shanamcq 's review for:

When Devils Sing by Xan Kaur

4.0

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-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

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4/5 – A gripping start that pulled me in right away. The southern gothic horror elements were executed beautifully, creating a dark, unsettling atmosphere that kept me hooked. However, the ending felt a bit rushed and surprisingly neat, especially considering how disturbing and intense parts of the story were. I wasn’t expecting a happily-ever-after for everyone, which made the conclusion feel a little out of step with the rest of the book. There were also a few plot points that felt underdeveloped, like why Sam’s deal with the devil seems to resolve, but Neera’s doesn’t. I would’ve loved a bit more depth or clarity there. I also felt like since the book is relatively short, there is definitely room for expansion. I’d truthfully be interested in a sequel to follow the survivors re-entering society and how Isaiah’s podcast continues to develop. Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Co for the ARC!