Malachi Martin's Hostage to the Devil is a non-fiction work that presents a detailed and harrowing account of five cases of demonic possession and exorcism rituals in modern America. Malachi Martin, a former Jesuit priest and theologian who claims to have been an exorcist, based the book on his personal experiences and audio recordings of exorcism sessions he participated in. The book focuses not on Hollywood-style horror sensations, but rather on the slow and subtle process by which evil takes possession of a person's body, mind, and soul. Martin argues that modern skepticism about the devil's existence is precisely the very camouflage that makes it easier for him to work, as people are left unprepared to confront evil. Each case is presented as an intense and dangerous spiritual duel between the priest (the exorcist) and the demon possessing his victim, with the stakes involving the lives, sanity, and souls of all involved. Martin details the victims' pre-possession lives, showing how personal choices, weaknesses, or involvement with the occult, even seemingly harmless ones, can open the door to demonic influence. Overall, Hostage to the Devil is an intense and provocative read that challenges skeptical views of possession and highlights the eternal struggle between good and evil in the modern world.