This groundbreaking work examines the complex dynamics of Russia's relations with the Caucasus, revealing the profound effects that Caucasian forces have had upon Russia's development. Essays show how Georgian sparks ignited conflagrations in South Ossetia (1991-1992) and Abkhazia (1992-1993), spreading northward to conflicts in Ossetia and Ingushetia (1992) and Chechnya (1994-1996). Combined with jihadist influences that entered from the South and East by way of Dagestan, these events culminated in the second Russo-Chechen war (1999-2009). Chechnya transformed both the Russian military and the presidency of Vladimir Putin. Beginning in 2000, Putin's Chechenization strategy had unforeseen and controversial results for the entire Russian Federation. These ironies are elucidated in case studies of the Stavropol region, the Sochi Olympics, the Pussy Riot conviction, and Russia's efforts to reintegrate religion with politics against the backdrop of an emerging Islamic “inner abroad.” Neither Russia nor the Caucasus can be understood without an appreciation of their uneasy interconnection and its explosive consequences.

From bestselling fantasy author Garth Nix (Abhorsen Trilogy) comes "Fire Above, Fire Below" a Tor.com Original short story. Don't miss Nix's fantastic tale concerning the crisis caused by the dying of a dragon living below a major city, and the pact made many years earlier to deal with such a predicament. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

The final book in a classic series that began with the Man Booker Prize-winning Rites of Passage To the Ends of the Earth, William Golding's great sea trilogy, presents the extraordinary story of a warship's troubled journey to Australia in the early 1800s. Told through the pages of Edmund Talbot's journal--with equal measure of wit and disdain--it records the mounting tensions and growing misfortunes aboard the ancient ship. An instant maritime classic, and one of Golding's finest achievements, the trilogy was adapted into a major BBC/PBS Masterpiece miniseries staring Benedict Cumberbatch, Jared Harris and Sam Neill. To the Ends of the Earth: 1. Rites of Passage 2. Close Quarters 3. Fire Down Below

Reinhard Jirgl's strikingly individual novel The Fire Above, the Mountain Below demonstrates that he is not only unorthodox in his approach to language, but also difficult to pin down in terms of any genre. Weaving together elements of crime story, Cold War espionage, family tragedy, and a dystopian future, he creates a tapestry of fragile humanity and menacing inhumanity. The investigation of a series of gruesome killings takes a detective inspector into explorations of a secret intelligence programme in former East Germany and the role of a family with a tragic history. The more is uncovered, the more disorienting it becomes, and the reader is drawn into a complex web of discovery and suppression.

Richard Chandos makes a welcome return in this classic adventure story. Suave and decadent, he leads his friends into forbidden territory to rescue a kidnapped (and very attractive) young widow. Yates gives us a highly dramatic, almost operatic, plot and unforgettably vivid characters.

Describes the experiences of a newcomer to the Yukon when he attempts to hike through the snow to reach a mining claim.

Dove Glitch is embarrassed about everything above her knees and below her belly button. When she has to fill a delicate, embarrassing prescription the last thing she needs is a sexy-as-hell (and brand spanking new) pharmacist behind the counter.Johnson Fitzwell's first day of his dream career also happens to coincide with the exact moment Dove needs her feminine meds filled. His glorious voice is way too loud-as in, he should be counting down the hits with Ryan Seacrest kind of loud. Thanks to Johnson's handsome face and gorgeous jaw line, Dove dives headlong into her waking nightmare and asks for a vagina-scented cream.How could she not fall for him? Dove's only active goal now is to get Johnson to kiss her right on the lips. Either set. However, his horrible girlfriend is one of many obstacles preventing her from making that fantasy a reality. When Dove defends Johnson in the most unhygienic, unconventionally gross way in the middle of a crowded restaurant, their tender, slightly tantric relationship is off to a galloping, farting start.Each print copy of this book will be dipped in holy water by my mom, and glared at by my father as he purses his lips. Neither will help. So, drop your pants and turn to the left and cough. I hope you're not allergic to latex, because it's time to fill your prescription. Anally. Praise for Fire Down Below: "I'd like to remove myself from this spam list." ~Teresa Mummert NYT Bestselling Author"No." ~Jamie McGuire #1 NYT Bestselling Author"Do not read her next book. Trust me." Colleen Hoover #1 NYT Bestselling Author"I have not read this book." ~ Aesta's Book Blog"If this book is anything like her crazy tweets, then we are too scared to read it." ~ The Rock Stars of Romance Book Blog"Debra is the queen of s@!ts and giggles." ~ Tijan NYT Bestselling Author"Crap. Why won't you go away?" K.A. Robinson NYT Bestselling Author"You couldn't pay me enough." Tara Sue Me NYT Bestselling Author"You can't be serious." JM Darhower USA Today Bestselling Author"That's a big, tall glass of nope." Angie Lynch CEO and President of Shameless Book Club"This book is about as cringe-worthy as a raging UTI." Helena Hunting Amazing Author"This book gave my vagina nightmares for a week. What the hell was Debra thinking?!" ~Leisa Rayven Amazing Author"I like to read Debra's work on the crapper in case I run out of toilet paper." CJ Roberts NYT Bestselling Author"I've had the worst gas since I read Debra Anastasia's latest. Rip, full, wretched gas that singes my butt hairs on the way out. A week later I'm still walking funny." Kendall Grey Amazing Author"This cover gives me vaginal discomfort. Someone pass the Monistat." Tara Sivec NYT Bestselling Author"I might read this book if I wasn't so afraid of catching something." Tina Reber NYT Bestselling Author"It itches so bad." Ella Fox USA Today Bestselling Author"Can I un-read this? No? Do you have holy water so I can wash my eyes?" - King Midian"Is this the gas lady with the flatulence problem that can do the bubble tricks with her vagina?" Totally Booked Blog"Never Again. Disappointed! And just like Tony, I don't like to be disappointed." Aleatha Romig NYT Bestselling Author"Penivores and Vagitarians both agree. It made them vomit a little in their mouths." Georgia Cates NYT Bestselling Author"This book smells like grilled cheese and sadness." Mary Elizabeth Amazing Author"Enough to cause a burning ring of fire. Please Debra...just stop!" Belle Aurora USA Today Bestselling Author"The only way fire should be associated with this book is if it was actually on fire. Burning in my fireplace." Jillian from Read-Love-Blog"Who is this woman and why is she talking to me?" Tabatha Vargo NYT Bestselling Author"Is she writing about hairy vaginas or explosive diarrhea?" Neda from The Sub Club"This book caused my anus to grow a steel-plated hymen." Shay Savage USA Today"Save your receipt." Liv Morris Amazing Author