Grim is the first in The Withering Mysteries and throws you into a world filled with magic, witches and wizards, monsters, and monster hunters who search out and destroy all that lingers in the dark. I liked how we, as the reader, are introduced to monster hunter, Grim, in the midst of his journey, and although we don't know immediately what has caused him to seek help? It unfolds, albeit partially, as the book unfolds.

Grim has got himself into quite the grim predicament - pun intended and his life is dependent on finding an answer and cure but as it's book one in a series it's apparent that it won't be easy. As anyone knows who enjoyed the Witcher series of which some of the monsters could easily be a part of it, we all know that when a hunter has made a mistake and his life is in peril?  We won't see that swift fix because hunters are just supposed to suffer. (Sorry Grim.) Amy Boyles has brought our moody and distant hero to life in such a visceral manner that you can practically feel the angst and tension ripple from the page. 

Grim doesn't want help. He doesn't want to be beholden to anyone, but sadly, he has no choice, and he simply hates it. He's his own worst enemy, and I have a feeling he's going to be liked by many who read The Withering Mysteries because of it.

This is an excellent blend of mystery and fantasy as of course the monsters do come out to play and they're described so well as is the world-building so you can't help but feel as though you're in the bizarre town born from an old movie set hunting down these gruesome creatures alongside Grim. One such monster hunt may help him get answers for his predicament, but as things should always be when building up the angst, anticipation, and that rush of adrenalin? Nothing will come easy.

Grim held my attention from the get-go with diverse characters, some grumpy, some sunshine in their personalities, and some downright sketchy. The storyline is woven together in such a manner that there's both light ahead and utter darkness and despair. 

I will say, however, that I did keep wondering where Grim's dog disappeared to? He arrived at their destination and then disappeared, and it seemed strange, I would have thought a hunter's dog would stay with the hunter? Small point, I know, but I kept waiting for the dog to turn up with a monster or clue in paw.. Book Two needs more Savage the dog..

Also, I think I would have liked a little more of Grim being drawn towards the darkness and the conflict he would experience as one who fights against the one thing circumstances have caused him to be ever closer to being. Again… I imagine book two will give me that because I'm a little evil and like to see a tortured soul or two in books such as this.

Grim was a really good introduction to a series I know I'll enjoy and not want to end. It's got everything you need for this genre of book, and I am hoping to see more of Grim and his unlikely companion, Matt, and his bright way of seeing the world as the series unfolds.

Will Grim get his happy ever after? I don't think for some time, but I'm looking forward to the adventures and mysteries along the way.