A time-traveling archaeologist, haunted by a past failure that cost him both a priceless menorah and his mentee, journeys to 6th-century Constantinople for a chance at redemption, only to face rival treasure hunters, political unrest, and the risk of altering history itself. Blending historical detail with sci-fi adventure, the story explores themes of regret, trust, and the high stakes of meddling with the past, all under the looming threat of the "splinter effect"—where any significant change creates a new, inescapable timeline.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a world where time travel is legal but tightly regulated, the novel follows Smithsonian archaeologist Rabbit Ward, a seasoned 'chrono-archaeologist' who travels to the past to recover lost artifacts just before they disappear from history. The central plot revolves around Rabbit's quest to retrieve the menorah of the Second Temple, a mission that previously ended in disaster twenty years earlier with the loss of both the artifact and his mentee, Aaron. When new evidence places the menorah in 6th-century Constantinople, Rabbit seizes the opportunity for redemption, only to find himself entangled in political unrest, pursued by local gangs, and forced into a tense alliance with Helen, a rival time traveler. The narrative is rich in historical detail, with much of the action taking place in ancient Constantinople, and incorporates elements of science fiction, adventure, and mystery, as Rabbit navigates both the dangers of the past and the complexities of time travel, including the risk of triggering a 'splinter effect' that could strand him in an alternate timeline.

Readers praised the book for its immersive historical settings, particularly the vivid depiction of ancient Constantinople, and the integration of real historical events and figures. Many found the time travel mechanics, especially the 'splinter effect' concept, to be well thought out and clearly explained. The protagonist, Rabbit Ward, was frequently described as a compelling and believable character, with his personal struggles and guilt over past failures adding depth to the story. The action sequences, including chariot races and escapes, as well as the dynamic between Rabbit and Helen, were highlighted as engaging aspects. Several reviewers compared the book favorably to Indiana Jones, National Treasure, and the TV show Timeless, noting its blend of adventure, history, and science fiction. Some readers also appreciated the book's humor, plot twists, and the potential for future installments.

Criticisms centered on the pacing, with multiple readers noting a slow or overly detailed start that focused heavily on historical exposition at the expense of action. Some found the middle section, set primarily in Constantinople, to drag or become repetitive, with an overabundance of historical facts and descriptions that interrupted the narrative flow. A few readers struggled to keep track of the characters or found the dialogue anachronistic. Technical issues such as unclear dialogue tags, reliance on coincidence, and what some described as immature or uneven prose were also mentioned. Several reviewers felt the book did not deliver the level of excitement or adventure they expected, and a handful did not finish the book due to lack of interest in the historical setting or the writing style.

The book is Andrew Ludington's debut and is positioned as the first in a potential series, with the ending leaving room for further adventures. It has received a moderate to positive reception, with an average rating of 3.93 out of 5 from 224 ratings and 177 full reviews. The story appeals most to readers interested in historical fiction, time travel, and archaeological adventure, though some noted that a deeper knowledge of Roman and Byzantine history could enhance enjoyment. The book was released in both print and audio formats, with some positive feedback on the audiobook narration. Content warnings include death, murder, violence, imprisonment, and antisemitism.