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Lily Grim and The City of Undone
Lily Grim's life is a mystery.
She has lived with her guardian Gabriel, in their rundown second-hand shop in the City of Undone, for as long as she can remember.
For years, the city-dwellers have lived in uneasy discord with The Others - a community of wanderers forced to shelter within the city walls, after they were driven from their nomadic camps in the wilderness. But Undone is a dark and dangerous place to live, especially if you're an feared for their special gifts, they are persecuted by the cruel Master of the City, and taken to the Ring - a prison from which few ever return.
When the Master captures Gabriel and throws him into the Ring, Lily is saved by a young Other boy called Dekka. He introduces her to a whole Otherworld that exists beneath the City of Undone. To her astonishment Lily discovers she is an Other, too - with powerful gifts - and is now in grave because the Master wants her dead. But why?
Can Lily find answers about who she is, and where she's from. And can the new friends rescue Gabriel, before it's too late?
She has lived with her guardian Gabriel, in their rundown second-hand shop in the City of Undone, for as long as she can remember.
For years, the city-dwellers have lived in uneasy discord with The Others - a community of wanderers forced to shelter within the city walls, after they were driven from their nomadic camps in the wilderness. But Undone is a dark and dangerous place to live, especially if you're an feared for their special gifts, they are persecuted by the cruel Master of the City, and taken to the Ring - a prison from which few ever return.
When the Master captures Gabriel and throws him into the Ring, Lily is saved by a young Other boy called Dekka. He introduces her to a whole Otherworld that exists beneath the City of Undone. To her astonishment Lily discovers she is an Other, too - with powerful gifts - and is now in grave because the Master wants her dead. But why?
Can Lily find answers about who she is, and where she's from. And can the new friends rescue Gabriel, before it's too late?
- GenresMiddle GradeFantasy
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2023
4 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 26, 2023
This has one of those rich blends of novelty and old-hat, but done with more than enough exuberance to carry it all off. Our heroine Lily is a foundling, living with a humble tradesman after she was magically deposited in his locked shop. She's clearly one of those Girls Who Need to Learn Their Destiny, but it's a very unwanted destiny in this city – an oft-flooded slum area, whose Master, and his lion accompaniment, run it so as to be wholly against The Others. He says The Others are evil terrorists and criminals, but we're soon privy to the fact that to be trained as one of them is to undergo weeks of unarmed combat, lock-picking, and sneaking around in the sewers. So who's right? Before this training said storekeeper is snatched, during it the new gang she is trying to get into is torn apart – and Lily, despite feeling as undone as the city's name implies, must go above and beyond to save the day.
A lot of this, as I said, has been done before – especially her character type. Sewers, training montages galore, foundlings – all can be found in kids lit of this kind. But I felt the balance of magic and grot, of the old and the new, the tried and tested with the unfamiliar, really helped this along. The Others, for one, are not so commonly included in these books, coming across as some kind of magical, soothsaying travellers – Gypsies, more or less. Gypsies with a fondness for lock-picking, and riling The Master, and sometimes with a very glottal Cockney-styled vocal delivery that is not the only thing here to make us think we're in an alternative London.
This book, which seems to have reached us through a prize for newcomers to this audience, does not feel like a debut effort. It really engages with its well-created world, and even when you've seen these characters and training montages before, you get swept up by it all. I would quibble that sometimes the narrator takes us too much away from Lily, and tells us things we don't really deserve to know, whether it be what someone else is thinking, or what is happening in the world of The Master. These wouldn't be so noticeable if they weren't so rare and brief, and if we weren't so intimately invested with Lily due to all the attention she does get given.
Elsewhere, we have a nice twist, which leads to a twist we're about three pages ahead of – but the resulting Mr Evil Says It All monologue is so rich and ripe and well-judged, it would make the audiobook narrator's day to have that to read out. And, to give as little away as possible, when you're thinking the book is done and dusted but there are forty pages left… Some of this is really quite relishable. "Pig's teeth, what a display!" indeed – four and a half stars.
A lot of this, as I said, has been done before – especially her character type. Sewers, training montages galore, foundlings – all can be found in kids lit of this kind. But I felt the balance of magic and grot, of the old and the new, the tried and tested with the unfamiliar, really helped this along. The Others, for one, are not so commonly included in these books, coming across as some kind of magical, soothsaying travellers – Gypsies, more or less. Gypsies with a fondness for lock-picking, and riling The Master, and sometimes with a very glottal Cockney-styled vocal delivery that is not the only thing here to make us think we're in an alternative London.
This book, which seems to have reached us through a prize for newcomers to this audience, does not feel like a debut effort. It really engages with its well-created world, and even when you've seen these characters and training montages before, you get swept up by it all. I would quibble that sometimes the narrator takes us too much away from Lily, and tells us things we don't really deserve to know, whether it be what someone else is thinking, or what is happening in the world of The Master. These wouldn't be so noticeable if they weren't so rare and brief, and if we weren't so intimately invested with Lily due to all the attention she does get given.
Elsewhere, we have a nice twist, which leads to a twist we're about three pages ahead of – but the resulting Mr Evil Says It All monologue is so rich and ripe and well-judged, it would make the audiobook narrator's day to have that to read out. And, to give as little away as possible, when you're thinking the book is done and dusted but there are forty pages left… Some of this is really quite relishable. "Pig's teeth, what a display!" indeed – four and a half stars.
April 28, 2023
The city of Undone is a place where the very air seems saturated with disquiet. Its citizens are ruled by the iron fist of a mysterious despot known only as the Master. But Undoners accept his rule unquestioningly because they believe that this brutal leader keeps them safe from the danger posed by terrorist elements among the Others.
The Others are a group of nomadic peoples who have begun moving into the seedier parts of the city, after years of floods decimated the wilderness where they had previously lived freer lives. Many of them are intuitive and have strange skills which simply makes them appear more of a threat to the Undoners. The Master feeds these fears, and keeps the divisions between the two populations alive.
Lily is young girl who lives in the city with an elderly man named Gabriel. She was left on his doorstep as a baby, and Gabriel has done his best to raise Lily with love and to keep her safe. But Lily's curiosity will prove to be the undoing of their relatively secure life.
As a result of Lily's insistence on finding out more about the Others, and what is actually going on in this city of theirs, Gabriel takes her out one day, and they end up almost witnessing a public execution. In the process, Gabriel is captured and he sacrifices himself to save Lily. Lily herself is only able to escape with the help of a young Other boy called Dekka.
Although she initially finds a relatively safe home with Dekka and the small group of misfits who are his found family, the Master soon comes after them. Lily and Dekka must then make the difficult choice about whether they will have to abandon their friends to find safety, or whether they should try to find a way to rescue them from the forbidding, impregnable prison known as The Ring...
This is a terrific adventure story for young readers, fast-paced and full of interesting twists. The world-building is very effective, and following Lily and Dekka on their journeys is something of a sensory experience. Points for imaginative storytelling as well as the creative creatures and characters that inhabit the book!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Others are a group of nomadic peoples who have begun moving into the seedier parts of the city, after years of floods decimated the wilderness where they had previously lived freer lives. Many of them are intuitive and have strange skills which simply makes them appear more of a threat to the Undoners. The Master feeds these fears, and keeps the divisions between the two populations alive.
Lily is young girl who lives in the city with an elderly man named Gabriel. She was left on his doorstep as a baby, and Gabriel has done his best to raise Lily with love and to keep her safe. But Lily's curiosity will prove to be the undoing of their relatively secure life.
As a result of Lily's insistence on finding out more about the Others, and what is actually going on in this city of theirs, Gabriel takes her out one day, and they end up almost witnessing a public execution. In the process, Gabriel is captured and he sacrifices himself to save Lily. Lily herself is only able to escape with the help of a young Other boy called Dekka.
Although she initially finds a relatively safe home with Dekka and the small group of misfits who are his found family, the Master soon comes after them. Lily and Dekka must then make the difficult choice about whether they will have to abandon their friends to find safety, or whether they should try to find a way to rescue them from the forbidding, impregnable prison known as The Ring...
