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Federal Witch: Standard of Honor #1
Shade of Honor
How could it have come to this??
Bereft of their elders in magic, hired out to strangers to feed their families. Survival was a constant battle for the Russian Witches. Despised by other witches for their rigid focus on contracts, they were without a moral compass, honorless.
That was not good enough for some. For the young witch, Zhanna, life was not worth living without honor – or her magic. Could she find both in her homeland?
Would her desire and drive be enough to locate her shade of honor?
Bereft of their elders in magic, hired out to strangers to feed their families. Survival was a constant battle for the Russian Witches. Despised by other witches for their rigid focus on contracts, they were without a moral compass, honorless.
That was not good enough for some. For the young witch, Zhanna, life was not worth living without honor – or her magic. Could she find both in her homeland?
Would her desire and drive be enough to locate her shade of honor?
Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2017
350 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Taki Drake
84 books41 followersThe mixture of technology and magic is where my mind and heart live. In today's world, it mixes engineering and creativity. In the worlds of my mind, technology and magic live intertwined. I hope that you will find my stories interesting enough to be frequent visitors to where my heart beats.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 10, 2017
Good book
I enjoyed this book and getting to know more about the Russian witches and how they are recovering. I somehow missed the meeting with agatha so I will have to go back and find it.
I enjoyed this book and getting to know more about the Russian witches and how they are recovering. I somehow missed the meeting with agatha so I will have to go back and find it.
August 3, 2017
Mentions her good friend Agatha once but not how she knows her, jumps around disjointedly
December 30, 2017
1.5 stars perhaps... I liked the book until the chapter 16. From then on the story is in a shambles. There's at the very least 1/3 of the book missing and not accidentally either.
There is this weirdest jarring transition of the main character from an unskilled novice to a master magical fighter. The point of any book where a main character learns to master skills and their powers is reading about how they do it, how they progress, what sorts of mental and other blocks they overcome and so on. Not here.
Zhanna found the door in the cave, she together with her cat and two mercenaries stepped through it and that's all. Next, they all back and the description follows how changed they all are - how they became calmer, stronger, more skilled, there's some extra jewelry in the picture and also suddenly they work together beautifully like a team. We're told three days passed here but few months in that universe or plane to where they'd been to. MONTHS. Six months to be precise:
However, the training and advice that she had gotten over the last six months had made her into something different, something different even than the old Volkhvy. She was the new type of Russian witch.
Just like that, from one paragraph to the next six months just gone, and I am not on the same page with any of the characters anymore, forgive the pun. Zhanna wasn't sunning herself on the coast in Spain all that time, you know for this time jump to be acceptible. So many major changes missed.
Not to mention there's a whole new history here somewhere with new friends, acquaintances, new bond with Stephen and Mikhail. Not that we get to read about it.
This should've been the book two in the series. It's so unprecedentedly ridiculous I'm speechless.
No wonder I felt detached emotionaly from all the characters and couldn't understand the scope and limits of Zhanna's skills or powers afterwards. Often Zhanna's reasoning and in addition her emotional processes seemed very off, opaque and consequentally her actions. Those scenes that concerned Krava particularly.
I cannot tell what happened here. I read the book with Dascha's perspective first and though I felt some confusion as to why exactly she thought relationships between witches and familiars were akin to slavery, it's a well written book overall and an example of the very good storytelling. Also I read a short story Still Air from the Christmas anthology by the same author and same as with Dasha's story, I thought the vignette was well written, a smooth read. Inexplicably odd.
And no, the couple of short stories to fill that gap won't cut it. Especially if you have to hunt for them through recipe books.
My conclusion - this book should've been a duology or a much longer book.
There is this weirdest jarring transition of the main character from an unskilled novice to a master magical fighter. The point of any book where a main character learns to master skills and their powers is reading about how they do it, how they progress, what sorts of mental and other blocks they overcome and so on. Not here.
Zhanna found the door in the cave, she together with her cat and two mercenaries stepped through it and that's all. Next, they all back and the description follows how changed they all are - how they became calmer, stronger, more skilled, there's some extra jewelry in the picture and also suddenly they work together beautifully like a team. We're told three days passed here but few months in that universe or plane to where they'd been to. MONTHS. Six months to be precise:
However, the training and advice that she had gotten over the last six months had made her into something different, something different even than the old Volkhvy. She was the new type of Russian witch.
Just like that, from one paragraph to the next six months just gone, and I am not on the same page with any of the characters anymore, forgive the pun. Zhanna wasn't sunning herself on the coast in Spain all that time, you know for this time jump to be acceptible. So many major changes missed.
Not to mention there's a whole new history here somewhere with new friends, acquaintances, new bond with Stephen and Mikhail. Not that we get to read about it.
This should've been the book two in the series. It's so unprecedentedly ridiculous I'm speechless.
No wonder I felt detached emotionaly from all the characters and couldn't understand the scope and limits of Zhanna's skills or powers afterwards. Often Zhanna's reasoning and in addition her emotional processes seemed very off, opaque and consequentally her actions. Those scenes that concerned Krava particularly.
