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Cemetery Boys #2
Espíritu
Not yet published
Expected 8 Sep 26Julian 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.
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.
368 pages, ebook
Expected publication September 8, 2026
18 people are currently reading
9046 people want to read
About the author
Aiden Thomas
10 books9,955 followersAiden Thomas is a New York Times Bestselling author with an MFA in Creative Writing. Originally from Oakland, California, they now make their home in Portland, Oregon. As a queer, trans, Latinx, Aiden advocates strongly for diverse representation in all media. Aiden’s special talents include: quoting The Office, finishing sentences with “is my FAVORITE”, and killing spiders. Aiden is notorious for not being able to guess the endings of books and movies, and organizes their bookshelves by color.
Their debut novel, CEMETERY BOYS, was published on September 1st, 2020.
Their debut novel, CEMETERY BOYS, was published on September 1st, 2020.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Want to read
November 22, 2024Okay so THIS is the correct page for the Cemetery Boys sequel… slay!! Apparently this is coming out in a year 👀
unreleased
January 28, 2025A JULIAN-POV SEQUEL TO CEMETERY BOYS??? GIVE IT TO ME NOW.
edit jan 2025: sadly this has been pushed back to september 2026, but ah well, i trust aiden to make this book absolutely amazing with the extra year 💪
edit jan 2025: sadly this has been pushed back to september 2026, but ah well, i trust aiden to make this book absolutely amazing with the extra year 💪
Read
January 7, 2026
Book Riot’s Most Anticipated Books of 2026:
The graveyard gays are back! It's been almost six years since Aiden Thomas first introduced us to Yadriel and Julian (and my fave Maritza, a real one). This fall we're headed back to the graveyard in Espíritu, which follows Julian as he navigates life post sacrificial ritual. Things are mostly pretty sweet—except for the part where he sees shadows in his eyes, glowing eyes in the dark, and these ominous dark spots on people that no one can explain. There's also a mysterious new nonbinary bruje in the mix, one who Julian is drawn to but Yadriel is looking at with some side eye for their cutthroat approach to brujeria. Let's gooooo. —Vanessa Diaz
The graveyard gays are back! It's been almost six years since Aiden Thomas first introduced us to Yadriel and Julian (and my fave Maritza, a real one). This fall we're headed back to the graveyard in Espíritu, which follows Julian as he navigates life post sacrificial ritual. Things are mostly pretty sweet—except for the part where he sees shadows in his eyes, glowing eyes in the dark, and these ominous dark spots on people that no one can explain. There's also a mysterious new nonbinary bruje in the mix, one who Julian is drawn to but Yadriel is looking at with some side eye for their cutthroat approach to brujeria. Let's gooooo. —Vanessa Diaz
November 10, 2024
NAH 'CAUSE WHAT THE FRICK
September 14, 2024
IM SCREAMING
December 2, 2024
guyyys OMG its getting a squeal who wants to buddy read this pleaseee
December 9, 2025
Espíritu by Aiden Thomas
Espíritu will continue the world first introduced in Cemetery Boys, now shifting focus to Julian, once a ghost, now alive as he navigates new and terrifying magical powers, a deepening relationship with his boyfriend Yadriel, and the resurfacing of dark forces that threaten both the living and the dead.
When I read the description I felt a shiver of excitement and tenderness: after all the supernatural romance and spooky ghosts of Cemetery Boys, I was eager to return to this world where grief, identity, and belonging intertwine so tightly with magic. The idea of Julian struggling to see more than just spirits, shadows, glowing eyes in darkness, ominous “dark spots” on people, makes me anticipate a story where fear, trauma, and love must fight to survive together.
I look forward to reading this book when it releases.
Espíritu will continue the world first introduced in Cemetery Boys, now shifting focus to Julian, once a ghost, now alive as he navigates new and terrifying magical powers, a deepening relationship with his boyfriend Yadriel, and the resurfacing of dark forces that threaten both the living and the dead.
When I read the description I felt a shiver of excitement and tenderness: after all the supernatural romance and spooky ghosts of Cemetery Boys, I was eager to return to this world where grief, identity, and belonging intertwine so tightly with magic. The idea of Julian struggling to see more than just spirits, shadows, glowing eyes in darkness, ominous “dark spots” on people, makes me anticipate a story where fear, trauma, and love must fight to survive together.
I look forward to reading this book when it releases.
Want to read
November 7, 2024AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Want to read
March 22, 2025SHUT UP THERES GOING TO BE A BOOK TWO????????
i literally remember reading this back during covid oh my god. im actually SO sat.
i literally remember reading this back during covid oh my god. im actually SO sat.
Want to read
December 18, 2024this COVER REVEAL OH MY GOD this is everything to me we are so back
February 6, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for early access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Cemetery Boys came into my life at the perfect time and this book did the same.
Everything I loved about the first book is done EVEN BETTER in this one (I didn’t think that would even be possible).
I loved every moment of this book (even as I was sobbing). The family dynamics are done so so so beautifully and I love the way that trauma impacts how the characters form and maintain relationships.
I also LOVE the way trauma and healing and grief are handled.
I loved getting a deeper dive into the characters that I loved from the first book and I loved getting Julian and Yadriel’s perspectives in the chapters.
I love learning more about the traditions of the brujx and building up the mythos in this world. I need 100 more books on my desk next week.
In short, I loved everything about this book and it was worth the wait.
Cemetery Boys came into my life at the perfect time and this book did the same.
Everything I loved about the first book is done EVEN BETTER in this one (I didn’t think that would even be possible).
I loved every moment of this book (even as I was sobbing). The family dynamics are done so so so beautifully and I love the way that trauma impacts how the characters form and maintain relationships.
I also LOVE the way trauma and healing and grief are handled.
I loved getting a deeper dive into the characters that I loved from the first book and I loved getting Julian and Yadriel’s perspectives in the chapters.
I love learning more about the traditions of the brujx and building up the mythos in this world. I need 100 more books on my desk next week.
In short, I loved everything about this book and it was worth the wait.
Want to read
November 30, 2024I'm a glutton for punishment. I keep holding out hope that this time, Aiden Thomas will become a better writer and Holly West will become a better editor (although based on the fact that there's a typo in the summary of this book, I doubt that's going to happen). Bring it on.
Want to read
December 3, 2024GIVE IT TO ME NOW
Want to read
February 8, 2026I CANNOT BELIEVE I GOT ACCEPTED FOR THE ARC 😭 lemme reread cemetery boys real quick
Want to read
August 26, 2025okay the cover hello?!? I love it
Currently reading
December 11, 2024it’s a Christmas miracle and Santa, baby, I know what I want this year
(if that was unclear, I want an ARC of this book)
(if that was unclear, I want an ARC of this book)
Want to read
December 19, 2024Looks like my personality for the foreseeable future is going to be checking Edelweiss for arcs...<3
November 12, 2024
I CANT WAIT TO READ THIS!!!!!!!
Want to read
January 27, 2025Edit: Noooooo it's not coming out in 2025 :(((
___
I'm sorry to say that... but they look kinda bad on the cover 😭 I thought maybe the artist changed but it's the same person doing it???
___
I'm sorry to say that... but they look kinda bad on the cover 😭 I thought maybe the artist changed but it's the same person doing it???
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an e-ARC and am giving my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity.
God, I love Aiden Thomas. Since reading Celestial Monsters (and subsequently all of Thomas' works in one week) a few years ago, I've been obsessed with his work. I am constantly recommending his works to my students, and am frequently told how much they always adore it. A large amount of my students are queer, as a theatre and art teacher, and it's so rewarding seeing them find media they can truly connect with.
I can not wait for them to read this. Espíritu, and Cemetery Boys, are the exact books we need right now. These stories are so beyond important, I can not stress how necessary they are in today's world. Both Yadriel and Julian's stories are needed, for different and yet similar reasons.
I need to mention, of course, the low key mentions of Yadriel taking care of himself via length wearing his binder etc. I can't stress enough how much happiness it brought me to read this, and how it just heightened my trust in Thomas and my trust in him to recommend my students his books.
Espíritu also weaves learning into the story effortlessly. Teaching readers who may not know about the culture and customs they are reading about, and in an incredibly natural way. There is so much beauty in Thomas' works that I find myself at a loss for words on where to even begin with reviewing this novel.
Learning more about Julian in a setting where he isn't, well, dead, was incredibly interesting and fulfilling for his character. I loved learning about his family, blood and not, and how he acts as a ghost vs as someone alive. But even more so, I just loved his and Yadriel's relationship. Their ups and downs and them being able to just be in love. Their sweet moments in passing periods, Julian's pride and awe in Yadriel as a brujo and as a person. Truly one of my favorite literary couples out there, their love is unmatched.
I won't go into detail as this is a spoiler, but I really adored the addition of an old character brought back in. Not just their presence but how it was treated as well.
Julian's relationships through the novel were also gorgeously done. His friends, brother, Yadriel, and especially Yadriel's family. The way in which they had taken him in, in a way, was so sweet. Espíritu is the epitome of found family in many different forms and I loved it.
I can't recommend this novel enough. We need this kind of story and hope desperately today and I can't wait for others to experience it. Aiden Thomas has a way with storytelling that allows everyone to feel like they belong.
God, I love Aiden Thomas. Since reading Celestial Monsters (and subsequently all of Thomas' works in one week) a few years ago, I've been obsessed with his work. I am constantly recommending his works to my students, and am frequently told how much they always adore it. A large amount of my students are queer, as a theatre and art teacher, and it's so rewarding seeing them find media they can truly connect with.
I can not wait for them to read this. Espíritu, and Cemetery Boys, are the exact books we need right now. These stories are so beyond important, I can not stress how necessary they are in today's world. Both Yadriel and Julian's stories are needed, for different and yet similar reasons.
I need to mention, of course, the low key mentions of Yadriel taking care of himself via length wearing his binder etc. I can't stress enough how much happiness it brought me to read this, and how it just heightened my trust in Thomas and my trust in him to recommend my students his books.
Espíritu also weaves learning into the story effortlessly. Teaching readers who may not know about the culture and customs they are reading about, and in an incredibly natural way. There is so much beauty in Thomas' works that I find myself at a loss for words on where to even begin with reviewing this novel.
Learning more about Julian in a setting where he isn't, well, dead, was incredibly interesting and fulfilling for his character. I loved learning about his family, blood and not, and how he acts as a ghost vs as someone alive. But even more so, I just loved his and Yadriel's relationship. Their ups and downs and them being able to just be in love. Their sweet moments in passing periods, Julian's pride and awe in Yadriel as a brujo and as a person. Truly one of my favorite literary couples out there, their love is unmatched.
I won't go into detail as this is a spoiler, but I really adored the addition of an old character brought back in. Not just their presence but how it was treated as well.
Julian's relationships through the novel were also gorgeously done. His friends, brother, Yadriel, and especially Yadriel's family. The way in which they had taken him in, in a way, was so sweet. Espíritu is the epitome of found family in many different forms and I loved it.
I can't recommend this novel enough. We need this kind of story and hope desperately today and I can't wait for others to experience it. Aiden Thomas has a way with storytelling that allows everyone to feel like they belong.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am SO GLAD about that! I'm screaming about everything in this book!!! :D
Julian POV? Yup.
Found family? Yup.
Saving the world? Yup.
Warm happy feelings intertwined with the bittersweet grief of loss? Also yup.
There's something to be said for books that make you feel things so deeply, and Aiden is entirely too good at writing books that do that.
Julian is feeling the aftereffects of nearly dying and being brought back to life, and when he starts seeing dark spots on people, he wants answers. And then a new bruje shows up, and spirits start to go missing ... Yads, Maritza, and Julian have to figure out what's going on.
I devoured this book, y'all. It hurt in the best way. Fair warning not to read this if you're feeling fragile related to grieving a loved one and don't know if you can handle more melancholy, but I can't recommend this enough.
Julian POV? Yup.
Found family? Yup.
Saving the world? Yup.
Warm happy feelings intertwined with the bittersweet grief of loss? Also yup.
There's something to be said for books that make you feel things so deeply, and Aiden is entirely too good at writing books that do that.
Julian is feeling the aftereffects of nearly dying and being brought back to life, and when he starts seeing dark spots on people, he wants answers. And then a new bruje shows up, and spirits start to go missing ... Yads, Maritza, and Julian have to figure out what's going on.
I devoured this book, y'all. It hurt in the best way. Fair warning not to read this if you're feeling fragile related to grieving a loved one and don't know if you can handle more melancholy, but I can't recommend this enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
So here I was waking up on a Sunday morning and screaming because I just access to this. My goodness. I loved reading this and I loved having Julian’s point of views. Having the book center on him and his friends and his relationships was a great way to expand the world Thomas created in the first book by injecting completely new plot line and points without straying to far from the original. This book takes place a little while after the first and deals with the repercussions of entering a new world but having older friends and how changes affect everyone. I liked the new characters as well. Was the reveal a little obvious? Yes, but I didn’t mind it because it was well laid and the it tied over well. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and Thomas’ writing.
ARC gifted to me by NetGalley and publisher all thoughts are my own.
ARC gifted to me by NetGalley and publisher all thoughts are my own.
Want to read
December 15, 2024I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!
Want to read
December 18, 2024actually crying thank you aiden!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🩵🩵🩵🩵
December 19, 2024
just reading the description already makes me feel really excited! the cover is fantastic, the title is cool, it's from julian's pov this time, what's not to love already?? <3
December 24, 2024
NECESITO LEERLO PERO YA
December 30, 2024
I don’t care what happens, BUT IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO LUCA YOU ARE CATCHING HANDS.
Want to read
January 6, 2025IM SO READY FOR THIS.
Want to read
February 11, 2025OH MY GOSH
Want to read
February 24, 2025I need this book nowwwwwwwwwwwww (author take as long as you need to write this book)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews