SO thankful to netgalley for the arc, because this book is everything I could ever want. A brilliant debut that left me desperate to see what Kaur writes next.

The devil definitely came down to Georgia—and brought with it all the sticky, suffocating, terrifying heat of a great book. The atmosphere is so rich, you can practically feel the humidity on your skin and hear the cicadas buzzing in your ears. .

I absolutely LOVE how well Kaur wrote the four POVs. It was so well done that I was genuinely looking forward to POV switches, which is NOT how I usually feel. We follow four main characters, and somehow, every single one has a distinct, vibrant voice. Each character feels so real, that I truly felt empathy (and in some cases repulsion) for each character. Neera especially wrecked me (in the best way possible) and I really enjoyed her POVs.

It’s honestly wild that this is Kaur’s debut—it’s so masterfully written, I could quite literally feel the atmosphere on every page. I read the entire thing in just two sittings and I just know this is going to blow up! Even if you’re not typically drawn to YA or multi-POV stories, trust me: this one will win you over.

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.

When Devils Sing Is a Sinister Masterpiece!

Xan Kaur’s When Devils Sing is a devilishly enthralling tale where rural mysteries, crossroad bargains, and a blood-soaked past collide in a deadly game of survival. From the very first page, this story throws readers headfirst into the action, shifting between multiple perspectives that each bring their own eerie talents and secrets to the table. With every twist and revelation, the stakes escalate, making for a breakneck race toward an ending you’ll never see coming. No one is safe when the devils start calling.

Kaur’s writing is immersive and utterly gripping, keeping readers hooked with its unpredictable turns and expertly crafted tension. Each character’s voice is distinct, their strengths cleverly woven into the narrative, ensuring every chapter feels like a crucial piece of the puzzle. The relentless pacing builds to a fever pitch, and while the ending may feel a bit rushed, it delivers a stunning, satisfying conclusion that will leave readers breathless.

I couldn't tear myself away from this book. It’s wicked, intense, and brimming with atmosphere—an absolute must-read! When Devils Sing is perfect for fans of Supernatural, Stephen Graham Jones, and small-town horror with an edge of the macabre. Don’t walk—run to get your hands on this hauntingly brilliant read!

I kept getting lost in this story. I’m fine with multiple viewpoints and side stories but this wasn’t cohesive and it was hard to keep straight and understand details. I loved the initial start with Deep South but then the story took forever to start. I really don’t consider this horror or even mystery. I’m not sure where this will fall but def not keeping on my bookshelf..

MIND BLOWN . . . .

When Devils Sing by Xan Kaur is a Southern gothic horror novel (with a mixture of thriller and rich vs poor complex) that brings 4 unorthodox allies together to investigate a teens disappearance in a small town. This town is separated with a rich side called Clear Water and a Poor side called Carrion. As they begin to investigate, the teens uncover far more sinister and ancient rituals they could have never imagined took place.

This story is broken up into 4 character POVS, with eerie dark horror elements of life and death, sacrificial rituals, the rich getting richer and the poor staying brain washed, and standing up for what’s right.

Initially going into When Devils Sing I knew it was going to be a BANGER! I love this type of elements in a story if it’s done to right. Xan Kaur gave me a sense of each character and how they grew up and their internal personalities as well as external. I became drawn to each character separately and as the book kept progressing it got better and better.

I have never really read many books on the Deep South; this story has opened up my perspective and taught me about different cultures, and gave me a new perspective on YA Novels. This novel was beyond a YA and I will definitely be recommending it to my book community!

So grateful to have had the opportunity to read an early copy and I can’t wait to see what else Xan Kaur has in store for her writing career.

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.

First, thank you so much to NetGalley, Henry Holt, & Xan Kaur for allowing me to absolutely devour this novel!!
For this to be Xan’s first novel, her writing is so beautiful & wove a beautiful picture of the complexity of growing up in the South.
The haunting mystery of the cicadas and how the legend wove into Lake Clearwater’s history was beautifully written. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this novel.
This debut was one of my favorite books I’ve read so far this year!

Xan Kaur's "When Devils Sing" is a compelling gothic YA horror that plunges readers into the sinister underbelly of rural Georgia. The story expertly weaves together elements of satanic cults, addiction, and true crime, all while examining the pressures of adolescence and familial expectations. The darkly ironic quote, "nothing says God Bless America like sacrificial murder," effectively sets the tone for this unsettling narrative.

One of the novel's strengths is its diverse cast. The characters' varied socio-economic backgrounds, races, and sexual orientations offer a rich tapestry of perspectives, adding depth to the story and illuminating the motivations behind their actions, particularly within the insular community of Lake Clearwater. While the diversity was a welcome element, I felt that the realities of race within rural Georgia could have been further explored to enhance the story's realism.

The pacing of the novel, while initially deliberate, accelerates dramatically in Part 2, mirroring the characters' urgent race against time. This shift effectively heightens the tension and creates a gripping reading experience. Although the inclusion of podcast episodes was an interesting concept, I personally found they didn't significantly contribute to the overall narrative.

I appreciate NetGalley, Henry Holt and Company, and Xan Kaur for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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.

Just not really for me, but I will recommend my bookstore get this! I think this is partially because I’m not in the mood for horror right now, but this just didn’t hit for me right now.

