VN2 is a futuristic look at a Vietnam-like war. It's a story about the men who are there, fighting on this remote jungle world. The military is fractured into a caste system of officers, enlisted/NCOs and what are called "Bonded." Bonding is physical, emotional and empathic and occurs between two men. More importantly, it's not a choice for either man.
Sergeant Nathan Williams is a survivor although he wants nothing more than to die. He lost his Bondmate of 18 years in a firefight several months before. Lieutenant Ian Davidson is young, headstrong and running from his father's legacy. He's also very gifted, referred to as a "Listener" by other Bonded although he has no idea of what he is. His “gift” allows him to hear others’ thoughts, but with no training it’s a constant noise in his head, and it's driving him to the edge of madness.
When the Bond puts the two together, it's incendiary, but Ian refuses to accept Nathan for his partner despite the pull of the Bond. Nathan is driven by forces beyond his control to claim Ian as his Bondmate, even against Ian's will. It all comes apart when their camp is attacked by the local guerrillas and Nathan and the team's commander are taken prisoner. Only then does Ian begin to understand what Bonding really means, but it could be too late.
There were several different factors that inspired this novel, but chief among them was the concept of two men placed in a situation beyond their control—in this case, the Bond. Much like the draft during the Vietnam War, Bonding places these men into a situation they must accept and deal with.
The concept of Bonding and a futuristic Vietnam gave me the opportunity to explore today's intolerance with the idea that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Being a homosexual and in the military, up until recently, got you dishonorably discharged—it didn't matter that you wanted to serve your country or how decorated you were. In VN2, being a Bonded meant disdain and often outright hatred for the same reasons as being gay today. Nate and Ian have no choice in becoming Bonded, no choice being in the military and fighting a war on VN2.
Even so, Nate and Ian have the choice to make what they will of the Bond between them. Ian realizes this only after Nathan is captured and taken from him.
Thank you, Lindsay, for having me over.
Please come visit me at my blog, Facebook page or website. VN2 is to be released on July 29th by Breathless Press.
Thanks for being my guest, Gwenna! It was a pleasure to learn about your book. :)
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