When Devils Sing Summary, Characters and Themes

When Devils Sing by Xan Kaur is a haunting narrative set in the eerie, small town of Carrion, located in rural Southwest Georgia.  This novel blends family drama, supernatural elements, and psychological suspense as the townsfolk grapple with dark secrets that have plagued the area for generations.

Every thirteen years, the cicadas arrive, signaling not only a natural occurrence but also an omen of deaths and disappearances that occur in its wake.  The lives of several characters, including Sam, Neera, Reid, and Isaiah, become intertwined as they face moral dilemmas, uncover long-buried truths, and navigate a sinister undercurrent that threatens their very souls.

Summary

In When Devils Sing, the sleepy town of Carrion in Southwest Georgia is home to dark secrets, many of which revolve around the return of cicadas every thirteen years.  These insects are more than just a natural phenomenon for the townspeople—they are tied to a series of mysterious disappearances and deaths that happen each time they emerge.

The novel follows multiple characters, all of whom are caught in the web of these secrets.

Sam Calhoun is the first to be introduced.  After a car accident that leaves her brother Ben critically injured, she is desperate to save his life.

As Ben’s condition worsens, Sam meets a mysterious man named Jack, who offers her a deal: save her brother, but in exchange for her soul.  Jack reveals himself to be one of three devils, and though Sam hesitates, her desperation pushes her to accept the deal, unknowingly binding herself to a dark fate.

As she watches her brother recover, she finds herself drawn deeper into a series of events that will shape her destiny forever.

Neera Singh, a teenager who works at her family’s struggling motel, also becomes a central figure.  She dreams of escaping Carrion and finding a better life but feels trapped by her family’s financial struggles and their strained relationship with the community.

When she is offered a chance to audition for the Cicada’s Song music competition, Neera sees a possible escape from her current life.  However, her world grows darker when she finds a keychain in one of the motel rooms, linked to a boy named Dawson Sumter, who has been hiding a dangerous secret.

As Neera grapples with her dreams and family troubles, she uncovers the disturbing connection between her family and the troubled past of the town.

Reid Langley, a member of the wealthy Langley family, finds himself entangled in the strange happenings of Carrion.  He goes on a hunting trip with his father, Russ Langley, to learn about difficult tasks, but Reid is horrified by the violence of the hunt and his internal moral conflicts.

The tension escalates when Reid learns that his older brother, Jonah, may have been involved in a fatal accident that resulted in a young boy’s death, possibly Sam’s brother.  Reid struggles with the dark family secrets and the violent legacy of the Langleys, which seem to be tied to the growing violence in the region.

Isaiah Johnson, a local teenager who runs a successful true crime podcast, also gets caught up in Carrion’s mysteries.  When he receives a mysterious email about a missing teenager in the town, he begins to investigate the eerie occurrences surrounding the cicadas and the town’s dark history.

Isaiah uncovers unsettling connections between his family, the Langleys, and the Calhouns, deepening the mystery and showing that the town is more dangerous and supernatural than he first believed.

As the cicadas’ arrival nears, the town is immersed in a sense of dread and unease.  The supernatural events surrounding the cicadas grow stronger, and the characters’ lives are all interwoven in a dangerous game of fate.

Neera, who continues to fight for a better future, is eventually forced to confront the painful legacy of her family’s past and the dark forces that lurk within the town.

The arrival of the cicadas signals more than just an end to the silence—it marks the beginning of a reckoning for the town’s inhabitants.

Characters

Sam Calhoun

Sam Calhoun is introduced as a deeply conflicted character who finds herself entangled in a supernatural pact after a car accident leaves her brother, Ben, critically injured.  Her desperation to save her brother pushes her into making a life-altering deal with a mysterious man named Jack, who turns out to be one of three devils.

In exchange for saving Ben’s life, Sam unwittingly binds herself to a dark fate.  This act of desperation reveals Sam’s vulnerability, showing her willingness to sacrifice her own moral compass for the sake of those she loves.

Throughout the novel, Sam is weighed down by guilt and regret, particularly as she navigates the consequences of her actions.  As the story progresses, her internal struggle deepens as she tries to break free from the bonds of her agreement while facing the horrors she has unleashed.

Sam’s journey is marked by a constant battle between her desire for redemption and the sinister forces that are now tied to her existence.

Neera Singh

Neera Singh stands at the center of the narrative, embodying the complexities of family legacy, personal ambition, and cultural conflict.  Raised in the small town of Carrion, Neera feels like an outsider due to her family’s immigrant background.

She works at her family’s failing motel, struggling with financial hardship and the weight of unspoken familial trauma, particularly the suicide of her uncle Ajay.  Despite her family’s expectation that she will remain tied to the past, Neera harbors dreams of breaking free, particularly through her musical ambitions.

As she navigates the difficulties of living in a town steeped in superstition and mystery, Neera becomes increasingly entangled in the dark forces that have haunted Carrion for generations.  Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she grapples with her family’s history, her own dreams, and the sacrifices required to achieve them.

