Waking the Dead and Other Stories

by Yvette Tan

Ayoung woman is irresistibly drawn to the polluted Pasig River. A couple finds a baby on their doorstep that may not be human. The author of this book receives random phone calls from her dead father. And in this new edition, a B movie-inspired tale joins the ranks, told with the author’s signature meld of Filipino folk beliefs and modern settings. These are some of the stories in the critically acclaimed Waking the Dead and Other Stories, considered a significant work in Pinoy horror literature.

From supernatural terrors to human atrocities, each story in this collection makes us further question our understanding of the universe, and undermines our belief of what is real and what is not, and what true monsters are made of.

Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Short Stories, Mystery Thriller, Paranormal, Anthologies

144 pages, Paperback

Published November 29, 2021

About the author

YVETTE NATALIE U. TAN is a Manila-based horror writer. Her works have been published in The Philippine Free Press, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the Manila Times, Uno magazine, Rogue magazine, Story Philippines, and the Philippine Genre Stories, among others.

Her fiction has also appeared in anthologies such as Sleepless in Manila and Philippine Speculative Fiction II and III.

Reviews

[Jahnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The titular story "Waking the Dead" serves as a bookmark for the theme of the succeeding stories in this collection. The stories were dim, not dark. They had heart and the storytelling sets the beat for making you thoughtful and somber because they are centered around (human) connections. 

My favorite stories in this collection:
🔸"Stella for Star" : I found this tiyanak story haunting, not for the horror, but for its sadness. It has not left my mind.
🔸"Kulog" : A friendly twist to our old kapre stories.
🔸"Daddy" :  It dealt with grief. "Whatever it was that he didn't want me to forget, I have a lifetime to remember."
🔸" Delivering the Goods": Tough and sad. 
🔸" Waking the Dead": Reminded me of "The Walking Dead." 

Two stories had a bit of Black Mirror/Stranger Things vibe: "Boss, Ex?" and "Stars." According to the author, "Boss, Ex?" actually precedes both shows. All the better. I like how this collection is cohesive---the first and last stories tie together. 

[Fati · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of the horror, paranormal, and supernatural genre, I enjoyed this so much. Some of the stories are visceral and I love it. I love Tan’s take of the Philippine folklore and its transformation through the stories she created. I just wish some of the stories are longer like “Kulog” and “Stars”.

[Krisha T · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Yvette Tan's other book, Seek Ye Whore, I think I like this one more. The stories were more fleshed out overall and more consistent.

My favorite stories in this one are The Bridge, Stella for Star, Daddy, and The Child Abandoned ❤️

[Karla Cristobal · Rating 5 out of 5]

With stunning, evocative prose, Yvette Tan successfully weaves a world where elementals, monsters, and shadows are real. In fact, these beings exist in a (story)world together with humans. With each story, one discovers how Tan doesn’t shy away from the gruesome to the truly evil. With her stories, terror co-mingles with disgust, and collective memory haunts each page. The reader—one hopes, and expects—is drawn towards the darkness. In a short description about the author, her fiction is described as “stories that could happen to anyone.” And this is made clear in such stories like “Delivering the Goods” and “Daddy.” I have my favorites, of course. And as I look through the table of contents, it’s not surprising why I marked nine of the eleven stories with my pen. It was simply wonderful to read each story as most of them are rich in Filipino myths/folk horror, as well as an undeniable sense of history and place. It’s also interesting how self-referential Tan gets with her first and last stories, and how her own life and grief, perhaps, are tied to one text. Is this a work of Philippine speculative fiction? Philippine horror? Certainly, it would be rewarding to examine these distinctions. Definitely one of my (all-time) favorites.

[Maxine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waking the Dead and Other Stories is a collection of short fiction stories written by Yvette Tan. It almost sounds ridiculous how this is my first book of Ms. Yvette, when I worked next to her back when I was still with Manila Bulletin where she serves as its Agriculture Magazine online managing editor.

Her writing style is a breath of fresh air in Philippine literature. Tan’s stories are simple, yet complex – oftentimes based on a basic context, it utterly and weirdly surprises by pushing the boundaries of our imagination.

Each piece merges Philippine folklore and urban legends, like the tikbalang’s (a huge and hairy creature that smokes tobacco on top of a tree) and manananggals (vampires who separate their lower bodies from its upper to fly), with real life stories.

“Kulog,” the story about a kapre who had a change of heart to care for a battered child, is tough to read but is my favorite. It is in fact the piece that won Tan her Palanca award.

Tan also triggers and unearths our deepest secrets – from failed romances, missed goodbyes, and the what-ifs – turning forgotten memories into vivid recollections.

Here, “Daddy” is certainly a winner. Tan wrote about how she, as the protagonist, received calls from her late father. It was an emotional piece for me, given how I also experienced such.

Tan did not shy away from the unimaginable and restricted. “The Bridge” is about a pretty lady with bouffant hair (sounds like a certain former first lady) who chose to sacrifice a child to keep her beauty and sanity, while “Delivering the Goods” shows drug trafficking in the worst possible way. The Black Mirror-esque “Boss, ex?” is also a work of fiction to die for.

Tan's exploration of various characters is top-notch, each offering a different perspective. Its horror, romance, drama, mystery, and everything in between – all 100% and no half-baked.

Truly a heartstopper book to honor and watch out for, and surely above and beyond any collection of short fiction stories I've read so far.

[Jin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Did the lord actually love the stars?

Waking the Dead is a compilation of 10 tales in different ranges of horror, obscurity, and heartwarming twists. As someone who read Seek Ye Whore first, I found that this was the first book that Yvette Tan released. The book did an excellent job in bringing us horror in the Filipino setting.

I particularly loved “Daddy” as it hit close to the formula of storytelling that I liked (and grew up with) reading. I've thought what made this piece stood out among others was the way the main character happened to be the author herself and was told in the method of their reminiscence. The ending didn't need further exposition despite the main character being left with a lot of questions--another thing that added flair to its relatability.

When I knew that this was the first book to be released, it helped me understand why some of the stories here were quite underwhelming in my definition. There were stories that felt so dated and dragging that it sometimes became harder to appreciate the storytelling.

For the same reason, I can say that this was still an easy read and that it justified Seek Ye Whore as comparably better as the second installment.

Personal ratings on individual stories:
The Child Abandoned - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Bridge - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Delivering the Goods - ⭐⭐⭐
Waking the Dead - ⭐
Stella for Star - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kulog - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fade to Nothing - ⭐
Daddy - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Stars - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sidhi - ⭐⭐

Personal Favourites:
Daddy
Kulog
Stella for Star
Stars

[Keila · Rating 3 out of 5]

i've never been a fan of scaring myself with horror stuff, and i expected to get that in this short story collection just to see if i've got any more guts than i usually have haha. but this was more on the spooky, paranormal side of philippine folklore and related creepy thingamajings than heartbeat-increasing-horror. you've got tragic saints, lonely tikbalangs, bad guys who aren't as bad as they seem, and even a (probably?) based-on-a-true story from the author herself. every story has its own charm. suprisingly a good read that it almost gives a cozy vibe, if you will.

[jai · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

Enjoyed a few of the stories, but the thing with anthologies is that there's always a hit or miss. Unfortunately, more misses than hits with this one. But I will still be reading the other anthology by this author.

[Amiel and Her Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waking the Dead is just the right blend of thrilling and horror. I loved how some of the stories dove deep into our Philippine folk beliefs, bringing creatures and supernatural horrors to life in a way that makes you wonder if they’re still lurking around us. My favorites were The Bridge, Kulog, Delivering the Goods, and Boss, Ex? Eerie and fascinating!

[Bibliophilic Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, SO GOOD! This deserves to be made for film or TV series, blending Black Mirror and American Horror Story <3

[Anthony Shieh · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Tiyanak chirps like a bird. It follows its human victims by leaping after them like a nighttime animal chasing its quarry. With sharp nails it scratches the man who picks it up from the ground and fondles it erroneously thinking it is a human baby.”
- Maximo D. Ramos, Creatures of Philippine Lower Mythology

I grew up in Sampaloc, Manila, where horror stories were a big part of how the parents and grandparents scared the kids. Not in my mom's vocabulary. My mom and I would often visit a Betamax rental on Calamba St., and I still remember the excitement of borrowing two films: Aswang, a classic Filipino Aiza horror flick, and Impakto, which takes inspiration from the Tiyanak. What struck me about both films was the richness of Filipino horror stories, and that same feeling bathed over me while reading this book.

Yvette Tan’s “Waking the Dead and Other Horror Stories” is a delightful plunge into the spooky and surreal, all wrapped up in a uniquely Filipino vibe. This collection is not just horror; it’s an exploration of family, folklore, and the strange ways they intertwine in our lives. One of the standout features that I want to highlight is Tan's exploration of personal and collective trauma, particularly in the story of a character in “Daddy” receiving phone calls from her deceased father. This narrative brilliantly captures the complexities of grief and the lingering connections we maintain with those we've lost, making it profoundly relatable. If I had the chance to get a phone call from my mom and hear her say “Don’t Forget,” I would think back on all our memories. I’d hold onto those wonderful times, especially when she let me pick which horror movie to borrow at the video store. Those moments shaped my introduction to horror.

This book is one of those that spark your imagination and make you reflect on deeper things and it also includes diverse voices in its stories. I truly appreciate authors who write inclusively in their narratives and often represent the community properly.

“Waking the Dead and Other Stories” isn’t just a horror anthology; it’s a celebration of the human experience... messy, beautiful, and sometimes terrifying. If you’re looking for a book that’ll make you chuckle, shiver, and think, you’ve found your book. Grab a copy, curl up in a cozy spot, and prepare for a wonderfully haunting Filipino horror experience! Always remember that the uncanny is just lurking just around the corner, waiting to be awakened by your imagination.

[Mercuric · Rating 1 out of 5]

I struggled with this one. The theme felt hazy, sometimes folk horror and other times just fragments that never fully came together. I did enjoy how some stories explored Philippine folk beliefs and brought supernatural horrors to life, but many felt like misses. A few dragged on and even came across as dated, which made them harder to enjoy.

My favorite was Delivering of the Goods since it really captured the atmosphere I was looking for. This anthology was not my favorite overall, but if you enjoy folklore-inspired horror and do not mind uneven storytelling, it might still be worth trying.

A. Use of Folklore & Myth
⭐⭐⭐: Folklore elements are there but feel more like decoration than essential.

B. Atmosphere & Setting
⭐⭐: Setting feels generic; could belong to any horror story.

C. Characters & Community Dynamics
⭐: Unbelievable, forgettable characters with no emotional pull.

D. Horror & Suspense Execution
⭐: Not scary or suspenseful at all.

E. Writing Style & Lasting Impact
⭐⭐: Clunky or distracting writing that reduces immersion.

[Janine "Eli" · Rating 4 out of 5]

haha horse cock

[Sheena Forsberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This marks the 8th read from my Filipino TBR.

It’s close, but I think I might like this one even better than Seek Ye Whore. Seems Tan goes from strength to strength for every book of hers I pick up, so I’ll just have to make sure I keep buying them. It’s becoming abundantly clear that Tan has a way of effortlessly bridging the gap between the fantastic and our own world and I’m left feeling closer to my mother’s home country than I ever have. There’s some absolute stunners in this collection that will stay with me for a long time to come.

An overview of the stories can be found below and I’ve marked my favorites with an “*”

-The Child Abandoned:
A grandmother’s tale of about her younger sister who became obsessed with the river & whose death ushered in a great change. Eco-fantasy merges with saints & Filipino folklore.

-The Bridge:
A gifted child, the ruthless politician’s wife and a creature of the water out for revenge. The descriptions of the lady brought a certain ex president’s wife to mind.

-Delivering the Goods:
A courier catering to criminals has seen most of what the shadowy parts of society is willing to do but even he isn’t left unmoved by his latest task. There’s no supernatural aspects in this story, making it all the more harrowing.

-Boss, Ex?:
Futuristic adult movie sales leads a man down memory lane a bit too close for comfort.

-Waking the Dead:*
Bereavement and grief has made Gorio desperate. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do to get his loved one back even if it has been 57 years.

-Stella for Star: *
Someone leaves a baby by the door of a gay couple who’ve been wanting to adopt a child. As is often the case, gifts don’t come for free and there’s more to this baby girl that meets the eye.

-Kulog:*
A kapre who doesn’t like human neighbors tries to scare them away by making them think the place is haunted. That is, until he makes an unlikely friend. Merging societal issues of abuse and alcoholism with old beliefs, this is another great Tan story that sets folklore in our current day and age and has them interact in new and interesting ways.

-Fade to Nothing:
Muralist David has a deeply complicated relationship with his roommate Felicia. Part muse, part love interest and part possession (obsession), this toxic relationship walks deftly on a line of ambiguity. How much (and who) is real and how much is rooted in someone’s imagination.

