Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite 
Joel R. Dennstedt pens an adventurous science fiction thriller in Guanjo. Hidden deep within is a dream, a deep desire to experience more than the ordinary, to truly go and seek out what humankind has never seen before. This dream becomes a reality for John E. Boyd as he attempts a solo mission to seek out the members of the original Guanjo team. No one has ever heard from them, and one question haunts John; did they make it to Guanjo? And if so, did they encounter an alien life form? Risking his life, John sets out to discover the answers to these questions. His quest takes him through several dangerous light shifts through space. He encounters many odd, yet helpful humanoids. But nothing compares with or prepares him for what he finds on Guanjo. 
Guanjo by Joel R. Dennstedt keeps you teetering on the edge of reality; it is truly entertainingly suspenseful. From the beginning Prologue, Dennstedt hooks the reader with mysterious, out-of-this-world action.The narrative is written in three parts which divide the plot's development.These divisions allow the story to unfold with ease and precision. The narrative is figuratively written with metaphors which give meaning and life to the setting and characters.
Guanjo is narrated by the main character; therefore, the reader experiences his emotions, thoughts and his point of view. As the reader,you sense the changes in his personality, as Dennstedt exposes the "difference in his soul," resulting in dynamic character growth. The cast of characters is unique; they give body and flavor to the story. However, the antagonists, the creepy demonic amphibious aliens, are what make the story truly a one of a kind science fiction read.