Thank you to Net Galley and the Publisher for my advanced reader’s copy of Of Swam and Sea by Mia Jay Boulton and Laurel Boulton.

I’m so mad at this book for ending the way it did! I NEED the second one now. What a compelling story with amazing art. The plot of this graphic novel had my interest from the first page and held it till the end. There are some common tropes like, a bookish girl and a brooding guy, but it’s presented in a way that is refreshing and comical. I cannot wait for the second one! If you like to read about magic, suspense, and dangerous circumstances PLUS charming moments of flirting, I definitely recommend this graphic novel!

I need more. I was hooked with "Lore Olympus meets Witcher". The world building was amazing and I love the monster hunter so much. I did not want to put this down once I had started and will probably not be able to wait until volume 2 comes out I might just need to hunt down this webtoon.

5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and 23rd St for the ARC!

What a cool and interesting concept! A girl named Mercy and a hunter she hired named Jonahset to go after the monster that killed her father, only now, the spirit possesses Mercy instead! As they try to break the curse, they must set to help out people in the village, before it’s too late.

This was fun, engaging, and I appreciate how the relationship is starting to blossom! I would love to see more of Jonah and his power? I guess? I also want Mercy to go full out bad ass mode! I know that might take a little more time, but regardless this was super fun, and I look forward to the next book!

Okay, if the absolutely beautiful cover wasn't enough to reel you into this read, the story itself ABSOLUTELY will.

I don't typically read graphic novels, but this may change that for me. I feel like I got to binge watch a few episodes of a show that I'm now eagerly awaiting the next part of! The introduction to the world? Exceptional. The introduction and development of the characters? Pristine. The pacing? Absolute perfection.

The story and plot landed right on the bullseye for me. The art itself is some of the most gorgeous I've seen. Why can't all books be like this?! It was engaging and enticing, and I cannot wait for the next part.

A huge huge thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books for the ARC read, I'm obsessed!!

Well that was absolutely adorable! This graphic novelization of webtoon Of Swamp and Sea (Vol. 1) is both absolutely gorgeous and a great beginning to a love story.

Mercy hires monster hunter Johan to get rid of the mist wolf that killed her father. But something goes wrong and she's possessed by the wolf, instead. Now Jonah's vowed to help Mercy get her body back, so they set out on a quest together.

The whole book is vaguely historical fantasy, set during a time with telephones and automobiles but not present day. Mercy is the archetypal bookworm heroine, while Jonah's taciturn and stoic demeanor hides a soft heart.

This is just volume 1, so there's only the tiniest hint of the romance to come. I'm definitely going to be checking out the whole series!

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

A monster romance! Loved the agency the main heroine character displays. Looking forward to the continuation of the series.

A fantastic adventure graphic novel that immediately stole my heart. I love Mercy and Jonah as characters and how they fit in together with each other. What starts as a "simple" monster hunt turns into an adventure across the country. Mercy is trying to understand her new companion and Jonah seems to just want to finish a job gone wrong, but under the surface there's so much there for both of them.

ARC was given by NetGalley & First Second Books | 23rd St.


Content/Trigger Warning: Loss of a parent, grief, violence, gun use


I had such a lovely time reading this graphic novel and I need the next volume now! The storyline is really interesting, the main characters are fantastic and their chemistry is chef's kiss, and I love the way how the world is modern but we have all these magical creatures laced throughout. The way this graphic novel ended was such a cliffhanger and I want is to know what will happen next. There's a situation that happens with our female lead and this wolf spirit. And I'm just so eager to see if they both can find common ground, how their stories will unravel, and what will happen. I need to know! All in all, this was a great read! I flew through it because I was so invested in it. If you like books that have monsters and fantasy creatures, romance, and stunning artwork then definitely give this graphic novel a chance!


All thoughts, feelings, experiences, and opinions are honest and my own.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, what a great first volume, instantly hooked. The artwork is amazing and the storyline is exactly what I was hoping for, a rugged monster hunter and possessed woman seeking revenge for her father. Bonus, not all of the monsters are monsters, some are really cute. I can't wait to see where the story goes because I have so many questions.

Mercy Gray Harding's father was murdered by a mist wolf and she has hired Jonah, a monster hunter to track down and kill the beast. Unfortunately Mercy is possessed by the mist wolf and now has decipher what memories are hers and what are the wolf's including fighting to keep control so the wolf doesn't hurt anyone else. Jonah has promised to fix it and they are in search for a cure for Mercy and the adventure begins.

Of Swamp & Sea: Volume One is a stunning start to a supernatural romance full of depth.

