Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas Summary, Characters and Themes

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas is a tale of a transgender teen, Yadriel, who strives to find his place in his magical community, the brujx.  Born into a family of powerful brujos, Yadriel faces rejection because of his gender identity, as the community insists that only cisgender boys can perform certain rites.

Determined to prove his worth, Yadriel sets out to perform a forbidden ritual, but things take an unexpected turn when he accidentally summons a ghost, Julian.  The two must navigate their growing bond and uncover dark secrets surrounding the death of Yadriel’s cousin, Miguel, while facing challenges that question both life and death itself. The book is a powerful story of self-identity, magic, love, and family.

Summary

Yadriel, a young brujo, has always felt out of place in his own family.  As a transgender boy, he faces rejection from his brujx community, which doesn’t recognize him as a true brujo because of his gender identity.

The brujx perform a sacred ceremony called the quinces to mark the transition from childhood to adulthood, where a brujo is blessed by Lady Death and given a portaje—an item to guide spirits to the afterlife.  However, due to his identity, Yadriel is denied this rite of passage, leaving him frustrated and desperate to prove his worth.

Determined to prove himself, Yadriel sneaks out with the help of his cousin, Maritza, to perform the ceremony on his own in the cemetery, where it’s believed the ritual will be most powerful.  Despite the risk of being caught by patrolling brujos and wandering spirits, the two make their way to the old church in the cemetery, hoping to fulfill the ritual.

Yadriel offers his own blood as part of the ceremony and successfully completes it, feeling the power of Lady Death flow through him.

But things take an unexpected turn when a spirit, not the spirit of his cousin Miguel as he had hoped, but that of Julian Diaz, materializes.  Julian, a teenager who recently died, is confused and angry about his death.

He recognizes the necklace Yadriel is holding, which had been attached to his tether, and Yadriel realizes that Julian’s tether had not been connected to his portaje but instead to something far more sinister.  Yadriel and Maritza are unsure of how Julian died, but they quickly realize that something is wrong.

Julian’s presence disrupts Yadriel’s sense of control, as the spirit refuses to pass on without answers about his own death.

Yadriel is eager to help Julian find peace and send him on to the afterlife, but as he attempts to perform another ritual, he discovers that Julian’s tether is tied to something darker.  The spirits in the cemetery, including Julian, are not at peace, and Yadriel realizes that his actions may have triggered a deeper mystery.

His search for his cousin Miguel becomes intertwined with the mystery surrounding Julian’s death, as the two unravel hidden truths about their community, life, and death.

Meanwhile, Julian, still unaware of the full truth of his death, demands to check on his friends.  His reluctance to cross over keeps him bound to the world of the living, creating chaos as he continues to sneak around and interact with the living, even though he is dead.

Yadriel struggles to manage Julian’s restlessness, all while keeping their secret from the rest of the brujx and avoiding suspicion from his family.  Despite his efforts to maintain normalcy, Yadriel’s own identity as a trans boy continues to be an obstacle, and he struggles to be accepted by his family.

As the investigation into Miguel’s disappearance continues, Yadriel and Maritza learn that Julian’s death is tied to a gang, and Julian’s unresolved grief over his family relationships complicates the situation further.  Julian is not content to rest until he has checked on his friends, and Yadriel is forced to help him find the answers he seeks, despite the growing tension between the living and the dead.

The urgency grows as the Día de Muertos approaches, a time when spirits return to the living world.  Yadriel fears that if Julian’s unfinished business is not resolved, he could become a maligno—a malevolent spirit.

The two’s relationship deepens as they struggle to understand the truth of Julian’s death and the reasons behind his refusal to move on.  As the days pass, Yadriel finds himself facing a critical choice: to help Julian find peace or to continue trying to control the situation.

In the midst of all this, Yadriel faces a series of personal revelations about his family’s struggles, including his father’s strained relationship with magic and the limitations placed on Yadriel as a trans brujo.  The brujx community is strict and conservative, but Yadriel’s courage slowly begins to change things, and his growing connection with Julian leads to moments of self-discovery and acceptance.

The stakes become higher when Yadriel confronts his uncle, Tío Catriz, who has been performing forbidden rituals in an attempt to summon the jaguar god Bahlam.  Catriz intends to use sacrifices to gain immense power, and he has already killed several people, including Miguel, to fuel his ritual.

When Yadriel confronts Catriz, he realizes that his uncle’s dark plan is threatening to destroy the balance between the living and the dead.  As Yadriel tries to stop the ritual, Catriz’s dark magic and Bahlam’s power begin to manifest, putting them all at risk.

