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Ice Planet Barbarians #8.5
Aftershocks
On the day the world shook, everything changed for the barbarian tribe. This short story goes back to the event and gives additional insight. How do Rukh and Harlow fare through the disaster? How does the chief handle the destruction of everything he’s ever known?
This one of the Slice of Life Short Stories and intended to be read after Barbarian’s Taming. It is NOT a stand alone. It is, however, intended to provide extra character insight for those who want to visit the ice planet for a little bit longer.
This one of the Slice of Life Short Stories and intended to be read after Barbarian’s Taming. It is NOT a stand alone. It is, however, intended to provide extra character insight for those who want to visit the ice planet for a little bit longer.
57 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2016
427 people are currently reading
5081 people want to read
About the author
Ruby Dixon
162 books19.9k followersRuby Dixon is an author of Science Fiction Romance. She likes fated mates, baby-filled epilogues, and cinnamon roll heroes. She also likes to write biographies of herself in the third person, because it feels more important that way.
Ruby also loves coffee and dirty books and will probably be a cat lady at some point. :)
Ruby also loves coffee and dirty books and will probably be a cat lady at some point. :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 589 reviews
April 8, 2017
The aftermath from the volcanic eruption.
Snippets from the story of survival of:
1. RUKH AND HARLOW
2. VEKTAL AND GEORGIE
3. PASHOV AND STACY
The hardcore fans of the series will love this short book.
Snippets from the story of survival of:
1. RUKH AND HARLOW
2. VEKTAL AND GEORGIE
3. PASHOV AND STACY
The hardcore fans of the series will love this short book.
October 21, 2016
**re-read**
I loved this book it was a solid 5 star but if I had to rate it on making me want the next book even more I would rate it 1:} because I REALLY want book 9 now and it almost feels like torture waiting. When I saw what happened in the last book I couldn't wait to see what happened next but I loved this book and seeing more of what happened especially from the people who were still there waiting for a new home. After reading this I loved Rukh more, and I didn't think that was possible, but man he loves Harlow so much.
And then of course we see Georgie and there cheif and how all the weight is on their shoulders. But then we see more of Stacey and Pasov. My gosh this broke my heart. I can't tell you how much I want the next book to be about them. PLEEEEEEEAAAAAASSSSEEEE Mrs. Dixon please make the next be be about them. I can't wait for book 9, it feels like with each book that comes I want the next even more. I'm also excited for book nine because I've been having the re-reads for this series and I'll be re-reading this whole series right before book 9. I'm so excited for that. If you are wondering should I really read this is just a short, the answer is yes, it's amazing.
I loved this book it was a solid 5 star but if I had to rate it on making me want the next book even more I would rate it 1:} because I REALLY want book 9 now and it almost feels like torture waiting. When I saw what happened in the last book I couldn't wait to see what happened next but I loved this book and seeing more of what happened especially from the people who were still there waiting for a new home. After reading this I loved Rukh more, and I didn't think that was possible, but man he loves Harlow so much.
And then of course we see Georgie and there cheif and how all the weight is on their shoulders. But then we see more of Stacey and Pasov. My gosh this broke my heart. I can't tell you how much I want the next book to be about them. PLEEEEEEEAAAAAASSSSEEEE Mrs. Dixon please make the next be be about them. I can't wait for book 9, it feels like with each book that comes I want the next even more. I'm also excited for book nine because I've been having the re-reads for this series and I'll be re-reading this whole series right before book 9. I'm so excited for that. If you are wondering should I really read this is just a short, the answer is yes, it's amazing.
September 19, 2016
Short story from Vektal, Georgie, Harlow n Ruth's perspective. Doesn't include any resonance or smut but great read regardless.
December 8, 2022
3, 5 ✨✨✨
November 29, 2016
This story provides a few more POVs before, during and immediately after the big earthquake that destroyed the tribal cave. The mood is somber most of the time but here and there there's a flash of optimism. I liked how the struggle was portrayed and the different reactions of the tribe members. I'm glad that RD decided to put her characters through that ordeal and to break a bit the mold of the series. I'm looking forward to the new books to see how things will progress.
December 25, 2019
Woow...se vienen muchos cambios en la tribu
September 17, 2016
Aww I loved this. Great short read, where some of the spotlight gets put on characters that haven't been getting much attention lately. This novella follows the horrendous events of the last book and shows how Rukh & Harlow, and Vektal & Georgie are dealing with it..
