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Guardians of the Latte Stones
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 page-turning historical fiction novel that intertwines Chamorro legend and real-life World War II events.
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 page-turning historical fiction novel that intertwines Chamorro legend and real-life World War II events.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2024
8 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
M.K. Aleja
3 books7 followersMK Aleja is of mixed ethnicity but it is his CHamoru heritage that he feels is underrepresented in mainstream media. Growing up on Guam, he knows all the legends and folklore and has even had his own experiences with the supernatural. He hopes that putting all of this into his stories will not only entertain readers, but might also pique readers' interest in the CHamoru culture. MK currently resides in Alaska with his wife and youngest son.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 31, 2024
A Powerful Ghost Story Set on the Island of Guam
Wow! I am truly amazed at how powerful and touching this story is. It not only shows the horror of war so clearly but it brings the ghostly spirits of the Chamorro (Guam) to life as well. One could call this a ghost story although I am uncertain if these spirits are actually "ghosts" in the typical Western way. But the word ghost may be close as they are shadowy figures that bullets cannot harm.
First of all I really felt for poor Takeshi in here. He goes through so much torture and pain (both physical and mental) in here. He is a gentle soul and even though he had volunteered to join the Japanese Army he is not suited for that at all. The things he witnesses makes him sick to his soul. Makes me wonder what is wrong with all of those others that they can do such horrible things and it doesn't bother them??? But Takeshi truly brings the horrors of World War 2 to life in here, from the eyes of the Japanese. Of course he really doesn't fit in even though he is Japanese. I definitely felt bad for him and the horrors he was forced to endure.
There was a part near the beginning of the story where he had arrived at a destination (before he boards the Aki Maru) and they tell him that he is different. This was the only part in the story that had confused me. I can see why he was different on the island (Guam = Omiyajima) but I never understood why he was seen different so early on. Weren't they all Japanese??
The story never scared me but I found the mythology in here about the spirits very interesting. It certainly put an emphasis on things like honor, respect, being a kind decent person. Because these spirits look at who you are inside. Everyone should be concerned about those things but these days too many people have fallen into darkness and they just don't care about those things at all. there is also an emphasis on the natural world and how it can all be ruined. And that is so sad. Trees burning. Nature destroyed.
The story contained a few shocking twists. The one truly shocked me as I never saw that coming but in retrospect I should have.
The end of this one made me cry... It definitely packs an emotional punch. I think I will remember this one for a long time.
I never read a story set in Guam before so this was a first.
More people definitely need to read this.
Wow! I am truly amazed at how powerful and touching this story is. It not only shows the horror of war so clearly but it brings the ghostly spirits of the Chamorro (Guam) to life as well. One could call this a ghost story although I am uncertain if these spirits are actually "ghosts" in the typical Western way. But the word ghost may be close as they are shadowy figures that bullets cannot harm.
First of all I really felt for poor Takeshi in here. He goes through so much torture and pain (both physical and mental) in here. He is a gentle soul and even though he had volunteered to join the Japanese Army he is not suited for that at all. The things he witnesses makes him sick to his soul. Makes me wonder what is wrong with all of those others that they can do such horrible things and it doesn't bother them??? But Takeshi truly brings the horrors of World War 2 to life in here, from the eyes of the Japanese. Of course he really doesn't fit in even though he is Japanese. I definitely felt bad for him and the horrors he was forced to endure.
There was a part near the beginning of the story where he had arrived at a destination (before he boards the Aki Maru) and they tell him that he is different. This was the only part in the story that had confused me. I can see why he was different on the island (Guam = Omiyajima) but I never understood why he was seen different so early on. Weren't they all Japanese??
The story never scared me but I found the mythology in here about the spirits very interesting. It certainly put an emphasis on things like honor, respect, being a kind decent person. Because these spirits look at who you are inside. Everyone should be concerned about those things but these days too many people have fallen into darkness and they just don't care about those things at all. there is also an emphasis on the natural world and how it can all be ruined. And that is so sad. Trees burning. Nature destroyed.
The story contained a few shocking twists. The one truly shocked me as I never saw that coming but in retrospect I should have.
The end of this one made me cry... It definitely packs an emotional punch. I think I will remember this one for a long time.
I never read a story set in Guam before so this was a first.
More people definitely need to read this.
April 22, 2024
Set against the backdrop of Sasebo's economic struggles, Guardians of the Latte Stones, by M.K. Aleja, is a compelling historical fiction narrative interwoven with elements of folklore and the harsh realities of World War II. The story follows Yuki and Takeshi, siblings grappling with the loss of their parents and the cruelty of their guardians. Takeshi, seeking an escape, enlists in Japan's Imperial Army, believing he's secured a favorable position on a seemingly tranquil tropical island. However, the island harbors a dark secret, challenging Takeshi's perceptions of warfare and morality.