This is a terrific adventure story for young readers, fast-paced and full of interesting twists. The world-building is very effective, and following Lily and Dekka on their journeys is something of a sensory experience. Points for imaginative storytelling as well as the creative creatures and characters that inhabit the book!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2024
In the captivating tale of "Lily Grim and the City of the Undone" by Andy Ruffell, readers are transported to the enigmatic city of Undone, where Lily, left on Gabriel's doorstep as a baby, embarks on a thrilling adventure. Gabriel, her dedicated guardian, attempts to provide a safe haven, but Lily's inquisitive nature leads her to unravel the city's secrets, especially with the arrival of The Others, nomadic people causing division in Undone.
Ruffell weaves an enthralling narrative, making Undone itself a character with its beautifully rendered landscapes, from overshadowed alleys to the imposing Ring. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a city ruled by the mysterious Master, with tensions escalating between The Others and the native population.
The heart of the story lies in Lily's quest, where she discovers a sense of belonging and unravels hidden mysteries within Undone's underbelly.
Found family dynamics add depth to the narrative, creating a brilliant support system for Lily, both blood-related and otherwise. Ruffell's storytelling captivates confident readers, and the exploration of familial bonds, mysteries, and the intricate layers of Undone make for a compelling read.
The author's vivid descriptions of the city, coupled with the suspenseful underground scenes, make "Lily Grim and the City of the Undone" an extraordinary adventure. As a fan of found family narratives, I thoroughly enjoyed the relationships forged by Lily and her friends. With hopes for more installments in Lily's adventures, Andy Ruffell has certainly won the hearts of both my daughter and me, leaving us eagerly anticipating new releases from this talented author. The series holds immense potential for future exploration, promising endless excitement and discoveries in Undone.
This would also be a fantastic novel to transfer to screen!
Ruffell weaves an enthralling narrative, making Undone itself a character with its beautifully rendered landscapes, from overshadowed alleys to the imposing Ring. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a city ruled by the mysterious Master, with tensions escalating between The Others and the native population.
The heart of the story lies in Lily's quest, where she discovers a sense of belonging and unravels hidden mysteries within Undone's underbelly.
Found family dynamics add depth to the narrative, creating a brilliant support system for Lily, both blood-related and otherwise. Ruffell's storytelling captivates confident readers, and the exploration of familial bonds, mysteries, and the intricate layers of Undone make for a compelling read.
The author's vivid descriptions of the city, coupled with the suspenseful underground scenes, make "Lily Grim and the City of the Undone" an extraordinary adventure. As a fan of found family narratives, I thoroughly enjoyed the relationships forged by Lily and her friends. With hopes for more installments in Lily's adventures, Andy Ruffell has certainly won the hearts of both my daughter and me, leaving us eagerly anticipating new releases from this talented author. The series holds immense potential for future exploration, promising endless excitement and discoveries in Undone.
This would also be a fantastic novel to transfer to screen!
February 6, 2024
Read this to my 7yo who has been absolutely gripped by it and demanded more chapters each night.
Although it's a decent length book, it's continuously fast paced and keeps things interesting. Plenty of adventure scenes, as well as some more emotional sections digging into thoughts and reasoning. The story itself is fairly predictable to grown-ups, but has a good level of complexity that will satisfy kids just getting into longer books without being too confusing.
There is adventure and friendship which, paired with jeopardy and tragedy throughout, makes for a nice emotional rollercoaster with a lot more depth than some other sugary sweet or insipidly bland young reader novels.
Looking forward to more adventures in this beautifully constructed world!
Although it's a decent length book, it's continuously fast paced and keeps things interesting. Plenty of adventure scenes, as well as some more emotional sections digging into thoughts and reasoning. The story itself is fairly predictable to grown-ups, but has a good level of complexity that will satisfy kids just getting into longer books without being too confusing.
There is adventure and friendship which, paired with jeopardy and tragedy throughout, makes for a nice emotional rollercoaster with a lot more depth than some other sugary sweet or insipidly bland young reader novels.
Looking forward to more adventures in this beautifully constructed world!
June 7, 2023
Older middle grade fantasy read following Lily Grim, who has been living a rather normal life until her guardian Gabriel is taken away.
Lily stumbles upon Dekka, an Other, who lives in the shadows of the basements and sewers trying to stay away from the Master of Undone, the city they all live.
Lily learns from her new friends and then the mission begins to try to get her guardian back, bit also to stay away from the Master.
This was a fun read, a little brutal in places, hence the old MG rating from me. I liked the friendships Lily made and the mystery surrounding her being left with Gabriel.
It was a little slow to start, but soon picked up the pace towards the latter part of the book.
Lily stumbles upon Dekka, an Other, who lives in the shadows of the basements and sewers trying to stay away from the Master of Undone, the city they all live.
Lily learns from her new friends and then the mission begins to try to get her guardian back, bit also to stay away from the Master.
This was a fun read, a little brutal in places, hence the old MG rating from me. I liked the friendships Lily made and the mystery surrounding her being left with Gabriel.
It was a little slow to start, but soon picked up the pace towards the latter part of the book.
July 2, 2023
This is a fantastic adventure story for confident readers. They'll love reading along as Lily finds a family, uncovers a mystery and explores the underbelly of the underbelly of Undone.
The city is as much a character as anyone else, and it's beautifully rendered. The image of the overshadowed alleys and the huge Ring - it's amazing. And certain sections set on roofs had my heart in my mouth as I read!
I love a good found family, and Lily has a brilliant one here, both related to her and not. An amazing read and, hopefully, the start of plenty more adventures for Lily and her friends! This series could run and run!
The city is as much a character as anyone else, and it's beautifully rendered. The image of the overshadowed alleys and the huge Ring - it's amazing. And certain sections set on roofs had my heart in my mouth as I read!
I love a good found family, and Lily has a brilliant one here, both related to her and not. An amazing read and, hopefully, the start of plenty more adventures for Lily and her friends! This series could run and run!
August 10, 2023
Lily lives in the city of Undone. She was left on Gabriel’s doorstep as a baby and he has tried his best to raise her and keep her safe. This was all going well till The Others, a group of nomadic people began moving into the city and Lily’s curious nature gets the better of her. The Undone is ruled by the Master, The Others accept his rule and this causes more division between the two populations.
There are definitely scary elements to this story but this wonderful adventure story is so fast paced with many twists, all readers will enjoy it. Fantastic characters, leaves the reader wanting more.
Themes include: friends who become family, gothic elements and mystery.
There are definitely scary elements to this story but this wonderful adventure story is so fast paced with many twists, all readers will enjoy it. Fantastic characters, leaves the reader wanting more.
Themes include: friends who become family, gothic elements and mystery.
July 1, 2023
This book is an absolute cracker of a book! I loved it so much. It’s very easy to see why it’s an award winner. Lily and Dekka are two of my absolutely favourite characters of all time. Lily is strong, brave and determined; Dekka is all of that and hilarious as well. The description of the sewer world is so well written that you can just about smell it as you read. The story is expertly written and the action is pacy. There’s never a dull moment in this story. I highly recommend it for readers of all ages.
April 17, 2023
3.5! I really enjoyed this wild, gothic adventure story with a rag tag group of found family members. I love a couple good animal characters as well. It could be considered slightly scary for younger readers, so recommend for older readers, and readers who say they like scary books.
My main critique is the last half of the book told a bit too much, rather than showed, but I still enjoyed it and liked that it was left open ended for another Lily Grim adventure.
My main critique is the last half of the book told a bit too much, rather than showed, but I still enjoyed it and liked that it was left open ended for another Lily Grim adventure.
December 26, 2023
Andy Ruffell’s debut fantasy novel for readers aged 9+ sensitively addresses the serious theme about how fear and hatred are used to turn people against each other. However the plot is predictable, the villain is under-developed with non-sensical motives, Lily’s super powers develop too quickly and feel unearned and Ruffell bottles a character death in a way that feels cheap. It’s not a bad book, but I wouldn’t rush to read a sequel.
April 28, 2023
The story opens with a fast-paced, tense chapter where Lily encounters the Master. Lily's guardian runs a second hand shop and one day a lion visits their shop. The lion is owned by the Master. Later, her guardian will be captured by the Master.
The writing is done very well and the story has enough mysteries to keep readers reading.
The writing is done very well and the story has enough mysteries to keep readers reading.
May 22, 2023
OMG!!! What a book?!? I was pulled in right from the beginning. So many adventures, reveals and twists that I did not see coming. Just amazing. I really hope there’s a second one!
August 7, 2023
I loved it. I love the way Andy Ruffell writes this book. The sentences, the words and the frases. And the story is AMAZING.
December 17, 2025
One of the best books I have ever read
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews