The Jericho River    by David Carthage Order:  USA  Can Winifred Press, 2012 (2012) Paperback, e-Book     Reviewed by Ricki Marking-Camuto Fantasy and history meet in this ingenious novel covering all of Western Civilization. David Carthage's The Jericho River will take readers on an epic journey from ancient Sumer to the present-day USA in this tale that highlights the myths of many times and places. Jason Gallo's father, Professor William Gallo, has fallen into a coma that no one can explain. One night, while he is staying over with his father in the hospital, a strange woman tells Jason what is really happening – Dr. Gallo is a Dream Voyager and is stuck in the land of Fore. Without any further instructions, the strange lady sends Jason to Fore where he finds himself in the middle of the desert being hunted by barbarians. Luckily, he meets Zidu, a Sumerian lumin – a mythological creature with the head of a man and body of a lion. With Zidu's help, Jason tries to retrace his father's steps in Fore. They pick up new friends and enemies along the way as they travel the length of the Jericho River, a veritable timeline of Western civilization. The Jericho River is a very fun and unique story. Carthage shows a great love for history and myths and does an excellent job of bringing them to life. Jason's story will delight younger fantasy fans, although some themes are geared towards those a little older. What really make The Jericho River fun, though, are the chapter introductions and footnotes from Professor Gallo's lectures – these really make the reader wish he were a real teacher. David Carthage has a great world on his hands with Fore. Hopefully The Jericho River will be Jason's first – and not his only – adventure there. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews