Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
My Review

Release: September 1st 2020
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Source: Xpresso Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon,B&N, iBooks, Kobo
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A trans boy determined to prove his gender to his traditional Latinx family summons a ghost who refuses to leave in Aiden Thomasâs paranormal YA debut Cemetery Boys.
Yadriel has summoned a ghost, and now he canât get rid of him.
However, 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 schoolâs resident bad boy, and Julian is not about to go quietly into death. Heâs 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.
About the Author:
Aiden Thomas is a YA author with an MFA in Creative Writing from Mills College. Originally from Oakland, California, they now make their home in Portland, OR. As a queer, trans Latinx, Aiden advocates strongly for diverse representation in all media. Aidenâs special talents include: quoting The Office, Harry Potter trivia, Jenga, finishing sentences with âis my FAVORITEâ, and killing spiders. Aiden is notorious for not being able to guess the endings of books and movies, and organizes their bookshelves by color.
Cemetery Boys Review:
This book is entertaining, yet important, because it covers so many key topics about sexuality, acceptance, and finding your voice.
Firstly, the author covers SO many topics simultaneously that that there is never a dull moment. What I really loved about the story is the subject of identity. Yadriel is a gay trans Latinx boy who wants to be a Brujo, but his family is not supportive due to his orientation. Being accepted is one of the challenges many of us face, and I could really relate to Yadriel in terms of being accepted.
Moreover, I loved Yadrielâs relationship with Julian. I am not a fan of slow burn romance, but I really enjoyed it in this story. Yadriel has low self esteem because of the way his family and society treat him. Hence, it was so amazing to see him open up and become confident under Julianâs influence. Similarly, Julian is this fireball of energy, where he is hilarious and all over the place, and doesnât care what people think. They complement each other and are so dynamic together. On a side note, I also loved Maritza and thought she was an amazing supporting character!
At the same time, the entire story takes place with the backdrop of a cemetery close to the Dia De Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival. This makes the book atmospheric, yet lively and engrossing. There is also this mystery element as Yadriel investigates on what happened to Miguel. I enjoyed the mystery element as well and could not guess the reason behind it.
Overall, I donât think I have ever read a book that emphasizes on culture, diversity, sexuality, acceptance on top of a mystery, set in a cemetery ever! This book was very entertaining and I enjoyed reading it.
Giveaway:
Tour-wide giveaway (US only)
- Print copy of Cemetery Boys

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas Blog Tour hosted by Xpresso Book Tours.Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!
Book Tour Schedule
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August 31st
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âWonderfully Bookish >> Review
âUtopia Stateof Mind >> Guest post
âDragon on a Book >> Review
âBooks, Tea, Healthy Me  >> Review
âThe Clever Reader  >> ReviewSeptember 1st
âRajivâs Reviews >> Review
âBetwixt The Sheets >> Review + Interview
âWords of Hannah Kay >> Review
âBitch Bookshelf >> Review
âAdventures in Writing >> ExcerptSeptember 2nd
âNikkie Reads >> Review
âBellerose Reads >> Review
âBookHounds YAÂ >> Interview
âMI Book Reviews >> Review
âConfessions of a YA Reader  >> Review
âThe Caffeinated Reader  >> Review
âAll Books All People >> ReviewSeptember 3rd
âLindsey Reads >> Review
âhaylzandbooks >> Review
âEnthralled Bookworm >> Interview
âBriannaâs Books and Randomness >> Review
âFangirl Pixie Blog >> Review
âA Book Addictâs Bookshelves >> Guest postSeptember 4th
âNever Hollowed By The Stare >> Excerpt
âBooks Teacup and Reviews  >> Review
âString of Pages  >> Review
âTBR and Beyond >> Review
âCosmic Lattes and Books >> Review
âSweaters and Raindrops >> Review