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22 days and 17:26:57
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Cemetery Boys #2
Espíritu
Not yet published
Expected 8 Sep 26Win a free print copy of this book!
22 days and 17:26:57
50 copies available
U.S. only
Julian 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
21 people are currently reading
13015 people want to read
About the author
Aiden Thomas
14 books10k 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 95 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
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 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
March 30, 2026
I read Cemetery Boys in October 2020, and absolutely loved it. I watched all of Aiden’s virtual events talking about the book. I bought fan art, read the book two more times. Bought Aiden’s other books, loved those too, they have become an auto buy author for me.
Not gonna lie, I was nervous/excited about a sequel to this book. The first one wrapped everything up so well, a solid standalone, I was worried a sequel would live up to the first one.
But it does, in its own way. We get Julian’s POV in this one, and that boy stresses me OUT 😂. Yadriel continues to be his anchor, his calm, his peace, his focus when his brain is all over the place. Their moments together are big, but quiet and sweet, not the main focus of the novel but just these lovely step aside, breathe, forehead touches before diving back into the action.
There’s a heaviness that was there in the first novel, beautiful lines about grief that really shake you while you’re reading. Found family also a key theme. Theres a scene with Julian and his brother that had me in tears.
The visuals, the FOOD, all things I remember as standouts from the first one, and so much care in the traditions and little moments.
Overall, I thought it was a really wonderful sequel. Honestly this would be a whole series really, Julian, Yadriel, and Maritza solving mysteries in the cemetery 😂. Every book a different story, one of Julian’s friends could take along in each one. It would be a fun time, I’ve buy them all.
If you haven’t read Cemetery Boys yet, or any of Aiden’s books really, you should. And then pick this sequel up when it comes out on September 8. I’ll be getting my copy from one of my local indie bookstores ❤️📚.
Thank you @netgalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Not gonna lie, I was nervous/excited about a sequel to this book. The first one wrapped everything up so well, a solid standalone, I was worried a sequel would live up to the first one.
But it does, in its own way. We get Julian’s POV in this one, and that boy stresses me OUT 😂. Yadriel continues to be his anchor, his calm, his peace, his focus when his brain is all over the place. Their moments together are big, but quiet and sweet, not the main focus of the novel but just these lovely step aside, breathe, forehead touches before diving back into the action.
There’s a heaviness that was there in the first novel, beautiful lines about grief that really shake you while you’re reading. Found family also a key theme. Theres a scene with Julian and his brother that had me in tears.
The visuals, the FOOD, all things I remember as standouts from the first one, and so much care in the traditions and little moments.
Overall, I thought it was a really wonderful sequel. Honestly this would be a whole series really, Julian, Yadriel, and Maritza solving mysteries in the cemetery 😂. Every book a different story, one of Julian’s friends could take along in each one. It would be a fun time, I’ve buy them all.
If you haven’t read Cemetery Boys yet, or any of Aiden’s books really, you should. And then pick this sequel up when it comes out on September 8. I’ll be getting my copy from one of my local indie bookstores ❤️📚.
Thank you @netgalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy!
Yadriel and Julian are back! The first book focused on Yadriel as he struggled to get his family to accept him as he is, and now here in the sequel the focus is largely on Julian as he struggles to keep up in a crash course in magic as he is plopped into Yadriel's family and "family business," as it were. And Christmas brings its own set of new magic ceremonies. Oh, and things are getting seriously weird, as Julian is seeing things no one else can, all while dealing with the whole being dead for a few weeks thing.
Another fantastic outing from Aiden Thomas, showing us Los Angeles at Christmas time with the frame properly widened to include all the peoples and traditions this city was built on.
Yadriel and Julian are back! The first book focused on Yadriel as he struggled to get his family to accept him as he is, and now here in the sequel the focus is largely on Julian as he struggles to keep up in a crash course in magic as he is plopped into Yadriel's family and "family business," as it were. And Christmas brings its own set of new magic ceremonies. Oh, and things are getting seriously weird, as Julian is seeing things no one else can, all while dealing with the whole being dead for a few weeks thing.
Another fantastic outing from Aiden Thomas, showing us Los Angeles at Christmas time with the frame properly widened to include all the peoples and traditions this city was built on.
