No its not a grindfest lol, people complain about only being lvl 9 or lvl 12 but they don't realize that this isn't one of those games where the highest lvl is like lvl 300 or something. Not to mention even at lvl 9 or 10 you have over 8 skills at your disposal. Just party with friends and complete quests and before you know it the lvling will be alot smoother.