Hank Wallins is a broken man working the night shift in a meaningless job. Tormented by the tinnitus constantly ringing in his ears, he sleepwalks through life, too scarred by a tragic love affair to try again. When a madman pushes him into the path of an oncoming subway train, this scrape with death re-awakens Hank to the world. Craving a reengagement with passion, he reaches out to a young slightly cross-eyed Russian beauty who he locates on a website. He ventures by plane to meet the lovely and mysterious Anna in her hometown of St. Petersburg. Anna Verkoskova seeks to flee not only the hopelessness of her economic situation, but also the reminders of her own failed love affair with Ruslan, a womanizing Dagastani rock star look-alike from the Chechen region. Finding no particular reason to dislike the kind, lumbering Hank, she agrees to follow him to Canada. But once she has left Russia behind, she is overwhelmed by homesickness and a dread of disappearing into the grey Toronto winter. Then she receives a frightening note: Ruslan has been kidnapped. She races home immediately, carrying a bag stuffed with cash. Hank’s cash. Held captive and tortured by the FSB, Ruslan has been crippled by his tormentors and injected with N20, a mysterious CIA-developed serum that fills its victims’ brains with the totality of human knowledge, rendering them insane. Ruslan is traded to Chechen radicals and ransomed. As Anna is now associated with a “rich” Westerner, she is now a target for the ransom. Ruslan’s former political disengagement has been replaced by a new sort of apathy, one that renders him a pawn to whomever has control of the omniscient demons in his ears screaming for blood. Returned to St. Petersburg and reunited with Ruslan, Anna quickly realizes that her former lover has been lost to her forever, as has her nation. With few options, she returns to the safety of Hank and Canada and discovers that, with her passion for Ruslan faded, she has room for new passions to emerge. But she also carries with her a life-altering secret. The novel unfolds through the words of a narrator who describes himself as an abomination, yet he is heroic and compassionate, and capable of immense acts of love, including the creation of this very narrative itself–a gift for his unborn half-sister. His horrors have been formed as a result of untold millennia of blood hatred. But it is through his existence that our protagonists transcend their own human culpability. A kaleidoscopic and riotous tale, voiced by one of the most unusual narrators in literary history, Robert Hough’s The Culprits puts shape and flesh to the murky unknowns surrounding a real-life terrorist incident and all that led up to it, shining a light into some of humanity’s most inscrutable sins. This novel is at once a mind-blowing hallucination and a classic love story, exploring the human thirsts for love and passion, for allegiance and trust, and for terrible vengeance.

WARNING - Unless, you have superior bladder control, are close to a lavatory or loo and can withstand a hailstorm of hilarity - use caution when reading this book! After 27 years of marriage, all Martin and Diane thought they needed to complete their perfect Empty-Nest lifestyle was a "little creature bashing around the place." Hardly could they have expected that this wildly-witty little Bengal Kitten would turn their world upside down. Factor in an eloquently written true-story account of their crazy life experiences, and you will find yourself loving the Culprit - from start to finish! " I have edited many books in my life - more than I can ever count - The Culprit stands out as a classic to remember!" - Johanna Petronella Leigh, Editor Chapter 3 - KINDRED SPIRIT "But as I turned and headed for home, the bloody wind blew up again, blowing open the front of my robe so wide that it demanded and required I immediately place Kitten in front of my naughty bits so as to avoid having someone call the authorities." Chapter 4 - OF FELINES & FELLOWS "Oh crap, I thought to myself. And not wanting to spend a back- breaking night on the sofa, I immediately made for the closet, quickly threw on my parka and boots and with all possible dispatch exited the back doorway to help with the rescue and recovery. However, in such a hurried hurry was I that halfway down the damn frozen staircase I lost my footing and went flying, feet first, bumping, thumping, slipping and dumping down to the very bottom on my backsi

The Criminals – Book I: A Time to Sow is the first book of a thrilling new action-packed series. Orion Jackson is the criminally brilliant convict who spearheads the BGO, otherwise known as the Black Gansta Organization. He teams up with his homeboy, Corey Jones, to build the nest of his empire, with one twig at a time. But Orion is bogged down with a personal vendetta that he wants to resolve with three ruthless convicts who sexually assaulted him while he was in prison. He vigorously pursues his objectives of eliminating them, one soul at a time, to bring closure to this degrading memory that plagued his life. While pursuing his vendetta, Orion finds himself caught up in another conflict with deadly skirmishes with one of the most formidable underworld organizations in the country. With the fire burning on both ends of the candle, Orion faces the challenges of keeping his organization afloat, even as he desperately fights for his own survival. "I couldn't put the book down...I'm not kidding, the reading is so intense" - Kizzy McKenny, Administrative Coordinator

The book series Andere Ästhetik - Studien (AÄS) (Different Aesthetics - Studies) mainly comprises monographs and collections of scholarly articles that address the research programme of the Collaborative Research Centre 1391 in a disciplinary perspective.

The Criminals - Book I: A Time to Sow is the first book of a thrilling new action-packed series. Orion Jackson is the criminally brilliant convict who spearheads the BGO, otherwise known as the Black Gansta Organization. He teams up with his homeboy, Corey Jones, to build the nest of his empire, with one twig at a time. But Orion is bogged down with a personal vendetta that he wants to resolve with three ruthless convicts who sexually assaulted him while he was in prison. He vigorously pursues his objectives of eliminating them, one soul at a time, to bring closure to this degrading memory that plagued his life. While pursuing his vendetta, Orion finds himself caught up in another conflict with deadly skirmishes with one of the most formidable underworld organizations in the country. With the fire burning on both ends of the candle, Orion faces the challenges of keeping his organization afloat, even as he desperately fights for his own survival. "I couldn't put the book down...I'm not kidding, the reading is so intense" - Kizzy McKenny, Administrative Coordinator

Explore the essence of patriotism and the spirit of putting the nation above all else with "Nation First" by Balapte. Join Balapte as he delves into the core values that define a nation and the importance of collective responsibility in shaping its destiny. Through insightful commentary and thought-provoking anecdotes, Balapte highlights the significance of unity, integrity, and selflessness in building a strong and prosperous nation. With a focus on the principles of duty, sacrifice, and service to the motherland, "Nation First" inspires readers to reflect on their role as responsible citizens and catalysts for positive change. As you delve into the pages of "Nation First," you'll be inspired by stories of courage, resilience, and patriotism that showcase the indomitable spirit of the Indian people. Balapte celebrates the diversity and richness of India's cultural tapestry while underscoring the importance of national unity and solidarity in the face of adversity. One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its exploration of the challenges and opportunities facing modern India and the role of every citizen in contributing to its progress. Balapte examines issues such as poverty, corruption, and social inequality, offering pragmatic solutions and actionable insights to address them and build a better future for all. With its blend of inspiration, wisdom, and practical advice, "Nation First" is a must-read for anyone passionate about the welfare and prosperity of India. Whether you're a student, a professional, or a concerned citizen, Balapte's book offers valuable guidance and motivation to fulfill your duty towards the nation. Don't miss your chance to reaffirm your commitment to the nation and its ideals. Let "Nation First" by Balapte be your rallying cry for unity, progress, and prosperity. Grab your copy now and join the movement to build a stronger, more vibrant India for generations to come.