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When Devils Sing
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A ŷ Most Anticipated Horror Novel
"A true blood-soaked Southern Gothic for the modern age.� —Andrew Joseph White, New York Times–bestselling author of Hell Followed With Us and The Spirit Bears its Teeth
Four unlikely allies in a small town investigate a local teen's disappearance, and what they discover festering at the core of their community is far more sinister and ancient than they could’ve ever imagined. For fans of She is a Haunting, True Detective, Mexican Gothic, and Midsommar.
When Dawson Sumter goes missing, all he leaves behind is a smattering of blood in room 4 of the debt-ridden motel owned by Neera Singh's family. Disappearances like this aren't uncommon in the rural Georgia town of Carrion, especially every thirteen years when a periodical cicada brood returns from underground, shrieking their deafening screams.
For Neera, Dawson is another reminder that in this corner of the South, the rich only get richer, and the poor—well, nothing good comes their way.
Neera sets out to investigate Dawson’s whereabouts—if he even still lives—along with three other teens: Isaiah, son of a prominent judge and clandestine true crime podcaster; Reid, son of the wealthiest man in the region; and Sam, estranged daughter of the local hitman. As they find themselves entangled in a messy web of secrets and lies, they discover the riches of the adjacent Lake Clearwater community may have a terrifying source of power dating back to the town’s founding and an ancient urban legend about three devils, each more sinister than the next. How deep does the rot go, and can they find a way to escape its reach?
A ŷ Most Anticipated Horror Novel
"A true blood-soaked Southern Gothic for the modern age.� —Andrew Joseph White, New York Times–bestselling author of Hell Followed With Us and The Spirit Bears its Teeth
Four unlikely allies in a small town investigate a local teen's disappearance, and what they discover festering at the core of their community is far more sinister and ancient than they could’ve ever imagined. For fans of She is a Haunting, True Detective, Mexican Gothic, and Midsommar.
When Dawson Sumter goes missing, all he leaves behind is a smattering of blood in room 4 of the debt-ridden motel owned by Neera Singh's family. Disappearances like this aren't uncommon in the rural Georgia town of Carrion, especially every thirteen years when a periodical cicada brood returns from underground, shrieking their deafening screams.
For Neera, Dawson is another reminder that in this corner of the South, the rich only get richer, and the poor—well, nothing good comes their way.
Neera sets out to investigate Dawson’s whereabouts—if he even still lives—along with three other teens: Isaiah, son of a prominent judge and clandestine true crime podcaster; Reid, son of the wealthiest man in the region; and Sam, estranged daughter of the local hitman. As they find themselves entangled in a messy web of secrets and lies, they discover the riches of the adjacent Lake Clearwater community may have a terrifying source of power dating back to the town’s founding and an ancient urban legend about three devils, each more sinister than the next. How deep does the rot go, and can they find a way to escape its reach?
400 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 27, 2025
47.6k people want to read
About the author
Xan Kaur
1book168followersXan Kaur is a Punjabi-American author who grew up in rural Georgia, where there were more gnats than people. When not writing, you can find her behind a camera or swimming in the nearest ocean.
Please refer to author site for content warnings.
Please refer to author site for content warnings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
April 13, 2025
1.75/5 stars.
I'm really sad to say that I struggled immensely with this book. I'll start by saying that I really loved the writing in this book. The writing was fantastic as was the setting and visuals. I appreciated the concept of this book but it unfortunately didn't deliver for me.
The story started off strong and had a pretty intriguing introduction but it quickly started to lose steam. I considered DNFing this a handful of times. Not only did the pacing feel incredibly slow to me, but I struggled to get into the story with the multiple POVs. This felt to me like the POVs switched a bit too often to make the story immersive. Right when I felt as though I was getting a grasp on things, I would get thrown into another character's POV and it took me out of it. I also wasn't strongly compelled by really any of the characters which also made the POV change more difficult.
The pacing, unlikeable characters, and extreme animal cruelty/deaths almost made me completely ditch this book several times. I read a lot of horror, but for me, I never like to read about animal cruelty or animal death. Especially when it's strongly detailed and drawn out. The animal cruelty was not only detailed, but really emphasized the suffering of multiple animals and I hated reading it.
Ultimately this book was just not for me. The storyline wasn't gripping in my eyes and had I known about the intense animal cruelty before picking this up, I would've just avoided it altogether. The ending felt rushed and clunky to me. It's a shame because the blurb really had me intrigued and the cover is stunning. Unfortunately not every story is compatible with every reader, and this one was incompatible with me. I liked the writing enough that I would definitely give this author another try in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
TW: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
I'm really sad to say that I struggled immensely with this book. I'll start by saying that I really loved the writing in this book. The writing was fantastic as was the setting and visuals. I appreciated the concept of this book but it unfortunately didn't deliver for me.
The story started off strong and had a pretty intriguing introduction but it quickly started to lose steam. I considered DNFing this a handful of times. Not only did the pacing feel incredibly slow to me, but I struggled to get into the story with the multiple POVs. This felt to me like the POVs switched a bit too often to make the story immersive. Right when I felt as though I was getting a grasp on things, I would get thrown into another character's POV and it took me out of it. I also wasn't strongly compelled by really any of the characters which also made the POV change more difficult.
The pacing, unlikeable characters, and extreme animal cruelty/deaths almost made me completely ditch this book several times. I read a lot of horror, but for me, I never like to read about animal cruelty or animal death. Especially when it's strongly detailed and drawn out. The animal cruelty was not only detailed, but really emphasized the suffering of multiple animals and I hated reading it.
Ultimately this book was just not for me. The storyline wasn't gripping in my eyes and had I known about the intense animal cruelty before picking this up, I would've just avoided it altogether. The ending felt rushed and clunky to me. It's a shame because the blurb really had me intrigued and the cover is stunning. Unfortunately not every story is compatible with every reader, and this one was incompatible with me. I liked the writing enough that I would definitely give this author another try in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
TW: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
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November 11, 2024the pacing of a video game that fired all its writers after completing half the story so they had to rush the ending sooooo bad
April 26, 2025
When Devils Sing is a modern take on Southern gothic horror and facing life at a “crossroads�
This book does a great job at setting the scene of a small town divided by classism and racism. I enjoyed the writing style and the podcast snippets throughout the story. I became fully immersed in the story and couldn’t wait to see which Devil and what character would be targeted next!
