Here is an Amazon Prime perk that all hardcore book lovers would be thrilled to discover: Amazon First Reads. It gives Prime members early access to new and upcoming e-books, which are often available for free or at a steep discount.
What is it all about?
Amazon First Reads is a service available exclusively to Prime members, offering early access to a curated selection of books handpicked by experienced editors. What makes the service special is that the e-book titles are made available to Prime members even before they have been officially released. Prime members can download one of these titles for free, while non-Prime users can buy them for just $1.99.
You can read these on any Kindle device or through the Kindle app on smartphones, tablets, or computers. Once downloaded, the books are yours to keep forever, regardless of your subscription. The service used to be referred to as Kindle First previously.
How It Works
- Monthly Picks: Each month, Amazon editors select around eight to ten titles across genres like suspense, romance, literary fiction, and more.
- Prime Perk: As a Prime member, you can download one of these books for free. Non-Prime users can still participate and buy any title of their choice for $1.99 per book.
- Bonus Reads & Hardcopies: Sometimes, Amazon also offers a bonus short read that too is also provided for free. Apart from this, print editions are also often provided at discounted rates.
- Delivery & Library: The e-book that you have opted for gets delivered straight to your Kindle or the app—no need to open your wallet again. And the best thing is, the specific title is yours to keep forever. This applies even if you cancel your Prime subscription subsequently.
Why It’s Great for Readers
- Early access: You have access to titles before they hit the public. This way, you have a sneak peek at new stories before the others.
- Budget-friendly: While Prime members can have the title for free, non-members also get to have the titles at a heavily discounted $1.99. This makes it more affordable than typical e-books.
- No strings attached: There are no monthly commitments involved with Amazon First Reads. You have the liberty to pick what you want each month—or skip it entirely.
- Perks within Prime: Amazon First Reads joins a robust suite of book-focused benefits like Prime Reading, which gives you rotating access to thousands of e-books, magazines, and more, all at no additional cost.
How to Join Amazon First Reads
- You need to have an active Amazon Prime subscription to avail of the free e-book offer (or be prepared to pay $1.99 per book).
- Visit the Amazon First Reads page or sign up for the email newsletter.
- Each month, browse the selected titles and click “Read for Free” (Prime users) or purchase your pick.
- Get the book delivered to your Kindle or app. As already stated, the e-book is going to be yours to enjoy anytime and anywhere.
Comparing to Kindle Unlimited & Prime Reading
| Feature | Amazon First Reads | Kindle Unlimited | Prime Reading |
| Cost for Prime members | Free (1 book/month) | ~$10/month subscription | Included with Prime |
| Cost for non-Prime | $1.99/book | ~$10/month subscription | N/A |
| Access type | Monthly selections | Unlimited catalog | Rotating library |
| Book ownership | You keep it | Borrowed, returns occur | Borrowed, limited access |
| Release timing | Often before release | Regular catalog | Existing titles |
First Reads gives you early access and ownership—something neither Kindle Unlimited nor Prime Reading fully offers.
Amazon First Reads Titles Available For September 2025
- I’ll Follow You: A Novel (Genre: Psychological Suspense)
- Call of the Camino: A Novel (Genre: Book Club Fiction)
- Dating After The End Of The World (Genre: Romance)
- As Long as You’re Mine (Genre: Historical Fiction)
- The Last Morning: A Thriller (Genre: Psychological Suspense)
- A House Between Sea and Sky (Genre: Magical Realism)
- Wanting Daisy Dead (Genre: Psychological Thriller)
- The Distant Daughter (Genre: Historical Fiction)
Final Thoughts
Amazon First Reads offers excellent value for Prime members. It offers early access to new books at affordable rates with no obligations. No wonder it is often referred to as a hidden gem among Amazon’s literary perks, one that is ideal for avid readers. They have a literary surprise waiting for them every month. Set a monthly reminder (like around the 1st), check your email, and claim your free first read!
