Amazon is rolling out a new feature for Kindle users that aims to make diving back into book series a whole lot easier. Called Kindle Recaps, this tool offers readers a quick refresher on major plot points and character developments from earlier books before they jump into the next one. While Amazon’s official announcement didn’t highlight it, the company has confirmed that these summaries are powered by generative AI.
In a statement , Amazon spokesperson Ale Iraheta explained, “We use technology, including GenAI and Amazon moderators, to create short recaps of books that accurately reflect book content.” Though the company emphasizes human oversight, readers have already raised questions about the accuracy of these AI-generated summaries. Reddit discussions show users expressing concern over how well an algorithm can summarize the nuances of complex stories.
For now, the Kindle Recaps feature is available to U.S.-based Kindle device users. It supports thousands of best-selling English-language e-books that belong to series — spanning popular genres like fantasy, mystery, and thrillers. The company also confirmed it plans to bring Recaps to the Kindle iOS app soon.
If you’re wondering whether a book in your library has a recap available, it’s easy to find out. You’ll see a “View Recaps” button on the series page in your Kindle Library. Alternatively, within the series grouping, you can tap the three-dot menu and select “View Recaps” to access the summary.
Before the recap displays, Kindle will give you a spoiler warning. Noting that the summary may reveal key plot twists and character developments. Once you acknowledge the spoiler alert, you’ll be directed to the recap, designed to quickly bring you up to speed.
Amazon says the goal is to give readers a smoother, more immersive experience. “By adding a new level of convenience to series reading, the Recaps feature enables readers to dive deeper into complex worlds and characters without losing the joy of discovery,” the company wrote in a blog post. It’s designed for anyone who’s ever struggled to remember what happened in the last book. Especially when months or years separate reading sessions.
Whether you’re picking up a beloved fantasy saga or returning to a slow-burning mystery. Kindle Recaps may help you rejoin the story without re-reading previous volumes. While the summaries aim for accuracy, the involvement of AI may still give some readers pause — especially purists who value subtlety and narrative nuance.
Still, as Amazon continues refining the feature, it could become a powerful tool for binge readers and casual bookworms alike.
