This well paced novel is kind of Indiana Jones with time travel. With engaging characters, there was a lot of fascinating history to keep the reader turning the pages. This debut novel is apparently the start of a series. I'll be anxiously awaiting the next book in the series. Highly recommended

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an advanced reader copy.

This story was an interesting story from an author I don’t know or haven’t read before! Will look at finding other things by this author. I am grateful for the early access, thank you to those that allowed it!

While this is an interesting idea, I ended up having to DNF around 20%. The characters did not do much to stand out for me, and the much of the plot felt too much like other stuff I’ve read featuring time travel. For readers who haven’t read as much of this type of book it could be perfectly fine and enjoyable.

Note: ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rabbit, a time-traveling archaeologist, travels to Constantinople to find the Second Temple's menorah. The last time he traveled to this world to secure the artifacts before they were lost to history, he lost the menorah. When he learns of the menorah's reappearance, he seizes the opportunity and travels to Constantinople in the sixth century.

This book is a mix of science fiction, history, and time travel. I enjoyed reading about the history.

Thank you to St. Martin's Publishing Group for an ARC through Net Galley.
Release date March 18, 2025.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of Splitter Effect by Andrew Ludington. In this inventive novel, Ludington explores the complexities of identity and the unforeseen consequences of a mysterious phenomenon that splits more than just the physical self. His writing is clever and thought-provoking, blending psychological suspense with speculative twists that kept me engaged. I particularly appreciated how he delved into the emotional turmoil of the protagonist, even if some of the technical explanations felt a bit dense and slowed the momentum at times. Overall, Splitter Effect is a unique and engaging read that will appeal to fans of smart, character-driven stories who don't mind a few meandering passages along the way.

A fast-paced tale with a believable protagonist and well-done setting
In The Splinter Effect, mankind has accomplished time travel. This gives archaeologists wonderful opportunities to explore old eras and even to retrieve precious artifacts, but time travelers must be VERY CAREFUL not to disturb anything that could change history. Archaeologist Rabbit Ward is determined to find and bring back a precious gold menorah, especially since his previous attempt to obtain the menorah had resulted in the loss of his young mentee Aaron. Rabbit travels to 6th-century Constantinople but finds more obstacles when he arrives than he had anticipated, including a would-be collaborator/competitor named Helen. Where did she come from, and how did she find out about this expedition?
I am a science fiction fan, but you do not have to like SF to enjoy this book. There is a lot to like in The Splinter Effect. First of all, there is a gripping plot with lots of unpredictable but credible twists and turns. Rabbit is a believable nicely drawn character that I could sympathize with and root for. The historical time travel gives an opportunity for some well-done exploration of the eras Rabbit visits, and I enjoyed the information about times that were not covered in my survey history classes. It was interesting and thought-provoking to read Rabbit’s musings as he tries to fit into the eras he visits, such as the etiquette of being a good guest in Constantinople in 535 CE. A feature I always enjoy in a book is humorous commentary, like Rabbit trying to fit into the protocols of the era and coming to understand why the word “byzantine” had come to be synonymous with complexity.
Back to the plot. Finally, The Splinter Effect has a satisfying ending with a surprise that makes room for more adventures in a follow-up book! I look forward to it.
I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley and Minotaur Books.

Clever, thrilling and imaginative story! Great multi-faceted, realistic characters. Very interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. Kept me intrigued from the first page to the last.

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

Can I hope for a sequel? I'd love to know what happens next in Rabbit's career. Rabbit has a sterling reputation as a chrono archeologist but has been haunted for twenty years about the job where he lost a team member. His reputation is now sinking as a mysterious rival keeps beating him to the punch and stealing the relics he was sent for. He has one last chance to make it all good again. This story has so many twists, turns, and surprises! And the history "lessons" are a real bonus!

This was such a good read! The author seamlessly melded time travel and history to create an intricate plot that grabbed me on the first page and never let up. The main character was extremely likeable and I rooted for him on every page. I can't wait to read the author's next book.

This book takes a unique approach to time travel, but it unfolds at an incredibly slow pace. The main reason for that is the author's deep focus on details—especially Rabbit’s every movement. While I appreciate thorough storytelling, this level of detail sometimes felt excessive and slowed down the plot.

The historical aspects were fascinating, but at times, the sheer amount of history overshadowed the story itself. I often found myself pausing just to look up certain events or items, which was interesting but also pulled me out of the narrative. As for the characters, there wasn’t much development. It’s not that they were stagnant—the story simply revolved around Rabbit’s actions rather than his personality or inner growth. Helen was initially positioned as an adversary, but that didn’t really hold up in the end.

What I truly enjoyed was the historical depth. If you love diving into history, this book has plenty to offer. But if you're looking for a strong character-driven time travel story, the plot might not hold your interest. I’d recommend it mainly for history enthusiasts who enjoy detailed accounts of the era.

I would like to express my deep gratitude to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for their generosity in allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This story is about time travel and going back in time. It tells you all about very interesting ancient times, and the treasures they had.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Mar. 18, 2025
Rabbit Ward is a Smithsonian chrono-archaeologist, traveling through time in order to unearth precious treasures from days past. Twenty years ago, Rabbit lost his partner and his prize when a search went very, very wrong. Now, Rabbit has the oppourtunity to get back what he lost but it doesn’t come without risk. Once he makes the jump and ends up in 6th century Constantinople not only does he have to outrun his competitor, a young woman named Helen, but he also has to do the best he can to ensure he doesn’t change the path of history, while the country itself is on the verge of a revolution.
Andrew Ludington’s “Splinter Effect” is his first novel, and, no doubt, it will be the first novel in a series. Sharp and creative, “Effect” is a historical fiction novel with some nifty sci-fi elements and it is definitely a unique and engaging read.
If, during time travel, Rabbit or his comrades act in such a way that the future as they know it, the universe experiences what Rabbit calls a “splinter effect” and the time traveler is stuck in that era forever, unable to return to their time. Not just a crafty name for the novel, the “splinter effect” provides readers with a solid and sensible time travel theory that answers all the obvious questions. Ludington manages to explain a highly complex and detailed scientific process with generalizable words and language, and he deserves high praise.
Rabbit travels back to a time much farther back than most alternate-time frame novels I’ve read, and it is this factor that helps “Splinter” rise above the rest. Chariot racing, gladiator battles and lost relics add more drama to the already entertaining plot, as Rabbit races to unearth a valuable artifact before his time runs out and he can’t return home.
High-octane, informative, well-written and imaginative, “Splinter Effect” is a stellar debut that will appeal to a wide variety of readers and I hope to hear more from Ludington (and hopefully Rabbit)!

What an absolutely brilliant premise for a book! Splinter Effect by Andrew Ludington is a combination of adventure tale, Indian Jones type archaeological mystery, romance, fantasy, and intriguing thriller. It is a non-stop page-turner with twists and turns and an absolutely satisfying ending that makes you want to read more.
Ludington is a skilled story-teller, and that this is his first novel is surprising. The book is well-written, and the academic sections only support the sweeping epic feel of the story. The characters are intriguing and fun, adding to the escapism provided to the reader.
I sincerely hope that there will be more adventures of Rabbit Ward to enjoy in the future. Thank you to #NetGalley and #MinotaurBooks for the ARC of #SplinterEffect

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

Kudos to the author for pulling off the time travel element of the story. I love time travel books if they're done well - unfortunately, lots of them are not. I would definitely read more Rabbit Ward books if this turns into a series. And I really wanted to give this higher rating but I found myself skimming too much of the second half. The book started off so strong then got bogged down in the history of Constantinople, which got too boring for me. There were a lot of characters to keep track of and that didn't help keep my attention. The twist, if you want to call it that, didn't have the "oh my gosh - gasp" aspect that it should have, because by that time, I just wanted it to be over. At 320 pages, it felt way longer. The ending was good, though, which makes me think there might be a sequel. If you can get through that middle part, it's worth it.

Rabbit Ward is a time-traveling archaeologist (though modern archaeologists would have a mild stroke at his activities), more of an Indiana Jones type looking for specific items to bring back without doing anything to change the course of known history, or the timeline will splinter into a new timeline - the splinter effect. Easier said than done apparently. Rabbit has been having trouble the last few years after a debacle with the 2nd Temple menorah, and someone stealing his finds before he can retrieve them. But another opportunity for the menorah reveals itself, and we're off on a madcap caper into Byzantium Constantinople. Very exciting and wild, lots of action and interesting characters, as I said, very Indiana Jones with a touch of Jodi Taylor and Connie Willis (but not their depth). Great fun. Recommended.

Splinter Effect by Andrew Ludington is a solid, action-packed read that will keep you entertained, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark in every area. I’d give it 3 out of 5 stars—it's a decent book, but it leaves a bit to be desired.

The premise of the book is intriguing, with a unique sci-fi twist and a plot that has plenty of potential. Ludington does a great job creating a high-stakes world where the tension is palpable, and there are moments of real excitement. The pacing is fast enough to keep you turning the pages, and there are some cool twists that will definitely surprise you.

However, the characters didn’t quite grab me the way I’d hoped. They’re not badly written, but they feel a little flat at times. I didn’t find myself particularly invested in their journeys or struggles, and some of their motivations felt a bit underdeveloped. Also, the dialogue can be a bit stiff and forced in places, which made it hard for me to fully connect with the characters.