It was an okay book, It was poorly paced. I feel like I should have liked it more because it's a group of misfits but something wasn't sticking for me

A compelling southern horror novel. Really interesting and well-done. Felt very atmospheric. Thank you to netgally and the publlishers for a copy of this arc.

When Devils Sing is a magically luscious and atmospheric mystery set in rural Georgia. I haven’t read many books set in the South (except recently, thank you James!!!), and I have to say that the ambience and setting were the shining star in this debut novel. You can feel the love that Kaur feels for her home bleeding through the pages. I felt like I was there, in the humidity, listening to the scream of the cicadas, and immersed in the coolness of the lake.

Another thing I loved was the folklore of the town. The lore of the devils were my favorite part, and each chapter they were in absolutely stole the show. With that said, I really wanted more of them and felt their story ended too abruptly.

For the most part, I liked the cast of ragtag mismatched teens that got together to solve the mystery disappearance of a fellow teen. Neera was definitely my favorite, and I enjoyed her perspectives on feeling like an outsider to her Punjabi culture and what that entailed. But at times, with the multiple POV’s the characters didn’t feel separate enough to warrant so many POV’s, and they started to blur together.

Overall, I was entertained. I love anything to do with the supernatural and occult, and thought this was perfectly creepy without being overly done. But a part of me was left wanting, and noticing a few things that were not wrapped up enough for my liking.

Thank you to Macmillan’s Children’s Publishing Group and Netgalley for giving me access to an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

A perfect southern horror read. I immediately fell into the story and I loved all the familiar tropes and feelings.

(3.5 stars rounded up)

I loved the premise and setting of this book, but feel like it needed a bit more fleshing out. The characters were interwoven in clever ways and had interesting backstories, but I did not find myself particularly attached to them by the end of the book. It was slow-going at first with quite a bit of exposition, but then wrapped up rather quickly at the end; I would have been interested to read more about how the major events at the end played out and what happened after, but maybe this leaves the door open for a sequel. Overall, I found the book engaging and know I would have really enjoyed it when I was still more in the young adult age range. This author has great potential and I'm interested to see what she does next!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book!

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!

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.

This story sets up an intriguing premise with its eerie Southern Gothic atmosphere, class tensions, and supernatural undertones. However, despite its potential, the execution seems to falter in a few key areas.

One major issue is the reliance on familiar tropes without fully developing them in a fresh or compelling way. The rich-vs-poor dynamic is well-worn in mystery and horror, but the novel doesn't seem to bring much nuance to it. Neera’s perspective, while sympathetic, sometimes leans into heavy-handed commentary rather than allowing the themes to emerge organically through the story.

The characters, though intriguing in concept, feel more like archetypes than fully realized individuals. Isaiah, the privileged podcaster, and Sam, the hitman’s daughter, seem like they should bring an interesting dynamic to the group, but their interactions often feel surface-level rather than deeply engaging. The relationships between the four teens could have been a strong emotional anchor, but instead, they sometimes feel like plot devices moving from one eerie discovery to the next.

The mystery itself starts strong, with the disappearance of Dawson and the unsettling ties to the town’s history, but the pacing becomes uneven. At times, the plot meanders, getting bogged down in exposition or atmospheric descriptions that don’t always contribute meaningfully to the tension. The supernatural elements, particularly the legend of the three devils, are intriguing but underdeveloped, leaving them feeling more like an aesthetic choice than a deeply integrated part of the narrative.

While the novel successfully builds a haunting setting and explores the sinister nature of wealth and power, it doesn’t quite stick the landing. The resolution lacks the impact that the buildup promises, leaving certain threads feeling unresolved or hastily wrapped up. Overall, while the story has moments of brilliance, it ultimately struggles with execution, making it a frustrating read for those looking for a truly immersive and satisfying mystery.

What a ride. This book is not perfect by any means, and I can't tell if it was written with a sequel in mind or not. It felt complete, but the epilogue didn't do enough to wrap up the story. Regardless, I enjoyed it.

When Devils Sing follows four young adults (all 18 or about to be 18) in the summer of the cicadas. It has an eerie feeling, and you know something is going on, but you don't know what. The pacing is a little off, because it takes a bit to get going, but once things get going they're pretty intense. It's hard to write about without getting into spoiler territory. Definitely succeeds in giving the southern gothic feel it was going for. I kept thinking it was inspired by the SC Murdochs (of murdery mystery fame), because this tale centers around a family that can avoid any trouble through the sheer power of money.

Minor spoilers ahead

There were quite a few relationships that felt important that weren't explored. Like Sam and her dad, or even Sam and her brother. The story begins because of her love for her brother, yet we literally never meet him, We never learn why Dawson and Sam were fighting. These are things I really want to know, because the story had me invested. Definitely room for improvement for a second book from Kaur, but I enjoyed it nonetheless!

Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is about a town in southern Georgia that is deeply divided between the haves and the have nots. It seems like any other sleepy town except every 13 years a brood of cicadas emerges and, with them, a host of other strange occurrences. Four teens are caught up in the middle of the strange occurrences of this town and must learn the truth of what really goes on in their town.

This book was phenomenal. I didn’t want to put it down. The story was paced so well. Nothing felt rushed and it felt like every word counted. The social commentary was imbedded so well throughout the story. The characters were well developed and the plot was extremely well thought out. I loved the supernatural elements as well as the very real evil we see in the world that created a pretty terrifying combo. If you are looking for quick, creepy, but thought provoking read, this is it.