In the final confrontation, Yadriel calls upon Lady Death to intervene, and she does, but not before Catriz is dragged to the underworld by the jaguar god.  Despite Lady Death’s intervention, Julian’s body remains lifeless, and Yadriel must decide whether to let him go or fight to bring him back.

In a desperate attempt to save Julian, Yadriel sacrifices himself, pressing the jaguar amulet to his chest to free the trapped spirits.  His actions save Julian, but at the cost of his own life.

When Yadriel wakes up, he finds himself in the hospital, surrounded by his family and Maritza, who had saved him.  The ritual’s deadly nature is revealed to have restored life to Miguel and the other sacrificed souls.

However, Yadriel is still haunted by his uncle’s actions and the trauma he experienced.  The story concludes with Yadriel being embraced by the brujx community during a Día de Muertos ceremony.

As he steps forward and is finally recognized as a true brujo, Yadriel feels a sense of acceptance and belonging.  His relationship with Julian is cemented as they face the future together, ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.

Characters

Yadriel

Yadriel, the protagonist of Cemetery Boys, is a young brujo struggling to reconcile his magical identity with his personal identity as a transgender boy.  His journey is marked by his desire for acceptance within his community, which is deeply rooted in traditional beliefs and practices.

As the first trans brujo, Yadriel faces rejection and skepticism from his family and peers, who refuse to acknowledge his identity.  His determination to prove himself leads him to perform a sacred ritual on his own, defying the very traditions that have kept him from being fully accepted.

This act of defiance sets the stage for the novel’s exploration of Yadriel’s internal struggle as he seeks to find his place within both his magical and personal worlds.  As Yadriel embarks on his quest to help the spirit of Julian pass on, he faces numerous challenges that test not only his magical abilities but also his sense of self-worth.

Over time, he learns that the complexities of life and death mirror the challenges he faces in asserting his identity, and he discovers that true belonging comes not from meeting others’ expectations, but from embracing his true self.

Julian Diaz

Julian Diaz, a rebellious spirit with a tragic backstory, plays a crucial role in Yadriel’s journey in Cemetery Boys.  Although dead, Julian is far from the typical ghost, refusing to accept his fate until he has resolved his unfinished business—namely, ensuring that his friends are safe.

His stubbornness and refusal to cross over make him both a nuisance and a crucial ally for Yadriel.  Julian’s death, which is tied to a gang and his fractured family, is clouded in mystery, and he is tormented by the unresolved nature of his life.

His spirit, though initially chaotic and troubled, becomes a source of emotional support for Yadriel, offering him guidance and companionship as they navigate the complex and dangerous world of the living and the dead.  As Yadriel works to uncover the truth behind Julian’s death, he is forced to confront the parallels between their struggles.

Julian’s journey towards acceptance and understanding of his death becomes intertwined with Yadriel’s own fight for acceptance in his community, and their bond deepens as they face the inevitable truth that some things cannot be controlled or changed.

Maritza

Maritza is Yadriel’s cousin and best friend, whose loyalty and support are indispensable throughout his journey in Cemetery Boys.  Unlike other members of their brujx community, Maritza stands firmly by Yadriel’s side, unconditionally supporting his magical abilities and his identity as a transgender boy.

She is resourceful, brave, and quick-thinking, helping Yadriel perform the ritual that sets off the chain of events in the novel.  Maritza’s commitment to Yadriel is evident in her willingness to risk everything, including her safety, to help him navigate the complexities of the supernatural world.

Throughout the story, Maritza serves as a grounding force for Yadriel, offering him the emotional support he needs while also being a sounding board for his doubts and frustrations.  Her friendship is not just a source of comfort but also a symbol of the importance of chosen family in the face of rejection from biological kin.

Maritza’s loyalty and strength make her an indispensable character, providing balance to Yadriel’s often turbulent emotional and magical journey.

Tío Catriz

Tío Catriz, Yadriel’s uncle, represents the darker side of the brujx community’s traditions and beliefs in Cemetery Boys.  He is a figure driven by ambition and a lust for power, willing to sacrifice lives, including his own family’s, to achieve his goals.

Catriz’s willingness to use forbidden magic to summon Bahlam, the jaguar god, highlights his obsession with gaining power at any cost, even if it means sacrificing innocent lives.  His actions create a direct conflict with Yadriel’s desire to help spirits peacefully pass on, and the two are ultimately pitted against each other in a life-or-death battle.

Tío Catriz’s role in the story is pivotal, as he not only acts as a villain but also reveals the darker side of Yadriel’s family legacy, forcing Yadriel to confront the fact that his own bloodline is capable of unspeakable horrors.  Catriz’s downfall is a tragic one, but it also represents the breaking of a cycle of power and control that has plagued the brujx community, ultimately paving the way for Yadriel to step into his own role as a brujo.

Lady Death

Lady Death, though a more abstract character in Cemetery Boys, plays a significant role in Yadriel’s development and the resolution of his story.  As the deity of the dead and the one who blesses brujos with their powers, Lady Death embodies the concepts of life, death, and rebirth.

Yadriel’s connection with Lady Death is deeply personal, as his journey towards acceptance as a brujo is inextricably linked to his ability to harness her power.  In moments of crisis, it is Lady Death’s intervention that helps Yadriel navigate the challenges he faces, from dealing with the spirits that refuse to pass on to confronting the dangerous rituals of his uncle.

Lady Death symbolizes both the weight of tradition and the potential for transformation, serving as a reminder to Yadriel that while he cannot control life or death, he can choose how to move through both.  Her presence in the story, especially during the ritualistic moments, represents the spiritual guidance that Yadriel must learn to trust as he faces the complexities of his journey.

Tito

Tito’s character is a tragic one in Cemetery Boys, as he serves as both a symbol of the destructive nature of lingering spirits and the dangers of unresolved emotions.  Tito, once a beloved member of the brujx community, becomes a maligno, a malevolent spirit, due to his inability to pass on peacefully.

His transformation into a monstrous figure acts as a warning to Yadriel about the consequences of allowing spirits to remain tethered to the living world without closure.  Tito’s eventual confrontation with Yadriel is intense, as Yadriel must use all of his knowledge and powers to release Tito’s spirit and prevent further damage.

Tito’s descent into malignancy also serves as a mirror to Julian’s own struggles, highlighting the risks that come with failing to confront the past.  His character arc serves as a reminder that unresolved pain and trauma can corrupt even the most well-meaning individuals, and that sometimes, letting go is the only way to prevent further harm.

Miguel

Miguel, Yadriel’s missing cousin, serves as a key figure in the mystery that unfolds in Cemetery Boys, although his presence is felt more through the search for him rather than through direct interactions.  His disappearance is one of the main motivations behind Yadriel’s actions, and his fate is intricately tied to the larger plot involving forbidden magic and family secrets.

As Yadriel uncovers more about Miguel’s disappearance, he begins to understand the complex web of relationships and power struggles within the brujx community.  Miguel’s absence and the subsequent search for him are pivotal in driving the narrative forward, and his eventual discovery adds to the emotional depth of Yadriel’s journey.

Despite not being an active participant in the story, Miguel’s character serves as a catalyst for many of Yadriel’s actions, pushing him to confront both his family’s expectations and the darker forces that threaten the brujx community.

Themes

Identity and Self-Acceptance

Yadriel’s journey in Cemetery Boys is an exploration of identity and the struggle for self-acceptance.  As a transgender boy in a traditional brujx community that does not fully accept him, Yadriel faces rejection from his father and others who believe that his gender identity disqualifies him from performing the sacred rites of a brujo.

Throughout the story, Yadriel must prove that his worth is not determined by his gender but by his abilities and courage.  His journey toward self-acceptance is not only about his magical powers but also about reconciling his identity with the expectations placed upon him by both his family and society.

By performing the ritual despite his family’s disapproval and summoning a spirit, Yadriel demonstrates his resilience and determination to carve his own path.  The deeper exploration of his relationship with his family, especially his father, highlights the generational and cultural conflicts that arise when tradition collides with personal identity.

Ultimately, Yadriel’s acceptance of himself as both a brujo and a transgender individual marks the story’s resolution, where his family, notably his father, begins to recognize him for who he truly is.  Yadriel’s journey is a reminder that identity is a deeply personal and complex aspect of one’s existence, and finding acceptance—whether from others or oneself—requires immense strength.

Life, Death, and the Afterlife

The concepts of life, death, and what lies in between are central themes in Cemetery Boys, explored through both Yadriel’s magical abilities and his experiences with spirits.  As a brujo, Yadriel is tasked with guiding the souls of the dead to the afterlife, a responsibility that is intertwined with the brujx community’s traditions and rituals.

