Common Bonds 2

by Claudie Arseneault (Editor), RoAnna Sylver (Editor), Em Ishii (Editor)

Common Bonds returns in this second volume of speculative short stories and poetry featuring aromantic characters.

Housed within this anthology are a scientist who makes a terrifying discovery at the bottom of the ocean, a baker who must fulfill a prophecy, a priest and a witch who must form a family to escape a war, and a woman whose survival might just unravel time itself.

Through nineteen stories and poems, Common Bonds 2 explores the bonds that impact our lives from beginning to end: platonic relationships. From friends with benefits to mentors to life partners, this collection explores platonic relationships strong enough to overcome barriers of species, alien invasions, and the power of the gods themselves.

Genres: Adult, LGBT, Anthologies, Queer

330 pages, Paperback

Published March 26, 2026

About the author

Claudie Arseneault is an asexual and aromantic-spectrum writer hailing from the very-French Québec City. Her long studies in biochemistry and immunology often sneak back into her science-fiction, and her love for sprawling casts invariably turns her novels into multi-storylined wonders. The most recent, City of Strife, came out on February 22, 2017! Claudie is a founding member of The Kraken Collective and is well-known for her involvement in solarpunk, her database of aro and ace characters in speculative fiction, and her unending love of squids. Find out more on her website!

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star rating overall

Sowing Constellations - 5 stars
Black Box - 4.5 stars
Sap and Marrow - 4.5 stars
The Woman in the Snow - 3 stars
Well Worn Pockets - 3 stars
Venante Umbras - 4 stars
The Husband Stitch - 3 stars
Flurries and Flames - 4.5 stars
Pastport to Franchesca and Luna of Brooklyn - 4 stars
Will Lamplight Illuminate Your Face - 3 stars
The Hunger Who Wears His Skin - 5 stars
Wish, Wish - 3 stars
Behold! These are the pastries that are prophesied - 3 stars
Love Hungry - 3.5 stars
Witchcraft Is Not a Love Story - 3 stars
Terra Secuna - 4 stars
Anise, Lozenge, Sugarplum - 3.5
At The End Of Forever - 4 stars
Screw Everybody - 3 stars

[Alta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A warm, imaginative, and necessary anthology. Every piece explores bonds that shape us in profound ways, from deep friendship and found family to mentorship and lifelong companionship. The range of voices and tones, from quiet and tender to haunting and hopeful, makes it a genuine joy to read.

Story Ratings & Mini Thoughts

- Sowing Constellations - ★★★★★ Gorgeous and expansive.
- Black Box - ★★★★★ One of the strongest in the collection, inventive and emotionally sharp.
- Sap and Marrow - ★★★★☆ Deeply atmospheric and visceral.
- The Woman in the Snow - ★★★★★ Haunting and beautiful.
- Well-worn Pockets - ★★★★★ One of my absolute favs. Tender, magical, and full of heart - the way clothing carries memory is so moving.
- Venante Umbras - ★★★★☆ Rich and atmospheric.
- The Husband Stitch - ★★★★★ A standout - sharp, emotional, and brilliantly executed.
- Flurries and Flames - ★★★★☆ Warm and compelling.
- Pastport to Franchesca and Luna of Brooklyn - ★★★★☆ Fun and heartfelt.
- Will Lamplight Illuminate Your Face - ★★★★★ Lyrical and luminous.
- The Hunger Who Wears His Skin - ★★★★☆ Intense and memorable.
- Wish, Wish - ★★★★★ Delightful and full of wonder.
- Behold! These are the Pastries that Were Prophesied - ★★★★☆ Charming and inventive.
- Love Hungry - ★★★★★ Sweet, hungry, and deeply satisfying.
- Witchcraft Is Not a Love Story - ★★★★★ Powerful and nuanced.
- Terra Secunda - ★★★★★ Another highlight - sweeping and emotionally resonant.
- Anise, Lozenge, Sugarplum - ★★★★☆ Sweet and poignant.
- At The End Of Forever - ★★★★★ A beautiful, fitting closer.
- Screw Everybody - ★★★★☆ Bold and fun.

Overall, this anthology left me feeling seen, hopeful, and hungry for more aromantic speculative stories. The platonic bonds here are treated with the depth and care they deserve and several of these stories will stay with me for a long time.