Book Review: Espíritu by Aiden Thomas
Julian and Yadriel deal with newfound blessings- or curses- as they encounter disappearing ghosts, voices in the dark, and a new brujx that seemingly throws a wrench in all family and friend relationships for our tight-knit found family group.
I'm going to attempt to summarize the book without too many Cemetery Boys spoilers, but, seriously, go read that book first before you even approach this review. I promise both books are worth your time during spooky season 2026!
Julian is new to seeing ghosts, but his boyfriend, Yadriel, and his family have welcomed him into their world and attempted to guide him on his new spirit-filled journey. The problem is that Julian is bad at keeping secrets from his brother and close friends, though he is assured his secrecy will help keep them all safe. When some of Julian's powers seem too much for Yads and his family to handle, Julian turns to a new, nonbinary brujx that is just rolling through, Ángel, to try a new approach when it comes to dealing with the spirits of the dead. As more and more ghosts go missing, Julian is forced to confront his own shortcomings as a medium, as a friend, as a boyfriend, and as a brother. Simultaneously, Yads struggles to be fully accepted by his family and to forgive a family member that previously caused terrible pain and suffering.
I was such a fan of Cemetery Boys back in the day that I had this sequel on my TBR list for what felt like AGES. When I finally got my hands on the audiobook version, I was happily surprised to find it was dual narration- with one narrator being none other than the iconic Vico Ortiz themselves! This book was everything I wanted in a sequel. I liked Yads as a character- don't get me wrong- but I adored the little character moments we got with Julian in the first installment of the duology, so I was ecstatic to see the inclusion of his alternating POV in the sequel. I audibly cackled at "Tío Espooky," and I was in the middle of field work at a park, so people definitely looked at me like I was crazy (worth it!). I also felt like Maritza deserved more time from what she was given in the first book, so I was happy to see she had more scenes (especially more meaningful scenes) this time around. If you like LGBTQIA+ found family, healing from hardship the right way, and a more grounded approach to all things haunted, then this book is definitely for you!
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