Customer Reviews

The Presence (The Soul Tracker Series #2)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
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Last year, Bill Myers released a novel with one of the most unique premises to come along in a while. In Soul Tracker, David Kauffman was able to get a unique insight into life after death, thanks to an unconventional program called "Life After Life" from The Orbolitz Group. The program took the last 12 minutes of brain activity from over a thousand patients who died and was able to translate it into a virtual reality program so anyone could experience those first few minutes after life has ceased. In The Presence, the "Life after Life" program has returned, but this time David finds himself in a worse position than worrying about dying.

Myers takes a remarkable concept and builds on it: how does God see us when He looks at us? David-along with his son Luke and a couple of other characters from the first book-agrees to help Savannah (a character introduced at the end of Soul Tracker) monitor a psychic who claims to talk to the dead...specifically, Savannah's dead husband. During the first séance, things get nasty, and soon it becomes apparent they aren't dealing with a quiet spirit from beyond the grave. The Orbolitz Group is conducting a new experiment, and David is trapped among the subjects. They've taken the research from the dying patients and created a computer portrait of the Presence of God. Now they're going to subject the group to the Presence and see how they handle it.

Myers does an admirable job of keeping things interesting with an array of characters who react differently to the Presence. Each has their own shortcomings and find things about themselves they never knew (or had tried to hide). His descriptions of the auras their bodies give off exposing their inner selves are all powerful and believable. The plot moves along nicely too, with very little down time at any point once the story kicks off. The message of God's love and forgiveness is strong throughout the whole story.

The most unsatisfying thing about the novel is the lack of any real suspense. The story is straightforward, with no plot twists at all. While you may not know every step the characters are going to take, there are no "gotcha" moments to catch you unaware either. Myers takes you from point A to point B with little deviance in between. It feels more like a cheap steak dinner than filet mignon most of the time. This may not bother most readers, but those used to deeper stories may find the story lacking somewhat.

There aren't many rough spots in this book. If you're wanting a deep story with interweaved plot lines that come together at the end in a surprising way, you won't find it here. But if you want a good story and some great fodder to discuss the love of God with someone, this works.

I just finished reading "The Presence" and it was the most amazing book. In the words of Nubee "Cuul". The way Mr. Myers is able to write brings the characters so alive you feel like you are right there with them/one of them. I was unable to put the book down. The book has also made me stop and think about my own glow and what it would be like if we could truly see. I have found things that would show up if visible. Some I knew where there, some I did not realize. If you're looking for a book to read to put you to sleep - DO NOT get this one - it's a "just one more chapter then I'll go to bed" type of book. You may want to read Soul Tracker first to get the full story line but it really isn't necessary to enjoy The Presence on its own. And get the Blood of Heaven trilogy too!

What if there was a technology that could allow you to actually see the spiritual world? Would you want to see it? What is there? How would your soul look to earthly eyes? How would someone else's soul appear? Well, that is the basic premise behind "The Presence." Now add the fact that that new technology is in the hands of a madman who has lured unsuspecting people to a "mountain retreat" center.
"The Presence" is a great novel. It is not so much a sequel as it is another story in the life of Luke, David and Nubee and other characters first encountered in "Soul Tracker." Each novel can easily stand on its own.
The action is intense at times and as usual Bill Myers' characters are very well developed. The story unfolds in very unpredictable fashion. Without adding any spoilers to this review, be advised that you will ponder this book for a long while after reading it. Just consider, what would God do about that new technology which peers into the spiritual rhelm?
If you have enjoyed any of Bill Myers' previous books you will not be disappointed. If you are new to Bill Myers books you are in for a great treat! Be sure to read Eli!

Wow! Bill Myers has done it again! I couldn't put the first book Soul Tracker down! I read this one in 2 days!! I love the suspense and the characters in this series. A definite must read.

Bill Myers continues to improve and fine tune his writing skills with The Presence. Characters, flow, and dialogue are all excellent. Be warned that this book is difficult to put down for a while...it's that good.

I finished The Presence in two or three days from getting it. Its a real page turner and the writing is excellent (in Bill Myer's case, his writing is usually always excellent). As with his previous book, Soul Tracker, this one really made me think about my spiritual life and the decisions I make everyday.

It made me think about the sacrifce Jesus made for us on the cross. Give this book a chance and hopefully it'll reach you in some way like it reached me.

Like the previous reviewer said, you don't have to read Soul Tracker to understand this book but I would recommend reading ST first before reading The Presence.

I can't put this book down - I thought the first one was good - I can't wait to dig into the third of the series!