The Jericho River – By David W. Tollen, A Book Review

The Jericho River – A Novel about the History of Western Civilization

By David W. Tollen

Winifred Press, Mill Valley, California, 978-0985451721, $ 12.95, 2015, 338 pages

Reviewed by Richard R. Blake

A Magnificent Adventure in a Fantasy World – Combining Myth, Magic and History

Award winning author David W. Tollen incorporates fantasy fiction, myth, and historical fact introducing a new generation of readers to the origins of the Western world in his book “The Jericho River – A Novel about the History of Western Civilization.”

When William Gallo, a noted historian, falls into a mysterious comma his son young Jason deciphers a few words and phrases from his father’s mumbling that seem to be an ongoing dream revealing an obsession with history and mythology related to one of his earlier expeditions.

The same night Jason has his own dream. When he awoke he found himself transported back to the time of the ancient civilizations of Sumer, Babylonia, and many others with origins in the Middle East. He has been sent on a rescue mission to relocate his father’s being, free him, and return with him to the present. The adventures that follow take Jason along the Jericho River from Sumer to Egypt, Crete, and Babylon.

Jason’s search takes him on a time line that parallels his father William Gallo’s notes from his outline of history; which introduce the reader to an accurate chronological history of Western Civilization.

Tollen has a unique flare for adding pageantry, magic, and mysticism to historical fact, with a fast moving plot, and vivid characterizations. This is an introduction to history for a new generation of teenagers, with a fascinating twist for adult fantasy enthusiasts.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided for review purposes. The opinions expressed are my own.