An intriguing story where good and bad overlap.
Seventeen-year-old Tudor seems unbothered by convention. Despite the tendentious rules governing society, this 19th century Romanian boy manages to break from tradition at every opportunity. His closest friends, a well-off Hungarian and a compassionate gypsy, are civically inappropriate companions for this young man of humble means. But Tudor cares not for what the religious customs or social norms dictate and he always shapes his own path. Besides friendships that are frowned upon, Tudor allows his heart to be touched by a girl he could never have a relationship with. Thus is the life of a boy constantly reaching for what he can’t have. In what could be a change of luck, Tudor discovers more than some contraband chestnuts when foraging for food in a forbidden section of woods. While hiding from merciless guards, he finds something perplexing buried in a cave. “It was a strange thing, small, about 8-9 feet. It looked like a boat because of its shape and something like a small mast.” But how would a bizarre, metal-like boat find itself in a cave far from any body of water? Though fervent speculations abound, the innocent-looking item proves to possess more significance than the three imaginative boys could ever predict. Unfortunately, Tudor’s situation goes from bad to worse, with even more dire consequences on the horizon. The trio of friends won’t be the only ones to regret the discovery of the powerful artifact.
Fantasy, spirituality, mystery, romance, and historical fiction merge to create an inherently unique coming-of-age story that appeals to readers of nearly every genre of fiction. Geographic, political and religious accuracies proliferate, lulling readers into a sense of relative ease as Tudor’s time-period story unfolds. So when the boat-like object is finally explained, it has the effect of pulling the rug out from under your feet, so abrput is the shift in dynamic and tone. In this way, the author masterfully intersperses historical authenticity within a spirited fictional adventure that really dives into what drives people. Adding unprecedented dimension to this calculated novel is the depth of perception Tudor exhibits, a characteristic unexpected from this rough-and-tumble young man. His awareness helps readers feel connected to him, though more than a hundred years and a bizarre set of circumstances separate them. Notable thematic elements cover everything from political agendas and religious ideologies to basic human rights, and each character struggles to find their new place in the changing tide that is directly influenced by the inauspicious artifact. An intriguing story where good and bad overlap, The Soul Machines is an unusual tale with a plot that will keep you guessing until the last moment.