The songs added the right amount of anxiety to keep me turning the pages. Along with the songs and podcast snippets, Kaur did an amazing job at developing her characters. Each pov offers insight into the differing dynamics within Southern Georgia. I personally enjoyed morally gray characters and this story is full of them!
I grew up in south Texas so I’ve heard the stories and songs about the three devils. Like so much of the cast, I was wary on the legitimacy of the tales. While I didn’t fully believe them, I headed my ancestors warning. For me, it was frogs and butterflies not cicadas that signaled the start of terror. I’m happy a BIPIC author shared this story because ALL perspectives are needed when sharing historical details whether it be factual or folklore.
Overall, I’d recommend this book for fans of horror, thrillers, and diverse casts.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc of When Devils Sing by Xan Kaur in exchange for an honest review.
This book does a great job at setting the scene of a small town divided by classism and racism. I enjoyed the writing style and the podcast snippets throughout the story. I became fully immersed in the story and couldn’t wait to see which Devil and what character would be targeted next!
The songs added the right amount of anxiety to keep me turning the pages. Along with the songs and podcast snippets, Kaur did an amazing job at developing her characters. Each pov offers insight into the differing dynamics within Southern Georgia. I personally enjoyed morally gray characters and this story is full of them!
I grew up in south Texas so I’ve heard the stories and songs about the three devils. Like so much of the cast, I was wary on the legitimacy of the tales. While I didn’t fully believe them, I headed my ancestors warning. For me, it was frogs and butterflies not cicadas that signaled the start of terror. I’m happy a BIPIC author shared this story because ALL perspectives are needed when sharing historical details whether it be factual or folklore.
Overall, I’d recommend this book for fans of horror, thrillers, and diverse casts.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc of When Devils Sing by Xan Kaur in exchange for an honest review.
Currently reading
May 5, 2025API Heritage Month 2025 #
collecting quotes for my review:
There's the devil you know
The devil you don't
The devil you wish you'd never met
Only fools sell their soul, her mama used to say. Hell ain't a forgiving place, and it's at our doorstep.
His voice was a low rumble, the kind of distant thunder you hear before a summer storm.
RTC
Book pairings: THE DARK WE KNOW | THE DEAD AND THE DARK
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
collecting quotes for my review:
There's the devil you know
The devil you don't
The devil you wish you'd never met
Only fools sell their soul, her mama used to say. Hell ain't a forgiving place, and it's at our doorstep.
His voice was a low rumble, the kind of distant thunder you hear before a summer storm.
RTC
Book pairings: THE DARK WE KNOW | THE DEAD AND THE DARK
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
March 7, 2025
When Devils Sing is a fun mystery with a haunting atmosphere. Set in a small town with a dark secret, the story explores the divide between the wealthy elite and those who suffer under their rule. The eerie setting and suspenseful storyline made for an enjoyable read, and I found myself eager to uncover the truth behind the town’s mysteries.
The book does a great job of building tension, with secrets unraveling in unexpected ways. The writing style is immersive, and the eerie tone adds to the novel’s appeal. There were some genuinely chilling moments that stood out, and it did get pretty gory at times. The themes of power, corruption, and justice were well done, adding depth to the story beyond just the whodunit aspect.
However, one challenge I had with the book was the number of POVs. While multiple perspectives can add intrigue, a couple of the characters felt too similar, making it easy to lose track of who was speaking. I had to backtrack to clarify which character’s perspective I was reading at times. A bit more distinction between the voices would have helped keep the narrative smoother. I was also hoping for a bit more characters development or depth. We only got glimpses of their layers here and there and then it would switch.
I also felt that the storyline about the three devils ended abruptly. It was one of the most intriguing parts of the book, but we didn't end up getting much of their story. It just wrapped up quickly—almost like a "kthxbye" moment. It left me wanting more, especially given how much suspense had built around it.
Overall, When Devils Sing is still a solid mystery with a compelling premise and a chilling atmosphere. If you enjoy small-town mysteries, it’s worth checking out!
The book does a great job of building tension, with secrets unraveling in unexpected ways. The writing style is immersive, and the eerie tone adds to the novel’s appeal. There were some genuinely chilling moments that stood out, and it did get pretty gory at times. The themes of power, corruption, and justice were well done, adding depth to the story beyond just the whodunit aspect.
However, one challenge I had with the book was the number of POVs. While multiple perspectives can add intrigue, a couple of the characters felt too similar, making it easy to lose track of who was speaking. I had to backtrack to clarify which character’s perspective I was reading at times. A bit more distinction between the voices would have helped keep the narrative smoother. I was also hoping for a bit more characters development or depth. We only got glimpses of their layers here and there and then it would switch.
I also felt that the storyline about the three devils ended abruptly. It was one of the most intriguing parts of the book, but we didn't end up getting much of their story. It just wrapped up quickly—almost like a "kthxbye" moment. It left me wanting more, especially given how much suspense had built around it.
Overall, When Devils Sing is still a solid mystery with a compelling premise and a chilling atmosphere. If you enjoy small-town mysteries, it’s worth checking out!
March 9, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me early access to When Devils Sing.
When Devils Sing offers a thoughtful and unflinching look at Southern culture—the good, the bad, and the ugly. The novel explores how the wealthy and powerful control and exploit those beneath them and the lengths they will go to in order to maintain their status.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its characters. Kaur introduces four compelling protagonists who feel authentic and deeply human. They aren’t morally perfect; they make mistakes and are willing to cross lines to protect the people they love. Kaur does an excellent job of fleshing them out, making their motivations clear from early on, which helped me stay invested in their journeys.
However, the book’s pacing was inconsistent. The first 60% moved slowly, while the final 40% rushed through the conclusion, leaving parts of the story feeling unresolved. An epilogue with perspectives from all the main characters would have added more closure.
A minor critique is the use of specific brand names like “eBay,� “Nintendo DS,� and “Birkenstocks.� While this is a personal preference, these references can date the book over time and sometimes pull readers out of the story without adding significant value.