Aleja masterfully merges fantasy and historical elements, weaving a narrative rich in suspense and tinged with a sense of foreboding. This novel skillfully intertwines authentic historical details with creative storytelling, immersing readers in the era's cultural, social, and emotional contexts. Structured like a classic fairytale, it features a young protagonist navigating a world of sinister relatives and pivotal decisions. The story centers on Takeshi, whose initial dreams of glorified military service clash with the harsh realities of war, forming the story's core. The characters are thoughtfully crafted, bringing their challenges and victories to life in a way that resonates with readers.
Aleja's meticulous approach to narrative construction and his knack for intricate storytelling are noteworthy, offering an engaging and enlightening read. This book poignantly addresses the human toll of war, presenting a seldom-seen perspective on WWII. As the plot progresses, Takeshi and the readers encounter the ancestral spirits of Guam. These spirits, seeking retribution for past injustices, introduce a supernatural layer to the story. Their actions and subsequent developments prompted Takeshi to reevaluate the Japanese army's role on the island, providing an insightful look at the effects of wartime occupation.
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.
Aleja masterfully merges fantasy and historical elements, weaving a narrative rich in suspense and tinged with a sense of foreboding. This novel skillfully intertwines authentic historical details with creative storytelling, immersing readers in the era's cultural, social, and emotional contexts. Structured like a classic fairytale, it features a young protagonist navigating a world of sinister relatives and pivotal decisions. The story centers on Takeshi, whose initial dreams of glorified military service clash with the harsh realities of war, forming the story's core. The characters are thoughtfully crafted, bringing their challenges and victories to life in a way that resonates with readers.
Aleja's meticulous approach to narrative construction and his knack for intricate storytelling are noteworthy, offering an engaging and enlightening read. This book poignantly addresses the human toll of war, presenting a seldom-seen perspective on WWII. As the plot progresses, Takeshi and the readers encounter the ancestral spirits of Guam. These spirits, seeking retribution for past injustices, introduce a supernatural layer to the story. Their actions and subsequent developments prompted Takeshi to reevaluate the Japanese army's role on the island, providing an insightful look at the effects of wartime occupation.
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.
March 17, 2025
This is a beautiful, deep, and heart-wrenching historical fiction novel set during World War II. What really sets it apart is that it’s told from the perspective of a Japanese soldier.
To escape his troubled home life, Takeshi enlists in the Imperial Army and thinks he’s being stationed in an island paradise. All too soon he realizes the island of Guam is more than it appears. Takeshi is so ill-suited for war. He’s a gentle, decent person, and the things he witnesses and endures weighs heavily on his soul. The horrors of war and human travesty is not whitewashed in this book. Mr. Aleja does a wonderful job in tugging on the readers’ emotions. The paranormal element helps draw the narrative together and keep the pacing fast.
For lovers of historical fiction, I recommend Guardians of the Latte Stones.
4 Stars
To escape his troubled home life, Takeshi enlists in the Imperial Army and thinks he’s being stationed in an island paradise. All too soon he realizes the island of Guam is more than it appears. Takeshi is so ill-suited for war. He’s a gentle, decent person, and the things he witnesses and endures weighs heavily on his soul. The horrors of war and human travesty is not whitewashed in this book. Mr. Aleja does a wonderful job in tugging on the readers’ emotions. The paranormal element helps draw the narrative together and keep the pacing fast.
For lovers of historical fiction, I recommend Guardians of the Latte Stones.
4 Stars
March 25, 2024
Enchanting
Aleja seamlessly intertwines Chamorro folklore with WWII history in this haunting, culturally rich novel. Through a Japanese soldier's eyes, readers bear witness to the atrocities inflicted upon Guam's native people while eerie supernatural forces stalk the invaders. Aleja's vivid portrayal of the duality between man's inhumanity and the island's spiritual guardians creates a captivating, tension-filled atmosphere. Though some characters lack nuanced development, the unique premise and immersive setting more than compensate. An ambitious, high-stakes narrative shedding light on an underrepresented perspective from the Pacific War. Fans of mystical historical fiction will be entranced by this powerful debut.
Aleja seamlessly intertwines Chamorro folklore with WWII history in this haunting, culturally rich novel. Through a Japanese soldier's eyes, readers bear witness to the atrocities inflicted upon Guam's native people while eerie supernatural forces stalk the invaders. Aleja's vivid portrayal of the duality between man's inhumanity and the island's spiritual guardians creates a captivating, tension-filled atmosphere. Though some characters lack nuanced development, the unique premise and immersive setting more than compensate. An ambitious, high-stakes narrative shedding light on an underrepresented perspective from the Pacific War. Fans of mystical historical fiction will be entranced by this powerful debut.
March 12, 2024
This Deserves to Be Read By a Lot More People!
The book grabbed me from the general concept in the description, and then in the pages. It is in fact a page-turner, well written, with lots of suspense and excitement. I love the historical accuracy woven in in a way made possible by the fact that Aleja was born and raised on Guam, bringing the history and culture of the Chamorrow people to live. This is an awesome book.
The book grabbed me from the general concept in the description, and then in the pages. It is in fact a page-turner, well written, with lots of suspense and excitement. I love the historical accuracy woven in in a way made possible by the fact that Aleja was born and raised on Guam, bringing the history and culture of the Chamorrow people to live. This is an awesome book.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews