Jericho Rising

Jericho #1

by Mary Lynne Gibbs

What would happen if women ruled the world and men were nothing but their slaves and playthings? To some, it might be heaven on earth. To a woman named Jericho, that couldn’t be further from the truth. In post-World War III, small town MI, the reluctant leader of the resistance movement must fight to preserve the freedom of all in her care – male and female alike. She’s torn between love and duty, family and friends. With the violent and insane self proclaimed High Priestess after her, and traitors around every corner, Jericho’s life is far from heavenly.

359 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 26, 2012

About the author

I call Kentucky my home sweet home and live here with my husband, two kids, and a menagerie of animals. When I'm not writing or reading, I'm crafting. I love science fiction, adventure, the paranormal, and all kinds of fantasy. I hate being late. I'm crazy passionate and very stubborn.

Oh, and I have a definite chai latte addiction.

Reviews

[Toni Conn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jericho Rising is a post-apocalyptic story set after the WWIII which a twist where women rule and men are treated as slaves. Jericho fights hard to save those she loves, men and women alike. I don't want to give much away as it's so good! I fell in love with the characters and was sad when they suffered and rejoiced when they were victorious.

The book ends with a pretty big cliffhanger. I highly recommend having the second book handy to jump into!

I wish there was more background about WWIII and how it brought about the setting of Jericho Rising. Perhaps a prequel will be in the works soon!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this veiw of what the world would be like after the 3rd World War. Jericho is a greatleader and I am looking forward to see what happens when she takes on her evil sister Candice.
Mary Gibbs has captured the essence of the futuristic world with a look at a "what if" that is quite interesting. Highly recommend!

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Jericho Rising. I liked the characters and the concept. I felt that the biggest weakness for me was my own inability to suspend my own disbelief. The story is set in a post apocalyptic Michigan where men have been reduced to slaves, technology beyond the sword is forbidden and a "High Priestess" rose up from her position as a wealthy housewife into a blood thirsty dominatrix like leader who has a dungeon with a torture master right out of the Spanish Inquisition. I concede all of this is possible, but I find it hard to believe that it happened in less than a generation.

The author gives us no explanation, beyond most of the men being killed in the war for how this occurred. The reader is left with many questions in the back story. Why are men such wimps with little Spirit or Strength to fight along side the rebellious women Jericho leads? Where are all of the chauvinistic men who kept their guns and would see the High Priestess' little girls town as their own private brothel?

I can see many ways to get to the world Jericho lives in, just not as quickly. Maybe I am just lazy and need to be shown, but I think that that would be a far more interesting book. I would enjoy reading a prequel that shows the fall of or near future society and the maneuvering by the High Priestess to consolidate her power and secure her hold on the throne. To watch Jericho aid with the rise and enjoy the fruits of power only to remember why it is evil and lead a revolt for equality. That would truly be Jericho Rising. Tell me that story and then tell me the story in this book. Then I would have been enthralled by this story and these characters, rather than merely interested.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and hope to read the planned sequel, perhaps it will have the answers I seek.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Jericho Rising” is a rapid and entertaining read. I found the portrayal of the family dynamics particularly interesting; but, I had a hard time grasping how such drastic and dramatic changes in social norms could transpire in such a short period of time, and because someone’s untreated mental illness. I’d love to see this on “the big screen”.

[Michael]

I won't review books that I have published, but anyone who love swordplay, post-apocalyptic settings, and a bit of romance will love Jericho Rising.