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.
March 21, 2026
If you read the first one you already know how special these characters are and somehow this sequel makes everything deeper, darker, and even more emotional.this story follows Julian who went from being a ghost to someone who can now see and communicate with spirits after a traumatic ritual. But what starts as a gift quickly turns into something unsettling. He’s not just seeing spirits he’s seeing shadows, glowing eyes, and these terrifying “dark spots” on people. While he’s trying to figure all of this out, he’s also navigating his relationship with Yadriel, who’s dealing with his own responsibilities as a brujx. Then Ángel enters the picture and things get even more complicated especially as their methods don’t exactly align with Julian’s heart.What I loved most about this book is how it explores the idea of power and choice. Just because you can do something heal, fix, even hurt doesn’t mean you should. Julian’s struggle with wanting to help without causing harm felt so real and honestly really important. There’s this constant tension between doing what’s effective versus doing what’s right, and I think that’s something a lot of people can connect to, even outside of the fantasy elements.The themes of identity, belonging, and trust hit just as hard here as they did in the first book, if not more. Watching Julian try to figure out where he fits especially when what he’s experiencing isolates him was heartbreaking at times. And the way the story handles community and responsibility It matters. It shows how important it is to have people who listen to you and believe you, especially when you’re going through something you don’t fully understand yourself. There’s so much love here, but it’s not perfect, and that’s what makes it feel real. The strain, the miscommunication, the fear of losing each other it all adds weight to the story. I absolutely love this author. I fell in love with their writing last year when I read the first book (the audiobook especially stayed with me), and this one just confirmed it for me. The way they balance magic with real, human struggles it’s just done so well.This book is important because it reminds you that who you are and the choices you make matter, even when things feel out of your control. It asks hard questions about morality, about harm, about healing and doesn’t give easy answers.If you loved the first book, you need to pick this one up. Seriously. I can’t recommend it enough.
March 21, 2026
4.5 stars! Thank you to NetGalley, Feiwel & Friends, and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for this advanced copy! You can pick up Cemetery Boys: Espíritu on September 8, 2026.
I swear, I love every Aiden Thomas book I pick up more and more than the last. Espíritu was the PERFECT sequel to Cemetery Boys, expanding on the lore and world we're introduced to in the first book but through the lens of a new POV.
Julian had my whole heart in this book. Previously, we only saw him from Yadriel's perspective, as a teenager turned ghost who some would consider loud or obnoxious. But even then, Julian's fierce love and loyalty for his family shone through. In Espíritu, we see that emotion tenfold. We understand why he uses jokes and wisecracks to cover up the grief that trails him, or why his anger explodes out of him at times. Julian carries so much hurt around with him, and it's now manifested into a physical, literal mark on his body he can't escape.
I truly felt so haunted while reading this??? Or maybe haunted-lite, since I'm not a spooky/horror girlie, but the darkness following and attaching itself to Julian truly had me on the edge of my seat. It was devastating to watch him lie to his loved ones (because they don't know magic is real), despite them doing everything they could to rescue him from the well he was falling into. The found family vibes were truly impeccable throughout, and it made me appreciate the bonds we see established in Cemetery Boys so much more.
Speaking of CB, I'm glad we weren't done seeing growth from Yadriel, too. Even though he had fewer POV chapters than Julian, we still see him working to establish himself as a legit brujo instead of a kid in his father's eyes. Their relationship has definitely improved since book one, but Enrique can't help wanting to protect Yadriel from the danger happening around them. Plus, *mild spoiler* seeing Yadriel gain closure from his uncle's betrayal was so satisfying and emotional to read about.
The only reason this book isn't fully 5 stars is because I fear Aiden fell into a similar pattern that he did with Cemetery Boys by introducing a character who is so obviously working with the bad guys. I loved Angel's character and the emotions we see from them, but I could tell from a mile away they were going to make things worse for our faves. Their actions came as little surprise as the story continued.
Also, did we totally forget Yadriel has an older brother, Diego??? I fear he would've been important to this plot (especially since Julian's older brother, Rio, played such an important role in his arc). Maybe he's traveling or something, but I felt like I was going crazy trying to figure out where Diego might fit into all of this (or if he'd been written out of the story entirely).
