Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Heaven is Real But So is Hell: An Eyewitness Account of What is to Come

Rate this book
In Heaven is Real But So is Hell, internationally renowned speaker, author and mystic Vassula Ryden takes the reader into the supernatural world where she has experienced the hidden forces that affect every moment of our lives. It features her amazing encounters with both good and evil forces and reveals profoundly important messages for all humanity, largely hidden until now. Sometimes harrowing, but filled with hope, it answers many of the questions that people have been asking for thousands of years and at the same time offers a glimpse into God's love and justice, and of what is soon to come. Ryden, who is based in Greece, has spoken in 79 countries to millions of people. Heaven is Real But So is Hell is her first book release in America.

224 pages, Hardcover

First published March 13, 2013

53 people are currently reading
269 people want to read

About the author

Vassula Ryden

68 books13 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
110 (50%)
4 stars
39 (17%)
3 stars
30 (13%)
2 stars
23 (10%)
1 star
15 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Heidi Kyhl.
5 reviews
June 1, 2013
It is the most inspiring book I have read lately. By reading about Vassula Rydens life it has inspired me to try to change my own life in a better direction. She gives many detailed accounts on her meeting with God, and how this meeting has changed her life completely.
Profile Image for Donald.
Author 4 books14 followers
July 13, 2013
I should first admit that I skimmed the last quarter of it.

But this lady says she has seen dead people, talked to angels, conversed with God via automatic writing in that special script only He uses. If you dispute her claims then you are merely the Devil plying his games of deceit. I don't want to be seen as one of the Devil's minions so let's remain pragmatic and rate the content for its delivery.

There really wasn't any compelling evidence to support her claims. The stories would have been more engaging told from someone else's perspective; the occurrences would have carried more credibility. That she somehow received a message ten years before 9/11 is chuckle-worthy as it is a favorite target of the prophecy crowd. I don't believe her, nor do I disbelieve her.

Let me say this though: On a scale of one to coconut, she's a daffodil.
Profile Image for Amy.
11 reviews
July 31, 2013
I only read 42 pages of this book. I've decided not to continue after she tells of souls in purgatory asking her to drop holy water on them. She talks about people on Earth holding grudges that hold souls back and we should pray for them to move on.
This book is not biblical and I find it uncomfortable. If you decide to read please be solid in your knowledge, beliefs, and faith.
Profile Image for Jsbiddle.
27 reviews
May 31, 2013
Good book. I am giving her a little benefit of the doubt since I have never read a book by a mystic before. This is not a NDE as I thought it was. Check out her web site so you know something about her first. She is believable and not at the fringe. Many believe her messages.
Profile Image for Melissa.
8 reviews
June 1, 2014
Even though there may be some controversy about these Messages, I find them to be positive and hopeful. The Lord is calling his flock back to Him! There is no doubt that the world needs conversion and unity in these dark times, and I believe that is the main point of this book. I enjoyed it!
Profile Image for Marybelle.
462 reviews15 followers
November 23, 2013
Really didn't enjoy it. There are too many things in it that are off. Does not inspire.
Profile Image for Sher❤ The Fabulous BookLover.
952 reviews584 followers
October 10, 2014
There's something seriously strange about this book. I love reading supernatural Christian books like Heaven is So Real by Choo Thomas, but this book rubbed me the wrong way. 1st I didn't like how she would just talk to the dead, secondly, she communicates with her angel via handwriting. There's a lot about this book that is just strange.

But the main problem for me was I felt like Jesus was not glorified enough. Yes she talked about God and seeing Jesus, but if you're a true servant of Jesus Christ your books should draw me close to Him, not confuse me and freak me out.

I would recommend books by Ana Mendez ferrell, Rebecca Brown, Choo Thomas and Michael Vlymen. These are true prophets of a Jesus who operate in the spirit realm. I'm not saying this woman is a false prophet, but I'm just not sure and the bible says even the elect will be deceived and I do not want to be.
33 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2014
Vassula Ryden is a true prophet and everyone should read 'Heaven is Real but so is Hell'. Unfortunately, very few will. It is a fascinating book, inspiring, thought-provoking and more comprehensible than 'True Life in God'. A great place to start if you want to know more about this worldwide phenomenon and the fundamental principles of Christianity. Make no mistake: Vassula is the real deal. If you're a believer, this will strengthen your faith; if you're not but you're willing to keep an open mind, it will probably make you think twice.
Profile Image for Christine.
1 review5 followers
June 3, 2013
I was torn initially, when I realized that we have nothing to lose and everything to gain by listening to what she says God has told her. Even if you think she is a kook or a charlatan, if you are a Christian, in your heart everything rings true. Great for those that are faithful and looking to reaffirm.
Profile Image for Evan.
92 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2014
I feel that God spoke to Vassula for our current dispensation. I felt very comforted and drawn to my Savior as a result of reading this book. In addition to my King James Bible I am now reading True Life In God. This book convinced me that the Lord is present with us moment by moment and loves us unconditionally.
Profile Image for Melissa.
1 review
March 25, 2016
This book, will all its might, slaps you across the face and wakes you up! Every soul on this earth needs to read this book so that they may become aware of the destruction we are causing to our existence. And once aware, know that WE have the power to over turn all the bad for GOOD! Vassula is TRULY a gift from God! God bless!
Profile Image for Wes.
34 reviews
January 16, 2014
I liked the book and realize that it is from a Catholic point of view. I'm not Catholic. I don't aspire to many of the details of the messages but the main idea is for everyone to just get along. I wonder if her influence has touched the present leadership of the Church.
Profile Image for Nikki De leon.
1 review2 followers
December 24, 2014
this book saved my life. Through her I was able to have a deeper relationship with Jesus, Holy Spirit and the Almighty Father. Her books have been given the Roman Catholic Nihl Obstat and Imprimatur.
1 review
April 28, 2013
Beatiful book and entertaining it helped me to understand better God in our days, I recommend it
Profile Image for Lori.
17 reviews
February 11, 2015
Powerful

This book is a true testament to the beauty and force of God!!! I live my life in a way that whoever He is ready for me I am ready!! I am His and His alone!!
341 reviews8 followers
June 21, 2013
A very powerful book everyone should read
Profile Image for Anne Hamilton.
Author 57 books184 followers
April 5, 2019
When unsure about the contents of a book, especially one as controversial as this, I try to discern using a couple of criteria. These include: does the message turn people towards God or away from Him? What sort of fruit is evident from the message itself - love, joy, peace, patience and so on? does the message convey the wonder and majesty of God and evoke an image of Jesus as the returning bridegroom?

So despite the strangeness of how Vassula Ryden got the messages - through "hieratic writing" - I have to think they pass the test. Yes, there are some very difficult passages that caused me to raise my eyebrows as to their theology. Was it dubious or was it ok? At the end of the day, I let it pass becuase we are not saved by impeccably correct doctrine, right and pure belief (important as they are), we are saved by grace.

This book did however clear up a long-standing mystery for me. I've always had trouble understanding the testimonies of gold dust appearing in so many worship meetings - it's not that I disbelieve it because I know some of the people to whom it's happened - it's that I don't understand God's purpose in it. Vassula describes a friend of hers experiencing "glitter" in her home daily, only one colour at a time. She calls it by its Spanish name, escarchas, meaning "frost". As soon as I read the name, I understood the phenomenon and realise it's related to the mercy seat of God.

