Evil Pact

Erich Hasse #2

by Marc Layton

Step into a supernatural suspense-fueled thrill ride with the latest book in international bestselling author Marc Layton’s Erich Hasse series. Expertly intertwining historical themes with gripping paranormal horror, Evil Pact will keep you guessing until the very last page.

Two thousand years ago, the Philosopher’s Stone disappeared. It remained a thing of legend until the year 1988, when mysterious evidence surfaces, pointing to its existence. But nobody knows who’s guarding it.

Professor Erich Hasse spent his life studying the legends of the elusive stone – and when the rumors of its existence reach him, he’s quickly drawn into a dangerous hunt that will carry him across the Mediterranean.

From the long-buried remains of the famous Library of Alexandria to a shadowy cult lurking in southern Europe, Erich and Brittany begin unravelling a web of clues – one that will pit them against a powerful supernatural force.

One question echoes in Hasse’s mind: who is the faceless figure using the stone for his own ends? But if Hasse isn’t careful, he’ll find himself a pawn in a game far bigger than he ever could have imagined...

239 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2022

About the author

Marc Layton is the internationally bestselling horror author of The Haunting Of Bridge Manor, The Evergreen Motel and The Evil Inside. The only child of American expats, he grew up on a farm in northern Germany, went to boarding school in a remote part of Scandinavia and then returned to his familial roots for University in New Hampshire where he then settled. As an avid traveler, a voracious reader and a professional antiques dealer, Layton is never at a loss for inspiration and ever since he can remember he’s been consumed by the things that go bump in the night. Layton lives and works out of a cottage near the water in Portsmouth, NH and spends his free time hiking with his wife and trusty Australian Shepard Lily.

Visit https://linktr.ee/MarcLayton to learn more or find Marc Layton on social @authormarclayton

Reviews

[Icy_Space_Cobwebs Join the Penguin Resistance! · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've read even one title by Marc Layton, you already know how wildly and creatively imaginative is this author! EVIL PACT is Book 2 in the new Erich Hasse Novel Series, and it takes readers on an intensely wild trip through contemporary culture (or recently contemporary): East Germany, Holland, post-war Albania, Bulgaria, Greece....and straight on out of Reality and into...Elsewhere. Frightening, unforeseen, and satisfyingly horrific, protagonists Professor Erich Hasse of the Paladins (a millenias-old society combating otherworldly Evil) and protégé Brittany Dellschaft, who possesses immense psychic energies, track the elusive Philosopher's Stone, sought by Alchemists throughout recorded history. Is it just a myth, a legend? Could something that transmutes base metals into gold actually exist? If it exists, where is it? Who possesses it? What will they do to alter Consensus Reality??

[Cat B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second of the Erich Hasse's series, Professor Hasse and Brittany Dellschaft are once again pressed into service. This time to find what we know as the Philosopher's Stone. Their adventure take them across the world ... and beyond. I love this team of Erich and Brittany and the world that the author is building around them. The way they rely on each other's strengths and shore up each other's weaknesses. They face a formidable force in Book 2 and have their work cut out for them. As well as the chase to find their objective, Brittany has her eyes opened to a world outside of her bubble, and what a revelation it is. She will never look at things the same way again. You needn't read book #1, really, but you should.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased opinion of the tale

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second of the Erich Hasse's series, Professor Hasse and Brittany Dellschaft again battle against evil. They will travel to several countries during that pursuit of evil. Brittany is exposed to the world outside of East Germany and all of the differences that go with being in other countries. Non-stop action with battles against creatures and the undead sent to eliminate them. It was interesting seeing the development of Brittany's education and power. Hasse and Brittany make a good team with his knowledge and her power. It will be interesting to see what the next story in this series is about.

I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

And once again we meet Professor Hasse and Brittany and go with them in another adventure, but this one leaves a subtle dark undertone, what will the future bring, what is this darkness that follows them in this adventure, is doing the right thing always clear? I felt that in this book, while professor Hasse was always around, it was much more about Brittany and what she felt and what did change for her, and that shows grow on her part, she is no longer a lost child with frightening things happening around, she can help to change the outcome of her own story.

This dive into their story had really scary moments, but it was much more as in the mummy movie than in the exorcist movie kind of scare, if that makes sense, they travelled a lot and that brought them closer to what they were looking for, we had interludes in the story where an unknown female voice, said some really worrisome thoughts about what was happening and that feeling that the doors are starting to close are all around our main characters…

This book feels like an important step in their story, that shows their grow, their trust in one another, and definitely what could go wrong, but above all, even while having an ending, it gives a sense of continuity, you’ll want to know what comes next, how things will go from here, how things will change, If you liked evil trust, you’ll have the need to read this one and see for yourself all the changes that come for our characters.

I got a free ARC from the author and this is my honest opinion.