But overall, the bonds between brothers and found family truly drove this book in the best way, and I loved all of the heart and emotion we saw from all the characters. The way Julian and Yadriel addressed their grief over losing a parent was especially hard-hitting, and I love how they found comfort in each other and progressed their romance with true emotional intimacy.
All in all, if you want a quick-paced YA fantasy story inspired by Mexican and Mesoamerican folklore, featuring trans and LGBTQIA+ rep, this is def the duology for you!
I swear, I love every Aiden Thomas book I pick up more and more than the last. Espíritu was the PERFECT sequel to Cemetery Boys, expanding on the lore and world we're introduced to in the first book but through the lens of a new POV.
Julian had my whole heart in this book. Previously, we only saw him from Yadriel's perspective, as a teenager turned ghost who some would consider loud or obnoxious. But even then, Julian's fierce love and loyalty for his family shone through. In Espíritu, we see that emotion tenfold. We understand why he uses jokes and wisecracks to cover up the grief that trails him, or why his anger explodes out of him at times. Julian carries so much hurt around with him, and it's now manifested into a physical, literal mark on his body he can't escape.
I truly felt so haunted while reading this??? Or maybe haunted-lite, since I'm not a spooky/horror girlie, but the darkness following and attaching itself to Julian truly had me on the edge of my seat. It was devastating to watch him lie to his loved ones (because they don't know magic is real), despite them doing everything they could to rescue him from the well he was falling into. The found family vibes were truly impeccable throughout, and it made me appreciate the bonds we see established in Cemetery Boys so much more.
Speaking of CB, I'm glad we weren't done seeing growth from Yadriel, too. Even though he had fewer POV chapters than Julian, we still see him working to establish himself as a legit brujo instead of a kid in his father's eyes. Their relationship has definitely improved since book one, but Enrique can't help wanting to protect Yadriel from the danger happening around them. Plus, *mild spoiler* seeing Yadriel gain closure from his uncle's betrayal was so satisfying and emotional to read about.
The only reason this book isn't fully 5 stars is because I fear Aiden fell into a similar pattern that he did with Cemetery Boys by introducing a character who is so obviously working with the bad guys. I loved Angel's character and the emotions we see from them, but I could tell from a mile away they were going to make things worse for our faves. Their actions came as little surprise as the story continued.
Also, did we totally forget Yadriel has an older brother, Diego??? I fear he would've been important to this plot (especially since Julian's older brother, Rio, played such an important role in his arc). Maybe he's traveling or something, but I felt like I was going crazy trying to figure out where Diego might fit into all of this (or if he'd been written out of the story entirely).
But overall, the bonds between brothers and found family truly drove this book in the best way, and I loved all of the heart and emotion we saw from all the characters. The way Julian and Yadriel addressed their grief over losing a parent was especially hard-hitting, and I love how they found comfort in each other and progressed their romance with true emotional intimacy.
All in all, if you want a quick-paced YA fantasy story inspired by Mexican and Mesoamerican folklore, featuring trans and LGBTQIA+ rep, this is def the duology for you!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✨Review of advanced copy from NetGalley✨
This was the perfect sequel🤗 When it was announced I was excited (but anxious) for Cemetery Boys to have a sequel, because the first one ended so well and was just so darn good! But I worried for nothing - in Espíritu we get everything we loved about Cemetery Boys, with more depth since we already know our characters.
Getting Julian’s POV was awesome - I felt like we got to know him even better in this book🥹
As usual, Aiden Thomas’ writing is warm, down to earth, and makes you feel right at home in the story and with the characters. They create such a comfortable and tangible atmosphere with their writing that really hooks me and sticks with me after the book is over. It feels like spending time at a best friend’s house and being totally safe and welcome to just be.
I have read and loved everything Aiden Thomas has ever written (last up is Lost In The Never Woods, but just got a copy!:), but there’s something extra special about the Cemetery Boys stories that feels like coming home.
The pacing was excellent! I loved how quickly we got down into the plot, but how it also never felt rushed. Their work transports me every time - I laughed, I cried, I forgot that linear time existed.