I honestly love Rukh, he is one of my favourite aliens so it was great reading more from him. He still speaks in broken english (that he learned from Harlow) due to his past isolation but I always wonder why he doesn't get the language beam like everyone else...
Anyway this was a great filler story to help pass the time before we have to wait for the next book! According to Ruby's Facebook this will hopefully be out in October and will be about Pashov and Stacy!
I honestly love Rukh, he is one of my favourite aliens so it was great reading more from him. He still speaks in broken english (that he learned from Harlow) due to his past isolation but I always wonder why he doesn't get the language beam like everyone else...
Anyway this was a great filler story to help pass the time before we have to wait for the next book! According to Ruby's Facebook this will hopefully be out in October and will be about Pashov and Stacy!
September 29, 2016
2.5 stars
It's more a collection of scenes than a full short story. It does give little snippets of Georgie and Vektal, interspersed with the setup for the next novel, but that's it. Those of us addicted to Planet Blue Balls surely won't mind a couple of treats to tide us over, but if you're new to the series, start from the beginning because this won't really mean much otherwise.
For more reviews, visit
It's more a collection of scenes than a full short story. It does give little snippets of Georgie and Vektal, interspersed with the setup for the next novel, but that's it. Those of us addicted to Planet Blue Balls surely won't mind a couple of treats to tide us over, but if you're new to the series, start from the beginning because this won't really mean much otherwise.
For more reviews, visit
August 28, 2018
These novellas in the Ice Planet Barbarians series are for fans that like the series. Reading the novellas that go along with the series, add to the characters and world.
Aftershocks does not stand alone, you do need to read it in the order which is between Barbarian’s Taming and Barbarians’ Heart.
The novella follows the horrendous event that happened in the last book and it’s a bit heartbreaking to read. We get snippets of survival (POV's) from these characters: Rukh and Harlow, Vektal and Georgie, and Pashov and Stacy. It’s not a full story, just a speak in time with these characters and how they are handling the changes.
I had a nice time reading.
Rated: 3 Stars
Aftershocks does not stand alone, you do need to read it in the order which is between Barbarian’s Taming and Barbarians’ Heart.
The novella follows the horrendous event that happened in the last book and it’s a bit heartbreaking to read. We get snippets of survival (POV's) from these characters: Rukh and Harlow, Vektal and Georgie, and Pashov and Stacy. It’s not a full story, just a speak in time with these characters and how they are handling the changes.
I had a nice time reading.
Rated: 3 Stars
May 30, 2017
An okay read. I do like that you don't have to read her novellas to understand the main story. I enjoyed Harlow and Rukh's story more than Georgie and Vektal's. This one just gives a tiny glimpse of what happened during the earthquake (whatever wasn't mentioned in the previous book).
July 11, 2023
Well... that was sad :'(
January 15, 2017
Ancillary short to Barbarian's Taming
Ruby Dixon is catching us up with the rest of the tribe while Maddie and Hassen are out on their jaunt after the big earth-shake. The tribe is certainly struggling, but love abounds.
Ruby Dixon is catching us up with the rest of the tribe while Maddie and Hassen are out on their jaunt after the big earth-shake. The tribe is certainly struggling, but love abounds.
August 5, 2025
4.5 stars- I want more Rukh please
Okay fine. I wouldn’t mind other couples too, but Rukh has my heart 😭🥹. I seriously love that Tarzan-y alien so much 🫶🏻.
This is probably my favorite short story from all the ones up until this point; it has two of my favorite couples different POVs: Georgie, Vektal, Rukh (🥹🫶🏻❤️😭) and Harlow ❤️❤️ an oh man I really needed more of them lol especially of Rukh.
The things this male says 😭😭😭.
Rukh, if Harlow ever doesn’t want you, I’ll be here waiting for you 👀👀👀
Y’all , I think I’m joking, but I’m not 👀🤣🤣🤣.
I mean. Vektal is cool too… but man
Rukh can not only make tears fall from my eyes, but down my legs too 👀
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Loved this book ❤️❤️❤️
Okay fine. I wouldn’t mind other couples too, but Rukh has my heart 😭🥹. I seriously love that Tarzan-y alien so much 🫶🏻.
This is probably my favorite short story from all the ones up until this point; it has two of my favorite couples different POVs: Georgie, Vektal, Rukh (🥹🫶🏻❤️😭) and Harlow ❤️❤️ an oh man I really needed more of them lol especially of Rukh.
