engrossing vs gripping

engrossing and gripping both are adjectives.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
engrossing	No	Yes	No	No
gripping	No	Yes	No	No

As adjectives, engrossing and gripping are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of engrossing include absorbing, fascinating, riveting.

engrossing (adjective)	gripping (adjective)
capable of arousing and holding the attention	capable of arousing and holding the attention