Author Archives: Gaius Konstantine

Book Review: What the Hands Remember

Tiny stories with outsized impact define What the Hands Remember (A Vignette Collection for the Times), an anthology by J.R. Larriba. Ranging from western themes and childhood antics to the folly of trench warfare in World War I (and a brief stop in outer space), these tales are more than an author’s musings; they share common bonds even when they stand apart.

A Cautionary Tale: Reviewing Dalton Wyers’ Arvo

Freedom of choice, reality, and even the question of what it means to be human collide in Arvo, a novel by Dalton Wyers. The setting is the very near future, and for seventeen-year-old Ethan Cole, life is normal—sort of. Like much of the country, Ethan is wired: neuro-integrated with an implant meant to help him live better. The device is not passive. It is a voice in his head, and it may have an agenda that has little to do with his well-being. When an upgrade becomes available, Ethan opts in, only to learn that the decision was never truly his.

Two Sides of a Broken Heart: C.J. Simone’s Pip and Estella Reimagines Dickens with Psychological Depth

Pip and Estella by C.J. Simone offers a psychologically rich dual-POV retelling of Great Expectations, deepening the classic’s exploration of class, obsession, and cruelty while giving Pip and Estella fuller, more nuanced arcs that readers will loathe, love, and ultimately pity. Simone’s prose is a standout strength, evoking nineteenth-century atmosphere while staying accessible and fluid for modern readers. Though its faithfulness to Dickens’ plot limits originality, the novel remains a solid, engaging retelling that many contemporary readers may enjoy even more than the original.

Editorial Book Reviews: What They Are, Why They Matter, and How to Make Yours Work Harder

This guide walks through what an editorial review is, why many authors find it useful, how to make the most of one once you have it, how to add it to your Amazon page, and — since several of you have asked — how to request the Just Reading Nook seal and use the seal card effectively.

Patron Games by Ian Page: A Hilarious Tale of Money, Mayhem, and Misfit Actors

Patron Games, a field manual novel by Ian Page.
Machiavellian buffoonery, unrequited love, and everything that can go wrong going wrong at the worst possible time.

Elegant, Brooding, and Philosophical, The Shattered Way by Adam Caisse

“Memories live longer than anything if we preserve them. They die the easiest of anything if we choose not to.” This statement is true. But are all memories worthy of being kept alive? Or are some best left to be forgotten? This question and many more are explored in The Shattered Way, a novel by Adam Caisse. 

Walking A Tightrope (Without a Net)

While it’s true that not all authors share the same goals when they embark on their journey, enough commonalities exist for every author to face the same challenges. Publishing, covers, editing, and marketing are all functions that must be addressed in one way or another. This, in turn, means resources must be allocated, whether it’s time or, for many of you, cash.

A Changing Environment: The Indie Publishing Quality Crisis

A seismic shift has impacted the publishing industry over the last few years, with traditionally published books now accounting for only 13-25% of new titles. While these figures vary by genre and region, and publishing houses still retain an advantage for print books, the repercussions for the industry cannot be ignored.

State of the Industry: An Overview

Congratulations. You just finished your manuscript (or maybe are considering writing one) and are on your way to becoming an author. Perhaps dreams of publishing contracts and a life as a full-time writer are your goals, where the novels you write generate enough sales to sustain your lifestyle. Maybe you’ll succeed, but it may be wise to step back and take a realistic look at the (literary) world you are hoping to become a part of.