New York Times-bestselling author Aiden Thomas returns to the beloved world of Cemetery Boys in Espiritu, this time following Julian, who is dealing with newfound powers, a new relationship with Yadriel, and the return of demons he had hoped were gone forever!

Julian used to be a ghost and now he can’t stop seeing them.

Ever since being sacrificed as part of a forbidden ritual, Julian has been able to see and communicate with the spirits of passed brujx. And that would be okay, if it allowed him to be part of his new boyfriend's community. But Julian’s also seeing other things: shadows in the corner of his eyes, glowing eyes in the dark, and “dark spots” on people – gaping, black gashes that are somehow wrong. He did ask his new magical boyfriend about it, but Yadriel has never heard of anything like it either, and he’s so busy with his new Brujx responsibilities, trying to figure out where all the new malingos are coming from, that Julian hates for his problems to ruin what little time together they have.

Then, a strange new brujx shows up. Ángel, as a nonbinary brujx, can heal the living and release the dead, but more than that, they can also see the same dark spots as Julian. Despite Yadriel’s reservations, Julian eagerly accepts their help. But, Ángel’s ruthless methods feel wrong to Julian, who wants to move away from hurting others.

With the shadows growing darker, and the discovery of a gaping dark spot on his friend Luca, Julian has to decide who he wants to put his trust in, and just how far he’s willing to go to save what is his.

Published
September 8, 2026
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Cemetery Boys

The series

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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.

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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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