Review by Booklist Review
The book begins, "Christian Reyes is dead, and he's in my basement," arguably the best opening line in recent memory. The basement is in 16-year-old half-Dominican, half-Puerto Rican Jaxon's mother's funeral home, and Christian is indeed dead--until Jaxon touches his hand, and to his utter astonishment, brings him back to life. Cue his mother and aunt finally spilling the beans about his power (which he didn't know he had). It's hereditary, but maddeningly, they don't seem to know much more than that. So Jaxon determines to find out, assisted by--yes--Christian, who is recovered, but as Jaxon discovers, may be dying, a possibility that becomes unbearable as the two boys fall in love. Bou-Montes' novel stumbles in some ambiguities, and one major set piece doesn't quite land; nevertheless, most readers will enjoy the boys' intriguing search and their well-realized relationship.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 7 Up--Jaxon Santiago-Noble, 16, is no stranger to death. His mom is the town mortician, after all. That still doesn't prepare him for the night his ex-best friend (and first crush), Christian Reyes, comes back from dead. And it certainly doesn't prepare him for the part he has to play in Christian's resurrection. This a beautiful queer romance reminiscent of Adam Silvera's They Both Die at the End, with Jaxon and Christian drawn together by their shared past and shared commitment to keep Christian alive amid a hunt to uncover Jaxon's secret family history. Bou-Montes's debut will have readers hooked, with writing that is deliciously grotesque when it needs to be and beautifully emotional in exactly the right places. Whether it's his desperate search to understand his heritage or his stubborn refusal to let go of a second chance, Jaxon is a character readers can't help rooting for. Bou-Montes has created a surreally fascinating world and magic system, with a great cast of supporting characters, that altogether make for a can't-put-down reading experience. VERDICT A perfect queer and spooky addition to YA collections.--Jolie Hanlon
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A teen discovers his necromantic powers and the cost of defying death when he accidentally resurrects his ex--best friend. Jaxon Santiago-Noble, a gay Afro-Latine boy who's Puerto Rican and Dominican, lives with his mom above his family's funeral home. Unlike his father, who lived and died a mystery, Jaxon's mother has never hidden her work from him. Having dead bodies in his basement feels like a normal part of life--until Christian Reyes arrives in the morgue after a fatal car crash. Against his mother's wishes, Jaxon sneaks into the basement to say goodbye, but as he's processing his unresolved feelings, he unknowingly calls Christian's soul back into his broken body. With the Mami's help--and the use of his father's heirloom pocket watch--Jaxon temporarily brings Christian back to life, but reversing death requires a sacrifice. Mexican American Christian will die again if he and Jaxon can't find a way to fully restore his life force. This emotional and heart-poundingly suspenseful debut intertwines romance with supernatural horror. As Jaxon attempts to understand and control his powers, he navigates complex relationships with his family and friends. Forgiveness and accountability are important parts of Jaxon's character growth, elements that pair well with the underlying themes of culture and community. Bou-Montes also includes destigmatizing representations of mental illness; Jaxon's anxiety is sensitively woven into his characterization. A nuanced romantic thriller.(Paranormal romance. 14-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
