The Preserve: A Novel
ACTION ADVENTURE CRIME DRAMA MYSTERY SUSPENSE/THRILLER HISTORICAL FICTION WAR
1940s & '50s
Steve Anderson
TaleFlick Pick!
Logline
The US Territory of Hawaii, 1948: A WWII veteran turned deserter seeks a cure to his combat fatigue (PTSD) at a mysterious facility called the Preserve, but his handlers aim to turn him into a vile assassin for a deadly plot that runs all the way to General MacArthur.
Genre
Action,Adventure,Crime,Drama,Mystery,Suspense/Thriller,Historical Fiction,War
Short Summary
Wendell Lett, a WWII hero turned deserter on the lam, reports to a secret base for a cure to his severe “combat fatigue” (PTSD). Lett will do anything to rid himself of his nightmares and violent episodes. And he thinks he’s cut a good deal: he won't be tried for desertion if he takes the treatment.
After narrowly fleeing the Preserve with his fellow resister Kanani, Lett finds safe haven in a remote rainforest valley on Hawaii. Here, Lett learns that Kanani and her confidante Miss Mae intend to repay his allegiance to them by funding his secret passage back to his wife and boy in Belgium.
Setting
Hawaii, The Philippines, Belgium (backstory only)
Based on a True Story
No
Plot - Premise
Voyage and Return,Internal Journey/Rebirth
Plot - Other Elements
Twist
Mature Audience Themes
Language/Profanity
Main Character Details
Name: Wendell Lett
Age: 25
Gender: Male
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Complex,Desperate,Empathetic,Honorable,Underdog,Lone Wolf,Secretive,Skillful,Selfless,Modest,Faithful
Additional Character Details
Name: Kanani Alana
Age: 25
Gender: Female
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Adventurous,Aspiring,Badass,Charming,Confident,Criminal,Desperate,Decisive,Empathetic,Engaging,Faithful,Flexible,Greedy,Lone Wolf,Manipulative,Seductive,Secretive,Sarcastic,Blunt,Sexy,Underdog
Additional Character Details
Name: Lansdale
Age: 35
Gender: Male
Role: antagonist
Key Traits: Adventurous,Aggressive,Skillful,Blunt,Patriotic,Aspiring,Criminal,Confident,Manipulative,Unapologetic,Seductive,Secretive,Power Hungry,Narcisstic,Villainous,Decisive,Greedy
Additional Character Details
Name: Charles Selfer
Age: 28
Gender: Male
Role: tempter
Key Traits: Aspiring,Charming,Confident,Gracious,Educated,Insecure,Narcisstic,Skillful,Secretive,Manipulative,Unapologetic,Engaging,Empathetic,Faithful,Naive,Power Hungry
Development Pitch
The US Territory of Hawaii, 1948: Troubled WWII hero turned deserter Wendell Lett is desperately seeking a cure to his severe combat trauma, and a secret facility called The Preserve seems to be his salvation. Together with Kanani Alana, a tough-minded Hawaiian also looking for a new start at The Preserve, Lett begins to feel hopeful. Lett’s illusions are soon shattered when he 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 Lett’s refusal to cooperate is met with merciless punishment. His only hope is Kanani and her dangerous escape plan—if they can survive the harsh wilderness of the Big Island. The Preserve is based on true events surrounding the “Yamashita’s Gold” conspiracy. It also exists in a world all its own. It takes place after the actual war and in a unique and exotic setting. As such, it could be shot around a single Hawaii location, including the scenes in the Philippines. The story works well as a film but also as one season of a TV series. My other book featuring main character Wendell Lett, Under False Flags, could serve as a second or first season. Wendell Lett is an intriguing character for any actor. As Publisher’s Weekly noted in their review, "Readers will root for Wendell, with his unrelenting demons, as he soldiers on, fighting for his sanity and his life."
Genre
ACTION, SUSPENSE, DRAMA
Brief
A war veteran plagued by combat fatigue (PTSD) is taken to a mysterious healing center called The Preserve. There, he realizes that the facility is not really interested in curing ex-soldiers.
Overall Rating
GOOD
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: GOOD
Characterization: FAIR
Commerciality: GOOD
Franchise Potential: GOOD
Pace: FAIR
Premise: FAIR
Structure: GOOD
Theme: FAIR
Accuracy of Book Profile
The profile seems very accurate. The author makes use of every section of the page.
Draw of Story
A war veteran who has traumas that cause him visions and give him uncontrollable feelings is an exciting start. The fact that he was sent to a facility to be cured delivers an intriguing element.
Possible Drawbacks
Despite being a story that holds attention, this plot of "a corrupt organization using people for its own benefit" is not very compelling and remarkable.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY RELIES A LITTLE BIT ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
The hook is this protagonist himself, trying to get rid of his war traumas and survive with sanity to be able to return to his family. It's dramatic and powerful enough to make us connect with the story.
Fanbase Potential
Perhaps, due to the portray of an ex veteran's struggles, disturbed by traumas initiated in the war, the story reaches a broader audience. It's not exactly original, but the story itself deals with these veterans' lives, who are forever changed by war.
Awards Potential
It could have more significant potential if the collapse of the traumatized veteran could be further explored than the plot of this mysterious organization that uses these soldiers for obscure purposes. I can't say this plot is bad, but the veteran's conflicts sound more fluid and natural to reach a more demanding audience.
Envisioned Budget
MEDIUM BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
HOMECOMING: WAR VETERANS ARE SENT TO A GOVERNMENT INSTITUTION CREATED TO ""HELP"" THE MILITARY WITH POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS. JACOB'S LADDER: A VETERAN BEGINS TO HAVE HALLUCINATIONS THAT MIX HIS FAMILY AND BATTLE SCENES. HE TRIES TO FIND OUT, WITH A FRIEND, WHAT IS HAPPENING
What’s New About the Story
The atmosphere of Hawaii, the local friend who helps the veteran, and the experiments applied to the protagonist can bring a slightly more original air to the story. However, the main focus of the story is the internal conflict this man has.
Lead Characters
He is an interesting, credible, likable protagonist. We discover about him in a brief backstory that provides us reasons to understand his choices. His traumas give him humanity, and after all suffering, he continues to fight for his life.
Uniqueness of Story
Not a rare gem, but it is a story that entertains while exploring the root of the trauma, the struggle for survival, and the maintenance of the essence. It is not very original, it has somewhat obvious choices, but these elements do not destroy the experience.
Possible Formats
Film - Streaming, Film - Indie, TV Series - Limited Run / Mini-Series, TV Series - Streaming
Analyst Recommendation
CONSIDER
Justification
The main character has a disorder that affects thousands of people around the world. Other films and series have already addressed this topic, but it remains significant. The visual use of these traumatic hallucinations can allow the public to feel what the protagonist is feeling and understand the subject more deeply. However, a professional associated with psychology and therapies should accompany the creation and development process so that the result is credible and respectful. The criminal organization's plot that uses these men, already so wounded for obscure purposes, is an addition that brings conflict and dramatic power. However, it ends up falling into some clichés. The Hawaiian atmosphere gives a less dense air to this already dramatic story, which is positive. Overall, it's a story that can attract audiences due to the character's conflict and the suspense-filled plot that involves a General and an institution. However, it would need adjustments to make everything more believable, more powerful, and engaging.