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Dark Days: Novellas of Revenge and Redemption
Revenge and redemption are dishes best served cold...
Even the best of us have a darkness inside, lurking beneath the surface, ready to be exposed like raw nerve endings. Most days, we hide it well. But sometimes, on those dark days, when all that we fear comes for us, the repressed darkness spills into the world, and only revenge will satiate. On those long nights when sleep evades, your mind churns, reminding you of your dirty deeds of the past. We must all make amends on judgement day and hope for redemption. Dark Days is a superb collection of six previously published novellas of revenge and redemption from Steven Pajak that will expose the inner darkness within and the moral choices that may lead to redemption for the damned.
A Second Chance
Convicted of manslaughter, Thomas Donavan is released from prison and determined to make his life count. He finds hope and an unlikely friendship with Donny, the old man who runs Second Chance, a halfway house for parolees. Thomas' dream is to keep his head down, do his time, and finally make a better life for himself. Unfortunately for Thomas, his past comes back to haunt him in a horrific showdown with someone who feels Thomas needs to pay the ultimate price for his sin.
At The Core Lies Darkness
After a devastating diagnosis, Nick Sawyer learns he has only two months to live. Nick’s search for answers leads him to St. Michael’s church and Father Thomas May, who tells Nick to have faith and look to God for answers. Though his faith in church and God has waned, Nick is desperate to live, and prays for a miracle. During the night, Nick is visited by Raphael, the angel of healing, who grants his prayer. But everything has a price and miracles are no exception. In this dark tale of life and death, Nick must decide if living is worth sacrificing his soul.
Ghosts of the Past
Thirty years after his parents died in a car crash and his sister mysteriously disappeared, Richard Bower spots a woman in a restaurant he believes is his sister. He confronts her, but she denies knowing him at all. However, a note left behind—written in his sister's script and signed with her childhood nickname—proves otherwise. Desperate to find his sister in hopes of learning answers that can unlock his mysterious past, Richard enlists the help of all his contacts as attorney to find her. Each clue leads him one step closer to revealing his shrouded past but also one step closer to danger.
The Mortality of Morris Meridian
World War II Veteran Morris Meridian has lived a long, distinguished life—as a soldier, loving father, and doting husband—but he won't live through the night. As he lays dying, he finds himself face-to-face with an ageless man from his past, who forces Morris to recall haunting memories and a terrifying offer he might not be able to refuse.
Murder, Inc
Davina is good at biding her time, waiting for the right moment to help desperate women find salvation from their abusive partners. Davina knows how it feels to be beaten and abused. She is part of Murder, Inc., a group founded by survivors of domestic abuse, who use their network and skills to help other women escape from bad situations. The price for their pay it forward one day and help others in their time of need. But Davina’s motives for helping free women from the bonds of their abusers may have a much darker intention.
The Long December
Nora Cooper, accomplished scholar, prestigious college preparatory school administrator, and devoted wife and mother, falls into deep despair after she is unceremoniously fired. Her life-long struggle with depression leads to suicide. This fateful decision drives her daughter, Mandy, to take matters into her own hands and will show no mercy to those directly or indirectly involved in her mother’s demise.
Even the best of us have a darkness inside, lurking beneath the surface, ready to be exposed like raw nerve endings. Most days, we hide it well. But sometimes, on those dark days, when all that we fear comes for us, the repressed darkness spills into the world, and only revenge will satiate. On those long nights when sleep evades, your mind churns, reminding you of your dirty deeds of the past. We must all make amends on judgement day and hope for redemption. Dark Days is a superb collection of six previously published novellas of revenge and redemption from Steven Pajak that will expose the inner darkness within and the moral choices that may lead to redemption for the damned.
A Second Chance
Convicted of manslaughter, Thomas Donavan is released from prison and determined to make his life count. He finds hope and an unlikely friendship with Donny, the old man who runs Second Chance, a halfway house for parolees. Thomas' dream is to keep his head down, do his time, and finally make a better life for himself. Unfortunately for Thomas, his past comes back to haunt him in a horrific showdown with someone who feels Thomas needs to pay the ultimate price for his sin.
At The Core Lies Darkness
After a devastating diagnosis, Nick Sawyer learns he has only two months to live. Nick’s search for answers leads him to St. Michael’s church and Father Thomas May, who tells Nick to have faith and look to God for answers. Though his faith in church and God has waned, Nick is desperate to live, and prays for a miracle. During the night, Nick is visited by Raphael, the angel of healing, who grants his prayer. But everything has a price and miracles are no exception. In this dark tale of life and death, Nick must decide if living is worth sacrificing his soul.
