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Off the Beaten Path #1
Off the Beaten Path
Spending her life beneath the oppressive control of an abusive husband she'd had no choice in marrying was a hard life, but Shivah strove to endure it in order to protect her child.
When her child was slain, and Shivah herself viciously attacked and left for dead, she swore she'd make her husband pay dearly for his greatest mistake...leaving her alive.
She is joined in her hunt by the two men who pulled her from the jaws of death, and a group of lawmen hunting a dangerous band of raiders threatening the countryside. But there may be deeper, more widespread evils hidden in the shadows of the conflict she finds herself a part of.
When her child was slain, and Shivah herself viciously attacked and left for dead, she swore she'd make her husband pay dearly for his greatest mistake...leaving her alive.
She is joined in her hunt by the two men who pulled her from the jaws of death, and a group of lawmen hunting a dangerous band of raiders threatening the countryside. But there may be deeper, more widespread evils hidden in the shadows of the conflict she finds herself a part of.
- GenresFiction
386 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 8, 2026
A powerful emotional rollercoaster and the slowest of all slowburns but damnit, its good
August 10, 2018
A really entertaining read, full of interesting characters dwelling in a rich world. The plot took a while to get going, but once it did it grabbed you and didn't let go. Though the world was complex, and a lot needed to be explained, it never felt forced nor was the reader ever left out of their depth.
If I did have to criticise something, it would be that there were some errors in grammar and punctuation throughout, but overall these didn't detract from a great read.
If I did have to criticise something, it would be that there were some errors in grammar and punctuation throughout, but overall these didn't detract from a great read.
May 31, 2020
Having read a good portion of the novels in the Red Lantern universe, this book, which took place in the colonial continent of Carvecia, was an interesting exploration of a new part of the world. The mingling of multiple cultures added an interesting effect, along with the importance of the natural world.
Shivah, the main character, is one of the strongest in this entire story world. I admire her resolve, conviction, and how she never gives up. I also liked her traveling companions Ransom and Puck, who have some great banter. And the bond that develops between Shivah and Puck is adorable.
The cliffhanger ending, though! I’ve got to read the next one.
Shivah, the main character, is one of the strongest in this entire story world. I admire her resolve, conviction, and how she never gives up. I also liked her traveling companions Ransom and Puck, who have some great banter. And the bond that develops between Shivah and Puck is adorable.
The cliffhanger ending, though! I’ve got to read the next one.
August 28, 2025
Short review, as I read this years ago at this point...
Anthro fiction is often not regarded well by those outside the fandom, usually for good reason. Rukis' novel "Off the Beaten Path" is not one of those novels. Instead it is a competent story, set in a world not dissimilar to our colonial past. We follow three characters; two canines named Ransom and Puck, and one Lynx woman named Shiva. Shiva, being the primary character of the three, was left for dead and her child murdered. She now is on a mission for vengeance, and leans on the other two character for survival and companionship.
Occasionally I felt the novel dragged; often times at points when the author could have chosen to leave some thoughts internal to the character. Exposition via dialog or thought is in abundance, and slows the pace of the story; thought not enough to deter me from finishing.
It's certainly good enough that I plan to read more of this authors work, and to someday continue the series.
Anthro fiction is often not regarded well by those outside the fandom, usually for good reason. Rukis' novel "Off the Beaten Path" is not one of those novels. Instead it is a competent story, set in a world not dissimilar to our colonial past. We follow three characters; two canines named Ransom and Puck, and one Lynx woman named Shiva. Shiva, being the primary character of the three, was left for dead and her child murdered. She now is on a mission for vengeance, and leans on the other two character for survival and companionship.
Occasionally I felt the novel dragged; often times at points when the author could have chosen to leave some thoughts internal to the character. Exposition via dialog or thought is in abundance, and slows the pace of the story; thought not enough to deter me from finishing.
It's certainly good enough that I plan to read more of this authors work, and to someday continue the series.
August 31, 2019
Brief review:
I'm biased as I generally gravitate towards male protagonists but I definitely enjoyed this novel. I never realized I hadn't read this book yet until I met the author, Rukis (who is delightful in person!) at a recent convention. The characters (their backstories, development over the course of the story, interactions with each other, etc.) are the star of Rukis's writing. The author wields her first-person perspective effectively as the reader really gets a close look into Shivah's tortured past and how it colors each of her decisions and conversations in the present.
That being said, I don't think I've ever wished a character was real as hard as I have for Puck - I love that blind fox.
I'm biased as I generally gravitate towards male protagonists but I definitely enjoyed this novel. I never realized I hadn't read this book yet until I met the author, Rukis (who is delightful in person!) at a recent convention. The characters (their backstories, development over the course of the story, interactions with each other, etc.) are the star of Rukis's writing. The author wields her first-person perspective effectively as the reader really gets a close look into Shivah's tortured past and how it colors each of her decisions and conversations in the present.
That being said, I don't think I've ever wished a character was real as hard as I have for Puck - I love that blind fox.
June 25, 2022
The most iconic of Rukis' novels, I believe. The technique is interesting
By far the most interesting story is witnessed through the main characters eyes, using her logic. Her two enigmatic companions lead interesting lives on their own. Her world is tiny, and theirs is large. But this culture clash is exactly where the story's entertainment and humor comes from. The romance is also the best known secret in furry literature, and the absolute gem of this book. This is the series I'd start with if I was getting into furry literature and wanted to immerse myself in a fantasy spec-fic history as well. It is not too heavy a read, it is sweet, it is exciting and intrigueing, and it is very captivating, especially if you enjoy M/M romance.
By far the most interesting story is witnessed through the main characters eyes, using her logic. Her two enigmatic companions lead interesting lives on their own. Her world is tiny, and theirs is large. But this culture clash is exactly where the story's entertainment and humor comes from. The romance is also the best known secret in furry literature, and the absolute gem of this book. This is the series I'd start with if I was getting into furry literature and wanted to immerse myself in a fantasy spec-fic history as well. It is not too heavy a read, it is sweet, it is exciting and intrigueing, and it is very captivating, especially if you enjoy M/M romance.
October 10, 2021
This is a very original, very well written story by a good author (and highly skilled illustrator). It captures the horrors of colonialism, racism, and the plight of minorities and people with disabilities. At times a brutal tale of survival, at times a deep exploration of character, it is impressive and powerful.
April 23, 2018
After her stories in 'Dubiously Canon', Rukis did indeed manage to keep up the expectations i had, and even surpassed them in aspects i hadn't even thought of back then. Great series overall, highly recommend it.
July 8, 2023
I like the idea of it. The execution may have been a little scattered. I think the story needed refining a bit. I liked the characters.
April 1, 2018
The book was full of well developed characters of very different backgrounds and personalities; this was my utmost favorite part of the writing. Some characters still have to be fleshed out a bit more but I'm excited to start the next book in the series after having my head and my heart flung in every which direction before ending the final page.
April 7, 2015
This story surpassed all of my expectations and then some. It was beautifully written and incredibly compelling. As I was reading through this book there was one thing that came to mind more so then anything else. Namely that 5 stars wasn’t nearly a high enough a rating for this novel. After finishing it I still feel the same way.
Shivah, as the main character is later known, has been branded for a crime she did not commit and cast out of her village. When the spirit Crow gives her a second chance she immediately grabs hold of it and holds onto her life and opportunity to find her cruel husband and enact her revenge.
She encounters a coyote named Ransom and a fox known as Puck for short. Together they help open her world and educate her on how the land is changing. Times are not what they used to be and Shivah, while lacking in knowledge at times, quickly learns that she and others are going to have to adapt in order to survive. I liked her personality and strength despite her ignorance at times when it came to the rest of the world around her. It made sense considering what she had been through and helped add more to her character and personality.
She also has some rather strong differences of opinion at times with Puck when it comes to the native cultures versus that of the colonists or Otherwolves which helps proved some good insight into how both worlds operate. While Shivah still respects the native cultures and religions, Puck is often of a different mind, one that can be irritating to her but does little to sway her personal feelings. Both of them remain good friends despite their differences as they travel together.
For a while Shivah finds herself distracted somewhat from her goal but is firmly reminded by Crow that she was brought back for a purpose and she must see that purpose fulfilled.
Not only has her husband betrayed her but also his own village and her home village as well. In addition he has joined up with an otter known as Rourke who has been systematically decimating villages and settlements while at the same time evading all those who would try to stop them.
Tracking them down proved difficult and the final arc of the book provides some unexpected twists and revelations as well as an emotional ending that immediately had me going to grab the sequel from off my to read pile.
The comparisons between the Native American tribes, the Europeans who became American colonists, and newly introduced diseases hat the native peoples were not accustomed to is pretty obvious at times. This very much felt to me like a reimagined version of the old west and it was a setting that only served to draw me deeper into the story and closer to the characters.
All of the characters are fascinating to read about and their animal characteristics, behaviors and different cultures were blended in very well with the story and never felt odd or distracting. It served as a nice reminder that these are indeed anthropomorphic animals and not humans.
Scattered throughout the book are some illustrations done by the author Rukis as well each of them beautifully done and wonderful to see.
This was a fantastic book and Rukis is a wonderful writer. I highly recommend to fans of books featuring anthropomorphic animals or to someone looking to start reading such novels for the first time.
Shivah, as the main character is later known, has been branded for a crime she did not commit and cast out of her village. When the spirit Crow gives her a second chance she immediately grabs hold of it and holds onto her life and opportunity to find her cruel husband and enact her revenge.
She encounters a coyote named Ransom and a fox known as Puck for short. Together they help open her world and educate her on how the land is changing. Times are not what they used to be and Shivah, while lacking in knowledge at times, quickly learns that she and others are going to have to adapt in order to survive. I liked her personality and strength despite her ignorance at times when it came to the rest of the world around her. It made sense considering what she had been through and helped add more to her character and personality.
She also has some rather strong differences of opinion at times with Puck when it comes to the native cultures versus that of the colonists or Otherwolves which helps proved some good insight into how both worlds operate. While Shivah still respects the native cultures and religions, Puck is often of a different mind, one that can be irritating to her but does little to sway her personal feelings. Both of them remain good friends despite their differences as they travel together.
For a while Shivah finds herself distracted somewhat from her goal but is firmly reminded by Crow that she was brought back for a purpose and she must see that purpose fulfilled.
Not only has her husband betrayed her but also his own village and her home village as well. In addition he has joined up with an otter known as Rourke who has been systematically decimating villages and settlements while at the same time evading all those who would try to stop them.
Tracking them down proved difficult and the final arc of the book provides some unexpected twists and revelations as well as an emotional ending that immediately had me going to grab the sequel from off my to read pile.
The comparisons between the Native American tribes, the Europeans who became American colonists, and newly introduced diseases hat the native peoples were not accustomed to is pretty obvious at times. This very much felt to me like a reimagined version of the old west and it was a setting that only served to draw me deeper into the story and closer to the characters.
All of the characters are fascinating to read about and their animal characteristics, behaviors and different cultures were blended in very well with the story and never felt odd or distracting. It served as a nice reminder that these are indeed anthropomorphic animals and not humans.
Scattered throughout the book are some illustrations done by the author Rukis as well each of them beautifully done and wonderful to see.
This was a fantastic book and Rukis is a wonderful writer. I highly recommend to fans of books featuring anthropomorphic animals or to someone looking to start reading such novels for the first time.
April 12, 2016
This story grabs you right out of the box. It is somewhat predictable, but not so much that it spoils the overall story. You will fall in love with the characters and stay up late to read what trials they will go through. Though it is an anthropomorphic fantasy, it carries an underlying story of the history of the Christianization of the American Native population. Warning, it will leave you wanting, needing to read the sequel. My only complaint is the book/s are expensive and limited through one distributor.
July 10, 2020
Very immersive journey with pleasant characters. Of course, everything depicted with a peerless writing style. With her every novel and art, Rukis proves to be the best possible writer and artist in the furry community.
August 5, 2016
4.5 stars on this one.
The pacing felt a bit uneven for much of the first part of the book, but once the plot actually started moving forward, I found it pretty hard to put the book down.
The pacing felt a bit uneven for much of the first part of the book, but once the plot actually started moving forward, I found it pretty hard to put the book down.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews