Where to Start with Aiden Thomas
For readers diving into Aiden Thomas's worlds for the first time, your starting point depends entirely on what kind of magical atmosphere you want to explore. Because the author's series are set in entirely separate universes, there is no single overarching chronological timeline you need to follow. Instead, we recommend choose-your-own-adventure pathways based on your favorite fantasy subgenres.
Option 1: The Bestselling Paranormal Urban Fantasy (Highly Recommended)
If you want to start with the book that made literary history, begin with Cemetery Boys (2020). Set in a vibrant, modern Latinx community, it is a perfect mix of ghost-summoning mystery, family drama, and queer romance. Once you finish, you can continue directly into the highly anticipated sequel, Espíritu (scheduled for release on September 8, 2026).
Option 2: The Mythological High-Fantasy Adventure
If you prefer competitive, high-stakes fantasy inspired by Mexican folklore and Aztec mythology, start with The Sunbearer Trials (2022). This duology introduces an entirely secondary fantasy world filled with demigods, trials of survival, and massive beasts. You can follow it up immediately with the concluding volume, Celestial Monsters (2024).
Option 3: The Dark and Spooky Retelling
If you love eerie, atmospheric folklore and reimagined classic fairy tales, start with the standalone novel Lost in the Never Woods (2021). It is a dark, psychological retelling of Peter Pan that deals with missing children, grief, and trauma in the woods of Astoria, Oregon.
The Cemetery Boys Duology
Aiden Thomas's debut novel is a beloved cornerstone of modern queer YA literature. What was originally a standalone story is expanding into a duology. The books should be read in strict publication/chronological order:
- Cemetery Boys (2020): We meet Yadriel, a trans boy determined to prove his status as a brujo to his traditional family. When he attempts to perform the ritual to find the ghost of his murdered cousin, he accidentally summons Julian Diaz—the school's resident bad boy who refuses to move on quietly. Yadriel has no choice but to help Julian wrap up his loose ends, leading to an unexpected bond.
- Espíritu (September 2026): Picking up after the dramatic events of the first book, the sequel shifts its focus to Julian's perspective. Having survived a dangerous sacrifice, Julian must navigate a new reality where he can see and communicate with lingering spirits. When a new nonbinary brujx named Ángel arrives in town, Julian begins seeing strange "dark spots" and shadows. Together, they must solve a new threat to their community while Julian tries to maintain his relationship with Yadriel.
The Sunbearer Duology
Inspired by Mexican mythology, this finished duology takes readers to the magical land of Reino del Sol. The books must be read in order due to a continuous, high-stakes storyline:
- The Sunbearer Trials (2022): Every ten years, the sun deity Sol chooses ten young semidioses (demigods) to compete in the Sunbearer Trials. The winner carries light to the temples, while the loser is sacrificed to keep the evil Obsidian gods locked away. Teo, a seventeen-year-old trans son of the goddess of birds, is a Gold semidios who expects to sit on the sidelines. However, he is unexpectedly chosen alongside lower-status Jade semidioses, forcing him into a deadly competition against elite competitors.
- Celestial Monsters (2024): The direct sequel picks up immediately after the devastating conclusion of the Trials. With the barrier broken and dangerous monsters unleashed, Teo and his companions must travel across Reino del Sol to save their friends, rebuild alliances, and find a way to defeat the rising threat of the Obsidian gods without destroying their world.
Standalone Novels & Unscheduled Projects
In addition to their multi-book fantasy worlds, Aiden Thomas has written standalone works that can be picked up at any point without worrying about broader universe continuity:
- Lost in the Never Woods (2021): This standalone dark fantasy reimagines the Peter Pan mythos. Five years after Wendy Darling and her brothers went missing in the woods—with only Wendy returning—children start disappearing again. When Wendy finds an unconscious boy named Peter in the forest, she must confront her fractured memories and face the dark secrets hiding in the trees.
- Just Max (Status: Postponed / Unscheduled): Originally announced as a contemporary YA novel focusing on a stealth transgender college student navigating his freshman year and falling in love with a soccer player, this project has been postponed. As of 2026, it is not currently on the publisher's release schedule, though it remains a highly anticipated draft in the author's wider plans.
Aiden Thomas Books in Publication Order
If you prefer to watch the author's writing style and themes evolve over time, you can read their works in order of their release:
- Cemetery Boys (September 2020)
- Lost in the Never Woods (March 2021)
- The Sunbearer Trials (September 2022)
- Celestial Monsters (September 2024)
- Espíritu (September 8, 2026)
What to Know Before You Start
Aiden Thomas is celebrated for writing casual, authentic representation. As a trans and Latinx author, Thomas centers trans characters, nonbinary characters, and queer joy without making their struggles with identity the sole focus of the plot. You will also notice a natural integration of Spanish vocabulary and Latinx cultural traditions (such as Día de Muertos preparations, food, and family hierarchies) directly into the narratives without translating every word, creating an immersive, authentic reading experience.