Neera’s eventual victory at the Cicada Festival marks a significant turning point in her life, but it comes at a personal cost.  Her involvement with the dark forces tied to the cicadas and the sinister cult that controls her town brings her to a crossroads, where she must decide whether to continue pursuing her career or confront the consequences of the choices she’s made.

Reid Langley

Reid Langley is a character shaped by privilege and internal conflict.  Coming from a wealthy family in Lake Clearwater, Reid is initially portrayed as someone caught between the expectations of his father, Russ Langley, and his own moral compass.

His father’s push for him to follow through with difficult tasks leads to Reid’s growing disillusionment with the violent and corrupt legacy of the Langley family.  Reid’s life is further complicated by the revelation that his older brother, Jonah, is connected to the tragic accident that resulted in the death of Ben Calhoun, a pivotal moment in the story.

This connection forces Reid to confront the dark legacy of his family and their ties to the town’s secrets.  As Reid becomes more involved with Neera and Isaiah in uncovering the truth about the cult and the dark rituals tied to Lake Clearwater, his character evolves from a reluctant participant to an active agent in the fight against the forces controlling their fates.

Reid’s struggle is one of self-identity, as he attempts to define himself outside of his family’s influence and stand up for what he believes is right.

Isaiah Johnson

Isaiah Johnson is a local teenager who stands out for his intellectual curiosity and determination to uncover the truth.  As the host of the true crime podcast Secrets of the South, Isaiah is driven by a deep need to understand the mysteries surrounding Carrion and the sinister events that have plagued the town.

His involvement in the investigation deepens as he discovers connections between his own family and the troubling events surrounding the deaths and disappearances in the town.  Isaiah’s relationship with Neera plays a pivotal role in his development, as they reconnect after years of silence and work together to uncover the cult’s dark rituals.

Despite his youthful enthusiasm, Isaiah is burdened by the weight of the knowledge he uncovers, and he often finds himself caught between the need to expose the truth and the danger it brings.  His podcast serves as a means for him to process and confront the horror of Carrion’s history, while also providing a platform for justice.

Isaiah’s role as an investigator gives him a unique perspective, but it also forces him to grapple with the consequences of unearthing the town’s darkest secrets.

Dawson Sumter

Dawson Sumter is a troubled boy from Carrion whose mysterious disappearance becomes a key element in the unfolding narrative.  As Neera uncovers a connection to Dawson through the key chain she finds in the motel, it becomes clear that his story is tied to the ominous events surrounding the cicadas and the dark undercurrents of the town.

Dawson’s role grows more significant as the story progresses, particularly when he is revealed to be a victim of the cult’s ritualistic practices.  Through his interactions with Sam, Dawson becomes a symbol of the helplessness faced by those ensnared by the cult’s influence.

His tragic fate serves as a reminder of the dangers lurking in Carrion, and his eventual connection to Sam underscores the personal cost of the supernatural forces at play.  Despite his limited screen time, Dawson’s presence in the story serves to highlight the deeply entrenched evil that the characters must confront.

Grant Langley

Grant Langley emerges as a pivotal antagonist in the later chapters of the story.  His role in the music industry, particularly his manipulation of Neera’s career, serves as a stark reminder of the corrupt and controlling forces that govern Carrion and Lake Clearwater.

Neera’s deal with Grant, which promises to secure her family’s safety, comes at the cost of her personal freedom and artistic integrity.  Grant’s character is a reflection of the power dynamics at play in the town, where the wealthy and influential have the ability to shape the lives of others.

Despite his outward charm and business acumen, Grant’s connection to the darker forces of Lake Clearwater makes him a dangerous figure in Neera’s journey.  His manipulation of Neera’s career highlights the theme of sacrifice and the cost of ambition, as she becomes entangled in a system that threatens to consume her.

Grant’s influence serves as a reminder that the price of success in this world may be more than anyone is willing to pay.

Themes

Guilt and Redemption

Guilt is a prominent theme throughout When Devils Sing, where characters struggle with past actions that haunt them, often leading them into situations where redemption seems just out of reach.  Sam Calhoun’s overwhelming guilt after the car accident involving her brother Ben is a catalyst that drives her into making a desperate deal with Jack, one of the devils.

The guilt consumes her, particularly as she grapples with the belief that she caused her brother’s suffering.  This guilt is not only a personal burden but also manifests in the larger context of the town’s dark history, where people’s past actions continue to impact their futures.

Sam’s willingness to strike a deal to save her brother’s life highlights the desperation that often accompanies guilt, as people may make morally questionable decisions in an attempt to right their wrongs.  Neera Singh also battles with guilt, especially surrounding the untimely death of her uncle, Ajay.

