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21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gripping story, utterly fascinating and disturbing, May 2, 2007
This book is one of three that I would rate as a "must read" if you want to learn about the demonic, house infestations, and human possession (the other two are "The Demonologist" {also by Brittle} and "Hostage to the Devil" by Malachi Martin). These books forced me to ask a most difficult question- what does God allow the demonic to do, and why does He allow it? The answer for me is that He allows more than I would ever have previously believed. This book is a gripping read, and includes a fascinating description of Ed Warren's attempt to use a binding ritual on the main demon while an exorcism ritual is being performed at another location. The demon is too powerful, and later we find out more details. If you read it, you might never listen to house and neighborhood noises around 3 AM again without some trepidation. Be prepared to view your faith differently, with a greater sense of gratitude. It's a disturbing book with a truly powerful message. One more opinion- this book is far too intense for children and even teenagers (nightmares are extremely likely)- keep it away from them.
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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Probably the scariest book I've ever read..., March 27, 2006
After hearing so much about this notorious book, I finally tracked down a rather ragged old copy on e-bay. I was dying of curiosity to see what all the fuss was about regarding this book. Well, did I ever learn! First, I have to say, I was a little apprehensive about even having a copy of the book around since I see by some of these other reviews that people indicate just having it in your house can make weird things happen. But, I was brave and I got it and made it through reading the whole thing. Is it scary? Yes, it is indeed and it is probably the scariest book I've ever read but I was able to make it through it. I kept it at work and read it during break and lunch times - felt a little bit better than reading it at home late at night before bed! The truth is, there's really nothing in it that a very frightening horror movie wouldn't show you and some of it actually borders on the ridiculous - green claws coming up out of the floor, one-eyed ghouls standing eight feet tall, demons riding around on the roof of the family car or sitting out in the backyard in a lawn chair - it was almost silly in places but then, when you remember that this IS a true story - THAT is what really makes it scary! I don't doubt for one moment the authenticity of the case and I believe it did actually happen just the way they describe it. The Warrens are reputable people and I cannot believe they would make this up. The family itself seems so blandly normal that again, when you think this could happen to them - hey, it could happen to anyone. And that to me is what I find especially terrifying. You can't help but wonder all through the story too, what would you do if you found yourself in this type of an ordeal? Who can you get to help you that will believe you? What would other people think? Demonic possession is just not "socially acceptable" - it's not something most people are going to take seriously or want any part of. You become ostracized. Sadly too, this book does not portray the Catholic church in an especially positive light, at least not that diocese where this happened. The fact that the family actually had to go outside the US for help does not say much for the church officials in that area of CT. Perhaps today things are different - after all, this happened over 25 years ago and it seems the whole subject of demonic possession has become more widely known. Also, the fact that the one young man ended up essentially paying for a crime he didn't commit is probably the biggest tragedy of all and likewise, it doesn't portray the whole system of justice in CT in a very favorable way either. What I also think was probably the most horrific part of the story was the very way in which this family ended up being the target of this demon possession. This is a well-kept secret that is not even revealed until almost the very end of the book and when you found out, it is astounding because again, it essentially says, this could happen to practically anyone. If I learned anything from this, it is that you do NOT want to mess around with the occult or anything even remotely demonic. There are truly dark powers at work in this world that we may not be able to see overtly but they are indeed there and they are not to be fooled with. I would even recommend limiting just how much time you spend reading books about this subject of demon possession - it isn't especially positive or healthy. It's okay to learn a little about it and educate yourself about this field but don't dwell on it or become too wrapped up in it. You just never know what you might invite in! Anyway, the book is NOT for those who scare easily or who are overly superstitious and I do recommend saying a few prayers or having a few religious items around when reading it. generally, you should be okay when reading the book but just don't get too wrapped up in it.
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Frightening, August 11, 2001
I read this book when I was very young and I was afraid to go to sleep at night for many months. Unfortunately, I lent the book to one of my childhood friends and it was never returned. I have been looking to buy this book for along time now, so I can reread it and share it with my husband who is interested in reading the book that has kept me captivated for so many years. Anyone who is a non believer in Satan and his many minions should read this book...you will change your mind and believe!
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