Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I’ll be thinking about the scene with Neera’s guitar and the deer for a LONG time.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
When Devils Sing is an eerie and unsettling read that masterfully blends thriller elements with a hint of the supernatural. From the very start, Xan Kaur sets a chilling tone that creeps under your skin and refuses to let go.
The characters are a standout element here, each pov with unique motivations that make them feel real, albeit a bit selfish and broken in their own ways. This complexity adds an extra layer of depth to the story, as you find yourself both fascinated and repulsed by their actions. The narrative is carefully constructed, building tension and dread in a way that keeps you hooked until the very end.
That said, the ending did feel a bit rushed compared to the meticulous buildup throughout the novel. After spending so much time weaving a dark, tangled web, the final chapters almost seemed to speed by too quickly, leaving me wanting a little more resolution.
Still, if you’re a fan of creepy thrillers with a dash of gore and an unsettling southern gothic atmosphere, When Devils Sing is definitely worth picking up. It’s a twisted ride that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was a moody, atmospheric southern gothic with a touch of horror and a creative modern twist. The setting in a rural lake town, with buzzing cicadas and sweltering heat, left a lingering sense of unease. There’s also a clear tension between poverty and privilege that gives the story added depth. The podcast element was one of the most unique parts of the book. It added structure and suspense in a way that felt fresh without being gimmicky.
The story follows four main characters. Their connections are a little confusing at first, but each has a distinct voice and point of view that becomes clearer as the plot moves forward. I appreciated the variety in perspectives, even if the early chapters felt slightly disjointed.
The biggest letdown for me was the ending. It felt rushed, and the “three devils” concept, while still powerful and symbolic, was wrapped up too quickly.
This would be a great pick for readers who enjoy gothic horror with a modern edge, character-driven stories, and a bit of mystery mixed in.
Then you NetGalley & Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the ARC.
The story follows four main characters. Their connections are a little confusing at first, but each has a distinct voice and point of view that becomes clearer as the plot moves forward. I appreciated the variety in perspectives, even if the early chapters felt slightly disjointed.
The biggest letdown for me was the ending. It felt rushed, and the “three devils” concept, while still powerful and symbolic, was wrapped up too quickly.
This would be a great pick for readers who enjoy gothic horror with a modern edge, character-driven stories, and a bit of mystery mixed in.
Then you NetGalley & Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the ARC.
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
When Devils Sing is a haunting and atmospheric YA horror with vivid imagery and a rich Southern Gothic setting. The supernatural lore is original and seamlessly blended with real-world issues, and the characters are refreshingly mature and well-developed. Some aspects of the ending felt a bit underexplored, but overall it’s a dark, compelling read with emotional depth.
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A few words to intrigue you to this book: Sticky, Gothic, Cicada, Horror, Summer
The minute I started this book, I immediately felt like a big sister over these characters. It was heartbreaking the neglect these characters had from their parents and the traumatic instances they were going through. The multiple POVs did take a bit to get used to, but each character was very multi-dimensional and added insight to the story. I especially enjoyed the cultural aspects of the book and thought it added another layer of depth to the story. I would agree with other reviewers to check trigger warnings if there are ones that are specific to you.
Overall, I think readers who enjoy Southern Gothic themes and horror will enjoy this read.
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with an advance reader copy of When Devils Sing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
