GRYM: Imagine a world without freewill

by Belinda Stott

THE PRICE OF LOVE HAS NEVER BEEN SO DEADLY...
The Hunter and Whitlock families share a dangerous secret – a drug with the power to control its recipients. For centuries they have used Grym to accumulate wealth, ensure the success of their pharmaceutical company, and silence anyone who threatens their lifestyle of luxury and privilege.
Though unaware of its existence, Emmeline Whitlock has enjoyed the blessings of Grym her entire life. Yet mere hours after finally inheriting her own share of the drug, her perfect world begins to unravel. Dark memories buried by the drug start surfacing. An unsolved murder threatens to tear both families apart, as it becomes increasingly apparent someone is using Grym to destroy Emmeline’s life. Surrounded by manipulation and deceit, caught between her fiancé, Rainer, and his enigmatic brother, Carsten, she is forced to question everything – even her own sanity.

466 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2023

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

The books reminds me of the inheritance games - reminiscent of choosing between brothers, mansions and rich people - generally people who think their morals are better than everyone else’s and therefore better suited to “playing God” I like the ideas in this book, and although I found it somewhat scary, it did hook me, and I finished this book within a day. I like how going to church and Jesus is not just suggested, but explicitly implied throughout the book. My only thought is then why doesn’t the characters who seem to have such strong faiths not have any show of reading the bible. I like the characters, the ending was perfect, and well written. So nice to read a book from someone I’ve met!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ This book was not at all what I was expecting! For some reason I thought it was set in the medieval times or historical setting and I thought it was a fantasy, (maybe the cover just gives off that vibe to me,) but man was I wrong! It’s actually set in present day and is surrounding two wealthy families that co founded a pharmaceutical company and accidentally created a drug that can manipulate someone’s free will. There is so much more that I would just butcher trying to explain, but I will say this book is exciting from page 1 and never has a dull chapter! You will want to keep reading to figure out what in the world is going on?! Who is the bad guy? What is real, and what and who has been manipulated by Grym? It will keep you guessing the whole way! I felt the story was well written and plotted out. Definitely a thrill ride! And most importantly, the message the author wove in of why God chose to give us free will and why manipulating someone’s free will would be evil even if it was done with the right intentions. Content warning…there are a few mild swear words used and some depictions of sexual content that while not graphic, did stretch the line a bit for me.

[Alicia Ridgen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one - probably my favorite book by her yet! Slightly odd start but once it gets going, the plot twists my goodness! Such an interesting concept to explore and an enjoyable storyline that I did but didn't want to end.

[SJ Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was exhilarating, intense, exciting and insightful! Definitely worth the read!!!