Coming in Fall 2026

Book 1: The Riftguard

Varen Skuldson graduated from the Riftguard Academy in Varnesk with a dream to protect one of the great cities in the thirty-six riftgate accessible dimensions. But the leaders of the Riftguard don’t think Varen is ready, so he’s waiting for his assignment. Then a senior member of the Riftguard goes missing in Dimension 31 in a small city named Worcester, MA. Varen’s assignment is simple, let people see there is a member of the guard in the city, keep people calm, and don’t investigate anything. That’s being handled by professionals.

But, that’s not how Varen works.

Especially when there is a renegade luck peddler on the loose, a gang of interdimensional toughs arming up for war, and an interdimensional bazaar hidden under Polar Park. Follow Varen as he discovers the hard way how to beat his new enemies, figure out his job, survive navigating Kelley Square, and somehow stay alive.

Character-driven Urban Fantasy by Robert Mattson

I live in the Blackstone Valley which is part of Worcester County. I've written plays, songs, screenplays, and now novels. I've been a fan of the urban fantasy genre for decades after reading lots of science fiction and high fantasy growing up. The Riftguard Series, starting with the debut novel The Riftguard follows Varen Skuldson, a recent graduate of the Riftguard Academy on his first posting in Worcester MA. A posting he's thrust into before he's ready. Packed with science that seems like magic to the local residents, Varen takes on a mystery he's told not to solve, threats that shouldn't exist, and new housemates that know more than they should.

Please join me in the universe of the Riftguard!

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For interviews, readings, speaking engagements, or publishing inquiries – feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to connect and will get back to you as soon as possible.