Bondmates

Tales of Unara #.5

by Britt Laux

Aldor na Dalanir is dead.

From the In Between, he has brought you his last memories before they all fade and what he once was is no more.

ebook

Published June 20, 2021

About the author

Britt is an Ohio-based author and editor, and parent to three. They are inspired by the baby forest they live in, often found wandering through the trees thinking up new stories. You can catch them on Instagram - almost constantly - @authorbrittlaux

Reviews

[Gee Rothvoss · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Time is a strange thing. The way it moves in waves, sometimes so rapidly you can scarcely get your footing."

Britt Laux's upcoming novella, 'Bondmates', compiles a few of fan-favourite Aldor na Dalanir's memories, giving the reader insight into this character's backstory and development. Although I hadn't read 'The Forest Witch' before 'Bondmates', Laux's skill with worldbuilding came with skill to let anyone, TFW reader or not, get immersed in this universe she's built. I found myself enjoying 'Bondmates' as much as if I were a TFW stan already. (Which, needless to say, I have become with this novella!)

From a young age, Aldor has been an outcast. His family's doings loom over him wherever he goes, and mark him as different, as rejectable, in the eyes of most people. Yet the one person who would have legit reasons to hate him doesn't. Far from that—Ilnor treats him with warmth, respect, and love. It isn't long before Aldor feels himself called to be Ilnor's; but he can't allow himself to be with him after what his family did... Right?

This novel felt like watching a short film, vivid as the prose was. I flew through it, and for all the walls Aldor tries to put up to keep everyone safe from him, I got attached to him so fast! His self-doubt and trust issues will undoubtedly feel familiar to many readers, and his journey of self-forgiveness for things he couldn't control, but still feels guilty about, will give them hope.

I personally didn't quite connect with Lanira, so whenever she appeared, I didn't really know how to feel about her. At some points she annoyed me, at some she was almost nice... I imagine I'll only be able to make up my mind after reading TFW!

We also need to talk about the immaculate queer rep. I adored how this fantasy world didn't have our society's queerphobia, and I also really loved the way the characters never doubted the validity of their attraction. Our world sure could use some of this! Then there's the poly rep, which was amazingly done and really showed how poly relationships aren't simply about sex with more than one partner, or lust. Although Ilnor could come across as a little impatient sometimes regarding the building of the relationship, Aldor's kindness and utmost respect for his two best friends were really sweet, and denoted how it was all built on love and genuine care for the other people involved.

All in all, 'Bondmates' was a really enjoyable read, that will undoubtedly enrich the Unnara chronicles for those who have fallen in love with 'The Forest Witch'—as well as those whose first contact with the book series is precisely this novella.

[Content Warnings//CWs: Blood, Death, Guilt, Loss of a loved one, Psychological abuse, Trauma]

[Sabrina Voerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This adorable addition to The Forest Witch is a quick look into the bond between Aldor and Ilnor, two characters who won their way into readers hearts in The Forest Witch. I was glad to be able to see their beginnings, to have a small glimpse at the love that formed between them.
I tore through this little novella, and it felt like a treat. A dessert to sneak in after the main event.
The writing was well done, and the relationship between not just Al and Il, but the connection that they shared with Lanira was also very well done. I liked the hints at a few things that within the pages of The Forest Witch now become clearer and add another layer of depth to the world of Unara.
I wish I had read this book right after The Forest Witch in order to be still submerged into the world, and a few sections of it could have explored a bit more, but either way, it was a great little read that will warm your heart and give you a feeling of hope.

[Dr. Leanna Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bondmates is an enthralling collection of “shorts” that takes readers through a magical trail of memories giving them a comprehensive understanding of the life events that influenced and ultimately had a significant impact on one of the main characters, Aldor na Dalanir. The reader is immediately whisked away to a world far away filled with other-worldly beings who inhabit a land filled with a lush green forest creating a supernatural experience for the reader. Aldor’s life is anything but ordinary as the reader is dropped into one of his incarnations during his soul's journey through eternity. Aldor’s memories showcase his complex but beautiful relationship with his best friends, giving readers an insider’s view into their unique bond.

Aldor’s inner battle of trying to break free from the pain of his past (his father’s transgressions) is super relatable in that readers can identify on some level with trying to let go of past hurts allowing themselves to fully step into their destinies. I loved the way the author was able to capture Aldor’s emotions to the point that his struggles could be felt through the pages of the story. The readers' hearts will explode with emotions as they cheer Aldor on as he navigates through the trials life has thrown at him. Overall, this work is the perfect prequel to the author's other work, The Forest Witch, providing readers with in-depth information, not only about the characters' background, but also revealing the intricate layers of their personalities allowing readers to feel like they personally know them. Bondmates is a captivating read and the perfect companion to The Forest Witch.

[J.J. Dobor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bondmates is Aldor’s story, a short prequel to Britt Laux’s The Forest Witch. In this story we are transported to Unara, a world cut off from humans by sealed portals and dark magic. Aldor, Ilnor and Lanira’s tale is one of friendship, love and unbreakable bonds. Their lives are woven together in a world on the brink of a war that will change them forever.

Each chapter reveals a deeper part of the characters' souls and it’s so easy to fall in love with them. They’re competitive, funny, carry a lot of emotion, and there’s passion and romance without bounds.

Britt writes from her heart and puts a lot of herself into this beautifully imaginative fantasy world and has SO much more to give her readers. Stop holding back, Britt - let's have it all!

Britt Laux

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bondmates is yet another impressive installment from Laux's World of Unara and the overall Forest Witch series. Aldor na Danir has many experiences, struggles, heart break, and still a heart full of love. Yet Aldor is unique. He comes from a household of scorn and disappointment, and because of that, he must work harder to become a Warrior. He then hears the bondcall, as not all Unarans do, and yet he hesitates, thinking he is not worthy. He spends the beginning of Bondcall just trying to prove himself, but is thrown off by the friendship he finds. He learns to embrace others' kindness and even companionship, but the lingering question remains: how could Ilnor ever love him, this man from whom he is hearing the bondcall? This man whose father was slain by his own. His decisions and reactions to situations throughout Bondmates shed a much needed light on the world of "The Forest Witch," and Aldor himself.

Laux's writing style does well to professionally handle situations that may otherwise have been awkward and potentially graphic, and I commend her for the talent she possesses in her craft.

[Quelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bondmates is a wonderful collection of shorts that takes us through memories that allow us to get to know the main character, Aldor na Dalanir. I loved that it was a peak into the bond between Aldor and Ilnor who we met in The Forest Witch, and it really helped to further attach me to this universe. This novella was such a fast, easy and enjoyable read. The writing was lovely and flowed beautifull, and the detail we were introduced to was incredible. I enjoyed reading about Aldor`s inner struggles, and think they`re easy to relate to, and he is such a complex character that you just want to cheer for. The relationship was wonderful too, a truly unique bond that had me turning the pages, and it felt so warm and real.