What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
18 days and 01:15:12
15 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
Splinter Effect #2
Double Shadow
Not yet published
Expected 21 Apr 26Win a free print copy of this book!
18 days and 01:15:12
15 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
In this thrilling installment of the Splinter Effect series, time-traveling archaeologist Rabbit Ward returns to the past to help save his former adversary and track down a murderous thief in first century Jerusalem.
ROME, 2019. Time-traveling, Smithsonian archaeologist Rabbit Ward is back in the present, but not for long. Helen, his former adversary and growing ally, is in trouble with the law after being framed for a murder she didn’t commit. Stuck in hiding and running out of other options, she turns to Rabbit for help. "Help" in this case involves a trip to first century Jerusalem to track down a mysterious man named Einar Eshek.
But Rabbit won't have to do this mission alone; as soon as he arrives in 68 CE, he meets a younger version of Helen, one who has never met him before. Together, they work to track down Eshek, who turns out to be not only a time-traveling thief, but a murderous psychopath.
As they pursue Eshek through time, Rabbit and Helen feel something even bigger pulling them together. Torn between the two versions of the woman he knows, and with the clock ticking down on Helen’s fate in 2019, Rabbit might have no choice but to betray her past self to secure Helen’s safety in the future. Tensions rise as Jerusalem prepares to go to war with Rome, and Rabbit races to capture Eshek, clear Helen’s name, and make it back to 2019 in one piece—a feat that’s proving to be easier said than done—before everything falls apart.
ROME, 2019. Time-traveling, Smithsonian archaeologist Rabbit Ward is back in the present, but not for long. Helen, his former adversary and growing ally, is in trouble with the law after being framed for a murder she didn’t commit. Stuck in hiding and running out of other options, she turns to Rabbit for help. "Help" in this case involves a trip to first century Jerusalem to track down a mysterious man named Einar Eshek.
But Rabbit won't have to do this mission alone; as soon as he arrives in 68 CE, he meets a younger version of Helen, one who has never met him before. Together, they work to track down Eshek, who turns out to be not only a time-traveling thief, but a murderous psychopath.
As they pursue Eshek through time, Rabbit and Helen feel something even bigger pulling them together. Torn between the two versions of the woman he knows, and with the clock ticking down on Helen’s fate in 2019, Rabbit might have no choice but to betray her past self to secure Helen’s safety in the future. Tensions rise as Jerusalem prepares to go to war with Rome, and Rabbit races to capture Eshek, clear Helen’s name, and make it back to 2019 in one piece—a feat that’s proving to be easier said than done—before everything falls apart.
288 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication April 21, 2026
3 people are currently reading
4070 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Ludington
3 books54 followersAndrew Ludington writes transportive adventure stories intended to make you forget your commute. He graduated from Kenyon College with a BA in English Literature and lives in Evanston, IL where he moonlights as a technologist for Northwestern University. Splinter Effect is his first novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 25, 2025
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest evaluation of its merits.
Having enjoyed the first book in this series, I was eager to read the second. I am happy to report I was not disappointed. The story was fast-paced and the historical details were fun (and I am assuming accurate). The development of the relationship between Rabbit and Helen was very interesting (and that's all I'll say so as to not spoil anything) and the ending caught me a bit off-guard, but in a good way.
I am looking forward to more books in the series.
Having enjoyed the first book in this series, I was eager to read the second. I am happy to report I was not disappointed. The story was fast-paced and the historical details were fun (and I am assuming accurate). The development of the relationship between Rabbit and Helen was very interesting (and that's all I'll say so as to not spoil anything) and the ending caught me a bit off-guard, but in a good way.
I am looking forward to more books in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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: April 21, 2026
In Andrew Ludington’s “Double Shadow”, readers return to the adventures of the time traveling archaeologist, Rabbit Ward, that was introduced in the first novel in the series, “Splinter Effect”.
In “Shadow”, Rabbit is finally back in the present day when his adversary-turned-ally Helen reaches out to him with a desperate plea. She is being framed for a murder she didn’t commit and she needs Rabbit’s help to clear her name. The only problem? In order to help Helen, Rabbit needs to time travel to first century Jerusalem to track down a man named Einar Eshek. Used to hunting objects, not people, Rabbit sets out to help Helen and soon discovers that the man he is hunting is not only a time-traveler himself, but a serial killer.
“Splinter Effect” was the first novel in the series, and the debut novel by Ludington. Its unique premise caught my eye, combining archaeology and history with time travel, and it did not disappoint. When “Shadow” came my way there was no doubt I was going to read it but the question was whether I would enjoy it as much as the first and I’m glad to say that I really, truly did.
This is definitely one of those series of books that you should read in chronological order. The plot lines are different but the characters and their backstories, as well as all of the intricacies of the time traveling archaeology component, are introduced in the first novel and you don’t want to miss out, as this will take away your enjoyment from future novels in this series.
Rabbit and Helen have a strong friends-to-lovers thing going on that started to ignite during the first novel and it continues to flame throughout the second. In “Shadow”, Rabbit travels to first century Jerusalem where he works together with a past version of Helen, a version of Helen that hasn’t met him yet in his current time. This element is very “The Time Traveler's Wife”, but that is where the comparisons stop.
“Shadow” has a small but tight knit group of characters that made their appearance in the first novel, so they’re easily distinguishable from each other and the historical specifics of first century Jerusalem are intriguing. Then, of course, you have a few very gruesome murders and some shady identity confusion, and Ludington has drawn you in.
I was intrigued by this series from the start, due to its unique premise, and I continue to be invested in Rabbit and his historical adventures and now there is a will-they-or-won’t-they vibe between Rabbit and Helen that interjects a bit of romantic chemistry into the story line. I continue to be surprised that this series is Ludington’s debut, and I look forward to book three.
