I loved this only the build up was too slow when we could guess a lot before the characters what was happening so it was frustrating to follow them Slowly get it then the ending was rushed so it was a little disappointing. The setting was incredible in the South with its folklore being used about the devil at the crossroad. The atmosphere was really well written, i enjoyed the cicadas haunting the story and finally the multi POV was impressive as it was actually easy to follow and they had very distinct voices

I was really excited to read this one, the plot sounded super intriguing and the cover is stunning. However, it wasn’t for me.

First, there was something medical in the first chapter that irked me. I’m sure most people wouldn’t pick up on it because it’s something that’s done in movies and television all of the time but as a ER nurse, it immediately pulled me out of the story.

Also, I felt like the pacing was off and I didn’t care for the animal cruelty.

I really enjoyed this ARC I received on Netgalley. The setting of the southern town and the haves vs the have-nots felt realistic yet them the supernatural element was added in a way that didn't take away from the setting. It took a bit for me to jump back and forth between POVs at the beginning of the story, but it quickly came together. The method of selling your soul to the devil felt original and inevitable. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book from Xan Kaur.

I love a good debut novel, and this one? It was great. From the chilling setting to the character arcs it’s a must feed for all ya horror fans.

gorgeous and really well done horror book with a strong southern feel that avoids being southern gothic but keeps a lot of the trappings. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

When Devils Sing felt like a true Gothic horror with rich characters, a rich setting and some very dark twists. It was powerful and gritty. It addresses power and wealth and the horrors that it can bring to communities. Personally, the pacing felt sluggish for me and a bit weird considering the depths this story was trying to tell. I always enjoy stories set in the South and when the author can describe it in such detail that the reader feels as though they are there, and this book does a good job with that. I also did NOT appreciate the amount of animal cruelty in this story, it was graphic. Although this reads as a Gothic horror towards the end it definitely starts to feel like a Gothic culty horror, and I definitely liked that development. I think it made the story unique. I would have enjoyed if "Jack" one of the 3 devils was more a part of the story because I felt as though he was more important, and the author could've done more with his character. Overall, this was a slow buildup, but the story itself had so much depth.

3.5

i really liked the characters. what a lot of YA books struggle with (in my opinion) is that the characters who are meant to be important to the story dont have much going on for them in terms of characterization and feel very bland, but kaur avoids this.

however, i didn't like the pacing of this story. it starts out very slow, and then after over halfway into the book, the main characters start working and putting pieces together, then everything starts going VERY fast. the build up in this story was so slow only for things to start accelerating near the end... that just wasn't working well for me. i also found the ending kinda unsatisfying

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.

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.

When Devils Sing by Xan Kaur is a haunting and atmospheric novel that feels like Midsommar meets the Deep South. Blending Southern Gothic horror with folk horror elements, it delivers a chilling critique of the cult of money and the terrifying lengths people will go to in order to maintain their wealth and power. Kaur masterfully crafts a world where tradition and terror intertwine, exposing the dark underbelly of privilege and greed. The novel’s slow-burning dread and immersive setting make it a gripping and unsettling read.

A southern Gothic Horror that is more than just a story of otherworldly things - it is a deeper more detailed look at the corruption and greed that does permeate the Southern culture so quietly that we have all gotten used to it. Ask any southerner about the intricacies of our culture and we can tell you that words never are just what they seem, phrases can always be turned into threats and backhanded comments while appearing to be kind and gracious. And power, often is in the hands of the old money and even older families of the south.

Kaur has done an excellent job of providing a modern critique of the southern power culture and social inequities that often exist and have been in place for so long no one remembers why. Add to that three devils who like to make bargains and deals and teens trying to unravel the disappearance of their friend and you have a perfect gothic horror/mystery book that will keep you on edge.

I will be honest that the multiple pov was hard to follow at times but necessary to add depth to this book. I really enjoyed this book and hope to see it do well. As a debut novel I certainly hope Kaur tackles more southern culture and swamp land lore.

This was fantastic - gritty, chilling, and downright sinister. The sense of uneasiness was profuse throughout the book, and kept me guessing until the very last page.

Only knocking a star because some questions surrounding certain character motivations and the community's history lacked resolution and closure. However, this story kept me wildly engaged, and I devoured it over the course of two days. A smartly written debut, and I will be sure to pick up anything that Kaur puts out moving forward.

I enjoyed the writing style of this book. I thought the writing was beautiful and unique, but the plot was not my favorite. For me it was a bit too much build up.

