Some newbie questions about combat

Hey all.
I'm juste started playing The Witcher 3 and I'm reached level 10. I had a question or two about combat.
 
1) I don't have a whole lot of points invested in the "red" skill tree, namely 5 points in quick attacks. Are there any use for Adrenaline points at the moment ? I mean, any "finisher move" using them, by holding X or Y (quick and strong attack) on the gamepad ??
 
2) Regarding parries (LT on the gamepad), even when timing them right and with stamina to spare, most of the time when fighting monsters Geralt is unbalanced and out of breath. Is that normal ? Most monster attacks are too strong to be parried ? Am I doing something wrong ?
 
Having a blast so far, combat is very technical I love it. The story and the world are top-notch, too.