The Soul Machines

Three young men's quiet lives are thrown into chaos when one of them discovers a long-lost artifact. A symbol of humanity's evil nature, the artifact has a devastating effect on people's minds. Murders, insanity, and suicide wreak havoc in the region, ultimately altering the mind of a boy who is bound to change the course of history. Set during the fading years of the 19th century in Transylvania, "The Soul Machines" follows three young men who forge a bond of unlikely brotherhood while fighting the rise of extreme politics in Europe. Recipient of: - Literary Titan Gold Award - International Firebird Book Award - Pinnacle Book Achievement Award - Book Nerdection Reviewers' Choice Award - BREW Fiction Book Excellence Award - Outstanding Creator Award - Maincrest Media Award - B.R.A.G.Medallion.

This story opens on a burgeoning mining town in Transylvania during the fading years of the 19th century. Life goes on uneventfully, save for the occasional trouble caused by the greedy local baron. Three young men—a poor Romanian, a gypsy, and a rich Hungarian—are bound by a strong friendship that is frowned upon by the town elite. During a trip to the baron's forbidden lands, one of the men discovers a mysterious artifact that symbolizes humanity's evil nature, bringing out the worst in people, particularly those predisposed to wrongdoings. Far right extremists, socialists, and an order of Christian Orthodox monks vie to get their hands on it, which leads to a series of tragic events that disturb the town's peace. Murders, insanity, and suicide wreak havoc in the region. A wild chase and a fight for the possession of the artifact end up altering the mind of a boy who is bound to change the course of history. Meanwhile, a doomed love story begins between the young man who unearthed the artifact and a rich local girl who's already betrothed. The story takes place in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and spans an eclectic mix of fiction subgenres, including romance and mystery. Themes include the rise of extreme politics in Europe, feminism, and the conflict between religion and naturalism. Finalist at: - 10th Annual Pacific Book Awards - 2023 American Writing Awards - 2023 Indies Today Awards - Readers' Choice Awards 2023 - Book Excellence Awards 2024 - Goethe Historical Fiction Book Awards – Chanticleer International Recipient of: - Literary Titan Gold Award - International Firebird Book Award - Pinnacle Book Achievement Award - Book Nerdection Reviewers' Choice Award - BREW Fiction Book Excellence Award - Outstanding Creator Award - Maincrest Media Award - B.R.A.G.Medallion.

Alexandru Czimbor is an award-winning author who was born and raised in Transylvania, Romania during the oppressive communist regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu. He has lived in the United States since 2001 and spends his summers in Europe. Alexandru taught at a Romanian university, worked in the software industry, and has been an executive since 2011. He has a master's degree in computer science and studied at UTCN Cluj-Napoca and ETH Zürich. When he is not working or writing, Alexandru mentors his son, plays guitar, reads, and relentlessly listens to podcasts.