Reviews

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

megareads42's review against another edition

4.0

Really enjoyed this. Was a little apprehensive going in, based on the description. Thought the premise was fascinating and well-developed and the characters were quirky but believable. The only thing I didn't love was, after the slow burn of most of the story, the slap-dash nature of the ending. That part felt a little rushed to me and I would've liked a little more explanation on the villain's machinations. Definitely enjoyed this though and enjoyed more by this author.

maxxyye's review against another edition

5.0

I don't have the words to describe this book. It's just so beautifully written and I love it.
Put me through an emotional rollercoaster, but god was it amazing.

dannb's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

 unique historical fiction/romance LGBTQIA+

abookbean's review against another edition

1.0

dnf @ 33%

It got to the third instance of sneaking someone in/out of a house that I realised I just didn't care enough about Yadriel or his story to continue reading. I may pick this up when I'm in the mood for it but it hasn't gripped me yet the way it has others

kimbongiorno's review against another edition

5.0

Yadriel’s family has been so deeply steeped in gender roles set up by old traditions tied to magic that they refuse to see him as the young man he truly is. Because of this, they keep him out of important ceremonies and responsibilities, but he’s not going to let that stop him. With the help of his (hilarious) best friend, he performs a ritual on his own, confirming that those in charge of the magic do see him as a brujo, and that he has summoned the most stubborn, unpredictable ghost this side of the cemetery: classmate Julian Diaz. Is it weird to mention that he’s really, really good-looking for a dead guy?

Before Yadriel can release Julian into eternal death, they make a deal that sends them on an adventure with a literal deadline, trying to solve a couple mysteries and tie up loose ends. During the process, the two become intertwined in ways that make knowing the end is near impossible to bear. This funny, moving, fast-paced novel is original and exciting in how it addresses family, gender, identity, tradition, and magic. (Ages 13+, Fiction)

theyellowhobbit's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

tuckeralmengor's review against another edition

4.0

Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for the free audio file in exchange for an honest review

"Don't mourn me.
If you cry for me, I grieve your pain.
Instead, if you sing to me, I'll always live and my spirit will never die."

I probably wouldn't have picked this up if my friend Miranda hadn't recommended it to me but I am very glad she did. It was spooky, funny, and so, so adorable. It also had a pretty hefty plot twist in the end.

So, what's this book about?
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.

I absolutely loved the Latinx culture. I've said it in multiple reviews but in case you haven't read and reread all 800+ of my reviews (how dare you), my dad is 100% latino making me 50% latino which I guess makes me biracial. ANYWAY, this isn't a discussion of my ancestry. My point is I love learning more about the Latinx culture (I admit I don't know as much as I wish I did) and also reliving the stuff I already know.

Yadriel's family, in spite of some of them being unaccepting, were sweet. It reminded me of being surrounded by my Abuelos, Tios, Tias, and cousins and the sweet chaos the brought with them.

I also loved the magic that was tied to the Latinx culture. It was fascinating and enjoyable to read and I really hope to see more of it in this author's upcoming books.

I loved the characters too. Yadriel reminded me of myself (a little bit) and I loved his determination. Julian was so adorable. "It's a doggie dog world" will forever be one of the best, most adorable quotes I've ever had the pleasure of reading.

I enjoyed the mystery that was woven into the story. I won't spoil but the plot twist in the end was so good and it totally surprised me. It was very Stalking Jack the Ripper-esque.

Bottom Line:
4 stars
Age Rating - [ PG-13 ]
Content Screening (Mild Spoilers)
Positive Messages (3/5) - [Sacrifice, Selflessness, Perserverance]
Violence (4/5) - [Gore, Body horror, Ghosts, Death, Blood, Stabbing, Shooting]
Sex (1/5) - [Mild sexual themes, Kissing]
Language (2/5) - [Sh*t, d*ck]
Drinking/Drugs (3/5) - [Alcohol consumption, Medicinal drugs]
Content and trigger warnings - Transphobia, Loss of a loved one, Violence, Gore, Horror
Publication Date: September 1st, 2020
Publisher: Swoon Reads (an imprint of Macmillan Children's (an imprint of Macmillan))
Genre: Fantasy/LGBT

------------

Hecka cute and a substantial plot twist at the end! review to come

------------

I'M SO EXCITEDDDDDDDDDDD

| Goodreads | Blog | Pinterest | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

soleilc's review against another edition

1.0

DNF @ 24%

Okay, I can understand why people adore this book, but I am not vibing with or enjoying it. The main reason is the writing style, and I'm sure it's because it's YA, so I think I've outgrown that genre unfortunately for the most part :(

waywardbird's review against another edition

4.0

Cemetery Boys was recommended to me by a dear friend and I am so glad I read it. As a queer person I was excited to read a story by an LGBTQ+ author and while reading I felt Aiden Thomas did a wonderful job of reminding the reader that Yadriel is trans without being extremely forceful or negative in regards to that. My one sticking point was that--while Julian and Yadriel had many scenes that showed their feelings for each other-- I am of the opinion that the timespan for their lovestory--and the story in general-- was a bit short. Overall I loved the book and would definitely recommend it.

kitkatsbookden's review against another edition

4.5

This book was absolutely fantastic. I listened to it in very small chunks and I kinda wish I hadn’t done it that way because it made it feel more drawn out. I’m rating 4.5/5 but rounding up because I honestly feel like this book would’ve been 5 stars if I had read instead of listened. 

Yadriel is the hero we all need to be reading about. What I loved about Cemetary Boys is that it didn’t shy away from talking about how Yadriel is trans and the issues that have come from that, but the author does not make being trans his whole personality. Each character is so well rounded and felt like real people. 

If you’re into urban fantasy and/or queer literature, this is SO the book for you. The author’s world building is so superb that I almost forgot it’s a fantasy novel. 

And I won’t give anything away but the TWIST. I so did not see the ending coming. Once the twist happened (you’ll know when it does), I was completely hooked until the end. 

So incredibly happy that this book exists and I’m buying it for my partners classroom because I want this book in every teenagers hands.