As a Latine nonbinary person myself, this duology holds such a special place in my heart🥹🥰
LOVED getting more page time with Luca, Flaca, Rocky, Omar, and Rio. The family/found family element of Julian’s character really shines and it made me so damn emotional. I want to be part of this found family!🥹
Julian is such a special character, and the family/safe space he created for him, Rio, the found fam, and how they all finally connect with Yadriel and his family in this book got me seriously in my feels. 😭🥰
The romance was so good and also not the really the main focal point - I enjoyed how Aiden really broadened the scope of everything going on while still delivering so many of the things I loved about the first book. They still gave us trio joy and mischief with Yads, Maritza, and Julian, while also exploring the very real challenge of juggling your partner and their family and your own family and how difficult that can be. But it wasn’t needless drama - felt really relatable tbh 😅 I also really enjoyed the ‘lived in’ feel that Yadriel and Julian’s relationship has in this book.
Alright - trying not to write spoilers so I will just leave it at this: if you loved Cemetery Boys, you will love Espíritu💜
Once again Aiden Thomas has delivered a wonderful story full of corazón that I will enjoy returning to time and again❤️
Thank you NetGalley, MacMillan, and Feiwel & Friends for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review! These opinions weren’t solicited or exaggerated in any way - I just really loved this book🤗💛🕯️✨
This was the perfect sequel🤗 When it was announced I was excited (but anxious) for Cemetery Boys to have a sequel, because the first one ended so well and was just so darn good! But I worried for nothing - in Espíritu we get everything we loved about Cemetery Boys, with more depth since we already know our characters.
Getting Julian’s POV was awesome - I felt like we got to know him even better in this book🥹
As usual, Aiden Thomas’ writing is warm, down to earth, and makes you feel right at home in the story and with the characters. They create such a comfortable and tangible atmosphere with their writing that really hooks me and sticks with me after the book is over. It feels like spending time at a best friend’s house and being totally safe and welcome to just be.
I have read and loved everything Aiden Thomas has ever written (last up is Lost In The Never Woods, but just got a copy!:), but there’s something extra special about the Cemetery Boys stories that feels like coming home.
The pacing was excellent! I loved how quickly we got down into the plot, but how it also never felt rushed. Their work transports me every time - I laughed, I cried, I forgot that linear time existed.
As a Latine nonbinary person myself, this duology holds such a special place in my heart🥹🥰
LOVED getting more page time with Luca, Flaca, Rocky, Omar, and Rio. The family/found family element of Julian’s character really shines and it made me so damn emotional. I want to be part of this found family!🥹
Julian is such a special character, and the family/safe space he created for him, Rio, the found fam, and how they all finally connect with Yadriel and his family in this book got me seriously in my feels. 😭🥰
The romance was so good and also not the really the main focal point - I enjoyed how Aiden really broadened the scope of everything going on while still delivering so many of the things I loved about the first book. They still gave us trio joy and mischief with Yads, Maritza, and Julian, while also exploring the very real challenge of juggling your partner and their family and your own family and how difficult that can be. But it wasn’t needless drama - felt really relatable tbh 😅 I also really enjoyed the ‘lived in’ feel that Yadriel and Julian’s relationship has in this book.
Alright - trying not to write spoilers so I will just leave it at this: if you loved Cemetery Boys, you will love Espíritu💜
Once again Aiden Thomas has delivered a wonderful story full of corazón that I will enjoy returning to time and again❤️
Thank you NetGalley, MacMillan, and Feiwel & Friends for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review! These opinions weren’t solicited or exaggerated in any way - I just really loved this book🤗💛🕯️✨
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
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5🌟
Short review:
Loved this as a sequel to Cemetery boys. The original didn't need a continuation of the story, but I am so glad it got one!! I may have read it in a couple hours, because who needs Valentines Day when I have the new Aiden Thomas novel. (Spouse drew me a Valentines bath so I could enjoy it). All in all, I absolutely loved this and highly recommend it!
Long review:
To preface this, Cemetery Boys is one of my favorites in the genre of Young Adult fantasy novels. I have read that book many times and rave about it to any one that will listen to me. To come upon years later a sequel, I'm here for it. I have read all the other books by this author.. and very much love and also recommend The Sunbearer Trials duology.. but Cemetery boys is where my heart is. Fangirling aside, I absolutely loved this sequel!!!
This one has dual pov between Julian and Yadriel. We meet a new character who has all the acceptance in their family that Yadriel should have gotten originally from his family. We also get more of the the family dynamic (found and blood) for Julian this time, and it is amazingly everything we didn't even realize we missed in book one. I absolutely love Julian's family and how they are all there for each other no questions asked as well as whether they like it or not. This book covers caring for loved ones mental health as well as caring for physical health (binders shoutout here!). It shows the struggle of honesty with loyalty, because the two are not mutual. All the relationships (familial and romantic) in this one are beautifully written. If I could pick a world to live in, it would be here. The culture that is woven into this story is just so wonderful and makes you feel apart of it. I love being able to experience it through their writing. I will gladly read anything by Aiden Thomas, I am convinced they can do no wrong. All the 🌟s!!
Thanks to MacMillan Children's Publishing Group and Aiden Thomas for sending me an Arc to review.
Short review:
Loved this as a sequel to Cemetery boys. The original didn't need a continuation of the story, but I am so glad it got one!! I may have read it in a couple hours, because who needs Valentines Day when I have the new Aiden Thomas novel. (Spouse drew me a Valentines bath so I could enjoy it). All in all, I absolutely loved this and highly recommend it!
Long review:
To preface this, Cemetery Boys is one of my favorites in the genre of Young Adult fantasy novels. I have read that book many times and rave about it to any one that will listen to me. To come upon years later a sequel, I'm here for it. I have read all the other books by this author.. and very much love and also recommend The Sunbearer Trials duology.. but Cemetery boys is where my heart is. Fangirling aside, I absolutely loved this sequel!!!
This one has dual pov between Julian and Yadriel. We meet a new character who has all the acceptance in their family that Yadriel should have gotten originally from his family. We also get more of the the family dynamic (found and blood) for Julian this time, and it is amazingly everything we didn't even realize we missed in book one. I absolutely love Julian's family and how they are all there for each other no questions asked as well as whether they like it or not. This book covers caring for loved ones mental health as well as caring for physical health (binders shoutout here!). It shows the struggle of honesty with loyalty, because the two are not mutual. All the relationships (familial and romantic) in this one are beautifully written. If I could pick a world to live in, it would be here. The culture that is woven into this story is just so wonderful and makes you feel apart of it. I love being able to experience it through their writing. I will gladly read anything by Aiden Thomas, I am convinced they can do no wrong. All the 🌟s!!
Thanks to MacMillan Children's Publishing Group and Aiden Thomas for sending me an Arc to review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Every time a sequel is announced for one of my favorite books, I get a little nervous. Will it live up to what I loved about the original? Cemetery Boys: Espiritu exceeded my expectations. The character development is strong and compelling, and I loved seeing how the characters continued to grow.
While the pacing was a bit slow at times, it didn’t bother me much and never took away from my enjoyment of the story. Overall, if you loved Cemetery Boys, this sequel is the follow-up you didn’t even realize you needed.
Every time a sequel is announced for one of my favorite books, I get a little nervous. Will it live up to what I loved about the original? Cemetery Boys: Espiritu exceeded my expectations. The character development is strong and compelling, and I loved seeing how the characters continued to grow.
While the pacing was a bit slow at times, it didn’t bother me much and never took away from my enjoyment of the story. Overall, if you loved Cemetery Boys, this sequel is the follow-up you didn’t even realize you needed.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Best sequel ever
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.
April 12, 2026
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc of this book!!
I've been waitingg for this one!! It delivered for sure. It starts out with a Julian Pov!! Awesome, but it seems like there's this dark spirit haunting him. A new character also joins in pretty soon into the book! I don't want to get too much into it, but I love how he wrote her in this and love the effect it had on everyone.
Getting more povs from juilan, we got to see more of him and his family and I just love them so much!! I was obsessed with seeing more of Rio and Julian!! They were my favorite relationship in the whole book ngl. I did want more of Julian and Yadriel. Their pairing in the first book was my absolute favorite, but the excitement fell a little down in this one, so it was a little upsetting, but they were still rlly cute. I love this family 😩 I want more
I've been waitingg for this one!! It delivered for sure. It starts out with a Julian Pov!! Awesome, but it seems like there's this dark spirit haunting him. A new character also joins in pretty soon into the book! I don't want to get too much into it, but I love how he wrote her in this and love the effect it had on everyone.
