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In 1915, The Birth of a Nation cast a spell across America, swelling the Klan’s ranks and drinking deep from the darkest thoughts of white folk. All across the nation they ride, spreading fear and violence among the vulnerable. They plan to bring Hell to Earth. But even Ku Kluxes can die. Standing in their way is Maryse Boudreaux and her fellow resistance fighters, a foul-mouthed sharpshooter and a Harlem Hellfighter. Armed with blade, bullet, and bomb, they hunt their hunters and send the Klan’s demons straight to Hell. But something awful’s brewing in Macon, and the war on Hell is about to heat up.
I absolutely loved Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark. It’s a short book, but it’s packed with so much. Horror, history, sisterhood, and supernatural forces all rolled into one. I could not put it down.
The story takes place in 1920s Georgia and follows three Black women who hunt down demons disguised as Ku Klux Klan members. These aren’t just hateful people. They’re literal monsters called Ku Kluxes who feed off the racism and violence already in the world. The Klan gives them the perfect place to grow and spread.
Maryse, the main character, is the heart of it all. She’s strong, brave, and carries a magical sword passed down through something bigger than herself. Her power is deeply tied to memory, culture, and ancestors. The story just keeps expanding from there with otherworldly beings, time slips, and layered dimensions. And somehow it all works so well.
There’s one death in this book that really got to me. I felt myself tearing up. It hurt. But it was also a glorious death. The kind that makes you stop and reread the scene. It was powerful and brave and it made sense, even though I hated to say goodbye.
I also really appreciated how deeply this story is rooted in Gullah culture. It isn’t just mentioned in passing. It’s part of the foundation of the story. The traditions, the language, the spirituality, the resistance—it’s all in there. It made everything feel grounded and real, even when the story got otherworldly.
The title comes from a spiritual tradition that began in West and Central Africa and survived through slavery. A ring shout is a ritual where people move in a circle while clapping, stomping, and singing. It was a way for enslaved people to connect with each other and with something greater. It carried memory, resistance, and power. In this book, it becomes something even more. A kind of spiritual weapon.
I actually recommended Ring Shout when I shared my thoughts on the movie Sinners, along with a list of book and movie pairings. If you’ve watched Sinners, this is a perfect follow-up. Both explore Black spirituality, justice, and what happens when evil takes human form. Ring Shout takes those ideas and builds a whole world around them.
This book gave me so much to think about. It was intense and terrifying at times, but also filled with moments of joy and power. Maryse, Sadie, and Chef felt real to me. Sadie cracked me up with her wild energy. And the bond between all three women gave the story warmth in the middle of the horror.
If you’re into historical fantasy, Southern horror, magical Black women, or just want something original and unforgettable, I cannot recommend Ring Shout enough.
The Book Review Template is perfect for taking quick notes on how you feel about the characters, theme, plot, or whatever seems important to you. Additionally, there are helpful phrases and descriptors to help write your review.
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