Aquila has fallen and the Rift Riders are homeless. Freshly settled in the heart of the Overworld, the kaz-naghkt are more dangerous than ever, especially when united with their pirate allies. Scattered and divided, the Riders are desperate to reclaim their home – but first they need help. After fleeing into the Greater West, Mhysra, Lyrai and their friends are sent south to the kingdom of Havia to plead for aid. But the land also borders the magical Storm Wash on the very edge of the Dragonlands, and soon the Riders have more to worry about than kaz-naghkt and unfriendly kings. Back at Aquila, Lord Yullik sits high in his tower of triumph, but little does he know of the troubles that wait in the shadows. The Dragongifted are waking – and the Overworld will never be the same again.

Three dragons. One woman. A reverse harem fantasy that will leave you breathless and begging for more... Dareena Sellis is a nobody. The orphaned daughter of a no-name farmer, she toils away as a serving girl at Hallowdale Inn, her only marriage prospects either shipping off to war, or pawing at her skirts with their grubby, gnarled hands. But fate takes a strange turn the day a dragon huntress comes to town. Suddenly, Dareena is swept off to Dragon's Keep, trading in her raggedy dresses for silken gowns, her closet-sized room for feather pillows and spacious gardens, and her miserable suitor for three very handsome, veryvirile dragon princes. For Dareena is not a nobody. She is the Dragon's Gift--the one woman chosen by the gods every century to bear children for the future king of Dragonfell. Despite her pre-ordained path, Dareena's fate is far from certain. The crown has not given birth to more than one son in nearly a thousand years, and the line of succession is far from clear. Neither of the princes are willing to cede Dareena to the other, and yet she must choose. For the enemy is knocking on Dragonfell's door, and Dareena's decision could either mean the kingdom's salvation... ...or annihilation.

Is China a rogue donor, as some media pundits suggest? Or is China helping the developing world pave a pathway out of poverty, as the Chinese claim? In the last few years, China's aid program has leapt out of the shadows. Media reports about huge aid packages, support for pariah regimes, regiments of Chinese labor, and the ruthless exploitation of workers and natural resources in some of the poorest countries in the world sparked fierce debates. These debates, however, took place with very few hard facts. China's tradition of secrecy about its aid fueled rumors and speculation, making it difficult to gauge the risks and opportunities provided by China's growing embrace. This well-timed book, by one of the world's leading experts, provides the first comprehensive account of China's aid and economic cooperation overseas. Deborah Brautigam tackles the myths and realities, explaining what the Chinese are doing, how they do it, how much aid they give, and how it all fits into their "going global" strategy. Drawing on three decades of experience in China and Africa, and hundreds of interviews in Africa, China, Europe and the US, Brautigam shines new light on a topic of great interest. China has ended poverty for hundreds of millions of its own citizens. Will Chinese engagement benefit Africa? Using hard data and a series of vivid stories ranging across agriculture, industry, natural resources, and governance, Brautigam's fascinating book provides an answer. It is essential reading for anyone concerned with China's rise, and what it might mean for the challenge of ending poverty in Africa.

When a mysterious bomb goes off in town and Aeri's closest friends are turned to stone, it becomes a race against the clock to stop the demon who is still at large. Every six hours, another bomb takes out more people.

The beloved classic of a dragon battle with a pacifist twist, redesigned to appeal to a new generation. This is the tale of The Boy, who is not at all surprised to find a Dragon living in the hillside. Natrually, the two soon become fast friends, and when St. George arrives to battle the Dragon, whome he's sure must be a danger to the countryside, the Boy, the Dragon, and the Saint hold a surprising contest...which just might end up satisfying one and all. Featuring a new introduction from two-time Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall, this story from the author of Wind in the Willows and the illustrator of Winnie the Pooh has been enjoyed by readers since 1938, and feels particularly timely today. Ideal for fans of knights and dragons, as well as readers who like a slightly subversive take on a traditional tale.

The explosive growth of China's economic interests in Africa -- bilateral trade rocketed from $1 billion in 1990 to $150 billion in 2011 -- may be the most important trend in the continent's foreign relations since the end of the Cold War. In 2010, China surpassed the United States as Africa's top trading partner; its quest to build a strategic partnership with Africa on own its terms through tied aid, trade, and development finance is also part of Beijing's broader aspirations to surpass the United States as the world's preeminent superpower. Africa and other emerging economies have become attractive partners for China not only for natural resources, but as growing markets. Africa's rapid growth since 2000 has not just occurred because of higher commodity prices, but more importantly due to other factors including improved governance, economic reforms, and an expanding labor force. China's rapid and successful expansion in Africa is due to multiple factors, including economic diplomacy that is clearly superior to that of the United States. China's "no strings attached" approach to development, however, risks undoing decades of Western efforts to promote good governance. Consequently, this monograph examines China's oil diplomacy, equity investments in strategic minerals, and food policy toward Africa. The official U.S. rhetoric is that China's rise in Africa should not be seen as a zero-sum game, but areas where real U.S.-China cooperation can help Africa remain elusive, mainly because of Beijing's hyper-mistrust of Washington. The United States could help itself, and Africa, by improving its own economic diplomacy and adequately funding its own soft-power efforts.

Another Dragon Fantasy for everyone who fell in love with the Dragon Lore Series. When pressed, Jonathan Shea admits magic runs through his blood, but he’s always been ambivalent about it—until a dragon and her mage show up in the Scottish Highlands, and then all bets are off. Jonathan’s charmed and captivated by the dragon—a creature fresh out of myth and legend—but the woman bonded to it is so enticing, he tosses caution aside and catapults into the magical power he’s avoided for so long. Britta and her dragon prepare for a battle to save Earth. Freshly transplanted from a much earlier time, she feels awkward, out of place. The first person she lays eyes on is Jonathan. There’s something about him. She can’t quite pinpoint it, but he has way more magic than he lets on. Magic aside, it runs deeper than that. For the first time ever, she questions the wisdom of remaining a maid. If she doesn’t make up her mind damned fast, though, her choices will fritter away. Beset from every side, she’s never needed her magical ability more. Surrounded by dragon shifters, Celtic gods, Selkies, time travel, and a heaping portion of magic, Jonathan comes into his own fast. Fell creatures target him, Britta, and her dragon. In the midst of chaos, he and Britta find scorching passion and love so heartbreakingly tender, it will change their lives forever. PRAISE FOR THE DRAGON LORE SERIES: “That was SPECTACULAR! I LOVED every part of this prequel in the Dragon Lore series. I love the blend of ancient and modern Celtic and other culture's gods/goddesses and mythology.” Goodreads review “Oh wow what a great new paranormal series. It's got dragons, selkies, gods, mages. And more!” Goodreads review “Ann Gimpel did it again. roped me in with a single book into another series!!” Goodreads review “If you love anything dealing with Celtic myths then this is the series for you!!!!! I just found this wonderful author by accident, but it was one of the best things to fall into!!!” Fans of the following books and series are known to enjoy this epic Celtic fantasy series: a kingdom of exiles a shade of vampire academy of magic dragon's gift accidentally in love attack by magic dragon's gift awakening dragon born in fire burning tower call of the dragon choose love covert fae crime of magic dragon's gift crimes against magic dark stranger the dream darkness bound dragons of the darkblood secret society druid enforcer ghostwater goddesss choice golden age greyriver shifters hotbloods hour of darkness house of darken iron and magic jinn's dominion junkyard druid Kate Daniels’ Magic Series master of magic dragon's gift natural mage natural witch obsidian son raised in fire rogues of magic shadow keeper shadow kissed space knight 4 twisted fate unchained undercover magic dragon's gift war god's mantle wheel of time wild hunger Keywords related to this epic urban fantasy series: Time-travel, Time travel romance, Fantasy Books, Epic Sagas, Epic Urban Fantasy series, Werewolves and Shifters, Dystopian, Post-apocalyptic, Animals & Nature, Popular Series, Paranormal Fantasy Books, Top Rated Books, Tricks, Fantasy Omnibus, Epic of Gilgamesh, Spells & Charms, Romance Books, Wizards, Fantasy Romance Books, Essential Reads, Epic Fantasy, Omnibus Bundle, Paranormal Romance Series, Adventure Books, Mythology and Folklore, Celtic gods, Top Rated Fantasy Collection With dragons And Shapeshifters, Dragons, Fantasy Bundle, Heroine, Supernatural and Occult, Sword And Sorcery, Shifter Romance, Historical Paranormal Romance Series, Fantasy Stories, Shifter Series, Fantasy, Shifter Omnibus, Best Rated Omnibus, Omnibus Collection, Paranormal Romance Books, Magical Adventures.

In the heart of the magical realm of Windmere, where the air shimmers with enchanted whispers and dragons paint the sky with fiery hues, a thrilling event awaits: the Dragon Games. Every year, children from across the kingdom dream of being chosen to participate in this exhilarating tournament, where they are paired with a dragon to face a series of challenging trials. Lila, a ten-year-old girl, longs to be a part of the Dragon Games. She imagines herself soaring high above the clouds on the back of a magnificent dragon, the wind whipping through her hair as she tackles each daring challenge. However, deep inside, she doubts her own abilities and fears she won't be chosen. But destiny has a surprise in store for Lila. At the Selection Ceremony, where children are paired with dragons, she is chosen – and paired with a dragon unlike any other. Whisper, as he is called, possesses a secret talent: he can vanish into thin air, making him both powerful and incredibly shy. Lila's journey with Whisper takes her on an unforgettable adventure through a world brimming with magic, peril, and fierce competition. Along the way, she will learn the importance of friendship, the power of teamwork, and the courage to face her fears. And as they delve deeper into the mysteries of the Dragon Games, Lila and Whisper will uncover a sinister threat that could jeopardize everything they hold dear. Prepare for an enchanting adventure filled with breathtaking feats, heartwarming friendships, and a dash of magic!

Aras has lost Oriana’s trust, but he still needs her blood. Cade’s jealousy over Lily’s attempts to stay in touch with Declan can put him and the entire cause at risk if he can’t keep his mind in the battle that they are facing. Cade finds himself even more distracted when his cousin Donovan wants to join the cause, and Cade personally determines to train him for the upcoming battles with the necromancers. Declan’s desire to find a poison to help with the cause could spell the end for him and Eva.

Presents a quartet of love stories dealing with dragons of all forms, ranging from a virgin princess's first love and a shape-shifting samurai groom to a knight dealing with a damsel in distress and a young widow involved in a secret project with her sexy handyman.