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A review by ceruleanshelves
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
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
4.25
Omg I looooooved this book! I went into it nearly completely blind (my preferred way of reading) so I hadn’t even known it was about Brujeria, which I know next to nothing about. The main character Yadriel is a trans, Latinx brujo determined to be recognized and respected as who he is by his community. I loved learning about Brujeria and the use of Spanish throughout, noting the different dialects and what makes them unique.
I adore Yadriel, but Julian constantly has me in stitches. Besides being a clever jokester, he has a lot of heart and respect that we don’t always see in many people and possesses amazing grace and integrity. I loved the small moment when at a party after Yadriel turns down a drink from Julian telling him “I don’t drink,” Julian simply says “My bad!” and moves on. It’s a small moment, but powerful - speaking as someone who doesn't drink and the awkward, annoying, and frustrating situations that sometimes puts me in (being pressured to drink).
I also loved Yadriel’s cousin, Maritza (sup, fellow vegan!). She’s spunky and fun, but also incredibly compassionate and paving her own way based on her beliefs.
The book overall has a solid plot, a murder mystery with magic and laughs but also a lot of heart. The descriptions of the food, ceremonies, magic, and history are all vivid, and it manages to touch on several issues, from immigration to abuse to trans experience to teen homelessness. As a standalone, it wraps up well; I only wish we could have had an epilogue a bit further out from the main events to see what happens to the characters down the road.
This would be a great read at any time, but would prob be especially fun and spooky in October.
I adore Yadriel, but Julian constantly has me in stitches. Besides being a clever jokester, he has a lot of heart and respect that we don’t always see in many people and possesses amazing grace and integrity. I loved the small moment when at a party after Yadriel turns down a drink from Julian telling him “I don’t drink,” Julian simply says “My bad!” and moves on. It’s a small moment, but powerful - speaking as someone who doesn't drink and the awkward, annoying, and frustrating situations that sometimes puts me in (being pressured to drink).
I also loved Yadriel’s cousin, Maritza (sup, fellow vegan!). She’s spunky and fun, but also incredibly compassionate and paving her own way based on her beliefs.
The book overall has a solid plot, a murder mystery with magic and laughs but also a lot of heart. The descriptions of the food, ceremonies, magic, and history are all vivid, and it manages to touch on several issues, from immigration to abuse to trans experience to teen homelessness. As a standalone, it wraps up well; I only wish we could have had an epilogue a bit further out from the main events to see what happens to the characters down the road.
This would be a great read at any time, but would prob be especially fun and spooky in October.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Deadnaming, Homophobia, Transphobia, Kidnapping, and Death of parent