Overall, When Devils Sing was a solid 3.5-star read. The well-developed characters were its greatest strength, but the uneven pacing made it difficult to fully engage at times.
When Devils Sing offers a thoughtful and unflinching look at Southern culture—the good, the bad, and the ugly. The novel explores how the wealthy and powerful control and exploit those beneath them and the lengths they will go to in order to maintain their status.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its characters. Kaur introduces four compelling protagonists who feel authentic and deeply human. They aren’t morally perfect; they make mistakes and are willing to cross lines to protect the people they love. Kaur does an excellent job of fleshing them out, making their motivations clear from early on, which helped me stay invested in their journeys.
However, the book’s pacing was inconsistent. The first 60% moved slowly, while the final 40% rushed through the conclusion, leaving parts of the story feeling unresolved. An epilogue with perspectives from all the main characters would have added more closure.
A minor critique is the use of specific brand names like “eBay,� “Nintendo DS,� and “Birkenstocks.� While this is a personal preference, these references can date the book over time and sometimes pull readers out of the story without adding significant value.
Overall, When Devils Sing was a solid 3.5-star read. The well-developed characters were its greatest strength, but the uneven pacing made it difficult to fully engage at times.
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January 30, 2025Thank you NetGalley and Henry Holt and Company (BYR) for granting my request of an Advance Reader’s Copy in exchange for my honest and personal opinion!!!
February 19, 2025
I found this book to be really slow but I did enjoy the authors writing. I do wish there was trigger warnings at the beginning of the book. Not a fan of animal cruelty. I love a good horror story but this was unfortunately too dark for me.
Thank you NetGalley, Xan and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the E-ARC!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️
Publication Date: May 27 2025
Thank you NetGalley, Xan and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the E-ARC!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️
Publication Date: May 27 2025
April 5, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is an atmospheric YA southern mystery with some horror elements that really keep you guessing what is going on. There were a few things that prevented this from being a 4-star book for me, but for a debut, this book was intricate and well done!
The description of the setting was done so well that you really get that swampy, down by the bayou feeling as you're reading. It did take a little while for the story to get going, but once it did it took off and came together well at the end, but could have benefited from a little bit of a slowdown towards the end as it felt a little rushed. The folklore surrounding the town and the demon were also interesting.
The multiple points of view were done well. The characters all had emotional baggage that they were dealing with, which were woven together in a cohesive manner, so none of the characters felt out of place.
Overall, this was a good read, and I definitely recommend reading it more towards the summer for a good spooky summerween read.
This is an atmospheric YA southern mystery with some horror elements that really keep you guessing what is going on. There were a few things that prevented this from being a 4-star book for me, but for a debut, this book was intricate and well done!
The description of the setting was done so well that you really get that swampy, down by the bayou feeling as you're reading. It did take a little while for the story to get going, but once it did it took off and came together well at the end, but could have benefited from a little bit of a slowdown towards the end as it felt a little rushed. The folklore surrounding the town and the demon were also interesting.
The multiple points of view were done well. The characters all had emotional baggage that they were dealing with, which were woven together in a cohesive manner, so none of the characters felt out of place.
Overall, this was a good read, and I definitely recommend reading it more towards the summer for a good spooky summerween read.
February 5, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Let me start by saying I would still recommend giving this book a try, even with the 3 star rating. I think the writing was good especially for a debut author, but to me the excitement wasn’t there to make me love this.
It was pretty chilling. The setting was incredible. This is a good summer read! I love books set in the South, so that really appealed to me.
There was only a little horror, which was perfect for me since I scare easily. I was sad about the animal cruelty in this book. There was a lot of it in great detail, so be mindful of that.
It had a slow start to the plot but I was still intrigued at first. It just took forever to get into the story. As it went on I cared less and less about what was happening, especially because it was so obvious what was going on. I was at 67% of the way through this book and the characters just started to figure things out and work together. That is way too much build up that wasn’t needed.
I liked all the characters but I never really grew that attached to them. So with the slow plot and not falling in love with the characters, it was very slow going for me to enjoy this.
The title of the book was very apt.
It all came together very quickly in the end for such a slow build up, which I wasn’t a huge fan of, but I was happy to be done with the book at that point.
I think if you go into the book knowing it is super slow and not that much happens until the end, you may find more enjoyment out of it. I was expecting something different so that’s why I didn’t like it as much.
Let me start by saying I would still recommend giving this book a try, even with the 3 star rating. I think the writing was good especially for a debut author, but to me the excitement wasn’t there to make me love this.
It was pretty chilling. The setting was incredible. This is a good summer read! I love books set in the South, so that really appealed to me.
There was only a little horror, which was perfect for me since I scare easily. I was sad about the animal cruelty in this book. There was a lot of it in great detail, so be mindful of that.
It had a slow start to the plot but I was still intrigued at first. It just took forever to get into the story. As it went on I cared less and less about what was happening, especially because it was so obvious what was going on. I was at 67% of the way through this book and the characters just started to figure things out and work together. That is way too much build up that wasn’t needed.
I liked all the characters but I never really grew that attached to them. So with the slow plot and not falling in love with the characters, it was very slow going for me to enjoy this.
The title of the book was very apt.
It all came together very quickly in the end for such a slow build up, which I wasn’t a huge fan of, but I was happy to be done with the book at that point.
I think if you go into the book knowing it is super slow and not that much happens until the end, you may find more enjoyment out of it. I was expecting something different so that’s why I didn’t like it as much.
January 1, 2025
I read this entire book in one sitting, devouring it like I had been waiting for a book like this my entire life. And as a caveat - I am not a YA reader, nor do I particularly gravitate towards multi-POV.
It's hard to believe that this is Xan Kaur's debut. It's absolutely masterfully written, with every page literally steeped in atmosphere. You can taste the humidity in the air, hear the buzz of the cicadas. We follow four main characters, so four points of view, but every single character has a distinct voice that jumps off the page. Each character feels *real*; all of them shared thoughts and burdens that I've experienced in my own life. Neera, in particular, really spoke to me. As an immigrant woman in the South, I've shared a lot of her experiences - even the subtle nuances of her family dynamics rattled me to the core (in the best way possible). The storyline was also clear and easy to follow, again not an easy feat with so many POVs. There was enough of a thread connecting every character to call out their shared history and give them reasons for coming together, but not so much complexity that I was getting confused about who was who.
