Discover First: Get one of 100 copies of The Girl with the Seven Lives before it hits bookshops

Discover First is a playful invitation to peek behind the shelves and catch a glimpse of titles before they arrive in stores. It is all about the joy of discovery, the hush of anticipation, and the thrill of turning the first page together with fellow readers.

In this edition, readers are treated to a taste of a brand-new novel by Vikas Swarup, The Girl with the Seven Lives. A lucky circle will be selected to receive one of 100 early copies ahead of its August release, and every participant gets a free first chapter to dive into immediately. The experience highlights the excitement of new stories and the special feeling of discovering a hidden gem before it officially lands in bookshops.

Meet Devi, the resilient heroine of Swarup's story, who grows up amid the bustle of Delhi's streets. She navigates danger, loyalty, and a night that could change everything as she confronts secrets that span seven extraordinary lives. The novel promises a propulsive journey, rich with atmosphere, daring choices, and a voice that pulls you into the heart of the action from the very first page.

Discover First is more than a giveaway — it is a celebration of books, bookstores, and readers who relish the moment when a new title arrives and sparks conversations in cozy corners and bustling shop floors alike. With a free chapter to whet the appetite and hundreds of bookshops across the UK and Ireland that welcome National Book Tokens, the experience invites you to linger, imagine, and dream about the next book you will fall in love with.

National Book Tokens brings this moment to life, connecting readers with local bookshops and a community of story lovers. The campaign is a reminder that books open doors to new places, new friends, and new adventures, and that discovering a fresh voice can feel like meeting a new friend at a familiar corner. The Girl with the Seven Lives is poised to become one of those conversations you will want to start, and Discover First gives you a front-row seat to the excitement before the shelves are filled with the official release.

So picture a sealed copy arriving in the mail or collected from a welcoming bookshop, the first lines grabbing your attention, and a sense that you have uncovered something truly special. That is the spirit of Discover First — a chance to celebrate storytelling, to support authors and independent bookshops, and to share in the thrill of reading something new before the world catches on. It is a joyful book-loving moment that invites you to cherish the pages, savor the setting, and look forward to the August moment when the book officially lands in shops.