Amazon has introduced a new artificial intelligence-based feature for Kindle users in the United States, aimed at making it easier to follow book series over time.
Highlights
The feature, called Recaps, provides concise AI-generated summaries of previously read books within a series, helping readers recall essential plot points and character developments without having to reread earlier titles.
The update began rolling out this week via an over-the-air (OTA) update for Kindle devices in the U.S. It follows the November 2024 introduction of a similar AI-driven tool for Prime Video—X-Ray Recaps—which offered viewers brief refreshers on previously watched shows and movies.
The addition of Recaps to Kindle reflects Amazon’s broader effort to integrate AI tools across its content platforms, aiming to support user convenience and content continuity.
Addressing a Common Reader Challenge
Returning to a book series after a long break can often be difficult for readers, especially when details from earlier volumes become hazy.
While some readers opt to reread entire series, this can be time-consuming and, for some, lead to genre fatigue.
Recaps aims to simplify this experience by delivering brief summaries that include major events, story arcs, and character developments—though users should be aware these recaps may contain spoilers.
At launch, the feature is available only for Kindle ebooks written in English and officially designated as part of a series.
Eligible titles must be purchased or borrowed directly from Amazon’s digital store. Books added manually or through third-party sources are currently not supported, even if they are part of a series.
To access Recaps, users can tap the “View Recaps” button found on the series page within their Kindle Library or access the feature through the three-dot menu in the series grouping.
The latest Kindle software must be installed for the feature to appear, and an active internet connection is required to view the summaries.
User Feedback and Privacy Concerns
Since its introduction, Recaps has received mixed feedback from readers. While some appreciate the streamlined summaries and see the feature as a helpful tool for re-engaging with long-running series, others have raised questions about the accuracy of the AI-generated content.
Concerns have also emerged around data usage—specifically whether users’ reading habits are used to train Amazon’s AI models.
In response, Amazon has clarified that the Recaps are created using a combination of generative AI and human moderation, aiming to ensure the summaries remain faithful to the original content. However, as with any AI-driven system, occasional discrepancies may occur.
Expansion and Platform Availability
At present, the Recaps feature is limited to Kindle devices in the United States. Amazon has confirmed plans to expand support to the Kindle app on iOS in the near future, allowing broader accessibility across multiple reading platforms.
A timeline for international rollout or availability on additional platforms such as Android or Kindle for desktop has not yet been announced.
Feature Limitations
While Recaps adds a convenient layer for series readers, it comes with a few limitations. The feature only supports ebooks acquired directly through Amazon and does not apply to sideloaded content.
Additionally, the summaries require an internet connection for access, and there is currently no option to modify font size or formatting within the recap text.
