When his traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his 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 up 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.
How was it?
I put “Cemetery Boys” in my TBR list because it was coming out that week, there were two boys of color on the cover, and I saw somewhere that it was a queer story. I had no idea what this book was about but once I started the Latinx aspects of the book came as a surprise and a breath of fresh air. Then learning about who Yadriel furthered my interest because he’s simply not the type of main character that I’m used to.
Yadriel is trans, gay, and a brujo but not everyone in his life seems to accept it wholeheartedly. His struggles to be seen as who he is, comes across so clearly and real that you can sort of tell that it’s told from personal experience. Yadriel is a compelling character that I easily connected with and understood.
Although I liked him enough, Julian, lost me in one specific scene in the book. Without spoiling, it was when he talked Yadriel into taking something that I rolled my eyes in exasperation. Besides that I admired his dedication to his friends. However, Maritza is the kind of best friend I enjoy reading about. She’s just amazing.
Even if I guessed where the plot was going I was enthralled. The main characters are very strong and make up for the predictability of the story. Having Dia de Muertos at the forefront of the story adds to the plot while also dishing out some light cultural knowledge.
Cemetery Boys is a refreshing story with entertaining and interesting characters. It might be the started of a solid book series or a wonderful stand alone.
Get it here
Worn out Spines 
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