River Jumping

by Matt Luttrell

When an experimental alloy disappears before his eyes, a young Canadian scientist is astonished. Revealing the discovery to his employer may result in losing his research, so he and his lab partner decide to keep their new project a secret – from everyone.

This choice risks his career, his friendships, and a budding relationship with the woman of his dreams, all while the vanishing alloy creates far more questions than answers.

But finding the truth behind the experiment will launch him on a thrilling adventure – one that will see him on the run from the law, embroiled in a global conspiracy, and changing the world in ways he can’t begin to comprehend.

Matt Luttrell’s thought-provoking debut novel introduces his original concept for exploring the universe around us. River Jumping is a heartfelt science-fiction epic about the lasting effects of decisions, the power of friendship, and the irresistible draw of exploration.

Genres: Science Fiction

417 pages, Paperback

First published June 25, 2022

About the author

Matt Luttrell is an award-winning science fiction author from Alberta, Canada. He's been a story-teller, a curious learner, and a self professed 'super-nerd' his entire life.

Matt likes to show believable, modern characters in unbelievable situations, and he mixes real science with the fantastical to create page turning adventure tales.

He loves getting feedback from readers and fans, either on Amazon or his Goodreads author page, and is always up for a fun discussion of ideas. Besides writing, Matt works as a researcher at a Calgary University - when he's not playing in the Rocky Mountains.

Reviews

[Rebecca Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciate it when author has put a lot of thought into a book, and that’s the case with River Jumping. The world building is great, the science is believable, the characters are varied and likeable and on top of that it’s really easy to read. It’s really cool to come across new ideas in a sci-fi, and a story that is not dystopian but positive about the future.

[Teri Kellum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Science fiction is not usually my favorite genre, but I couldn't put "River Jumping" down. Hopefully this is the first of many books by Matt Luttrell. Thank you for such a great adventure :)

[Yvonne Kwan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun and engaging read! The level of detail into the science was impressive, but not overwhelming for someone like myself who doesn't normally read a ton of science fiction. Kept me entertained right until the end. A science fiction adventure is right!

[Rachel Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea what to expect when I picked up River Jumping. A Science Fiction Adventure is far from my regular genre, but I crushed this book in 2 days!

The science aspects were fun, interesting, and easy for me to follow, the characters had a loveable familiarity, but my favourite part of this book was the atmospheric descriptions, placing you perfectly in each moment and location.

It was packed with the perfect combination of humour and suspense. I also loved all of the nods and references to Western Canada.

Well done on your first novel, Matt!

[Amy Anzulovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book. Makes you think, makes you question. Adventure at its finest.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a good mix of sci-fi, adventure and romance. I thought the plot was unique and the characters were interesting. I admit the scientific logic sometimes was hard for me to get and I found myself rereading at times but I think that made it all the more intriguing. A hard recommend for those that like this type of book.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I really appreciated how it was set in the future, enough to feel like science fiction, but not too far in the future to not make it relatable. I loved all the plot twists, and how alternating plots and perspectives weaved together to create a fascinating ending. Definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year!

[David Pospisil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting time travel/wormhole tech.
Loved Jake and Travis, the other characters not so much.
The end was especially interesting.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good Time-Travel Story

This story WOULD have been given a 5-star Rating IF the beginning interpersonal relationships were better written. The latter caused a pretty slow start to this Book, and made it VERY tempting to ditch it. But, after the preliminary character development, the story got tolerable (barely), THEN it finally hit interesting. The character development and interpersonal relationships are NOT The Author’s strong-suit, though, there’s a lot about HOW the main characters act that isn’t believable, nor does this type of writing hold The Reader’s interest very well. But, THEN the Book splits onto an entirely different and parallel story track, which was a surprise — the plot developed into two different story lines, which The Reader then had to wonder if they’ll somehow dovetail together?!? The Reader should hang in there and wait for the more interesting parts of the tale, and not give up early.

[Tyler Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! I liked how it was set in the not too distant future so characters and places referenced are relatable but also far enough out to believe the science fiction parts plausible. And the concepts for the scientific breakthroughs the main characters discover are thought out well, and detailed enough to keep readers engaged in the story. Easier novel to read and much better then your traditional science fiction novel that’s way out there with unbelievable stories. Like the way a game of thrones didn’t start with real dragons flying around in the first episode. Would’ve lost me right away. Instead you get invested in relatable characters to start who seem to get pulled into an adventure. Solid read for sure

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an ride! This book took me from the comfort of my very own Alberta/BC backyard to galaxies far, far away on a galactic space adventure. A science fiction yet, unpretentiously so; it was still ‘down to earth’, easy to read, and I could, for the most part, grasp all the concepts of time travel, different dimensions and communication through light years. The characters were likable, real, and faced not only the everyday problems of “normal” people, but the problems that I imagine, space explorers, scientists and astronauts face; how to obtain information, and then what on earth to do with it!

Highly recommend.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

River Jumping is an original, fun, and new look at science fiction. The story provides a glimpse at where technology and curiosity can take us. It’s a good read with lots of local Vancouver references (including the rain). The twists and turns that the two protagonists take kept me wanting see where the journey would go next. I highly recommend the book for anyone who likes a bit of science fiction and adventure.

[Kevin Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matt Luttrell has stitched together a compelling story with character's you feel like you've known your entire life. The science behind it was well thought out and easily digestible. I was hooked from beginning to end. Great work all-in-all, let alone for a first novel - well done. Looking forward for more works from the writer.

[Tweetytess · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read!! Kept me engaged!! I highly recommend.

[Will Symington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating science, immersive world-building, and familiar characters make for a fun page-turner. Would highly recommend.

[Wendy Izatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read! Good story and characters. Enjoyed the Canadian content.

[Molly Sym · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was incredible. It was a fast-paced read with dynamic characters and a fascinating plot. If you're into sci-fi, romance, or great adventures this is the book for you.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. What a wild ride. It needs a sequel, but it doesn't look like there's one coming. For an only book, this is a pretty good one by the author.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book. I have really enjoyed this excellent story. A must read!

[C.R. Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, clever read that explores a novel way to travel in space.