The Four Myths

by Robert Reisler

A 5-STAR Reader's Favorite®, The Four Myths is the apocalyptic thriller you’ve been waiting for. Beginning in the mid-2000s, Jack and Randy, an unlikely pair of government workers, uncover a secret, hell-bent on changing the world forever. Trying to deny it, they can’t, as they immediately begin to witness its prophecies manifest. Their lives become intertwined with a diverse cast of characters with stories that just keep coming. You, the reader, will be pulled into this epic right along with them—forced to grapple with your own reality even after its conclusion. Magic, mystery, horror—even humor—intermix, indelibly in this thriller that will hook you and keep you glued to every page till its satisfying climax.

A book which leaves readers wanting more, fans of Stephen King, Dan Brown, and Dean Koontz will love The Four Myths, even surprising them by it becoming one of their new favorites.

"𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙈𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙤𝙛 𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙪𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙗𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙍𝙤𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙩 𝙍𝙚𝙞𝙨𝙡𝙚𝙧. 𝙒𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙖𝙙𝙪𝙡𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙣𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙝𝙞𝙘 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩. 𝘼 𝙟𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧 2048 𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙨𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙥𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙮𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙚. 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙚𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙅𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙅𝙤𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙍𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙮 𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙢𝙥 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙣 𝙪𝙥𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙝𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙢, 𝙙𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩. 𝙄𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙢𝙨 𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙠 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙝𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 ...

371 pages, Paperback

First published July 14, 2020

About the author

Robert Reisler is an American author and part-time philosopher. Attending Purdue University and Kansas State University, he holds a Pre-Medicine degree with a minor emphasis on the Arts. Faith, miracles, and the metaphysical intrigue Reisler and he continues to study different religions and the nature of belief. A lover of a good thriller or mystery and a traveler, at heart, Reisler has raised five children while living in India, SE Asia, Africa, and Europe, as well as several locations around the United States. A Kansas native, he now resides with his family in Atlanta, Georgia.

Reviews

[Brianne Klodowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yikes. It took me over two months to read this book. I was really optimistic about this book based on reviews and I thought that I would really enjoy it. I’m a big fan of Indiana Jones/Da Vinci Code/National Treasure/apocalypse-type adventures, so I was so eager to read this. At one point, I really enjoyed the story, but I kept losing interest as additional storylines kept building and building. I think this book had a ton of potential and it was honestly well-written (and super humorous), but it was just TOO much story for me. I got overwhelmed with the multiple storylines, time-hopping, and craziness that this book offered. I was worried that a novel spanning thousands of years of stories could somehow come together at the end and my concerns were valid since I was actually a little let down by it. This books has EVERYTHING—Egyptian tombs, Custer’s last stand, snow dogs, prophetic boys, flying people, other magical powers, the devil, the apocalypse, and killer... slugs?! But the “everything” just took away from my ability to connect with any of the characters and unfortunately it just wasn’t my thing. From previous reviews, it looks like other readers really enjoyed that... and while I agree that it wasn’t badly written, I just didn’t quite enjoy it. Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via a Goodreads giveaway.

[Kathy E Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book so glad I found this story

[Cheryl Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

The Stand has an equal in this saga of good and evil, but with a different perspective. Really enjoyed the story and at the same time, it gave me philosophical food for thought.

[Kelly Knapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

For generations, four people have lived millenia protecting the future written on four scrolls. But the time has come for those scrolls to come together.

This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Enjoyable characters and seemingly impossible events converge to create a present and near future that reads like unexpected reality. Intricate and detailed.

[Janis Astle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fun fantasy(?) read that keeps you on your toes following a story line that goes from different time periods, to places all over the map (including where I live) with everyday people who find themselves in situations that they weren't prepared for but stand up to the challenge to face their darkest days ever to combat evil! It puts your faith, beliefs, everything you thought you knew to the test of- What if????
You won't realize you are losing sleep because until you are done nothing else exists in your world except the next page!!!!
It's a great Summer read or anytime read! A great read to escape into, while the world goes crazy around you!

[Lynda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite

I hate to come down hard on anyones attempt at writing a story. I certainly couldn’t do it. I actually was kind of intrigued until the demons entered the story. After that it just wound on and on and ON! I kept thinking/hoping somehow there would be some kind of resolution but no such luck.

I really disliked this book!

[Paul Milliken · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Prophets don’t descend from the skies, Jack. They rise from among us.”

With these words, Robert Reisler seems to sum up the central theme of his sprawling debut novel. An apocalyptic thriller that spans hundreds of pages and thousands of years, the author makes a strong case that if and when a climactic battle between good and evil happens, it won’t be a knight in shining armor who saves the world — it’ll be your next door neighbor in jeans and a t-shirt.

Weaving together an extraordinary collection of historical events (including The Battle of Little Big Horn) and disparate characters led by a stolid archaeologist and his enthusiastic security guard sidekick, Reisler takes readers on an epic adventure tale that’s equal parts H.G. Wells, Indiana Jones, and “The Walking Dead.” Reisler effortlessly moves between past, present, and future — often eradicating the boundaries between them so that characters from different centuries are able to interact. To summarize the plot would be nearly impossible, but most of Reisler’s story centers on the discovery of a quartet of ancient (…or are they?) scrolls and the twisted roadmap they provide when the forces of evil begin to take over the world.

Interpolating real-life events/people in a work of fiction is a risk for an author, often serving more as a gimmick than an effective storytelling tool. In the case of this novel, the gamble pays off, thanks mainly to Reisler’s confidence as a writer. There’s a palpable enthusiasm to his work here — a genuine excitement — which adds much-needed buoyancy to the densely-plotted novel and helps sell even the most fantastic plot twists.

Although by design it leaves readers with more questions than answers, THE FOUR MYTHS is a satisfying, engaging novel filled with vivid scenery, likable characters, and thoughtful discussions about the basic nature of humanity. In Robert Reisler’s world, there are heroes among us; they may not be the saviors we expect, but when the time comes, they’ll be more than up to the task.

[Bill Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Four Myths is an “End of The Word” thriller which begs comparison to “The Stand” by Stephen King. It is shorter and less pretentious than “The Stand”, but it is similar in that it has a diverse assortment of seemingly unrelated characters, converging on an epic and mysterious climax. And the climax is a battle between the forces of good and evil.
When I judge such a book, I ask myself the following questions:
Are the characters believable? Do I care about them? When things start to happen at the climax, am I engaged? Am I rooting for the good guys? Nodding my head in disgust at the bad guys? And, most importantly, at the end, did the author have a point? Did this allegorical tale reveal insight into the nature of good and evil? I also ask myself whether the book was fun to read.
Well, this book qualifies well on all points. It brought the characters together in an unexpected way at a surprising climax which had a number of unexpected twists. And it was exciting. And Robert Reisler has something to say about the nature of good and evil. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it for anyone interested in this genre.
I give it four stars rather than five because I am picky and I want Mr Reisler to improve.

[Will Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want an excellent read that rewards the time you invested with dividends this is that read.
A rush of freshness gives the reader new perspectives in a genre that usually does not veer away from the routine end of the world apoplectic view of humanity faced with extinction.
The Four Myths indulges the reader with character involvement that makes you care enough to make time to read/listen and follow every nuance, lead, clue, warning, and discovery along the way.
The Four Myths is all in from the very first words you hear from master narrator Ed Romanoff. He gives voice to every character in a way that makes him just as much a part of the book as each intriguing character.
Everything in this story is a part of the book itself, are a part of the story, each character and their relationship to the Myths, and the epic journey we join is a part of the story. Yes, I became a part of the story myself when I found myself using quotes and referring to life lessons learned along the way through The Four Myths.
Hats off to Robert Reisler for a story well told, and thanks for involving us. I have read and beginning my re/read with this recommendation. Read/listen and be rewarded. You heard it from me Will Williams follow me on Instagram @masterbarberwms

[Chuck · Rating 1 out of 5]

Abandoned after getting thru 75% of the story. I tried, really. Forced myself to go on to the next page, but at some point I had to cut my losses.

Also, I'm sorry, but to bill this as "The best apocalyptic epic since Stephen King's The Stand" is clearly false advertising. When I read reviews like that I get ready to immerse myself in a great story. I should have know it could not live up to the hype. The only book to ever meet (or exceed) The Stand was Swan Song by Robert McCammon. There's never been another (IMO).

The Four Myths screamed of potential, but I knew I was in trouble early in. Overall the writing was poor and the story deteriorated the further you got into the story.

Save your time and money (but mostly your time). Considered this shelved (or deleted from my Kindle).

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very entertaining! Unfortunately, I had to work hard at times to figure out what was going on because the book jumps to different periods of time with its own set of wondered characters.

There is so much going on in this book. You will find twists and unpredictable turns, wonderful characters, good vs evil, and mystery.

I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoys Contemporary Religious Fiction, Paranormal Demons and Devils Romance and Psychological Thrillers books.

Once you understand how the book is written, it become easier to read, a page-turner and full of delightful characters so grab yourself a copy, relax and have yourself an wonderful time.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I expected

When I saw the ad for this book I was intrigued but the mystery and suspense. Little did I know it is a good vs evil, end of the world, philosophical rendering - not my usual thing. So why 4 stars? Well, it made me think. About life, about those around me, and me (am I just ‘filler’ or do I have a purpose?). Would I read it again? Probably not, too many books to reading any of them twice. Also, the epiphanies of the characters related to God and religion align with where I have been for a very long time now. So, if you’re looking for something deep and full of messages, this is it. If, like me, you would normally rather have a fictional story full of excitement and puzzles, go somewhere else.

[Ruffina Os · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Four Myths by Robert Reisler. It’s a wild mix of speculative fiction, myth, and some deep philosophical stuff. The story follows archaeologist Jack and security guard Randy as they find this ancient scroll from the Battle of Little Bighorn—full of encrypted messages about supernatural powers and the fate of humanity. Things get even more intense with Byron, a prophetic kid, and Sarah, an enigmatic woman linked to ancient Egypt. This author is a great storyteller who knows how to balance sparkling dialogue with thought-provoking passages. The descriptions are terrific and the subplots are carefully crafted to boost the suspense.

[Tina M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I was fortunate enough to have been selected as a prelaunch reader. This book kept me on the edge of seat and turning pages to find out what happens next, with the unexpected on every page. It is still affecting my dreams and it has been a over a week since I completed it. I love how the Author worked the links between all the characters along the way... I laughed, cried, felt anger and shock. Very well written, sucks you into the story like you are right there with them along for the journey ♥️

[Peggy Kindt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what to say about this book??? I guess -- I read the whole book it's an accomplishment??

Fantasy well written. This is an in-depth third person plot with plenty of intentions and unanswered questions. While you're reading you are being observed not only from above, but through a plot within a book. Many characters and superb imagination of immersion. Perhaps you have to read it in one sitting to really get the whole spoof. Could be construed as intense. Definitely NOT light reading. PottsvillePA_05302021. Believe in yourself.

[Christian Sia · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Four Myths by Robert Reisler, an archeologist and a security guard discover an ancient scroll linked to a battle, and as they try to understand it, they unleash supernatural powers. It seems like the scroll is a message from the future and a warning about humanity's demise and how to prevent it. The scroll is powerful, and it sets off a chain of events that will involve a boy with prophetic visions. What role does Byron Henning play in humanity's destiny? This well-written tale is suspenseful and features excellent prose and memorable characters.

[Lynn K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing And Original Book

Of course I liked it because it fits my own conclusions about life and religion. I believe there is a God, but that all religions are man made, and mostly false. In the end, all I can myself conclude about God is that what counts for IT is how we treat other people, other living things, and the world in which we live. I think the author of this book would agree with me.

[Missyw Burk · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first 2 chapters were hard to get through because of the writing style. I would liked to have read more background on the main characters up front instead of conversation. It seemed like a sprint start. After the second chapter the story settled down and the rest of the book was fun to read. The character stories have their own mix of triumph and tragedy that ultimately brings them together. The only thing I didn't like is the second post script. The first was a perfect ending.

[Suzanne Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the BOOK!! You really need to read it this summer! I found myself not able to put it down. did you know that you truly can burn water when you are distracted by an awesome read? I’m not going to spoil the plot or action for anyone when I say that if you like George Perretti or Stephen King (without the gore) this is the book you need to be reading.

[Marc Schoenhals · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently have been of the thought that “there’s only so many ways to tell the same 8 or 9 plots again and again..”. Ya know. Writers insecurity. But the author found a way to not only keep me interested, but also got me to reevaluate story structures and how to tell stories better.
Dialogue and emotion between characters are great and really made me care about the characters.

[Louise · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jack and Randy discover a journal depicting the apocalypse and the story is set in the future and refers to moments from the past. The story is dialogue-heavy at the beginning and is a slow read, however the narrative is humorous despite the context. The book is a bit difficult to get into.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Isa Anders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t listen to anybody doubting the achievement of this book, it is incredibly written, with various storylines seamlessly merging and constant excitement and curiosity. It keeps you engaged and wanting to get closer and closer to the truth. Amazing book. Could be a movie or limited series one day.

[Korine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had read a review that mentioned The Stand and Swan Song - both excellent books, so I decided to try this. I quit reading early on, then picked it back up, hoping it would pan out. Honestly, it never really did. Yes, glancing blows at both of the above titles, but it's really more of a confused time travel jumble. I read through to the end, hoping for something meaningful. Meh. Not so much.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I began this book, I thought how will he bring all these characters from different periods of times together BUT the author did! Enjoyed the story, the characters and everything about this book!Many interesting encounters and moments you had to flip the page to find out what’s next!

[Deon Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I had to read it in small spurts while sitting with an ill relative. It was physically painful everytime I had to put it down. This is easily a "stay up all night reading start to finish" kind of book.

[Linda Clemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought provoking book!

After the first chapter or two I nearly quit reading The Four Myths. I’m glad a didn’t. It’s exquisitely written and with some unexpected humor! This is not a book you will read and forget,

[Julie Howlett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a book that I was enjoying until about page 250 and then it seemed to change gears. The story line was good up until then- I had a hard time with the fantasy twist it took and was disappointed. This was not your typical end of the world book, if that is what was!

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read Four Times

Now that I have read the series, I want to read it all again...to catch the little things, the inferred, the implied because there is more than one mystery to solve; however, isn't that what makes life so intriguing.

[Ricky D. McDaniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I saw this book, comparing it to Stephen King's " The Stand" I was exited to read it. I've read a lot of books and The Stand is easily my favorite book of all time.
The Four myths wasn't bad, but I'm sorry, it doesn't belong on the same bookshelf with Stephen king's best.

[Francis X DuFour · Rating 2 out of 5]

A riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma

There is no way to describe this book since I didn’t understand it. I hope I never invest my time in reading a book comparable to this one.