In this adventurous tale for readers of all ages, a small band of childlike runaways undertake a bold mission across a shadowy, alternate London. This edition contains a heartfelt introduction by author China Miéville, who says 'the Borribles were, and are, my heroes'.
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.