The plot itself is solid, but there are a few moments where it gets bogged down in details or repetitive scenes that slow things down. Some of the action sequences, while fun, feel a little over-the-top and lose a bit of their impact because of how frequently they occur. It’s like the book is trying to throw in as much excitement as possible, but it doesn’t always give the quieter, more emotional moments the time they deserve.

That being said, Splinter Effect is still a fun, quick read for fans of sci-fi thrillers. If you’re into fast-paced, plot-driven stories with a lot of action, you’ll probably enjoy it. It’s just not the most memorable book I’ve read this year, and it left me wishing for a bit more depth. Still, it’s definitely worth a shot if you’re looking for something entertaining and not too heavy.

I really loved the concept of this and the 'sci-fi' light feel it had to it. It was such an interesting premise that time travel tech has been developed but that it requires private funding within the U.S., which seems to be exactly how it would play out here in the states.

I can see those who are passionate about history really being engaged in all of the descriptions and slice-of-life elements from the distant past. While I did find that very interesting, I was left wanting a bit when it came to character development and themes. I just couldn't fully connect to the main character, and I was hoping to essentially 'feel' more while reading this. The story felt very heavy on detail and action, but too light when it came to the needs, feelings and motivations of the characters. I really loved the backstory of the young boy Rabbit had to leave behind on one of his past jumps, and I was hoping he was going to risk everything (ie, jump back to a same time period despite knowing the ramifications of that) to try to save the boy he left behind. I feel like something more personally and emotionally high stakes was needed for Rabbit.

Having said that, neither sci-fi nor historical fiction is my go-to genre, so this is just one person's opinion. The time travel premise is what drew me to reading this story, and I did think the elements around that were incredibly well-thought out and intriguing. Ludington did an excellent job making it seem very believable without too much backstory around it or over-explanation, which isn't easy for any writer.

Again, there was a lot to like here, and I'm sure people who enjoy this genre AND history will REALLY love this book.

Please, please do not put this book down in the first third. It is slow. It is detailed, but if you can hold out, you will be rewarded with a great adventure tale set in the 6th century.

Rabbit Ward is a time traveler. Chrono Archaeologist to be more precise, but he does travel through time to retrieve relics that may have been lost to history otherwise. There is a time jump in his past that has forever haunted him, and people are starting to whisper that maybe it’s time for him to hang up his jumping shoes. Dr. Ward thinks otherwise.

He keeps encountering this mysterious modern day woman on his jumps. Rabbit wants to determine who she is. Then there is the rumor that someone is selling out secrets so that she can keep finding him on his travels. Someone within his own ranks. The Smithsonian. Whoever she is, she has an uncanny ability to cross paths with him.

On a trip to 535 CE they cross paths again. This time, though, it might take both of them to get out of this trip safely. Can Rabbit trust her?

As I said, the beginning of this novel tends to be fairly methodical with a lot of backstory. A lot of research went into getting the historical details correct. It’s crazy! Do not fret! Keep along and you’ll find an amazing trip through history, with a lot of hijinks and mayhem. I flew through the second half of this book.

For a person who is not enamored of historical novels, I did enjoy this one. It has enough intrigue to keep anyone entertained.

First-time author Andrew Luddington tackles time travel in his debut novel. In this future, science has created a machine that allows visits to the past. Unlike in many similar stories, the scientists are from the Smithsonian. The machine's use is strictly limited to archaeological research. Luddington hooked me with his hero's name: Rabbit. What a wonderful handle for a human who runs through time, and who is both predator and prey. This is Book 1 in a proposed series, so a lot of focus is placed on those who might become future (as well as present) leads. Luddington uses both dialogue and quick descriptions to introduce the reader to his characters. I already want to know more about the thief who seems to be three steps ahead of Rabbit, or PJ, his savvy manager who knows the ways of funding.

Rabbit is at a crisis point. An event from 20 years back has haunted him. He is/was responsible for the loss of the artifact, though not for the death of his mentee. The guilt has followed him, resulting in behavior that, in the present, spells the end of his time-traveling career. Can returning from the present to the past "fix" him? Or will time splinter reality? Luddington has created an exciting world that I hope to visit again soon.

Recommended for lovers of speculative fiction. A good choice for book clubs. Some violence, but suitable for mature young adults.

I received the ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you for this opportunity.

I love Indiana Jones, so that grabbed my attention in the description. Overall, this book had a great premise, but it failed in the execution. Overdetailing slowed the pace in numerous places. There are editing issues, but perhaps those will be fixed in the final copy. There was also a lot of repetition. It is apparent that the author did his research in regards to the history angle. Some things were left unanswered, but this does appear to be the first in a series, so perhaps that will be addressed in upcoming books. I'm not sure if I will check out future books or not. This felt more like a historical book than a science-fiction one.