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Tainted Bonds: A Destruction of Gods Novella
Two Brothers. Two Gods. One Forbidden Bond.
One was made from light and the other from darkness, both with completely different minds. Lixtis, the oldest, grows hungrier for power by the day, stopping at nothing to have what he seeks, even if it means destroying everything in his way. His own creations, including the very first Astrial Angel, are not safe from the depths of his insanity.
He has claimed Vanora as his own, and she is the only thing standing between him and the power that he seeks, but letting her go is something he will never do.
Vanora loathes being her master’s chosen companion, but an Astrial’s life is never their own. Disobeying Lixtis brings nothing but pain. Her only hope emerges upon her banishment to Lorenon to lead the fight against Etbris’s abominations. There, she encounters an enemy she can’t kill, leading her to question everything she’s ever known about the Demonians. She begins to wonder if her life could be more than just belonging to Lixtis.
Etbris, the youngest, only wants the best for everything around him, but is left grief-stricken by his brother’s actions. All he wants is the freedom to use his power to create, but is forced instead to create a Demonian to rival Lixtis’s first creation.
Bashtian, the first Demonian created by Etbris, longs for love despite the never-ending war raging around him. When he fails at the one job he exists to do, kill the Captain of the Astrial Angels, Bashtian cannot help but teach Vanora that his race is not what her master claims.
One was made from light and the other from darkness, both with completely different minds. Lixtis, the oldest, grows hungrier for power by the day, stopping at nothing to have what he seeks, even if it means destroying everything in his way. His own creations, including the very first Astrial Angel, are not safe from the depths of his insanity.
He has claimed Vanora as his own, and she is the only thing standing between him and the power that he seeks, but letting her go is something he will never do.
Vanora loathes being her master’s chosen companion, but an Astrial’s life is never their own. Disobeying Lixtis brings nothing but pain. Her only hope emerges upon her banishment to Lorenon to lead the fight against Etbris’s abominations. There, she encounters an enemy she can’t kill, leading her to question everything she’s ever known about the Demonians. She begins to wonder if her life could be more than just belonging to Lixtis.
Etbris, the youngest, only wants the best for everything around him, but is left grief-stricken by his brother’s actions. All he wants is the freedom to use his power to create, but is forced instead to create a Demonian to rival Lixtis’s first creation.
Bashtian, the first Demonian created by Etbris, longs for love despite the never-ending war raging around him. When he fails at the one job he exists to do, kill the Captain of the Astrial Angels, Bashtian cannot help but teach Vanora that his race is not what her master claims.
105 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2025
3 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 18, 2025
Loved it, so much action contained within these pages it was immense.
I loved the dynamic between lights vs shadows, demons’ vs angels.
It is a love story of angst and my heart broke somewhat during that epilogue. Really intrigued to find out what happens next and also what happens to Vanora on her return.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this novella, which I devoured in a day.
If you enjoy reading action packed, Romantasy full of angst and trials/tribulations this is definitely worth a read
I loved the dynamic between lights vs shadows, demons’ vs angels.
It is a love story of angst and my heart broke somewhat during that epilogue. Really intrigued to find out what happens next and also what happens to Vanora on her return.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this novella, which I devoured in a day.
If you enjoy reading action packed, Romantasy full of angst and trials/tribulations this is definitely worth a read
June 18, 2025
This little baby packs a powerful punch. Learning the history on some of the characters was absolutely amazing! But heartbreaking too! I just wanted to reach through the screen and love them so much!
I absolutely love Ruptured Light so I was super excited about where Tainted Bonds would take us, and it did not disappoint!
I am looking sooo forward to the next book in this world! These characters hold such a huge place in my heart!
I absolutely love Ruptured Light so I was super excited about where Tainted Bonds would take us, and it did not disappoint!
I am looking sooo forward to the next book in this world! These characters hold such a huge place in my heart!
May 19, 2025
I just finished an ARC copy of Tainted Bonds and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. As someone who has read Ruptured Light I felt like it was the perfect glimpse into the past to help shine some light on some of the characters we met there.
One thing I can say is K.R. Richard knows how to write the perfect villain and had me fussing at the pages early on! I enjoyed the enemies to lovers aspects and can’t wait to see what comes of the main characters love story next. I will eagerly/impatiently be waiting to see where this story takes us next!
One thing I can say is K.R. Richard knows how to write the perfect villain and had me fussing at the pages early on! I enjoyed the enemies to lovers aspects and can’t wait to see what comes of the main characters love story next. I will eagerly/impatiently be waiting to see where this story takes us next!