Ghosts of the Past
Thirty years after his parents died in a car crash and his sister mysteriously disappeared, Richard Bower spots a woman in a restaurant he believes is his sister. He confronts her, but she denies knowing him at all. However, a note left behind—written in his sister's script and signed with her childhood nickname—proves otherwise. Desperate to find his sister in hopes of learning answers that can unlock his mysterious past, Richard enlists the help of all his contacts as attorney to find her. Each clue leads him one step closer to revealing his shrouded past but also one step closer to danger.
The Mortality of Morris Meridian
World War II Veteran Morris Meridian has lived a long, distinguished life—as a soldier, loving father, and doting husband—but he won't live through the night. As he lays dying, he finds himself face-to-face with an ageless man from his past, who forces Morris to recall haunting memories and a terrifying offer he might not be able to refuse.
Murder, Inc
Davina is good at biding her time, waiting for the right moment to help desperate women find salvation from their abusive partners. Davina knows how it feels to be beaten and abused. She is part of Murder, Inc., a group founded by survivors of domestic abuse, who use their network and skills to help other women escape from bad situations. The price for their pay it forward one day and help others in their time of need. But Davina’s motives for helping free women from the bonds of their abusers may have a much darker intention.
The Long December
Nora Cooper, accomplished scholar, prestigious college preparatory school administrator, and devoted wife and mother, falls into deep despair after she is unceremoniously fired. Her life-long struggle with depression leads to suicide. This fateful decision drives her daughter, Mandy, to take matters into her own hands and will show no mercy to those directly or indirectly involved in her mother’s demise.
- GenresHorrorShort Stories
268 pages, Paperback
Published January 6, 2025
16 people want to read
About the author
Steven Pajak
55 books83 followersSteven Pajak, a Chicago-based author, crafts stories that explore the depths of horror and the human psyche. With a pen that dances on the edges of darkness, Steven brings to life tales that challenge, terrify, and linger in the minds of readers. Drawing inspiration from the urban tapestry of Chicago, his work merges the pulse of city life with the eerie quiet of the shadows lurking within the darkest corners of our minds. Steven invites you into a world where fear meets courage, and the journey through his imagination proves as haunting as it is unforgettable.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
dnfed
April 16, 2025DNF at 75%, all the stories were quite forgettable and I can't be bothered to continue. No rating.
January 16, 2026
This is the third book of Steven Pajak’s that I’ve read.
Steven hasn’t let me down yet.
Loved all six novella of revenge and redemption that are in Dark Days! Do yourself a favor and check out Dark Days! Also I highly recommend The Haunting Of Elena Vera and The Devil’s Doorway. Looking forward to reading Murder, Inc. FYI. One of the novellas is called Murder, Inc which is a prequel to the full length book.
Steven hasn’t let me down yet.
Loved all six novella of revenge and redemption that are in Dark Days! Do yourself a favor and check out Dark Days! Also I highly recommend The Haunting Of Elena Vera and The Devil’s Doorway. Looking forward to reading Murder, Inc. FYI. One of the novellas is called Murder, Inc which is a prequel to the full length book.
December 17, 2024
This was my first book by Steven Pajak and it won't be my last. These are a set of revenge horror stories. For me, this was the perfect way to get a taste of Steven's writing. My favorite stories in the collection were.
- Second Chance
- Murder Inc.
- The Long December
If you enjoy revenge horror, you can't go wrong with Dark Days. I look forward to reading more from Steven.
- Second Chance
- Murder Inc.
- The Long December
If you enjoy revenge horror, you can't go wrong with Dark Days. I look forward to reading more from Steven.
December 30, 2024
This is a great collection of stories about revenge. On the darkest days of your life, how far would you go?
I find Steven’s writing style really easy to read, and the stories just flow. The stories are dark, grotesque and in some aspects gory, and all are completely unique. There is something here for everyone
I find Steven’s writing style really easy to read, and the stories just flow. The stories are dark, grotesque and in some aspects gory, and all are completely unique. There is something here for everyone
August 10, 2024
Ive read revenge horror before but this collection was a lot darker. You really feel the fear and hate and desperation in the characters in this collection. This is a very atmospheric slow burn collection. My favourite would be the mortality of morris meredian.
October 14, 2024
I finished Dark Days by Steven Pajak several days ago. This has several really great stories of revenge in it. I quite enjoy Steven's writing - I will read anything this man writes. Do yourself a favor and go grab it.
🖤🖤🖤🖤/5 black hearts. Get that revenge.
🖤🖤🖤🖤/5 black hearts. Get that revenge.
January 25, 2025
Quick read but intense and emotional on parts. I cried on certain stories, that brought up the pain of losing my dad. I guess scenes involving the loss of a parental figure will always be my damnation, as well as anything that brings up the effects of cancer in the mix 😢
February 9, 2025
A great collection of stories, I enjoyed each one! My favorites were At the Core Lies Darkness, Ghosts of the Past and Murder, Inc.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews