, sing, & dance" adrenaline rush that Dex brings to the team, but it made me smile every time he starts singing. As a life-long devoted Star Wars geek, I really loved Sloane's closeted geek side that he shares with Dex.
As for the mystery side of the series, to say it had me on the edge of my seat from cover to cover may sound cliche but its no less true. I won't touch on the plot as I don't do spoilers but let me say I could not put it down, when I finished one I immediately started the next. The characters just blend together so well, even when they are at odds, as in Dex and Ash, he is not a fan of Dex's fire or his love of everything 80s. As for the romance, well lets just say that its off the charts and the chemistry between Dex and Sloane is what we all hope to find.
Dex, Sloane, and Destructive Delta is the paranormal equivalent of Abigail Roux's Ty, Zane, and Sidewinder. Now, I am not saying its a copy, far from it! No, what I mean is the passion, anticipation, intrigue, excitement it sparks in me is similar to how I felt with the Cut & Run series. THIRDS is most definitely an incredible, emotional roller coaster all on its own and I can't believe it took me so long to check it out because now I'm waiting on tender hooks waiting for more of Delta's adventures.
October 11, 2020
Quiero llorar por hacer los capítulos tan cortos, para una historia super buenísima.
Cuando empecé a leerlo, no pillaba que la cuenta de Javi ya había hablado sobre los libros, me di cuenta fue cuando estaba buscando una imagen y me pareció el mega libro. Quedé sin palabras, en serio.
La historia nos presenta a Dex, un chico adoptado por Tony Maddock. Dex tiene un pasado algo turbio al meter a su compañero a la carcel por haber matado a un niño a sangre fría, el abandono de su novio al no soportar las críticas dirigidas a Dex y las golpisas que recibió; a raíz de todo eso, es reclutado por los THRIDS.
¿Qué es la THRIDS, luisa? Vale, empecemos por partes; después que terminara la guerra de 1970, el uso de armas biológicas hizo que se expandiera un virus mortal, para ello crearon una "cura" que hacia mutar a las personas que tenían dicho virus, convirtiendose en "animales" o como se le llama, Therians. Los humanos que no fueron afectados por el virus, empezaron a temer y hubo una rebelión entre los humanos y los therians; hasta que Estados Unidos toma carta en el asunto y crea THRIDS, una organización para proteger a ambas razas, trabajando en equipo y mostran que humanos y therians pueden trabajar juntos.
Dex es un chico divertido y gracioso pero cuando lo haces enojar, se enoja. Mayormente se mete con Ash. El escuadron trabaja en pareja, siendo un humano y un therian; donde a Dex le toca con Sloane, un tipo que había perdido a su pareja y no tiene buen inicio con Dex, ya que piensa que lo esta reemplazando. En fin, lo que me gusta de la historia es que no solo gira en el raro romance, sino en el trabajo, hay ciertos asesinatos que deben de averiguar y eso me gustó demasiado, todo el escuadron sabe como trabajar y mola mucho.
La relación que se ve, es rara, como dije, las dos personas están rotas, uno porque perdió a su compañero y el otro porque lo abandonaron y hay heridas. Otra cosas que me hubiera gustado, es que tuviera más capítulos, 28 no son suficientes, no abarca nada, y lloro.
Cuando empecé a leerlo, no pillaba que la cuenta de Javi ya había hablado sobre los libros, me di cuenta fue cuando estaba buscando una imagen y me pareció el mega libro. Quedé sin palabras, en serio.
La historia nos presenta a Dex, un chico adoptado por Tony Maddock. Dex tiene un pasado algo turbio al meter a su compañero a la carcel por haber matado a un niño a sangre fría, el abandono de su novio al no soportar las críticas dirigidas a Dex y las golpisas que recibió; a raíz de todo eso, es reclutado por los THRIDS.