June 13, 2025
Tainted Bonds by K.R. Richard was such an intense, dark fantasy ride. This story is packed with gods, angels, demons, forbidden bonds, and twisted power struggles — exactly the kind of morally gray world I love getting lost in.
The dynamic between the two brothers, Lixtis and Etbris, was fascinating. One born of light, the other of darkness — but as the story unfolds, it becomes clear those roles aren’t as black and white as they seem. Lixtis is a power-hungry, ruthless force, and poor Vanora, his unwilling companion, is caught in his suffocating grip. I ached for her as she struggled between survival, loyalty, and her growing doubts about everything she’s ever known.
And then there’s Bashtian. Ugh — I adored him. A demon created for war who craves love in a world designed for destruction? Yes, please. His connection with Vanora gave me all the angsty, forbidden vibes I hoped for.
The world-building is lush, dark, and layered, and while at times it gets a little heavy with detail, it really made this universe feel alive. It’s definitely a darker fantasy with themes of control, rebellion, and found identity.
The dynamic between the two brothers, Lixtis and Etbris, was fascinating. One born of light, the other of darkness — but as the story unfolds, it becomes clear those roles aren’t as black and white as they seem. Lixtis is a power-hungry, ruthless force, and poor Vanora, his unwilling companion, is caught in his suffocating grip. I ached for her as she struggled between survival, loyalty, and her growing doubts about everything she’s ever known.
And then there’s Bashtian. Ugh — I adored him. A demon created for war who craves love in a world designed for destruction? Yes, please. His connection with Vanora gave me all the angsty, forbidden vibes I hoped for.
The world-building is lush, dark, and layered, and while at times it gets a little heavy with detail, it really made this universe feel alive. It’s definitely a darker fantasy with themes of control, rebellion, and found identity.
June 13, 2025
An action packed enemies to lovers prequel!
Let me preface with I read Ruptured Light last year. This is a Novella that sheds some light on our favorite characters and gives us a little more background into how they ended up where they were in that book.
This story was absolutely awesome. There was tension, it was fast paced, and it gave you just enough to leave you wanting more.
K.R. Richard is a great writer that has the ability to pull you into her work and then keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
We have light and dark- Angels and Demons but with a twist because the one you think is good…may not be. Things are not always what they seem and I LOVE IT!
The characters are very well developed and each bring their own parts to life. The world building is incredible and brings you back to what you know and love from K.R. I love how she always brings so much detail to her stories which contribute to the amazing and captivating stories.
I can’t wait to see what she has planned next!
10/10 recommend this series!
Let me preface with I read Ruptured Light last year. This is a Novella that sheds some light on our favorite characters and gives us a little more background into how they ended up where they were in that book.
This story was absolutely awesome. There was tension, it was fast paced, and it gave you just enough to leave you wanting more.
K.R. Richard is a great writer that has the ability to pull you into her work and then keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
We have light and dark- Angels and Demons but with a twist because the one you think is good…may not be. Things are not always what they seem and I LOVE IT!
The characters are very well developed and each bring their own parts to life. The world building is incredible and brings you back to what you know and love from K.R. I love how she always brings so much detail to her stories which contribute to the amazing and captivating stories.
I can’t wait to see what she has planned next!
10/10 recommend this series!
May 22, 2025
this is a novella with the purpose of providing past background information related to the first book in their series raptured light it would be recommended to read the first book and then this novella to kind of fill in some of those gaps otherwise it might be confusing if you tried to read them the other way around, but I believe that this does contain background information to help you understand better the events that you have read in the first book, I would recommend it as a little helper after the first one but I would not recommend reading it first.
June 14, 2025
The world that K.R. Richard created in Ruptured Light was so intense. So when I found out there was a prequel, of course I had to read it. And let me tell you.. IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT! True enemies to lovers when the Captains of Light and Dark meet on the battlefield and immediate destruction doesn't ensue. The end was a little fast and left me hoping that we get more to the story. We might not and that's totally okay too because I know not every story fills in every detail in hopes of leaving some space for the readers imagination. I truly cannot wait to see what else K.R. Richard has coming.
May 18, 2025
This is a great Novella that is mentioned to look into the past giving a small amount of detail to who read about in Ruptured Light(1st book in the series) per K.R. Richard.
