Book Review: Urban Legend by Helen Grant

Surprisingly reading a whole series based off the title of last book paid off.

A GROUP OF STORY-TELLERS DISAPPEARING ONE BY ONE.

A YOUNG WOMAN HAUNTED BY HER PAST.

A SERIAL KILLER WITH ONE TARGET HE IS DESPERATE TO HUNT DOWN.

 Veerle is trying to lie low, to live as 'normal' a life as she possibly can.

But when you've thwarted a serial killer, it's hard to do this.

ESPECIALLY WHEN HE WANTS REVENGE...

This is the final book in the Forbidden Space trilogy by Helen Grant. I have reviews of the other two books, Silent Saturday and Demons of Ghent if you're not familiar with the series.

This book is called Urban Legends and surprisingly has Urban Legends. The main reason I read this series is because I love Legends and ghost stories I picked up this book solely on this when I saw in the library and then I read the whole series. I really like the way these stories were incorporated into the novel and think think it worked really well. Urban legends are sprinkled through the main story, (my favourite is Angel Smile as its own thing while being based on a popular Legend. Also such a cute renaming).

The plot is involves abandoned buildings and more urban exploring. We have more interesting murders (be honest and admit that you rate fictional murders). I like the climax and the build up to it.

This book continues the romances from the two previous, but its quickly resolves if you're not about pointless love triangles (while on the real side of those situations, I'm just not about romances in general).

Overall, I give it 4/5 stars for lost flashlights. This was a good strong ending to the series and I'm glad that I read the whole series, just based on this book's title. I wish had written this review sooner after I finished reading the book, but Oh well. Time is fleeting thing that gets away from us all. Would had of have a better review though.

P.S. Nice final sentence. "They stood together and watched the coin rise and fall in the air, golden and glittering as it turned over and over in the light from the street lamps, and waited to see which way it would fall."

Book Review: Demons of Ghent by Helen Grant

I would like to rate this series blurbs a 1 star due to them being highly misleading.

People are falling from the rooftops of Ghent. But did they throw themselves off - or did somebody push them?

Veerle has seen enough death to last a lifetime. But death isn't finished with Veerle just yet.

When people start to die in her new home town, some put it down to a spate of suicides. Some blame the legendary Demons of Ghent. Only Veerle suspects that something - somebody -has followed her to wreak his vengeance.

But she watched the hunter die, didn't she?

This is the second book in the Forbidden Spaces Trilogy, the first person being Silent Saturday. Beware that there will be spoilers for the first book so check out my review if you've not read it.

In this book, unsurprising the story is now set in the city of Ghent, instead of the Veerle's home village. We get new characters. We also get the creation of a love triangle. It is the more realistic type, that doesn't put Veerle in the best light. It felt a little for the sake of plot. I like the new guy, but why romance? Why not friendship? Instead of murder with a side of  meh drama.

We see more of Veerle's father Geert and his girlfriend. Pretty relations. Though, I'm surprised that Veerle didn't call him on his shit. His girlfriend doesn't feel like a real person. Terrible people exist, the lack of contract we get with her makes her feel unreal.

The plot is hinting at something weird. I feel like I can have no thoughts until I read the next and final book in the Trilogy. The mystery was okay. The climax was a bit er but did fit with the rest of the novel. I did enjoy how much Ghent was involved and acts as another character.

Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for salty nails. This a mature crime YA novel set somewhere other than America or England so what's to love. Also swearing in Flemish. I am intrigued to see how this story wraps up.