I also think there's something so, so beautiful in reading a story about a devil at the crossroads, written from a POC lens. I grew up hearing that story, listening to it in the classic blues songs, but this felt like an entirely fresh take on the legend. The devil came down to Georgia, indeed. It's a true Gothic tale - the vibes are powerful, all swirling in a hot and sticky Georgia summer. One note is that the horror notes aren't particularly strong, so it's a perfect read for someone who doesn't often read horror.
A brilliant debut; I'm beyond excited to see what else Xan Kaur writes. And a thank you to Xan for providing me with an ARC after I begged her on instagram over the course of several months because this is, indeed, my ideal novel.
It's hard to believe that this is Xan Kaur's debut. It's absolutely masterfully written, with every page literally steeped in atmosphere. You can taste the humidity in the air, hear the buzz of the cicadas. We follow four main characters, so four points of view, but every single character has a distinct voice that jumps off the page. Each character feels *real*; all of them shared thoughts and burdens that I've experienced in my own life. Neera, in particular, really spoke to me. As an immigrant woman in the South, I've shared a lot of her experiences - even the subtle nuances of her family dynamics rattled me to the core (in the best way possible). The storyline was also clear and easy to follow, again not an easy feat with so many POVs. There was enough of a thread connecting every character to call out their shared history and give them reasons for coming together, but not so much complexity that I was getting confused about who was who.
I also think there's something so, so beautiful in reading a story about a devil at the crossroads, written from a POC lens. I grew up hearing that story, listening to it in the classic blues songs, but this felt like an entirely fresh take on the legend. The devil came down to Georgia, indeed. It's a true Gothic tale - the vibes are powerful, all swirling in a hot and sticky Georgia summer. One note is that the horror notes aren't particularly strong, so it's a perfect read for someone who doesn't often read horror.
A brilliant debut; I'm beyond excited to see what else Xan Kaur writes. And a thank you to Xan for providing me with an ARC after I begged her on instagram over the course of several months because this is, indeed, my ideal novel.
February 6, 2025
I would rate this a solid 3.5. The pacing felt off in this story going from too slow to too fast with very little room in the middle. But the characters were great. They were deeply flawed but felt real. Some plot points felt a little predictable but overall the story was intriguing and there were enough twists to keep you guessing.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s a strong debut and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s a strong debut and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
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December 17, 2024Southern-based horror has our hearts <3
April 27, 2025
✧₊‧˚⁀� 3.15/5 .�
ʚɞ ⁺� setting .� lake clearwater / carrion, georgia. carrion resident dawson sumter goes missing, prompting the main characters neera, isaiah, sam, and reid to investigate. as they do so, they uncover lake clearwater's mysterious founding myth and discover that clearwater's prosperity is suspiciously correlated with deaths in carrion that occur every thirteen years.
ʚɞ ⁺� worldbuilding .� when devils sing contains a creepy, gothic atmosphere, but because nothing actually occurs for two-thirds of the book, i can't actually say whether that's because of the writing or my own nausea whenever i read a book that has a rural setting. i was probably equally creeped out by tom lake. one thing i very much did not like is that in establishing the myths/setting the reader is told the main plot very early on in the story, and yet all the characters don't even meet/start investigating until at least part two, two-thirds into the book.
ʚɞ ⁺� plot .� excellent concept, mediocre execution. i think i started this a week ago, and i've read three other books in the meantime before continuing with this because part one is so dull. i don't think we needed 250 or so pages just to establish context and introduce characters, but whatever. on the other hand, after i finally got to part two, i devoured everything. fast-paced, interesting, actually involved the mystery aspect promised in the blurb, and the characters finally discovered what the reader knew since page twenty.
ʚɞ ⁺� characters .� i didn't connect with any of them, which is mainly why i didn't enjoy part one. i'm not opposed to character driven stories, but everyone in this so... i don't have a descriptor, but they make my skin itch. i thought i would like neera, because desi, but i had just as much of a difficult time time empathizing with her as i did the other three. it's not that i hate any of them, and i empathize with neera's and sam's backgrounds as i would anyone in those situations, but i just don't care about them personally. even the neerasam lesbian moments didn't move me, which is crazy. neera and her mom's relationship at the end was sweet, though.
ʚɞ ⁺� overall, thought it was mostly just okay. thank you to netgalley for the advanced copy.
ʚɞ ⁺� setting .� lake clearwater / carrion, georgia. carrion resident dawson sumter goes missing, prompting the main characters neera, isaiah, sam, and reid to investigate. as they do so, they uncover lake clearwater's mysterious founding myth and discover that clearwater's prosperity is suspiciously correlated with deaths in carrion that occur every thirteen years.
ʚɞ ⁺� worldbuilding .� when devils sing contains a creepy, gothic atmosphere, but because nothing actually occurs for two-thirds of the book, i can't actually say whether that's because of the writing or my own nausea whenever i read a book that has a rural setting. i was probably equally creeped out by tom lake. one thing i very much did not like is that in establishing the myths/setting the reader is told the main plot very early on in the story, and yet all the characters don't even meet/start investigating until at least part two, two-thirds into the book.
ʚɞ ⁺� plot .� excellent concept, mediocre execution. i think i started this a week ago, and i've read three other books in the meantime before continuing with this because part one is so dull. i don't think we needed 250 or so pages just to establish context and introduce characters, but whatever. on the other hand, after i finally got to part two, i devoured everything. fast-paced, interesting, actually involved the mystery aspect promised in the blurb, and the characters finally discovered what the reader knew since page twenty.
ʚɞ ⁺� characters .� i didn't connect with any of them, which is mainly why i didn't enjoy part one. i'm not opposed to character driven stories, but everyone in this so... i don't have a descriptor, but they make my skin itch. i thought i would like neera, because desi, but i had just as much of a difficult time time empathizing with her as i did the other three. it's not that i hate any of them, and i empathize with neera's and sam's backgrounds as i would anyone in those situations, but i just don't care about them personally. even the neerasam lesbian moments didn't move me, which is crazy. neera and her mom's relationship at the end was sweet, though.
