TL;DR: Cemetery Boys had me going through the full spectrum of emotions. I laughed, cried, got happy, mad, sad, and frustrated, but in the end, my heart was so full because of the characters in this book! This story was rich in culture and heart, and it’s about family both blood and found, identity and belonging. Yadriel, Julian, and our favourite cousin to ever exist, Maritza, were wonderful characters who were so easy to empathise with. If you need comfort and a gentle place to land, this story will take you there! 💜

This is my first re-read of the book since 2020 and I’m happy to say that I still enjoyed it a lot! Sure, there are moments when things really kick-off where you definitely have to suspend your disbelief, but sometimes you do just need that happy-for-now ending and to believe that it will get better. As Yadriel says, things don’t get magically fixed, but it’s not the end—it’s a better beginning.

This story is so culturally rich with Latinx tradition and folklore. I loved reading about Dia de los Muertos, brujos and brujas, and more lore about the underworld. I had some familiarity with stories about Xibalba, but I loved learning more about Lady Death and Bahlam! The storytelling is woven in so perfectly into family life in this story as the community of brujos and brujas prepare for Dia de los Muertos. Of course, family is a massive part of the culture, but it feels even stronger here because of how tight knit this community is, due to keeping their identities and lineage a secret. That does result in them existing somewhat in ‘isolation’ from wider society and also places greater emphasis on that sense of togetherness. But as great as that can be, the adherence to such strict traditions/customs can be exclusionary and restrictive, as we learn though Yadriel’s experience.

Identity and belonging are central to Yad’s story and I thought these elements were written with great care and a lot of heart. Yadriel is a trans boy who has come out to his family, and while they seem accepting of who he is, they also don’t truly understand him (and in my opinion, don’t try enough to do so). This means he deals with being misgendered, called by his dead name, and having careless comments being flung his way. You can feel Yadriel’s (justified) frustration at constantly having to be understanding and forgiving, but that well of hurt ran deeper with each “mistake” his family made. The complexity of the situation and of Yad’s feelings showed in how much he loved them and his culture, even as they hurt him (not maliciously) and traditions made it hard for him to exist as himself. It was truly a joy to see Yadriel grow throughout the story as his confidence builds with Julian and Maritza (and even Lady Death) by his side, and as he takes a firmer stance for himself with his family. He’s such a good egg who deserves to not only deserves to exist just as he is, but to also find happiness, and it made me happy to see him find it with Julian.

Julian was such an interesting character. He has this golden retriever energy for life that almost buzzes off the page—seriously, you can feel his energy through the writing! 😂 There’s also so much more to him than the tough mean-mugging exterior he projects to the world. Yes, he’s arrogant, bullheaded, boisterous, doesn’t seem to take anything seriously, and deals with anger issues. But, while he might not be the best at regulating his big feelings, he is a big-hearted softy who is fiercely protective of the people in his life. He would do anything to see his friends and family safe, oftentimes acting rashly and even if it means he comes off on the worse end. Despite his swaggering confidence, he has many fears and insecurities, and lacks self-worth, as he hasn’t had enough people in his life to show him he’s worth it. This kid really tugged on my heartstrings and I just wanted to give him a big ol’ hug (though he probs would’ve punched me, haha—kidding, maybe)! 🥺

Although Yads and Jules were the main characters the story focused on, it would be remiss of me to not mention Maritza, the best cousin anyone could ask for. Alongside Yads, she’s also considered a black sheep in the family because while she’s a bruja with healing powers, she refuses to use her powers as it uses animal blood and she’s vegan. I adored her fierce energy, her sharp wit and sharp tongue—she will tell it to you straight and I loved that about her! 😂 Yads, Jules, and Maritza had such good chemistry and it resulted in great banter that at times had me laughing out loud! She’s Yad’s ride-or-die (and vice versa) and they had such a great heartwarming relationship. I thought it back in 2020 and I think it now: I wouldn’t be opposed to having a story for Maritza!

While there is so much to love in this book, I do feel that the more personal aspects and romance took over the story the further along we went. I would’ve liked to spend a bit more time exploring the mystery, but also with the reveal. It didn’t bother me overly much though, but I do think it would’ve added more to the story.

Also, as this is YA, I understand why it doesn’t go into depth with certain issues. There are so many things Thomas touches upon in the story that hit hard, and I do think they handle them all with proper care and sensitivity. From talking about cultural appropriation of Mexican customs in Western pop culture to the devastating impact of discriminatory (and racist) policies and immigration acts that tear families apart to the experiences of BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ youth who live in unaccepting homes and poverty. I only wished that certain situations, such as the one between Julian and Rio, were addressed in more depth, and I think it would’ve been nice to see Yadriel have a deeper/more intimate conversation with his family at the end.

Overall though, I really liked Cemetery Boys and I think a lot of readers young and old would enjoy it too. It moves at a steady and fast pace, it’s not overly angsty, and it ends on a heartwarming/feel-good note. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it!

Have you read Cemetery Boys or is it on your TBR?

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