¿Qué es la THRIDS, luisa? Vale, empecemos por partes; después que terminara la guerra de 1970, el uso de armas biológicas hizo que se expandiera un virus mortal, para ello crearon una "cura" que hacia mutar a las personas que tenían dicho virus, convirtiendose en "animales" o como se le llama, Therians. Los humanos que no fueron afectados por el virus, empezaron a temer y hubo una rebelión entre los humanos y los therians; hasta que Estados Unidos toma carta en el asunto y crea THRIDS, una organización para proteger a ambas razas, trabajando en equipo y mostran que humanos y therians pueden trabajar juntos.
Dex es un chico divertido y gracioso pero cuando lo haces enojar, se enoja. Mayormente se mete con Ash. El escuadron trabaja en pareja, siendo un humano y un therian; donde a Dex le toca con Sloane, un tipo que había perdido a su pareja y no tiene buen inicio con Dex, ya que piensa que lo esta reemplazando. En fin, lo que me gusta de la historia es que no solo gira en el raro romance, sino en el trabajo, hay ciertos asesinatos que deben de averiguar y eso me gustó demasiado, todo el escuadron sabe como trabajar y mola mucho.
La relación que se ve, es rara, como dije, las dos personas están rotas, uno porque perdió a su compañero y el otro porque lo abandonaron y hay heridas. Otra cosas que me hubiera gustado, es que tuviera más capítulos, 28 no son suficientes, no abarca nada, y lloro.
April 1, 2024
Flew through this! It's been ages since I read the series and I've had this graphic novel adaptation on my shelf for I don't even know how long, so it was about time I picked it up and I'm so glad I did!
My memory of the exact story of the first book was hazy at best, which actually worked out perfectly because it meant that the tension of the mystery was very present for me. While reading, snippets came back, but I was still surprised at the big reveal in the end, yay!
I really like the core crew, vague memories of partnerships came back and I was just excited to rediscover them. The art style was incredibly dynamic and really brought all the characters to life. Some relationship-building was very fast-paced, maybe even a bit rushed, but I can't say whether that's due to the medium or if that was also the case in the novel, it's simply been too long since I read it. Because I do know and love the characters, I wasn't too bothered by it though!
Important note for people thinking about picking this up, it's got very graphic sex scenes in it. To be honest, I remember the original having some spicy scenes, but honestly I didn't think about ho they would be adapted. Very explicitly is the answer. Body parts are not hidden in any way and we get to see everything clear as day 😂 This is neither here nor there for me, it just is, but I imagine that not everyone will be interested in seeing the characters with their dicks out. One thing to read a sex scene, another to see a sex scene, am I right?
Overall, I am really glad I finally got around to reading this. The world is so incredibly fascinating and tells some important stories about race and discrimination (in a similar way that the X-men did) and reading this adaptation has really made me want to go back and reread the original series.
My memory of the exact story of the first book was hazy at best, which actually worked out perfectly because it meant that the tension of the mystery was very present for me. While reading, snippets came back, but I was still surprised at the big reveal in the end, yay!
I really like the core crew, vague memories of partnerships came back and I was just excited to rediscover them. The art style was incredibly dynamic and really brought all the characters to life. Some relationship-building was very fast-paced, maybe even a bit rushed, but I can't say whether that's due to the medium or if that was also the case in the novel, it's simply been too long since I read it. Because I do know and love the characters, I wasn't too bothered by it though!
Important note for people thinking about picking this up, it's got very graphic sex scenes in it. To be honest, I remember the original having some spicy scenes, but honestly I didn't think about ho they would be adapted. Very explicitly is the answer. Body parts are not hidden in any way and we get to see everything clear as day 😂 This is neither here nor there for me, it just is, but I imagine that not everyone will be interested in seeing the characters with their dicks out. One thing to read a sex scene, another to see a sex scene, am I right?
Overall, I am really glad I finally got around to reading this. The world is so incredibly fascinating and tells some important stories about race and discrimination (in a similar way that the X-men did) and reading this adaptation has really made me want to go back and reread the original series.