ʚɞ ⁺� overall, thought it was mostly just okay. thank you to netgalley for the advanced copy.
February 23, 2025
This one had all the ingredients for a book I’d love—small-town secrets, a group of misfits playing detective, and an eerie, creeping horror vibe. And while it delivered on atmosphere and some unsettling imagery (seriously, cicadas are already nightmare fuel, but this took it to another level), it didn’t fully stick the landing for me.
The mystery itself had a strong start, and I was hooked by the town’s unsettling history and the eerie folklore woven into the plot. The shifting power dynamics between the main characters kept things interesting, especially with their different backgrounds and baggage. But somewhere along the way, the pacing started to lag, and certain reveals didn’t hit as hard as I wanted them to. There’s a lot of simmering tension, but the payoff felt a little underwhelming.
That said, if you’re into Southern Gothic horror with a slow burn, rich atmosphere, and a hint of the bizarre, this might still be worth picking up. It just didn’t quite get under my skin the way I was hoping.
The mystery itself had a strong start, and I was hooked by the town’s unsettling history and the eerie folklore woven into the plot. The shifting power dynamics between the main characters kept things interesting, especially with their different backgrounds and baggage. But somewhere along the way, the pacing started to lag, and certain reveals didn’t hit as hard as I wanted them to. There’s a lot of simmering tension, but the payoff felt a little underwhelming.
That said, if you’re into Southern Gothic horror with a slow burn, rich atmosphere, and a hint of the bizarre, this might still be worth picking up. It just didn’t quite get under my skin the way I was hoping.
March 28, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the arc.
Let me start by saying, this is not a normal genre for me. But I saw the synopsis and was so intrigued by it I knew I had to read it.
I’m so insanely glad I did.
My goodness this story was amazing! Right off the bat we meet each character and see the depth of their lives and their personalities. Each from different upbringings and struggling with things we all deal with. Disagreements with family, finding out who we are and what truly matters to us. All wrapped up in a mystery set in the south, a story of corruption and greed.
Every thirteen years the cicadas came and begin to scream. There’s a lot of missing people and deaths that happen in this town and this year a group of teens have questions. They piece it together slowly and try to find ways to get to the bottom of what’s happening.
I loved these characters. They were all so raw and real. If it hadn’t been for the horror aspects and the touch of the paranormal it could have been like reading someone’s documentary about corruption in the south.
Sam wanted, more than anything, to be a good big sister and protect her baby brother. Her decisions all revolved around that simple fact and I couldn’t help but relate to her and respect her for it. She had such a tough exterior but so much pain. Her father being a huge source of that pain.
Isaiah I related to the most though. He just wants to follow his own dreams but his father has a plan laid out for him. Success over happiness seems to be what drives him. Understandable but not the right path for every person. I loved how smart and quick witted he was.
Reid was the son of the most important man in their town and that comes with its own set of issues. Especially once the blinders were pulled back and he was forced to see his family for who and what they really are. His actions shocked me, and I was grateful to see so much character growth from him.
Neera who wanted to be able to dream. Who followed in his uncles footsteps and pursued her love of music. Also being the granddaughter of immigrants and feeling responsible for helping them all to succeed. That’s a heavy burden for anyone to carry. Her pain was visceral and I cried a few times with her.
I really enjoyed the mystery in this book. I got so excited each time a new clue was presented and it was fun trying to piece it all together. I personally really liked the pacing and the way things were revealed.
As a mixed woman living in the south I also enjoyed the parallels to the very real corruption that can come from living in a small town. Obviously the deals with devils were added for the story telling but the greed and looking at those that are in a lower class than yourself? Spot on.
Overall I’m amazed by this book! I loved every moment of it. The ending was a bit open ended so be prepared for that but I was happy with it.
I can’t wait for its release so I can buy the physical copy of it.
Let me start by saying, this is not a normal genre for me. But I saw the synopsis and was so intrigued by it I knew I had to read it.
I’m so insanely glad I did.
My goodness this story was amazing! Right off the bat we meet each character and see the depth of their lives and their personalities. Each from different upbringings and struggling with things we all deal with. Disagreements with family, finding out who we are and what truly matters to us. All wrapped up in a mystery set in the south, a story of corruption and greed.
Every thirteen years the cicadas came and begin to scream. There’s a lot of missing people and deaths that happen in this town and this year a group of teens have questions. They piece it together slowly and try to find ways to get to the bottom of what’s happening.
I loved these characters. They were all so raw and real. If it hadn’t been for the horror aspects and the touch of the paranormal it could have been like reading someone’s documentary about corruption in the south.
Sam wanted, more than anything, to be a good big sister and protect her baby brother. Her decisions all revolved around that simple fact and I couldn’t help but relate to her and respect her for it. She had such a tough exterior but so much pain. Her father being a huge source of that pain.
Isaiah I related to the most though. He just wants to follow his own dreams but his father has a plan laid out for him. Success over happiness seems to be what drives him. Understandable but not the right path for every person. I loved how smart and quick witted he was.
Reid was the son of the most important man in their town and that comes with its own set of issues. Especially once the blinders were pulled back and he was forced to see his family for who and what they really are. His actions shocked me, and I was grateful to see so much character growth from him.
Neera who wanted to be able to dream. Who followed in his uncles footsteps and pursued her love of music. Also being the granddaughter of immigrants and feeling responsible for helping them all to succeed. That’s a heavy burden for anyone to carry. Her pain was visceral and I cried a few times with her.
I really enjoyed the mystery in this book. I got so excited each time a new clue was presented and it was fun trying to piece it all together. I personally really liked the pacing and the way things were revealed.
As a mixed woman living in the south I also enjoyed the parallels to the very real corruption that can come from living in a small town. Obviously the deals with devils were added for the story telling but the greed and looking at those that are in a lower class than yourself? Spot on.
Overall I’m amazed by this book! I loved every moment of it. The ending was a bit open ended so be prepared for that but I was happy with it.
I can’t wait for its release so I can buy the physical copy of it.
March 6, 2025
"'Why would they do that?'
'To protect their own, like they've always done.'"
When Devils Sing introduced me to Southern horror and now... I'm hungry for more.
