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May 2024

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June Book Releases: Penguin Random House Highlights

Bookish Thoughts, Romance Book Reviews & Recommendations /

June is an exhilarating month for book enthusiasts, as Penguin Random House unveils a stunning array of new book releases that promise to captivate, thrill, and inspire. From gripping thrillers to heartwarming tales, there’s something for every reader. Dive into these highlights and prepare for an unforgettable reading journey. Whisper of Death by David Lambkin Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping adventure that spans from the exotic beaches of Zanzibar to the depths of the African wilderness. Follow Paul Morgan, a washed-up novelist, as he gets entangled in a deadly web of espionage and betrayal, all while chasing the shadow of a psychopathic British spymaster. This action-packed novel is perfect for fans of spy thrillers and high-stakes adventures. Droomjagter by Leon van Nierop Immerse yourself in this erotic suspense thriller set in the heart of South Africa’s bushveld. Lucas Jordaan, haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his girlfriend, meets journalist Renske du Toit, and sparks fly. But dark secrets lurk in the shadows of Jagtersrus Lodge. Will their attraction lead to love or disaster? This twisty tale of desire and danger will keep you on the edge of your seat. Eruption by James Patterson When a catastrophic volcanic eruption threatens Hawaii, an old military secret turns the natural disaster into a global nightmare. Join a group of brave individuals as they race against time to save the island and possibly the world. This high-octane thriller from one of the best storytellers of our time will leave you breathless. Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan From the author of Crazy Rich Asians comes a dazzling story of love, money, and family secrets. Rufus Leung Gresham, drowning in debt, attends his sister’s wedding with plans to seduce a wealthy heiress. But when a volcanic eruption disrupts the nuptials and secrets are exposed, Rufus must navigate a scandalous web of lies. Travel from the sandy beaches of Hawaii to the luxurious estates of England in this juicy and sophisticated novel. Medea by Rosie Hewlett Revisit the myth of Medea in this modern retelling that blends magic, adventure, and romance. When Medea offers to help Jason retrieve the Golden Fleece, her life changes forever. This epic journey through ancient worlds is filled with monsters, treachery, and a love that defies the gods. Perfect for fans of mythological retellings and epic fantasies. Earth by John Boyne A gripping courtroom drama that tackles themes of truth, identity, and justice. Two footballers stand accused of a heinous crime, and as the trial unfolds, Evan Keogh must confront his own past and the lies he’s told. This thought-provoking novel explores the pressures of fame and the search for personal redemption. How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley Join Daphne as she embraces her golden years with a rebellious spirit. Tired of being invisible, she forms an unlikely friendship with a group of misfits at a Senior Citizen’s Social Club. Together, they challenge stereotypes and fight to keep their club open. This heartwarming and humorous tale celebrates the joy of living life on your own terms. All My Kisses for You by Monica Murphy Willow Lancaster returns to Lancaster Prep, ready to rekindle old flames and navigate new crushes. But with her best friend dating her old crush and a charming new guy catching her eye, Willow’s senior year is anything but simple. This swoon-worthy romance will keep you hooked as Willow discovers what she truly wants. The Housemaid Is Watching by Freida McFadden In this chilling psychological thriller, a family moves into their dream home, only to be haunted by a mysterious neighbor and their own dark secrets. With each turn of the page, you’ll be drawn deeper into a web of suspense and intrigue. Can they escape the shadows of their past, or is their new home the most dangerous place of all? Snakes and Other Reptiles of Kruger by Luke Kemp and Johan Marais Explore the fascinating world of reptiles in Kruger National Park with this beautifully illustrated guide. Learn about the park’s diverse snake, lizard, and crocodile species, and discover the secrets of these incredible creatures. Perfect for nature lovers and aspiring herpetologists. The South African Guide to Gluten-Free Baking by Zorah Booley Samaai Transform your kitchen with this essential guide to gluten-free baking. Packed with delicious recipes and practical tips, this cookbook makes it easy to create your favorite treats without gluten. From cakes and cookies to pizzas and pies, you’ll find mouth-watering recipes that everyone can enjoy. The Dirty Secrets of the Rich and Powerful by James-Brent Styan Uncover the hidden truths behind economic inequality and corporate power. This eye-opening book delves into the practices of mega-corporations and their impact on society. A must-read for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of wealth and power in today’s world. Raven and Rover by Dino Martins Embark on a magical journey with Rover, a curious wild dog puppy, and his wise friend Raven. As they explore the wonders of nature, they learn about the importance of friendship and cooperation. This heartwarming tale is perfect for young readers and nature enthusiasts alike. Snowglobe by Soyoung Park & Joungmin Lee Comfort In a frozen, climate-ravaged world, Chobahm dreams of a better life inside the warm, domed city of Snowglobe. When she’s given the chance to enter and take the place of a deceased star, she discovers that life inside the dome is not as perfect as it seems. This captivating YA novel explores themes of identity, reality, and the price of dreams. June is bursting with literary treasures from Penguin Random House. Whether you’re in the mood for thrilling adventures, heartwarming stories, or thought-provoking reads, these new releases have something for everyone.

