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anouk14's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
megannbee's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
belwood303's review against another edition
3.0
Didn't really live up to the hype but I was moved by some of the turn of phrases Blatty used. I was also very intrigued by how the question of mental illness verses spiritual possession was played out, although disappointed by the actual ending it was still intense and gripping.
sarah_catherine's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
lukep723's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
An absolutely captivating read.
The story felt very real, personalities were vivid and grounded, how the individuals interacted with the world around them made sense and was intriguing. Especially loved the characters of Karras and Chris. Karras’s struggle with his faith added depth to his character that I enjoyed, and Chris acted precisely how I’d expect from a distraught, caring mother.
Truly a story about the balance between good and evil, science and faith. There was not one boring moment. It was a book filled with horrifyingly visceral descriptions, that made the demon feel terrifying, despite any and all scientific explanations that the characters brainstormed. Regan’s descent into possession was done extremely well.
Definitely something I’d recommend reading.
The story felt very real, personalities were vivid and grounded, how the individuals interacted with the world around them made sense and was intriguing. Especially loved the characters of Karras and Chris. Karras’s struggle with his faith added depth to his character that I enjoyed, and Chris acted precisely how I’d expect from a distraught, caring mother.
Truly a story about the balance between good and evil, science and faith. There was not one boring moment. It was a book filled with horrifyingly visceral descriptions, that made the demon feel terrifying, despite any and all scientific explanations that the characters brainstormed. Regan’s descent into possession was done extremely well.
Definitely something I’d recommend reading.
ihateprozac's review against another edition
1.0
Not gonna lie, I absolutely hated this book. Possibly the only thing I did like was how utterly repulsive some of the events and descriptions were - like Regan's masturbation episodes, and the tales of goings-on at Black Mass. Other than that I despised this book, and it frustrated me to no end.
First of all, there are a ludicrous amount of spelling and grammatical errors. Granted, that's not the fault of the author, but it really impeded my ability to enjoy this book. It was SO annoying to have to stop and re-read passages a couple of times because a typo completely changed the context. If I had the time and energy, I'd write a letter to the publisher with a list of errors, because it's pathetic that a 2007 edition is so sloppy.
Secondly, I just fucking hated how hard it was for the priest in the book to accept that Regan might be possessed. He came up with answers for every fucking manifestation - even for furniture levitating and moving across the room. I wanted to claw my hair out, throw the book across the room, and then just scream at the fictional priest to believe it already.
Of course there's going to be doubt about the legitimacy of a demonic possession, and I didnt expect them to come around to that conclusion right away. But for a religious person, I think it was fucking ludicrous that the priest (and doctors!) spent 300 pages coming up with far-fetched reasons as to why it wasn't a posession. *angry sigh*
Thirdly, the characters were frustrating. Really frustrating. Kinderman was incompetent as a detective, and everytime he spoke it made no sense. I so badly wanted Chris to just yell at him that he was a bother, and to fucking spit it out already. And well, I've already mentioned how frustrated I got with Karras...
And lastly, the ending was ridiculously underwhelming. I don't want to spoil it, but it in no way redeems the previous 399 mediocre pages. If you keep reading this book in the hopes that it gets better, you might want to stop now. It doesn't.
Overall: if you have the time to read this book, I highly suggest that you dont. You'll spend your time headdesking and wanting them to cut to the chase. It never happens. The movie is much better than the book, so I suggest you opt for that - and I dont even particularly like the movie. 'The most terrifying novel ever written' - pfft, my ass it is.
First of all, there are a ludicrous amount of spelling and grammatical errors. Granted, that's not the fault of the author, but it really impeded my ability to enjoy this book. It was SO annoying to have to stop and re-read passages a couple of times because a typo completely changed the context. If I had the time and energy, I'd write a letter to the publisher with a list of errors, because it's pathetic that a 2007 edition is so sloppy.
Secondly, I just fucking hated how hard it was for the priest in the book to accept that Regan might be possessed. He came up with answers for every fucking manifestation - even for furniture levitating and moving across the room. I wanted to claw my hair out, throw the book across the room, and then just scream at the fictional priest to believe it already.
Of course there's going to be doubt about the legitimacy of a demonic possession, and I didnt expect them to come around to that conclusion right away. But for a religious person, I think it was fucking ludicrous that the priest (and doctors!) spent 300 pages coming up with far-fetched reasons as to why it wasn't a posession. *angry sigh*
Thirdly, the characters were frustrating. Really frustrating. Kinderman was incompetent as a detective, and everytime he spoke it made no sense. I so badly wanted Chris to just yell at him that he was a bother, and to fucking spit it out already. And well, I've already mentioned how frustrated I got with Karras...
And lastly, the ending was ridiculously underwhelming. I don't want to spoil it, but it in no way redeems the previous 399 mediocre pages. If you keep reading this book in the hopes that it gets better, you might want to stop now. It doesn't.
Overall: if you have the time to read this book, I highly suggest that you dont. You'll spend your time headdesking and wanting them to cut to the chase. It never happens. The movie is much better than the book, so I suggest you opt for that - and I dont even particularly like the movie. 'The most terrifying novel ever written' - pfft, my ass it is.
murdalannd's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ryahwolfe's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
If I could, I would give it 6 stars
sohnson98's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
The first Exorcist movie is one of my favorite movies of all time, so I wanted to give the book a go. It added depth to the story and allowed me to see the characters from a more close intimate perspective - especially Father Damien. I’m an even bigger Damien stan now lol something about his character and how concerned he is with doing the right thing is just so compelling. My only qualms with this book are the rushed pacing at the end and the lack of attention to some of the supporting characters. Overall, a great read full of suspense, drama, and deep philosophical ideas.