UK Kindle Daily Deal 5/15

Britain Against America in the Naval War of 1812 (£1.09 UK), by Andrew Lambert [Faber and Faber], is the Kindle Deal of the day for those in the UK (the US edition is $10.05).

Book Description
In the summer of 1812 Britain stood alone, fighting for her very survival against a vast European Empire. Only the Royal Navy stood between Napoleon's legions and ultimate victory. In that dark hour America saw its chance to challenge British dominance: her troops invaded Canada and American frigates attacked British merchant shipping, the lifeblood of British defence.

War polarised America. The south and west wanted land, the north wanted peace and trade. But America had to choose between the oceans and the continent. Within weeks the land invasion had stalled, but American warships and privateers did rather better, and astonished the world by besting the Royal Navy in a series of battles.

Then in three titanic single ship actions the challenge was decisively met. British frigates closed with the Chesapeake, the Essex and the President, flagship of American naval ambition. Both sides found new heroes but none could equal Captain Philip Broke, champion of history's greatest frigate battle, when HMS Shannon captured the USS Chesapeake in thirteen blood-soaked minutes. Broke's victory secured British control of the Atlantic, and within a year Washington, D.C. had been taken and burnt by British troops.

Andrew Lambert, Laughton Professor of Naval History in the Department of War Studies at King's College London, brings all his mastery of the subject and narrative brilliance to throw new light on a war which until now has been much mythologised, little understood.

Bargain Book - The Hobbit

There are four editions of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit in the Kindle store and right now three of them are on sale for $3.32 apiece (no sales in other stores I checked). The fourth is a lavishly illustrated edition, that is "on sale" for $16.99 (marked down from it's $35 list price). The first two seem to be nearly the same (and the same as the edition I purchased from Fictionwise several years ago), other than the cover image, while the third is an enhanced edition that features both color illustrations (along with the originals) and embedded audio files of Tolkien reading several poems (and singing one song), for those on an iThing (the entire text is still readable on all Kindle devices and apps). All but the latter are also tied to the the companion audiobook, narrated by Rob Inglis, which I already had in my library (from a previous sale). I'm holding off on that illustrated edition (although it would be quite spectacular, especially to read-along with kids while the audiobook plays with immersion reading), but I am getting the Audio/Video Enhanced edition for the iPad, just for the included audio clips.

The Hobbit

A great modern classic and the prelude to THE LORD OF THE RINGS

Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely traveling any farther than his pantry or cellar. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard Gandalf and a company of dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an adventure. They have launched a plot to raid the treasure hoard guarded by Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon. Bilbo reluctantly joins their quest, unaware that on his journey to the Lonely Mountain he will encounter both a magic ring and a frightening creature known as Gollum.

The Hobbit (Movie Tie-In)

J.R.R. Tolkien's classic prelude to The Lord of the Rings trilogy—now available in a movie tie-in edition....

Written for J.R.R. Tolkien's own children, The Hobbit has sold many millions of copies worldwide and established itself as a modern classic.

The Hobbit: 75th Anniversary Edition [Kindle Edition with Audio/Video]

This deluxe edition of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic prelude to his Lord of the Rings trilogy contains a short introduction by Christopher Tolkien, a reset text incorporating the most up-to-date corrections, and all of Tolkien’s own drawings and full-color illustrations, including the rare “Mirkwood” piece.

J.R.R. Tolkien's own description for the original edition: "If you care for journeys there and back, out of the comfortable Western world, over the edge of the Wild, and home again, and can take an interest in a humble hero (blessed with a little wisdom and a little courage and considerable good luck), here is a record of such a journey and such a traveler. The period is the ancient time between the age of Faerie and the dominion of men, when the famous forest of Mirkwood was still standing, and the mountains were full of danger. In following the path of this humble adventurer, you will learn by the way (as he did) -- if you do not already know all about these things -- much about trolls, goblins, dwarves, and elves, and get some glimpses into the history and politics of a neglected but important period. For Mr. Bilbo Baggins visited various notable persons; conversed with the dragon, Smaug the Magnificent; and was present, rather unwillingly, at the Battle of the Five Armies. This is all the more remarkable, since he was a hobbit. Hobbits have hitherto been passed over in history and legend, perhaps because they as a rule preferred comfort to excitement. But this account, based on his personal memoirs, of the one exciting year in the otherwise quiet life of Mr. Baggins will give you a fair idea of the estimable people now (it is said) becoming rather rare. They do not like noise."

The Hobbit (illustrated by Alan Lee)

This lavish gift edition of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic features cover art, illustrations, and watercolor paintings by the artist Alan Lee.

Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely traveling any farther than his pantry or cellar. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard Gandalf and a company of dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an adventure. They have launched a plot to raid the treasure hoard guarded by Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon. Bilbo reluctantly joins their quest, unaware that on his journey to the Lonely Mountain he will encounter both a magic ring and a frightening creature known as Gollum.

Written for J.R.R. Tolkien's own children, The Hobbit has sold many millions of copies worldwide and established itself as a modern classic.

Diesel Daily Deal - Serious Play (DF)

Serious Play ($4.99 $3.82 Kindle), a novel by Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon [Carina Press/Harlequin], is today's Deal of the "Day" at Diesel E-Books, where it's discounted to $1.00 (9 copies left). If you pick it up at Amazon, the the companion audiobook is $2.99.

Book Description

Luke Bailey has dreams of building homes and putting down roots. But for a man with a rough past, finding any job isn't easy. When Mary Scott offers him a job—and a place to stay—mixing drinks and tapping beer at her theme bar, My Parents' Basement, Luke accepts. Customers flock to the cozy pub, designed to evoke memories of lost childhood, to meet and mingle and play games.

For Mary, her gorgeous new employee should be off-limits. She's his boss. And they're very different—something her interfering family constantly points out. But Mary's done playing the good girl. And Luke isn't the bad boy everyone thinks he is. Their attraction simmers until Mary seduces Luke into playing some deliciously adult games. Then a shocking betrayal threatens everything...

Get the book from Diesel; be sure to check the sales price, as the Deal of the Day often sells out.

Kindle Daily Deals 5/14

Today's Gold Box and Lightning Deals all day long are grocery items, with ThinkThin Gluten Free Protein Bars coming up at noon (they do contain soy protein, for those also avoiding soy).

Amazon's Android Free App of the Day is Cooking Dash Deluxe. This is one of five Dash Deluxe apps that are now in the Amazon Appstore (there are also corresponding free editions of each, to try out) and the only one of the group that also runs on non-Kindle Fire devices.

Speaking of Kindle Fires - if you have one registered to your account, then over the weekend, Amazon deposited $5.00 in Amazon Coins to your account (500 coins). You can't trade them on the open market and they don't work everywhere at Amazon, but these can be used to buy apps and games at Amazon and to buy in-content purchases for games. Although a coin is worth a penny, you can buy them at a discount in the Amazon Store (4% to 10% off, depending on quantity), then spend them in the Appstore on the web or directly from your Kindle Fire (2nd Gen or HD) or inside of games for in-app purchases (which should work on any device). You're current parental controls are used for this payment type, too, so you shouldn't have to do anything new. They do work a bit differently than a gift card, which is exhausted and then your CC payment is used for large purchases: to use coins, you have to have enough for the entire amount of a purchase. Which isn't much of a big deal, since most purchases are a dollar or two, but you may end up with a handful in your account and no real way to spend them (other than on tiny in-app purchases, if you find some that only take a few coins). Also, if there is any sales tax on the purchase you are attempting, which you just have to "know" based on the seller (Amazon never displays taxes on digital purchases, until you get an emailed receipt), then you have to have enough coins to cover that, as well. If you don't, then the purchase will fail and you'll get an email about it. The buy button is supposed to be greyed out in these cases, but apparently some have found that isn't reliably done (according to reviews). Another snag that I see is that coins are essentially prepaid gift cards into only your own account. I don't see (yet, anyway), any method to send them to someone else (so you can fund your kids' accounts, for example) or exchange them with others (so, no bitcoin types of exchanges), although I suspect an app that does exactly that is no doubt waiting to get approval in the Appstore. As a few have pointed out, there also doesn't seen to be any ability to get a refund on your balance, so if you switch from Android to iTunes, you won't be able to spend those coins directly (again, at least for now).

Today's Kindle Daily Deal is first two books in the inspirational and adrenaline filled Brainrush series by Richard Bard for $1.99 apiece, not only for the Kindle editions, but also for the corresponding audiobook companion editions. Nice ... I have the first from before it was picked up by Thomas & Mercer and have had the second on my wishlist, watching for a sale. It looks like the third in the series, Beyond Judgment, is now available to pre-order (and only $3.99).

Brainrush (companion audiobook)

Before he slid into the MRI machine, Jake Bronson was just an ordinary guy with terminal cancer. But when an earthquake hits during the procedure, Jake staggers from the wreckage a profoundly changed man, now endowed with uncanny mental abilities.

An ocean away, Luciano Battista wants a piece of Jake’s talent. Posing as a pioneering scientist, the terrorist leader has been conducting cerebral-implant experiments in a sinister quest to create a breed of super jihadist agents…and Jake’s altered brain may be the key to his success. But Jake refuses to play the pawn in an unholy war—and when an innocent woman and autistic child are taken hostage to force his cooperation, he embarks on a jihad of his own. Jake and his band of loyal friends are thrust into a deadly chase that leads from the canals of Venice through Monte Carlo and finally to an ancient cavern in the Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan—where Jake discovers that his newfound talents carry a hidden price that threatens the entire human race.

