Free Book (nook) - The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker

The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker ($6.99$2.99), by Leanna Renee Hieber, is free in the Barnes and Noble store (and discounted in the Kindle store). This is the first in her Strangely Beautiful series, was first published last year and recently was picked up on option for a musical production

Book Description
What fortune awaited sweet, timid Percy Parker at Athens Academy? Considering how few of Queen Victoria’s Londoners knew of it, the great Romanesque fortress was dreadfully imposing, and little could Percy guess what lay inside. She had never met the powerful and mysterious Professor Alexi Rychman, knew nothing of the growing shadow, the Ripper and other supernatural terrors against which his coterie stood guard. She knew simply that she was different, haunted, with her snow-white hair, pearlescent skin and uncanny gifts. But this arched stone doorway offered a portal to a new life, an education far from the convent—and an invitation to an intimate yet dangerous dance at the threshold of life and death…

Click HERE for the free download.

Free Mini-Games at Amazon

Many (if not most) of the games available as Game Downloads at Amazon include a free trial mode - you download the entire game and can play for a limited time (usually 30 minutes) before you must purchase the game in order to continue. A few of their games lack this feature, requiring you to pay up front (which means, for me, I skip their games entirely, as I've had too many games not work well on my computers, in the past). Now, they have a new type of sample, a Free Demo version, for a very limited number of titles (including one that ONLY has a Free Demo version available, with no Standard version to purchase).

From what I can tell, these demo versions have an unlimited time for play (but not all are compatible with 64-bit Windows 7), albeit with a limited scope: for example, one includes only seven levels, but still includes an online multiplayer mode. Another difference between these games and the ones with free trials: the downloads are very large in size, ranging from one to two GB in size (and take 1/2 hour to a full hour to download, using broadband). For each of the Free Demos, I've also included the price and link for the full game, in case you end up addicted and want more. In either case, the demo is yours to keep and continue playing, unlike the trial versions that self-destruct after a set period of time.

Mount & Blade: Warband ($29.99 Standard version)

Game Description
Mount & Blade: Warband is the eagerly anticipated standalone expansion to the original PC role-playing game (RPG), Mount & Blade. Revolving around true-to-life medieval combat, action in Warband utilizes realistic mounted combat and era specific weapons and armor, not magic. It also features a detailed fighting system, user generated content and mods, the ability to command units in single player and multiplayer, up to 64-player support online and multiple online multiplayer modes.

• Fully playable demo up to level 7
• Multiplayer battles with up to 64 players. Multiplayer modes include Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, Conquest, Battle, and Siege.
• New models with greater detail and high-quality textures.
• A campaign allowing you to become the ruler of a faction and convince lords to become your vassals.

In a land torn asunder by incessant warfare, it is time to assemble your own band of hardened warriors and enter the fray. Lead your men into battle, expand your realm, and claim the ultimate prize: the throne of Calradia!

AIM 2 ($19.99 Standard version)

Game Description
A.I.M. 2 is the sequel to the epic science fiction first-person action RPG developed by SkyRiver Studios. Its compelling story and unique look lift off exactly where the original ended.

Changes in the control system have led to new opportunities for the inhabitants of the Polygon planet. Mechminds, advanced robots, opened new sectors and have started exploring them. With the course of time Mechminds and their culture have altered greatly with some old clans fading away as new ones evolved.

New clans led by Mechminds of the Fifth Generation are powerful and well-organized formations with far-reaching plans. Powerful groups have different interests that often crossed, war broke out again. However this time it is the struggle not for mere control, this is struggle for survival. The clans want to eliminate the weaker ones standing in their way and will stop at nothing to dominate their enemies. To achieve their goals they use not only military means, but economic ones as well. As of now none of the clans has managed to achieve complete victory.

You are a part of the oldest clan called the Reckoners, a dedicated group looking for the firstborn Mechmind of the Fifth Generation. This could be a chance to restore former might for your clan which has lost its power and even be victorious in the war.

Cryostasis ($12.99 Standard version)

Game Description
The Arctic Circle, Russian North Pole station ‘Pole 21’, 1968 - Alexander Nesterov is a meteorologist sent to investigate the final hours of the North Wind, an old nuclear ice-breaker trapped in an icy grave. This steel beast once fought for its country, but during a dangerous mission it drifted into an ice trap slowly freezing to death every living thing on board.

Alex must fight against the intense cold by finding any remaining heat sources as he investigates the final days of the North Wind and unlocks the mysteries within. However, Alex is no ordinary meteorologist as he possesses a unique ‘Mental Echo’ ability that allows him to relive the final memories of the dead and change their actions in the past, changing their future. Nothing can prepare Alex for the truth he uncovers as he digs deeper into the history of the ship.

Cryostasis takes players on a terrifying trip into the unknown as they explore the dark, frozen, claustrophobic corridors and unlock the shocking secrets of the North Wind.

Achtung Panzer Kharkov 1943 ($19.99 Standard version)

Game Description
Want to step into the role of a commander in the very heart of Kharkov's defense? You'll have everything the officers had back then: tanks, guns, and fearless soldiers. The success of each opposing force hangs in the balance every day. Your decisions will determine who wins the Battle of Kharkov.

• High replayability and flexible AI: "smart" AI analyzes the players' tactical movements and chooses the best strategy based on behavior rather than a script. Scenarios can be replayed using different tactics, as though playing against a human opponent.
• Painstaking reconstruction of Kharko in scope and size.
• Detailed recreation of weapons, artillery, and vehicles: all battle characteristics, including missile trajectories and crew numbers, have been modelled according to archived military records and WW2 chronicles.
• Dynamic day, night and weather effects, all of which affect combat through terrain traversability, battlefield visibility, hidden force capabilities, and more.
• Destructible environment: nearly everything can be blasted and destroyed, from ground terrain to houses and enemy defenses. All traces of previous battles (shell holes, broken vehicles, corpses, etc.) remain on the battlefield.

East India Company Collection ($29.99 Standard version)

Game Description
In East India Company, you assume the role of Governor Director and seek to ship precious cargo to Europe in order to amass vast wealth. Build your fleets, establish connections to distant countries and dominate the other rival empires.

• East India Company: Spectacularly cinematic and epic naval battles, Two Command Modes: Give orders to all your ships in Real-Time Strategy Mode or take the helm of a single ship in Direct Command Mode; Choose from over 10 realistic ship types, from small sloops and cutters to warships and East Indiamen; Take over ports and protect your shipping routes to create the largest trading empire.
• East India Company: Pirate Bay: Play as a pirate captain; Attack trade ships to loot their cargo or commandeer whole ships; Add more and larger ships to your fleet; Choose new skills for your captain as he levels up; Hoard as much money as you can in 30 years time; Upload your campaign result to your gamer profile and compete for the title of the best pirate ever.
• East India Company: Privateer: Two Privateer campaigns set in different time periods; Two new multi-player modes: Breakthrough and Beehive; New goal-oriented gameplay with several new mission types: locate and either sink or capture enemy ships, blockade enemy ports, or escort friendly fleets, New commander skills to fit the life of a privateer, such as "False Colors", which allows the player to get close, enough to ambush the victim, and "Critical Hit", which gives the player a chance to hit an enemy ship's magazine, causing the vessel to explode; New specialists, such as the surgeon, cook, constable, and marine officer, who can be used to boost the abilities of your fleets.
• East India Company: Battle of Trafalgar: A re-enactment of the Battle of Trafalgar from both the British and Franco-Spanish perspective; Historically accurate ships from all three Navies; Five real-life naval commanders from the era, including Admiral Lord Nelson, French Admiral Pierre Villeneuve and Spanish Admiral Federico Gravina, Take control of naval battle groups comprising of the greatest warships of the Napoleonic era; Real-world naval strategy of the era accurately recreated in the battle AI
• East India Company Collection bounds together this trade oriented strategy game and its add-ons. This is the definitive collection of 17th century trade and naval battles!

UFO Aftermath ($6.99 Standard version)

Game Description
Combining a global strategy with small squad tactical combat, the challenge offered is to fight against an alien invasion. Featuring run time generated tactical missions with innovative simultaneous combat action; the genre is also enhanced with strong RPG elements, offering a quite unique mix of strategic ideas.

• RPG - Your soldiers will improve as they gain more experience. Their skills are derived from these statistics, and each point that you put into any one of these attributes will have a noticeable effect on that soldier's skills. These attributes are: Strength, Agility, Dexterity, Willpower, Intelligence, and Perception
• Strategy - You must manage your bases, interceptions, and squads. Territory is equal to power in the game - the more you control, the better your interceptor coverage. Also, the faster you research, the better things could be.
• Tactics - Fighting on the ground against aliens and mutants for the control of territories. Once you control a territory, you can decide what type of base you want there: Research, Military, Manufacture or Biomass repulsion.
• Combat - Unique combat system features all of the best elements of both turn-based and real-time combat systems. You give orders while the game is paused to avoid the frantic rush of a real time system. While in pause you can give your troops very detailed orders taking as much time as you like. Once you are finished you simply start the game and continue playing. Once the game is underway you can pause the game at any point to update or change your orders and the game will automatically pause when important events occur, so that you may modify your plans accordingly. This combat is combining the finely grained tactics of a turn-based game with the realism of a real time system.
• Randomly generated tactical missions - each playing field will be unique meaning no two games are the same.

Europa Universalis Rome Gold ($19.99 Standard version; $5.99 PC Edition)

Game Description
Europa Universalis Rome Gold combines the epic strategy title Europa Universalis Rome with the expansion pack Vae Victis. Experience one of the most defining periods in world history in this game with great strategic and tactical depth.

