I need to be a bit more careful about the books I select to read and Rose of Jericho proves why. Ultimately, this is a fantasy-first novel… not exactly something The Blog Without a Face is interested in covering. That being said. We were very kindly given an advanced review copy, so here goes!

Alex Grecian’s Rose of Jericho blends the eerie atmosphere of gothic horror with elements of supernatural fantasy, creating a narrative that, while rooted in the macabre, explores deeper philosophical questions surrounding life, death, and grief. Set against the backdrop of a small, haunted New England town, Grecian crafts a world where the natural order is broken—people refuse to die, and with death no longer an inevitability, chaos ensues. For fans of his previous work, particularly Red Rabbit, Rose of Jericho offers a return to familiar characters and unsettling supernatural occurrences. However, despite its many strengths, the novel may not be entirely for everyone, particularly those with a stronger preference for straightforward horror over the more fantastical elements woven into the narrative.

Alex Grecian is no stranger to weaving compelling and complex narratives that marry history, fantasy, and horror. Known for his historical thrillers and supernatural tales, Grecian is perhaps best recognized for his Scotland Yard’s Murder Squad series. However, Rose of Jericho represents a departure from his typical genre, leaning more heavily into the supernatural and fantastical, while still maintaining his characteristic pacing and atmospheric richness. His writing style is always evocative, and in Rose of Jericho, he builds a world brimming with strange beauty and disturbing intricacies.

While the novel is rooted in Grecian’s established ability to blend different genres, it feels uniquely atmospheric, infused with an almost unsettling stillness. This is a quality that many readers find either captivating or frustrating, depending on their preferences. Rose of Jericho is a sequel to Red Rabbit, though it can largely be read as a standalone novel (thankfully for me). The story begins with Moses Burke, who, in a moment of grief-fueled rage, kills Death itself. The consequences of this act are catastrophic: no one who dies can stay dead. As the boundaries between life and death erode, people who should be dead are walking the earth, their existence a grotesque parody of life. Their souls are trapped in an uncomfortable limbo, angry and confused. This unsettling premise sets the stage for a grim but fascinating exploration of grief, loss, and the unnatural persistence of life after death.

Moses, realizing the enormity of his mistake, seeks out the help of three witches—Sadie Grace, Rabbit, and Rose—who have recently moved to the town of Ascension, Massachusetts. There, they are drawn into a mystery involving Bethany Hall, a haunted house that is central to the eerie happenings. Alongside them is a celestial being hiding in the attic, a character whose motives and nature remain shrouded in mystery. As the town spirals into madness, the characters must work together to find a way to restore death to its rightful place before the world becomes unhinged.

At its core, Rose of Jericho is a meditation on the nature of death and the human desire to defy it. Moses Burke’s desperate act to bring his wife and newborn son back from the dead—while tragically born out of love—serves as a dark allegory for the human condition. Grecian explores the destructive power of grief, showing how it can cloud judgment and lead to irreversible consequences. The novel also raises poignant questions about the value of life and death: without death, what is the purpose of life? In defying death, are we perhaps also defying the natural order and the peace that comes with its eventual end?

Additionally, the theme of isolation plays a significant role. Ascension, a small, isolated town, becomes a microcosm for a world unhinged by death’s absence. The villagers’ mistrust of outsiders, their fear of the unknown, and the spiritual unrest that plagues the town all contribute to the novel’s claustrophobic atmosphere. The house at Bethany Hall, too, is a symbol of this, its creaking walls hiding not only ghosts but also the secrets of the past, which intertwine with the present chaos.

The titular “Rose of Jericho” serves as a powerful symbol throughout the novel. Known for its ability to “come back to life” after appearing to be dead, the flower mirrors the unnatural resurrection of those who are not meant to return. This symbolism reinforces the novel’s central message that life without death is an incomplete and cursed existence. The house at Bethany Hall is another potent symbol—haunted, decaying, and full of secrets—representing the decay of societal norms and the moral rot that follows when the natural order is disturbed.

Grecian’s writing in Rose of Jericho is dense, atmospheric, and contemplative. He has a remarkable ability to create a vivid sense of place, whether in the desolate landscapes of 1880s America or the haunted, oppressive atmosphere of Bethany Hall. His descriptions are often rich in detail, contributing to the overall mood of dread and unease that permeates the novel. For some readers, this style will be deeply immersive; for others, it may feel slow or cumbersome, especially if they are looking for more action-driven horror.

The pacing of the novel is deliberate, with tension building slowly over time. The book weaves between multiple perspectives, jumping between Moses’s journey and the events unfolding in Ascension. While this structure builds suspense, it can also lead to moments of confusion, especially for those not familiar with the characters from Red Rabbit. At times, the narrative feels disjointed, as Grecian takes his time to delve into the intricacies of his characters’ emotions and the supernatural elements of the story.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its atmosphere. Grecian excels in building tension through the setting—Ascension is filled with secrets and a palpable sense of dread. The haunted house, the restless undead, and the oppressive nature of the villagers all contribute to the story’s atmosphere. The character development, particularly of Moses and the witches, is another strength. Each character is well-rounded, and their emotional struggles add depth to the horror and supernatural elements of the story. Grecian’s exploration of grief, guilt, and redemption through these characters is both poignant and heartbreaking. Finally, the concept itself is compelling. The idea of death being absent from the world and the consequences that unfold are both original and disturbing. The novel’s surreal exploration of the undead—those who are neither alive nor truly dead—adds a fresh twist to the genre.

Despite its many strengths, Rose of Jericho is not without its flaws. One notable issue is its pacing. The deliberate buildup and multiple narrative threads may alienate readers seeking a more fast-paced, straightforward horror experience. Additionally, while the character development is strong, the sheer number of characters, along with the book’s intricate web of plot points, can make it difficult to stay emotionally invested in all of them. Some readers may also find the blend of fantasy and horror to be disorienting. While the novel certainly has its creepy moments, the presence of witches, celestial beings, and a focus on magical realism may feel more like fantasy than horror to those accustomed to a more traditional ghost story or thriller.

Rose of Jericho is a deeply atmospheric and thought-provoking work that explores the consequences of defying death. While it may not fit squarely within the horror genre, its gothic and supernatural elements, coupled with a compelling narrative about grief and the unnatural, make it an intriguing read for fans of both horror and fantasy.

While the novel occasionally struggles with pacing and character focus, its rich atmosphere, intriguing premise, and the depth of its themes make it standout. It may not be the perfect fit for all horror enthusiasts, particularly those who prefer a more traditional horror experience, but for those open to a blend of fantasy and suspense, Rose of Jericho is an engaging and original read.

Tor Nightfire
Published March 11, 2025