What do you think?
Rate this book
Kindred
The Journey of Runs-Far: a Kindred novella
A final journey uncovers the hidden wounds of an old man's soul, as he clings to hope that the God who redeemed him long ago has saved the greatest miracle for last.
Tennessee Country, 1798
Runs-Far, beloved elder of the Cherokee, lays dying. While family and friends gather to mourn, Runs-Far dreams of Sedi, the wife who bore him two children and was carrying a third when she was captured by white soldiers, and never seen again. For the next forty years, Runs-Far taught his people the ways of Jesus, yet Sedi's loss distanced him from the God he served. In his dream, his long-vanished wife accuses him of abandoning his search too soon. Even Creator is telling him it is not his day to die-he has unfinished business. But Runs-Far is old. Learning what happened to Sedi will lead him through lands settled by white men. He cannot go alone. Blue-Jay, his son, must go with him.
Blue-Jay fears to lose a father as once he lost a mother-a loss over which he still carries guilt. Dare he believe forgiveness lies in making a journey seemingly born more of folly than faith? If he and his father find what they seek, will they wish they hadn't? Knowing only that the journey begins at MacKinnon's Cove, where Runs-Far abandoned his search long ago, the two set out from the mountains of their home with little more than hope to guide them.
Tennessee Country, 1798
Runs-Far, beloved elder of the Cherokee, lays dying. While family and friends gather to mourn, Runs-Far dreams of Sedi, the wife who bore him two children and was carrying a third when she was captured by white soldiers, and never seen again. For the next forty years, Runs-Far taught his people the ways of Jesus, yet Sedi's loss distanced him from the God he served. In his dream, his long-vanished wife accuses him of abandoning his search too soon. Even Creator is telling him it is not his day to die-he has unfinished business. But Runs-Far is old. Learning what happened to Sedi will lead him through lands settled by white men. He cannot go alone. Blue-Jay, his son, must go with him.
Blue-Jay fears to lose a father as once he lost a mother-a loss over which he still carries guilt. Dare he believe forgiveness lies in making a journey seemingly born more of folly than faith? If he and his father find what they seek, will they wish they hadn't? Knowing only that the journey begins at MacKinnon's Cove, where Runs-Far abandoned his search long ago, the two set out from the mountains of their home with little more than hope to guide them.
172 pages, Paperback
Published November 23, 2021
19 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Lori Benton
18 books985 followersLori Benton was born and raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American and family history going back to the 1600s. Her novels transport readers to the 18th century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history, creating a melting pot of characters drawn from both sides of a turbulent and shifting frontier, brought together in the bonds of God's transforming grace.
When she isn’t writing, reading, or researching 18th century history, Lori enjoys exploring the mountains with her husband.
Burning Sky, Lori's debut novel, was a finalist for the ECPA 2014 Christian Book Award, and winner of the 2014 Christy Award for First Novel, Historical, and Book of the Year.
When she isn’t writing, reading, or researching 18th century history, Lori enjoys exploring the mountains with her husband.
Burning Sky, Lori's debut novel, was a finalist for the ECPA 2014 Christian Book Award, and winner of the 2014 Christy Award for First Novel, Historical, and Book of the Year.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Read
November 15, 2021This might have been the most fun I've had writing any story ever.
Read
December 13, 2021This might be the most fun I've ever had with a writing project. I hope that showed! When you finish reading The Journey of Runs-Far, have a listen to this song of praise in the Mohawk language, by the Maracle Family. While the song in my novella is meant to be sung in Tsalagi/Cherokee, it was this song that inspired it and captures the heart and the sound of Runs-Far's song of praise and unity in Christ. https://youtu.be/C0wgoBwtV-E
August 23, 2022
A wonderful conclusion to the Kindred series, pulling in characters also from previous books. Had to jog my memory as to how they were all related or acquainted, but there are prompts given to help. Love the songs of praise and prayers from Runs-Far. Had me tearing up in parts with the emotional reunions and beautiful celebration of family and friends. Like a little glimpse of heaven. Feel like going back and rereading these from the beginning! Definitely need to be read in order of series. 4.5 stars
February 11, 2022
I had read all of Lori Benton's other books before this one, and it was mindblowing to see how connected her stories have been! A must-read for Benton fans.
November 28, 2021
I think the story could just as accurately be called The Journey of Blue-Jay, from whose perspective we follow most of the story. He's the one who is reluctantly along for the ride, and whose heart is in need of as much as if not more healing than his father's. Blue-Jay has suffered significant loss--his mother, two wives, and his children. He very nearly lost his father, and he doesn't want to lose him on what is likely to be a fruitless journey.
I probably should have made the connections sooner as to who Runs-Far is searching for, but it was a delight when I realized precisely who it was--all the clues were there, tucked between the pages of various novels, but I had completely missed it until this story!
To understand Runs-Far's journey, it helps to be familiar with pretty near all of the author's books. The King's Mercy tells how Runs-Far met Sedi, and the Kindred duology (Mountain Laurel and Shiloh) definitely precede this story. However, Burning Sky is helpful for understanding Shiloh, and there are cameos of characters from Many Sparrows and The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn along the journey. So if you're like me and have read every book by Lori Benton, it's a wonderful opportunity to look in on beloved characters a few years--or decades--later than their stories took place. But if you haven't read all her other books, it may feel like there are things you're missing. I'd highly recommend her novels, just for how excellent they are, and then read this novella for a satisfying conclusion to a story that has secretly spanned several novels.
I probably should have made the connections sooner as to who Runs-Far is searching for, but it was a delight when I realized precisely who it was--all the clues were there, tucked between the pages of various novels, but I had completely missed it until this story!
To understand Runs-Far's journey, it helps to be familiar with pretty near all of the author's books. The King's Mercy tells how Runs-Far met Sedi, and the Kindred duology (Mountain Laurel and Shiloh) definitely precede this story. However, Burning Sky is helpful for understanding Shiloh, and there are cameos of characters from Many Sparrows and The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn along the journey. So if you're like me and have read every book by Lori Benton, it's a wonderful opportunity to look in on beloved characters a few years--or decades--later than their stories took place. But if you haven't read all her other books, it may feel like there are things you're missing. I'd highly recommend her novels, just for how excellent they are, and then read this novella for a satisfying conclusion to a story that has secretly spanned several novels.
December 7, 2021
3.5 stars
"There is another journey I must make first . . . . We must find your mother."
Supposedly on his deathbed, a beloved elder member of the Cherokee nation is revived by a haunting dream. His wife, who disappeared without a trace (or one that he could find) begs him to try again, even calling him "Runs-Far . . . Turns-Around-And-Goes-Home-Without Trying". Dragging himself off of his mat, Runs-Far convinces his son Blue-Jay to accompany him on a journey without a clear destination. The people that they meet along the way and the place where they arrive in the end, bring all of Kindred's characters together in one grand reunion which could only be surpassed by the gates of glory.
"Every tribe and tongue will sing your praise, Creator-Father,
With the blanket-coat of Creator-Jesus' blood read around our shoulders,
Let All Peoples stand and praise you, Amen!"
Sorting out the characters at the beginning of this novella was a bit of a challenge, but just like the journey that the characters are impressed to make, the story is well worth the reading and the ending!
"There is another journey I must make first . . . . We must find your mother."
Supposedly on his deathbed, a beloved elder member of the Cherokee nation is revived by a haunting dream. His wife, who disappeared without a trace (or one that he could find) begs him to try again, even calling him "Runs-Far . . . Turns-Around-And-Goes-Home-Without Trying". Dragging himself off of his mat, Runs-Far convinces his son Blue-Jay to accompany him on a journey without a clear destination. The people that they meet along the way and the place where they arrive in the end, bring all of Kindred's characters together in one grand reunion which could only be surpassed by the gates of glory.
"Every tribe and tongue will sing your praise, Creator-Father,
With the blanket-coat of Creator-Jesus' blood read around our shoulders,
Let All Peoples stand and praise you, Amen!"
Sorting out the characters at the beginning of this novella was a bit of a challenge, but just like the journey that the characters are impressed to make, the story is well worth the reading and the ending!
June 30, 2022
3.45⭐
This was an interesting read about Runs-Far. It brought in many of the characters from Lori's other books of the same time period. Which was nice to see what the characters were up to later in their stories, if you remembered who they were... which I didn't always, so it was a tad frustrating for me. It was all so nicely weaved together though, even if I didn't exactly remember everyone. The length was also perfect, between a full novel size and a novella. There was no romance, if that's something you'd be looking for. Overall, I'm glad I read it, there were some interesting themes like grieving, forgiving oneself, completing the journey and task that God has given you in your lifetime etc.
