When Devils Sing is an incredibly strong debut from Xan Kaur, with skin crawling horror and strong, complex themes.

Overall, I really enjoyed this. The horror elements of the story were incredibly vivd, included for a purpose rather than simple shock value. The 3 devils concept was wrapped up quite abruptly at the end but was an intriguing element nonetheless. I really loved the plot otherwise. The skilful way Kaur weaved the themes of wealth, power and justice into the story made this a really impactful novel.

The writing style was immensely enjoyable and incredibly descriptive without overdoing it. Kaur was able to paint such an elaborate picture of their native Georgia that you could almost feel the oppressive heat. The suspense was done really nicely, starting off slowly and building steadily toward the final confrontation.

The 4 POV characters were themselves constructed really well. They all felt like completely different people, distinctive in a way that I can imagine is hard to write. Unfortunately, I did sometimes get lost while reading. The writing didn't shift enough to immediately indicate who was thinking and sometimes the POV would shift mid chapter which I struggled with.

Xan Kaur is incredibly talented and I can't wait to read their work in the future. If you're a lover of horror, I would highly recommend When Devils Sing. 3.75 stars.

5 out of 5 stars – Unputdownable Southern Gothic Horror with a Razor-Sharp Edge

When Devils Sing is a haunting, atmospheric triumph that sinks its claws in from the first page and never lets go. Set in the eerie,backwoods of rural Georgia, this horror blends small-town secrets, social commentary, and supernatural terror in a way that’s deeply unsettling and impossible to forget.

Neera is a fierce, relatable protagonist whose voice guides readers through a world where the divide between rich and poor is as stark as the shadows creeping through Carrion. The cast of misfit allies—each with their own secrets and scars—adds depth and tension as the mystery of Dawson’s disappearance spirals into something far more monstrous.

Perfect for fans of Wilder Girls, Stranger Things, and early Stephen King, When Devils Sing is a must-read for anyone who loves their horror intelligent, character-driven, and drenched in dread. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.

I rarely come across books that surprise me. I do tend to hype myself into believing the next new book/author will blow me away, but it seldom happens. This book managed is the exception.

The atmosphere of this book is so deliciously rich and dark, the precise vibes Kaur was aiming for. The descriptions directly transport you to the setting; I could practically hear the cicada cries and feel the Southern heat sticking to my own skin despite me reading this in the dead of winter. Maybe it's because I'm also reading one of her works as well, but the influence of Zora Neale Hurston feels particularly strong in the writing.

The characters are incredible, too. Despite the story being split in four separate POVs (In a debut novel, nonetheless!), every main character is fully fleshed out, complex, and deeply interconnected in such a way this story could not be told without a single one of them removed. Not once did I have trouble whose POV I was in, because Neera, Sam, Reid, and Isaiah each have totally distinct personalities and motives the story is built around. Again, not an easy feat to pull off in a debut, but Kaur pulled it off so effortlessly, and it's so worthy of applause.

The story is a very slow burn, which, according to other reviews I've glanced through, seems to be a turn-off for most readers. But, if anything, I was enthralled by the buildup, because it's all about setting the stage and becoming entrenched in the gothic atmosphere and the personal tragedies of the characters. It's so worth it once the mystery really amps up and pays off at the climax.

All in all, such a incredible debut, and I personally cannot wait to see what else Kaur may have planned in the future!