Her family’s refusal to confront Ajay’s suicide and the financial failure of their motel compound Neera’s feelings of inadequacy and responsibility.  Her own internal conflict between pursuing her dreams and honoring her family’s legacy is rooted in the guilt she feels for wanting to break free from the shadows of her family’s tragedies.

The theme of guilt intersects with the quest for redemption, as Neera and Sam both search for ways to forgive themselves, confront their pasts, and make peace with the consequences of their actions.  However, the burden of guilt remains a constant undercurrent, pushing each character to make difficult decisions that could either offer salvation or bind them further to their torment.

The Power of Secrets

The theme of secrets is pervasive in When Devils Sing, where the town of Carrion thrives on its hidden truths and unspeakable events.  The residents of Carrion, including the Calhouns, Langleys, and Singhs, harbor dark secrets that shape their lives and the lives of others around them.

The town itself becomes a character defined by the weight of these secrets, as each resident grapples with the knowledge of something they wish to remain hidden.  Isaiah’s investigation into the true nature of Carrion and the tragic history of the families involved illustrates how deeply secrets can permeate a community.

His podcast, “Secrets of the South,” serves as both a tool for uncovering the town’s past and a platform for revealing the horrors that have long been concealed.  Neera’s discovery of her family’s connection to the old bar, Blind Bucks, and the mysterious trust behind it unearths unsettling truths that her family would rather leave buried.

The unsettling realization that her uncle’s death and her family’s financial decline are intertwined with a deeper conspiracy brings to light the damaging effects of secrecy.  Furthermore, the supernatural elements of the cicadas’ return amplify the idea that secrets are not just personal but are tied to the fabric of the land itself, with the cicadas acting as harbingers of past sins.

The characters’ efforts to uncover these secrets, particularly Neera’s pursuit of her own aspirations, highlight how the past can hold a vice-like grip on the present.  Yet, despite the town’s best efforts to keep these secrets locked away, the act of uncovering them becomes a source of power—whether through Neera’s music or Isaiah’s podcast—as a way to expose the truth and, in some cases, seek justice.

Fate and Free Will

The theme of fate versus free will plays a critical role in the development of characters’ lives and decisions in When Devils Sing, particularly in how they navigate the supernatural forces that shape their destinies.  Sam’s choice to accept Jack’s offer to save her brother’s life, despite knowing the cost, is a direct confrontation with the concept of fate.

Her decision feels inevitable, driven by the overwhelming love for her brother and the desperate desire to change the outcome.  However, the deal she makes ties her to forces beyond her control, symbolizing the tension between individual choice and the larger, unknowable forces that shape one’s life.

The theme is also explored through Neera’s journey, as she attempts to break free from the cycle of failure and generational trauma in her family.  Neera’s aspirations to pursue a music career seem to be at odds with the weight of her family’s expectations, as well as the town’s oppressive legacy.

Her struggle to carve out a future of her own, while still being tethered to her family’s history, illustrates the ongoing battle between self-determination and the inescapable patterns set by the past.  Even as Neera’s talents lead her to success, her eventual deal with Grant Langley demonstrates how her choices are still influenced by forces beyond her immediate control, reflecting the ongoing interplay between fate and free will.

The supernatural elements, particularly the devilish presence of Jack and the cult rituals tied to the cicadas, further complicate the characters’ sense of agency, as they are constantly reminded that they are part of a larger, predestined story.  Ultimately, When Devils Sing suggests that while individuals may make choices that shape their futures, there are external forces at play that may limit their ability to fully escape the fate set before them.

Family and Legacy

The theme of family and legacy is central to When Devils Sing, particularly as characters struggle with the weight of their family’s history and the expectations placed on them.  Neera Singh’s journey is one of grappling with her family’s past, particularly the untold pain of her uncle Ajay’s suicide and the failure of her family’s business.

Neera’s desire to escape the town and pursue her dreams is constantly overshadowed by the legacy of her family’s struggles.  The expectations from her mother and grandfather force Neera to reconsider her place in the world, creating a deep conflict within her as she tries to carve out her own path.

The tension between Neera’s personal desires and the weight of her family’s history exemplifies the struggle to break free from the confines of legacy, a theme echoed in her relationships with both her immediate family and the broader community.  The Calhoun family, particularly Sam, also contends with the burdens of family legacy.

Sam’s devotion to her brother and the guilt she feels for his potential death are deeply intertwined with her family’s past, particularly her unspoken ties to the dark forces surrounding Carrion.  Both families are trapped in cycles of regret, trauma, and unanswered questions, making it difficult for the younger generation to escape the shadows of their ancestors.

At its core, When Devils Sing suggests that the past is an inescapable force that shapes not only the lives of individuals but also the fate of entire communities.  The legacy of each family’s decisions weighs heavily on their future, often pushing them toward paths they did not choose but are destined to follow.

The ongoing struggles of the characters underscore the difficulty of reconciling the present with the history that precedes it, illustrating how family legacies shape identities and limit the freedom to create new futures.