The Lies of the Ajungo (The Forever Desert, 1)

The City of Lies has no water. For years its people have gone thirsty. They turn to the Ajungo for help. In exchange for water, every person over thirteen gives up their tongue. Young Tutu is turning thirteen soon and still there is not enough water for everyone. It is said, “there are no heroes in the City of Lies.” Tutu decides to venture into the Forever Desert to find the water to save his people. Young Tutu encounters many dangers in the desert and even finds friends who aid him in his search. But what Tutu ultimately finds is more valuable than water.

The Lies of the Ajungo is a new novella by Moses Ose Utomi. This fast-paced, action-packed, fable-like story is infused with West African mythology. Utomi delivers a short work of fiction overflowing with hope and punch-in-the-gut despair. With more twists and turns than the knots of a root ball, Utomi’s fantastical tale is unpredictable. This story is so beautifully written that even the violent scenes are awe-inspiring. Join young Tutu in the Forever Desert as he learns the truth about the Ajungo.