Growing into one’s power is never easy. Particularly when the world does not see you the way you see yourself. The need to be true to oneself and to claim that power is a narrative that will always make a great story.
The Cemetery Boys is one such story. It is also a narrative with magic and ghosts which is a fantastic combination. The plot has some fantastic twists and turns as well.
Aiden Thomas is the creator of the world in which the Cemetery Boys takes place. After being published in September of 2020 Cemetery Boys spent four weeks on the New York Times best seller list. The buzz around the novel continues to gain traction in the press and nominations for book related awards. To see some of the hype around the book you can click here, a page about the book on Thomas’ own website. Fans are loving this book and the message that it sends.
Yadriel’s family has a secret. They have been helping guide spirits for generations. One night Yadriel puts into motion a plan to force his family to accept his true identity that, instead, sets off a series of events he never could have imagined. Now he has a ghost he didn’t intend to summon and a mystery to solve. Can Yadriel find the answers he needs in time and prove himself to his family?
Cemetery Boys is populated by diverse and well developed characters. The characters are such a breath of fresh air. They are flawed. So many of them try their best and they learn throughout the progression of the book. Thomas doesn’t shy away from showing flaws in these characters, making them all the more rich and interesting.
I cannot sing the praises of this book enough. It is a great story that many people can see themselves in, most of those people haven’t had that experience prior. The diversity in Cemetery Boys is extremely important. There are so many young adult readers who will finally have a paranormal story that they can identify with. Thomas also does a wonderful job of acknowledging race and queer identity within the narritive.
It is also just a fun read. I could not put it down and was frustrated when I had to, the mark of a good story if there ever was one.
So do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Cemetery Boys. You won’t regret it!
ALWAYS KEEP SPARKLING!
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