I was really excited to read this YA horror story set in my home state(Georgia). The plot itself was really entertaining. The book as a whole was just okay though. One of the problems I had was the pacing for the last quarter of the book. It was extremely rushed. The main problem I had however, was that everything felt incredibly unbelievable. These kids seemed to piece everything together really quickly. All of the clues they encountered just kinda fell into their laps. One of the main things I enjoyed about the story was how atmospheric it was. The author did a really good job with portraying the feel of the south. Everything from the cicadas and oppressive heat, to the way outsiders are treated in a small town.

I did enjoy this book. It was suspenseful but sometimes I'd find my attention being drawn away. The story was good and I did enjoy the characters, I just might now have been in the mood for this particular genre. I will try rereading it because i truly am intrigued bu the story!

When Devils Sing is sincerely one of the best books I’ve ever read, and I don’t say that lightly. As a huge fan of Southern Gothic literature, especially with paranormal elements, I often find myself disappointed by the lack of representation in this genre. However, Kaur’s masterful storytelling exceeded my expectations. The book brilliantly explores the death of the American Dream and challenges the notion that it’s meant to be inclusive for everyone.

I was disturbed, enraptured, and deeply moved, completely in awe from start to finish. Kaur’s intimate connection to the Deep South is evident in her vivid and haunting descriptions of Carrion, Georgia, which feel as alive and oppressive as the characters themselves. The multiple POVs were flawlessly executed, adding depth and nuance to the story.

This book isn’t just a read, it’s an experience. If you’re a fan of atmospheric, thought-provoking literature, When Devils Sing is an absolute must.

When Devils Sing by Xan Kaur is a sickly, smothering Southern Gothic with an air filled with the invasive kudzu and Gulf waters. It does a great job in peeling the layers behind the American rich, the American dream, using folklore and horror, very appropriate in the current climate. Xan Kaur is a talented writer and I'm very excited to see more from her.

actual rating: 4.25 (rounded down for Goodreads’ sake)

Thank you to Macmillan Children’s for a free E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Devil went down to Georgia…

A story dripping with a lush, sickly sweet atmosphere, When Devils Sing follows four teenagers and their attempt to uncover the secret rot within their small, poverty stricken town in Southwest Georgia.

From the beginning, this book gripped me with its writing style and mystery. I was drawn into the characters immediately, with Neera and Sam being the standouts for me. Both trying to do their best with what they’re given, both trying not to repeat the mistakes of their parents. I felt that the book built tension well, even if the pacing was a little slow in places, and I found myself unable to put it down. The premise alone is fascinating, and the writing was well done and the characters believable in their backstories and motivations.

There were some loose ends and some characters stronger than others, in addition to an ending that felt a tad rushed and conclusions that were slightly predictable, but I still overall found the story to be gripping. I think it just could have benefited from being slightly longer. Still, interrogating a hidden secret behind the veneer of the American Dream? Sign me up.

The tension of social commentary mixed with generational trauma and the cycles of poverty is done well. Through the eyes of teenagers struggling to make it out, I found the struggles believable and wrenching. The supernatural element was also done well, just hinted at, but described well enough and couched deeply enough into the folklore of the town that it too was believable.

A note for readers: while this is marketed as horror, I would consider it more mystery until the last 10%. Even then, the horror element is not too too graphic, so unless you can’t handle the barest element, I’d definitely recommend picking it up.

Amazing work for a debut, can’t wait to see what the author does next.

The Devil went down to Georgia, and he never left.

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.

The book is a haunting inquiry of secrets, privilege, and the sinister forces lurking in the heart of a small rural Georgia town. The town's history is one of disparity between the haves and have-nots, which mirrors the story's core. The characters blend different experiences and stories around the town's darker truth.

The story is told from multiple POVs. Neera Singh is frustrated with the class divides in the community and her family's struggles to keep their failing motel afloat. Isaiah's obsession with uncovering the truth for his podcast, Reid's reluctant entanglement in his family's wealth and power, and Sam's haunted connection to her father's violent reputation. Their dynamic as a group is laced with distrust and reluctant camaraderie.

The legend of the Faustian deal adds dread to the storyline. While the characters investigate the past of Carrion reveals sinister secrets about the supernatural evil that plagues the town and its residents. The tragic revelations force the characters to confront the history and explore the long story of privilege and power. The cyclical nature of generational trauma and systemic oppression makes the story as thought-provoking as it is terrifying. The layering of societal commentary exposes the Southern Gothic tale with morally complex characters and the revelation that the devil may be someone you know.

I received an ARC ebook for my honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing, Henry Holt Co. (BYR).