Random House Children's Books Publishes Its First-Ever Exclusive E-Book Original

NEW YORK, Aug. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in the publisher's history, today Random House Children's Books (www.randomhouse.com/kids) is releasing an e-book original, written by the acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Michael Scott and entitled THE DEATH OF JOAN OF ARC: A Lost Story from the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel (Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers / $0.99).

The story is available exclusively in digital format and is the newest addition to Scott's series The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, which has sold more than 1 million copies to date in North America. Following on the heels of the publication of The Necromancer (May, 2010), the e-book original is a short story that will fascinate fans. "With the exception of the two teen characters, Michael Scott's series is based entirely on individuals transplanted from history, mythology, folklore, and legend," explains Beverly Horowitz, Delacorte publisher. "Michael's new e-book original is certain to entertain fans and satisfy them as they wait until the publication of the next book in the six-part series, The Warlock (2011)." For more information about Michael Scott and the series visit Facebook.com/SecretsofNicholasFlamel. Fans can also play the online game at QuestfortheCodex.com.

THE DEATH OF JOAN OF ARC: A Lost Story from the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel is available wherever e-books are sold.

In THE DEATH OF JOAN OF ARC, Scott delves into the idea that the legendary Joan of Arc was not, in fact, burned at the stake in Rouen, France, in 1431. Instead, she was rescued from death by Scathach the Warrior. The truth about that day is revealed in the last will and testament of William of York. Scott's new short story will leave readers wondering if Joan of Arc still roams the Earth today. This e-book original offers a never-before-seen story of two warriors who would become sisters.

Random House Children's Books is the world's largest English-language children's trade book publisher. Creating books for toddlers through young adult readers, in all formats from board books to activity books to picture books, novels, and e-books, the imprints of Random House Children's Books bring together award-winning authors and illustrators, world-famous franchise characters, and multimillion-copy series. The company's Web site, Kids @ Random (www.randomhouse.com/kids) offers an array of activities, games, and resources for children, teens, parents, and educators. Random House Children's Books is a division of Random House, Inc., whose parent company is Bertelsmann AG, a leading international media company.

SOURCE Random House Children's Books