However, death in this world is not as simple as merely passing into the afterlife; it is complicated by unfinished business, lingering emotions, and the potential for spirits to become malevolent if they are not properly guided.  The ghost of Julian, who refuses to cross over until he resolves his unfinished business, challenges Yadriel’s understanding of life and death.

Julian’s struggle to accept his own death and Yadriel’s efforts to help him reflect the complex emotional landscape surrounding the end of life.  Additionally, the idea of spirits becoming “maligno” if they remain too long in the mortal world introduces a darker side to the afterlife, where the boundaries between the living and the dead are blurred.

The theme of death is further complicated by Yadriel’s struggle to help Julian pass on, forcing him to confront not only his own identity but the impermanence of life and the consequences of letting go.  As the story progresses, Yadriel comes to understand that death is not just an event but a process—one that cannot be rushed or controlled.

This lesson is highlighted by the ultimate realization that some things, both in life and in death, must be left behind in order to move forward.

Family and Tradition

Cemetery Boys deeply examines the role of family and tradition, particularly within a close-knit, culturally rich community.  Yadriel’s relationship with his family, especially with his father, represents the tension between individual identity and familial expectations.

The brujx community values tradition and has strict rites of passage that are not easily altered or questioned.  Yadriel’s transgender identity places him in direct opposition to these traditions, and his family’s refusal to accept him as a true brujo initially isolates him.

This tension creates a painful rift, as Yadriel yearns for approval and recognition from those he loves.  His journey is not only about his magical abilities but also about proving his worth to his family and finding a place for himself within a community that is reluctant to change.

The exploration of family dynamics is also shown through the conflict between Yadriel and his uncle, Tío Catriz, whose actions represent the darker side of tradition—where power and control are prioritized over the well-being of others.  Tío Catriz’s manipulation of forbidden rituals and his willingness to sacrifice others for personal gain highlights how tradition can be corrupted when taken to extremes.

Ultimately, Yadriel’s acceptance within his family is a turning point in the novel, symbolizing a shift toward a more inclusive understanding of what it means to belong.  His father’s eventual recognition of his abilities represents a breakthrough in their relationship and a step toward healing generational divides.

Love and Connection

Love and human connection, in both its romantic and platonic forms, are vital themes in Cemetery Boys, with the relationships between Yadriel, Julian, and Maritza serving as key examples.  The bond between Yadriel and Julian, though unconventional due to their differing states of existence, is at the heart of the narrative.

Their relationship begins under strange circumstances, with Yadriel summoning Julian’s spirit accidentally, but it evolves into a deep emotional connection as they work together to solve the mysteries surrounding his death.  Their shared experiences of feeling misunderstood and searching for answers bring them closer, allowing them to support each other through their personal struggles.

For Yadriel, Julian becomes not only a companion in his magical journey but also a symbol of acceptance and unconditional support.  The development of their relationship shows that love transcends the boundaries of life and death, and the emotional bond they form is a crucial part of Yadriel’s growth.

Maritza, as Yadriel’s best friend, also plays a significant role in his journey, representing loyalty and friendship.  She provides emotional support and helps Yadriel navigate his path, demonstrating that love is not confined to romantic relationships but also exists in the form of deep, platonic connections.

The theme of love in Cemetery Boys is ultimately about finding solace, understanding, and support from others, even when navigating personal turmoil or loss.  It shows that love, in all its forms, is a transformative force that helps individuals heal, grow, and accept themselves and their circumstances.

Courage and Defiance

Yadriel’s journey is also a tale of courage and defiance against societal norms and expectations.  From the very beginning, he takes matters into his own hands by performing the ritual without his family’s permission, knowing the risks and challenges he will face.

This act of defiance is driven not only by his desire to prove himself as a brujo but also by his need to assert his identity and place in a world that has continually rejected him.  His courage is further demonstrated as he continues to face the challenges of helping Julian, despite the dangers that come with releasing an unfulfilled spirit.

Throughout the story, Yadriel is confronted with situations that test his resolve, from navigating the dangers of the cemetery to dealing with the threats posed by his uncle’s dark rituals.  His defiance is not just an act of rebellion but an assertion of his right to be who he is, to claim his power, and to protect those he loves.

This theme of courage is also reflected in the way Yadriel faces his personal fears, particularly his fear of rejection and failure.  As he continues to stand up for himself and others, Yadriel learns that courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to face it head-on and to challenge the systems that seek to limit one’s potential.

By the end of the story, Yadriel’s courage leads to significant changes not only in his life but also within his family and community, demonstrating the power of defiance in the pursuit of personal growth and social change.