[Kathryn]

This is the second book in the Erich Hasse set. While it can be read as a stand alone - I would strongly suggest reading book one first - it gives some really good background for the relationship between Erich and Brittany as well as some of the other characters. There is so much possibility for this team and I see endless opportunity for more adventures with Erich and Brittany and at some point for Brittany to be the star of her own series and for Erich (or Brittany) to continue to find proteges to grow this series. This series is a great prelude to the Evil Inside series. You can read any in any order, which is always nice, but I have found it helpful to follow the series as it has certainly helped me understand their thought processes based on their history. If you haven't picked up a book by Marc Layton yet, or if it has been awhile - these books are a great starting point. I'm already looking forward to the 3rd one. These are also nice quick reads and I find them interesting from standpoint of cultures and histories I may not know that much about.

[Brian Lobodzinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the adventures of Professor Hasse in the first book and this follow up did not disappoint. It starts of with an interesting 'murder' and ends with you wishing that there were more pages to turn.
Hunting for a novel that involves foreign travel, mutual suspicion, unlikely alliances, numerous weird satanic style cults and deaths galore? Then this is the book for you. If you're into discovering more about areas which make me slightly uneasy such as necromancy, Chrysopoeia, the Hound of Frannap, the Chart of Mrignri, Kath Katha charms and the Queen of Hell then delve no further. I almost expected the cast from the TV series 'Supernatural' to make a brief appearance but they must have been busy when this was written.

Just buy it and enjoy the ride. I hasten to add that I'm an ARC reviewer but I wasn't paid to write this and the opinions are definitely my own.

[Mindy Glaser · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book followed Hasse and Brittany as they teamed up to work for the “good” forces and oppose the “bad;” however, in this sequel, a new opponent rises to power that doesn’t belong to either side. Brittany is thrown into a whirlwind of experiences as she leaves East Germany for the first time. She is brought out of the communist bubble the Berlin Wall created and experiences the inequalities among the people of different countries. At the same time, she and Hasse also team up with Fehling to defeat their new common enemy. While this book is a fast paced adventure to find the Philosopher’s Stone and its new possessor, it’s also about Brittany’s enlightenment of how the world operates outside of what she was raised in and how the world isn’t as black and white as she believed it to be.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hasse and Brittany are sent to Greece to find a magical stone that allows the user to live forever - for a cost.
Layton writes amazingly dark, thrilling stories that are incredibly entertaining. These characters are believable and seem like people one might run into in real life.
The Hasse stories are very Indiana Jones-esque, but that's what makes them so fun to read. This one is scary without being nightmare-inducing and tells us more about Lilith and her motivations.
Definitely a must-read if you've already started this series!

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. This is the second book in this series which I enjoyed just as much if not more than the first one. This is a well written story that has twists and turns like no other. A fast paced story that is full of suspense and action. A story where the author used his writing skills to make the characters ccome to life. They are connectable and truly made the story for me. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.

[Doreen Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erich and Brittany are assigned to find a mysterious artifact of great significance. People have been killed for trying to get their hands on it. Will Erich and Brittany succeed where others have failed? Another chilling page turner which had my heart in my mouth. I could visualise the various dark entities and places and the danger therefrom during Erich's and Brittany's sojourn into the unknown. Great world building.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an amazing read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, well written adventure into the unknown, combining history and ancients beliefs with very strange happenings, placing Hasse and Brittany into dangerous situations. Good, believable characters and continuous action throughout. A very enjoyable read. I received a complimentary copy and voluntarily leave an honest review.

[Oralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marc Layton does it again!. In this second book in the Eriche Hasse books we follow Eriche on an adventure from Egypt to Europe as he chased the legend of the Philosopher's stone. An exciting thriller that leaves you wanting more.
I recieved an arc copy for an honest review

[Christmas Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very different type of story than what we have become accustomed to reading by Marc Layton. So much going on it is often difficult to understand. Hopefully, the next installment will be the Marc of old.

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a challenge for Hasse and Brittany. I am intrigued by what is in store for them from Lilith. I loved how naive Brittany was in regards to the world outside of Germany, yet she is also very determined and resourceful. I look forward to their next adventure! I loved this book!

[Emily Haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hasse and Brittany face new dangers.

[John Bitsko · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely loved this book, what a great continuation to the series..highly recommended!

[MsRoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evil Pact (An Erich Hasse Novel Book 2) By Marc Layton. I keep telling myself it’s too scary . However, Marc Layton books are addictive, scary, suspenseful. Love it and recommend this series…

[Luvwolves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story/series.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it. Well written, page turner, great characters. Love it. Good job. I received a copy and voluntary leaving a review.

[Rowan Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was another thrilling ride of a story that Marc Layton lays on paper like magic. It is suspenseful and exciting. I highly recommend this book.

[LORRIE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thos was an amazing story. Marc Layton never disappoints