Lilibet Bombshell's Reviews > The Lies of the Ajungo

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