Expected publication date: April 21, 2026
In Andrew Ludington’s “Double Shadow”, readers return to the adventures of the time traveling archaeologist, Rabbit Ward, that was introduced in the first novel in the series, “Splinter Effect”.
In “Shadow”, Rabbit is finally back in the present day when his adversary-turned-ally Helen reaches out to him with a desperate plea. She is being framed for a murder she didn’t commit and she needs Rabbit’s help to clear her name. The only problem? In order to help Helen, Rabbit needs to time travel to first century Jerusalem to track down a man named Einar Eshek. Used to hunting objects, not people, Rabbit sets out to help Helen and soon discovers that the man he is hunting is not only a time-traveler himself, but a serial killer.
“Splinter Effect” was the first novel in the series, and the debut novel by Ludington. Its unique premise caught my eye, combining archaeology and history with time travel, and it did not disappoint. When “Shadow” came my way there was no doubt I was going to read it but the question was whether I would enjoy it as much as the first and I’m glad to say that I really, truly did.
This is definitely one of those series of books that you should read in chronological order. The plot lines are different but the characters and their backstories, as well as all of the intricacies of the time traveling archaeology component, are introduced in the first novel and you don’t want to miss out, as this will take away your enjoyment from future novels in this series.
Rabbit and Helen have a strong friends-to-lovers thing going on that started to ignite during the first novel and it continues to flame throughout the second. In “Shadow”, Rabbit travels to first century Jerusalem where he works together with a past version of Helen, a version of Helen that hasn’t met him yet in his current time. This element is very “The Time Traveler's Wife”, but that is where the comparisons stop.
“Shadow” has a small but tight knit group of characters that made their appearance in the first novel, so they’re easily distinguishable from each other and the historical specifics of first century Jerusalem are intriguing. Then, of course, you have a few very gruesome murders and some shady identity confusion, and Ludington has drawn you in.
I was intrigued by this series from the start, due to its unique premise, and I continue to be invested in Rabbit and his historical adventures and now there is a will-they-or-won’t-they vibe between Rabbit and Helen that interjects a bit of romantic chemistry into the story line. I continue to be surprised that this series is Ludington’s debut, and I look forward to book three.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I will start with saying that I have not read the first book in this series, so there's always a risk jumping in without a clue about what is going on, and that's perfectly acceptable for a series that is one long story arc. Fortunately Splinter Effect isn't like that, while there is of course a core arc running through it, this book came off nearly standalone, anything I really needed to know was included. And maybe I've read enough time travel books that all the concepts, especially that of a splinter ,came perfectly naturally. Now of course I got some spoilers for the first book, one almost could have left out mentioning Aaron entirely, but then Rabbit wouldn't be able to talk to Aaron's mom without some background on who they were. It did make me want to go back and read that first book, it sounded like an interesting story there.
What we have here is a bit of an Indiana Jones type story (with main character have an equally fun first name of Rabbit), only with time travel. See, if some artifact got lost in time, say due to a fire, send an archeologist back in time right before its destruction, have him hide it somewhere, and then dig it up again a couple thousand years later. No impact on the timeline since the artifact would have been destroyed otherwise. Easy peasy right?
Only Rabbit isn't time travelling alone. Right before he leaves a burning Rome, he runs into someone who has just eviscerated some poor Roman citizen. A someone who speaks English. The book is a cross between a time travel adventure, and one of those dark police thrillers hunting down a mad serial killer.
And then there's the other fun bit of time travel. Where you can meet someone you already know, before they've met you (and that also means when they did first meet you, they already knew you though you didn't know time...aren't these time travel books wonderful brain teasers!). That kind of things gets all the more interesting when this someone is a someone you might be starting to have feelings for...but they are clueless about you.
Of course I loved the historical aspect of the novel. I knew almost nothing about this time and place, I mean yeah, I knew the Roman conquered Jerusalem, but didn't know the details, the main players, and of course, the treasures.
So this book had a lot of things like I liked, its science fiction, its historical, its a mystery/thriller, and a little bit of romance thrown in. Add in the fact that I liked Rabbit, it made for a very enjoyable read. Seems I'll be having to go back and read that first book after all, too many intriguing hints dropped to simply skip it. And of course, looking forward to a third.
What we have here is a bit of an Indiana Jones type story (with main character have an equally fun first name of Rabbit), only with time travel. See, if some artifact got lost in time, say due to a fire, send an archeologist back in time right before its destruction, have him hide it somewhere, and then dig it up again a couple thousand years later. No impact on the timeline since the artifact would have been destroyed otherwise. Easy peasy right?
Only Rabbit isn't time travelling alone. Right before he leaves a burning Rome, he runs into someone who has just eviscerated some poor Roman citizen. A someone who speaks English. The book is a cross between a time travel adventure, and one of those dark police thrillers hunting down a mad serial killer.
And then there's the other fun bit of time travel. Where you can meet someone you already know, before they've met you (and that also means when they did first meet you, they already knew you though you didn't know time...aren't these time travel books wonderful brain teasers!). That kind of things gets all the more interesting when this someone is a someone you might be starting to have feelings for...but they are clueless about you.
Of course I loved the historical aspect of the novel. I knew almost nothing about this time and place, I mean yeah, I knew the Roman conquered Jerusalem, but didn't know the details, the main players, and of course, the treasures.
So this book had a lot of things like I liked, its science fiction, its historical, its a mystery/thriller, and a little bit of romance thrown in. Add in the fact that I liked Rabbit, it made for a very enjoyable read. Seems I'll be having to go back and read that first book after all, too many intriguing hints dropped to simply skip it. And of course, looking forward to a third.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley
Robert Ward, better known as Rabbit, serves as the Smithsonian’s senior chrono-archaeologist working in the ancient and classical Mediterranean and understands exactly what is expected of him. Since the late 1990s when time travel became practical, the process was unchanged. Steal the treasure and hide it. Return to the exact spot where you entered the time-space twenty days ago. Go home. Don’t change anything.