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Kobo’s Revolutionary Color E-Reader – and the BIGGER picture

Author Marketing Tips, Bookish Thoughts /

Rakuten Kobo recently announced the release of the industry’s first color E Ink e-readers: the Kobo Libra Colour and the Kobo Clara Colour. These devices boast color E Ink “Kaleido S3” displays, offering “a subtle palette” for readers. Alongside these, Kobo also introduced the Kobo Clara BW, an upgraded black-and-white device. All three models hit stores and online platforms starting April 30, with prices set at $219.99, $149.99, and $129.99, respectively. [seen here] Why This Matters This move by Kobo is more than just about being the first to market with a color e-reader. While we’ve seen other brands attempt this, none have made the impact that Kobo’s release promises. Why? Because Kobo invested significant time and resources into understanding their target demographic. If you’ve spent any time on BookTok, you’ve likely seen popular BookTokkers sharing their unboxings and initial thoughts even before the official release. My initial reaction was that Kobo didn’t need to work this hard—give bookish folks a color e-reader and the ability to write in the margins, and success is almost guaranteed. However, upon deeper reflection, I realized there’s more to this strategy. Competing with Amazon Kobo isn’t as popular as its rival Amazon, which has a loyal customer base thanks to its extensive library and Kindle Unlimited program. As a heavy reader, Kindle Unlimited appealed to me for its budget-friendly access to countless indie authors. However, the more I learned about the challenges authors face with Kindle Unlimited, the more I saw Kobo’s strategic move in a different light. How Authors Get Paid in Kindle Unlimited All Kindle Unlimited subscription fees go into a big pot. Amazon calculates the total number of pages read across the platform each month and divides the pot by the total number of pages read to determine the earnings per page. Authors are then paid per page read, minus Amazon’s cut. The trouble is, this pot fluctuates monthly based on the number of users and books enrolled. With the rise of AI-generated books, the pot is divided among more pages, disadvantaging human authors who can’t produce content as quickly. Furthermore, Amazon’s lack of transparency about the pot, their cut, and the total number of subscribers and pages read adds to the uncertainty. Recently, Amazon introduced a vague AI policy, merely requiring authors to declare AI use, but offers little support or clarity otherwise. Amazon’s Challenges for Authors Authors face numerous issues on Amazon, from having their books removed for minor errors to dealing with piracy accusations. The most significant drawback is the exclusivity clause in Kindle Unlimited contracts, preventing authors from selling their ebooks elsewhere, limiting their reach and income potential. Many readers use the “report an error” feature on their Kindle, thinking they’re helping the author by pointing out grammar or spelling mistakes. However, Amazon can and does pull books for these reported errors. I’ve heard from authors who had their books reported for spelling issues simply because they used British English, and Amazon deemed their books “low quality” and removed them. This lack of understanding and flexibility from Amazon is frustrating for authors who work hard to publish their books. Another significant issue is that Amazon’s exclusivity requirement means that authors cannot sell their ebooks anywhere else, not even on their own websites. This restriction limits authors’ potential audience and income, tying them to Amazon’s platform. Moreover, Amazon scans the internet for copies of these books, and if it finds them on piracy sites, it may ban the author’s account, assuming the author violated the exclusivity agreement. This punitive approach adds to the difficulties indie authors face on Amazon. Kobo’s Opportunity Kobo’s subscription model, Kobo Plus, allows authors to distribute their books widely, even when enrolled in Kobo Plus. This flexibility is a major advantage over Amazon’s restrictive policies. However, Kobo lacks the large subscriber base that Amazon has, which is crucial for attracting authors. Strategic Move with Color E-Readers By introducing color e-readers, Kobo aims to draw more readers to their platform. Bookish communities are excited about seeing book covers in color and the ability to write in the margins. Kobo’s partnership with trusted voices in the bookish community helps them reach potential readers and authors alike. Watching the conversation evolve has been fascinating. Initially, Kindle users were hesitant about switching platforms, but influencers quickly shared guides on transferring Kindle books to Kobo devices. This openness to change is precisely what Kobo needed to gain traction. With this momentum, Kobo can attract more well-known indie authors, which in turn will bring more readers and pave the way for smaller indie authors. Kobo’s dedication to providing valuable support to authors sets them apart, and while they might not reach Amazon’s size, their entry into the market offers a nurturing alternative for

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