Guardians of the Latte Stones - Paperback Edition

Description

Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Paranormal Thriller

Classification: Novel (Approx. 80,000 words)

Format: Paperback

Audience: Adults

Awarded 5 Stars by The Historical Fiction Company, Readers' Favorite, and Literary Titan.

War can turn men into monsters. Sometimes those monsters can awaken forces far more sinister.
Life in Sasebo during World War II is difficult enough for Takeshi and Yuki. But with the death of their parents, things go from bad to worse. Young Takeshi makes the honorable choice to enlist in Japan’s Imperial Army in hopes that it might improve their situation.
But once deployed, he is soon faced with the harsh realities of war… witnessing and being forced into brutal acts against their Chamorro captives on the island of Guam. Haunted by his conscience, Takeshi learns that ancestral spirits are exacting vengeance for the atrocities. Tasked with finding a cure for the stricken soldiers, he unexpectedly finds both help and love.
With an American invasion imminent and the brutality escalating, Takeshi must choose between his duty and his heart. Will he achieve redemption and protect his beloved, or will the chaos of war and the wrath of ancient spirits overwhelm him?

Editorial Reviews

★★★★★ "M.K. Aleja succeeds in crafting a complex narrative, rich in emotion and meaning, with well-defined characters and an authentic atmosphere.'Guardians of the Latte Stones' by M.K. Aleja receives five stars and the 'Highly Recommended' award of excellence" - The Historical Fiction Company

★★★★★ "M.K. Aleja taps into the rich history and culture of the Pacific island of Guam to create an elaborate mix of suspense, romance, and mystery in Guardians Of The Latte Stones. Historical fiction lovers will enjoy reading this novel." - Readers' Favorite

★★★★★ "Guardians of the Latte Stones is a story that transcends its historical setting, weaving together elements of a ghost story and a poignant commentary on the futility of war. Aleja's approach is both ambitious and nuanced, imbuing the novel with a rich emotional depth. This book is not just a historical account but a multifaceted exploration of war, cultural conflict, and moral ambiguity." - April Pulliam, Literary Titan

"Aleja cleverly tells the story of Japanese-occupied Guam in an unexpected way that captures the tragic destruction of militarism." - Kirkus Reviews

"Guardians of the Latte Stones is a consistently engaging and frequently intense war drama." - The BookLife Prize

"Captivating, compelling, and immensely satisfying. With skilled precision, Aleja weaves together a tightly-woven fantasy plot while expertly infusing historical context. The devastation inflicted upon the Chamorro people of Guam and other Mariana Islands during the war is portrayed with searing intensity, exposing the true horrors of that era. Readers will be moved." - The Prairies Book Review

"Fans of historical fiction, especially World War Two-related, will get a lot out of this book. Guardians of the Latte Stones brings humanity and nuance to a perspective that is often blanketed with negativity and evil." - Chelsey Tucker, Independent Book Review

💲 About Pricing

Signed copies include the $17.99 base price plus an additional $5.00 for personalization.

Your purchase helps support CHamoru storytelling and allows me to sign, pack, and ship each order personally.

📦 Shipping Info (U.S. & Territories):

We use USPS shipping options. Based on experience, we've found that the following information is a fairly accurate guide for delivery expectations.

• Standard Shipping (USPS Media Mail):
  • 2–3 weeks to U.S. mainland
  • 6–8 weeks to Guam & the Northern Mariana Islands
• Express Shipping (USPS Priority Flat Rate):
  • 1–3 business days to U.S. mainland
  • 7–10 days to Guam & the Northern Mariana Islands