Getting more povs from juilan, we got to see more of him and his family and I just love them so much!! I was obsessed with seeing more of Rio and Julian!! They were my favorite relationship in the whole book ngl. I did want more of Julian and Yadriel. Their pairing in the first book was my absolute favorite, but the excitement fell a little down in this one, so it was a little upsetting, but they were still rlly cute. I love this family 😩 I want more
March 27, 2026
Thank you so much to the author and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for an arc copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
OMG!!!!!!!!! Friends, we get a Julian point of view and another absolutely incredible book in the Cemetery Boys world. This book was everything I could have dreamed of and more! I love these characters so much. You don't understand how much.
Espíritu picks up soon after the events of Cemetery Boys. This time with more of a focus on Julian, his family, and the struggles that arise due to the events of Cemetery Boys.
I could not have asked for a more perfect book. Run! Order your copies now! And get ready for a book you won't be able to put down.
OMG!!!!!!!!! Friends, we get a Julian point of view and another absolutely incredible book in the Cemetery Boys world. This book was everything I could have dreamed of and more! I love these characters so much. You don't understand how much.
Espíritu picks up soon after the events of Cemetery Boys. This time with more of a focus on Julian, his family, and the struggles that arise due to the events of Cemetery Boys.
I could not have asked for a more perfect book. Run! Order your copies now! And get ready for a book you won't be able to put down.
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)
March 26, 2026
Thank you @feiwelandfriends for the digital copy to review!
If @aidenschmaiden writes it, I’m gonna read it. After reading Cemetery Boys twice, I was GEEKED to find out a sequel was coming. The ending of Cemetery Boys left so much possibility.
My favorite boy Julian was SO incredible in this book. From his found family, to his love of Yads, to his fear, to his growth, to his confidence.. this book had it all. And truly, I cannot say enough how much I loved his story arc in this book. He is the main character and it shows.
Yads continues to be the steady, beautiful, lovely presence in Julian’s life. I LOVED the level of comfort these two had together and how much Yads grew from book one to book two was incredible. The confidence in his abilities mixed with the confidence of his friends and family- incredible.
The family dynamics oh both sides were amazing. I cannot recommend this book highly enough and if you have an ARC, it’s a perfect read for the #TransRightsReadathon !!!
I loved it so much.
If @aidenschmaiden writes it, I’m gonna read it. After reading Cemetery Boys twice, I was GEEKED to find out a sequel was coming. The ending of Cemetery Boys left so much possibility.
My favorite boy Julian was SO incredible in this book. From his found family, to his love of Yads, to his fear, to his growth, to his confidence.. this book had it all. And truly, I cannot say enough how much I loved his story arc in this book. He is the main character and it shows.
Yads continues to be the steady, beautiful, lovely presence in Julian’s life. I LOVED the level of comfort these two had together and how much Yads grew from book one to book two was incredible. The confidence in his abilities mixed with the confidence of his friends and family- incredible.
The family dynamics oh both sides were amazing. I cannot recommend this book highly enough and if you have an ARC, it’s a perfect read for the #TransRightsReadathon !!!
I loved it so much.
Want to Read
December 19, 2024Looks like my personality for the foreseeable future is going to be checking Edelweiss for arcs...<3
February 22, 2026
Cemetery Boys Espíritu is the sequel that I didn’t know I needed but I’m so glad I got! It is such a wonderful continuation of Yadriel’s and Julian’s stories and it was such a joy being able to dive back into this world. The sequel builds on the world that was introduced in Cemetery Boys while adding new components into the lore which makes it for such a rich story. I am always in awe of the way Aiden Thomas develops his characters, especially his side characters and it was a lot of fun to be able to see side characters take on a more prominent role in this story. At its heart, this story is one that focuses on people being seen and accepted for who they are and how those who love you will carry you through all things.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2024
I CANT WAIT TO READ THIS!!!!!!!
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