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Thursday, February 3, 2011

Bargain Book Roundup

One freebie update for the nook, then a bunch of new discounted books this month. Most of these are the same price at all the ebookstores (but may not be in countries other than the US), so if I skipped putting in a link, you can still check at Kobobooks.com or Barnes and Noble. Current Kobo coupon codes that work on non-Agency books are Feb1us1, Feb1ca1 (both $1, unlimited use), 35%offbook (one use), save25kobo (25% off, unlimited), FirstRead and fbreading (35% one use).

Dead Men Kill, by L. Ron Hubbard, was free for the Kindle last month. This month, those at B&N can get it free. (B&N link) Update: Now free on Kindle, once again!

On the iPad, you can get a cute looking interactive kid's title for 99 cents, Just Me And My Dad for iPad ($0.99), by Big Tuna New Media, LLC. The app is based on the books by Mercer Mayer and it looks like they'll be pursuing the app route, rather than introducing Kindle books.

App Description
"Just Me and My Dad" is an interactive picture book based on the popular children's book by Mercer Mayer, featuring Little Critter, one of the most beloved characters of all time. Follow along as Little Critter reads you the story of what happened when he went camping with his dad. Then play with each page of the story by touching the screen and discover hidden animations. Surprise animation scenes are hidden all over each page of the story. Touch each word of the story and Little Critter sounds it out, reading the word back to you. Little Critter will help you learn to read.

A special edition of The Body Finder, by Kimberly Derting, is available to pre-order for $1.99. This edition will have a teaser for the upcoming Desires of the Dead, which isn't included in the current edition of The Body Finder (which is selling for $9.99). You can get a sample from the regular edition, to decide if you want to order the special edition, just be sure you don't accidentally buy that $10 edition from the sample. As to how long the pre-order period will be? I've seen some disappear before the new book comes out and some that hang around, but I've learned not to wait too long to jump on a reduced price for a book I might want (after all, you can cancel any time up to delivery, then get a refund for 7 days after that).

Book Description
Sixteen-year-old Violet has the unusual ability to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. She locates them by the echoes they leave behind...and the imprints they leave on their killers. Violet has never considered her strange ability to be a gift—more like a very disturbing nuisance. But when a serial killer begins terrorizing her small town, and more and more local girls go missing and later turn up dead, Violet realizes she may be the only person who can stop him. Violet’s best friend since childhood, Jay, is reluctantly helping her—and Violet is beginning to realize that what she feels for Jay is much more than just friendship. But even as she and Jay fall in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering the killer…and becoming his prey herself.

Married with Zombies ($2.99 Kindle, B&N, Kobo, Sony), by Jesse Petersen, is this month's discount book from Orbit.

Book Description
A heartwarming tale of terror in the middle of the zombie apocalypse.

Meet Sarah and David.
Once upon a time they met and fell in love. But now they're on the verge of divorce and going to couples' counseling. On a routine trip to their counselor, they notice a few odd things - the lack of cars on the highway, the missing security guard, and the fact that their counselor, Dr. Kelly, is ripping out her previous client's throat.

Meet the Zombies.
Now, Sarah and David are fighting for survival in the middle of the zombie apocalypse. But, just because there are zombies, doesn't mean your other problems go away. If the zombies don't eat their brains, they might just kill each other.


I have it on good authority that they make it thru, as the series continues with Flip this Zombie and Eat Slay Love (July '11).

Captive ($1.99), by Leda Swann

Book Description
She was a slave to her desire . . . and to his!

A proper British governess, Louisa Clemens knows her place—and it certainly is not with the wild and exotic stranger she meets in Naples. Still, this commanding, mesmerizing man inflames her imagination in a most improper manner. When the magnificent Khair Bey steals into her bedroom, Louisa is transported to a breathtaking realm of sensual pleasure she had only previously imagined. And now she must flee his kisses and hot, demanding touch or she will be lost forever.

But on her journey home, Louisa is captured by pirates and spirited away to be auctioned off to the highest bidder—a bitter fate that turns shockingly sweet when she is purchased by the very man who has awakened her slumbering desires. Now she belongs to Khair Bey, body and soul—his mistress, his concubine, the most favored beauty in his harem. But as he initiates her into the art of lovemaking, Khair is enchanted by the powerful erotic charms and indomitable will of his captive English rose. And soon it will be the prisoner who possesses the master, passionately and completely . . .


Alluring Tales--Awaken the Fantasy ($1.99), an anthology by Vivi Anna, Sylvia Day, Delilah Devlin, and Cathryn Fox

Book Description
What is your most wicked fantasy?

Pleasure beckons and satisfaction is guaranteed in seven titillating stories of love that know no boundaries. Surrender to the passion and follow your desires into unexplored realms of sensuous delights. Awaken the fantasy!

