The Four Myths

Robert Reisler's The Four Myths delivers four intriguing narratives that merge history, mysticism, and contemporary interconnectivity. The plot unfolds through four interwoven myths involving different characters across time, all bound by the mystical power of ancient scrolls. The story opens with Jack Johanssen, a reclusive and dedicated archaeologist, who stumbles upon a mysterious scroll from the notorious 1876 Battle of Little Bighorn. The drama escalates when he discovers that this seemingly mundane artifact carries secrets of untold powers and destinies, particularly its connection to Byron Henning—a boy prophet whose journey from childhood to isolation shapes a significant part of the narrative. 

Intriguingly, Reisler crafts a rich character study in Jack, who battles his inner conflicts—his quiet life overshadowed by a father’s expectations and a growing camaraderie with Randy, a security guard. Their relationship evolves from skepticism to a profound realization of shared destiny as they uncover the scroll's secrets. This dynamic culminates in an emotionally charged scene where Jack hesitates to truly embrace the magic of the scrolls, reflecting on his solitude and desire for connection, creating a poignant moment of vulnerability. In a parallel narrative, Derek Dubois, a struggling author, shares the burden of a different conflict rooted in guilt and the consequences of ambition. An emotionally gripping climax occurs as he inadvertently causes the death of his editor, Jon Johanssen, and subsequent victims through mysterious powers he unwittingly possesses. This spirals into a crisis of identity and morality that Derek must deal with, especially as he uncovers that these powers may be tied to his family history—the very scrolls he has written about in his latest book. 

The setting of various locations, from a dusty warehouse in modern America to the haunted landscapes of 19th-century Montana and the mysterious streets of Cairo, lends a vivid backdrop that enhances the mythological elements of this enthralling tale. Reisler’s world-building captures the eerie stillness of isolation and frenetic energy of encounters. The emotionally wrought climax occurs in scenes where Sarah Dubois, Derek's ageless aunt, confronts her past linked to the scrolls and the existential implications of her immortality. Her reunion with Derek is filled with heart-wrenching revelations about their family's legacy and the burdens that come with it—questions of identity, life, and purpose resonate deeply as they navigate their shared fate. The Four Myths is a unique thriller with well-developed themes, intriguing characters, and an immersive setting.