WRITING: 3.5/5
VARIETY: 4/5
OVERALL: 4/5
It’s been a long time since I last read a horror story collection, so I was excited to dive back into the genre when Ten Tales of Torment came my way. This short eBook features a collection of ten horror stories, offering a diverse range of settings and characters. It was a great way to rediscover my love for horror fiction.
From mild horror to truly spooky tales, and from familiar settings to completely new landscapes, the book has plenty to offer for every horror genre lover. Some stories provide complete endings, while others take completely unexpected turns. The hauntings range from remote areas of Mumbai to the middle of busy, bustling streets. This variety ensures that each story brings a fresh and thrilling experience.
From a harmless-looking umbrella to a stranger who regularly takes auto rides to a remote jungle, from a mysterious cave that provides undecipherable answers to a dangerous stranger donning a red raincoat, and from a harmless token of love to a sinister missed call, these horror tales take you on strange and spooky adventures. Each story in the collection is bound to leave you wanting more.
Among my favourites are The Pink Umbrella, The Missed Call, and The Master.
The writing in Ten Tales of Torment isn’t flawless and has some gaps, but I appreciate the wide variety of tales the author offers. While the prose could use a bit more polish, the potential in the stories is clear. Each tale brings a unique twist to the horror genre, capturing my interest despite the imperfections.
Among my favorites are “The Pink Umbrella,” “The Missed Call,” and “The Master”. These stories stood out to me for their creativity and ability to evoke genuine suspense.
“The Pink Umbrella” narrates the story of a young woman and her ghastly encounter with a beautiful pink umbrella. She finds the umbrella on the street and immediately takes a liking to it, bringing it home. However, she soon realizes that certain things are not to be messed with. The story has a good premise and a compelling flow, making it much scarier than the others in the book. The way it builds suspense and gradually reveals the horror makes it a standout tale in the collection.
“The Master” tells the story of Brajesh, an autorickshaw driver who prides himself on his honesty and hard work. Brajesh, in order to earn more, often drives autos through the night, even at the most ungodly hours. His life takes a strange turn when he starts picking up a mysterious man as a regular passenger. This man always wants to be dropped off at a remote forest in Mumbai. Though the situation is unusual, Brajesh accepts it without much concern.
However, everything changes when Brajesh’s wife falls seriously ill, and he desperately needs money to pay for her treatment. As Brajesh grapples with his desperation and the eerie nature of his late-night passenger, the story delves into themes of morality, desperation, and the supernatural.
“The Missed Call” is a spooky tale that follows Avnit, a fan of all things paranormal who enjoys delving into research on the subject. One day, while conducting his regular online investigations into paranormal phenomena, Avnit stumbles upon a secretive website. Intrigued by its mysterious allure, he finds himself drawn to an unknown phone number listed on the site.
Driven by curiosity, Avnit decides to make the call, unaware of the chilling consequences that await him.
Aside from the standout stories mentioned, Ten Tales of Torment offers other noteworthy tales that contribute to its overall appeal. Despite its imperfections, the book remains an engaging read that highlights the author’s promising talent in crafting eerie and memorable narratives. It introduces readers to a fresh voice in Indian horror fiction.
Can’t wait to read it? Buy your copy of Ten Tales of Torment using the link below.
