GUYS + GHOSTS
What a captivating debut novel!
Yadriel is a trans Latin boy, a brujo, who is misunderstood by his community, who believe he can’t be a boy or a brujo because he was born a girl. He has to take matters into his own hands and become who he is, get what he deserves, and he does it with the help of a spirit named Julian. Julian is energetic and reckless and dead… and the more time they spend together, the closer they become.
This is definitely not a typical love story, but it was one of the best I’ve read of late. I loved the main character being a trans boy and fighting for who he is. I loved his friend Maritza who helped him every step of the way. I loved Julian who didn’t even flinch, and his giant personality that made me laugh and cry and feel everything viscerally. I loved the dynamic between the two the whole time. I did predict who the ‘villain’ was, however, but I loved the ending.
I also appreciated all the little insights into the culture. All the knowledge about the Day of the Dead. All the people and spirits. This was a very action packed but also character-driven book. It had a good balance. It’s one of those books I couldn’t put down once I picked it up, which is very impressive for a debut novel. The author should be extremely proud of their creation.
I recommend this for anyone who wants to read books about diverse communities and characters, and written by diverse authors. A beautiful magical gem that focuses on world-building and character development. Perhaps a bit too perfectly wrapped in a bow – maybe the author’s inexperience showing – but otherwise, an absolute gem of a debut novel.
Reviewed by Violeta Nedkova
