Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas (REVIEW) || A total must-read!

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Title: Cemetery Boys
Author: Aiden Thomas
Year Published: 2020
Publisher: Swoon Reads (Imprint of Macmillan)
Genre: Young Adult ~ LGBQT+ characters ~ Fantasy ~ Paranormal ~ Romance

Stars: 5

Links: Goodreads || Amazon || The Book Depository || The StoryGraph
Rep: Trans main character, queer characters, latinx characters
Copy: E-arc

Disclaimer: I received this e-arc through Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. The quote edits used are my own and the featured image is also my own. All quotes given in the review are from the e-arc and therefore might not be accurate. The summary is not my own and is taken from Goodreads. All opinions expressed are my own.

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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.

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From the first line, I was hooked. Like you don’t talk about cemeteries and not get me all hyped up. I loved this book so so much. It included a lot of what I really love to see in a book. From the characters to the plot to the emotions I felt throughout this book, truly truly a great read.

I LOVED that it had so much of the culture and I enjoyed seeing that so much. From the tradition of Día de Muertos, to magic and how brujxs see it and also use it – it was all so fascinating. I always love being immersed in a book and this world drew me in as a reader – with the food, how the characters spoke to one another, how they saw themselves.

Another thing I really enjoyed was the family in this book – both found and by blood. I’m used to big families and big family gatherings. And being loud – which I’m very, very skilled in. But furthermore, seeing the found family aspects was just as good, as I think you can never get enough of that trope.

And the CHARACTERS. Yadriel!! I loved seeing how true he is and how authentic he is. Saying ‘yes, this is me’. Knowing what he wants, what he was meant to do. I loved reading his conversations with Maritza, their close friendship just warmed me right up. How they were both there for each other, encouraged each other.

Julian Diaz. What can I say about him other than I love him and his brain so very mucb because his and mine works the same way. Like he wonders if ghosts can eat? Now I know my first thought if I die. He’s happy when he’s scratching a cat? Me every hour. He was so GOOFY and I am HERE for that. I mean, I literally have notes that are like JULIAN!!!!

This was one of my most anticipated reads for this year and I’m so glad that I enjoyed it so much. I can’t wait to see what other books Aiden writes! Have you read this book as well? What did you think about it? Are you anxious to read it? Tell me your thoughts down below in the comments!

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