A man harbors impure thoughts about a voluptuous stripper—and sets out to make his erotic dreams come true . . .

A big-city cop discovers that once bitten is not twice shy after spending a tantalizing night with a beautiful vampire . . .

A sheltered young woman opens a mysterious locket—and is plunged into a legendary battle of good versus evil to set her imprisoned lover free . . .

A seductive warlock will not rest until the powerful temptress he lusts for is begging to be dominated . . .

A television executive lets loose when her favorite heartthrob strides into her office—and gives her the ride of her life . . .

This one-night stand may be too hot to handle for a newly single woman, but that won't stop her from enjoying every delicious second . . .

When a mysterious package opens to reveal an oh-so-sexy, nearly naked man, these two have no choice but to hide out . . . for a good, long time.


Bridge of Dreams ($3.99), by Chaz Brenchley

Book Description
The first major fantasy novel from the author of the popular Outremer series.

In the city known as Maras-Sund, an uneasy peace threatens to unravel between two cultures. And a young man and woman will find their own destinies: one determined to hold onto power and supremacy, the other struggling for survival-and freedom.


River of the World ($3.99), by Chaz Brenchley

Book Description
The compelling follow-up to Bridge of Dreams.

Born to be enemies, Issel of the Sund and Jendre of the Maras have joined forces to save both their peoples and lands from the tyranny of a regime. But Issel's magical power over water may consume him before he can save them all.


The Chronicles of the Unbinding: Hazard's Price ($3.99), by Robert Stone

Book Description
The first title in a new series introduces the countries of Chaldus and Yndor, where a brutal war left the mages with blood on their hands. To rid the world of the destructive magic, they performed the Binding. But someone is murdering former Chaldean ministers, and now, former spy Galatine Hazard attempts to catch this wily assassin who could bring the country to the brink of war.

Knight's Blood ($3.99), by Julianne Lee

Book Description
U.S. Navy Pilot Lt. Alex MacNeil and his wife Lindsay have returned from their adventure in fourteenth century Scotland-and given birth to a son. But the magic realm is not through with them yet...The MacNeils' child has been kidnapped-presumably by Nemed, the elfin king and the couple's sworn enemy-and brought back into the past. Feeling responsible, Lindsay ventures to medieval Scotland on her own, in pursuit of Nemed. Once again in the guise of Sir Lindsay Pawlowski, she joins a company of rogue knights, led by a man who calls himself "An Reubair"...It isn't long before her true identity is discovered, but Lindsay proves her worth among the bandits. As time passes, she finds herself drawn to their lifestyle-and to Reubair-and is torn between reuniting with her family and embracing her warrior's life.And soon she will confront Alex, who has also returned to Scotland and resumed his place as laird. And her son, now a fully grown man and resentful of his parents' abandonment...

Second Contact ($3.99), by J. Austin

Book Description
When Earth's advances toward an alien paradise are rebuffed with missile fire, it decides to give peace one more chance. Dispatching one more ship to the planet, its captain, Matt Wiener, is prepared to do what it takes to keep the universe in harmony--even if it kills them all.

One For Sorrow, Two For Joy ($3.99), by Clive Woodall, has a great looking cover, but may a bit to adult for some kids. Still, Publisher's Weekly says given the compelling plot of "One for Sorrow" in particular, one can understand why Disney has optioned the novel "in a million-dollar deal." There isn't a long synopsis on this one, but you can pop over to Amazon and read a couple of reviews that expand upon the plot.

Book Description
Darkness has fallen over the realm of Birddom as the evil magpies hunt countless species of birds into extinction. And only the courage of one lone Robin can save Birddom from certain doom.

Here be Monsters ($4.99), by Christopher Stasheff

Book Description
Love is in the air as the planet of Gramarye readies itself to celebrate three weddings all at once: those of Geoffrey, Cordelia, and Gregory Gallowglass. When Alouette, Gregory's fiance, has a horrible vision of monsters attacking the land, cold feet becomes the least of their worries.

Wyrmhole ($4.99), by Jay Caselberg

Book Description
Jack Stein lives and works in the crowded, semi-organic city known as the Locality. He's hired by the Outreach Mining Company to investigate the mysterious disappearance of one of its mining crews on an uncolonized planet. But his psychic dreams are full of strange mystical symbols and red herrings, making Jack wonder if Outreach truly wants the miners found. And the deeper he digs, the more people want to see him dead...

Because We Are Americans: What We Discovered on September 11, 2001 ($4.99), by Jesse Kornbluth and Jessica Papin

Book Description
The tragic events of September 11 will never be forgotten, not only for the horror they wrought, but for the acts of bravery, generosity, and extraordinary courage. Cynicism was replaced by compassion and strangers reached out to one another for comfort and support. This touching tribute to those who lost their lives includes poems, prayers, children's drawings, and heartfelt exchanges drawn from the material posted on America Online, where millions of people gathered during the first week for support and information and to express grief and love. Inspiring and uplifting, Because We Are Americans serves as a portrait of this country at its best and a powerful reminder of all that is good in America. All proceeds will go to the relief funds set up to help families of victims of the attacks. Will also include quotes from President George W. Bush and New York City mayor Rudolph Guiliani.

The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Being a New Dad ($3.99), by Joe Kelly

Book Description
Congratulations... Now what?

This follow-up to The Pocket Idiot-s Guide to Being an Expectant Father guides new dads through all the emotional, financial, and physical changes and responsibilities they-ll face as they transition through their first year of fatherhood. This volume includes everything from using bottles and diapers, to babyproofing the home and finding the right pediatrician, to balancing work and family.

Offers a chronology of the changes dads can expect to see during the first year in their infants-and in themselves


The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Superfoods ($3.99), by Heidi McIndoo

Book Description
Move over, fad diets!

With the fading novelty-and declining popularity-of such fad diets as South Beach and Atkins, many people are turning to sensible, moderate eating habits. Along with this trend is an interest in superfoods, those foods that not only nourish the body, but also help fight disease. This pocket guide covers 30 disease-fighting, healthful superfoods and provides simple explanations of how they work.


The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Your Carbon Footprint ($3.99), by Nancy S. Grant

Book Description
Take the first step toward a better environment.

Awareness of global climate change has reached critical mass around the world, and people are looking to see how the choices they make affect the environment. This highly practical and easy-to-use reference helps readers understand how to do their part to combat global warming in simple but effective ways.

Clear explanations of the relationship between energy use and carbon emissions, and an individual’s carbon “footprint”


Queen's Own Fool ($3.99), by Robert Harris and Jane Yolen

Book Description
Nicola is a resourceful jester to the court of Mary, Queen of Scots, and a most unlikely friend to the queen. As fate takes Mary from France to Scotland and into confrontations with rebellious lords and devious advisors, Nicola remains deep in the queen's circle, and later struggles to save her friend.

Penguin Publishing has a reduced price on their edition of Madame Bovary ($5.99), by Gustave Flaubert

Book Description
A literary event: one of the world's most celebrated novels, in a magnificent new translation

Seven years ago, Lydia Davis brought us an award-winning, rapturously reviewed new translation of Marcel Proust's Swann's Way that was hailed as "clear and true to the music of the original" (Los Angeles Times) and "a work of creation in its own right" (Claire Messud, Newsday). Now she turns her gifts to the book that redefined the novel as an art form.

Emma Bovary is the original desperate housewife. Beautiful but bored, she is married to the provincial doctor Charles Bovary yet harbors dreams of an elegant and passionate life. Escaping into sentimental novels, she finds her fantasies dashed by the tedium of her days. Motherhood proves to be a burden; religion is only a brief distraction. In an effort to make her life everything she believes it should be, she spends lavishly on clothes and on her home and embarks on two disappointing affairs. Soon heartbroken and crippled by debts, Emma takes drastic action with tragic consequences for her husband and daughter.

When published in 1857, Madame Bovary was deemed so lifelike that many women claimed they were the model for its heroine. Today the novel is considered the first masterpiece of realist fiction. Flaubert sought to tell the story objectively, without romanticizing or moralizing (hence the uproar surrounding its publication), but whereas he was famously fastidious about his literary style, many of the English versions seem to tell the story in their own style. In this landmark translation, Lydia Davis honors the nuances and particulars of a style that has long beguiled readers of French, giving new life in English to Flaubert's masterwork.


Georgette Heyer's Conqueror has been steadily dropping in price and is now down to $4.97. It might go lower yet (or bounce back up to $10), but you are taking your chances at this point.

Book Description
The true story of the bastard son who made himself a king and the woman who melted his heart.The stirring history of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, who invaded England and became the King. His victory, concluded at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, is known as the Norman Conquest.Known for her exhaustive research and ability to bring past eras to life, bestselling author Georgette Heyer tells the story of William the Conqueror, who became King of England in 1066, and his queen Matilda, the high-born noblewoman who at first scornfully spurned him. William was an illegitimate child of a nobleman, who won his dukedom through force of will, and went on to bring European feudalism to England, along with a program of building and fortification that included the building of the Tower of London.The historical novel includes Heyer's brilliant period language and her perfect grasp of the details of the day - clothing, armor, weapons, and food - making for a fascinating and blood-stirring read.

Bonus reading group guide available inside.