Common Sense Media Review
By Julian Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Exciting, emotional paranormal fantasy has mild violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In ESPIRITU, the Christmas season is underway as young brujx Yadriel and his recently resurrected boyfriend Julian, help prepare for the upcoming brujx holiday festivities. Everyone seems to be in great holiday cheer… except for Julian. Suddenly, he is experiencing strange, haunting visions. At the same time, Yadriel and his bruja cousin, Maritza, learn that spirits are disappearing. Coincidentally, these events coincide with the arrival of a newcomer bruje, Angel. Yadriel, Julian, and Maritza must connect the dots of these mysteries to avert a new spiritual crisis.
Is It Any Good?
This suspenseful and moving sequel manages to expand the world of Cemetery Boys without losing what made the first book so special. Author Aiden Thomas shifts the spotlight in Espíritu to Julian Diaz, Yadriel's boyfriend, who must reckon with traumatic grief while he and his crew face a spiritual threat born from the weaponization of grief. It's also a story of relying on trust in the pursuit of achieving a common goal. The action sequences involving magic are engaging with paranoid visions and spiritual possessions that will keep readers invested. Queer, trans, and Latino readers in particular will feel seen as the story infuses elements of these identities into the fictional brujx communities and characters. Yadriel and Julian continue to be the heart and soul of the series as their joyful, heartwarming, and emotional chemistry continues to grow. A wholly worthwhile read.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about teamwork in Espíritu. How do Yadriel, Julian, and Maritza work together to unravel the mysteries behind Julian's visions and spirits disappearing? How does Julian's empathy and compassion for Angel help? When has empathy or compassion been key to working with others on a team or in a group? What happened?
If you're not already a fantasy fan, would this book interest you in reading other fantasy novels? Why or why not?
How was the length and pacing of the book for you? Does the author do a good job of keeping the action going over a fairly long book? If yes, how so?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy ( Ghosts , Magic ) , Friendship , Holidays ( Christmas ) , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Feiwel & Friends
- Publication date : September 8, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
- Number of pages : 432
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle, App
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 11, 2026
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