The Presence Protocol: A heart-pounding techno-psychological thriller

by D.K. Warren

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2026

Reviews

[Kellyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Ava Locke, the tenacious protagonist, embarks on a high-stakes mission, going deep undercover within the confines of a secluded healing centre. Her sole objective is to expose what she suspects is a deeply sinister and dangerous agenda being hidden from the public eye. Driven by a relentless pursuit of the truth, Ava demonstrates profound courage, willing to place her own life in considerable peril to achieve her goal and bring the organization's actions to light.

This instalment proved to be a highly engaging read from the moment the investigation begins to its dramatic conclusion, captivating my attention throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed the book as a whole. The narrative maintained a consistent and well-managed pace, avoiding lulls while ensuring there was sufficient rising tension woven into the plot to sustain a high level of interest. A particularly effective narrative choice was the incorporation of multiple points of view (POVs), which enriched the story by offering different perspectives on the unfolding events. Crucially, this book is a strong and compelling continuation of Dr. Ava Locke's overarching story arc, developing her character and the broader narrative world with skill and excitement.

I received a complimentary advance copy of this book, and I am providing this review entirely voluntarily.

[Angee Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by D.K. Warren. You do not have to have read the previous books before you read this one, but by reading them in order, it helps with back story. The storyline is intriguing. It’s a look into AI and technology and how people can use it in ways that are not pure to say the least. The pace of this book was steady with a delicious tension that kept you glued to the edge of your seat. It really does make you wonder how close we are to be being reality.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thriller makes FBI Forensic Psychologist Dr. Ava Locke in the sight of evil.
Dr. Julian Raines, CEO will kill to keep his wrong doings protected.
Detective Marc Castellano after the loss of a partner hopes this is a new chance.

Ava goes undercover, Trapped in an underground server farm as part of a twisted genetic test, the terrible truth Ava discovers is unimaginable: users being ‘naturally selected’.

Technology can be a very scary thing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 - A heart-pounding psychological thriller! This is my first book by this author. I will be reading the first book soon. Even though this is a stand alone, I wish I had read the first book prior to this one. The suspenseful plot with its well-crafted twists kept my attention right from the start. There was great character development, especially Ava and Marc, the NYPD detective, as well as Dr. Raines. I am eager for the next book to continue the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Presence: A heart-pounding psychological thriller (Dr. Ava Locke Series Book 2), my third read from author D.K. Warren. I enjoyed the outstanding suspense story-line with its intricately woven twists and turns. I couldn't turn the pages of this technothriller fast enough. I was given a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily reading & reviewing it. I look forward to reading more from this author as they're published. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Candy Turk · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The plot moved at a steady pace with enough tension to keep me interested. I loved the multiple POVs as well. It was a strong continuation of Dr. Ava Locke’s story.