-Daddy:
Yvette Tan herself steps into this touching story where she starts receiving calls from her deceased father who has something to tell her. Inconclusive ending, it ends up being strangely relatable to me (although I haven’t received any calls, I did lose my father less than a year ago)

-Stars:
Something has been making islands disappear and torturing the tourists who used to be at this specific resort; both by a mysterious bleeding illness and deadly dreams. Fast forward to the members of an ill-fated para-scientific group and their fight against what rises from the waters of this island. Filipino cosmic horror done well.

-Sidhi:
We’re back in the town of the saintly Child Abandoned. The magical world and ours has long since merged and a festival is taking place. Drug fueled hazes combines with the god-touched in this story where a woman gets a type of salvation she wasn’t aware she needed. There’s a line of toxic relationships and manipulation that runs just beneath the current of the more overt supernatural aspects of this one.

[Dewey (0110.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of short stories where the supernatural and human atrocities blend together to form a one-of-a-kind horror literature. Here are my ratings of each story:

1. The Child Abandoned - 4* the first story you'll read in the book about a young woman being irresistibly drawn to the Ilog Pasig. It has the nice blend of the supernatural while portraying social issues in a subtle and indirect way.

2. The Bridge - 3* not as unique as I thought it would be since I've heard this type of story before.

3. Delivering the Goods - 3.5* a story about child trafficking but it felt underdeveloped and lacks depth.

4. Boss, Ex? - 3.5* round off it has such a good premise and I can definitely see the potential. But as soon as the story starts to develop... it was already done???

5. Waking the Dead - 3* the titular title of the book yet I don't see why this story was chosen? Aside from its short length, I don't see how this served as a representative of the story collection after I read the whole book.

6. Stella for Star - 2.5* also a story I heard before but plus points for queer rep.

7. Kulog - 4.5* imagine the stories we hear about engkantos living in our bakuran that continues to haunt our houses, except it's in the engkanto's perspective. I do wish it was more developed as it also ended when the story is just starting to progress.

8. Fade to Nothing - 2* it was so meh. tw: eating disorder

9. Daddy - 3* the author of this book receives random phone calls from her dead father.

10. Stars - 4.5* also love this one but there's a certain scene that gave me the ick.

11. Sidhi - 3.5* round off I guess it is set in the same timeline with The Child Abandoned so I can't help but comparing the two.

Overall, my issue with this book is that it always ends in a rather abrupt way just when the starts to get more interesting. Nevertheless, it was a nice book to read during this spooktober season.

[J. Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have long embraced cultures --that revere the land, believe in spirits of land, water and air--acknowledge animism, spirit, paranormal--entities that are like other species that we just can't see...
Tan's writing is this.
I think my favorite story in this collection--and all the stories are engaging, I truly liked them all--but "Kulog" is a story about a creature who lived in the woods long before humans came along and cut down the trees, the habitat. Kulog "haunts" a house only because he wants peace, not children running around, music, voices, and certainly not karaoke parties. And humans are always hostile to what they don't understand. There is a story called "Daddy" which comes across as a true story of Tan's deceased father calling her on the phone with a cryptic message. "Stars" is about a paranormal researcher who invites a small group of students out to a remote island to help with his studies. If you have a fear of being isolated on an island (is there a phobia for this? must be) with a hungry tentacular sea monster, you might want to skip this one. Eek.
I couldn't find a physical copy of Waking the Dead; read this on my Kindle. Will keep hunting. This is a lovely collection. Recommend if you like weird.
Yvette Tan is well-known in The Philippines--really needs to be adopted by a Western publisher.

[Chrian Santos · Rating 4 out of 5]

A horror short story collection that features Philippine mythos and folk creatures, along with some grisly morbid detail? Sign me up!

I thoroughly enjoyed Waking the Dead and Other Stories mainly because of the chill factor and inventiveness of each story that you read. They drew me in and I couldn’t stop reading, each story done in a really good manner that encapsulates its subject, characters and setting well under the limitations of the pages. Each story also has its own charm- meaning, there’s a story or two that you will enjoy, resonate with, or even see potentially as a full-length feature film.

My personal favorites in this collection have been Sidhi, Boss Ex, Stella, Daddy, and Kulog- mainly for being emotionally driven, and crafty. I love the incorporation of the corporeal and spiritual aspects of Philippine horror done here, and even more so looking forward to read the other short story collections to come (if ever there are any!).

Overall a really enjoyable book that I’ll probably read again in my succeeding yearly book reads. Kudos! 💖

[Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of short stories are so good, it gave me nightmares. AND I LOVE IT!

It took me so long to finish because I normally read before bed and I discovered I can only read this when the sun is out, otherwise I'd get super weird nightmares.