• Europa Universalis Rome: Start at any date between 280 B.C. and 27 B.C.; choose between 10 different cultures, including the Roman, Celtic, Greek and Egyptian civilizations, with more than 53 playable factions on a map spanning hundreds of provinces; Watch your characters develop new traits through political intrigue and various interactions with thousands of other characters; Robust multiplayer allows you to challenge up to 32 players either competitively or in coop mode.
• Europa Universalis Vae Victis: Completely revised military AI, particularly in the area of military campaigns; Dynamics of the characters that live in the Republic will come to life as the men & women have their own personal goals and agendas; As a republic you will now need to take the Senate into the account. Characters will belong to various parties depending on their goals, values, and ambitions.
• Fully 3D map with integrated graphics and detailed topography
• Monarchies & Tribes will have their own courts, beware of bootlickers & sycophants who will stop at nothing to replace your divinely appointed ruler
• Europa Universalis is Paradox Interactive's historical franchise with close to 1 million units sold worldwide. The franchise includes titles like Europa Universalis I - III and expansions such as Napoleon's Ambition

Rise of Prussia (Demo only)

Game Description
Rise of Prussia is the latest release from AGEOD, and is a follow-up to their successful historical strategy games Birth of America, American Civil War, Napoleon's Campaigns, and Wars in America. Rise of Prussia covers the European campaigns of the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763).

• Over 100 new leaders with individual portraits, and 300 units.
• 10 Scenarios: 1 Battle Scenario Saxony 1756 to enter the game; 6 Annual Campaigns Scenarios, for each year between 1757 and 1763; 1 Grand Campaign Scenario 1756-1763; 2 Tutorial Scenarios.
• Map covering all of Germany and surrounding vicinity, with over 1,000 different regions offering plenty of room for manoeuvering.
• New events and a wide set of options for you to customize your strategy.
• Streamlined command system based on the hierarchy system seen in American Civil War and Napoleon’s Campaigns, allowing for historical army command, organization, and structure.

Free Book (nook) - Storm Front

Storm Front ($6.29 Kindle), by Jim Butcher, the first book in the excellent series The Dresden Files, is available free this week using a coupon you pick up in a physical Barnes and Noble store. Last week, I didn't even have to show a device to get the free coupon, but be sure to stop by early, as some people who stopped by on Sunday were reporting that their stores had run out (luckily, a few were at least able to get an early coupon for this week, so it wasn't a wasted trip).

Once you have your coupon, log onto bn.com/redeem and enter the coupon code to add the book to your account. I don't know how you'll do this with a nook (and didn't try with my Kindle, as the book doesn't work there, anyway), but on the iPhone, I used the free internet service and Safari to enter the code, then opened the B&N reader and started reading the book within about a minute or so.

Book Description
Harry Dresden--Wizard
Lost items found. Paranormal investigations.
Consulting. Advice. Reasonable rates.
No Love Potions, Endless Purses, Parties, or Other Entertainment.

Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he's the only at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the "everyday" world is actually full of strange and magical things--and most of them don't play too well with humans. That's where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a--well, whatever.

There's just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry's seeing dollar signs. But where there's magic, there's a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry's name. And that's when things start to get... interesting.

Magic. It can get a guy killed.

Christie Craig pre-order for $2.62

Shut Up and Kiss Me ($5.59 Kindle), by Christie Craig, which will be released on May 25, is available to pre-order in the Barnes and Noble store for $2.62.

Book Description
When PR expert Shala Winters gets hired to increase the tourist trade in a Texas town mostly populated by Native Americans, her schemes stir up a storm of trouble-with both the town's commanding lawman and someone after Shala's life!

WELCOME TO PRECIOUS, TEXAS...where fistfights serve as dinner theater and fire ants rain from the sky. The locals are usually very friendly, if a bit eccentric. No pictures please, or you may find yourself a guest of the county morgue.

Photojournalist Shala Winters already had her hands full bringing tourism to this backward, podunk little town, but her job just got tougher. Pictures can say a thousand words, and one of Shala’s is screaming bloody murder. Now she has to entrust a macho, infuriating lawman with her life—but she’ll never trust him with her heart.

Trusted or not, Sky Gomez isn’t about to let a killer get his hands on Shala’s Nikon—or any of her more comely assets, for that matter. Her mouth might move faster than a Piney Woods roadrunner, but all he can think about is how good it must taste…and how she’ll never escape true love.

Click HERE for the B&N order page.

There are also a few of her backlist at bargain prices, although the selection and prices vary a bit between the Amazon and B&N stores.

Amazon
Divorced, Desperate and Dating (Divorced, Desperate #2) $4.79
Divorced, Desperate and Deceived (Divorced, Desperate #3) $2.56

B&N
Gotcha! by Christie Craig $2.56
Divorced, Desperate and Dating (Divorced, Desperate #2) $4.79
Divorced, Desperate and Deceived (Divorced, Desperate #3) $2.56

If you want the first in her Divorced, Desperate series, you'll have to hit up Amazon, as it isn't in ebook form at B&N (at least, not yet): Divorced, Desperate and Delicious ($5.39)

Free Book - Across The Sea

Across The Sea, a young adult title by Eric Marier, is free today at Smashwords.

Book Description
Francis Bright, a twelve-year-old boy living in sixteenth century England, is stolen away by the notorious Brotherhood of Blood and taken aboard a ship bound for the high seas. With the Royal Navy and the Spanish Armada fast on his trail, Francis discovers that he is the key to unlocking the biggest mystery of all – a nine thousand-year-old riddle named Atlantis.

Click HERE to get the book at Smashwords and use coupon code QD56A before checking out.