The Borribles

Michael De Larrabeiti

Age 12 +
16 January 2014
9781447262640
224 pages

Synopsis

A small band of childlike runaways take on a bold mission across a dangerous city...

London's forgotten corners hide a rebellious community of small outcasts - the Borribles. And apart from their pointed ears, their childlike appearance allows them (mostly...) to say one step ahead of the authorities. They live by their wits, high spirits and a few Borrible laws -- the chief one being, 'Don't Get Caught!' This motto will stand them in good stead, as the Battersea Borribles prepare for their greatest adventure of all.

One night, they discover one of their ancient enemies, a giant rat-like Rumble, in their traditional territory. They've fought hard for their dwellings in the city's forgotten corners, so clearly something must be done. Fearing an invasion, an elite group of Borrible fighters set out on what will become known in legend as the Great Rumble Hunt. So begins the first of three epic adventures in Michael de Larrabeiti's classic trilogy, where excitement, violence, low cunning, greed, generosity, treachery, and bravery exist side by side.

This ebook edition features extra material, including some not seen in any previous editions of the book. For example, you'll find China Miéville's introduction and an illustration drawn by Michael de Larrabeiti, as well as a map of the London territories explored. Amongst other pieces of interesting background, you'll also discover colourful descriptions of the wonderful cast of characters.

Michael de Larrabeiti's stunning trilogy, put simply, comprises three
of my very, very favourite books ever . . . May they mean as much to
you as they do to me

The Borribles - pointy eared street children, battling the police and evil rodents in the alleys and underground of a mythic London - were remarkable, and definitely were one of the streams that fed into Neverwhere
Among my most favourite examples of both YA literature and literature about London . . . I sincerely hope that you give these books a try. They are full of romance - in the sense of far-away places that beckon you away from the dreary normalcy of your daily live - adventure, thrills, chases, fights, camaraderie, nobility, betrayal: everything you could possibly ask for in kids' literature