The Lies of the Ajungo~ A Book That Will Teach You About the World As You Never Thought It To Be

by Jeneane Vanderhoof

In the City of Lies there are no heroes. No one is brave enough to seek water outside the city, where there is none. They ration water and it is not until Tutu’s mother, Oba, needs water so badly or she will soon die, that the son approaches the rulers of the City of Lies to tell them he will seek help for his mother and his people outside their city. Even though it was rare for a person to do this, and anyone who did, was never successful. However, Tutu has been told not to trust anyone outside his people, because outside the City of Lies, all are liars.

Then there is the Ajungo Empire. It lies to the North and there, they have plenty of water. But, in exchange for their help, the people that live in the City of Lies, give their tongue when they reach thirteen years of age. Every citizen is made to do this. It was what the Ajungo Empire demanded for their aide.

Tutu’s travels take him into the desert. However, what he finds there is much more important than anything he would have ever imagined. Outside the City of Lies, with the help of others, those from two other cities that also lack something where they live, in exchange for the help of the Ajungo Empire, give a different body part in return for their help, Tutu learns the truth.

While not wanting to give away the best part of this wonderful tale, The Lies of the Ajungo teaches readers what can happen when we put our trust in those in positions of power, our rulers and leaders, and how that power can be transformed into an illusion, to control, to abuse and to make the poor submit. Because, those in power are few and those who are poor are many. There has to always be some way to control the masses, right? Moses Ose Utomi teaches readers to always, always, question what others tell us, what we have learned and that history can and will be twisted and built so that the powerful remain mighty and those with less remain subdued.

While The Lies of the Ajungo is a short adult fantasy novel, I believe that young adults could also benefit from the read, as long as a parent or adult reads it with them, and talks with them about the many important points in the story. I think this book can be used as a teaching tool, especially in our schools.

Also, it will remain always and forever one of the top ten favorite books I have ever read, that I know I will read over from time to time and I cannot wait to see what the author, Moses Ose Utomi, gives readers next. To top this story will be hard but to write this story in the first place you must be one amazing writer- so I have no doubt this author is one to follow for his (and readers) lifetimes!

Five Stars Plus! Top Ten Read!

I feel I don’t need to even say Happy Reading here, but will anyway