Customer Reviews
This was such a fun Southern Gothic read! While it touches on some heavier themes, it still feels firmly rooted in the YA space. The characters were easily my favorite part—each one facing their own personal struggles without leaning too hard into cliché teen drama. I was genuinely rooting for Sam, Reid, Isaiah, and Neera the whole way through, and their character development was so satisfying.The plot felt fresh and original, and as someone who lives in the South, I could totally picture a town like Carrion, GA. I also loved the subtle supernatural elements—just enough to add mystery, but the real heart of the story was always the characters.
4.5 The best part of the story (small-town superstitions, crimes, games of power, murder, trying to get away from a miserable life, alcoholism, young parents, family acceptance, college entrance, and rejection, death, podcast investigating a town's secret, summoning, wishes come true, making as a musician... and much more that makes us want to follow different characters and their goals...) is the cicada, the serpent, and the crow... three devils in charge of the destiny of those who have strong wishes, sp strong they would sell their souls for a bargain.The cicada one reappears every 13 years, and the cicadas' screeches are but a warning. Good horror novel.
Love a witchy book with multiple povs, love a woman author & love a good debut. If gothic South is your vibe- this is for you
I really, really enjoyed this novel. The only note I would have is to add to the supernatural lore, so that the reader feels more connection to it. I think this is a well-thought out plot with relatable characters, and I was dying to find out what happened next. As a born and raised Southerner, I also appreciated the rich, haunting atmosphere that the author created. It was warm and inviting and intriguing.
When Devils Sing is Southern Gothic horror soaked in cicadas, queer rage, and something ancient lurking in the woods.Every 13 years, the cicadas scream—and so does something way worse. Xan Kaur’s debut delivers vibes so strong you can smell the mildew. It’s got folklore, class warfare, generational trauma, creepy motels, creepy woods, and—most terrifying of all—teen feelings.The found-family cast is a mess (in the best way), and the horror is more “existential dread crawling up your spine” than “jump scare with a knife.” You’ll be emotionally gutted and mildly afraid to pee at night.Why not five stars? The middle drags a bit, the lore gets tangled, and some spooky threads just... float off. Like ghostly loose ends. Still, who needs a tidy ending when you’ve got rot, rage, and cosmic dread?Also, the deluxe edition? STUNNING. This book looks like it could hex your bookshelf in the best way.Final verdict: 4 stars. Weird, angry, haunting, and queer as hell. Don't read it in the woods. Or during cicada season.
