Double Shadow: A Splinter Effect Novel

Splinter Effect #2

by Andrew Ludington

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.

Genres: Time Travel, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Science Fiction

Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 21, 2026

About the author

Andrew 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.

Reviews

[Dave Milbrandt · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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?

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"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

[Valleri · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Loves to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

“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.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Monica Hills · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Martin Maenza · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike other time traveling books that soend too much explaining the rules this one gives us the hood stuff. Action adventure. As a fan of a Indiana Jones Vibes characters, it didn't disappoint. I love that he goes back and meets a version of Helen who doesn't know him yet. She always has the best honest remarks that makes Rabbit almost blush. Ahah. Now we're rooting for them in double. The villain is scary, violent and adds a lot of tension to the already high stakes kf the plot. The time period adds also a very interesting layer. We finally have a confession and I am looking forward to more of these characters in a series that keeps delivering. This author makes time traveling fun.

[Mark Easter · Rating 3 out of 5]

After being thrilled by the series debut, I had high hopes for book two—maybe too high. Double Shadow is a decent read, but I have to admit I felt mildly disappointed. It’s not a bad book by any means, just “so-so” for me. All the original characters are still present, and the intriguing plot threads from Splinter Effect are further explored. The antagonist was neither enjoyable to love nor hate, and Rabbit Ward’s resolution felt a bit pulled out of a hat. I’m still hoping for a killer follow-up, but it looks like I’ll have to wait for book three, which is already in the works.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a time traveling home run. I LOVED the concept and it was wonderfully executed. I loved the intersection of historical fiction and science fiction. I kept looking up information about the copper scroll to learn more about it and the historical significance. The premise is so cool and engaging. This is an absolute 5 of 5 stars.

[Jeremy Reppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Double Shadow" was a good sequel. It was interesting to learn more about Helen’s past, and how she and Rabbit are more connected than he realized. The villain, Einar Eshek, is satisfyingly twisted. The plot has plenty of action and intrigue.

[Jeff Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital ARC from the publisher. Loved this book as much as the first! Another fun time travel adventure following Rabbit Ward. This book delved into the characters a bit more, which was satisfying. While you could read as a standalone, I would advise starting at the beginning.

[Viking Jam · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is there to be said? This was an awesome read from start to finish. Again, great characters coupled with intense movement. Add in a sinister genius level serial killer, and hold on.

At the end. There is never any mention of where the young Leroy went after his escape to the blue car. Did I miss something?


4.8/5

[Donna]

DRC from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press / Minotaur Books