Friendly Fire

The Fifth Ward #2

by Dale Lucas

In the most dangerous district of the city, the Fifth Ward, Rem and Torval have been perfecting their good cop, bad cop routine while protecting residents from drug-dealing orcs, mind-controlling elves, uncooperative mages, and humans being typical humans.

But when a perplexing case of arson leads to a series of gruesome, unsolvable murders, the two partners must challenge their own assumptions and loyalties if they are to preserve their partnership, wrest justice from the chaos, and keep their ward from tearing itself apart.

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Adult, Fiction, Mystery

496 pages, Paperback

First published August 7, 2018

Reviews

[Cynnamon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Der zweite Band der Fifth Ward Reihe setzt die Abenteuer des Menschen Remeck und des Zwerges Torval fort, die sich im ersten Band als Partner in der Bezirkswache zusammengerauft und bald auch eine Freundschaft aufgebaut haben.

Dieser zweite Band war für mich nicht ganz so leicht verdaulich, da er thematisch viele Berührungspunkte mit der aktuellen Lage in unserer Welt hat und ich dadurch der Möglichkeit zum Eskapismus beraubt war, die ich ansonsten an Fantasyromanen so sehr schätze.

Das folgende Zitat bringt das Kernthema der Geschichte sehr gut auf den Punkt:

"We hate what we fear," Queydon said, "and we fear that which challenges our supremacy, our privilege. Neither humans nor dwarfes hold a monopoly on that iniquity."(S. 366)

Der Haupttopos der Geschichte ist also Rassismus und Fremdenfeindlichkeit.
Der Autor zeigt exemplarisch an zwei Gruppen von Steinmetzen (Menschen und Zwerge), wie die wohl in jeder Person schlummernden Vorurteile durch Populisten und Hetzer hochgekocht und vervielfältigt werden und ganz schnell Situationen eskalieren und aus dem Ruder laufen können, so wie es die Mehrzahl der Beteiligten nie vorhergesehen oder gewollt hätte.
Letzendlich greift dann eine der Gruppen zu einer uralten und längst verbotenen Waffe, und richtet so immensen Schaden unter allen Beteiligten an.

Mich hat es richtig gegruselt, als ich gelesen habe, wie schnell und einfach aus einer Gruppe von Individuen ein Blutrünstiger Mob wird, der keinerlei Argumenten mehr zugänglich ist.

Außerdem bietet die Geschichter tiefergehende Information über Geschichte und Herkunft der beiden Protagonisten.

Insgesamt fand ich das Buch gehaltvoller als den ersten Band. "Schöner" im Sinne der Möglichkeit sich in einer Geschichte genüßlich suhlen zu können war aber der erste Band.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

RTC

[The Tattooed Book Geek (Drew). · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always this review can also be found on my blog The Tattooed Book Geek: https://thetattooedbookgeek.wordpress...

I was a big fan of Lucas’s previous The Fifth Ward book, First Watch with its Riggs and Murtaghesque buddy cop duo of watch wardens, the pairing of the young and inexperienced Rem/Remeck (Bonny Prince) and the gruff and stout veteran Torval (Old Stump) and, so when a surprise copy of Friendly Fire, the sequel came through my door I was greatly appreciative of its arrival.👍📚

In Friendly Fire we are welcomed back to the city of Yenara and reintroduced to the duo of Rem and Torval thanks to a theft and then a high speed chase through the streets of Yenara, on foot, on horse and even on top of an out of control wagon as the duo attempt to apprehend the thief which makes for a blistering and exciting start by Lucas.

Angry protests lead to a case of arson that then leads to something much deeper and darker going on in Yenara, a series of murders. Humans and dwarves are both involved in the conflict and as it builds a cauldron of simmering tension forms on the streets of Yenara threatening to spill over. As things get worse, the human citizens gradually turn against the dwarven citizens and what started as a small-scale dispute and schism inevitably boils over to an all-out hatred that threatens to tear the city apart. It’s up to Torval, Rem and their fellow watch wardens to try and find a resolution to the feud before it becomes irreparable and damages Yenara forever.

It’s a dark and deep story told in Friendly Fire that looks into discrimination, prejudice, racism, resentment, being a minority, friendship, family (even when you aren’t blood) and being an outsider in a place that isn’t your home. Lucas writes the story in a way that makes you able to understand both sides of the conflict but also lays blame on both sides too with neither the humans or the dwarves being wholly good, bad, right or wrong. All involved contribute to and escalate the conflict with the payback mentality of ‘an eye for an eye‘ on full display as violence begets more violence between the races. You won’t agree with the actions taken or many of the attitudes that are shown by both the humans and the dwarves but you will (on occasion) feel sympathy for them as there have been innocent victims, injustice and wrongs done to both sides and all involved have made errors and mistakes.