Mercy Gray Harding’s life is upended when a mist wolf kills her father in the swamp outside town. In desperation, she hires Jonah, a seasoned monster hunter, to devastating consequences. Instead of killing the creature, it possesses her, forcing Mercy to navigate her dual human and wolfish nature as she and Jonah embark on a dangerous journey for redemption and freedom. Along the way, their strictly professional bond deepens. As Mercy contends with the supernatural within, Jonah wrestles with guilt (and care) that slowly transforms into something real.

Mercy, witty and curious, complements Jonah’s grounded strength. Despite its darker themes, the comic doesn’t take itself too seriously—Mercy and Jonah tease and flirt in ways that bring humanity and levity to their perilous journey. This slow-burn partnership builds trust out of hardship and shared vulnerability, with small, trope-loving moments like Mercy resting on Jonah’s shoulder reinforcing their emotional connection.

Mercy and Jonah’s adventure feels cinematic, complete with beasts, spells, heartbreak, and hope. The artistic style enhances rather than overwhelms the storytelling, offering both spectacle and intimacy. Whether you're in it for the monsters, the mystery, or the slow build of something unforgettable between two flawed but fiercely engaging leads, this graphic novel is worth the journey.

This was so much fun! The art style was beautiful and the story held my attention captive right away. I got to the last page and kept trying to tap my screen to go onto the next chapter because I wanted more right away.

The relationship between the two main characters gives me the same vibe as Evie and Rick from my favorite movie, The Mummy (1999) and I am SO excited to see how their relationship develops in the future.

I feel like this was a very good first installment of the series. It helped the reader to gain their footing in this new world while simultaneously introducing us to the mysteries that we will surely face in future installments. I need volume two like, yesterday.

First things first – I am a reader who is absolutely feral for protagonists that have *monstrous* sides! The artwork in this series is absolutely stunning and matches the adventurous mystery themes beautifully.

Both of the character concepts were well thought out and well matched. I enjoyed the balance that Jonah brought to Mercy’s passion in their adventures!

Looking forward to see what happens next!

I liked the art style through this, and the story definitely has potential. I saw what it can be, but this one seemed really fast. I know it's a graphic novel, but it did just feel really fast. I really liked Mercy. She was shy, and just all around scared of what she had become. I think if the goal is romance, her and Jonah would be adorable together. I do want to know what exactly he is.

4.5 stars

Wow. The drawing style is stunning! The way this starts out is intriguing and gets you invested in story. I feel so bad for Mercy for having to deal with that situation. Also, screw that shopkeeper! They got what was coming to them. I LOVE Mercy's awkwardness in life; it's totally relatable. Jonah is certainly honorable and it's sweet to see.
That ending...the cliffhanger. I need more!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I love that more WebToon comics are being printed in graphic novel format.
OF Swamp and Sea is a book I am not sure I would know about if it weren't for NetGalley.
I really like the story in this series so far! I am excited to see what happens to our protagonists next!

Mercy is looking for assistance from anyone after her father is brutally killed. A Monster Hunter named Jonah answers her ad to assist her. They both get more than they bargained for in this deal.
I don’t want to give away anymore! I love the illustrations, how cute, and yet suspenseful it is. I cannot wait until the next installment comes out!

#ThxNetGalley #MiaJayBoulton #LaurelBoulton #OfSwamp&SeaVol1

This had me hooked from the very first page! I love that we as readers are dropped straight into the story, and the pacing kept me engaged all throughout the book. I adore Mercy, who I definitely can relate to, and Jonah is a very compelling character whose backstory I can't wait to delve deeper into in the next installment. The artwork is gorgeous! If you like romance, fantasy and adventure, this graphic novel is definitely a must read.

This graphic novel was so interesting. I loved the combination of Gray, the serious monster hunter and Mercy, the upbeat and accidentally monster possessed companion. I loved how many adventures they were able to fit into one volume. There’s such a range of monsters and beasts in this world. The end of the book gripped me even more! What’s that about? I can’t wait to read more!

First off, I cannot wait for the next one. Second off if you're a fan of the Witcher or lore olympus or even both, this is for you. This is giving everything and the story has only just begun.

Lore Olympus meets The Witcher?? Sold.

First I just want to say I love the character and setting design. The story has me very intrigued and that cliffhanger! Give me more.

Mercy enlisted the help of monster hunter Jonah to kill the monster that murdered her father. Of course nothing goes to plan and mercy ends up getting possessed by the beast instead. Now they’re on a journey to fix this mess together.

I’m already seeing sparks fly. The blushing cheeks, the bumbling cute awkwardness. Can’t wait to see how it goes, especially after that ending.

Also is it me or are all the monsters cute? I want to see more monsters in vol 2!