War can bring out humanity's monstrous side. But amidst the nightmare of conflict, there exist entities even more monstrous... more sinister.
Life in Sasebo is difficult enough for Takeshi and Yuki. But with the death of their parents, things went from bad to worse. Living in harsh economic conditions with an abusive aunt and uncle causes Takeshi to look for any way out. In order to improve their situation, young Takeshi makes the honorable choice to enlist in Japan's Imperial Army.
However, it quickly becomes clear to Takeshi that being stationed in a tropical island paradise does nothing to shield him from the horrors of war. Takeshi begins to walk a very fine line, pitting his very humanity against his loyalty and obedience to the Emperor.
But brutal, merciless Japanese soldiers are not the only thing to fear on this island.
Something dark and powerful inhabits these jungles, challenging the presence of the Imperial Army. When reports of invisible enemies and a mysterious illness begin spreading amongst the soldiers, Takeshi begins to realize there is far more at stake here than anybody first realized.
Takeshi's struggle for survival and redemption only intensifies as an American invasion looms closer with every passing moment.
Time—and hope—are quickly running out.
But who is he fighting? Who can he save? And what is this mysterious force that threatens to eradicate the Japanese invaders?
Join Takeshi in Guardians of the Latte Stones, a historical fiction novel that intertwines supernatural legend and real-life World War II events.
Aleja’s narrative entwines historical detail and mystical elements, portraying Takeshi's internal struggle as he is tasked with convincing local healers in Guam to aid the Japanese troops, who are suffering from mysterious ailments. The tension escalates as Takeshi learns that the island’s spirits demand repentance for the soldiers' transgressions, and his superiors' relentless destruction of the locals leaves few healers capable of assisting. Aleja doesn’t shy away from recounting the brutality and violence of the island’s occupation, and the story’s supernatural dimension adds a layer of complexity, with the spirits’ retribution against the invaders a chilling counterpoint to their wartime atrocities.
Takeshi's moral conflict and gradual transformation is both compelling and heartbreaking, shedding light on the human capacity for compassion amidst the horrors of war. The story’s supernatural components take longer to develop, but as Takeshi discovers more of the spirits’ forces, so, too, does his awareness grow that he, and his fellow soldiers, must learn to respect the island—and its people—in spite of their military assignment. The book excels in its atmospheric setting and character development, delivering a thought-provoking read that deftly combines historical fiction with fantasy and cultural exploration.
Takeaway: Haunting journey through the complexities of war, culture, and the supernatural.
Comparable Titles: Christine Kohler, Tanya Taimanglo.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