Torval’s dwarven family, Rem’s love interest Indilen and the watch warden Prefect Ondego are all great characters in Friendly Fire but the stars of the book are definitely Rem and Torval. This time around the pair know each other and we aren’t seeing them try to form a bond and find common ground after being thrown together. They have already formed their bond, built their partnership and we get to see the continuation of that partnership, the bromance, the friendship, the ribbing and the trust in each other that they have already established, they are more than friends, they are brothers and they are family. As characters I love both Rem and Torval, they are an absolutely fantastic duo and I could read about them, their partnership, their banter, their antics and their entertaining adventures for many books to come.

Like its predecessor First Watch, Friendly Fire once again takes place solely within the confines of Yenara. Those hoping that the scope of the world would have been expanded by Lucas might be disappointed, I wasn’t. I admit that it would be great to venture forth and see more of the wider world and Yenara itself but the story Lucas tells never feels claustrophobic. What we do see is so well realised, populated by a myriad assortment of eclectic characters and full of history that, quite honestly, it was a pleasure to once again police the streets of the fifth ward of Yenara along with Rem and Torval.

The Fifth Ward deserves your attention and if you are yet to read either of the two released books then you need to check them out!

Friendly Fire is a fantastic bromantic fantasy that gives the reader an enjoyable and exciting fantasy fix that is full of heart.

[RG · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*
I love this series. Its just hits a sweet spot. Its not overly complicated, it has some great characters and the relationships formed are so fun. Rem and Torval are just great, the dialogue between them is my favourite part. The action took awhile to arrive but it ramps up. I love how the author has taken a simple issue of immigration and made a fantasy novel about it. Being in a new city and not feeling like you belong but making the most of your friends, family and environment is really what this is all about. Great fun!! Highly recommended.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really looking for a bit on an escape from the current situation in the world today.

This book was a bad choice in that regard.

The main plot involves racial tensions between dwarves and humans. There is rioting and racism backed by religious belief. So really, not much an escape.

This was still an entertaining read. This is a very underrated series that fans of fantasy should definitely looking at.

[David Cleary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.
I happened to be watching the CNN coverage of the attack on Washington. I was listening to the reason behind it and it reminded me of this book.
It was like Dale knew what was coming. The reasons, the blame game and the leaders.
The book is amazing. I love the main characters and you get to see more of the side characters.
The book is a non stop rollercoaster.
I have been in a bad place mentally the last few weeks but this book helped me out of it.
Its funny, full of humour, love and big hearts.
I highly recommend it to all.
Stay safe my friends.

[Mitchel Poole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solidly good second book.
I would even say this one is better than the first, for a change. It’s no ‘EMPIRE STRIKES BACK’. But no lagging in the story telling, everything moved along well.
Can definitely see the author’s writing getting better, which is all a reader can ask for.

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you just land on a series that had a world that, while you wouldn't want to inhabit it, you always want to see more of. And then you learn of a sequel. This was that, and was just as wonderful as the first.

[David Renfrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. So if you haven't gotten a chance to read the first book in the series you are totally missing out. It was my favorite debut novel of 2017 despite having some AMAZING competition. But I almost didn't read it...why you ask. Well from 2003 to 2009 I served as a police officer in Baltimore and after reading the blurb I was cautious about anyone who was trying to mix law enforcement into a fantasy world. But man, does Dale Lucas deliver. Friendly Fire continues the series in a way that compliments the first novel of the trilogy very well. Mr. Lucas claims to have no police experience but he gets it absolutely right. From the boredom and camaraderie of roll call, to having to use deadly force, to the banality of patrol, and the bonds formed among partners. I'm not going to give to many details away because I waited almost a year to get my hands on the second book and I dont want to spoil it with to many details. This book has believable characters, lots of action and a gritty realism of working on the streets. Think "The Hobbit" meets "Hillstreet Blues". I definitely reccomend anyone who likes a good read to check this one out.

[Michael Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me out of a bad day. I laughed all the way through it. Orbit has put out some excellent debuts this year, some dark, some epic, but without a doubt Dale's is the most fun.

Part buddy cop story, part fantasy, what makes this book fantastic is the dialogue between the characters and the humour, some subtle, some more obvious.

I can see myself re-reading this one often for the feel good factor. I can't wait until the second and third books are released and I will now read anything Dale Lucas puts out.

[Salfaraz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as good on second reading. This a good sequel to a good series.

[Tad · Rating 4 out of 5]

We first got to meet the unlikely but lovable pair of watch wardens Rem and Torval in Fifth Ward: The First Watch. Now we get to see their continued adventures in Fifth Ward: Friendly Fire. The action starts with a bang as Rem and Torval find themselves in the middle of apprehending a thief, first on foot and then fleeing in an out of control wagon. The action serves as a good reminder of the friendship and camaraderie that has developed between the human Rem and his dwarvish partner Torval.

The next day finds Rem escorting his girlfriend Indilen to the dwarvish quarter to buy supplies for her work as a scribe. A group of human agitators upset over losing a big contract to their dwarven competitors starts a riot that quickly turns violent. Shortly after, the worksite around a dwarven temple catches fire. Thus begins a cycle of violence and escalation that threatens to consume the whole city and pits human against dwarf. All that stands between the city of Yenara and complete chaos are the members of the watch, with Rem and Torval at the forefront. Will they be able to stop the violence? Or is the city about to tear itself apart?

Friendly Fire presents a stark contrast. There is the warm friendship between Rem and Torval and the love each bears for their families and each other. Not just the families they were born to but the families they have found. This contrasts with the ugly feelings among the human laborers who feel wronged by the dwarves who have underbid them on a contract. These ugly feelings also exist among the dwarves both towards the humans who attack them and Torval, who has been cast out for his past sins. This ugliness leads to a vilification of “otherness” that in turn leads to more hatred and violence. Unlike the first book in this series, the question is not who is behind the crime, but can the cycle of violence and destruction be stopped before it tears the city apart.

Dale Lucas has created some great characters and a well-lived-in cityscape that is a pleasure to spend time in. The camaraderie of the watch and the closeness in particular of Rem and Torval is a lot of fun. Friendly Fire is decidedly darker in tone than First Watch but leads to a conclusion that is hopeful instead of despairing. Yenara is a city packed with interesting history and characters and Lucas definitely has a great series on his hands. I can’t wait to see where Rem and Torval’s adventures take them next! Highly recommended.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher.

[LordTBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5+/5

I want to thank the wonderful people over at Hachette Audio and Libro.fm for an ALC of ‘Friendly Fire’ in exchange for an open and honest review. Receiving this ALC in no way, shape, or form influences my thoughts or opinions on the novel. I also want to give a shoutout to the author, Dale Lucas, and the narrator, Simon Vance, for another very entertaining adventure in The Fifth Ward. Friendly Fire, while maybe not giving me everything I hoped for after Book 1, is still a highly enjoyable, fast-paced romp through the streets of Yenara and is perfect for fans of the Netflix original ‘Bright’.

(Simon Vance is one of my all-time favorite narrators. I would listen to him read his grocery list if he actually took the time to record it. He made listening to this series a pretty easy choice.)

Rem and Torval are back at it again with another head-scratcher: an interesting case of arson that is at the forefront of several brutal murders across the city. It is up to this good cop, bad cop duo to dive to the bottom of Yenara’s constant pit of problems to uncover the reason behind these murders and who is responsible. The only thing standing in their way is a war between humans and dwarves, and an ancient creature brought to life to end it all.

Though not quite on par with its predecessor, which quite a few sequels tend to fall into that category, I still enjoyed my second trip to Yenara and am glad Rem and Torval invited me for another ride-along.

Rem and Torval’s relationship has progressed a ton since Book 1, and it is nice to see that their ‘Training Day’ days are over. Though both are still as hard-headed as they come, they care a lot for one another and always put the other first. While we didn’t get to explore an even larger part of Yenara than I had anticipated, the story still flowed well and did not feel claustrophobic. The addition of Rem’s romantic relationship was nice and it allows Rem to spill on his backstory a tad, though it felt a little bit filler-ish in all honesty.

All in all, if you read Book 1 and enjoyed it, you’ll more than likely grab Friendly Fire in order to catch up with Rem and Torval. If you haven’t given these books a shot, but you enjoy some light-hearted fantasy mixed with a buddy cop movie, I highly suggest picking them up. I’m very much looking forward to Book 3 as I feel that Lucas is building up to something spectacular.

[Carl Alves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the first novel in this trilogy. Despite the high bar, Friendly Fire, did not disappoint. Much like the first novel, the world building and characters are superb. That’s not to short change the overall quality of the writing and the dialogue, which are also top notch. The biggest difference between the two novels is that Friendly Fire was far more steeped in dwarven lore than its predecessor and magic was more tied to this novel. There was good character development as well. Rem moved toward being able to reveal his past, and Torval’s character was explored in far greater depth.

I like the use of the Kothrum in this novel, a demonic entity in dwarven lore that is called upon to seek vengeance that Rem and Torval eventually have to take down. The other thing that was particularly compelling was the racial turbulence between the dwarves and the human stonemasons. What I liked is that the author wasn’t heavy handed. There was no side that was clearly in the right or clearly in the wrong. Instead, they each have good people and bad people, and they each have their own points they made that were valid. That’s the way it should work in the real world but seldomly seems to. Even the villains in this novel generally weren’t real villains with a couple of exceptions.

This was a fun novel. I highly recommend it and look forward to completing the trilogy.

Carl Alves - author of Beyond Ragnarok

[Liliana Sueiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the sequel to First Watch, we jump right into action by following the unlikely duo, Rem and Torval, as they chase a piss-wagon through the streets of Yenara. As I read this scene, and so many others in the book, I could picture each and every film strip, as if I were watching it unfold on the big screen. Lucas does a magnificent job of pulling us into the story and making us feel like we are living through what Rem and Torval are experiencing as we travel the streets of Yenara. I love that in this continuation of their story, we get to know a lot more about Rem and Indilen's relationship and delve even deeper into Torval's family and past, cluing us in a little more into what makes this little-big guy tick. There are much deeper conflicts at play in this book, in particular to do among the different "races" within Yenara. As in anywhere, there are different groups and classes, and Yenara is no different. But Lucas does a fantastic job of writing the tension so that the reader understands that while there may always be some conflict between the groups in the city, there is always a larger "monster" that requires the groups to come together and FIGHT against the outside evil. I definitely look forward to book 3 and to following Rem and Torval on MANY more adventures for years to come!!

[Liliana Sueiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the sequel to First Watch, we jump right into action by following the unlikely duo, Rem and Torval, as they chase a piss-wagon through the streets of Yenara. As I read this scene, and so many others in the book, I could picture each and every film strip, as if I were watching it unfold on the big screen. Lucas does a magnificent job of pulling us into the story and making us feel like we are living through what Rem and Torval are experiencing as we travel the streets of Yenara. I love that in this continuation of their story, we get to know a lot more about Rem and Indilen's relationship and delve even deeper into Torval's family and past, cluing us in a little more into what makes this little-big guy tick. There are much deeper conflicts at play in this book, in particular to do among the different "races" within Yenara. As in anywhere, there are different groups and classes, and Yenara is no different. But Lucas does a fantastic job of writing the tension so that the reader understands that while there may always be some conflict between the groups in the city, there is always a larger "monster" that requires the groups to come together and FIGHT against the outside evil. I definitely look forward to book 3 and to following Rem and Torval on MANY more adventures for years to come!!

[Michael Dodd · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second novel in Dale Lucas’ The Fifth Ward series, Friendly Fire continues the interspecies fantasy buddy cop story that was started in First Watch. In the city of Yenara, where men, elves and dwarfs live side by side in some form of harmony, watchwardens Rem - a human - and Torval - a dwarf - are hard at work keeping the streets safe at night. When tensions start to rise between rival factions within the city, however, the watchwardens find themselves hard pressed to keep the peace and get to the bottom of what’s really going on.

There’s lots to enjoy here, predominantly in the exploration of Yenara, its watchwardens, and the ongoing developments in Rem and Torval’s partnership. These are fundamentally engaging characters, and they do carry the story for the most part. With a lighter story, and perhaps a little less description to try and keep the pace up and the page count (a hefty 430+) down, there’s real potential in the characters and the setting, but as it is this doesn’t quite know what it wants to be.

Read the full review on the British Fantasy Society website: http://www.britishfantasysociety.org/...

[Teri B · Rating 5 out of 5]

With this book I went through stages. From having a slight question mark of, Where is this book going now? And what is the authors view point with regards to racism, with 'others' whoever they might be?

And then I continued reading. And the story is good. Really, really good. Some parts of it feels scarily real, with hate thoughts being fostered and kindled and then one action leads to another, and all of a sudden you have mayhem.

On the other hand you have Rem and Torval working for the ward watch and it is so good to see their relationship grow, their friendship and their respect. Rem also grows in his relationship with Indilen, and it is beautiful to see how he grows and changes and finds a new family, a home of his own.

This book is partly fantastical, magical, holds a lot of banter, tight moments, brawls and fights, quite some blood is spilled and dark forces are called forth. The mixture for me is just right. And, I just love reading about Rem and Torval or Torval and Rem and the people, friends, family, work mates that surround them.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this book to those that enjoyed the first as well as anyone that thinks a buddy cop story taking place in a swords and sorcery fantasy setting sounds as amazing as it is novel.

Since Friendly Fire is a sequel, this book has our two protagonists’ relationship fully figured out and developed, so it is not the focus this time around. What is the focus is Torval’s own life and relationship with his past, as well as that of two factions within the Fifth Ward. The plot, while certainly fantastical at its roots, is one that has happened throughout real life history and even in current days as a powerful guild goes up against the dwarf community. This setup, which is explained in the synopsis, actually kept me from the book for a year because I didn’t want to deal with that kind of thing in my escapism. This was quite honestly a mistake and you shouldn’t make the same one. The message and action are certainly poignant, but it isn’t preachy or distracting from the story of Rem and Torval being given a case and told to solve it no matter what.

So if you liked the first book, police procedurals with a spin, and a serious book with a good peppering of humor, I would go ahead and continue this series. I know I will, and I won’t wait a year this time around.

[Alicia Utter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 8.5/10
Pages: 496

Well, this book is a page turner again, and a great sequel to the first fifth ward. Rem and Torval start to reveal bits of their past, especially Torval. I already loved this dwarf, but now Torval is even more endearing. It is very clear what Torval sacrificed to leave his brotherhood, and also what he is willing to do to let his son earn a trade with those same groups.

This book is artfully woven with the "bigger" tale as well as the current mystery that the team is tackling with the arson. I have fun imagining all the artwork and stone that is constructed by these masons. I love this world and I am already impatient for the next one.

The love line I think i have very mapped out, but i will keep my thoughts to myself.

Kindle

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite at the level of the first book for me. The writing was on point and the book started really strong but the middle was just the same pov switching to people you knew to be guilty simultaneously riling each other up. There was no mystery just subtext on racial discrimination and frustration, and that was interesting to start with but it just felt like I was reading the same thing again and again.

That being said the pov's between our 2 mc's, Torval's family, Rem's love interest all that was great. I really think the next book can be as good or better than the first, the story just needs a little oomph.

[Paul Grindrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little critical of the first book in this series, First Watch, which was a fun fantasy romp with an interesting setting, but suffered, in my opinion, from the inclusion of an onslaught of traditional buddy cop clichés that began to irritate me. I nearly didn't buy the second book as I was torn between enjoying the setting and POV, and frustrated with the ham-fisted delivery of the buddy cop tropes.

I'm pleased to say that Friendly Fire managed to avoid the irritation and instead delivered a solid tale of simmering racial tensions in the city-state of Yenara. All-in-one a worthy purchase and I look forward to the third book.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewing this without spoilers is going to be hard, but I'm going to give it my best shot.

Sometimes a book is more than just the story - sometimes it has a message. This is one of those books. It's an amazing story about love and forgiveness and not hating people who are different from you.

I was actually moved by the ending. I was just expecting another fantasy romp (which would have been fine too!)- instead I got a great story with a really excellent message for our world today. Highly recommended!

[Mike Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit of a slow burner

Continues the story from the last book, the characters become better formed with more back story.

There are feuding, flighting, revenge, malice and magic, things start a little slowly, and then the action starts..building to a good vs evil battle to the death.

Basically a good story, told wife h skill and finesse- highly recommended

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the 1st book in the series. However, this book didn't have the same focus that the first did. It seemed to wax philosophical with some long soliloquies which weren't needed. If they hadn't been included I would have given the book 4 stars. Regardless, I'm looking forward to the 3rd book hoping that it'll be just as good as the first.

Side note: The narrator is great.

[C.J. Milbrandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

High fantasy with a crime fiction/precinct drama twist. Trust me, it works. Friendly Fire is second in the series, which gives readers the chance to go deeper into the world Lucas has created. So much dwarf lore, which is as ruggedly beautiful as the race. Action-packed. Diverse. Complex. A wonderful read. Count me eager for more.

[Alon Lankri · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This book did not fulfill my expectation of a greater plot with higher stakes. The main character's past and arc are not explored enough, even though they could have been used well. Indilen does not feel like a real character. More like a checklist - romantic interest with one trait besides beauty.

The central conflict was fun as a standalone novel.

On to book 3

[Arizona Spartan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good follow up to the first book! I enjoyed how the conflict played out from all sides and the twists in this book. The author is has become more confident and it shows in the plotting and characters. I'm waiting for book 3...

[BookandABlunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the original novel, however it is a great read. The story takes some time to find its feet, but when it does it is off and running for another exciting adventure.

The book has its good and bad as every story does, but it does grip the reader and keep them til the very end.

[Johan · Rating 2 out of 5]

1,5 stars rounded up.
This book has all the most boring antagonists: the brutish zealot, the mindless monster, the proudest ruler who won’t back down. And they must all be overcome in the simplest way: by death. There’s little to none imagination to be found in this volume.