Friendship's Gallop, by Ross Davis, is a compelling YA short story about friendship in the midst of chaos. Could your friendships withstand when the odds are stacked against them? We have two main characters, the son of a homesteader and a boy from the Lakota tribe. They forge a strong bond by sharing culture, horses, music, and finding adventure together. But barriers begin to rise in their friendship, and soon their bond is tested when the cavalry forces them to choose which side they want to be on when it comes down to the Indian boy's tribe being wiped from the frontier. The story begins in 1875, where we find sixteen-year-old Painting Horse and fifteen-year-old Red Owl hunting game on horseback. Then we are introduced to the settler boy, David Summit, about eighteen years old, and his father, Jesse. The story takes off when Painting Horse saves David's life.

An endearing story of enduring friendship follows, and Davis has crafted one that will stay with you for a long time. The themes are universal and long-lasting, the plot intriguing, and the pace quick-moving. This concise story could work wonderfully as a longer piece as well. You will find yourself immersed in the culture of the Lakota Indians and how the friendship grows between the two youths. The author gives a good sense of what it was to live in that era, how dangerous it could be for almost everyone, and how friendships and the lives of everyday people were affected by war. The tribe takes David in for a few days and teaches him some of their language, now to use a bow and arrow, etc. They even name him Howls Like the Wind because of his harmonica-playing. One touching part involves exchanging the harmonica and flute, symbolic of how the two friends share their lives. The story intensifies, of course, when the cavalry enters the picture. Friendship's Gallop by Ross Davis is a gripping story of friendship and values you won't want to miss.

Friendship's Gallop by Ross Davis is an adventure story set in the late 1800s during a time of violent conflict between settlers, the Army, and Native Americans on the western frontier. David Summit, the son of a settler and now a lieutenant in the 2nd Cavalry, attacks a small Lakota camp only to find that Painting Horse is among the prisoners. David and Painting Horse met fourteen years earlier when Painting Horse saved David’s life, and the two boys exchanged musical instruments in a gesture of peace. When David’s commanding officer orders Painting Horse to be hanged for his part in defending his people from the cavalry attack, David must decide whether to repay the life debt he owes or to follow his orders.

In his debut fiction work, Ross Davis gives us a thoughtful look at life in the American West following the major Indian Wars when the Army continued driving Native Americans from their ancestral lands onto reservations. David and Painting Horse are presented as youths and young men of duty and honor who love their families, enjoy riding their horses across the open plains, and freely share their music. Both have a wonderful ability to look beyond the conflict which positions them as enemies. Instead, each appreciates their shared humanity. I especially liked David taking an interest in learning the Lakota language and culture. Friendship’s Gallop is an entertaining story with a universal message of friendship that goes far beyond the time in which it is set.

**Much Needed Topic**

Friendship’s Gallop by Ross Davis is a much needed reminder of people being capable of respecting one another even when their duties and upbringing put them against each other. The story centers around two boys / men – American David and Native American Painting Horse. Destined to hate each other, the boys find it in their hearts to see below the surface and understand each other’s point of view.

There is a truly beautiful moral hidden in this story that makes the reader appreciate this book even more. I enjoyed the story so much I would've liked author Davis to have spent more time elaborating on the moral differences between the two. This would've allowed me to have a better understanding of the characters and to also connect with them on a deeper level. I would've liked to have read more about the inner conflicts and feelings of the two protagonists as they seem to be a bit one-dimensional. This doesn't not take away from the reader being able to enjoy this wonderful story. With a little more finesse to how each character communicated with one another this story has potential to be impeccable. I did enjoy Davis's descriptions of the scenery as it allowed me to fully immerse myself in the story.

Friendship's Gallop is a quick and enjoyable read about friendship and understanding. With just 80 pages I would love for Ross to develop this short book into a full length novel.