tl;dr a stunning coming-of-age type paranormal novel that will make you feel every emotion possible
Premise
Yadriel has summoned a ghost, and now he can’t get rid of him.
When his traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his gender, Yadriel becomes determined to prove himself a real brujo. With the help of his cousin and best friend Maritza, he performs the ritual himself, and then sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin and set it free.
However, the ghost he summons is actually Julian Diaz, the school’s resident bad boy, and Julian is not about to go quietly into death. He’s determined to find out what happened and tie up some loose ends before he leaves. Left with no choice, Yadriel agrees to help Julian, so that they can both get what they want. But the longer Yadriel spends with Julian, the less he wants to let him leave.
Rating
5/5 stars
Review
Wow. This was an absolutely amazing book, and definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year. I laughed out loud, I screamed, I cried, and I fell in love with the characters and the story.
Aiden Thomas told Yadriel’s story in such an endearing way, and this has been the most connected I’ve felt to characters in a long time. My heart is warmed by each and every one of them. Yadriel has such a genuine quality about him, and he is so deeply selfless and authentic. I was continually engaged in his adventures, and it felt like every emotion he was feeling, I was as well. Julian, as well, is so recklessly endearing and cares so fiercely for the ones that he loves. I could tell from the beginning of the book that Julian would help Yadriel develop as a character, and he pushed Yadriel to reassess himself and realize his worth. I think Julian taught all of us the importance of living. And of course, Maritza is my badass, vegan queen who I will always admire. I want to be her best friend. As for the rest of the characters, I love their growth and acceptance throughout the novel and how each one of them promoted the value of family. I love them all.
This book really did put me through all of the emotions. I loved the pacing and the way the plot was structured, and I felt like the ending did a great job of tying the story together. I definitely learned a lot about the Latinx culture that was so purposefully incorporated into the novel, and I felt truly immersed in the story.
Other Info
Standalone
13+
Rep: Mexican-Cuban-American gay trans main character, Colombian-American gay love interest with ADHD, Puerto Rican-Mexican-American side character, Cuban-American side characters, Lesbian side character, Trans side character, Latinx cast
CW: blood magic (referenced), character abuse (off-page), deadnaming of a trans character, death (parental), gender dysphoria, homophobia, misgendering of a trans character, transphobia
Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Cemetery-Boys-Aiden-Thomas/dp/1250250463
Would I Recommend?
100% - my all-time favorite fantasy standalone
Similar Books
I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver (these books have almost nothing in common except for wonderful vibes and being my all-time faves)
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