Aiden Thomas

Aiden Thomas is a Latino American young adult author known for writing fantasy novels featuring diverse characters and LGBTQ+ themes. Their breakout novel "Cemetery Boys" became a New York Times bestseller and garnered multiple awards from major literary organizations. Born in Oakland, California and holding an MFA in creative writing from Mills College, Thomas has established themselves as a prominent voice in contemporary young adult literature. Their works often incorporate elements of fantasy while exploring themes of identity, family, and acceptance. Thomas's bibliography includes "Cemetery Boys" (2020), a story about a transgender Latino brujo; "Lost in the Never Woods" (2021), a dark reimagining of Peter Pan; and "The Sunbearer Trials" (2022), a Mexican-inspired fantasy novel. Their latest work, "Celestial Monsters," continues The Sunbearer series. Each of Thomas's books has received critical acclaim, with starred reviews from publications like Publishers Weekly and Booklist. As a transgender author who uses he/they pronouns, Thomas brings authentic representation to the young adult fantasy genre through their storytelling.

Readers connect strongly with Thomas's character development and authentic representation of trans and queer experiences. Many reviews highlight the emotional depth in "Cemetery Boys" and praise how cultural elements blend naturally with fantasy aspects. What readers liked: - Complex family dynamics - Incorporation of Latino folklore and traditions - Natural inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters without making identity the sole focus - Accessible writing style for young adult readers What readers disliked: - Some find the pacing slow, particularly in early chapters - Romance plots occasionally overshadow main storylines - World-building can lack detail in places Ratings across platforms: - Cemetery Boys: 4.3/5 on Goodreads (98,000+ ratings), 4.7/5 on Amazon - Lost in the Never Woods: 3.8/5 on Goodreads (15,000+ ratings) - The Sunbearer Trials: 4.1/5 on Goodreads (22,000+ ratings) Common reader comment: "Finally found fantasy that represents my culture and identity without feeling forced or tokenized." - Goodreads review

Cemetery Boys - A transgender teen practices forbidden magic to prove himself a real brujo to his traditional Latinx family while investigating the death of his cousin.

Lost in the Never Woods - Five years after her brothers disappeared, 18-year-old Wendy meets a mysterious boy named Peter as more children go missing in her small town.

The Sunbearer Trials - In a fantasy world inspired by Mexican mythology, trans boy Teo competes in a deadly competition against the children of gods to keep the sun's power alive.

Celestial Monsters - Following the events of The Sunbearer Trials, Teo faces new challenges as he navigates his role as the Sunbearer and confronts rising threats to the kingdom.

Anna-Marie McLemore McLemore writes magical realism with Latino folklore and LGBTQ+ characters at the center of their stories. Their work includes transgender and nonbinary representation across multiple fantasy novels that blend culture and magic.

Adam Silvera Silvera creates contemporary and speculative fiction centered on queer Latino characters navigating identity and relationships. His books combine elements of fantasy with realistic emotional journeys and cultural experiences.

Zoraida Córdova Córdova writes fantasy novels incorporating Latinx mythology and cultural elements into contemporary settings. Her work spans multiple series featuring diverse characters discovering their magical heritage while exploring their identities.

Mark Oshiro Oshiro creates stories that blend contemporary issues with supernatural elements, featuring queer and POC protagonists. Their books tackle themes of family expectations and self-discovery through a speculative lens.

Rebecca Roanhorse Roanhorse writes fantasy and science fiction incorporating Indigenous characters and mythology. Her work combines cultural elements with inventive worldbuilding and character-driven narratives.