The Enemy of My Enemy (companion audiobook)

When a freak accident gave Jake Bronson near-superhuman mental powers and landed his loved ones in the crosshairs of an Islamic terrorist, the only way out was with guns blazing. But Jake was unable to put a stop to his nightmares or his murderous nemesis, Luciano Battista, in that ferocious showdown in the mountains of Afghanistan. Now the terror czar and his minions have brought the fight to American soil—along with the most terrifying bioweapon that has ever threatened the free world. They demand vengeance, and Jake’s family and friends are caught in the crossfire.

From California’s beaches and Mexico’s deserts to the depths of a raging underground river and the treacherous Venezuelan jungle, Jake and his unlikely alliance of combat veterans and gangsters wage a rolling war of wits, weapons, and indomitable will—to rescue those they love and to stop a madman’s bid for global conquest dead in its tracks.

Today's Kindle Romance Daily Deal is B as in Beauty ($1.99), by Alberto Ferreras (Hachette).

Book Description
Everyone in the world, it seems, is either prettier or thinner (or both) than Beauty Marie Zavala. And the only thing "B" resents more than her name is the way others judge her for the extra 40 pounds she can't lose. At least she has her career. Or did, until she overhears her boss criticizing her weight and devising a scheme to keep her from being promoted. Enter B's new tax accountant, a modern-day matchmaker determined to boost B's flagging self-esteem by introducing her to rich, successful men who will accept her for who she is. As B's confidence blossoms, so do her fantasies of revenge. But will B find true happiness or true disaster when she unwittingly falls for the one guy she shouldn't?

Today's Kindle SciFi/Fantasy Daily Deal is The Dwarves ($1.99), by Markus Heitz (Orbit/Hachette), is already on my TBR list; now you can add it to yours (and for less than I did).

Book Description
For countless millennia, the dwarves of the Fifthling Kingdom have defended the stone gateway into Girdlegard. Many and varied foes have hurled themselves against the portal and died attempting to breach it. No man or beast has ever succeeded. Until now. . .

Abandoned as a child, Tungdil the blacksmith labors contentedly in the land of Ionandar, the only dwarf in a kingdom of men. Although he does not want for friends, Tungdil is very much aware that he is alone - indeed, he has not so much as set eyes on another dwarf. But all that is about to change.

Sent out into the world to deliver a message and reacquaint himself with his people, the young foundling finds himself thrust into a battle for which he has not been trained. Not only his own safety, but the life of every man, woman and child in Girdlegard depends upon his ability to embrace his heritage. Although he has many unanswered questions, Tungdil is certain of one thing: no matter where he was raised, he is a true dwarf.

And no one has ever questioned the courage of the Dwarves.

Today's Kindle Teen Daily Deal is What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know ($0.99), by Sonya Sones (Simon and Schuster).

Book Description
A teen boy confronts the complications of love in this relatable free verse novel featuring a new cover and larger trim size.

Don’t get me wrong—my girlfriend’s amazing.

But the way things have been going lately,

I’m starting to believe that the only thing worse

than not getting what you want,

is getting it.

Picking up where What My Mother Doesn’t Know leaves off, this is the story of what happens next—told from the perspective of Murphy, Sophie’s new boyfriend. And even though Murphy’s thrilled to be with Sophie, the consequences of their relationship—and the temptations outside of it—force him to consider everything he knows about love. Told in free verse and brimming with authenticity, this novel provides unique insight into the mind of a young man.

Phoenix Flash Sale - Lilith (K)

Lilith: A Snake in the Grass, the first novel in The Four Lords of the Diamond series by Jack L. Chalker, is on sale, today only, for 99 cents in the Kindle store, in Phoenix Pick's first 24-hour Flash Sale. Like all of their books, it is DRM-free, so you can download and convert as needed.

Book Description
Four worlds that cannot be visited.
Four worlds that must be visited.

Aliens are spying on Earth from one of the four worlds that make up the Warden Diamond. But it is impossible to send agents to any of the four worlds because of unique microscopic symbionts that make it impossible for visitors to leave the Diamond.

Seeking a unique solution, each of the four worlds making up the Diamond is sent a person whose mind has been stripped of everything and who is now controlled by an agent of the Confederacy

Lilith is the first planet to be visited. Here, Cal Tremon, stripped of his own personality, must overcome incredible odds and survive not only the incredible perils of the foreign planet but his own controllers as well.