Aiden Thomas Releases 'Cemetery Boys: Espíritu', Expanding Historic YA Series
The sequel to the New York Times bestselling urban fantasy deepens LGBTQ+ and Latinx representation in young adult literature.
Aiden Thomas has released "Cemetery Boys: Espíritu," the highly anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestselling novel "Cemetery Boys." The new installment continues a narrative centered on queer identity and Latinx culture within the young adult urban fantasy genre.
Published by Macmillan, the book officially launched on September 8, 2026. To mark the release, Polygon featured a promotional audiobook excerpt from a later chapter in the story. The excerpt is narrated by Vico Ortiz, a Puerto Rican actor and drag king who is also a newcomer to the Critical Role community, bringing a distinct voice to the promotional rollout.
A Legacy of Representation
The original "Cemetery Boys," published in 2020, established a significant milestone in publishing as the first book on the New York Times bestseller list written by an openly transgender author and featuring a transgender protagonist. Set in East Los Angeles, the first novel introduced readers to Yadriel, an aspiring brujo, and Julian, a ghost, blending a queer coming-of-age story with supernatural elements. The series has been praised for its authentic portrayal of gender identity and cultural heritage.
Industry Impact
The release of "Espíritu" sustains a rare and vital narrative space for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream YA fantasy. By centering transgender and queer Latinx experiences, Thomas provides visibility to a demographic often marginalized in genre fiction. Furthermore, the collaboration with Vico Ortiz strategically bridges the literary world with the influential Critical Role fan community, expanding the book's reach to a broader audience of tabletop gaming and fantasy enthusiasts.
Looking Ahead
As "Cemetery Boys: Espíritu" enters the market, readers and critics will be watching to see how the sequel evolves the relationship between Yadriel and Julian while expanding the lore of the brujería world. While the promotional excerpt provides a glimpse into the later stages of the plot, the full trajectory of the characters' growth remains the primary focus for the series' dedicated following. This expansion of the world not only serves existing fans but reinforces the importance of inclusive storytelling in the broader publishing landscape, ensuring that the intersection of Latinx heritage and queer identity remains a visible, celebrated part of the YA canon.