Reviews

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

vrishabm's review against another edition

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5.0



¡Holy Santa Muerte!

Ghosts, Supernatural, Romance, YA, Murder Mystery, Dogs and a freaking RESURRECTION........... This book has them all.

Not only did the book mention about the Latin culture and their beliefs by giving details about Día de Muertos, It also highlights the ugly truth about the society Like,
    * The fear of approaching the police knowing they are immigrants and that help would not be given in the way it's supposed to be
    * How Omar's parent were forced to leave the country and be away from him for his own good
    * How a bad choice can affect our life (Choices made by Tio Cantiz and Luca), Like in order to fit in, Luca joined a gang ended up with tattos, Which later by burning it with Rio's help got rid of it
    * How Yadriel felt when people gave him that look, And judged him to an extend where in he was afraid of using the Men's room in the school
    * How Martiza was judged because she was against using animal blood for rituals and wanted carry out her father's legacy of making daggers
and much more. And this was equally balanced by the great moments shared by Yadrial and Julian, How Yadrial's family cared for him, Yadrial's friendship with Martiza. And Julian's friends being there for him.

Though Yadriel was not accepted as Brujo by his family and there were many confusion and discrimination on Yadriel being Queer. But at the end, Yadriel was the one with the power of Brujo to summon the dead and help them cross the land of living. And the power of Bruja for healing. Which Yadriel used to save the day. Which is my favorite part in the book.

That being said Cemetery Boys is one of the best books I've read this year.

blueskyreview's review

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adventurous emotional funny 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

This year's reread via audiobook has come to an end! The narrator, Avi Roque, did a wonderful job. I love this story, and I still get emotional every time. Might start this a smidge later next year, so I finish it closer to the timeline in the book.

knox_c07's review against another edition

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3.75

Frankly I would not let my ghost boyfriend bully me into stealing a car

rightingale's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious 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

4.5

kenyuen1's review against another edition

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5.0

That was a lot of fun! You're a brujoh, Yadriel!

The character are great and a lot of fun to be around. I love the community, the culture, and the Mexican mysticism. I get plenty of magic stories from Europe and Asia, so it's nice to delve into something different.

I haven't read a lot of stories where the main character is trans. I felt like this one was well observed. It really nails some of these points in the first chapter and epilogue.

None of the story beats terribly surprised me, but sometimes you want to go to the candy factory to get some candy. It's exciting to go to the candy factory because you know you'll like it. I like Yadriel and his family (although where is his brother for most of this story?). Julian is my favorite archetype, the well-meaning dummy (I'm a total Julian). And Maritza is great foil for these two, spunky, smart, and outspoken in a different way from Julian.

On top of that, the publisher did a great job with representation for the audio book and cover art. The reader is nonbinary and Latinx and their interview with the author at the end of the book is so cute and just the icing on the cake.

books_andchaos's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional

5.0

bookish_yvette's review against another edition

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3.5

very very heartfelt story that pulled at my heartstrings.

I loved the latine and LGBTQ+ representation and depiction of dia de los muertos

overall a great easy to read debut novel

wwx's review against another edition

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5.0

when you finally pick up a book and read it this far into the year and it’s THIS masterpiece :’)

mrgnjo's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional 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

4.5

cinnarainbow's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective slow-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? It's complicated

5.0