When Devils Sing

Kaur, Xan. When Devils Sing. 2025. 388p. ISBN 9781250357175.

When Dawson Sumter vanishes, leaving only blood in a room at Neera Singh's family's struggling motel, it marks another unsettling disappearance in the rural Georgia town of Carrion. Such incidents are disturbingly common, particularly every thirteen years when a periodical cicada brood emerges, filling the air with their deafening cries. For Neera, Dawson's disappearance is a stark reminder of Carrion's harsh reality: the wealthy prosper, while the impoverished face grim fates.

Determined to uncover Dawson's whereabouts, Neera embarks on an investigation, joined by an unlikely trio: Isaiah, a judge's son and secret true crime podcaster; Reid, the son of the region's wealthiest man; and Sam, the estranged daughter of the local hitman. As they delve into a complex web of secrets and lies, they unearth a terrifying truth: the prosperity of the neighboring Lake Clearwater community is linked to an ancient source of power, rooted in the town's founding and an urban legend of three increasingly sinister devils. The teens must now confront the pervasive corruption and find a way to escape its insidious reach, before they become the devils' next victims.

Gritty and dark, When Devils Sing feature strong characters who aim to escape their own fate and set out on a life of their choosing, instead of suffering the circumstances imposed by others. The alternating point of views propel the story forward, and add to the tension building as the teens discover dangerous clues. Fans of horror will enjoy this story.

Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 4

Muira, Kentaro. Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 4. 2020. 704p. ISBN 9781506715216. 

With Griffith imprisoned and with Casca and Guts now more than friends following Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 3, the Band of the Hawk is reunited to conduct an extraction operation to free Griffith from his prison cell underneath the dungeon of the Midland Castle, where he has been brutally tortured for his affair with the King of Midland's daughter. Though isolated and suffering, Griffith is not alone in the castle's dark depths.

Within the dank catacombs of Windham Castle lurk unspeakable horrors, far more terrifying than mere imprisonment and torture. As Guts descends into this nightmarish realm to liberate his former commander, he will confront not only human adversaries but also the monstrous denizens of the castle's underbelly. The dangers are so profound that the living within these walls might indeed envy the fate of the dead.

With Griffith freed, another terror begins chasing the Band of the Hawk. And just as Guts and Casca think that they have escaped, another, more ancient horror arises and claims Griffith as its own!

Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 3

Muira, Kentaro. Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 3. 2020. 704p. ISBN 9781506715216.  

As the hundred-year conflict between Midland and Tudor first encountered in Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 2 nears its conclusion, the renowned Band of the Hawk, led by the charismatic Griffith and the formidable Guts, has become instrumental in securing Midland's impending victory. Their battlefield prowess and strategic brilliance have turned the tide of the long war, earning them both fame and the favor of the kingdom. However, this very success breeds resentment and ambition within the Midland court.

With victory on the horizon, a clandestine power struggle ignites among those seeking to gain influence. The ambitious Griffith, once celebrated as a hero, is now perceived by some as a dangerous obstacle to their own advancement. In this treacherous environment of courtly intrigue and hidden agendas, the most perilous threat is often the one that remains unseen, poised to strike from the shadows and undermine the hard-won peace.

The story continues in Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 4.

Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 2

Muira, Kentaro. Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 2. 2019. 704p. ISBN 9781506711997. 

In Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 1, we were introduced to Guts and his quest to punish those who did him harm. In Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 2, the story jumps back in time and tells of Gut growing up, how he ended up serving as a poor boy learning the skills of a soldier from Gambino, only to be sold to satisfy the needs of one of Gambino's soldiers. Having killed Gambino, Guts escaped and eventually ran into Griffon's Hawks, a famous mercenary outfit led by an overly ambitious and skilled soldier. Guts was subdued by Griffon in combat, and agreed to join the mercenary band. Casca, Griffon's second-in-command, was not pleased. 

Over the years, Guts and the Hawks fought in countless wars as mercenaries, defeating enemies on the battlefield. Guts got better, but he keeps on being used by those around him. As Griffin climbs the ladder of political power, Guts finds himself learning that he is but a pawn in a well thought-out game. Encountering Zod, a supernatural demon, Guts and Griffin were all but defeated when Zod noticed the behelit hanging around Griffin's neck and left the battle.

