HORROR STORIES 2

HORROR STORIES #2

by Tunku Halim

These are the stories that were just too nasty to be included in the bestselling first volume of Horror Stories. Written over the span of two decades by Malaysia’s most popular scary author Tunku Halim, this collection includes the full novella Juriah’s Song as well as the blackly comic play Pig Heart.

380 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2016

About the author

Tunku Halim has lived in the UK, Australia, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia. He worked as Legal Counsel for a global IT company before turning to writing.

Twenty books later, he is dubbed Asia’s Steven King. By delving into Malay myth, legends and folklore, his writing is regarded as ‘World Gothic’.

His novel, Dark Demon Rising, was nominated for the 1999 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award whilst his second novel, Vermillion Eye, is used as a study text in The National University of Singapore’s Language and Literature course.

His short story has also won first prize in a 1998 Fellowship of Australian Writers competition. In Malaysia, he has had three consecutive wins in Malaysia's Star-Popular Readers’ Choice Awards between 2015 and 2017.

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so ready to give this book 4.5/5 stars, but the last story, Pig Heart (play), ruined everything for me. First of all, the Malaysian slangs were mostly incorrect and the whole "Manglish" talk seemed kinda forced and made me cringe so hard while reading it. For example, one of the characters said, "Why he don't ask for a human heart, mah?". Umm, okay. Malaysians don't speak like that. And "mah" is the wrong slang word to be used in this context, FYI. A Malaysian would say, "Why he don't ask for a human heart leh?". Take note.

Next, is it just me, or are two of stories in this book actually not horror stories? I'm talking about Monkeys! and the play I mentioned above. There were no horror elements in them. If that's actually the case, then isn't the title of the book quite misleading? I paid RM24.90 for horror stories, as stated in the title, Horror Stories 2, not a random collection of Tunku Halim's work.

Also, I think it's worth mentioning that I bought the first Horror Stories for my sister, and on the cover page, there's a quote by New Straits Times claiming that it's "one of the most unpleasant books I have read." At the end there was an asterisk, which I never noticed until I was looking through my purchases at home. On the back cover of the book, there was a footnote saying, and I quote it word for word, "OK the quote from the New Straits Times is for a different book, but it's by the same author so we are certain the endorsement would also apply." Hmm. I'm pretty sure that's not how reviews work. I felt deceived because I thought that the review was for this particular book that I've bought. If I had looked closely and read the footnote, I probably would not have bought it.

So, because of the misleading titles and reviews on these two books, I've lost all faith in Tunku Halim's books as well as the publishing company. I won't be picking up any other books of his, but I might give other Fixi Novo authors a try, but only after meticulously checking out the cover for misleading reviews.

[Squilvia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only story that I like is the Pig Heart. That particular story left some effects on me and IDK whether it was good or not. I wish the writer would tone down the sexual tone. His story would be a lot better without them.

[Kathy Chung · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find that then stories here are better than Book 1. Its less westernized and have local flavours.

[Alin Azuha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book cause I like the font of this book actually (so weird, duh)
Personally, I love the last one titled "Pig Heart" and if it was meant to be on screenplay, i wouldnt mind to watch this masterpiece, cause it was very great!
Imagine that if you're Muslim, and you got pig's heart as a transplant, and what you're gonna do?

[Ema · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wo wo wo. I take back my words. This time TH is brilliant. I don't know how he do it but this compilations make me trust for a good future ( what the hell I'm talking about. I just don't knòw)

Maybe I just overreacted. But I do love this book. Not all are horror stories but there is a plot. That is important. I just love all the stories. Please read!

[Andrea N · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea. Tunku Halim's work satisfies teenagers and young adults but not serious readers. They are mostly easy reads.

[Benjy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't know how this became the best-selling book. The writing is amateurish at best.

[Kristi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Flipped through the book. Regret buying it. Not buying any more books from this writer.

[Nicholas Tan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Discriminates Christianity in a specific Parr of the story. Plus, it's horribly amateur, how did it even sold 30,000 LMFAO.

[Jim Irvine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Does what it says on the cover - some cool horror stories, super fun read. I really enjoyed my time reading this one.

[fai · Rating 4 out of 5]

this one is much better than the first one! but i love both. the collections of ghosts stories which kinda predictable but still creepy!

[Naziman Ab · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate to admit that i like the idea of his stories but loathe the try-hard-to-be-aesthaetic writing styles in the last 6 chapters. (except "Pig Heart)

[Nadiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the first one better.