Publisher's Synopsis
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.
