Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

What a fascinating mystery. It definitely kept me guessing until the very end. The Preserve is a must-read.

Synopsis:
troubled WWII hero turned deserter Wendell Lett desperately seeks a cure to his severe combat trauma, and The Preserve seems to be his salvation. Run by Lansdale, a mysterious intelligence officer, and Lett’s ambitious wartime XO Charlie Selfer, the secretive training camp promises relief from the terrors in his mind. Together with Kanani Alana, a tough-minded Hawaiian also looking for a new start at The Preserve, Lett begins to feel hopeful.

All illusions are shattered, though, when Lett discovers The Preserve’s true intentions—to rebuild him into a cold-blooded assassin. The deadly conspiracy runs deep, all the way to General Douglas MacArthur, and his refusal to cooperate is met with merciless punishment. His only hope is Kanani and her dangerous escape plan that would grant freedom from The Preserve—if he can hide while surviving the harsh wilderness of the Big Island. Based on true events, The Preserve is a fast-paced historical thriller that will leave you breathless.

It's the period just after the Second World War ended, and Wendell Lett is among the thousands of American soldiers that have deserted the army due to suffering combat fatigue and unable to face more combat. If caught by the U.S. army he faces a long prison period as well as being branded as a traitor. But he is found by Landsdale and Lett's ambitious wartime commanding officer Charlie Selfer and offered a chance to redeem himself by agreeing to take part in a secret plan. The plan involves being sent to "The Preserve" where he will be treated for nightmares and prepared to enter the world of the Preserve whatever that world may be.
With nothing to lose Wendell agrees and is sent to the secret location in Hawaii of the Preserve. He begins the treatment and at the same time meets Kanani Alana a young Hawaiian girl also looking for another start. The idea sounds good to both and they jump into their initial phase which for Wendell means a series of shots and discussions with a man he believes is a doctor. But there is a fly in the ointment and Wendell comes to the realization that the Preserve's purpose is to turn him into a cold blooded assassin. Kanani also comes to a conclusion which is unappealing to her. She is to become a honeypot trap for targets of the agency running the preserve.
The idea is an excellent one and in the hands of Mr Anderson creates a mesmerizing book and a fascinating read. There is more, though, which the author points out and has been rumored and may have been true. That is that General Douglas MacArthur is behind the Preserve and means to use it to obtain and keep a good share of the plunder taken by the Japanese army from countries they conquered. Mr Anderson touches on the bad blood between MacArthur and president Harry Truman. Such is the enmity between the two that Truman did finally releave MacArthur of his command causing him to resign from the army.
The novel is a standalone and a good one, but Mr Anderson had previously published a book about Wendell's adventures during the war and based on the strength and draw of his one could be of more than a passing interest for the reader.