Lyrical and harsh, a parable about division, lies, and shame that eschews any easy answers. Our protagonist, Tutu, leaves his parched city in search of water, hoping that the traditional reward will keep his mother alive while he searches. Along the way he uncovers the shocking lies being told in his homeland and in cities dotting the landscape, lies that serve to keep people isolated and afraid. While many similar books would have Tutu resolve the lies and build something better, The Lies of the Ajungo is more hopeless. A story in the vein of Paolo Bacigalupi's YA fiction, it's rather dark for contemporaries of it's protagonist but has a ringing cry for adults.

For such a short story, this really sucked me in.

Tutu comes from The City of Lies, where citizens have their tongues cut out at aged 13 as part of a deal with the brutal and mysterious Ajungo Empire – all so the city can continue to receive water. We follow Tutu as he heads out alone into the desert in hope of finding another source of water, a mission that has thus far proven impossible.

The atmosphere in this book was amazing, constantly had me reaching for my water with the vivid descriptions of the city and the desert. And for such a short book it managed to fit in lots of different twists and conflicts – many of which I didn’t see coming which I really enjoyed.

But I wish this book had been longer. I fully understand why this isn’t a novel, as I think some parts may have dragged if the story was spread over 300 pages, but I could have just done with another 50 pages or so, just because a couple of areas felt a bit quick and could have benefited from more explanation and detail just to really flesh out the lore and culture.

That said, this is going to be a series and I have no doubt that we will continue to get more insight and building blocks to this world, and Moses Ose Utomi has some really interesting and unique premises – so I’m so excited to read more from this author.

"There is no water in the City of Lies. There hasn't been for as long as any can remember."

The Lies of the Ajungo is an African-inspired novella about a young boy searching for water in an seemingly endless desert to save his mother and his city.

Usually, I tend to struggle with novellas and not get as much out of them compared to full-length novels. That was not the case here. We followed our main character Tutu, a young boy who wants to find water to save his mother in a city that has suffered a drought for many years. It's been said there are no friends outside the City of Lies, but when Tutu is faced with an endless desert, he must find his own truth.

I quite liked the style of the novella, the structure almost read like a fable more than anything else. Seeing what is quite the heartwrenching story through a child's eyes made for an interesting perspective, especially compared to a more traditional hero. Another bonus for me was the setting: I've been loving desert settings recently so this was right up my alley. The prose used was simple but flowed really well, again reminiscent of a fable. For such a short story the wealth of allegory to be found was astounding. Truly a book I will think about for a long time after putting it down. 4/5 stars.

This 90-page fantasy novella is author Moses Ose Utomi’s way of introducing readers to the world of the Forever Desert, ostensibly making it the first title in what will be a epic fantasy book series set in North Africa (the first full-length novel in this series, The Truth of the Aleke, is set to be published in 2024). In many ways, the purpose of this novella is to give eventual readers of the series a primer, if you will, on the world of the Forever Desert; but Utomi has served this primer up as an intriguing, tragic, entertaining, sometimes violent, often emotional, and well-written story that reads almost like folklore or a fairy tale.

I didn’t know when I went into it that I was reading the intro to a fantasy book series, but I don’t really mind. I can take it on its own even though it’s not meant to be taken that way. It’s simply a great little bit of fantasy storytelling about lies and liars and resource controversies that have been a part of Africa’s history for as far back as anyone can remember. I’d pick it up for a quick look-see if you are interested in fantasy books based in Africa.

I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, views, and ideas contained herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: Novella/Coming of Age/Fantasy/Fantasy Series/Historical Fantasy/OwnVoices

Can we please dub 2023 as the "Year of Moses Ose Utomi", like, officially? If he is not on your radar yet, you need to fix it immediately. Not only did he deliver a really powerful, feminist, Afrocentric YA in his debut Daughters of Oduma , but he popped back in a mere month later with this incredible, powerful novella, The Lies of the Ajungo. In it, we are introduced to Tutu, who is leaving his homeland in search of water for his dying mother. And also, everyone's tongues are cut out at age 13.

Needless to say, pleasant little village this is not. But you have to respect Tutu's bravery and love for his mother, so he's an incredibly powerful protagonist from the start. But along his journey, he will, for the first time in his life, meet people from outside his village. And they will turn his world straight upside down. As Tutu desperately searches for water for his mother (and the rest of his people), he will find much, much more than he bargained for. Every minute of this journey was breathtaking, from the friends Tutu meets along the way, to the massive secrets he uncovers. The writing was equally gorgeous, and I found myself wholly immersed in this brutal but very intriguing world. I cannot wait for what's next.

Bottom Line: Want to fall wholly in love with characters and be wildly compelled by a world in under a hundred pages? Read this, and read it now.

An interesting novella that discusses what happens when entire groups of people that have been subjugated for years, band together and help each other. The way it is told feels like a folk tale or a fable, with steady progression and good, straightforward writing. I really liked the world this is set in, and the characters were compelling as well. The way the story ended makes me very intrigued to see what the author has planned for the next one, and how everything that happened impacts the world.

In this novella, Utomi dives right into the story, using pace and trigger words to situate his readers into his world and he keeps you there as young Tutu sets out to become a hero, but finds himself becoming much more as he discovers the truth. I want more. This explores power and what is done in order to keep it.

This book was so small, but it really packed a punch. It felt kind of like a fable, particularly in how certain phrases (like “There is no water in the City of Lies”) were repeated periodically and emphasized. I also really liked how Tutu both felt like a child and absolutely nothing like a child - like someone who has been so bluntly and brutally shaped by circumstance but still with a child’s pure and unwavering love of his mother, and amidst death and murder, he always comes back to thoughts of mama.

It also had a good cadence and pacing as we get to know other characters and feel the passage of time in how Tutu thinks and acts and treats other people. I would have liked to see the other cities, but I understand why this novella was set up the way it was. Just gotta hope for more from the next one!

Tutu is approaching his thirteenth birthday, still just an inexperienced boy when we meet him. Having never left his isolated city, his scope of the world is very limited. He only knows what he has been told, until he leaves. Driven by his love for his mother, we get a clear sense of how dear he holds this relationship and how desperate he is to save her. This goal remains his constant motivation for overcoming whatever he comes across in the desert.

We learn about the world alongside Tutu. As he sets out in search for water, he encounters people and obstacles that shape his understanding and contribute to his growth. We gain knowledge of other places, see magic and violence, and eventually uncover the lies of the Ajungo. In his early naivety, we have moments of hope. As he encounters others, moments of fear. And as the truth of this world is revealed, moments of resolve.

A well-written, compelling story with interesting characters, this was a wonderful read. Definitely recommend checking this one out when it releases on March 21st, and I'm looking forward to where this series goes in the next one.

What starts out as a boy's quest to save his mother and bring back water, ends up developing into an introspective novella about power and information. From the very beginning, The Lies of Ajungo is introspective. It asks us what it would be like for a city of people who are forced to sacrifice their tongues for survival. All on the brink of death and born into this system. Except Tutu believes that he can find water in the desert to save not only his mother, but his city.

The Lies of The Ajungo follows 13-year-old Tutu as he leaves The City of Lies in search of water for his people, and, most importantly, his mama. As he travels the Forever Desert, Tutu discovers his understanding of the oppressive Ajungo is not as solid as he’d always believed.

I absolutely adored this book. If Avatar the Last Airbender (the series, obviously) got busy with Who Fears Death, this novella would be their offspring. It’s a fantasy fable set in an Africanfurist world. As with most fables, the characters and the plot are on the simpler side, but that didn’t stop Utomi from packing it with heart.

I’m not usually a fan of coming of age stories, but this one was something special. I’m giving it 4.5 stars and hope that you check it out. At 96 pages, it won’t take up too much of your time.

CW: Violence, Gore, Murder, Blood, Child death, Death, Death of parent, Grief

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this advanced copy.

This book is so good! The story telling reminded me of fairytales and mythical journies where the hero grows up by meeting new people and completing tasks. While I would have loved a deeper world building (novellas are usually too short for me in that ascpect), Moses Ose Utomi created a story that drew me in. The quest, companions and enemies changed, but the main characters motivation was always clear-get back to his mother. The ending felt unpredictable for me, and thus was even more enjoyable. Highly recommend! 4.5 stars

First off... I am not usually the biggest novella fan (altho I am not sure how long I can still say that tbh) usually I find them too short for me to get attached or for the story to have the level of complexity I prefer.
That being said: The Lies of the Ajungo gave me more than many 500+ page books I have read recently.
I absolutely *loved* the writing and the intentional use of images within it as well as the storytelling in general. The plot was absolutely fascinating. The twists were better than many others I've read that had more space to be set up. I adored the characters and while I think Tutu might not have been my favorite of the bunch seeing the story play out through his eyes, the eyes of a child was really just incredibly compelling. (also I say he wasn't my fave, but I still loved him). The story also got me to tear up a good few times and if I wasn't in public, I'm sure the ending would've had me bawling.
I am sure I could also talk about metaphors and allegories in this book, but honestly? There's too much there to talk about in just a review.
Anyway, I absolutely loved every word of this and would highly recommend it!!

3.5 stars

“There is no water in the City of Lies.”

This was such an intriguing debut novella. I really enjoyed the story and the journey the main character, Tutu, went on. I liked the storyline and the quest-like adventure. I also liked the characters that popped up along the way.

I do wish the novella had been slightly longer to allow for more details in this brilliant world. This also would have allowed the characters to be a bit more fleshed out, and given the reader more time to sympathise with them. They had gone through a lot, so giving us more time with them would definitely have made the story more impactful.

There were certain parts that dragged a bit for me. While I really enjoyed the start and learning about the world, the middle part had most of the slow stretches. The ending, however, definitely made up for it. But again, I wish the end had had a little more time - that would have made it even more exciting.

All in all though, the story was interesting and I really enjoyed the twist. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for whatever this author publishes next.

The Lies of the Ajungo comes out on March 21. Thanks Netgalley and Tor Books for letting me read an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! I just finished reading this book today and I must say, it was truly captivating.

