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A review by andromeda_1998
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Cementry boys by Aiden Thomas is a queer adventure, it’s about Yadriel. A boy who always wanted to be a part of the Brujo but his family keeps telling him that “since he is a girl, he should be a Bruja”. Yadriel identifies as a boy and when his nephew dies. He decides to prove himself a brujo by solving the murder. He tries to summon the spirit of his nephew but he ends up summoning the spirit of a boy from his school, Jules. To set free Jules and to prove himself as a brujo he decides to solve both the murder of is nephew and the death of Jules. In the hope that his family will finally see him for the boy he is.
My opinions about the book:
Characters: the characters in this book aren’t amazing but enjoyable. I really liked the trans representation, but I don’t feel comfortable judging is the representation is done well since I’m not trans. The chances are very big that it has been done well since the author is also trans.
Worldbuilding: this story is magical realism and therefore the worldbuilding looks more like the world we know. Aiden Thomas made our world more magical by adding Latino mythe’s and legends. I cannot judge the way he did it since I’m not informed about Latin culture, but it was a good way to make the book more unique.
Story/plot: this was the factor that for me felt like something was missing. I missed some depth to the story. For me the book felt to much like and ordinary contemporary and I’m not really a fan of that. There where some. Amazing ideas and plotlines in this book but the felt underdeveloped.
The verdict:
This book is entertaining and I would recommend this to younger readers (ages 14-17). But if you have been reading ya fantasy for a very long time than this might feel like any other story. I think the trans/gay representation in this book is it’s saving aspect. I feel like that is the part that makes this book worth the read. So this book is a good startingpoint especially door queer teenagers.
My opinions about the book:
Characters: the characters in this book aren’t amazing but enjoyable. I really liked the trans representation, but I don’t feel comfortable judging is the representation is done well since I’m not trans. The chances are very big that it has been done well since the author is also trans.
Worldbuilding: this story is magical realism and therefore the worldbuilding looks more like the world we know. Aiden Thomas made our world more magical by adding Latino mythe’s and legends. I cannot judge the way he did it since I’m not informed about Latin culture, but it was a good way to make the book more unique.
Story/plot: this was the factor that for me felt like something was missing. I missed some depth to the story. For me the book felt to much like and ordinary contemporary and I’m not really a fan of that. There where some. Amazing ideas and plotlines in this book but the felt underdeveloped.
The verdict:
This book is entertaining and I would recommend this to younger readers (ages 14-17). But if you have been reading ya fantasy for a very long time than this might feel like any other story. I think the trans/gay representation in this book is it’s saving aspect. I feel like that is the part that makes this book worth the read. So this book is a good startingpoint especially door queer teenagers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Transphobia, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail