starexplorer wrote:

Just mentioning that here in the US you do have to sign up for Kindle Unlimited to get the free book, meaning unless you want to be charged $12/mo you have to cancel within 90 days. Aside from that detail, it looks like a fun read! Also, maybe another factor in his making the book free. Amazon probably throws him a bone. Or two.

Ok.  That's interesting.  My kindle account is on Amazon US, not Amazon AU.  I followed the link and the page I got to offered me the book via two ways: 1) sign up for kindle unlimited , or 2) simply buy the kindle edition for $0.  I chose the second and 'bought' it in the same way I do other kindle content.  It downloaded happily as usual and I was not forced to use kindle unlimited.
 

I am reading it now, it reads a lot like Turtledove.
 

Well this is very interesting. I have encountered discussion previously suggesting that Amazon prices may not  be uniform, and that their pricing algorithm may factor in predictions about the amount the buyer may be willing to pay. I wonder whether this is an example of this? In any case, checking again, I have two choices: Kindle Unlimited or $4.99.

HRHSpence wrote:

It's just a bit disturbing that they'd gouge you like that.

Thanks, there’s that. But I’m actually more interested in whether that are actually tailoring their prices to the individual they whose history they're tracking. That would be notable, and if so I’d like to know about it. I like knowing how I’m being manipulated as a consumer. And it might also enable me to manage it better.