The story revolves around a young boy named Tutu, who embarks on a journey to find water for his tribe and mother. Along the way, he encounters several fellow travellers who aid him in uncovering the truth about "The Ajungo and the city of lies."

One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was the suspenseful plot surrounding the Ajungo. Although I had my suspicions about what might happen, I couldn't be sure until I reached the end. And speaking of the ending, it completely took me by surprise! I had been anticipating that Tutu would become the next leader of his tribe, but the resolution was much more fulfilling and heartfelt than I ever could have expected.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to young readers. It's an engaging and thought-provoking tale with a satisfying conclusion. And a big thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC to read and review.

This book did an absolutely masterful job of telling a complex story in a rich fantasy world in so few pages. It grabbed me from the first word and kept me reading all the way through. I loved the twist at the end, about the truth behind the Ajungo and the City of Lies, and while I was definitely sad for the fate of certain characters, I thought that the book ended on a satisfactory note. I will certainly be keeping an eye out for Moses Ose Utomi's next book.

3.5 stars

This was such a hard book for me to rate. The things I liked in this novella I absolutely loved! But the things I had problems with still left me feeling dissatisfied weeks after finishing the book.

My main issue with this novella was that the author tried to write an epic fantasy tale in 112 pages. The themes of this story, the plot of this story, and the characters of this story would have been more powerful and impactful as a 400-500 page book.

We are introduced to some really interesting characters just for them to either die or disappear from the story a dozen pages later. Rather than getting to sit with a new plot point for a minute, the characters would be off doing something else.

We learn how our main character, Tutu, a 13 year old boy who goes off in search for water for his village, suddenly changes into an entirely new character altogether with little exploration or explanation as to how this is possible.

We end the book with incredible, epic things happening, a huge climax full of action, yet it was hard to feel invested at all when we were carried along at a break-neck pace to get there.

I understand that this was supposed to be more of a folk tale or myth, but it read more like an epic fantasy with most of the quieter, character-building moments taken out.

With such interesting characters, I was so disappointed that they weren’t fleshed out more. They had amazing stories to tell that never made it into the book.

I will say that the world building was some of the most unique and intriguing I have ever read. I absolutely loved the lore and myths and world that the author created! I know that this is supposed to be a series, so I am beyond excited to read the next installment.


I did read read this very quickly and could have easily finished in one sitting if I’d had the time. It does make you want to keep flipping the pages to find out what happens next. The writing style was beautiful at times and flowed so smoothly that it was a pleasure to read.

I’d still recommend this novella. Maybe having more clear expectations of what you will get out of the story might help you enjoy it more.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this advanced copy.

Wow. This is less a hundred pages and is amazing. I love the protagonist. You quickly learn about the world and understand his feelings/motives/etc. right away. It doesn't slow down until the end. I would highly recommmend.

Rating: 5/5

3.5 stars rounded up

The Lies of the Ajungo is a fantasy novella that really reads more like a fable than anything else. It follows the journey of a boy on a quest to bring back water for his city and save his mother, but along the way becomes a man and learns a lot more than he had bargained for.

In the acknowledgements, the author talks about how this came out of his experiences being an immigrant from Nigeria to America but feeling like an outsider in both cultures. It's interesting, because in many ways this is a story about how the best way to see the truth and see how things fit together is as an outsider. Being stuck in one place can make you blind to the larger world and what is possible, but at the same time you lose something in going away from the place you were raised, something that you can't really get back.

Part fantasy fable, part coming of age story this is a very strong debut and I look forward to seeing more from Utomi in the future. It is admittedly on the short side and I might have wanted a bit more, but I did like it. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

Let me preface this review by thanking the publisher, the author and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this incredible novella!
This was an easy five stars. Thankfully, because since the beginning of the year I’ve been reading nothing but meh books. And let me tell you, this is NOTHING OF THE SORT.
First of all, the narrative style was incredibly impressive. The overall voice of the book was clear and well established from the very beginning. It read unmistakably like a fable, a parable, a story to show and to teach, yet suddenly there were action scenes that fixed your eyes onto the page like glue, just as there were bits of tenderness and intimacy. Considering the fact that the author only had less than a hundred pages to set up the foundation of his plot the way he wanted to tell it, I believe he came remarkably through.
Onto another aspect, the character work was wonderful. We get these charming, sweet moments, in direct contrast to our ill-fated protagonist who has to go through bleak, unbidden growth. His corruption arc was executed so wonderfully that despite having gone twisted, you can tell that he’s still there, and his values are intact.
Lastly, how can I not talk about that ending. However tragic it was (and however much I cried!!), it sealed the whole package with a ribbon. you never get the sense that sacrifice is pointless, that knowledge only leads to helplessness, in fact, the conclusion unfolds into the best kind of joy: the one that arrives with peace in our hearts and freedom in our eyes.
SO. In conclusion, the thing was perfect! I’ll be reading the rest of the series, as well as whatever this person writes, at my own cost! It releases on March 21st, and I can't wait to get a copy and neither should yall!