Hostage to the Devil: The Possession and Exorcism of Five Contemporary Americans Paperback – October 1, 1992

The five factual tales are told in the order they are for a reason. By the third one, you will wonder what the hell the writer has left that could possibly be worse. By the fifth, you know.Forget this book. You won’t need to try and forget what you never read. You won’t be able to erase it from your minds eye if you do.Researchers like myself are well versed on this subject and the historical esoteric arts in theory and in practice.Please listen and heed this advice.Malachi Martin was himself well warned by Father Gerald about publishing this book...“You realize - you won’t get away with it this time.” - “This is no mere fun and games, Malachi. Your treading on their turf. Dangerously. From their point of view.”He didn’t listen either.

Exorcisms are rigorously documented from beginning to end and a diary kept by the priest in charge according to strict protocols. The immense ordeal undergone by all, especially the lead priest, is an unseen matter in this modern world of ours, Psychiatry has relegated many cases to the DSM ( Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and some exorcist like Malachi Martin estimate that 50% of so called schizophrenics could be helped by the spiritual aid of exorcism rather than pharmacology in closed wards. This book forces you to come face to, face with the possibility that many mental illnesses are spiritual illnesses. And there is a bias against spiritual as it conjures up rites, prayers and a battle with an unseen entity, a demon. We go to church or synagogue each week in prayer to an unseen Supreme being but feel foolish to think that there is a evil counterpart, lest we are ridiculed as believing in a boogeyman.This book had a profound effect on me as I was raised Roman Catholic but non practicing. It forced me to re-confront my faith and the fact that evil has a face, invisible like God's but all the same real. When you look at some of the absolutely insane things happening in todays world, one might see a war, a final battle between the Forces of Light and Darkness, that are described in religions texts like the BibleWarning: this book is profoundly scary, especially if you have any religious training as I had as a youth. It made for some poor sleepless nights

This book was recommended to me, and I am very thankful for his recommendation! This is an extraordinary and well written book. Malachi Martin sheds light to the horrors of demonic possession in a very intellectual, informative and personal manner that connected me to the victims and opened my eyes. I strongly recommend this book.

Either you believe in evil or you don't. This text describes the life experiences of an exorcist and others involved in confronting evil. Don't believe everything that other social media sites publish about this man. Instead, supplement your learning with texts on evil by M. Scott Peck, MD, e.g. "People of the Lie" and The Bible. "Hostage to the Devil" consists of frightening cases of possessed individuals undergoing psychiatric/theological treatment. You will never by the same if you study this subject matter. Listen closely to what these professionals teach you.

I cannot say that I enjoyed this product. I am not giving five stars because I liked it. I am giving it five stars because I learned from it, and grew in knowledge and consciousness. Fr. Malachi Martin is by far the most convincing authority on the subject of exorcism. There was once a time when I would balk at the mention of all things spiritual or other worldly. After Martin's stark, bone harrowing descriptions, I reconsidered the reality of possession. He has been called a weaver of spells with words. As a mind that can read and write in over 17 languages, he is indeed a brilliant linguist and writer. He can comment on the Gospels and The Bible with the safeguards and interpretive lenses of over 2000 years of Church history, philosophy and theology. For most skeptics today, I would sympathize and understand their skepticism. Because most of what we are met with in mainstream Christianity does not sound or read like Fr. Martin's writings. Fr. Martin is grounded in reality and speaks from the perspective of decades of exhaustive study and experience. This work has left me a different person. I would recommend this to all disciplines. Be warned and prepared for the graphic and HONEST descriptions which make Mel Gibson's film, "The Passion" seem mild in comparison, difficult as it is to watch. Consider prayer and meditation before reading, as it is a difficult subject that threatens sanity if not approached with Martin's clarity and professionalism.

SPOILERS:I don't even know how to describe this book. Wow, his writing does drag on a bit and is very dramatic. The stories are so bizarre along with the demon's hoaky "names" did he do that so as not to reveal their real names? I mean what demon says its name is Tortoise? It was very creepy how each person was harassed by the demon in order for them to open up and allow it in. This was a strange book, I've read several in this genre including The Rite (that's a good one!) this is just so far out. I did like how he revealed astroplaning as a demonic trick and also the man who thought he was a woman, interesting and makes sense. They're always trying to trick us.

I was really really torn with the amount of stars to give this book. There are aspects to this book I thought were unbelievably great but at the same time there were some massive let downs.Firstly, I have a lot of respect for Father Malachi Martin, whether you believe in these things or not, are catholic or not - it can’t be denied that this man dedicated his life to this work. Myself I’m not a catholic but I am Christian, even though I do use a lot of caution, when people automatically want to jump the gun and claim something’s is haunted or possessed, so I might not understand or appreciate some of the catholic doctrine contained in this.To make this easier I’ll split it up into pros and cons.Pros:- it gives some amazing insight into the mind of a possessed person. It shows the slow and subtle build up that can take place over time. This is a refreshing and different insight compared to what Hollywood often presents, where it’s this automatic BOOM! SHES NOW SUPER POSSESSED!- each case is thoroughly examined and explained, so you really go on a journey with the characters.- the writing style is very descriptive, which conveys in great detail the horror and the terror everyone involved must have felt. Without the need for cheap jump scares.Cons:-it’s not the easiest book to read. The writing can be extremely elaborate and long at times. There are pages and pages dedicated to one single thought or a minor event. For example, there are 3 pages dedicated to one single moment where a character is sitting in a car thinking about a painting!- I’m not sure whether this next point is meant to be a writing/narrative style, but another off putting thing was that for some of the “victims”, there is never a clear reason as to why they got possessed in the first place. Which clashes with other advice I’ve heard and read about, where it is clearly stated that there is a direct journey to someone getting possessed. E.g. you get involved in dark occult practices.In this book (I don’t want to spoil anything) there is one victim, who it appears the only reason she got possessed was because she didn’t agree with the teachings in her catholic school? I’m sure there must be more to it, but it wasn’t clearly presented.Whether you believe in this phenomenon or not, I’d make this a recommend read for anyone who finds this topic interesting and wants to know more.

This book (and DVD) are exceptional. Learning from the brilliant Malachi Martin is an absolute gift.His fantastic way of writing is full of intelligence and stylish, fascinating and readable. The DVD is equally excellent to watch over and over. I have learnt so much from Malachi Martin and his teachings are invaluable. The books and film take us on a journey to understanding deeply what possession and exorcism are about and the existence of 'the Devil'. The contributors are compelling and tell a fascinating story that is a must see (DVD).Malachi Martin has a high level authority over this subject matter who speaks and writes with absolute authority without question. A must read and A Must WATCH OF THE FILM.

This book is like a long lost treasure of truth.It is not light reading and perhaps, those not constitutionally fit for it should not read it. But for some of us, it confirms a reality so unspoken of today that is necessary to know and be forewarned and forearmed against.Remember that our fight is not with flesh and blood, but with powers and principalities. And they are intelligent, evil beyond measure, and they hate us.

My God , literally!!! Couldn't BELIEVE what I was reading!!! Terrifying , and sobering . I certainly believe the stories in the book. Stay close to God..

Factual. Well-written, the author himself, a Catholic priest, was an exorcist. Good psychological and psychiatric insights.Don't read it at night when you are alone in the house, it is scary as hell.