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: LGBT, Adult, Anthologies

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