I'd like to start by saying that I started my read during a snowstorm and yet, every time I opened my kindle, I found myself in Carrion; It almost felt like if I opened my window, instead of the whistling of the wind, I would hear the loud chatter of cicadas.
It's also impossible to pass by without saying how gripping it felt to watch the secrets of the Carrion unravel. People might have a different opinion on this, but I actually love when I am fed breadcrumbs, if anything at all, throughout the story and I was not bothered by slower investigation at all. There were also incredibly well written inserts from a true-crime podcast, as a tool to help the reader get a deeper understanding of the place and the occurrences, and I absolutely LOVED them. God, I wished there was more.
But as much as I liked the atmosphere and the mystery, it was the characters that I truly fell in love with. Throughout the book, we get to follow an extremely diverse cast, and I cannot emphasize enough on how fleshed out every single character felt. Xan did not hold back, baring their souls, their deepest fears and desires before the readers, just as she stripped Carrion clean, portraying its sins for all to see. I had a curious thought that I could probably meet the group in real life, if I were to travel to the state of Georgia. Probably because they are real. We see Sams and Neeras, Isaiahs and Reids, the likes of their families and friends, every day. They go by different names, wear different clothes, and yet, they're as real as their human imperfections. That makes them so relatable too.
My particular favorite was Neera, by the way. So, let me end this review with the excerpt from her pov:
"Would her grandmother ever retire, ever vacation? Would she ever be more than a woman who worked from sunrise to sunset, for everyone other than herself? Neera felt so foolish then. Ungrateful. It was moments like these where she hated herself for loving music, for choosing it above all else. All the women who came before her sacrificed so much of themselves. It felt wring of her to want for anything else, to want for only herself."
'To protect their own, like they've always done.'"
When Devils Sing introduced me to Southern horror and now... I'm hungry for more.
I'd like to start by saying that I started my read during a snowstorm and yet, every time I opened my kindle, I found myself in Carrion; It almost felt like if I opened my window, instead of the whistling of the wind, I would hear the loud chatter of cicadas.
It's also impossible to pass by without saying how gripping it felt to watch the secrets of the Carrion unravel. People might have a different opinion on this, but I actually love when I am fed breadcrumbs, if anything at all, throughout the story and I was not bothered by slower investigation at all. There were also incredibly well written inserts from a true-crime podcast, as a tool to help the reader get a deeper understanding of the place and the occurrences, and I absolutely LOVED them. God, I wished there was more.
But as much as I liked the atmosphere and the mystery, it was the characters that I truly fell in love with. Throughout the book, we get to follow an extremely diverse cast, and I cannot emphasize enough on how fleshed out every single character felt. Xan did not hold back, baring their souls, their deepest fears and desires before the readers, just as she stripped Carrion clean, portraying its sins for all to see. I had a curious thought that I could probably meet the group in real life, if I were to travel to the state of Georgia. Probably because they are real. We see Sams and Neeras, Isaiahs and Reids, the likes of their families and friends, every day. They go by different names, wear different clothes, and yet, they're as real as their human imperfections. That makes them so relatable too.
My particular favorite was Neera, by the way. So, let me end this review with the excerpt from her pov:
"Would her grandmother ever retire, ever vacation? Would she ever be more than a woman who worked from sunrise to sunset, for everyone other than herself? Neera felt so foolish then. Ungrateful. It was moments like these where she hated herself for loving music, for choosing it above all else. All the women who came before her sacrificed so much of themselves. It felt wring of her to want for anything else, to want for only herself."
April 2, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!
My God this was amazing. The writing really draws you into the story and gives you the feeling that you are in Southern Georgia with the characters. And even though I was able to figure out what was "going on" it didn't take away from the enjoyment of the book. About 1/2 way through the book I decided that I loved it and needed to preorder it.
The only flaw in a near perfect book was the ending. We spent all this time working towards this "event" but once we got there I was wanting more.
My God this was amazing. The writing really draws you into the story and gives you the feeling that you are in Southern Georgia with the characters. And even though I was able to figure out what was "going on" it didn't take away from the enjoyment of the book. About 1/2 way through the book I decided that I loved it and needed to preorder it.
The only flaw in a near perfect book was the ending. We spent all this time working towards this "event" but once we got there I was wanting more.
March 12, 2025
An incredible mystery turned horror set in the Deep South. The characters have such depth and interesting stories that are slowly revealed to be interconnected in unexpected ways over the course of the book.
What happens when a group of teens are desperate to escape the home town they grew up in? Well chaos ensues and deep decades long secrets are revealed as they try to claw their way out of this hopeless place.
Filled with interesting and unique mythology and lore that is brought to life in a way that can’t be ignored or easily forgotten, both by the characters and the readers.
What happens when a group of teens are desperate to escape the home town they grew up in? Well chaos ensues and deep decades long secrets are revealed as they try to claw their way out of this hopeless place.
Filled with interesting and unique mythology and lore that is brought to life in a way that can’t be ignored or easily forgotten, both by the characters and the readers.
March 4, 2025
This is the first five star read I have had in a long time!
This book was atmospheric and perfect for summer. The characters are likeable and layered, providing connection to them and making them feel like real friends and acquaintances. The story isn't too predictable, and it's paced in a way that keeps you wanting to read more instead of dreading picking the book up again. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more from this author.
This book was atmospheric and perfect for summer. The characters are likeable and layered, providing connection to them and making them feel like real friends and acquaintances. The story isn't too predictable, and it's paced in a way that keeps you wanting to read more instead of dreading picking the book up again. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more from this author.
March 23, 2025
I wanted to love this book because ugh that gorgeous deluxe edition with the sprayed edges and that beautiful cover! Hardboiled YA Southern gothic horror! It had all the elements that make me go sign me up immediately.
It definitely got the atmospheric horror part down. I felt like I was transported to a lush, creepy Southern small lake town and I had a pit of dread in my throat the whole time. It had vibes of Outer Banks and the Middaugh family murders. The first half of the book was very slow paced and then the second half rushed through jagged action and I wished the pacing had been more consistent. Also, let me say the name of the town was Carrion? A bit on the nose for a book with lots of gross animal cruelty. That should have been my first clue I wasn't going to like this.
The story is told from the alternating points of view of four teenagers. There's Neera Singh (another name that's too on the nose for an aspiring singer), whose Punjabi family owns a motel and is still mourning the death of her uncle. There's Reid, scion of a wealthy white family. There's Isaiah, a Black true crime podcaster from a wealthy conservative family who wants him to become a lawyer. And Sam, the queer daughter of abusive parents who makes a deal with the devil to save her brother.
When Neera made a deal with the devil this is where the book lost me. She was my favorite character and felt the most developed, and this was so out of character after what had happened to her uncle and what she'd been taught all her life. She was a good singer too - she didn't need to curse herself with losing her voice forever one day just because she didn't have a confident stage presence. I struggled to understand her motivations.
I wish the interactions between the teenagers had been more than surface level. In short this wasn't as character-driven as I had hoped and I struggled to connect with the characters. The mystery was also fairly obvious.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It definitely got the atmospheric horror part down. I felt like I was transported to a lush, creepy Southern small lake town and I had a pit of dread in my throat the whole time. It had vibes of Outer Banks and the Middaugh family murders. The first half of the book was very slow paced and then the second half rushed through jagged action and I wished the pacing had been more consistent. Also, let me say the name of the town was Carrion? A bit on the nose for a book with lots of gross animal cruelty. That should have been my first clue I wasn't going to like this.
The story is told from the alternating points of view of four teenagers. There's Neera Singh (another name that's too on the nose for an aspiring singer), whose Punjabi family owns a motel and is still mourning the death of her uncle. There's Reid, scion of a wealthy white family. There's Isaiah, a Black true crime podcaster from a wealthy conservative family who wants him to become a lawyer. And Sam, the queer daughter of abusive parents who makes a deal with the devil to save her brother.
When Neera made a deal with the devil this is where the book lost me. She was my favorite character and felt the most developed, and this was so out of character after what had happened to her uncle and what she'd been taught all her life. She was a good singer too - she didn't need to curse herself with losing her voice forever one day just because she didn't have a confident stage presence. I struggled to understand her motivations.
I wish the interactions between the teenagers had been more than surface level. In short this wasn't as character-driven as I had hoped and I struggled to connect with the characters. The mystery was also fairly obvious.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 9, 2025
This was a fun supernatural mystery set in southern Georgia. It follows 4 teenagers as they unravel the mystery of another missing teen, and uncover a conspiracy much more horrible than they could have predicted.
Despite this having supernatural elements to it, I found it incredibly believable. I am all too familiar with the deafening sound of cicadas in the summertime. I grew up in a Georgia town just like this, and the hierarchy and power that money and influence awards is so real, I could easily replace all the main players with people I actually grew up with.
I loved the blues and “demon at the crossroads� theme, and the characters of the “devils� were a big highlight for me. The way they subtly worked themselves into the story really worked for me, especially Jack.
I found the ending a bit abrupt, and the pacing a bit off. The beginning was a bit slow, and we don’t really spend very much time actually solving the mystery. It happens really fast, almost all at once and then we are rushed through the conclusion.
This is great for people who enjoy slow burn small town mysteries, and crossroads lore, especially young adult/teen audiences and those who do not like heavy horror or gore.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for the early copy! All opinions are my own
Despite this having supernatural elements to it, I found it incredibly believable. I am all too familiar with the deafening sound of cicadas in the summertime. I grew up in a Georgia town just like this, and the hierarchy and power that money and influence awards is so real, I could easily replace all the main players with people I actually grew up with.
I loved the blues and “demon at the crossroads� theme, and the characters of the “devils� were a big highlight for me. The way they subtly worked themselves into the story really worked for me, especially Jack.
I found the ending a bit abrupt, and the pacing a bit off. The beginning was a bit slow, and we don’t really spend very much time actually solving the mystery. It happens really fast, almost all at once and then we are rushed through the conclusion.
This is great for people who enjoy slow burn small town mysteries, and crossroads lore, especially young adult/teen audiences and those who do not like heavy horror or gore.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for the early copy! All opinions are my own
May 8, 2025
When Devils Sing is an incredibly strong debut from Xan Kaur, with skin crawling horror and strong, complex themes.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. The horror elements of the story were incredibly vivd, included for a purpose rather than simple shock value. The 3 devils concept was wrapped up quite abruptly at the end but was an intriguing element nonetheless. I really loved the plot otherwise. The skilful way Kaur weaved the themes of wealth, power and justice into the story made this a really impactful novel.
The writing style was immensely enjoyable and incredibly descriptive without overdoing it. Kaur was able to paint such an elaborate picture of their native Georgia that you could almost feel the oppressive heat. The suspense was done really nicely, starting off slowly and building steadily toward the final confrontation.
The 4 POV characters were themselves constructed really well. They all felt like completely different people, distinctive in a way that I can imagine is hard to write. Unfortunately, I did sometimes get lost while reading. The writing didn't shift enough to immediately indicate who was thinking and sometimes the POV would shift mid chapter which I struggled with.
Xan Kaur is incredibly talented and I can't wait to read their work in the future. If you're a lover of horror, I would highly recommend When Devils Sing. 3.75 stars.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. The horror elements of the story were incredibly vivd, included for a purpose rather than simple shock value. The 3 devils concept was wrapped up quite abruptly at the end but was an intriguing element nonetheless. I really loved the plot otherwise. The skilful way Kaur weaved the themes of wealth, power and justice into the story made this a really impactful novel.
The writing style was immensely enjoyable and incredibly descriptive without overdoing it. Kaur was able to paint such an elaborate picture of their native Georgia that you could almost feel the oppressive heat. The suspense was done really nicely, starting off slowly and building steadily toward the final confrontation.
The 4 POV characters were themselves constructed really well. They all felt like completely different people, distinctive in a way that I can imagine is hard to write. Unfortunately, I did sometimes get lost while reading. The writing didn't shift enough to immediately indicate who was thinking and sometimes the POV would shift mid chapter which I struggled with.
Xan Kaur is incredibly talented and I can't wait to read their work in the future. If you're a lover of horror, I would highly recommend When Devils Sing. 3.75 stars.
April 28, 2025
Thank you so so much to the author and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC!!
Overall giving 3.8 / 5 stars - I did enjoy this, however it did lose my interest throughout the middle of it (took a month to get done with it) and did leave me feeling like I was going in circles. I also was not a fan of the continual depictions of animal abuse/suffering (I know it’s horror genre - just not my thing when it comes to horror). As a native Georgia girly absolutely obsessed w the setting and parallels to many things I’ve heard about Lake Lanier, that part was pretty sick, and love a southern gothic book.
Overall I’d recommend to a friend - but with HEAVY warnings. Def more of a book for mood reading but not bad by any stretch!!
Overall giving 3.8 / 5 stars - I did enjoy this, however it did lose my interest throughout the middle of it (took a month to get done with it) and did leave me feeling like I was going in circles. I also was not a fan of the continual depictions of animal abuse/suffering (I know it’s horror genre - just not my thing when it comes to horror). As a native Georgia girly absolutely obsessed w the setting and parallels to many things I’ve heard about Lake Lanier, that part was pretty sick, and love a southern gothic book.
Overall I’d recommend to a friend - but with HEAVY warnings. Def more of a book for mood reading but not bad by any stretch!!
March 19, 2025
The Southern gothic atmosphere of this book was impeccable. If you loved series like The Raven Boys or tv like True Detective, this has that perfect blend of morally grey characters, culty-vibes, and that Southern-brand of horror. You follow four teens who are unlikely allies but are drawn together by the disappearance of a local teen. They're all sympathetic in their own ways, but also are given depth by the not-always-stellar choices they make. I appreciated the incorporation of commentary on class, wealth, Southern culture, and being part of an immigrant family. I do wish this was going to be a series, because I wanted to know a bit more about the characters and found the beginning a little bit slow, but once the action got going I could not put this down. Such a strong debut in my opinion. Can't wait to see what Xan Kaur does in the future!
Thanks to MacMillan Children's Publishing Group/Henry Holt & Co for the e-arc!
Thanks to MacMillan Children's Publishing Group/Henry Holt & Co for the e-arc!
May 1, 2025
This ticked all the boxes I'd expect for a YA gothic souther horror.
The writing style flowed nicely. The plot had a lot of great build up, but did feel a tad rushed to wrap up in the end.
You get multi POV's and learn about the mysterious success of those on the other side of the crossroads. The success of one town is literally seeped in deals with the devil.
Teenagers from both sides try working together to solve the mysteries around the town while also learning what they're willing to sell of their selves to achieve their dreams. The clock is ticking as the periodical cicadas festival is approaching and the questions are piling up.
Worth the read.
The writing style flowed nicely. The plot had a lot of great build up, but did feel a tad rushed to wrap up in the end.
You get multi POV's and learn about the mysterious success of those on the other side of the crossroads. The success of one town is literally seeped in deals with the devil.
Teenagers from both sides try working together to solve the mysteries around the town while also learning what they're willing to sell of their selves to achieve their dreams. The clock is ticking as the periodical cicadas festival is approaching and the questions are piling up.
Worth the read.
March 19, 2025
Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy!
When Devils Sing by Xan Kaur has that perfect creepy Southern Gothic vibe—sticky heat, cicadas buzzing, and a town with way too many dark secrets. It follows four teens digging into a local boy’s disappearance, only to find out there’s some seriously old, messed-up evil lurking beneath the surface. The atmosphere is thick and eerie, and the writing pulls you right in. The characters are messy and real, which makes the whole thing hit harder. It’s dark, unsettling, and totally addictive—solid 4/5. Would’ve been a 5 if I didn’t have to sleep with the lights on after.
When Devils Sing by Xan Kaur has that perfect creepy Southern Gothic vibe—sticky heat, cicadas buzzing, and a town with way too many dark secrets. It follows four teens digging into a local boy’s disappearance, only to find out there’s some seriously old, messed-up evil lurking beneath the surface. The atmosphere is thick and eerie, and the writing pulls you right in. The characters are messy and real, which makes the whole thing hit harder. It’s dark, unsettling, and totally addictive—solid 4/5. Would’ve been a 5 if I didn’t have to sleep with the lights on after.
March 29, 2025
This was an enjoyable enough read, although I wouldn't necessarily classify it as horror. There were a couple gross scenes where people or animals are hurt (it's very graphic). It really leans more into personal relationships and the atmosphere of the town. It was well written and I enjoyed the story overall, but I was expecting a more "Needless Things" vibe.
Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2025
Xan Kaur is, without a doubt, an author to look out for.
When Devils Sing was sent to me by way of NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. in exchange for an honest review. I’m grateful for the access to this advanced reader’s copy and will be supporting Kaur and her future works.
It’s difficult to believe that When Devils Sing is Kaur’s debut novel. This is a story you can taste, smell, and hear. Brilliantly crafted, Kaur transports you to the depths of the southern belt, a place you can hear the cicadas, feel the humid air, and witness just how unequal life is. An allegory for structural inequity, Kaur masterfully utilizes gothic horror themes to convey one compelling message: the prosperity of the few is derived from the blood of the many.
Pacing was perhaps the only factor that had this book fall just below five stars for me. While the overall themes and writing were incredible, much of the plot is centered towards the end of the novel. Still, this is an author I intend to follow for years to come. I can tell for Xan Kaur, When Devils Sing is only the beginning. I cannot wait to see what she conquers next.
When Devils Sing was sent to me by way of NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. in exchange for an honest review. I’m grateful for the access to this advanced reader’s copy and will be supporting Kaur and her future works.
It’s difficult to believe that When Devils Sing is Kaur’s debut novel. This is a story you can taste, smell, and hear. Brilliantly crafted, Kaur transports you to the depths of the southern belt, a place you can hear the cicadas, feel the humid air, and witness just how unequal life is. An allegory for structural inequity, Kaur masterfully utilizes gothic horror themes to convey one compelling message: the prosperity of the few is derived from the blood of the many.
Pacing was perhaps the only factor that had this book fall just below five stars for me. While the overall themes and writing were incredible, much of the plot is centered towards the end of the novel. Still, this is an author I intend to follow for years to come. I can tell for Xan Kaur, When Devils Sing is only the beginning. I cannot wait to see what she conquers next.
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