All 11 stories are great on their own. One running theme in all the stories, I think, is this question: 'Who are the real monsters of the world?' Is it the kapre or the abusive husband in the house next door? Is it the tiyanak or the cheating husbands using a child to trap each other into the marriage?

And the thesis is reinforced by stories like The Bridge and Delivering the Goods where there are no supernatural monsters and yet people are behaving quite monstrously.

And then the opening story, The Child Abandoned and Sidhi are both like fever dreams that aska us to reflect on our environmental and societal maladies.

10/10 would recommend. I can't wait to read more of Yevtte Tan's works. 🫶🏻

[Mamoonde · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first work of Yvette Tan I've read and I have no regrets. I've always loved stories fusing Philippine myths and urban legends with very real contemporary life stories, which I think was done very well in each of the short stories included in this anthology.

Y. Tan explores various characters and personas for each of her stories, but I think she does best when her speakers are female characters.

My personal favorites are The Child Abandoned and The Bridge. I do appreciate the inclusion of a short story featuring an explicitly gay couple, especially with how much of their characterization focused on making them human than queer. On the other hand, I wonder if there could have been other horror aspects/twists that could be more specific or relatable to queer people than what happened in the story.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Tan indeed is the most celebrated Filipina horror fiction writer. I feel so honored having been able to read some of her literary pieces. She depicted "horror" from different walks of life, such as in age old monsters, in black market transactions, and even in grief, with her subtle but profound way of writing. She beautifully featured the mysticism and richness of Filipino folklore and urban legends—while also painfully writing the sad, horrible realities many Filipinos experience in their daily life. I really ADORE this anthology! My top faves are "Boss, Ex?", "Stars", and "Sidhi".

The Child Abandoned - 3/5
The Bridge - 3.5/5
Delivering the Goods - 4/5
Boss, Ex? - 4/5
Waking the Dead - 3/5
Stella for Star - 4/5
Kulog - 3/5
Fade to Nothing - 3/5
Daddy - 3.5/5
Stars - 4/5
Sidhi - 4/5

[marchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

My first read for 2025.

Waking the Dead is composed of gripping stories and is a great book to kickstart my exploration of Filipino literature. The book is easy to read in a way that the words just flow well. I felt connected to the stories as well since it is set in the Philippines and there are features of the mythological creatures that I used to watch in the television. I look forward to reading more of her works.

However, there were parts that felt repetitive particularly with the descriptions of the Philippine mythological creatures but I get that it is essential since the stories are mostly independent. In addition, some of the stories were hard to follow for me and were just not as impactful and memorable.

My top 3 stories:
- The Child Abandoned
- Kulog
- Stella for Star

[Shay B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unique stories. I like that the narrator speaks directly to us. The theme of returning to the water is an interesting one. I like the tone and dark humor of the third story, “delivering the goods.” Our protagonist, he does odd things for odd people. It’s best we don’t know. I’m always curious and intrigued to know where the stories are going. That’s a good thing. I was always intrigued by what would happen, and overall the writing was strong, but many of the endings lacked an impact. The most cohesive story was the final one. My favorite is probably "Boss, Ex?" which I thought had a lot of great potential, but the ending fell flat. Watch my full review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWUUN...

[ian without an e · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comparing this to Seek ye Whore, it’s clear that Yvette Tan is capable of producing good stories if she took her time developing them.

Child Abandoned - 4 🌟
The Bridge - 5 🌟
Delivering the Goods - 5 🌟
Boss, Ex? - 4 🌟
Waking the Dead - 2 🌟
Stella for Star - 5 🌟
Kulog - 5 🌟
Fade to Nothing - 1 🌟
Daddy - 4 🌟
Stars - 3 🌟
Sidhi - 3 🌟

Stories Ranked

1.) The Bridge
2.) Stella for Star
3.) Delivering the Goods
4.) Kulog
5.) Daddy
6.) Boss, Ex?
7.) Child Abandoned
8.) Stars
9.) Sidhi
9.) Waking the Dead
10.) Fade to Nothing

In a book filled with supernatural and folk creatures, an abusive alcoholic dad being the most scary and disturbing is a testament that men truly is the most fearsome monster out there.

[Miracle Meryll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maaaring matapos sa isang upuan lang—tunay ngang ayaw mo itong bitawan. Pero dahil ako’y alipin ng buhay at pera, ilang araw bago ko ito tuluyang natapos. Ngayon, alam ko na kung bakit hinahangaan si Yvette Tan sa larangan ng mga kwentong horror.

