A trans boy determined to prove his gender to his conservative Latinx family summons a ghost who refuses to leave in Aiden Thomas's paranormal YA debut Cemetery Boys.
Yadriel has summoned a ghost, and now he can't get rid of him.
When his traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his true gender, Yadriel becomes determined to prove himself a real brujo. With the help of his cousin and best friend Maritza, he performs the ritual himself, and then sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin and set it free.
However, the ghost he summons is actually Julian Diaz, the school's resident bad boy, and Julian is not about to go quietly into death. He's determined to find out what happened and tie off some loose ends before he leaves. Left with no choice, Yadriel agrees to help Julian, so that they can both get what they want. But the longer Yadriel spends with Julian, the less he wants to let him leave.
The series
In a world where the living and the dead collide in hauntingly beautiful ways, Cemetery Boys invites readers to explore a story filled with mystery, magic, and self-discovery. Set in a vibrant, Latinx world where family, tradition, and identity are woven into the very fabric of life—and death—this series takes readers on an unforgettable journey into the heart of a young boy’s quest for belonging.
Read full series description
Yadriel is a bruja, a member of a family with deep roots in the ancient art of magic, yet his identity remains incomplete. In the eyes of his family, he’s still not fully accepted as a male bruja—despite his abilities to heal and communicate with spirits. Desperate to prove his worth, he performs a powerful ritual to summon the spirit of his cousin Miguel, only to accidentally bring back the wrong ghost: Julian, a charming, defiant high school student who is deeply entangled in his own unresolved issues.
As Yadriel embarks on a mission to help Julian move on to the afterlife, what begins as a journey of duty soon transforms into something much more profound. Themes of love, grief, and self-acceptance permeate every page, building a story that’s as emotionally rich as it is fantastical. Yadriel’s relationship with Julian blossoms unexpectedly, navigating the delicate balance between honoring tradition and embracing the truth of who they are.
With a refreshing mix of supernatural adventure and tender romance, Cemetery Boys stands out in the world of young adult fantasy. It’s a tale that resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t fit in or struggled with the weight of family expectations. At its heart, it’s about finding one’s true self, no matter how long it takes, and embracing the beauty of both life and death.
Filled with dynamic characters, spellbinding world-building, and a gripping emotional arc, Cemetery Boys is not just a book—it’s an experience. With rich cultural references and an unforgettable love story that’s both swoon-worthy and heartbreakingly real, this series is a journey you’ll never want to end.
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