August 28, 2025
This was a great read- really different and unusual. It's using some familiar tropes and ideas, but in fairly unique ways. The strength of the story is in the characterisation; everyone who matters has strong motives and a fully-fleshed personality so that interactions are believable and fun. Dex, in particular, is a great character- really playful and happy-go-lucky which hides his strength and resilience.
Whilst both MCs have interesting personalities and backstories and their chemistry is believable, it is a little fast. They seem to have an instant attraction, and act on it almost as quickly, which is not of itself an issue because Dex is a massive flirt and 10/10 would do that. But one of the main subplots of the story is Sloane getting over the grief of losing his partner- it feels less believable that he's going to fall into bed with the new guy when he's so hung up on his old partner. It felt like it needed longer for his feelings to develop.
The world building is unique, but still makes sense. We have animal shifters (mostly of the large cat variety), but they're integrated into society. There's tension between the therians and the humans, and that's a large part of the story.
The other great part of this is the art. It's a bit sloppy at times, but somehow that really works. The facial expressions are still evocative, and the emotion comes through, even when the linework and colouring look like they were the first, unpolished drafts of a scene. It strikes me as the sort of thing that looks rough, but would actually take quite a lot of skill to pull off.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. The therian/cop world-building, and the solving-a-murder together workplace romance setting made for a really engaging plot. And Dex is a super fun, relatable character. It was easy to root for him right off the bat.
Whilst both MCs have interesting personalities and backstories and their chemistry is believable, it is a little fast. They seem to have an instant attraction, and act on it almost as quickly, which is not of itself an issue because Dex is a massive flirt and 10/10 would do that. But one of the main subplots of the story is Sloane getting over the grief of losing his partner- it feels less believable that he's going to fall into bed with the new guy when he's so hung up on his old partner. It felt like it needed longer for his feelings to develop.
The world building is unique, but still makes sense. We have animal shifters (mostly of the large cat variety), but they're integrated into society. There's tension between the therians and the humans, and that's a large part of the story.
The other great part of this is the art. It's a bit sloppy at times, but somehow that really works. The facial expressions are still evocative, and the emotion comes through, even when the linework and colouring look like they were the first, unpolished drafts of a scene. It strikes me as the sort of thing that looks rough, but would actually take quite a lot of skill to pull off.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. The therian/cop world-building, and the solving-a-murder together workplace romance setting made for a really engaging plot. And Dex is a super fun, relatable character. It was easy to root for him right off the bat.
July 21, 2025
"Dex makes me feel like my body is on fire from the inside out. As if I'm the only guy in the room. The way he looks at me as if all he can see are the good things in me, as if the terrible, frightening, ugly parts don't exist".
Siempre es bueno iniciar un libro con 0 expectativas porque luego te puede sorprender, como fue este caso.
Para empezar no sabía que era una adaptación a novela gráfica, pensé que era un manga, razón principal por el que me interesó. Segundo, la sinopsis parecía interesante por lo que decidí darle una oportunidad y vaya sorpresa que me llevé.
No es por sonar pretenciosa, pero era justo lo que necesitaba leer en el momento, pues sentía que estaba entrando en un bloqueo lector, y necesitaba algo ligero pero que me gustara y me atrapara.
La historia es entretenida, y hay algunas cosas que parece como si fuera escrito en la actualidad, pues pude ver algunas similitudes con lo que sucede en el mundo actual.
Los personajes son de lo más cuquis, yo daría mi vida por ellos, en especial por Dex (Yes, I love a caotic blonde).
Además, en este perfil amamos el enemies to lovers, claro que sí.
Hay que darle también crédito a la artista, que el arte de esta novela es precioso (otra razón por la que decidí animarme a leerlo. SÍ, caí y me dejé llevar por la portada).
Definitivamente voy a continuar con la saga, pues además de que quiero saber que les depara a Dex y a Sloane, también quiero saber qué pasa con las demás parejitas.
Siempre es bueno iniciar un libro con 0 expectativas porque luego te puede sorprender, como fue este caso.
Para empezar no sabía que era una adaptación a novela gráfica, pensé que era un manga, razón principal por el que me interesó. Segundo, la sinopsis parecía interesante por lo que decidí darle una oportunidad y vaya sorpresa que me llevé.
No es por sonar pretenciosa, pero era justo lo que necesitaba leer en el momento, pues sentía que estaba entrando en un bloqueo lector, y necesitaba algo ligero pero que me gustara y me atrapara.
La historia es entretenida, y hay algunas cosas que parece como si fuera escrito en la actualidad, pues pude ver algunas similitudes con lo que sucede en el mundo actual.
Los personajes son de lo más cuquis, yo daría mi vida por ellos, en especial por Dex (Yes, I love a caotic blonde).
Además, en este perfil amamos el enemies to lovers, claro que sí.
Hay que darle también crédito a la artista, que el arte de esta novela es precioso (otra razón por la que decidí animarme a leerlo. SÍ, caí y me dejé llevar por la portada).
Definitivamente voy a continuar con la saga, pues además de que quiero saber que les depara a Dex y a Sloane, también quiero saber qué pasa con las demás parejitas.
November 28, 2024
3.75⭐️
A solid adaptation. I enjoyed the art style and the desaturated color pallet and line work works well for this type of story. It does a good job capturing most of the tone, important beats, and high points of the book. Bc it skims many thing though, there isn't time spent on the other characters so the cast is shallow. The charm, liveliness and family dynamic are missing and the story is flatter for it, including Dex and Sloane's relationship.
However, BL typically has little interest in side characters, especially one-shots so it's not surprising. What really bothered me is that the BL dynamic means that Dex spends all his time in dangerous situations being damselled to death. None of the scenes that show him fighting back and holding his own in the book are present in the manga. In one, the adaptation goes out of its way to ignore Dex's fighting abilities and instead it's "oh, I barley remember what happened, I only know Sloane rescued me" drivel.
The one that really pissed me off was during the climatic action. Most of the changes in the scene make sense for the changed ending, but there is one that his WHOLLY unnecessary except to make sure the literal Alpha male top keeps his bitch boy bottom in his place. Despite that, it's an entertaining addition to the series.
A solid adaptation. I enjoyed the art style and the desaturated color pallet and line work works well for this type of story. It does a good job capturing most of the tone, important beats, and high points of the book. Bc it skims many thing though, there isn't time spent on the other characters so the cast is shallow. The charm, liveliness and family dynamic are missing and the story is flatter for it, including Dex and Sloane's relationship.
However, BL typically has little interest in side characters, especially one-shots so it's not surprising. What really bothered me is that the BL dynamic means that Dex spends all his time in dangerous situations being damselled to death. None of the scenes that show him fighting back and holding his own in the book are present in the manga. In one, the adaptation goes out of its way to ignore Dex's fighting abilities and instead it's "oh, I barley remember what happened, I only know Sloane rescued me" drivel.
The one that really pissed me off was during the climatic action. Most of the changes in the scene make sense for the changed ending, but there is one that his WHOLLY unnecessary except to make sure the literal Alpha male top keeps his bitch boy bottom in his place. Despite that, it's an entertaining addition to the series.
January 11, 2020
I loved it, but it has been a while since I read a comic book and while I am not a fan of manga I was looking forward to it. So I was quite disappointed about the lack of descriptive text I am so used to. Glad to have read the book I could follow the story but it felt kind of cut down to the main story parts and the nuances that you create in your head while reading were missing. I assume it's a part of manga to go from almost realistic drawing of persons to a weird big eyes - big mouth version to show a certain emotional stance, but it just doesn't sit well with me when the character is missing hands or other body parts. As well as the soundwords in, again I assume the artist's language.
To the plus side, the sex was well drawn and I was glad no black bars or blurred squares covered the intimate areas. As the owner of the limited coloured edition I loved the step back in time when I read graphic novels by the dozen. I also loved the drawings of the Therians in their animal forms.
To the plus side, the sex was well drawn and I was glad no black bars or blurred squares covered the intimate areas. As the owner of the limited coloured edition I loved the step back in time when I read graphic novels by the dozen. I also loved the drawings of the Therians in their animal forms.
January 28, 2021
I was so reluctant to read this marvellous grapic novel, and now that I read it I think that my past self waw crazy. This is true gold!
Th3 art is gorgerous, melt completly with the action that was passing in the story, was funny when need it (even more if I can way), was full action in the combat scenes, all the softie and beautiful scenes with the therians shapeshifting were my favorites (Hobbs deserves to be love in all his forms, but in his tiger forms he totally stop my heart with that beaufil self, being all gorgerousness and the scene with Cal).
And that burning scene was ART, ART!
EN FIN, creo que las ilustraciones dieron vida a la historia, y si bien es más que obvio que no pudieron poner todos los detalles, también tiene sus detalles propios, las escenas son mucho más impresionantes a la vista y me lo acabé devorando en un día de la emoción.
I hope with all my heart that this adaptations continue, plesase, I love them ans I need them as much ae breathing!
Th3 art is gorgerous, melt completly with the action that was passing in the story, was funny when need it (even more if I can way), was full action in the combat scenes, all the softie and beautiful scenes with the therians shapeshifting were my favorites (Hobbs deserves to be love in all his forms, but in his tiger forms he totally stop my heart with that beaufil self, being all gorgerousness and the scene with Cal).
And that burning scene was ART, ART!
EN FIN, creo que las ilustraciones dieron vida a la historia, y si bien es más que obvio que no pudieron poner todos los detalles, también tiene sus detalles propios, las escenas son mucho más impresionantes a la vista y me lo acabé devorando en un día de la emoción.
I hope with all my heart that this adaptations continue, plesase, I love them ans I need them as much ae breathing!
April 12, 2020
Superbe lecture !!!
J’ai pas lu le roman avant et ça donne trop envie après avoir lu la bd 😁😁😁 Et quand je le ferai ça me fait plaisir d’avoir déjà des visages pour les noms 😃 Rien que pour ça j’aimerais avoir une bd pour toutes mes lectures !!! Ça donne une dimension vraiment intéressante et importante.
Pour l’histoire, on sent vraiment le talent de l’autrice. J’ai beaucoup aimé sa façon de mettre en place l’histoire. Tout est organisé, on se perd pas dans des explications, et les personnages sont superbes !!!
Les dessins par contre sont pas ma tasse de thé mais je pense que l’illustratrice a vraiment bien représentée les personnages, ils ont des réactions qui correspondent bien à se qu’ils disent, et c’est hilarant 😄
Je recommande a fond ce livre et la série en roman du coup, j’ai hâte d’avoir la version de MxM Bookmark en papier 😁
J’ai pas lu le roman avant et ça donne trop envie après avoir lu la bd 😁😁😁 Et quand je le ferai ça me fait plaisir d’avoir déjà des visages pour les noms 😃 Rien que pour ça j’aimerais avoir une bd pour toutes mes lectures !!! Ça donne une dimension vraiment intéressante et importante.
Pour l’histoire, on sent vraiment le talent de l’autrice. J’ai beaucoup aimé sa façon de mettre en place l’histoire. Tout est organisé, on se perd pas dans des explications, et les personnages sont superbes !!!
Les dessins par contre sont pas ma tasse de thé mais je pense que l’illustratrice a vraiment bien représentée les personnages, ils ont des réactions qui correspondent bien à se qu’ils disent, et c’est hilarant 😄
Je recommande a fond ce livre et la série en roman du coup, j’ai hâte d’avoir la version de MxM Bookmark en papier 😁
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