The things this male says 😭😭😭.
Rukh, if Harlow ever doesn’t want you, I’ll be here waiting for you 👀👀👀
Y’all , I think I’m joking, but I’m not 👀🤣🤣🤣.
I mean. Vektal is cool too… but man
Rukh can not only make tears fall from my eyes, but down my legs too 👀
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Loved this book ❤️❤️❤️
January 16, 2023
Ruk y Harlow son mi pareja favorita sin dudas
October 29, 2022
This book is after the earthquake and Rukh's and Harlow's POV. There isn't much of sexy time as much as there are cuddles and caresses.
July 8, 2025
There should be warning stickers of Ice Cream Tubs & Tissue Boxes on the cover!!!!!
I’m heartbroken for them, I cried!! My poor heart!!
🥺😢😢😭💔💔💔💔💔💔🤧🤧
Such a little niblet of a book, had such an emotional response!
I hope they do not burn-out poor Maylak-the healer!!
I’m heartbroken for them, I cried!! My poor heart!!
🥺😢😢😭💔💔💔💔💔💔🤧🤧
Such a little niblet of a book, had such an emotional response!
I hope they do not burn-out poor Maylak-the healer!!
April 25, 2019
Puede que este pequeño relato no sea del todo necesario, pero como disfruto tanto de esta saga me alegro de que la autora nos regale estas pequeñas novelas.
Este relato en concreto me resulto muy interesante, sobretodo porque el giro argumentativo que hay en Barbarian' s Taming me tiene muy muy intrigada por saber mas.
En fin, un libro cortito que da gusto leer, por lo ameno y entretenido que es.
3 Estrellas!
May 25, 2022
Someone needs to take kindle unlimited away from me.
September 18, 2019
I'm glad Ruby Dixon did the book Aftershocks we got a little more detailed information about the rest of the tribe after the earthquake hit their world
April 3, 2025
So heartbreaking yet such a cute little story
August 17, 2022
I pretty much hated Rukh in this one. In a moment of crisis and danger, he forgot about his son in order to focus on his mate. He was selfish and a shitty dad. Even Harlow had to remind him that they are parents now and their priority has to be their son.
And to make matters worse, Harlow decided to give up on her dream of using the Elders’ cave technology to make life easier for everyone, because Rukh had given up his dream of living a solitary life in order to stay close to the healer in case Harlow needed her.
Like, how are those two things being compared?
He’s just a sad hermit who hates people for no reason. Oh the big sacrifice to stay with his tribe in order to remain safe! Wow.
Meanwhile she was trying to make a real difference for these people and no one seemed to care.
In conclusion your honor, I couldn’t care less about Rukh.
And to make matters worse, Harlow decided to give up on her dream of using the Elders’ cave technology to make life easier for everyone, because Rukh had given up his dream of living a solitary life in order to stay close to the healer in case Harlow needed her.
Like, how are those two things being compared?
He’s just a sad hermit who hates people for no reason. Oh the big sacrifice to stay with his tribe in order to remain safe! Wow.
Meanwhile she was trying to make a real difference for these people and no one seemed to care.
In conclusion your honor, I couldn’t care less about Rukh.
October 10, 2016
4.5/5 stars
Tragedy has befallen the tribe. An earthquake has destroyed the main tribal cave, resulting in injury and death. This novella was more serious (no sexy times) and shows how the disaster affects different members of the tribe through different points of view. Vektal must lead them to safety before the brutal season begins. I have been hard on Vektal in the past, but now I am more empathetic to the difficulties of being a leader. The hunters have their work cut out for them. Most of their food stores and a lot of their supplies are gone. With the brutal season days away, they must start over to find food for a growing tribe with lots of hungry kits to feed.
Can't wait for Pashov's and Stacy's story.
Tragedy has befallen the tribe. An earthquake has destroyed the main tribal cave, resulting in injury and death. This novella was more serious (no sexy times) and shows how the disaster affects different members of the tribe through different points of view. Vektal must lead them to safety before the brutal season begins. I have been hard on Vektal in the past, but now I am more empathetic to the difficulties of being a leader. The hunters have their work cut out for them. Most of their food stores and a lot of their supplies are gone. With the brutal season days away, they must start over to find food for a growing tribe with lots of hungry kits to feed.
Can't wait for Pashov's and Stacy's story.
May 21, 2017
OMG... I am sobbing! I love a book that really gets me emotional. I love this series!
May 31, 2022
This is a novella showing some of the events of the last book from the POV of Georgie, Vektal, Harlow and Rukh. It also starts to set up Stacy and Pashov's book, which I'm pretty keen to read now.
September 22, 2025
This short story of the aftermath of book 8 had me tearing up! I just really feel for all of them going through this horrible disaster, but also loved reading how much they love and support each other. Rukh and Harlow especially are just my faves and I love Rukh so much in this too, poor guy. And Stacy and Pashov are breaking my heart.
Really good little addition to the series.
Really good little addition to the series.
October 16, 2021
This one was tough to read. We have the aftermath of the earthquake and up close and person with Harlow and Rukh and how they fared at the elder's cave. It's good to see everyone pulling together as they all face a uncertain future.
January 13, 2022
I love this series ridiculous amounts. Seriously. There's something about these blue-skinned aliens that works for me on so many levels. The fact that they so willingly embraced the humans who ended up stranded on their world makes me happy. Sure, sure, part of their easy acceptance was because the human women resonated with the alien males one after another. Still, I love the sense of community that's sprung up between everyone.
Then a massive earthquake hit and the comfortable existence the tribe had come to count on vanished. Their cave has been destroyed, the ancestral ship is in ruins, and their people are injured. Seeing the events through the eyes of Rukh and Harlow in the ship gave us a deeper understanding of how things played out in those first chaotic moments.
Watching Vektal and Georgie struggle to keep the tribe from falling apart as they seek out a new place to winter in puts how fragile their existence is in perspective.
I genuinely adore this series and I'm thrilled at all the adventures that have opened up with this devastating event. (Yeah, I know that makes me sound cold and callous, but everything has changed for the tribe now and I think this could end up being a VERY good thing. Sad and difficult, but good.)
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Then a massive earthquake hit and the comfortable existence the tribe had come to count on vanished. Their cave has been destroyed, the ancestral ship is in ruins, and their people are injured. Seeing the events through the eyes of Rukh and Harlow in the ship gave us a deeper understanding of how things played out in those first chaotic moments.
Watching Vektal and Georgie struggle to keep the tribe from falling apart as they seek out a new place to winter in puts how fragile their existence is in perspective.
I genuinely adore this series and I'm thrilled at all the adventures that have opened up with this devastating event. (Yeah, I know that makes me sound cold and callous, but everything has changed for the tribe now and I think this could end up being a VERY good thing. Sad and difficult, but good.)
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
March 6, 2021
After Shocks is a deeper look inside the tragic event that took place in the previous book. We get to see how Rukh and Harlow were affected by it at the Elder Cave. We also get to see how Vektal and Georgie are handling the pressure as the tribe leaders.
This one is definitely not as smutty or pivotal to the series. Die-hard fans of the series will appreciate this follow-up. I know I did!
3 stars
This one is definitely not as smutty or pivotal to the series. Die-hard fans of the series will appreciate this follow-up. I know I did!
3 stars
October 14, 2016
Perfect
This is the most perfect companion novella to the last book. I'm so emotional over the heartache, seeing these characters that I love suffer so badly hurts. Ruby Dixon once again created perfection.
This is still my number one series overall. I read a lot of different types of romance, and it's odd to consider big blue aliens with human mates being the best of the best, but I truly is. This series has everything you need a romance to have.
Five stars
This is the most perfect companion novella to the last book. I'm so emotional over the heartache, seeing these characters that I love suffer so badly hurts. Ruby Dixon once again created perfection.
This is still my number one series overall. I read a lot of different types of romance, and it's odd to consider big blue aliens with human mates being the best of the best, but I truly is. This series has everything you need a romance to have.
Five stars
March 23, 2017
I quite enjoyed getting different perspectives of the events during and after the earthquake.
Poor Ruhk gets badly traumatised when his beloved Harlow is injured when the ship flips over. He reverts back to his feral days and thankfully, Maylak is there to help.
Vektal is also anxious for his tribe. As chief, he has to protect them but this is a never before seen event and no one knows how to deal with it.
Poor Ruhk gets badly traumatised when his beloved Harlow is injured when the ship flips over. He reverts back to his feral days and thankfully, Maylak is there to help.
Vektal is also anxious for his tribe. As chief, he has to protect them but this is a never before seen event and no one knows how to deal with it.
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