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A review by renlheffernan
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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? Yes
4.75
Cemetery Boys was an absolute treat to read. I loved all the characters and their interactions with each other. Yadriel as the main character was perfect choice and I enjoyed how his trans identity was incorporated with the traditions of the brujx. I liked the sense of secrecy around the mystery and it made sense why things were kept from the adults in the story for so long. It was great having a character use and mention wearing a binder!
Julian and Yadriel had such a great dynamic and it was enjoyable to see their relationship progress throughout the novel. I loved how we slowly learned about Julian throughout the novel too, while Yadriel was more of the type to wear everything on his sleeve. Maritza was lovely and her interactions with everyone were great. The characters' goals were clear, the plot was fun even though it was dealing with heavy stuff like death, as well as what it means to grieve/remember someone.
Throughout this novel there was a sense of almost sadness at the prospect of relationship between Julian and Yadriel, as they can't really be together as spirit and human.But that ending though! I am so glad Yadriel had his hero moment and him and Julian can be together!
I have never read a novel about the traditions incorporated within such as Día de los Muertos, and it did not take me long to get familiarized with the importance of these traditions in this novel as well to real people around the world.
I would recommend this novel to anyone who is open-minded and loves to read about different cultures in young adult literature.
Julian and Yadriel had such a great dynamic and it was enjoyable to see their relationship progress throughout the novel. I loved how we slowly learned about Julian throughout the novel too, while Yadriel was more of the type to wear everything on his sleeve. Maritza was lovely and her interactions with everyone were great. The characters' goals were clear, the plot was fun even though it was dealing with heavy stuff like death, as well as what it means to grieve/remember someone.
Throughout this novel there was a sense of almost sadness at the prospect of relationship between Julian and Yadriel, as they can't really be together as spirit and human.
I have never read a novel about the traditions incorporated within such as Día de los Muertos, and it did not take me long to get familiarized with the importance of these traditions in this novel as well to real people around the world.
I would recommend this novel to anyone who is open-minded and loves to read about different cultures in young adult literature.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Deadnaming, Death, Transphobia, Blood, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Medical content, Car accident, and Cultural appropriation