I cannot tell what happened here. I read the book with Dascha's perspective first and though I felt some confusion as to why exactly she thought relationships between witches and familiars were akin to slavery, it's a well written book overall and an example of the very good storytelling. Also I read a short story Still Air from the Christmas anthology by the same author and same as with Dasha's story, I thought the vignette was well written, a smooth read. Inexplicably odd.
And no, the couple of short stories to fill that gap won't cut it. Especially if you have to hunt for them through recipe books.
My conclusion - this book should've been a duology or a much longer book.
June 12, 2017
She Who Will Reset the Legacy of the Volkhvy
Zhanna is a young witch with great potential power. Her familiar Dascha is a formidable cat that guides and protects her. She tries to get training in magic and martial arts but the men discriminate against her because she is a woman. She determines to train herself and gets assistance on the astral plane from spirits of deceased mages. The Volkhvy were the elders and teachers of the new witches who were all killed in a sacrifice to end a war and protect the people. Powerful spirits on the astral plane are working with Zhanna trying to bring back honor, knowledge, and leadership to the Russian witches. The main characters have excellent chemistry. Krava is the epitome of an evil villain. The story pulls me in and doesn't let go even at the end. I look forward to getting involved with the next book.
Zhanna is a young witch with great potential power. Her familiar Dascha is a formidable cat that guides and protects her. She tries to get training in magic and martial arts but the men discriminate against her because she is a woman. She determines to train herself and gets assistance on the astral plane from spirits of deceased mages. The Volkhvy were the elders and teachers of the new witches who were all killed in a sacrifice to end a war and protect the people. Powerful spirits on the astral plane are working with Zhanna trying to bring back honor, knowledge, and leadership to the Russian witches. The main characters have excellent chemistry. Krava is the epitome of an evil villain. The story pulls me in and doesn't let go even at the end. I look forward to getting involved with the next book.
July 12, 2017
Plot was a little simple for my liking and very predictable.
As in the case of the Federal Witch #5 book - nothing is more annoying than missing events in the story-line, and it is not a reason garner additional funds to fill those gaps with later novels.
And for that reason I took a star away.
Put the price up of the novels and complete the story-line in a lengthier book. The characters and stroy-lines should sell themselves and keep readers returning for more of the same.
I think it is time for a Federal Witch Universe hiatus.
As in the case of the Federal Witch #5 book - nothing is more annoying than missing events in the story-line, and it is not a reason garner additional funds to fill those gaps with later novels.
And for that reason I took a star away.
Put the price up of the novels and complete the story-line in a lengthier book. The characters and stroy-lines should sell themselves and keep readers returning for more of the same.
I think it is time for a Federal Witch Universe hiatus.
March 14, 2018
Great story!
A very interesting book with more information on the Russian mercenaries in the Federal Witch (Agatha Blackmore) series. What a wonderful heroine Zhanna is! She is unassuming to start, but as she encounters the terrible results of evil her sense of honor and determination to help others causes her to bloom. I am excited to read more about her and the hopeful future for the remnants of her people, who have suffered as a result of so many of them dying in the past to save others.
A very interesting book with more information on the Russian mercenaries in the Federal Witch (Agatha Blackmore) series. What a wonderful heroine Zhanna is! She is unassuming to start, but as she encounters the terrible results of evil her sense of honor and determination to help others causes her to bloom. I am excited to read more about her and the hopeful future for the remnants of her people, who have suffered as a result of so many of them dying in the past to save others.
June 11, 2018
Not a bad read. It seemed to take a while to pull me in. I greatly enjoyed the Familiar books.
Honestly, I'm trying to figure out what happened in the Badger Hole story. There's a hole in what happens in the Federal Witch series where she returns with enhanced powers. I was thinking I could find out what happened here, but no dice. Just another hole in this story where they go through a door and return more powerful after time spent there.
Honestly, I'm trying to figure out what happened in the Badger Hole story. There's a hole in what happens in the Federal Witch series where she returns with enhanced powers. I was thinking I could find out what happened here, but no dice. Just another hole in this story where they go through a door and return more powerful after time spent there.
August 8, 2018
Another awesome book from the federal witch series
This book is about a warrior witch who serves her Village as a Healer/warrior and is captured by vampires. Her Adventures and romance begins here.
The characters are great, sexy, humorous, and relatable. In this world of fantasy has the best both paranormal and Syfy worlds. The plot is unique, Vivid, and descriptive.
I would highly recommend this book to readers.
bookwormsuzy
This book is about a warrior witch who serves her Village as a Healer/warrior and is captured by vampires. Her Adventures and romance begins here.
The characters are great, sexy, humorous, and relatable. In this world of fantasy has the best both paranormal and Syfy worlds. The plot is unique, Vivid, and descriptive.
I would highly recommend this book to readers.
bookwormsuzy
June 8, 2017
What a little Gem
I really loved the lead character Zhanna and felt she has great potential to right lots of wrongs in the World. She has great compassion and an honorable sense of justice. Her fellow characters fit in the story very well.
This series has got legs!
Looking forward to the next the series.
I really loved the lead character Zhanna and felt she has great potential to right lots of wrongs in the World. She has great compassion and an honorable sense of justice. Her fellow characters fit in the story very well.
This series has got legs!
Looking forward to the next the series.
June 15, 2017
I REALLY like this book
It starts out like an old Russian folk tale, and keeps on getting better and better. Great plot, well written, awesome characters. No spoilers here, just a simple this is a great read. I actually finished it in one sitting and I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.
It starts out like an old Russian folk tale, and keeps on getting better and better. Great plot, well written, awesome characters. No spoilers here, just a simple this is a great read. I actually finished it in one sitting and I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 25, 2017
A great beginning
Even though two books proceeded this one adventure and add to a deeper understanding of the whole world, you can enjoy this story by it's self. The characters are such that you see them right there with you. Drawn into the story you feel as if it is happening right now around you.
Even though two books proceeded this one adventure and add to a deeper understanding of the whole world, you can enjoy this story by it's self. The characters are such that you see them right there with you. Drawn into the story you feel as if it is happening right now around you.
July 5, 2017
Very much enjoyed this book
I love TS Paul's Federal Witch series and this spin off series is just a too. I really like the characters and the story lines are great. Cannot wait for the next one.
I love TS Paul's Federal Witch series and this spin off series is just a too. I really like the characters and the story lines are great. Cannot wait for the next one.
July 19, 2017
Fun!
Sometimes you just need to veg out and enjoy a good book! No complicated plots, no angst ridden characters, just some fun characters, a straightforward plot, and a few in jokes and there you go!
Sometimes you just need to veg out and enjoy a good book! No complicated plots, no angst ridden characters, just some fun characters, a straightforward plot, and a few in jokes and there you go!
August 23, 2017
Love these witch book series, and the off-shoot books. Totally recommend reading them. Some editing issues but not that much and well worth the time spent reading them. You really should start from the first book to fully enjoy the series.
November 5, 2017
Witchin book!
An enjoyable read about a young heroine coming into her powers. Well constructed character with a entourage of strong supporting characters. I will definitely be following this series and authors!
An enjoyable read about a young heroine coming into her powers. Well constructed character with a entourage of strong supporting characters. I will definitely be following this series and authors!
December 13, 2017
Good Zhanna!!!
I am glad that T. S. Paul decided to expand the FW universe. I was curious about what the deal with Russian witches was and if they were ever going to recover. I absolutely loved this book and am looking forward to reading the next book. Great job!
I am glad that T. S. Paul decided to expand the FW universe. I was curious about what the deal with Russian witches was and if they were ever going to recover. I absolutely loved this book and am looking forward to reading the next book. Great job!
May 7, 2018
This is a story set in the Federal Witch Multiverse. And is set in Russia after the elder witches had been killed.
It didn't capture my imagination and thus I didn't complete it. It might appeal to a YA as the heroine is 17 and has a familiar - a very nice cat but...
It didn't capture my imagination and thus I didn't complete it. It might appeal to a YA as the heroine is 17 and has a familiar - a very nice cat but...
June 8, 2018
I don't want to write a review I want to go to my home page to start another book
I don't want to write s ducking review I want to get out of this crap review shit so I can get back to using my ricking pad.
I don't want to write s ducking review I want to get out of this crap review shit so I can get back to using my ricking pad.
June 14, 2017
Great first book
I found this one from reading TS Paul's books and so glad I did. I can't wait for more in this series!!
I found this one from reading TS Paul's books and so glad I did. I can't wait for more in this series!!
June 21, 2017
I liked the other books better but this was a different view into this universe.
June 25, 2017
This was a most enjoyable read
I liked the main character and cared about what she did. Looking forward to the next book, not too young adult and good fun.
I liked the main character and cared about what she did. Looking forward to the next book, not too young adult and good fun.
July 26, 2017
Enjoyable Read
Thanks for a very Enjoyable read and a look into a different kind of magic and Countries legends. I'm looking forward to Reading more.
Thanks for a very Enjoyable read and a look into a different kind of magic and Countries legends. I'm looking forward to Reading more.
July 31, 2017
a visit to the Russian connection
August 10, 2017
A promising beginning
I look forward to reading more from this author and especially this series. The whole Federal Witch universe is full of promise and it delivers.
I look forward to reading more from this author and especially this series. The whole Federal Witch universe is full of promise and it delivers.
August 19, 2017
Good story
Some interesting characters in this story. The main character discovering more about herself and what she can do. A power hungry person who wants her power. Exciting
Some interesting characters in this story. The main character discovering more about herself and what she can do. A power hungry person who wants her power. Exciting
June 13, 2017
What an intriguing read. This was very Interesting look at witches and Russian and Mongolian culture.
Lots of suspense, twists and turns to make it a very good book.
Lots of suspense, twists and turns to make it a very good book.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews