A review by littlebookterror
Common Bonds: An Aromantic Speculative Anthology by C.T. Callahan, B.R. Sanders, Claudie Arseneault, RoAnna Sylver
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I did not have the highest expectations of this anthology but I still feel a little disappointed?
Most of the stories were fine. I did not find any new favourites, but I feel a little more assured I will pick up Avi Silver. I liked the focus on friendship, platonic bonds and family and some of the fantasy worlds were cool. Some of the authors can write well.
But to be entirely honest, some of these pieces read more like short stories with no romance instead of aromantic short stories. I've read and loved so many short stories that include no romances for the protagonists without ever implying they might be aromantic (or queer at all), it's not really a unique concept. So it's a little strange to me that I would find stories like that in here (for example, Fishing Over the Bones of the Dragon or Asteria III) that I would put into the former category. Maybe I did not pick up on the hints, maybe I am setting the bar too high but when it comes to themed anthologies, I do prefer them to be more overt. Cinder went all the way by explicitly stating the words asexual and aromantic but you can also do it in a more casual manner, like Moon Sisters. That is not to say these stories are not enjoyable, in fact, Fishing is very good – but not because I liked the aro rep.
The Aromatic Lovers by Morgan Swim | ★★★✩✩
Gotta say, this one still has me a bit confused even after I finished it. I like the world and how it explored gender expression and the general idea of how we are perceived by others but I struggled with some of the dialogue. Is Dario aro and Matroise is in love with him? Or is Matroise not in love with him which causes their anxiety? Kita's role also seemed off-place in this story.
Voices in the Air by Vida Cruz | ★★★✩✩
Again, liked the worldbuilding and the backstory of Saha and Tila. I would not say that there was too much going on, per se, but perhaps I would have wanted a bit more purpose for all the information that we get.
Moon Sisters by Camilla Quinn | ★★★★✩
This was lovely! We get two werewolf pack members coming together when one of them has been recently dumped by their ex. There a little bits of worldbuilding but the main focus is on their platonic relationship and building Summer back up.
Cinder by Jennifer Lee Rossman | ★★★★✩
A fun ride with great characters. I really loved the comment about how abuse and magic can both change you.
Not Quite True Love by Syl Woo | ★★✩✩✩
This read like a good essay that was formatted badly. Not the kind of poetry I feel drawn to.
Dracanmōt Council of Human Study Report Compiled by Usander Greystart by A.Z. Louise | ★★★✩✩
A solid take on the “foreigner learns how human” story if not very memorable.
Spacegirl and the Martian by Cora Ruskin | ★★✩✩✩
I am just not much a superhero girl but the twin's relationship was a nice touch.
Would You Like Charms With That? by E.H. Timms | ★★★✩✩
Sharing information and hope.
In the Summer a Banana Tree by Thomas Leonard Shaw | ★★✩✩✩
I am unsure why this was included? A very short poem about a deseaced pet.
Remembering the Farm by Thomas Leonard Shaw | ★★✩✩✩
A poem about longing?
Fishing Over the Bones of the Dragon by Jeff Reynolds | ★★★★✩
A quiet story about a father and his kid bonding after a tragic experience. I really liked how the emotions spilled over from the memories into the present timeline in an understated way.
Asteria III by Marjorie King | ★★✩✩✩
This writing style just wasn't for me and I found the AI more creepy than endearing. The humor felt forced and the story is a pretty average space journey.
A Full Deck by Avi Silver | ★★★★✩
This was a fun time! The lore was expertly weaved into the conversation and the action moved quickly.
Half A Heart by Ren Oliveira | ★★★✩✩
Enjoyed the ephemeral atmosphere combined with the 2nd person POV.
Shift by Mika Standard | ★★★✩✩
Sad to say that made this werewolf story kind of boring? There is so potentional there for heavy emotions but this more of a breeze.
Discography by Ian Mahler | ★★★★✩
another short poem but I actually liked this one. Poignant.
Seams of Iron by Adriana C. Grigore | ★★★✩✩
I loved this curse and how it all unraveled.
Not to Die by Rosiee Thor | ★★★✩✩
Interesting but I felt it was missing something.
Busy Little Bees by Polenth Blake | ★★✩✩✩
This one just has me confused.
Most of the stories were fine. I did not find any new favourites, but I feel a little more assured I will pick up Avi Silver. I liked the focus on friendship, platonic bonds and family and some of the fantasy worlds were cool. Some of the authors can write well.
But to be entirely honest, some of these pieces read more like short stories with no romance instead of aromantic short stories. I've read and loved so many short stories that include no romances for the protagonists without ever implying they might be aromantic (or queer at all), it's not really a unique concept. So it's a little strange to me that I would find stories like that in here (for example, Fishing Over the Bones of the Dragon or Asteria III) that I would put into the former category. Maybe I did not pick up on the hints, maybe I am setting the bar too high but when it comes to themed anthologies, I do prefer them to be more overt. Cinder went all the way by explicitly stating the words asexual and aromantic but you can also do it in a more casual manner, like Moon Sisters. That is not to say these stories are not enjoyable, in fact, Fishing is very good – but not because I liked the aro rep.
The Aromatic Lovers by Morgan Swim | ★★★✩✩
Gotta say, this one still has me a bit confused even after I finished it. I like the world and how it explored gender expression and the general idea of how we are perceived by others but I struggled with some of the dialogue. Is Dario aro and Matroise is in love with him? Or is Matroise not in love with him which causes their anxiety? Kita's role also seemed off-place in this story.
Voices in the Air by Vida Cruz | ★★★✩✩
Again, liked the worldbuilding and the backstory of Saha and Tila. I would not say that there was too much going on, per se, but perhaps I would have wanted a bit more purpose for all the information that we get.
Moon Sisters by Camilla Quinn | ★★★★✩
This was lovely! We get two werewolf pack members coming together when one of them has been recently dumped by their ex. There a little bits of worldbuilding but the main focus is on their platonic relationship and building Summer back up.
Cinder by Jennifer Lee Rossman | ★★★★✩
A fun ride with great characters. I really loved the comment about how abuse and magic can both change you.
Not Quite True Love by Syl Woo | ★★✩✩✩
This read like a good essay that was formatted badly. Not the kind of poetry I feel drawn to.
Dracanmōt Council of Human Study Report Compiled by Usander Greystart by A.Z. Louise | ★★★✩✩
A solid take on the “foreigner learns how human” story if not very memorable.
Spacegirl and the Martian by Cora Ruskin | ★★✩✩✩
I am just not much a superhero girl but the twin's relationship was a nice touch.
Would You Like Charms With That? by E.H. Timms | ★★★✩✩
Sharing information and hope.
In the Summer a Banana Tree by Thomas Leonard Shaw | ★★✩✩✩
I am unsure why this was included? A very short poem about a deseaced pet.
Remembering the Farm by Thomas Leonard Shaw | ★★✩✩✩
A poem about longing?
Fishing Over the Bones of the Dragon by Jeff Reynolds | ★★★★✩
A quiet story about a father and his kid bonding after a tragic experience. I really liked how the emotions spilled over from the memories into the present timeline in an understated way.
Asteria III by Marjorie King | ★★✩✩✩
This writing style just wasn't for me and I found the AI more creepy than endearing. The humor felt forced and the story is a pretty average space journey.
A Full Deck by Avi Silver | ★★★★✩
This was a fun time! The lore was expertly weaved into the conversation and the action moved quickly.
Half A Heart by Ren Oliveira | ★★★✩✩
Enjoyed the ephemeral atmosphere combined with the 2nd person POV.
Shift by Mika Standard | ★★★✩✩
Sad to say that made this werewolf story kind of boring? There is so potentional there for heavy emotions but this more of a breeze.
Discography by Ian Mahler | ★★★★✩
another short poem but I actually liked this one. Poignant.
Seams of Iron by Adriana C. Grigore | ★★★✩✩
I loved this curse and how it all unraveled.
Not to Die by Rosiee Thor | ★★★✩✩
Interesting but I felt it was missing something.
Busy Little Bees by Polenth Blake | ★★✩✩✩
This one just has me confused.