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

There is no water in the City of Lies. The Lies of the Ajungo is a dark fantasy novella based on African folklore. The story follows Tutu a young boy who lives in the City of Lies where there is no water. The leaders of his city have made a deal with the brutal Ajungo Empire. In exchange for a paltry amount of water, the city must sacrifice the tongues of its inhabitants when they turn thirteen. Tutu's mother is dying of dehydration, so he ventures out into the bleak desert to search for water. In exchange, the city leader promises to give his mother water for one year. In the bleak Forever Desert, Tutu finds allies and learns to question all he has been told. Told like a folk tale, The Lies of the Ajungo has a quest, magic, action, danger, twists, lies, truths and betrayals. The story was well-written, fast-paced, and immersive. I could not put it down. The Lies of the Ajungo is a powerful and compelling tale which can be seen as an allegory for our times.