As fire engulfed the northside of the Aventine Hill, Rabbit buried the scrolls of Emperor Claudius . . . including the Etruscan dictionary . . . in a thick lead box at the foot of the Domus Tiberiana. He knows Nero will begin reconstruction following the fire, including a pedestrian bridge of the shops that connect the palace to the forum. Rabbit hopes the bridge will keep the box safe, ready for him to excavate when he makes the return jump.
As he returns to his travel point, he hears a man scream. He knows he should ignore it, knows he shouldn’t become involved as the “Don’t change anything” mantra echoes in his head. Another scream . . . and Rabbit decides to investigate.
He realizes it wasn’t the smartest decision he’d ever made when he discovers a tortured man and is attacked by a masked assailant.
Who was the tortured man? And why did the assailant speak to Rabbit in perfect English?
=========
"Double Shadow" is second in the author’s Splinter Effect series, and, like the first book, historical acts are seamlessly woven into the telling of the tale. The story is told around an intriguing premise of traveling back in time to stop current-day time travelers from returning to ancient times and stealing treasures.
Well-defined characters, a strong sense of places, and unexpected plot twists keep the pages turning and readers are sure to find themselves captivated by the suspenseful tale. Although there is sufficient backstory for readers new to the series, readers would benefit from reading the first book to gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their relationships to each other.
Readers who enjoy history along with their mysteries will find much to appreciate here as the story deftly wends its way toward a denouement they simply will not see coming.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#DoubleShadow #NetGalley
Robert Ward, better known as Rabbit, serves as the Smithsonian’s senior chrono-archaeologist working in the ancient and classical Mediterranean and understands exactly what is expected of him. Since the late 1990s when time travel became practical, the process was unchanged. Steal the treasure and hide it. Return to the exact spot where you entered the time-space twenty days ago. Go home. Don’t change anything.
As fire engulfed the northside of the Aventine Hill, Rabbit buried the scrolls of Emperor Claudius . . . including the Etruscan dictionary . . . in a thick lead box at the foot of the Domus Tiberiana. He knows Nero will begin reconstruction following the fire, including a pedestrian bridge of the shops that connect the palace to the forum. Rabbit hopes the bridge will keep the box safe, ready for him to excavate when he makes the return jump.
As he returns to his travel point, he hears a man scream. He knows he should ignore it, knows he shouldn’t become involved as the “Don’t change anything” mantra echoes in his head. Another scream . . . and Rabbit decides to investigate.
He realizes it wasn’t the smartest decision he’d ever made when he discovers a tortured man and is attacked by a masked assailant.
Who was the tortured man? And why did the assailant speak to Rabbit in perfect English?
=========
"Double Shadow" is second in the author’s Splinter Effect series, and, like the first book, historical acts are seamlessly woven into the telling of the tale. The story is told around an intriguing premise of traveling back in time to stop current-day time travelers from returning to ancient times and stealing treasures.
Well-defined characters, a strong sense of places, and unexpected plot twists keep the pages turning and readers are sure to find themselves captivated by the suspenseful tale. Although there is sufficient backstory for readers new to the series, readers would benefit from reading the first book to gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their relationships to each other.
Readers who enjoy history along with their mysteries will find much to appreciate here as the story deftly wends its way toward a denouement they simply will not see coming.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#DoubleShadow #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Double Shadow by Andrew Ludington is a highly recommended time travel/historical fiction novel. This is the second novel in the series, following Splinter Effect, featuring Robert "Rabbit" Ward.
Rabbit Ward is a chrono-archaeologist who travels through time for the Smithsonian on sponsored expeditions to the past to secure precious artifacts moments before they are lost to history. But in this outing he travels to Jerusalem in 68 CE, to help save his now ally but former adversary, Helen. She is in hiding after being framed for a murder, so she turned to Rabbit to help find Einar Eshek, a murderous thief in first century Jerusalem. Rabbit and Helen determine that Eshek is thief, but also a murderous psychopath. Tension rise due to the search but also because Jerusalem is preparing to go to war with Rome.
This is another well-written historical fiction time travel adventure. Expect many historical details while reading, which will be appreciated best by those who enjoy detailed historical fiction. There is also plenty of further character development of relationships introduced in the first novel.
Personally, I'd recommend reading the series in order, first Splinter Effect, then Double Shadow, because of the continuing character development, histories, and the continuing relationship between Rabbit and Helen. The first novel also explains the time traveling procedures and along with all ethical archaeological considerations involved is traveling back in time to collect historical artifacts before they are lost. This is an imaginative action story, but is mostly a historical fiction novel.
Double Shadow is a great choice for those who are following the series, and anyone who enjoys history and the idea of a time traveling archeologist should start reading reading it. Thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
Rabbit Ward is a chrono-archaeologist who travels through time for the Smithsonian on sponsored expeditions to the past to secure precious artifacts moments before they are lost to history. But in this outing he travels to Jerusalem in 68 CE, to help save his now ally but former adversary, Helen. She is in hiding after being framed for a murder, so she turned to Rabbit to help find Einar Eshek, a murderous thief in first century Jerusalem. Rabbit and Helen determine that Eshek is thief, but also a murderous psychopath. Tension rise due to the search but also because Jerusalem is preparing to go to war with Rome.
This is another well-written historical fiction time travel adventure. Expect many historical details while reading, which will be appreciated best by those who enjoy detailed historical fiction. There is also plenty of further character development of relationships introduced in the first novel.
