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A review by hmatt
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
There were a couple of aspects of this book that I really loved, and some things that annoyed me.
To start - THIS was what I wanted from Mexican Gothic in terms of incorporating the culture. Not just a wee sprinkle here and there, you're in it. Fantastic. To add to this, I loved that not every Spanish phrase was translated. It felt like it was written for Latinx readers first, and other readers after. Very cool.
I always enjoy when the narrator matches the perspective character, and in this case that was true, but I felt that this narrator sometimes put weird emphasis on the wrong words in a sentence. It was like they hadn't read the passage in advance of reading it aloud and were surprised by its pacing. Words hang off the edge of sentences where you can tell how it was written is not how it's being read. However, I respect that the author/publisher sought out a trans, Latinx narrator and I guess this might just be a first-time-narrating thing.
Remainder of the review contains BIG spoilers.
I was left a little peeved that some minor plot bits weren't resolved. In these instances, it felt as though the author bit off a bit more than they could chew. Example: we never learn how Yadriel's mother really died - a car accident is mentioned but it's heavily hinted that there is more to the story. But we never circle back around to it.
I also felt like Maritza was brushed to the side in the latter half of the book. I know she technically got her glory and all that, but I would have preferred a bit more fanfare.
I left the book feeling a bit disappointed that it was a romance. There was a moment, when Luca was introduced, that I thought he could have been Julian's love interest. I think it could have been just as strong and interesting if this had been the case, or if no one was paired, but I can see the significance of Yadriel getting a romance plot too.
Now. Okay. Biggest piss off.
Did we really need to play into the "loner evil uncle" trope? I really think this book could have done better. And then it's just BRUSHED OFF by the family, even though we've repeatedly been told how important family is to these people. It didn't fit. Catriz as the uncle who is also isolated from the family but supports and stands up for Yadriel? Winner. So much potential. I was SEETHING when I figured out this was how it was going to go down.
To start - THIS was what I wanted from Mexican Gothic in terms of incorporating the culture. Not just a wee sprinkle here and there, you're in it. Fantastic. To add to this, I loved that not every Spanish phrase was translated. It felt like it was written for Latinx readers first, and other readers after. Very cool.
I always enjoy when the narrator matches the perspective character, and in this case that was true, but I felt that this narrator sometimes put weird emphasis on the wrong words in a sentence. It was like they hadn't read the passage in advance of reading it aloud and were surprised by its pacing. Words hang off the edge of sentences where you can tell how it was written is not how it's being read. However, I respect that the author/publisher sought out a trans, Latinx narrator and I guess this might just be a first-time-narrating thing.
Remainder of the review contains BIG spoilers.
I was left a little peeved that some minor plot bits weren't resolved. In these instances, it felt as though the author bit off a bit more than they could chew. Example: we never learn how Yadriel's mother really died - a car accident is mentioned but it's heavily hinted that there is more to the story. But we never circle back around to it.
I also felt like Maritza was brushed to the side in the latter half of the book. I know she technically got her glory and all that, but I would have preferred a bit more fanfare.
I left the book feeling a bit disappointed that it was a romance. There was a moment, when Luca was introduced, that I thought he could have been Julian's love interest. I think it could have been just as strong and interesting if this had been the case, or if no one was paired, but I can see the significance of Yadriel getting a romance plot too.
Now. Okay. Biggest piss off.
Did we really need to play into the "loner evil uncle" trope? I really think this book could have done better. And then it's just BRUSHED OFF by the family, even though we've repeatedly been told how important family is to these people. It didn't fit. Catriz as the uncle who is also isolated from the family but supports and stands up for Yadriel? Winner. So much potential. I was SEETHING when I figured out this was how it was going to go down.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Deadnaming, Death, Grief, Kidnapping, Transphobia, and Violence
Moderate: Medical content and Murder