Ruled by an absolute monarchy and trapped in a system of feudal relationships, nearly all segments of French society were unhappy in the late 18th century. Despite widespread hardships, ongoing financial problems and challenges by enlightenment thinkers, King Louis XVI was more concerned with his own personal affairs than matters of state.
Richard Stark - The Man with the Getaway Face (1991) Unabridged Audiobook Crime/Thriller - The 2nd book in the Parker Series
When the bandages came off, Parker looked in the mirror at a stranger. He had come in to the doctor with a face that the New York syndicate wanted to put a bullet in. Now he was going back out with a face that they were going to learn to fear. It cost him a lot. But it would be cheap at twice the price if it kept him alive while he did what he had to do. And what he had to do was steal. Because a new face couldn't keep Parker from his old life of crime and kicks...
John Ringo - Eye of the Storm (2009) Unabridged AudioBook
Science Fiction - The 11th book in the Posleen War
Earth is invaded...
With a new invasion from a previously unknown race threatening the Federation capital, Darhel Tir Dal Ron faces his ultimate nightmare: He is going to have to reinstate the one man human soldiers trust, a man with the power and knowledge to destroy the Darhel oligarchy forever. And instead convince him, against all logic, to save the Darhel. Somebody is going to die. General Michael O'Neal, Supreme Commander,Federation Forces, just has to pick.
Firedrake, a young dragon, receives a frightening warning one night: Humans are planning to destroy the valley in which he lives! All the dragons must flee. Their only refuge is a place above the clouds called the Rim of Heaven --- which may not even exist. Firedrake boldly volunteers to go ahead first. As he embarks on his journey, he meets Ben, a runaway boy. Together, the boy & dragon make their way toward the Rim of Heaven, all the while runninga step ahead of Nettlebrand, a monster who will stop at nothing to hunt down Firedrake.