Personally, I'd recommend reading the series in order, first Splinter Effect, then Double Shadow, because of the continuing character development, histories, and the continuing relationship between Rabbit and Helen. The first novel also explains the time traveling procedures and along with all ethical archaeological considerations involved is traveling back in time to collect historical artifacts before they are lost. This is an imaginative action story, but is mostly a historical fiction novel.
Double Shadow is a great choice for those who are following the series, and anyone who enjoys history and the idea of a time traveling archeologist should start reading reading it. Thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The nice thing about reading a series is not having to learn all the characters from the start. You have some inkling, even if time has passed since the previous novel, of whom you’re working with. In a series the stories follow a specific pattern. In a way it’s like visiting a town you know well.
The Splinter Effect series revolves around a time traveler named Rabbit Ward. Rabbit specializes in what is called chrono-archaeology, or travel to a previous time to recover an artifact. Rabbit speaks many dead languages and is well versed in history, so his travel to these spaces is not suspect. However, he sometimes comes up against some pretty fierce characters that don’t want to see him succeed. He’s not just a time traveler, but in many ways a spy and criminal as well.
This trip has Rabbit chasing down his adversary Helen from the previous novel. He only knows that a cryptic message was left for him, sending him on a goose chase to 68 CE. This is the time when Jerusalem and Rome will do battle. When he runs into an earlier version of Helen, who hasn’t met Rabbit yet, he knows what their future holds. She is on the trail of a murdering time traveler called Einar Eshek. Together they will try to trap this sadistic killer. There might be a bit of buried treasure and a little romance in the works as well.
These novels are endlessly fascinating with their deep dive into history. As not a huge history buff, I like learning about things I may have missed in school. It’s also a lot more interesting when you add in time travel and intrigue. Helen and Rabbit are a great pair. Ludington has done well to match the wits and gifts of them. As always there are a host of bad guys to tackle along the way as well.
I enjoy these books. They can be a fun departure from traditional fiction. This one is no different. Also, while it does help to understand the premises behind current time travel, reading the first novel is helpful, but not entirely necessary.
The Splinter Effect series revolves around a time traveler named Rabbit Ward. Rabbit specializes in what is called chrono-archaeology, or travel to a previous time to recover an artifact. Rabbit speaks many dead languages and is well versed in history, so his travel to these spaces is not suspect. However, he sometimes comes up against some pretty fierce characters that don’t want to see him succeed. He’s not just a time traveler, but in many ways a spy and criminal as well.
This trip has Rabbit chasing down his adversary Helen from the previous novel. He only knows that a cryptic message was left for him, sending him on a goose chase to 68 CE. This is the time when Jerusalem and Rome will do battle. When he runs into an earlier version of Helen, who hasn’t met Rabbit yet, he knows what their future holds. She is on the trail of a murdering time traveler called Einar Eshek. Together they will try to trap this sadistic killer. There might be a bit of buried treasure and a little romance in the works as well.
These novels are endlessly fascinating with their deep dive into history. As not a huge history buff, I like learning about things I may have missed in school. It’s also a lot more interesting when you add in time travel and intrigue. Helen and Rabbit are a great pair. Ludington has done well to match the wits and gifts of them. As always there are a host of bad guys to tackle along the way as well.
I enjoy these books. They can be a fun departure from traditional fiction. This one is no different. Also, while it does help to understand the premises behind current time travel, reading the first novel is helpful, but not entirely necessary.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Double Shadow, by Andrew Ludington, is the second book in the "Splinter Effect" series, a work of science fiction, adventure, and time-travel. The series focuses on Smithsonian archaeologist Rabbit Ward, primarily. Double Shadow picks up in 2019, where his ally and former adversary, Helen, has been framed for murder. To clear her name, Rabbit must travel back to 68 CE Jerusalem. When he arrives, Rabbit finds that this Helen is younger than the Helen he already knows, and she doesn't know him at all! That part was fun.
Although I liked Double Shadow, it felt far more complicated and lengthy than Splinter Effect had been. Too many characters and too many plot twists. (I was surprised when I saw that this book had fewer pages than the first one.)
TRIGGER WARNING: There's torture in this book. Although it wasn't overly explicit, I still found it hard to read about the parts of abuse that were shared, even when they entailed just screams and moans.
It was quite entertaining reading the author's notes at the end of the book, and how he and his family all worked together to keep the time changes in the book straight, haha.
I'm looking forward to reading book #3 ... I just hope it's a bit less complicated.
Thank you, #Minotaur Books, for providing this book for consideration and review via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Double Shadow has an expected publication date of April 21, 2026.
Although I liked Double Shadow, it felt far more complicated and lengthy than Splinter Effect had been. Too many characters and too many plot twists. (I was surprised when I saw that this book had fewer pages than the first one.)
TRIGGER WARNING: There's torture in this book. Although it wasn't overly explicit, I still found it hard to read about the parts of abuse that were shared, even when they entailed just screams and moans.
It was quite entertaining reading the author's notes at the end of the book, and how he and his family all worked together to keep the time changes in the book straight, haha.
I'm looking forward to reading book #3 ... I just hope it's a bit less complicated.
Thank you, #Minotaur Books, for providing this book for consideration and review via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Double Shadow has an expected publication date of April 21, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars. This non-spicy time travel novel is the second in a series. The MMC, Rabbit, works for the Smithsonian as a collector who can, with the aid of a Time Machine go back and collect priceless artifacts that went missing at points in the past. Backstory to this book, he met another time traveling thief named Helen who he aided and became attracted to. In this book he gets a message from her asking for his help-but in 68 BCE in Judea. He spins a story to get the Smithsonian to send him back there to help her. Helen is there to retrieve another operative from the Agency her sister works for. Unfortunately she doesn’t know what he looks like and he has no intention of going back after he retrieved the information he needs to collect a fortune in gold.