With power on the line, an attempt by the King's brother is made to assassinate Griffin, but its failure leads Griffin to instead unleash Guts on the general. Not everything goes according to plan, and Guts ends up slaughtering plenty of the members of the general's household during his escape. Meanwhile Casca is not thrilled by the direction Griffin seems to be heading ...

The story continues in Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 3.

Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 1

Muira, Kentaro. Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 1. 2019. 689p. ISBN 9781506711980. 

Guts, also known as the Black Swordman, travels the world looking for vengeance against those who did him wrong. Armed with a massive sword, Guts bears the marks of torture and war. His left hand has been replaced with a metal one, and he also bears on his skin the unholy symbol of the Brand, which attracts evil to him. Guts is no hero. He's not here to protect the weak and avenge the innocent. He's on his own mission to track down those who gave him the Brand. When he violently frees a small flying elf named Puck from certain death at the hands of bullies in a tavern, Guts acquires a follower who acts partly as his conscience, and partly as someone who questions the world around him.

Continuing his travels, Guts returns to the Count's city where he confronts the Count's formidable captain of the guard, who has been transformed into a horrific monster. Puck is captured and handed to the Count's daughter, who's the only person not aware of the Count's dark desires and horrible penchant for human flesh. Cutting his way through the castle, Guts defeats the Captain of the guard, before confronting the Count himself, this time in his true demonic form. 

Many times Guts is almost defeated, only to muster the willpower to act again. The Count is brought down, but he appeals to the Godhand, a group of five overpowerful demons who offer him a deal in exchange for dealing with Guts, a deal even the Count may not be willing to pay ...

The story continues in Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 2.

Faust

 von Goethe, Johann Wolfgang. Faust. 1998. 503p. ISBN 9780385031141. 

Though medieval in origin, the tale of Faust is as old as time itself, with man seeking to escape the bonds meant to retain his humanity. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe crafted a retelling of Faust on and off for over sixty years, with the final product published after his death in the early 1800s. In Goethe's story, Faust has reached the pinnacle of humanity, but is unable to exceed it. His knowledge is extraordinary, his power is great, and he enjoys life, but it is not satisfying. Faust's existential crisis attracts the attention of Mephistopheles, the German version of the Devil, who offers Faust a wager. Mephistopheles tells Faust he will provide him with every kind of experience imaginable in order to find the one that will satisfy him. If he fails, Faust will get to enjoy an even better life than before. But if he succeeds, and if Faust finds a moment in time where he is truly satisfied, he will lose his soul.

Scared of the bargain but eager to perhaps reach true happiness for the first time, Faust agrees to Mephistopheles's terms, and soon he experiences things beyond the comprehension of most humans. But none of these experiences satisfy him. Then he meets Gretchen, a young woman, and the lustful relationship takes Faust closest to being fully satisfied before Mephistopheles destroys the young woman and her family, causing Faust eternal grief. 

Still bound by his deal with Mephistopheles, Faust and the Devil travel through time, living in different eras. Faust cannot forget Gretchen, however, and though life can be sweet, it is nothing but the taste of ashes in his mouth, and Mephistopheles is nowhere close to collecting Faust's soul. Then Faust meets Helen of Troy, renowned beauty, Faust finally feels satisfied with his life. Mephistopheles attempts to collect Faust's soul, but God intervenes in Faust's favor following Gretchen's desperate pleading. Carried up to paradise, Faust is reunited with Gretchen, and Mephistopheles crawls back to Hell, having failed in his mission. Faust was thus saved by Gretchen and his eternal love for him.

Storm and Fury

Armentrout, Jennifer L. Storm and Fury. Book 1 of the Harbinger series. 2019. 512p. ISBN 9781335218797.

Trinity has lived her whole life inside a large compound, protected by guardians who can shape-shift into gargoyles. Trinity cannot shape-shift, but she has an even more valuable talent. She can see spirits, and she can communicate with them. This power is sought after by many, including demons who hunt down people like Trinity. Killing and consuming Trinity would grant them her power. Trinity is the balance of power between the two groups. But Trinity also has very teenage issues to confront. She's attracted to guys, but some of them are too insistent. She wants to explore the world, but can't step beyond the compound's borders without endangering everyone. Worst of all, she's going blind, and the sickness that is causing this condition is getting worse.

Visitors from another clan bring bad news. Something out there has been killing both guardians and demons. An enemy is arising, with enough reach to infiltrate the compound and attempt an attack on Trinity and her guardians. During this attack, her true nature is revealed, and Zayne, a member of the other clan, is tasked with evacuating Trinity. Both fascinating and deeply aggravating, Zayne metaphorically burrows under Trinity's skin, and she is both strangely attracted and repulsed by him.

As a supernatural war expands, Trinity soon realizes that not all demons are evil, and not all guardians are there to protect her. And every heartbeat is bringing the enemy closer to her while she loses her vision...

Vengeance: Children of Faust

Ulm, Chris. Vengeance: Children of Faust. Book 1 of the series. 2015. 329p. ISBN 978-1-5144-2697-5. Available at FIC ULM on the library shelves.

Kim's life in her small New Hampshire town has been difficult ever since she and her father moved here nearly a decade ago, following the death of her mother. Now in middle school, Kim is bullied and used as the punching bag for the school's mean girl and her posse. Life at home is not any easier. Her father sinks ever lower in an alcohol-fueled stupor, and he relentless controls and beats her. Kim cannot wait to get out of this place.

Then a new girl moves in. Tansu is quiet and reserved, but she and Kim hit it off immediately. Suddenly, Kim is excited to go to school and hang out with her, and Tansu is glad for Kim's friendship. As they navigate the treacherous waters of middle school, their friendship grows ever stronger. Throughout all of this, Kim feels a presence nearby, observing her. When she discovers a literal demon in her bedroom, Kim is scared beyond belief. Calling himself Sin, the demon offers her a deal: The power to wreck vengeance on her enemies in exchange for her soul. Kim refuses, but Sin promises her to return if she ever needs him.

When Kim's father, dives into a deeper part of his alcoholism, Kim becomes the object of his anger. Violently sewing her lips shut, he reveals to her that he sold her soul, as his unborn daughter, to a demon years ago if only that demon would make her mother love him. Unfortunately Kim's mother had died only a few years later, and now he regretted it every day of his life. This is why they had moved to rural New Hampshire, hoping to stay away from the demon.

Hurt and feeling violated, Kim calls Sin to her, and accepts his deal. Her father is the first to suffer her wrath, as she shouts him point blank. But now Kim has a demon named Alice inside of her who cannot wait to gain full possession of her body. As Kim's life spirals out of control, Tansu remains the only constant. With other demons circling and hoping to kill Kim and gain her power, Kim must also struggle with Alice, and find a way to remain alive and protect her friend Tansu. Will she be strong enough to resist a quick descent into darkness?

Sage Alexander and the Hall of Nightmares

Copling, Steve. Sage Alexander and the Hall of Nightmares. Book 1 of the Sage Alexander series. 2017. 416p. ISBN 9781612549422. Available at FIC COP on the library shelves.

Sage has heard all his life from Leah, the fairy that guards him, that he is the boy of prophecy, who will save humanity from the perils of the seven Princes of Hell, also known as the seven deadly sins of envy, greed, gluttony, lust, pride, sloth, and wrath. Unfortunately for him, no one else in the world sees Leah. Growing up was thus very hard, with Sage constantly talking with someone his mother, father, and brother Nick could not see. Thinking him delusional, Sage had to undergo treatments and eventually had to deny that Leah even existed. Despite her best efforts to train him, Leah has thus far failed to adequately prepare the boy for the role he is called to play.

Sage knows he is not alone in the world. There are others like him, members of the Council, who seek to vanquish the Princes. But he has never met any of them. Most descendants of angels and humans relationships possess one Trait, a power they can use to defeat the dark hordes. A few are blessed with two Traits, while only one or two individuals throughout history have had three Traits. Sage will eventually have all of them. Right now he has Pathfinder, the ability to track and see Where the Dark ones have travelled, and Fighting Arts, which make him a deadly sword fighter. However, Sage has not taken his training seriously, and has been slacking the last few years.

His father has been working on a large business deal and has been absent for most of the year, creating marital strains and harming his relationship with his kids. All he can talk about is this deal, that will set up his family financially. When he returns from one such trip, Sage is startled to see his face turning golden, and small wings sprouting from his back. Suddenly Sage realizes that he has just acquired Clarity, the ability to see clearly the Dark Ones and their influences. His father clearly is under the sway of Mammon, Prince of Greed. All of the tales that Leah have told him are true, and now Sage is unprepared to protect his family. When people around him are revealed to also work for the Council, Sage is assuaged that he is not going crazy, but none of them are willing to help him save his father. Alone, except for his guardian fairy, Sage decides to embark on a quest to find the thirty-two Council members who have disappeared in the last thousand years. Saving them from the Dark Ones would provide him with an army to assist him. Yet the road is fraught with dangers, and ultimately Sage will be the one who must confront Mammon in a battle only one will survive...

The Demon Covenant

Brennan, Sarah Rees. The Demon Covenant. Book 2 of the Demon Lexicon trilogy. 2010. 440p. 901 mins. ISBN 9781416963813. Available as an audiobook on Overdrive.

In The Demon Lexicon, Alan and Nick discovered after a confrontation with the magicians of the Obsidian Circle that Nick was not human, but rather an ancient demon inserted in the body of a newborn to achieve Black Archer’s dark purpose of acquiring even more magic. Nick’s capture had failed, and as a result many of the magicians of the circle had been slain. Mae Crawford and her younger brother Jamie had returned to Exeter and resumed their lives. Having discovered that the two siblings were playing their divorced parents against each other, Annabelle, Mae and Jamie’s mother, has assumed sole custody and now keeps a closer eye on her kids.

Mae is flabbergasted when she discovers that Jamie has continued to meet and talk with Gerald, now the leader of the Obsidian Circle. Jamie possesses magical talents and hopes to develop them further, and he is also madly in love with Gerald. She contacts Alan and Nick to inform them of her worries. The two brothers appear to have had a falling out of sorts, and are barely speaking to each other. As Mae work with Nick to attempt to make him appear more human, she also begins to fall for Sebastian, a tough boy at school who’s been picking on Jamie, causing further tensions between herself and her brother. She’s also still attracted to Alan, and to Nick.

With Gerald planning to capture Nick and draining him of magical powers for his own nefarious purposes, Mae realizes that she must unite all of the magicians’ enemies into a strike force to take the magicians out. This, however, will require careful planning and the setting aside of old hatreds. Can Mae maneuver the deadly pitfalls to save everyone she cares about?

The Demon Lexicon

Brennan, Sarah Rees. The Demon Lexicon. Book 1 of the Demon Lexicon trilogy. 2009. 322p. 610 mins. ISBN 1-41696379-0. Available both on the library shelves at FIC BRE and as an audiobook from Overdrive.

At sixteen, Nick Ryves already towers over his scrawny and crippled older brother Alan. They have been on the run for as long as Nick can remember, as their mother, Olivia, is a magician and is being hunted by the Obsidian Circle, an order of magicians she used to belong to. She reportedly stole talismans from the Obsidian Circle, and the order wants them back. Their father died protecting the family, and every few weeks or, at most, months, the three of them move to another ramshackle apartment. With Olivia in a perpetual state of psychosis, they have to fend for themselves.

Nick has never liked school, and has trouble reading. Unlike Alan, who loves to read books, Nick would rather practice with his sword and knives, ready at any time to fight magicians and demons. The two of them have kept their mother alive, and together they have managed to stay alive. But when they are contacted by two teenagers from Nick’s current school with an occult question, everything changes. Mae and her brother Jamie have experienced several strange events recently, and Jamie bears the three marks of demon possession. If he doesn’t get help soon, he will succumb to the demon seeking to take control of Jamie’s body.

Nick doesn’t want to get involved, but Alan volunteers their help. Soon, everything Nick thought he knew about the world, his past, his mother, and his brother turns out to be a lie. With the Obsidian Circle hot on their trail, who can Nick trust to survive?