Tujunga by Carlos Alvarado is a conspiracy novel that is romantically told—The story follows two tales of love filled with loss, passion, pain and desire that intertwine with one another despite being decades apart. After the mysterious death of Xochi, her fiancé Robert begins to suspect that this tragedy is far more sinister than it first appears and he wanders what about Xochi's research could have led to her murder. Through a series of seamless flashbacks, the reality of Xochi's research comes to light as she had begun to question the US government and the possibility of a cover-up unlike any other.

Decades earlier we find Courtney Mckillon, a young man whose path is both paved in toils and love. Caught between a secret space mission and the love of his wife Claudia, a secret is born - one that many wish to keep from being revealed—but at what cost? With characters described in-depth and with realness, it is impossible to stop turning the pages of this book in the hopes of discovering the fates of these enigmatic, yet uncanny, characters.

The originality of this story is its greatest asset. The concept that Alvarado has created is unlike anything I have ever read and this meant that the book was very hard to put down. Furthermore, one feels as though they are on the path to discovery along with the characters: broken by their heartbreak; entranced by their passions; and enthralled by their journey. Alvarado's detailed descriptions of each character's raw emotions, desires and anguish enable the reader to immerse themselves in the unfolding story. As a result, this book is one that I can reflect upon and appreciate - as not only a beautifully captivating story - but as a study of human nature.

One might find the beginning of the book slightly muddled by the various timelines and I found myself questioning their relevance. Fortunately, as the book progresses the various stories become clearer and more compelling. However, the book's best asset again succeeds as curiosity was victorious over initial confusion. The book is very well edited and planned to form an intricate story with many fascinating and surprising events.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars due to its excellent plot, beautifully crafted characters and clever narration. I would recommend this book to YA readers and those interested in a blend of romance, sci-fi and mystery. There are a few cases of profanity and erotic scenes but these are mild in both cases and are clearly devices to enrich the characters and act as emotive triggers for the reader.

What readers have said about Tujunga:

"...a really bold novel...so much heart and imagination...reminds me of Dan Brown or John Grisham...brimming with romance, intrigue and tension..."

"...Original plot. Not once during the reading did I feel any portion was similar to anything else I have read..."

"...amazing ... absolutely amazing ...(the) development not only of the story of Xochi's murder, but also of the sub-stories... each one worthy in its own right of publication, and when all worked together the way you so masterfully did..."

Author Carlos Alvarado spent 32 years working as an emergency room doctor. Now retired, he used his medical expertise to conjure up a believable conspiracy that is equal parts science fiction, thriller and romance. Tujunga has the feel of a Robert Ludlum, Clive Cussler novel