The Devil in the Castle

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We often think of demons appearing only in extravagant and extraordinary manifestations or working only through “bad” people. But the truth is more frightening than that. Most demonic activity takes place undetected, under the radar, and can even be hidden in our own prayer lives and in the churches where we attend Mass. Subtlety, illusion, and deceit are the preferred tactics of Satan's army of fallen angels, and they are waging an invisible battle for souls — right now — within and around us all.

With St. Teresa of Avila's masterpiece The Interior Castle as his guide, bestselling author Dan Burke takes you on an illuminating journey through the seven levels of spiritual progress, explaining what God is accomplishing within your soul at each stage, as well as the finely tailored demonic strategies applied to throw you off your path.

You'll learn how the devil is as active in your prayer life as you are, and how the saints were able to counter Satan as he adapted his schemes to correspond with where they were on their spiritual journeys.

By discovering the myriad challenges St. Teresa faced and the remedies she employed to advance the spiritual progress of her soul, you'll know precisely what to expect as you progress in your current state to your final spiritual destination. You'll also learn:

The marks of authentic contemplative encounter with God
Why God uses dryness in prayer to advance the progress of our souls
How to know if you're still in the “Purgative Way”
How desolation can work for the good of the soul
Why it's dangerous to assume that your decisions are correct if you feel at peace
How to fight distraction in prayer
The 11 ways to test the authenticity of charismatic gifts

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Thought-provoking and Fascinating

An excellent introduction to any of St. Theresa of Avila's works, Burke writes a captivating synopsis and analysis that is accessible to anyone at any stage of their life. In just under 200 pages, this work makes the reader contemplate themselves and where they are in life. It certainly made me think hard about my own spiritual life and decisions I've made in the past. Having heard the name St. Theresa of Avila only in passing prior to having read this book, I can say that it makes sense as a stand-alone book. I doubt, however, that anyone who finishes this book would not want to read further into St. Theresa of Avila's authored works. With that, Burke's "Devil in the Castle" would be a good study-guide-type book to read alongside Theresa's Interior Castle. Physically, this book is easily held in one or two hands. The cover is a softer laminate so no need to worry about sweat (I read the book the first time through while hiking near Amicolola Falls with my husband for three days.). It's compact, but the print is not so miniscule as to not be able to be read in darkening light. Personally, I found this book to be a riveting read and devoured it in a few hours. I have since gone through it slower and am on my third read-through now, using it alongside St. Theresa of Avila's "The Interior Castle." I like Burke's end of chapter summaries and questions. A member of Sophia Press' Book of the Month Club, my own bi-monthly book club is very excited to cover this book in the month of March. It lends itself to be covered in a quick or long term study easily, and without it truly boring anyone. None of this work was superfluous, everything was fascinating and well-organized. A minor aspect that I personally loved is that one of the final appendices is actually a list of readings that might better the reader no matter their stage in life. I hope that many, many others will find this work as thought-provoking as I did, and that many others may discover St. Theresa of Avila's works and find them equally useful in the betterment of their spiritual life.

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Dan's best book so far!

I had started St. Teresa’s book The Interior Castle a few years ago and only got a few chapters through before I put a bookmark in and put it on my shelf. Dan’s new book on it is a fascinating and easy to understand explanation of St. Teresa’ classic work. I can’t put it down! We are in a spiritual battle and the Devil is outside and inside the courtyard wall. The tools to fight and resist him and live a holy life are imperative to acquire, in order to reach our goal of the Interior of the Castle, and union with God. Dan’s book will light a way for you through the darkness.

Interior Castle 101!

If you ever curious about but intimidated by St. Teresa of Avila's Interior Castle or have started it but got overwhelmed and didn't finish then this is the book for you! I'm so excited to finally have a battle plan for deepening my prayer life and growing closer to God! Dan has made it easy to read, easy to understand, with a review at the end of the chapter incase you got distracted. This book is going to change lives and put sinners on the path to sainthood.

Great reference tool for the spiritual life and progress towards union with God

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am so glad that Dan wrote this book. I have been wanting to read Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle for the longest time, but I’ve been certain that I would not understand it. This book, I believe, will help me make my way through her book, as I now have an understanding of what she’s talking about. However, I do think I will re-read this book one or two more times before attempting hers. This book is also a very good reference tool whether or not you have read her book. There is a lot to digest about the spiritual life and progress to God. Not only does Dan summarize everything that she’s talking about in each mansion, but at the end of each chapter he summarizes himself and then has questions for reflection so that you might properly digest what you just read. He also includes mentions of free courses offered by Apostoli Viae that you can take to learn more about each topic that Teresa discusses such as mental prayer and avoiding sin. Finally, at the end of the book he has additional suggested reading, an examen guide, a confession guide and a glossary of terms, which is also quite helpful. Great book that anyone who desires to progress in the spiritual life should own, read and reference.

Clear, concise, and understandable

This book makes breaks down St. Teresa of Avila’s teaching on the Interior Castle. It draws on her teaching and gives insight into what she says occurs in each mansion. It warns of how the enemy tries to thwart one’s progress at each level. What is most helpful is the helps on how to fight back against this and to remember that Christ is always the victor in the end. So grateful for the insights in this book.