Keeping that in mind this has a lot of fast paced action rolled into a short amount of time. You will not be disappointed though you will fi d yourself enjoying the dynamic of lights vs shadows and demons vs angels. With a story of enemies to lovers.
Be sure to grab your copy and join in to see what we are loving!!!
Keeping that in mind this has a lot of fast paced action rolled into a short amount of time. You will not be disappointed though you will fi d yourself enjoying the dynamic of lights vs shadows and demons vs angels. With a story of enemies to lovers.
Be sure to grab your copy and join in to see what we are loving!!!
May 20, 2025
This book was very well written. It was a preface to her book “Ruptured Light.” Per the author, this is the second book in the series. I do feel that some people may prefer to read this book first but either book could be read first and it would still make sense. This one just fills in the gaps from the other one. This book gives you a deeper dive into the back stories of the characters so you can understand them better. Highly recommend!
May 18, 2025
I love a good enemies to lovers! I love how this book sets you up for Ruptured Light and helps you get to know some of the Characters better and how we got here. I like how it shows that not everyone that is “dark” is bad, and that everyone that is “light” is good.
The Epilogue broke. My. Heart. 😭 Now on to read Ruptured light to find out what’s to happen now!
The Epilogue broke. My. Heart. 😭 Now on to read Ruptured light to find out what’s to happen now!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2025
I absolutely loved this story, and was hooked right from the Dedication.
No HEA, but it goes along with the first book, Ruptured Light, very beautifully and ties the stories together in this Prequel. Definitely would recommend tandem reading Ruptured Light with this book, but otherwise a very wonderful and heartbreaking novel.
~Willow Philpot
No HEA, but it goes along with the first book, Ruptured Light, very beautifully and ties the stories together in this Prequel. Definitely would recommend tandem reading Ruptured Light with this book, but otherwise a very wonderful and heartbreaking novel.
~Willow Philpot
May 19, 2025
I gave four stars because the book is still good, but it wasn’t what I was expecting. I would say that this book should’ve been the first in the series because it tells you what happens before in time which I think the author was trying to do it is still an amazing read, and I can’t wait for more to come. I highly recommend that you read this book.
May 28, 2025
You need to go into this knowing that it is mainly world building and perspective for the author's series. There are several parts I would have loved to have more information, and some characters I would like to see more of. It is a true enemies to lovers story set during an ongoing war where appearances can be deceiving.
May 29, 2025
Tainted Bonds is everything you want in an enemies to lovers. A war is raging all around them, where things aren’t what they were led to believe.
This novella, was a quick read a great prequel to Ruptured Light. I would highly recommend you reading this one before, although it isn’t required it does give you an insight of the past. It is world building.
This novella, was a quick read a great prequel to Ruptured Light. I would highly recommend you reading this one before, although it isn’t required it does give you an insight of the past. It is world building.
June 4, 2025
"Tainted Bonds" by K. R. Richard is a fantasy read that will appeal to fans of the genre looking for a quick escape. The characters are a definite highlight, engaging you in their journey, and the story keeps things moving at a good pace. While enjoyable, the book feels like it's missing a certain depth that could elevate it further. Still, if you want a fast, fun fantasy adventure, this is a solid recommendation.
May 17, 2025
I liked the enemies to lovers aspect. it did feel rushed to me and a bit disjointed. I know this is just a novella, but still. I did like the Romeo and juliet feel to the two lovers. and the ending left me feeling so sad for them.
May 31, 2025
Really good book, takes a little to really get into it but once you do it is hard to put down. Following the two sides is not what you think it will be, it makes the story that much more interesting. Love that it includes the timeline at the end so you can see how the different events took place.
June 6, 2025
This novella was intended to dive deeper in to the first book Ruptured Light. I went in to this without reading the first book and was a tad lost at time but the writing is beautiful. I did go back and read the first book and ended up rereading the novella and loved it !!!
October 13, 2025
This is a novella to the book of A Destruction of Gods. It's a dark fantasy romance with forbidden love, enemies to lovers, found family, and brother's best friend. You have chaos, insanity, and drama. Fantasy creatures like angels and demons. Amazing book to read before you start the series.
June 16, 2025
A good quick read to dive into. Dark fantasy is always a favorite of mine! Get world and word building!
This is the sequel to the first book and both are great reads!
This is the sequel to the first book and both are great reads!
June 1, 2025
I’m so glad the author wrote this book. It’s a prequel to the first book called Ruptured Light which I already read and absolutely loved. Absolutely loved the prequel as well. Keeps you hooked beginning to end. Can’t wait for the next book in the series. Hopefully it comes soon!!!
May 31, 2025
This was such a powerful read. Highly emotional and traumatic. It paves the way brilliantly for what's to come. I can't wait to continue the series.
June 12, 2025
This short Novella is an epic fantasy between light & darkness, the author writes about how light and darkness were formed and how they aren’t suppose to fall for one and another. This story dives into the epic battle between light & darkness and how one light angel Vanora found a little bit of happiness in the mist of battle with a darkness “demon” Bashtian. This story won’t leave you until the very end and the author sucks you into her world and makes you want more. I can’t wait to read more.
June 2, 2025
I am absolutely thrilled about how Tainted Bonds connects with the first book, Ruptured Light! These two are just perfect for a tandem read — diving into the epic clash of lights versus shadows and demons versus angels is going to be such an incredible adventure!
Ms. Richard is truly a remarkable author, and I can’t wait to explore more of her amazing work. Bring on the next book!
Ms. Richard is truly a remarkable author, and I can’t wait to explore more of her amazing work. Bring on the next book!
June 16, 2025
4.5⭐️
I absolutely loved this!!! I read Ruptured Light and I was so excited to read the next book. This did not disappoint!!! Going into this book i wasn’t honestly sure what to expect but it went beyond my expectations would have been! KRRichards has done it again with tainted bonds! It was so amazing to see the two books connect and even the storyline! It’s a romantasy that just keeps getting better! The ending was a little rough my emotions were a little all over but i still love and highly recommend this book!!
I absolutely loved this!!! I read Ruptured Light and I was so excited to read the next book. This did not disappoint!!! Going into this book i wasn’t honestly sure what to expect but it went beyond my expectations would have been! KRRichards has done it again with tainted bonds! It was so amazing to see the two books connect and even the storyline! It’s a romantasy that just keeps getting better! The ending was a little rough my emotions were a little all over but i still love and highly recommend this book!!
June 16, 2025
enemies to lovers is one of my fave tropes, but this felt rushed.
I feel like it would have been better with more backstory from the graphics at the end of the book to give us more of a look into the different worlds.
it was a good quick fantasy read though!
I feel like it would have been better with more backstory from the graphics at the end of the book to give us more of a look into the different worlds.
it was a good quick fantasy read though!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2025
My heart is aching.
I just finished Tainted Bonds and I honestly don’t know how to move on yet. This story dug into emotions I didn’t even realize I was holding in grief, longing, hope, heartbreak. I actually teared up more than once, which rarely happens for me while reading. The writing is incredibly detailed and poetic, without being too much, it just flows. You don’t read it, you feel it.
What got me the most was the love story between the warrior of light and the warrior of darkness. A connection so instant, so raw, it feels almost fated, but fated to fall apart. From the very beginning, you sense their love is a beautiful kind of tragedy, and even though I hoped desperately for a different outcome, I knew deep down this was going to hurt.
And the way the story plays with perceptions? Brilliant. The ones you think will save the day; fail. And the one you'd expect to be the villain, brings salvation in the most unexpected, yet fitting way. It turns everything upside down, in the best and worst ways.
Tainted Bonds isn’t just a fantasy romance; it’s a story about choosing love in the midst of war, and how sometimes love alone isn’t enough. It broke me a little… and I’d still read it all over again.
Four stars, with tissues.
I just finished Tainted Bonds and I honestly don’t know how to move on yet. This story dug into emotions I didn’t even realize I was holding in grief, longing, hope, heartbreak. I actually teared up more than once, which rarely happens for me while reading. The writing is incredibly detailed and poetic, without being too much, it just flows. You don’t read it, you feel it.
What got me the most was the love story between the warrior of light and the warrior of darkness. A connection so instant, so raw, it feels almost fated, but fated to fall apart. From the very beginning, you sense their love is a beautiful kind of tragedy, and even though I hoped desperately for a different outcome, I knew deep down this was going to hurt.
And the way the story plays with perceptions? Brilliant. The ones you think will save the day; fail. And the one you'd expect to be the villain, brings salvation in the most unexpected, yet fitting way. It turns everything upside down, in the best and worst ways.
Tainted Bonds isn’t just a fantasy romance; it’s a story about choosing love in the midst of war, and how sometimes love alone isn’t enough. It broke me a little… and I’d still read it all over again.
Four stars, with tissues.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews