Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Children’s for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“When Devils Sing” by Xan Kaur is an atmospheric horror novel set in the haunting landscape of rural Georgia, bringing together folklore and social critique into a chilling tale of Southern Gothic horror. The story follows four teenagers—Neera, Isaiah, Reid, and Sam—whose lives are bound by the mysterious disappearance of local teen Dawson Sumter. The town of Carrion, filled with secrets, eerie rituals, and ancient lore, serves as a grim backdrop for this dark exploration of power and corruption. Before going into the review, please note that are instances of blood/gore and death of wild animals throughout the book. There are also some references to physical abuse (never directly described in the story).

One of the book’s strongest features is its vivid portrayal of the Southern setting. Kaur masterfully evokes the tension and raw beauty of rural Georgia, with its screaming cicadas and oppressive heat, setting an unsettling stage where supernatural forces and local legends come alive. The town of Carrion isn’t just haunted by devils; it’s haunted by social inequities, where the wealthy community around Lake Clearwater lives in affluence sustained by sinister deals, while the rest of the town struggles to survive. This sharp social critique elevates the novel, transforming it into both a horror story and a commentary on greed and systemic exploitation, showing that the real devils are humans and their never-ending greed.

Kaur introduces a unique supernatural element with the lore of three distinct devils who each offer different deals that go beyond the typical soul-for-gain exchange. I really enjoyed the three devils lore in this book as the portrayal of these devils varied in personality and the eerie, ritualistic sacrifices they demand adds depth and originality to the horror elements. Yet, as the teens dive into the investigation of Dawson’s disappearance, they start to realize that the true devils are not always otherworldly; sometimes, they are the very people around them.

Told from multiple perspectives, the book intertwines the lives of its main characters, each of whom has a complex relationship with the town’s secrets. Neera, who lives in her family’s rundown motel, feels the weight of her family’s struggles and the injustices around her. Isaiah, a judge’s son, is secretly recording a true-crime podcast that uncovers clues to Dawson’s disappearance. Reid, from the wealthiest family with the darkest past in town, carries his own burdens, while Sam, the estranged daughter of a local hitman, brings a gritty and often tragic perspective to their investigation. The podcast transcripts interspersed throughout the book help unravel Carrion’s lore and the eerie legend of the three devils, adding a realistic touch that enhances the story’s immersive atmosphere.

I did find it a bit challenging to follow the different perspectives initially, but the story’s intricate connections eventually come together, revealing how each character is tied to the town’s dark history and ultimately to each other. With themes of ritual sacrifice and cult behavior, the book delves into the sinister traditions that have long sustained Carrion’s elite, making the final reveal as shocking as it is thought-provoking.

“When Devils Sing” is perfect for readers who love atmospheric horror with social depth. Xan Kaur’s debut stands out for its bold critique of wealth and corruption in the American South, interlaced with folklore that feels both grotesque and hauntingly real. It’s a story where darkness runs deep, and readers are left to question who the real devils are.