The charming medieval city of Bruges, Belgium may seem like an unusual setting for an urban fantasy novel. The city is known for its tranquil canals, historic buildings, and romantic vistas. But the moment I saw a picture of Bruges, my mind began populating its cobblestone streets with bloodthirsty vampires, flesh eating ghouls, monstrous fae, and wailing ghosts.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered that there really was something sinister in the city’s bloody history. My research into Bruges began in earnest, and last year I completed my book research with a trip to Belgium. The pictures included with this post are from that research trip. These photos are taken during daylight hours, but I can assure you that the atmosphere becomes decidedly spooky when the sun goes down over West Flanders. Do ghosts walk the streets of Bruges? I will let you decide.
The canals play an important part in my novel, Hunting in Bruges. Jenna Lehane, a Hunter with a troubled past, arrives in Bruges to discover that something is killing humans and disposing of their bodies in the canals. Not only are the canals filling with corpses, but there are supernatural horrors that call the canals their home. While I was visiting Bruges, the canals were the watery grave for more than one unfortunate creature. Did these ducks, pigeons, and small mammals die from natural causes, or is there something deadly lurking within these dark waters?
I have to admit that I was completely unprepared for the experience I had within the stone walls of Jerusalem Church. The macabre altarpiece and tomb were ghoulish, but the truly terrifying part of this church lay in a crawlspace in the vaulted chapel in the back. A cloth wrapped body is on display, and though I’ve read that this is a replica of Christ’s tomb, there is something chilling about that small chamber. My travel companion bolted out the door…and I wasn’t far behind. (Note: No pictures came out of the rear tomb. The photos were completely black.)
Beguines were lay sisters who lived and dressed as nuns, but did not take vows. The Beguinage continues to be a place of silence within the bustling city–a silence that can seem downright eerie. During my trip, the courtyard was filled with a field of wilting daffodils. Beauty with an edge of decay seemed to be the common theme of this place. One house has been preserved in its original rustic state and visitors can wander the maze of tiny rooms filled with antique furniture and aging lace to see the way in which the Beguines lived. I swear that someone, or something, was watching me during my entire visit. With every creak of the old wooden floors, my unease grew and I made a hasty retreat to Minnewater Park.
12th century basilica located on Burg square in the heart of Bruges. The church houses the relic of the Holy Blood. The Holy Blood is venerated daily, and is paraded through the streets of Bruges during the Procession of the Holy Blood on Ascension Day.
This place is not for the faint of heart. The 11th century hospital is one of the oldest in Europe and contains the often grotesque artwork of Hans Memling, as well as many antique surgical implements. The artwork and objects of torture are absolutely horrifying and the depictions of nuns in their traditional garb had me jumping at my shadow.
Another five notable places to add to any ghost tour of Bruges are the Spookhuis, Retsin’s Lucifernum, Belfort, Blind Donkey Alley, and a viewing of Heironymous Bosch’s haunting triptych The Last Judgement at the Groeningemuseum.
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]http://rabidreads.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Dude.png[/author_image] [author_info]
E.J. Stevens is the author of the Spirit Guide young adult series, the bestselling Ivy Granger urban fantasy series, and the Hunters’ Guild urban fantasy series. When E.J. isn’t at her writing desk she enjoys dancing along seaside cliffs, singing in graveyards, and sleeping in faerie circles. E.J. currently resides in a magical forest on the coast of Maine where she finds daily inspiration for her writing.
Hunting in Bruges
Series: Hunter’s Guild #1
Author: E. J. Stevens
Publisher: Sacred Oaks Press
Published on: November 11, 2014
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format: 274 pages, eARC
The only thing worse than being a Hunter in the fae-ridden city of Harborsmouth, is hunting vamps in Bruges.
Being shipped off to Belgium sucks. The medieval city of Bruges is quaint, but the local Hunters’ Guild is understaffed, the canals are choked with dead bodies, and there’s no shortage of supernatural predators as likely suspects.
On second thought, maybe Bruges isn’t so bad after all.
With a desire to prove herself, protect the innocent, and advance within the ranks of the Hunters’ Guild, Jenna Lehane hits the cobbled streets of Bruges with blades at the ready. Someone, or something, is murdering tourists and dumping their bodies in the city’s scenic canals. With the help of a mysterious stranger, Jenna begins to piece together clues that are dotted throughout the city like blood spatter.
Determined to stop the killings, Jenna delves into a bloody local history that only raises more questions—but some secrets are best left buried. Jenna must put her combat training to the test as she struggles to unearth the truth about an ancient enemy.
Hunting in Bruges is the first novel in the Hunters’ Guild urban fantasy series set in the world of Ivy Granger.
Readers, was this your first visit to Bruges, Belgium? Have you experienced anything supernatural in and around Bruges? What did you think of E.J. Stevens’ picks for spooky places?
Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
The best urban fantasy heroines are always the headstrong and kick butting ones for sure!
And WOW, I’m saving this post for when I visit Bruges because now I feel like I really MUST visit the place and go to all these places!! Fantastic guest post!
Pili recently posted…Last Will And Testament by Dahlia Adler: Excerpt!!
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the guest post.
When you visit Bruges, I highly recommend getting the Brugge City Card. The card covers museum/historic site admission, a canal boat ride, and an excellent guide book and map.
Happy travels! 🙂
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Hunting in Bruges Release Day Party + Giveaway
Weak UF heroines are a no go for me. I’ve never thought about visiting Bruges, but this makes me want to.
Melanie Simmons recently posted…Shine Audiobook by Dannika Dark (Review)
Bruges is a gorgeous, medieval city. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend a trip. It’s a short train ride from Brussels, and accessible by train from Paris and Amsterdam.
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Hunting in Bruges Release Day Party + Giveaway
Ooh, the pictures add so much! I might have to add Bruges to my bucket list. I’m glad I have these images – it will help when I’m reading the book. 🙂 I really can’t wait to dive into this one…just a few more books in the queue ahead of it.
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…**Review ~ Heat Volume 1 ~ Kailin Gow**
I’m so glad that my amateur trip photos are helpful. I plan on eventually adding more Bruges photos to Pinterest. Perhaps later today…
Happy reading! 🙂
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Hunting in Bruges Release Day Party + Giveaway
Old towns and cities always have somethig interesting to offer. So much history in different aspects it is inspiring. I’m not familiar with this place so thanks for the education.
Braine recently posted…Loved It: Stripping Her Defenses by Jessie Lane + Giveaway
I agree. That’s one of the things that makes this series both challenging and fascinating to write. Unlike the Ivy Granger series, which is set in the fictional city of Harborsmouth, the Hunters’ Guild series follows Jenna in her travels from city to city as she fights to defend the innocent from evil.
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Hunting in Bruges Release Day Party + Giveaway
Okay that church looks and sounds seriously creepy!
I love this author and this sounds like another great read from her that has everything I love in a good UF.
kindlemom1 recently posted…WoW Pick of the Week
Ever feel like you’re being watched? While inside that empty church, I that feeling…TIMES A GAZILLION. Majorly creepy.
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Hunting in Bruges Release Day Party + Giveaway
Of course I do, I hate wimpy females. Only the kick butt ones are cool and interesting. 🙂
Stormi recently posted…Book Review: Top Secret Twenty-One by Janet Evanovich
Kick butt heroines are also fun to write! 🙂
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Hunting in Bruges Release Day Party + Giveaway
That’s exactly the kind of UF heroines I like.
Thank you for sharing your pictures and the stories of the places.
BookaholicCat recently posted…Short Review: Her Grave Secrets by Kendra Elliot
You are very welcome! I always enjoy sharing stories from my travels. 🙂
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Hunting in Bruges Release Day Party + Giveaway
Am I the only one who finds all churches creepy? Like they’re layouts always creep me out. EVERY SINGLE ONE. So obviously those photos creeped me out, too! LOL!I hadn’t heard of this one but i’m definitely putting it on my TBR now! I need me some UF!
Lily recently posted…Stone Cold Touch (The Dark Elements #2):Review
I know EXACTLY what you mean. And if you find these creepy, you may want to avoid the Capuchin Crypt in Rome. Chapels constructed from the bones of Capuchin friars. Now THAT was creepy (and may find its way into one of Jenna’s future adventures). 😉
Happy reading!
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Hunting in Bruges Release Day Party + Giveaway
Wow, what beautiful photos and descriptions. And I love the architecture of cathedrals, churches, basilicas, etc.
Mogsy recently posted…Book Review: Daring by Elliott James
Glad you enjoyed the guest post! You may also be interested to learn that Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk, Church of Our Lady, has the second highest brick tower IN THE WORLD. This is such an amazing city for history and architecture buffs.
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Hunting in Bruges Release Day Party + Giveaway
Is that whole city haunted? I don’t think I ever want to go there now. It’s really pretty though, thanks for sharing the photos. 🙂
Mostly? lol. It really is a gorgeous place to visit. Just beware the vampires, ghosts, and fae folk. 😉
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Hunting in Bruges Release Day Party + Giveaway
I like the heroines that can kick butt if they need too. The ones that don’t cower in a corner waiting for a man to save them.
Mary Kirkland recently posted…Recipe: Seafood Salad
I agree. Kick butt heroines are the best (to read and write about). 🙂
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Bookish Playlist: Hunting in Bruges by E.J. Stevens
I’d like to visit one day 🙂
blodeuedd recently posted…Together for Christmas – Carol Rivers
I highly recommend it a visit. 🙂
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Hunting in Bruges Release Day Party + Giveaway
Wow, it sounds like there are so many creepy places here which sound amazing! I love books that takes us traveling and there are certainly some interesting locations which sound like they feature in the book.
Jeann recently posted…A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray Review: Alternate Realities Explored
Yes, Bruges had no shortage of creepy places. My only regret is that I could not write every location into the novel. Perhaps the Hunters’ Guild will send Jenna back to Bruges in the future. 😉
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Hunting in Bruges Release Day Party + Giveaway
i don’t remember if it’s in bruges or gand but in one of teh city they completely remade to identical a area like it was in the middle age… quite beautiful but it leaves you with some unease that takes some times to disappear ( perhaps because we learn how the great illness nearly wi^ped all teh area^^;;)
miki recently posted…Deadly, Calm, and Cold: Preorder giveaway! Win some handmade jewellery ( INT)
Thankfully, Bruges was spared much of the bombing that other cities suffered, and so is much as it was in medieval times, but nearby Ypres was rebuilt, and perhaps Ghent.
Interestingly, the crosses from the cathedrals in Bruges were removed during the war, to prevent being targets and landmarks for air raids. The crosses are still on the ground outside the Gruuthuse Museum and the Church of Our Lady.
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Hunting in Bruges Release Day Party + Giveaway
I LOOOVE Belgium. I’ve only been to Brussels so thank you for all of these landmarks. That church looks intimidating but beautiful at the same time. o.O
Amber Elise recently posted…Book Review: Poison Princess
Bruges is less than a 2 hour train ride from Brussels. I highly recommend a visit!
E.J. Stevens recently posted…World of Krymzyn Guest Post + $100 Giveaway
Wow, those places are so eerie! I would love to visit Bruges!
Jennifer Bielman recently posted…Review: The Alpha’s Captive by V.M. Black
I love strong, kick-butt heroines. Hunting in Bruges looks very interesting. Jenna kind of looks like Black Widow from The Avengers. Thank you for the contest.