The hook has promise. Geological and archeological references. some tech, a vulnerable young man, a mothers unconditional love and even rekindled romance. But the author puts nothing together and the read is a struggle. Good writing intertwines the elements but Saul seems to hit points in his story board, dumps it on you then goes onto the next one and the book ending is a perfect example of this. Frequently he just keeps you in the dark which can be ok to a point but in this case he has to add an epilogue just to let you know about what he was writing about. And what's up with the title. Presence implies spirituality and Saul's premise is organic. Not worth your time.