Profile Image for Esther Race.
44 reviews
January 18, 2025
I just finished this and am still trying to gather my thoughts. I disagree with a lot (most) of it but there are some good things here. I probably wouldn't recommend it to someone though. Honestly I'm not sure what to think about some of it, there are some things that I believe go against the Bible, but other things that don't. I think anyone who's reading this needs to have a strong understanding of the Bible and their faith before reading this. The book definitely doesn't have strong compelling evidence for her claims and honestly if it's accurate then there would be at least some compared to what she has provided. There's just something off and weird about most of it that didn't sit well with me. I think a lot of it is hogwash. I probably wouldn't have read past 50 pages but I didn't think I should judge it till I'd read the whole book. Won't be reading again. I'll give one star.
Profile Image for Zia.
306 reviews
December 20, 2018
Honestly didn't know what to expect. I thought it was going to be boring!? Nope, very informative with positive devotion in never loosing your faith in GOD. I can relate to her experiences with the spirit talking. And other negative impacts of nonbelievers. As well as close encounter with evil forces which also includes certain family members.
I would greatly appreciate meeting her in person. My family and I have many questions to ask. So much I convinced my cousin to also read your book. I wonder if you have it Spanish?
The prayers that you included as a protection for "the end of times" & other prayers, I want to say THANK YOU.
We are definitely interested in purchasing "True Life in GOD"...


This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
428 reviews3 followers
March 10, 2025
I’m not sure about this book, and having trouble writing a review on it. But I know my faith in our Savior, is much stronger than most. Hence, many messages in this book, I already know. And, I know how Christ’s saving works, and Vassula is a good example of this. He takes a pebble, and turns it into a flower. Since, Vassula was a sinner, but became a modern-day prophet, showing people God’s profound mercy and love towards his Human Children. Sadly, she went to reside with Jesus, just before Christmas 2024, and will be sadly missed. Yet, she has left behind her messages and wonderful testimony, how God used her, to bring Mankind together, in the hope that Divine Love could spread around the world.

Thus, a must read for anyone who wants to know Jesus Christ, a lot better.
11 reviews
June 24, 2017
It started out talking about her life then after her second marriage it just went on about her spiritual life of seeing her guardian angel and devils. Then she just goes on about her messages. I might be wrong bc/ I started skim reading the middle and end but did she reveal how she changed her life. she speaks of how she changed the lives of her friends. I don't recall her mentioning anymore about her relationships with her boys and husband at all.
Profile Image for Errikos Kalyvas.
Author 8 books12 followers
September 20, 2022
I can not say, of course, if what is written is true or not. What I can say is that the story is not very interesting and it is not very convincing either. And the way God and Jesus are presented is not very convincing either. I mean they both are presented as being "hungry" for fans. I do not believe the God of love would be like that.
Profile Image for Omar Z.
17 reviews
October 23, 2023
While the book was well written it was way over the top, not to say I didn’t believe but way too many contradictions that just did not make sense. Lastly, the heavy focus on the “church” and eluding to the fact that being Christian is the way to go, too much propaganda for my liking.

I rate this book 1/5 — good effort, poor execution.
1 review
January 2, 2020
Is a really good read, Makes one think and reflect , leads to another book, True Life in God and you feel the very presence of Jesus speaking to you! It adds nothing new to scripture yet guides you into Scripture like you never have before
Profile Image for Sue.
267 reviews11 followers
June 6, 2025
This book is a must read. It blows my mind that this visionary has been around since the mid-80’s and I’ve never heard of her! Satan sucks. Lots of good stuff in here. If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus Christ, time is of the essence!
Profile Image for Elise Kerr.
33 reviews8 followers
June 14, 2017
Read this with an open mind and heart. Pray fervently and honestly, and share this!
Profile Image for Maria.
28 reviews
November 16, 2017
Everyone should read this book...messages from God. It helps alot, especially during this tough time..
Profile Image for Kyle Liedtke.
8 reviews
January 20, 2015
This book is far too bizarre to be any kind of message of the Gospel, Jesus Christ, or Christianity itself. A spiritual writing, maybe, but I even use that term loosely. I was very disappointed. In my opinion, this book should be reclassified as fiction. I thought I was reading a novel, not an account of someone's life experiences as a Christian. Just to point out one of the many silly topics within would be her heavy coverage of purgatory. Even modern day Catholics know better than to get caught up in the old school propaganda of purgatory.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Donnell.
25 reviews13 followers
February 14, 2016
I couldn't think of a good way to describe this book, but I saw another reviewer write "Very interesting." And I'll go with that. Draw from it what you may. The actual writing is good, and the imagery is good. The content is, I'll say, quite imaginative.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.