Review: Grishma

Grishma
Kelly Blount
YA fairytale

In the world of Necoh, everyone fears Grishma, a hideous murderous beast responsible for ruining or ending the lives of anyone who dare cross her.

As a young boy, Ryder lived with his family, deep in the caves underneath the Kadin Forest, unaware of the horrors of the world. His simple world was turned upside down one horrible night when Grishma attacked his family, killing his father and kidnapping his mother and younger sister.

From that night on, Ryder devoted his life to killing Grishma. He tracked the monster from Necoh, to our world, and back again. Unfortunately, during his quest, he accidentally transported Brooklyn, a high school junior into his tumultuous world, where she is mistakenly identified as Princess Sophie, the missing princess of Sumner.

Days after Princess Sophie’s return, Grishma plots and manipulates the King into drugging and marrying off his only daughter to Prince Algid of Dratun. Desperate to save Brooklyn, who now believes she is the long lost princess, his mother, and his little sister, Ryder embarks on the deadliest part of his quest.

Will he save Brooklyn? Will she ever regain her memory? What will become of his mother and sister?

Through epic adventure, loss, and love, GRISHMA depicts the strength of the human spirit and the tight bonds formed by the unique creatures of Necoh.

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.  First off, I LOVE the cover, so I was very excited to pick this up:)

Grishma was relatively short, and had the rare feel of young adult fairy tale; a magical world, scary and cute creatures, kingdoms, arranged marriages for princesses etc. That aspect was nice and original and I rather liked it. The only problem I had with the world of Necoh is that it wasn't explained- we don't know how humans got there (or if they were always there..) and how Ryder found the entrance into our world, or if he is even human. I know there will be another book (the ending makes that clear), but I feel that if there is a time for explanations it's the first installment. 

Action fans and patience-less: This is the book for you! Grishma keeps everything moving at all times. Personally I could have done with a few  more relaxed scenes to get to know the characters better, but I know a lot of people want to see things happen quickly and with that this book does not disappoint. 

Speaking of the characters....
Ryder is a genuine, legit kinda guy. As a kid, he watched his father get killed and since then (understandably) he's been trying to avenge his death. I thought he was likable and sweet, but unfortunately like I mentioned above, I didn't really get a full understanding of him. I would have liked to know what he liked to do before he set off on his journey to kill Grishma, if on the way he ever dated or loved, what he plans to do after he succeeds (or if he has plans at all). Hopefully in the next book!
As for Brooklyn, well, besides her name I didn't really like her. She just seemed shallow to me. When she was mistaken for the lost princess and taken to the castle, she just went with the flow. Didn't try to get in touch with Ryder, or figure out a plan, or go home. She was too busy enjoying her bubble bath. When she heard suspicious things she passed them off as nothing, even though she knew not to trust anyone. I was mainly disappointed in her. 

BUT, there were some very intriguing secondary characters whose stories I hope we hear in the sequel like Bressa, Alexia, and Brianna. 

All in all, Grishma was a nice and quick read:) Rating: 3 stars