The book provides a lot of historic details about that period in history where Jewish zealots were trying to eradicate Roman forces occupying their lands. I liked the plot twist at the end of the book which will lead into future books in this series, but I would have appreciated more time spent on character development of the MMC and FMC and less on the historic details that didn’t really move the story along enough to justify their inclusion.
The book provides a lot of historic details about that period in history where Jewish zealots were trying to eradicate Roman forces occupying their lands. I liked the plot twist at the end of the book which will lead into future books in this series, but I would have appreciated more time spent on character development of the MMC and FMC and less on the historic details that didn’t really move the story along enough to justify their inclusion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A good read for history buffs!!
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series and was sure that in Double Shadow archaeologist Rabbit Ward’s trip back to the first century of the Christian era would include some exciting adventures as well as some interesting historical insight. I looked forward to both!
I got my first chuckle from the author’s dedication of the book to his parents before the story even started. The opening scene, where Rabbit arrives in Rome just as the Great Fire of Rome begins in order to rescue precious scrolls and bring them back for study in modern times, promised me a very intriguing story, and it definitely delivered on that expectation. However, I do NOT know much about the history or the era and learning some history is a big part of my enjoyment of this genre of fiction. The many references to historical figures I do not know and events that may have happened or may not have left me confused and uncertain. In addition, I had a hard time keeping many of the names of places or people in the story straight, especially when they are referred to by multiple names or nicknames. I did not see this mentioned in other reviews, so I suspect the problem might be mine.
I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series and was sure that in Double Shadow archaeologist Rabbit Ward’s trip back to the first century of the Christian era would include some exciting adventures as well as some interesting historical insight. I looked forward to both!
I got my first chuckle from the author’s dedication of the book to his parents before the story even started. The opening scene, where Rabbit arrives in Rome just as the Great Fire of Rome begins in order to rescue precious scrolls and bring them back for study in modern times, promised me a very intriguing story, and it definitely delivered on that expectation. However, I do NOT know much about the history or the era and learning some history is a big part of my enjoyment of this genre of fiction. The many references to historical figures I do not know and events that may have happened or may not have left me confused and uncertain. In addition, I had a hard time keeping many of the names of places or people in the story straight, especially when they are referred to by multiple names or nicknames. I did not see this mentioned in other reviews, so I suspect the problem might be mine.
I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Minotaur Books and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. Another exciting adventure! Rabbit Ward is back and he’s returned from his previous adventure. But he won’t be home for long as Helen his former adversary turned alley needs his help. She’s being framed for murder, one she didn’t commit. Now she needs Rabbit’s help, he needs to go to first century Jerusalem to track down a man named Einar Eshek. While there he meets a younger version of Helen that he’s never met before and the two work together to track down Einar. Who just happens to be a murderous psychopath. As they search they feel something bigger pulling at them. And Rabbit may just need to betray Helen’s past self in order to protect her future self. As Jerusalem prepares for war with Rome and Rabbit chases Einar he’ll have to race to save Helen and make it back to his own time in one piece, something that is proving very difficult. Can he make it home? Can he save Helen? Full of mystery, thrills, and plot twists that kept me reading and unable to put it down! Andrew Ludington’s newest is great for history lovers as well as mystery lovers!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Double Shadow” by Andrew Ludington, is the sequel to “Splinter Effect”. It is well written and, despite the complexities of time travel, I did not find it hard to follow. The story is seamless and the writing excellent— an even stronger book than “Splinter Effect”. Traveling back in time is risky business, and traveling to 68 AD especially so, as Rome rules with an iron fist and is about to destroy Jerusalem. The subject matter inherently deals with violent times, but I found this book, as intriguing as it is, one that I will not finish—it’s just too violent for me. There is a “murderous thief” about, in actuality a psychopath, and while not overtly graphic, at least not at first, it becomes increasingly disturbing and something I choose not to continue: I don’t do torture, and while not fully described, I found it more than enough. I am disappointed, since it’s truly an intriguing story. I also found the increased F-bombs and other swearing to be not to my taste. Again well written, fast paced, and full of interesting history, but disturbing.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
DOUBLE SHADOW by Andrew Ludington
History Most Interesting!
Oh the wonders of time travel, and the twisted ways of deceivers! I was caught up in the drama and mysteries, loving the descriptions, and sad to reach the end. Even the author’s notes were interesting, with a hint of a third book, yes, please! Ludington’s books will join the select few that leap immediately off Mt. TBR and into my waiting hands.
Helen is in trouble, and rabbit must travel to 68 CE Judea to find the man who can clear her name. The many plots are intricate and I want to avoid spoilers, so I’ll focus on one wonderful detail — Helen’s impressive skill with sling. When her father saw the sling she made as a young girl, she thought she was in trouble. He said he was disappointed — she should not have used cotton, too stretchy, and he showed her that sisal was better, and then set up targets for her. How to raise an independent daughter. . . ;-)
Coming April 21 — you have time to read SPLINTER EFFECT before then.
History Most Interesting!
Oh the wonders of time travel, and the twisted ways of deceivers! I was caught up in the drama and mysteries, loving the descriptions, and sad to reach the end. Even the author’s notes were interesting, with a hint of a third book, yes, please! Ludington’s books will join the select few that leap immediately off Mt. TBR and into my waiting hands.
Helen is in trouble, and rabbit must travel to 68 CE Judea to find the man who can clear her name. The many plots are intricate and I want to avoid spoilers, so I’ll focus on one wonderful detail — Helen’s impressive skill with sling. When her father saw the sling she made as a young girl, she thought she was in trouble. He said he was disappointed — she should not have used cotton, too stretchy, and he showed her that sisal was better, and then set up targets for her. How to raise an independent daughter. . . ;-)
Coming April 21 — you have time to read SPLINTER EFFECT before then.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow! The details that had to be tracked to write this book are astounding! The story is exciting when you think of treasure hunting alone. Then you factor in time travel to locate and secure these objects, and the story becomes electric! The history, and the efforts these characters went through to stay true to the time period they visit, was fun to observe. And, really, the story is written in such a way that it was like a movie in my head! I enjoyed the interactions among the main characters, the elements of risk and running out of time. There was even a love story element! Without giving away details of the story, this tale will have you zipping back and forth thru time, toward objects and away from people, looking to solve crimes without altering events! I can't thank AC from Minotaur Books/St. Martin's Press enough for introducing me to this author/series and for granting me a DRC of this book. The characters are a lot of fun, the jumps are exciting, and the series is one not to be missed!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A great edition to this time traveling, action-packed series!
In this novel Rabbit travels back in time to Jerusalem to help Helen. She is being accused of being part of an illegal time traveling ring. Only when he travels back he meets a younger Helen who has never met him before. Helen is chasing after a man named Eshek who has stolen money and if Helen can get the money back she can help her sister. The only problem is that there is also a killer on the loose who seems out to get Rabbit.
In this novel we learn a lot more about Helen and her back story. We also get to see more of Rabbit and Helen's relationship. This book has lots of action and adventure but the best part of the story for me is the time travel. I love all of the historical detail and knowledge of the time periods they travel to. I am excited to read more as I am really enjoying what is happening between Rabbit and Helen.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
In this novel Rabbit travels back in time to Jerusalem to help Helen. She is being accused of being part of an illegal time traveling ring. Only when he travels back he meets a younger Helen who has never met him before. Helen is chasing after a man named Eshek who has stolen money and if Helen can get the money back she can help her sister. The only problem is that there is also a killer on the loose who seems out to get Rabbit.
In this novel we learn a lot more about Helen and her back story. We also get to see more of Rabbit and Helen's relationship. This book has lots of action and adventure but the best part of the story for me is the time travel. I love all of the historical detail and knowledge of the time periods they travel to. I am excited to read more as I am really enjoying what is happening between Rabbit and Helen.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
January 17, 2026
Double Shadow: A Splinter Effect Novel is the second entry in Andrew Ludington’s genre-blending series, and it delivers an engaging mix of science fiction, time travel, suspense, and historical adventure that will appeal to fans across all those categories.
In this installment, Smithsonian time traveler “Rabbit” is sent back into Judeo-Roman history to assist a colleague during one of her earlier expeditions—before he even knew her. What begins as a mission to stop a thief from looting valuable artifacts quickly expands into something darker, as Rabbit becomes entangled in the hunt for a serial killer.
Like the first book, Ludington keeps the story tightly structured and full of rich historical detail. However, for me, the sheer volume of background material—while fascinating and clearly well researched—occasionally slowed the momentum. That said, the immersive setting and layered plot more than compensate, and the novel remains a compelling read.
I recommend both this book and the series as a whole. While some sequels work as stand-alones, readers will benefit from starting with Ludington’s first novel, Splinter Effect, before diving into Double Shadow—it deepens the characters and makes the stakes even more satisfying.
In this installment, Smithsonian time traveler “Rabbit” is sent back into Judeo-Roman history to assist a colleague during one of her earlier expeditions—before he even knew her. What begins as a mission to stop a thief from looting valuable artifacts quickly expands into something darker, as Rabbit becomes entangled in the hunt for a serial killer.
Like the first book, Ludington keeps the story tightly structured and full of rich historical detail. However, for me, the sheer volume of background material—while fascinating and clearly well researched—occasionally slowed the momentum. That said, the immersive setting and layered plot more than compensate, and the novel remains a compelling read.
I recommend both this book and the series as a whole. While some sequels work as stand-alones, readers will benefit from starting with Ludington’s first novel, Splinter Effect, before diving into Double Shadow—it deepens the characters and makes the stakes even more satisfying.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love this series so much! Growing up I always wanted to be Indiana Jones, but I wanted to be a time traveler too. This series gives me a chance to pretend I’m both! All joking aside though, it was really entertaining. I especially love the history in this book. It was a totally different experience to learn about history while being fully immersed in it. And a time traveling serial killer was absolutely right up my alley. Rabbit and Helen make a phenomenal team which makes the reader easily get invested. The combination of all of these elements made this one a real page turner. I couldn’t get enough of it and I was so bummed when it ended. But what an ending! The thing I had hoped to happen in the last book happened in this one! I’m so excited to read the next one!
Huge thanks to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
Huge thanks to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rabbit Ward is a chrono-archeologist for The Smithsonian Institution. He goes on missions into deep history to try and recover destroyed artifacts without changing anything else, which would splinter the timeline. He travels to Qumran to find The Book of Esther and finds a zealot group of early Christians who want to travel to Jerusalem to usher in The End Times, which they expect to happen in their lifetime. It is 68 CE and the Jewish nation is trying to throw off the yoke of Roman oppression. Rabbit runs into another time traveler, Helen, who he met in the first book, but this adventure is happening before she met him in the current timeline, so she does not recognize him. Helen is searching for a murderous psychopath named Einar Eshek, who is traveling the timelines, killing people along the way. A lot of very complicated plotting as usually happens in time travel novels, who is doing what in which timeline? An interesting story, but very convoluted.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
St. Martin's Press provided an early galley for review.
This is the sequel to 2025's Splinter Effect, which I liked. I was down for more adventures, and the author has accomodated that with a new novel.
The story opens at a good pace, diving right into a new mystery for Rabbit to decipher. Once again, Ludington shows his knowledge of history by steeping the action directly into an ancient era (history was definitely not my strong suit in school). Through Rabbit, the reader learns a lot of this information (as this is known history to someone from the 21st century). The downside is that at times the dialogue can come across as a bit expositional when he is explaining people, places and events to Helen.
Still, the adventure is interesting, and the ending clearly sets things up for the next book in the series.
This is the sequel to 2025's Splinter Effect, which I liked. I was down for more adventures, and the author has accomodated that with a new novel.
The story opens at a good pace, diving right into a new mystery for Rabbit to decipher. Once again, Ludington shows his knowledge of history by steeping the action directly into an ancient era (history was definitely not my strong suit in school). Through Rabbit, the reader learns a lot of this information (as this is known history to someone from the 21st century). The downside is that at times the dialogue can come across as a bit expositional when he is explaining people, places and events to Helen.
Still, the adventure is interesting, and the ending clearly sets things up for the next book in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I quite enjoyed this sequel to Splinter Effect. I think it does a great job of moving the story forward--without relying upon having read the first book. (I did, but it seems ages ago). As with the first, the narrative fully immerses us in the past in a way that is vivid and engaging. What a way to learn history! Bravo to all the research.
For me the tale lagged in the middle, not to mention I easily picked out "the bad guy" very early. It really picked up and I was totally sucked in once we learned more about the antagonist. Then I was all in. So, I suppose for me what was lacking earlier in the book was sufficient tension and depth. But it came on and not too late to make this an easy four stars.
Thank you to Net Galley and Minotaur Books for the chance to read this advance copy in return for my honest review.
For me the tale lagged in the middle, not to mention I easily picked out "the bad guy" very early. It really picked up and I was totally sucked in once we learned more about the antagonist. Then I was all in. So, I suppose for me what was lacking earlier in the book was sufficient tension and depth. But it came on and not too late to make this an easy four stars.
Thank you to Net Galley and Minotaur Books for the chance to read this advance copy in return for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Time-traveling archaeologist Dr. Robert “Rabbit” Ward is back for his second literary adventure. This time we find him principally in Judea and Jerusalem in 64 CE. His travels start out with a bang. Literally. Some guy wearing a mask wallops him on the head and breaks his elbow.
If you’ve read “Splinter Effect,” the first Rabbit book, you’ll imagine that this barely slows him down. You’d be right.
“Double Shadow” is action-packed and full of people who don’t seem trustworthy. It’s a page-turner. The thief from the first book appears again. Is she trustworthy now?
The objective is to find and preserve historical treasures. Rabbit is good at his job but others would like to limit his successes.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader copy. This is my honest review.
If you’ve read “Splinter Effect,” the first Rabbit book, you’ll imagine that this barely slows him down. You’d be right.
“Double Shadow” is action-packed and full of people who don’t seem trustworthy. It’s a page-turner. The thief from the first book appears again. Is she trustworthy now?
The objective is to find and preserve historical treasures. Rabbit is good at his job but others would like to limit his successes.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader copy. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m always reluctant to request a book with time travel in it because time travel really makes my brain hurt as I try to think through implications in the actions of the characters! LOL! However, I’d read the series starter and enjoyed it, so I was happy to read this one. Rabbit and Helen are back, but Helen doesn’t know Rabbit. He must navigate so many pitfalls to keep the splinter effect to almost nothing with all the timelines he must juggle…one of the reasons time travel books drive me crazy. LOL! This is a thrilling adventure, with lots of history thrown in (not a favorite of mine either), and I really enjoyed this. It is a well-written, engaging, filled with heart-stopping adventure, and definitely worth a read. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Double Shadow, a Splinter Effect novel by Andrew Ludington, is a thrilling, non-stop follow up that maintains the pace and sense of adventure established in the first novel of the series.
Supported by clearly stellar historical research by the author, this book takes the concept of archeological time travel and runs with it. The storyline is full of twists and turns. The characters, from heroes to villains, are well-rounded and fascinating, and the character development for those we met in the first book is organic and satisfying.
In a nutshell, this book is a thrill-ride and sweeps you along until suddenly you find yourself at the end. I stayed up way too late reading it.
I am thankful to have received an ARC of #DoubleShadow through #NetGalley, and highly recommend this for any fans of sci-fi and/or time travel.
Supported by clearly stellar historical research by the author, this book takes the concept of archeological time travel and runs with it. The storyline is full of twists and turns. The characters, from heroes to villains, are well-rounded and fascinating, and the character development for those we met in the first book is organic and satisfying.
In a nutshell, this book is a thrill-ride and sweeps you along until suddenly you find yourself at the end. I stayed up way too late reading it.
I am thankful to have received an ARC of #DoubleShadow through #NetGalley, and highly recommend this for any fans of sci-fi and/or time travel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Andrew Ludington, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for access to the Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rabbit Ward is a time traveling archaeologist working for the Smithsonian – a great gig if you can get it. However, all is not well in the time traveling archaeology business. There are people who are using the time travel system to go back in time and steal treasure and our hero must stop them.
This is a book with an interesting premise, and it moves along well. The characters are interesting and engaging. I also enjoyed the historical aspects of the story.
This is the second installment in the Splinter Effect series, and the author does a good job of ensuring this book can be read independently of its predecessor.
Rabbit Ward is a time traveling archaeologist working for the Smithsonian – a great gig if you can get it. However, all is not well in the time traveling archaeology business. There are people who are using the time travel system to go back in time and steal treasure and our hero must stop them.
This is a book with an interesting premise, and it moves along well. The characters are interesting and engaging. I also enjoyed the historical aspects of the story.
This is the second installment in the Splinter Effect series, and the author does a good job of ensuring this book can be read independently of its predecessor.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An engaging and suspenseful time travel read
This author is a good storyteller who writes with interesting and sympathetic characters. It has a good pace as the story moves along, I definitely had the feel of actually being transported to the past. Very well done, a great plot line with plenty of suspense, tension and history. This is the second book in this series and like the first one it has a smooth flow, is well worded and is clear and detailed with plenty of depth. It is helpful to read the first book to be familiar with characters. A fictional story, but there is also a lot of historical context. I really enjoyed the book and highly recommend. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.
This author is a good storyteller who writes with interesting and sympathetic characters. It has a good pace as the story moves along, I definitely had the feel of actually being transported to the past. Very well done, a great plot line with plenty of suspense, tension and history. This is the second book in this series and like the first one it has a smooth flow, is well worded and is clear and detailed with plenty of depth. It is helpful to read the first book to be familiar with characters. A fictional story, but there is also a lot of historical context. I really enjoyed the book and highly recommend. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Double Shadow
By Andrew Ludington
This is the second book in a series about Dr. Robert "Rabbit" Ward, a chrono-archaeologist working for the Smithonian. Time travel is government regulated, but there are illegal competitors in this burgeoning field of study.
The concept here is fascinating: going back in time to correct/clarify a situation without causing a splinter that could change all subsequent history. And then finding your way back to your decaying point for the return to your starting point – without ever running into yourself in the processing.
I found this book interesting and look forward to where the author takes Rabbit and Helen on their next adventure – obviously on the chase for Einar Eshek.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
By Andrew Ludington
This is the second book in a series about Dr. Robert "Rabbit" Ward, a chrono-archaeologist working for the Smithonian. Time travel is government regulated, but there are illegal competitors in this burgeoning field of study.
The concept here is fascinating: going back in time to correct/clarify a situation without causing a splinter that could change all subsequent history. And then finding your way back to your decaying point for the return to your starting point – without ever running into yourself in the processing.
I found this book interesting and look forward to where the author takes Rabbit and Helen on their next adventure – obviously on the chase for Einar Eshek.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I received an arc of this book.
This was a fun, fast paced read. A time travel, murder mystery with a multi-lingual archeologist and his paramore as our heroes. This exceeded expectations. Characters were well developed, believable, and likable. As historical fiction it felt accurate enough without feeling like it was teaching me history lessons. Time travel tech and paradoxes were handled in a straightforward way. There was some social commentary about lessons relative to both the past and current society. All in all, I'd expect this do well on mass market shelves and with genre fans. Makes me disappointed I had not read the first book in the series before this, and I'll be looking for it as well the seemingly inevitable sequel.
This was a fun, fast paced read. A time travel, murder mystery with a multi-lingual archeologist and his paramore as our heroes. This exceeded expectations. Characters were well developed, believable, and likable. As historical fiction it felt accurate enough without feeling like it was teaching me history lessons. Time travel tech and paradoxes were handled in a straightforward way. There was some social commentary about lessons relative to both the past and current society. All in all, I'd expect this do well on mass market shelves and with genre fans. Makes me disappointed I had not read the first book in the series before this, and I'll be looking for it as well the seemingly inevitable sequel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Double Shadow is a time traveling treasure hunt! Andrew Ludington maximizes the implications and complications of time travel and chrono archeology. To save a friend, Rabbit Ward travels to Jerusalem 68 CE. He finds himself thrown into a perilous political situation and searching for the hidden Temple Treasury. To complicate matters, there’s a time traveling serial killer on the loose.
It advances character for Rabbit and Helen, and gives us a wider view of what the contemporary world looks like with Time Travel as a reality. It fits a fascinating mystery spanning centuries into a story with personal stakes for Rabbit Ward. The layers of genre and time are entertaining on both surface and cerebral levels. Double Shadow is a must read for fans of mystery, history and adventure!
It advances character for Rabbit and Helen, and gives us a wider view of what the contemporary world looks like with Time Travel as a reality. It fits a fascinating mystery spanning centuries into a story with personal stakes for Rabbit Ward. The layers of genre and time are entertaining on both surface and cerebral levels. Double Shadow is a must read for fans of mystery, history and adventure!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Double Shadow is a riveting historical mystery-adventure following the exploits of Rabbit Ward, a time-traveling archeologist. He is now unofficially paired with his "love-interest" Helen to locate a psychotic time traveler who is wreaking havoc with history. There are lots of unexpected twists and plenty of action, much of it rather violent. At times the narrative felt disjointed and didn't always flow smoothly. It took me longer to read than normal. It remains to be seen if Rabbit is successful in apprehending the psychotic time-traveler. Will have to wait for the third book in this series to find out what happens next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ana Couto of St. Martin's Publishing Group for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ana Couto of St. Martin's Publishing Group for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
3.5 stars
I liked this more than the first book and would have given it a higher rating if not for the last part of the story when they're back in the present. I thought the action just crawled at that point. The past was almost non-stop action and although there were, again in this book, way too many characters to keep track of, it was somehow easier to follow. I could have done without the violence and gore though; if this were a movie, I would have closed my eyes at those scenes. I did really like where the relationship ended up between Rabbit and Helen and look forward to book three.
3.5 stars
I liked this more than the first book and would have given it a higher rating if not for the last part of the story when they're back in the present. I thought the action just crawled at that point. The past was almost non-stop action and although there were, again in this book, way too many characters to keep track of, it was somehow easier to follow. I could have done without the violence and gore though; if this were a movie, I would have closed my eyes at those scenes. I did really like where the relationship ended up between Rabbit and Helen and look forward to book three.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Time traveling archeologist who is currently on the hunt, not just for ancient treasures, but a time traveling serial killer. The time traveling serial killer is also doing other illegal things, such as illegally time traveling. This time Rabbit Ward must work with a partner in order to solve the problems. Although book 2, one does not need to have read book 1 to follow the storyline, even though a few things from the previous story are referenced. Definitely an action packed thriller with no ideas as to what the enemy looks like.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews