In the French Republic political leadership is normally provided by the presidency, albeit from a very narrow constitutional base. This volume examines the strengths and weaknesses of that leadership as well as the way that executive power has been established in the republican context.

Every book tells a story. This one tells a secret.A young bookbinder begins a hunt for the truth when a confession hidden beneath the binding of a burned book reveals a story of forbidden love, lost fortune, and murder. Now a USA Today bestseller!Lilian ("Lily") Delaney, apprentice to a master bookbinder in Oxford in 1901, chafes at the confines of her life. She is trapped between the oppressiveness of her father’s failing...

Since the forced resignation of Todor Zhivkov in November of 1989, Bulgaria's transition to democracy has been marked by good beginnings ending in frustration or disappointment. It has avoided the violent ethnic confrontations that have characterized much of the "post-Communist" Balkans, but has also seen the development of an influential criminal

The only A-Z guide available on this subject, this book provides a wide-ranging and up-to-date overview of the fast-changing and increasingly important world of cyberculture. Its clear and accessible entries cover aspects ranging from the technical to the theoretical, and from movies to the everyday, including:artificial intelligencecyberfeminismcyberpunkelectronic governmentgamesHTMLJavanetiquette

The Fettered Flame is a genre-bending fantasy novel that continues the saga of two dying worlds, plagued by their own unique struggles for power. Follow the journeys of Cor—a woman striving to understand her powers of magic and how the connect to her past, Atesh - her contemplative dragon companion, and Jwala—a dragon plunged into a rebirth of ancient ideals. The Fettered Flame is the second installment in the Shkode trilogy: a quirky and modern take on dragons and wizard...

"The first thing you do, you kill the sheriff." This is a bit of writers' lore that generally works, and JD Bell displays it done well. SELAI hits the ground running and doesn't slow down. It's not really an urban fantasy because the setting is more varied and would better be described as modern fantasy. Bell establishes his characters quickly, and leaves puzzles like fishhooks in the story. This locks the reader in as one tries to make sense of novel and totally alien concepts. Bell escap...

Bart is just a simple folk trying to get by. With a posse comprisin' of a sparkle-loving horse, an unsettled ghost, and a magic old whiskey bottle, they wander from town to town in search of some needed coin, and maybe a brighter day.Twenty five episodes of whimsey, humor, friendship, spirit – and resilience.

For lifetimes, the Ja-lal have prevented contact with the dangerous fairies of the forest. As tensions grow, those barriers are beginning to crumble. Blending rich worldbuilding with progressive themes, Diamondsong is a tale of power, identity, relationships—and magic.10: RiseDime and her allies feel the crescendoing momentum of War. With the Violence threatening Ada-ji from all angles, Dime urges those who can help to join them for an attempt at peace. Con...

Diamondsong is a unique epic fantasy saga told in ten parts.For lifetimes, the Ja-lal have prevented contact with the dangerous fairies of the forest. As tensions grow, those barriers are beginning to crumble. Blending rich worldbuilding with progressive themes, Diamondsong is a tale of power, identity, relationships—and magic.Part 06: FreedomDime has tried to help gather a coalition but has found one obstacle after another. At Ella’s advice, she an...

For lifetimes, the Ja-lal have prevented contact with the dangerous fairies of the forest. As tensions grow, those barriers are beginning to crumble. Blending rich worldbuilding with progressive themes, Diamondsong is a tale of power, identity, relationships—and magic.08: LeapDime still worries that the victims’ pasts connect to their futures. Again, she travels to the Heartland, determined to find what answers have been hidden from her. Continue Dime's jou...

Ordinary objects. Extraordinary tales.As Told by Things is a lighthearted, multi-genre collection of short stories and flash fiction, each told from the perspective of an inanimate object.Fun, witty, and full of charm, As Told by Things will capture your imagination—as well as your heart.What objects do you think have stories to tell?

Xelle is marked as dragonfriend. Arriving at To’Ever under a veil of unease and an uncertain future, she must redefine herself. Again. Inkbloom continues the story of Night Ivy, a wandering bard’s tale of magic and friendship amidst the spires and shadows of the seven towers of Alyssia.“Like the first breeze of spring after a long winter, E.D.E. Bell warms hearts and plants seeds of hope with her words. Do yourself a favour and read this book.” – Marie Bilodeau, b...