PRESERVED

by Aseera, Mario Patterson (Illustrator)

JESSE, a widowed nurse, observes a society in rapid decline from her affluent, yet isolated, community. While her complacent neighbors ignore growing political and economic turmoil, she stockpiles resources, preparing her daughter for the inevitable collapse. When the crisis hits and desperate people turn to crime, the neighborhood closes its gate. But their supposed security only amplifies internal tensions. Now, Jesse faces a devastating choice, stay and fight a losing battle against the tensions festering inside the gates, or abandon her home for a secret, off-the-grid location secured by her late husband. One she has told almost no one about. Her decision forces her to confront whether she will risk everything for a community that has turned against her or begin anew, guided by the legacy of love and foresight her husband left behind.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2025

Reviews

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I tried to read Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler and was hella anxious reading it, I had to put it down, lol. This may be a modern version of that. Totally different story, though. This is a political fiction book that I'd encourage everyone to read in this countries climate. It definitely opened my eyes to the point that I realized that I'm hella unprepared and should get on my zoom. When things hit the fan, you don't want to be late to get your stuff together.

Jessa, Jay, and Eddie were on top of things. I was sitting here taking notes.

This book talks about racism and classism on top of other things.

Please read the book. It was too good. The pacing is slow in the beginning, but you must stick it out. You could learn a thing or two.

My Highlights:

"Could it be you wanted to separate yourselves from us so badly on paper, but now that the white folks you wanted proximity to don't hold you in any higher esteem than they do us, you want to beg for help?

"It seemed America was being called to account for the legacy built on it. For the blood seeped into the soil of those it was never meant for since its invasion"

[Arika · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not something I would normally read but I was glad I picked it up. This book will have you really thinking about the times we are in now. The parallels to what we are experiencing now are shown throughout this book. It was a hard read for me at times but a good one.

[Royalteabookclub · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new Wave for Aseera

This was REALLY GOOD! The character work, the tension,the WRITING ALL STUNNING.
It moves kind of slow at times but this is a story we all need to read.

[Sassha Reads❤️❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong 3.7 star book in my opinion. This book was weirdly different, realistic, factual fiction uniquely written at its finest. I know that sentence didn’t make any sense but you’ll have to read the book to get a better understanding. To all the Karls and Karens in the world may you reap a harvest of the seeds you’ve sown and know that only those with a pure heart shall see God!