Rating: 
Summary: An Authoritative and Terrifying Read
Review: Martin succeeds in peeling back the veil of the preternatural, allowing the reader a terrifying look at its darker side. His explanation of possession and exorcism is lucid and understandable, though not technically complete. The case studies graphically describe the subtle process of possession, and put it in its proper place as a very rare, very real and unusually overt form of evil influence.The book probably should be considered a classic text on the subject. It would be interesting if Martin would write a follow-up text describing the technical aspects of human-preternatural interaction and its application to our spiritual existance. This would more clearly explain the reasons why possession can and does happen, and why it manifests itself in the way it does. For further insight into this subject, the writings of Felicitas Goodman are quite good, credible, and less dramatic. They also lend differing cultural perspectives to the subject. Her books "How about Demons" and "The exorcism of Anneliese Michel" are particularly recommended. One final point to consider is that this is a subject of truly dangerous potential. Those who dabble in ouija boards, seances, and the like do so at great risk. The spiritual (mystical) journey is best realized by experiencing and devoting oneself to god first, and exploring the preternatural within that context.
Rating:
Summary: Deeply disturbing, but very uplifting too
Review: Balanced against the profound evil documented in this book is the triumph of pure good. What is deeply moving is the willingness of the five exorcists to risk the unimaginable to save a human soul. That glimpse of God's love as manifested in his very human agents is what is shattering in this book and what will remain with the reader.
Rating:
Summary: WHERE ARE YOU AT SPIRITUALLY?
Review: BEWARE: If you are not strong in your faith, do not read this book. Malachi Martin's book may open up a veritable Pandora's Box in your mind if you are even slightly wavered in your faith in God and goodness. I think the most terrifying revelation in this book is the fact that Martin suggests that all the victims wittingly or unwittingly let the demons into their lives through various means (i.e. searching for knowledge, believing in evolution over creation,obssessing over gender, etc.). I have struggled with my own quest for knowledge and the battle between evolution and creation in legitimate schools of thought; to bring these issues to the surface in a book such as this is very disturbing. When you read this book, you won't know if the noises you hear are the figment of your own imagination or something very real. Take care and be strong when you open these pages.
Rating:
Summary: A Truly Terrifying Book
Review: 'Hostage to the Devil' is an incredibly frightening read. It is not flashy. It will never be made into a movie. 'Hostage to the Devil' tells of true stories of possession in a manner of fact manner that is creepy beyond my ability to describe. Malachi Martin is an excellent writer, I recommend all of his books. This book shows Martin smart enough to stand back and not try and add anything to material that on it's own will effect the reader in ways that one can not easily forget. 'Hostage to the Devil' is a very scary, truly terrifying book.
Rating:
Summary: Danger for those who battle the Dark
Review: The most telling aspect of this book is the danger to the exorcist FINALLY explained. This danger extends to all who ever battle or resist the Dark having "seen" its "true" face. This book does expose to a degree that "face". The reader should pray from the beginning to never get a clearer view than this. Pray each day for God's protection, and read no more. While I am in NO WAY suggesting censorship other than that the reader exercises on his own behalf-unless there is a TRUE need to have this info-PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. This is truly-I MEAN THIS WITH MY WHOLE HEART-a subject best left to those who have NO CHOICE but to study it. God's protection to all who walk here.
Rating: 
Summary: Exorcism is a REAL event.
Review: A well written, well researched explanation of the Catholic rite of exorcism as well as being a compelling story. Martin reviews five recent (70's) exorcisms in the U.S. and explains the different degrees of possession. I found myself developing a certain empathy for the possessed and praying for the exorcism to be successful. The book is a compelling read and will capture your attention from the opening pages.
Rating:
Summary: Don't expect "The Exorcist"
Review: I don't quite understand what Malachi Martin is trying to achieve, but this book seems to have an eerie feeling surrounding it. From beginning to end, it breaks down the defences of the mind, and ends all logical reason. I have had a profound change since reading this book, mentally and socially. The book has a frightening grasp, and almost demands to be read after finishing the first few pages. Feelings of guilt and terror accompany any reading. I truely feel that this book does more harm than good for the reader. Nonetheless, i cannot give it anything below 5 stars. Malachi Martin acheives something more from this than any ordinary book.
Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece of Scholarship - Read It!
Review: In this scholarly tome Martin masterfully conbines solid erudition with popular style. His analysis of the situation of possession and the case studies of actual exorcisms are riviting. A must read book which will outlast our generation - this is a classic for the ages!
Rating:
Summary: GREAT LEARNING TOOL! GREAT SCARE!
Review: Having read the original print of this book back some 8 odd years or so ago.. I can say it is an intense book... one that will make you rethink EVERYTHING you ever thought about demonic posession being false. I have worked with the likes of Ed & Lorraine Warren, who this particular book came recommended from. I am unsure of the latest re-issue of the book, but the original came complete with the unheard of in general print "Rites of Exorcism", as written by the Holy Roman Catholic Church. Great learning tool for those who "think" they can play with the unknown... WARNING: Kids...don't try this at home...
Rating:
Summary: really made me stop, think, and look at life differently!
Review: I highly recommend this book for anyone who would like to learn more about evil, Satan, and exorcism in general. I found it to be an extremely intense, but quite understandable read. The five posessions are well explained and graphic enough to be bone-chilling. This is a book that will remain with me long after I read it!
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