This was an interesting read about Runs-Far. It brought in many of the characters from Lori's other books of the same time period. Which was nice to see what the characters were up to later in their stories, if you remembered who they were... which I didn't always, so it was a tad frustrating for me. It was all so nicely weaved together though, even if I didn't exactly remember everyone. The length was also perfect, between a full novel size and a novella. There was no romance, if that's something you'd be looking for. Overall, I'm glad I read it, there were some interesting themes like grieving, forgiving oneself, completing the journey and task that God has given you in your lifetime etc.
June 9, 2022
There is no one who writes like Lori Benton! Concise, rich, period-perfect, vivid. 4 stars because it felt a rushed wrap up of too many fragments. Still I loved it for the writing!
May 31, 2022
As I read this beautiful novella, it felt like a love letter from author Lori Benton to her fans. I savored the story as I read updates about cherished characters from previous books. Of course, now I want to read those six books again! In addition, the journey and the touching lessons from this novella were simply wonderful. Truly, I am most appreciative of this story. It is a must read for Benton’s fans.
December 6, 2021
This is a WONDERFUL novella connected to the Kindred series and sews up a few threads from the secondary characters and deepens the story of one in particular: Seona's mother, Lily. This is a journey of the soul for the character of Runs-Far and his son, Blue-Jay, whose stories twine with Benton's characters (some from her previous novels!). Theirs is a journey of healing and forgiveness, with a benediction of praise to the Creator for His goodness to all peoples. And, as my mom said (she was buddy-reading this with me!) of this story and these characters, "you just want to spend time with them!".
I recommend you read the other Kindred novels before diving in to this story.
I recommend you read the other Kindred novels before diving in to this story.
May 15, 2022
A beautiful, beautiful book! As mentioned in my review of the book preceding this one ('Shiloh'), Lori Benton engaged in a little bit of world building for this novel, which includes not only characters from the earlier 'Kindred' novels, but from almost all of her previous novels (the exceptions being the 2 book 'Wood's Edge' series). I would recommend reading all of her previous work prior to this one, but I had not yet read 'The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn' nor 'Many Sparrows', and I did not find myself lost during this journey.
I loved the way all the pieces eventually came together for Runs-Far and his son Blue Jay, bringing them to the knowledge of what had happened when Sedi, their wife and mother, had been taken from them. What I most loved, though, was the faith that each of these men exhibited in Creator-Jesus . . . in trusting Him to help them take the next right step, even though many of those steps were in directions no one else could have foreseen.
My favourite lines are near the end of the book . . . especially the song of praise and worship that Runs-Far sings; a song that all Creator's children will sing when they return Home.
I loved the way all the pieces eventually came together for Runs-Far and his son Blue Jay, bringing them to the knowledge of what had happened when Sedi, their wife and mother, had been taken from them. What I most loved, though, was the faith that each of these men exhibited in Creator-Jesus . . . in trusting Him to help them take the next right step, even though many of those steps were in directions no one else could have foreseen.
My favourite lines are near the end of the book . . . especially the song of praise and worship that Runs-Far sings; a song that all Creator's children will sing when they return Home.
December 3, 2021
Wonderful Completion for this Series
The Kindred series has captured my heart. The characters I have grown to love. Joseph Tames Horses I was introduced to in an earlier book by the author. To see the completion of the circle of life always amazes me. The older I get the more important family of origin and roots seem to become. My family did not carry the knowledge of our history as strongly as I would have liked. Historically speaking this was extremely important to people. They were children of certain clans or tribes or families. They were not introduced as just an individual usually. When asked or spoken of, they were identified as the child of a parent and from where they came from. Our history carries with us. I just love these books I could go on and on about it, be certain to read them you won’t be disappointed!
The Kindred series has captured my heart. The characters I have grown to love. Joseph Tames Horses I was introduced to in an earlier book by the author. To see the completion of the circle of life always amazes me. The older I get the more important family of origin and roots seem to become. My family did not carry the knowledge of our history as strongly as I would have liked. Historically speaking this was extremely important to people. They were children of certain clans or tribes or families. They were not introduced as just an individual usually. When asked or spoken of, they were identified as the child of a parent and from where they came from. Our history carries with us. I just love these books I could go on and on about it, be certain to read them you won’t be disappointed!
November 24, 2021
what a mammoth task to bring characters of several books to meet up and pass through.
tissues please to wipe happy tears and sad moments. The book covers for this series and all Lori's books are amazing.
I have read all of Lori's books. ( As I was reading this book run away slave and slave catchers seemed familiar but I'm not sure what book it was the difference being Thomas alone but in the book I recall it was a couple who helped free the slaves up to Canada. )
Joseph tames His horse has been a favourite character with me but he is only here at the last of the chapters. John Reynolds, Nip and Tuck the dogs, Willa.
What has Lori got install with her next book and the research it will lead to?
tissues please to wipe happy tears and sad moments. The book covers for this series and all Lori's books are amazing.
I have read all of Lori's books. ( As I was reading this book run away slave and slave catchers seemed familiar but I'm not sure what book it was the difference being Thomas alone but in the book I recall it was a couple who helped free the slaves up to Canada. )
Joseph tames His horse has been a favourite character with me but he is only here at the last of the chapters. John Reynolds, Nip and Tuck the dogs, Willa.
What has Lori got install with her next book and the research it will lead to?
July 9, 2022
The Journey of Runs-Far takes the reader on an extraordinary journey, not only an arduous trek over mountains and across rivers, but one of remembrance and reflection. A journey of more than just the miles traveled, it is one of spiritual renewal and awakening.
Runs-Far, while lying on his death bed, has a dream of his long-lost wife, captured many years ago in a raid on their village. Regret and sorrow from her disappearance has made a wide gulf in his relationship with Creator Jesus, leaving his soul wanting. Taking this dream as a sign, he feels that his beloved and his now grown child are still out there waiting to be found. Blue Jay, Runs-Far's son, reluctantly joins him in his quest. With no indication of where to look, they rely on prayer and faith in the Creator to guide their steps. God works in mysterious ways and continually blesses their journey with help from some familiar faces.
This book was the perfect conclusion to the Kindred Series. Even though it is a novella, it is filled with so much information. I felt as if I was looking through old photographs and taking a walk down memory lane, while preparing for a great family reunion... a wonderful homecoming. I devoured every delectable detail of the characters I have come to love and care about so deeply and of the lives they had made for themselves. It was so very rewarding and heartening to see them all again. I felt that we had come full circle.
Sadly, I have come to the end of my own journey of reading Lori's brilliant stories.
I am amazed at the detail, tremendous effort, and meticulous planning that it took to create these endearing masterpieces. Each story she has created is filled with trials and tribulation, faith and hope, love and forgiveness, but most importantly they bring glory to God, lifting up his name.
Goofy side note...I feel like this story was a Cliff Notes for Lori Benton books, so much wonderful information, new and revisited, crammed into this tiny story.
Runs-Far, while lying on his death bed, has a dream of his long-lost wife, captured many years ago in a raid on their village. Regret and sorrow from her disappearance has made a wide gulf in his relationship with Creator Jesus, leaving his soul wanting. Taking this dream as a sign, he feels that his beloved and his now grown child are still out there waiting to be found. Blue Jay, Runs-Far's son, reluctantly joins him in his quest. With no indication of where to look, they rely on prayer and faith in the Creator to guide their steps. God works in mysterious ways and continually blesses their journey with help from some familiar faces.
This book was the perfect conclusion to the Kindred Series. Even though it is a novella, it is filled with so much information. I felt as if I was looking through old photographs and taking a walk down memory lane, while preparing for a great family reunion... a wonderful homecoming. I devoured every delectable detail of the characters I have come to love and care about so deeply and of the lives they had made for themselves. It was so very rewarding and heartening to see them all again. I felt that we had come full circle.
Sadly, I have come to the end of my own journey of reading Lori's brilliant stories.
I am amazed at the detail, tremendous effort, and meticulous planning that it took to create these endearing masterpieces. Each story she has created is filled with trials and tribulation, faith and hope, love and forgiveness, but most importantly they bring glory to God, lifting up his name.
Goofy side note...I feel like this story was a Cliff Notes for Lori Benton books, so much wonderful information, new and revisited, crammed into this tiny story.
January 18, 2022
Excellent Conclusion to the Series
This stirring read is a wonderful summation of Lori Benton’s Shiloh series, tying in her characters’ heritages and stories. Loved how it brings the reader full circle, entertaining and warming the heart. Thoroughly enjoyed Runs Far’s adventurous journey across land, as well as what it produced in not only his heart but his son’s, too. Their search reaps much - it breaks down barriers, tests faith, and ultimately finds healing and blessed restoration. Great read!
This stirring read is a wonderful summation of Lori Benton’s Shiloh series, tying in her characters’ heritages and stories. Loved how it brings the reader full circle, entertaining and warming the heart. Thoroughly enjoyed Runs Far’s adventurous journey across land, as well as what it produced in not only his heart but his son’s, too. Their search reaps much - it breaks down barriers, tests faith, and ultimately finds healing and blessed restoration. Great read!
November 27, 2021
I loved this wrap-up to Lori Benton's Kindred series, bringing together many characters from earlier books in a heartwarming novella. Cherokee elder Runs Far is expected to die, but instead he has a vision that propels him on a journey against all odds, and against the better judgment of his son, Blue Jay. Great story building for minor characters from earlier books, and a satisfying and realistic conclusion. Heartily recommend this series and this book!
February 25, 2023
I would’ve probably enjoyed this novella more if I had read the author’s previous novels more recently. I’ve read all of her previous books but it’s hard for me to remember all of the character names and keep the stories straight when I read many of the books years ago when they were first published. I did enjoy the last two chapters that focused more on Lily, Ian, and Seona, and tied up some of the loose ends in the Kindred series.
February 13, 2024
The Journey Of Runs-Far finishes up the Kindred series. Run's-Far sets out on a final journey seeking answers to the disappearance of his wife forty years ago.
Lori Benton includes some favorite characters from four of her previous books as well as this series to accompany Runs-Far to a surprise ending. The novella contains a wonderful faith-based message.
I purchased a paperback copy of this book.
Lori Benton includes some favorite characters from four of her previous books as well as this series to accompany Runs-Far to a surprise ending. The novella contains a wonderful faith-based message.
I purchased a paperback copy of this book.
December 1, 2021
Wonderful, satisfying conclusion to the Kindred series (with important threads from The King’s Mercy and appearances of characters from Many Sparrows and The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn). I greatly enjoyed it, but probably this isn’t the place to start if you haven’t already read Lori Benton’s work.
January 12, 2022
In The Journey of Runs Far author Lori Benton wraps up her Kindred Series beautifully by weaving in characters from her previous novels. Tender spiritual insights make this gem of a novella a fitting conclusion to each of Benton’s haunting and evocative tales. Readers’ hearts will be warmed to see how the lives of the characters they have grown to love are brought to a satisfying resolution.
December 23, 2021
Really enjoyed this novella tying several stories together and showing future lives of favorite characters! I always enjoy Lori’s books and feel my time in the characters’ worlds is indeed well-spent! Well-done!
February 28, 2022
What’s fantastic read! I loved the glimpses we get of previous characters. I’ve read all of this authors books. This one had great characters, beautiful story, and a wonderful faith theme. Wonderful read that I highly recommend.
October 15, 2022
I wish I had read the related stories closer together. The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn is my favorite by this author, but this concluding book had so many people and names and I just was muddled. I bet if I had read them all within the last year, this book would be rated a 4 or 5.
February 24, 2025
Lori Benton is one of the best historical fiction authors I have read. She brings the eighteenth century alive with her through research of the time. This one was a short novella but was packed full of interesting historical information.
January 13, 2022
What a fabulous way to weave all of Benton’s novels into one. Meeting characters again and learning more of their story was such a delight.
April 22, 2022
This was a beautiful ending to the Kindred series. Highly recommend!
August 2, 2022
Beautiful book and a satisfying conclusion to the Kindred series.
April 3, 2023
Loved this! A great summary of the Kindred series, but also of many other of Benton's books. Now I need to go re-read some of those! The characters were great!
April 23, 2023
Good
It was good to have this book. It tied up the series very well. I am happy for those who found a new beginnings from the ashes and sorrow of their past.
It was good to have this book. It tied up the series very well. I am happy for those who found a new beginnings from the ashes and sorrow of their past.
April 12, 2022
I am so glad Lori Benton wrote this novella to end the Kindred series. Having read all of her novels, it was a joy to read of those I had gotten to know in all her prior books (except for The Pathfinders books). This book answered so many questions that were left at the conclusion of Shiloh. I felt joy but also cried at the beauty of it all at the coming together of the family. Runs-Far's song was beautiful and meaningful for all who are looking forward to the day that every tribe and peoples of all colors will worship God together because of the blood of Jesus. It's a worthwhile book standing on its own but so much more meaningful when the other books have been also read. I highly recommend The Journey of Runs-Far.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews