The Nightmare Machine

Soulaerium Trilogy, Book 1

By: Tim White

Narrated by: Patrick Zeller

What is The Nightmare Machine? Think Silent Hillmeets Inception and Monster Hunter International.

Five millennia of suffering. A pilgrimage steeped in terror. Will her quest bring redemption or only a false promise of salvation?

Bangor, Maine. Sara Holcomb knows what she must do. Raised within a secret order devoted to protecting humanity from a malevolent god, the dutiful seventeen-year-old prepares for a terrifying expedition through a world of nightmares. So when the time comes, she convinces three close friends to escort her on a perilous journey to an otherworldly cathedral of bone and blood.

Transported to a land of chaos and horror while they sleep, Sara wrestles with guilt at bringing people she holds dear to this hell from which they may not escape. And as vicious traps and pitiless creatures tear at their bodies and minds, the honor-bound young woman fears they won’t be strong enough to complete the mission that will preserve mankind.

Will Sara succeed in staving off annihilation?

The Nightmare Machine is the thought-provoking first book in the Soulaerium horror-thriller trilogy. If you like flawed but resolute heroes, deep themes of self-determination, and plenty of action, then you’ll love Tim White’s terrifying tale of good versus evil.

Buy The Nightmare Machine to confront evil today!

CONTENT WARNING: This book is intended for mature listeners and contains adult subject matter, including graphic violence, profanity, indirect references to sexuality and childbirth, drug and alcohol use, and scary situations. Listener discretion is advised.

©2023 Tim White (P)2025 Tim White

Critic reviews

2024 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award (Fantasy): Finalist

2024 Independent Author Network Book of the Year Award (Horror): Finalist

2025 Audie Award for Best Audiobook (Judges' Category: Horror): Nominated

Very well written

So glad I read (listened) to this. My son recommended it. Tons of layers and twists, clues that make you say out loud "oh yeah!" only after you've finished reading it. Well done.

Grim, Hopeful, Thought Provoking

I'm usually not into horror, but I was intrigued by the "optimistic" part in the description and decided to give it a try. I'm glad I did. It's a finely executed story of regular people thrust into extraordinary circumstances who must rely on their wits, fortitude, and ingenuity to save the day. All the while wrestling with deep philosophic questions about the nature of morality that is just as engaging as the action. Very smart, Very well done. I can't wait for the next two in the trilogy.