Hindi ka lang niya tatakutin gamit ang mga elementong kinalakihan mo—mga kwentong naririnig mula sa matatanda, mga anino ng paniniwala’t pamahiin. Ipinapaabot din niya na ang tunay na nakakatakot ay ang tao mismo. Tao ang may kagagawan kung bakit nasisira ang kapaligiran; tao rin ang gumagawa ng masama sa kapwa.

Bawat kuwento sa librong ito ay nag-iiwan ng marka—minsan ay kasagutan, minsan ay isa pang katanungan. Bahala ka na kung paano mo ito dadalhin.

Ngayon, handa na akong basahin ang isa pa niyang akda na Seek Ye Whore.

[readiculously_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re someone who likes a book to grab your attention right away, you might find yourself putting this one down before it gets to the good stuff.

The characters in this book are all deeply troubled, and their struggles push them into situations that spark intense emotional conflicts, there’s a sense that nothing—neither divine nor earthly forces—can save them, except perhaps themselves.

All in all, it takes you on a surreal journey through familiar landscapes yet still having the sense of wonder, fear hiding just beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered. It is completely rooted in reality and mindful of society’s distressing aspects.

[Redg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Technically, it *is* a collection of horror stories; it’s just that not all of the stories in this collection can be categorized in the “spooky” or “supernatural.” It’s more of a genre-bending collection - with stories exploring grief, the feeling of being neglected and, weirdly enough, the psychological trance experienced when taking drugs.

There were stories that were confusing which does prompt the reader to reflect more. (Fade to Nothing, Stars, Sidhi) However, this creates the risk of muddling the message and the story. Hmm, maybe I need a couple of days to reflect on it.

My favorites were The Bridge, Stella for Star and Daddy.

Actual Rating: 3.5

[Ice M.]

Unlike her other work, 'Seek Ye Whore', which firmly fits into the horror genre, 'Waking the Dead' is a diverse collection of short stories that spans multiple genres, including folk horror, sci-fi, and lit fic, among others. While I went in expecting more horror stories, I ended up thoroughly enjoying the variety each story had to offer.

Some of favs are: Stella for Stars, Kulog, and Stars. The title story, 'Waking the Dead', also got me hooked but it ended being too short for my liking. Wishfully thinking she'd write (or rewrite) it in another one of her short story collections (or novel!) in the future.

[Hanaphinee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marketed as a collection of horror stories, but honestly, it wasn’t scary at all. It felt more like a retelling of folklore in modern times. I was initially drawn to this book, first of all, because it is under Filipiniana section (altho written in english), second of all, horror they say (brings me back to my memory from grade school where we exchanged PSICOM horror books in between break time), and ofc its Anvil Publishing house duhhh.

However, her writing style took me some time to get used to. It gets boring midway. 😢

Will I read the second installment? Maybe… but only if there’s nothing else on my TBR shelf. Let us see..

[Nhing King · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Story Ratings

▪︎The Child Abandoned (4/5⭐️)
▪︎The Bridge (4/5⭐️)
▪︎Delivering the Goods (5/5⭐️)
▪︎Boss, Ex? (2/5⭐️)
▪︎Waking the Dead (3/5⭐️)
▪︎Stella for Star (5/5⭐️)
▪︎Kulog (5/5⭐️)
▪︎Fade to Nothing (1/5⭐️)
▪︎Daddy (5/5⭐️)
▪︎Stars (5/5⭐️)
▪︎Sidhi (3/5⭐️)

🎭 Thoughts
Honestly, those stories are really creepy and scary. Some of them gave me the chills. I feel like someone's watching me 😅 (especially the abandoned child one). The creeps! 😨

I gave high ratings to "Delivering the Goods," "Stella for Star," "Kulog," "Daddy," and "Stars" because they were absolutely superb! 🙌

I hope I don't end up dreaming about them! 😅😆

[Ronabear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of the three books Yvette Tan has published,this is definitely my favorite.

It’s such a roller coaster of emotions. Some stories will scare you, some will make you squirm with all the gore, and others will leave you feeling unexpectedly sad. I love how she blends horror, tragedy, and even moments of quiet beauty in between all the darkness.

Some of my favorites are “Delivering the Goods,” “Kulog,” and “Stella for Star.” And honestly, the hanging moments in “Waking the Dead” and “Stars” left me wondering what happens next.

Creepy, gripping, and a little heartbreaking at times.