by Mia Jay Boulton; Laurel Boulton

Of Swamp & Sea volume 3 picks up right were we have left our duo in volume 2.

Mercy is still wanting to learn now about her new found powers and is intent on meeting others like her. She’s over being weak and helpless. She is addiment on attending the meeting where she may finally get some insight and answers. At least to the ones concerning monsters and beasts. The questions she has about her heart are a tad harder to get an answer to.

Jonah is apprehensive about her traveling with him. She wants to keep her safe and he thinks that he brings danger to her. He keeps her at arms length to keep her safe, to protect her, to shield her from not only the monsters he hunts – but himself too. He wouldn’t know what to do if something bad happened to her.

The dynamic between Jonah and Mercy is magnetic. There is a constant push and pull from the both of them. They both care for each other but don’t quite know how to show it in the way the other needs right now.

Volume three continues on with additional character development and we also get to meet a few new characters that may make another appearance down the line ( at least I hope so). We also get another piece of Jonah’s back story. As the world comes together more, we can see that where we met Jonah in volume one is leaps and bounds from where he started, and where the story is taking him. We also are really starting to see Mercy evolve from the meek quiet girl who grew up not knowing of the world of Monsters, to some one who craves the independence and strength to defend herself and those she cares about.

I am enjoying the story and how well its paced. Nothing feels like its just happening out of place. The growth of our FMC and MMC is unfolding in what feels a natural progression in both their personal development and their friendship. The artwork as always is beautiful, dynamic, and immersive. I cant wait to read volume 4.

Thank you NetGalley and First Second Books for the ARC !