A cursed relic. A hunted child. The dark covenant demands a sacrifice. Months after a séance nearly destroyed them, Nora and Ally are determined to start over. No more parlor tricks. No more comforting lies. If they’re going to face the dead again, it will be honestly—or not at all.
But when Father Tony entrusts Ally with a collection of confiscated occult relics, he gives one destroy them. She isn’t afraid—she’s fascinated.
One relic in particular draws her in. Ancient. Powerful. Bristling with dark energy. Why annihilate something so old out of fear and superstition? It deserves respect not destruction. Consumed by her desire to unlock its forbidden secrets, she ignores the warning. The consequences are immediate. Nora is attacked. Her daughter, Lucy, grows distant, whispering to unseen things. And the symbols Gabriel carved into Blanco’s flesh ignite once more, burning like a warning.
Something is awake.
Crushed by guilt and desperation, Ally struggles to stop the nightmare she’s unleashed. She seeks help from a mysterious woman who knows far more about the relic than she should. She offers answers. Guidance. And a path deeper into the occult than Ally ever intended to walk.
This evil isn’t attacking blindly.
It’s moving closer.
It’s learning. And it won’t stop until it reaches its chosen vessel. Lucy.
The Last Medium is Book 2 in the Dark Covenant series—a chilling occult thriller packed with grief-fueled horror, forbidden rituals, and the terrifying cost of forbidden power.
Dean Rasmussen grew up in a small Minnesota town and began writing stories at the age of ten, driven by his fascination with the Star Wars hero's journey. He continued writing short stories and attempted a few novels through his early twenties until he stopped to focus on his computer animation ambitions. He studied English at a Minnesota college during that time.
He learned the art of computer animation and went on to work on twenty feature films, a television show, and a AAA video game as a visual effects artist over thirteen years. He currently teaches animation for visual effects in Orlando, Florida.
Inspired by his favorite authors, Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Richard Matheson, and H.P. Lovecraft, Dean began writing novels and short stories again in 2018 to thrill and delight a new generation of horror fans.
No mediumship in this story, just full on dark Occult shenanigans. The raising of demonic entities, in order to alleviate personal tragedy is never going to end well and so it proved.
The story began with ceremonial animal mutilation, as a misguided occultist attempts to lure the demon Moloch into our world. This was sickening and I very nearly gave up there and then. However, I carried on as the story evolved into a full-on battle between good and evil.
Book 2 of the Dark Covenant Series was much darker than its predecessor but, for me at least, not as enjoyable. It was fast moving and quite gripping at times but, it lacked that 'something'. Many other reviewers may disagree with my rating but, possibly, I never got over the animal cruelty bit at the start.
i'm so sorry to have to give this book only 3 stars.
I enjoyed the first of this series and was looking forward to seeing what would be next in store for Nora and Ally in the world of the supernatural.
It was a great chilling read. I have no complaints about that.
What unfortunately irked me, (but no-one else has mentioned, so it could just be me.) Is Ally keeping the big discovery of Tess and the ritual for Lucy's protection to herself. It felt like as close sisters they would have shared these HUUUUGE revelations. So everything Ally did behind Nora's back made me grind my teeth!
The fact that Nora and her husband were ADAMANT that they didn't want Ally in their house or near Lucy again. But then somehow at the show down, he apparently forgives her. It all just felt too twee. (I'm so sorry.)
Obviously this is the point of the whole storyline. But it was too clichéd for my personal taste.
I am going to read the next book and hopefully it'll stay gritty with both sisters on the same team. 😄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars Reviewed: 05-05-26
Two sisters, a cursed relic, an ancient demon … a child in danger. How far will fierce love go to protect and secure? When one is “The Last Medium”, the fight could be to the death … for all! Dark, suspenseful and RIVETING, “The Last Medium” instantly drew me DEEPLY back into the lives of Nora, Ally and Lucy! I felt reunited with old friends, and through beautifully realistic character development, these friends continued to grow and change to POWERFULLY drive this story to a natural, believable, STUNNING, and heart stopping conclusion! Other beloved familiars are back, along with a few newbie’s whose shenanigans shocked, stunned and delighted this devoted listener! Of course I can’t reveal ANY identities or plot details here, but have a listen and I’ve no doubt you too will be amazed at the level of creativity achieved by our talented author! The plot, the characters and the stellar narration beautifully combine to create an experience that held this listener firmly in the moment, at times horrified, at times on a fearful precipice with heart in throat, at times completely overcome with emotion, as one with the characters throughout! Dark perfection, “The Last Medium”, five fabulous stars across ALL categories! I loved every second I spent in their world, and I can’t wait to go back!
In the second book of The Dark Covenant series, things get much darker indeed. I could almost feel the creeping dread and terror coming closer as Nora, Ally, Daniel and especially little Lucy are all pushed to the very brink of a demonic nightmare that threatens to consume them all. I wanted to keep reading, as this story pulled me propulsively along, but I also wanted to close the book and shut my eyes so I didn't have to see what was coming next. I don't know what's in store for this beleaguered family, but judging by the upcoming title of the final book in the series, it can't be anything good. But just like the best of horror movies, this story is so scary good that of course I'll be back for more. You can't keep me away now, even if I have to read while hiding under the covers and with my eyes half closed!
***I received an ARC from the author. My review is strictly voluntary.***
'Curiosity killed the cat' but in this book this is almost literally the case. When Ally is given a mysterious box to destroy, human curiosity overrides common sense and she ignores the instruction. Events take a downward spiral that almost leads to multiple deaths as a warped Medium tries to negotiate with Moloch leading to an exciting finale in the novel. As per usual Mr Rasmussen manages to build up the tension using a number of events that eventually climax in the Hollow Bend Quarry. The author manages to maintain the thread from his first novel in the series and the result is a very enjoyable read.
This book extends the demonic horror introduced in The Covenants Book One, delving profoundly into the escalating madness that originated with Gabriel's devotion to his daughter. The psychic sisters confront Ezeran, the demon, manipulated by another misguided parent, in her pursuit of her own daughter's welfare. One wonders how much more this family can endure throughout their arduous journey, yet it is evident that their trials are far from over. I eagerly anticipate the third installment in this series. I am a proud ARC reader of one of my favorite authors, Dean Rasmussen!
The Last Medium by Dean Rasmussen pulls you right back into its eerie world and doesn’t waste time doing it. What I really liked is how it finally sheds some light on those lingering questions from the first book—it doesn’t spell everything out, but it gives just enough clarity to feel satisfying. The tension is steady throughout, with that unsettling atmosphere Rasmussen does so well. At the same time, it still leaves you with a few new questions creeping in, which honestly just adds to the overall vibe. If you were hooked before, this one definitely keeps you invested.
Audiobook: I was as entertained by this book as much as the first one in the series. I was enthralled with the story as it started off slow and creepy while chills were running up and down my back. The story caught me by surprise as it built up to a crescendo which kept my attention until the very end. I thought Melissa Connell's narration was great as her performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
Book 2 in the series has Nora and Ally restoring and changing the store. No more lying to customers, no more horror. Then Nora is attacked and Ally may be unknowingly behind it. The characters are relatable and realistic. so much so that I felt like Ally was proceeding blindly, no matter the outcome and I wanted to shake her. i would recommend it. I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Nora and Ally have a chance to start over after the terrifying events that happened. One of them makes a choice that could destroy everything. Chilling.
If you have issues with animals being hurt, do not listen to the first chapter. Beyond that, this was an interesting listen. The story is getting more intriguing and I look forward to more.
Received the audiobook through Story Origin to review. Narrator Melissa Connell returns as The Dark Covenant continues... darker as ever.
The Last Medium is the darkly, gorgeous sequel to The Last Séance that opens in hauntingly detail of just how desperate Gabriel Flores took things to speak to his deceased daughter, Anna.
And the stark consequences that echo from it.
In the wake of the disturbing experience, sisters Ally and Nora are forging ahead with a new business model that bringing their drab and dreary parlor into the light. The dark forces that Gabriel sought to channel are only just beginning to wage their destructive war upon the living.
Each twisted encounter surreal and harrowing.
And it could tear another family apart... if they cannot stop it.
Everyone is playing with fire... and these disturbing demonic creatures don't care who burns.