Reviews & Testimonials

What readers, authors, and critics are saying about our books

Author Testimonials

Hear from the writers who've published with Konstellation Press

"At our first meeting, Cornelia Feye from Konstellation Press envisioned a beautiful book, and spoke of it often, like a mantra. She graciously embraced my poems, treated them with utmost respect, and provided a gentle and discerning touch. What more can a writer want from a publisher? Thank you, Cornelia."

Carlos Carrio Author, the wine tasted sweeter in the paper cups

"To Konstellation Press, especially Cornelia Feye and Tamara Merrill, thank you for your feedback and support in getting the book to print and for pushing the process to a conclusion."

Kate Porter Author, Lessons in Disguise

"I have had many positive comments on my book and it is being passed around. Thank you, Konstellation Press, for pushing and supporting me."

Mary Kay Gardner Author, Captured Moments

"I appreciate you not judging me, being generous, accepting and helpful with your experience, knowledge and professionalism. Your benevolent critical side is full of warmth and kindness."

Melissa Joseph Author, a tender force

Book Reviews

Critical acclaim and professional reviews

Death of a Zen Master

by Cornelia Feye

Readers' Favorite — 5 Star Review by Jack Magnus

★★★★★

"Death of a Zen Master is a well-written and absorbing story that harkens back to the classic murder mystery novels such as those penned by Agatha Christie. I loved the isolated setting for the crime and relished seeing the fear and suspicion of the students as they realize they are trapped with a killer, with no way out and no way to contact the outside world."

"Feye's characters are finely crafted and true-to-life and her plot is ingenious. She gives the armchair sleuth plenty of red herrings to consider along with Greg Stern, as he tries to unmask the killer and stay alive. This classy, modern-day homage to the golden age of murder mysteries is most highly recommended."

Death of a Zen Master

by Cornelia Feye

Midwest Book Review — Diane Donovan

"Death of a Zen Master is a mystery set in a remote Zen monastery... Surprises unfold from the beginning, from the identity of the Zen Master whom he hasn't seen until the murder to the identity of a murderer who surely must reside among the residents at the monastery, since it is remote and largely inaccessible to the outside world."

"This attention to spiritual detail juxtaposes nicely with the elements of a murder mystery investigation as Greg is forced to evolve on several different levels to handle adversities which feel both familiar and alien at the same time."

"Zen ideas and experiences run side by side with Greg's murder investigation and intrigue, creating a satisfyingly revealing story that operates on more than one level. It will especially intrigue readers with any degree of prior interest in Zen Buddhist perception, who will find the premise of a murder and a peaceful monastery's disruption to be thoroughly engrossing reading."

"Death of a Zen Master is highly recommended reading for murder mystery fans looking for more spiritual and psychological evolution in their main protagonist than is usually proffered in the typical 'whodunnit'."

Death of a Zen Master

by Cornelia Feye

Author Review — Corey Lynn Fayman

"Forget your English Manors and manners. A Buddhist monastery in California makes the perfect setting for this engaging and clever take on the we're-trapped-in-place-and-someone-is-the-killer story. In Cornelia Feye's capable hands, the search for spiritual enlightenment goes hand in hand with the search for a murderer. A tasty Karma snack of a mystery novel."

— Corey Lynn Fayman, author of the award-winning Rolly Waters Mystery Series

Private Universe

by Cornelia Feye

Author Review — Glen Vecchione

"Ms. Feye's Private Universe is a compelling and engaging story that weaves adventure, colorful characters, picturesque settings, and unrelenting suspense into a multilayered and uniquely-crafted novel. Its non-linear narrative describes a metaphysically-infused journey into the authenticity of self through the eyes of Vega Stern, an intelligent young woman who's lured into the drug scene of 1970s Germany by a seductive 'bad boy.'"

"When this dangerous relationship reaches the tipping point and Vega is faced, suddenly, with the prospect of unredemptive addiction and probable death, Vega chooses instead to transform her self-directed recovery into an exploration of spiritual significance, meaningfulness, and genuine self-love. With the symbolism of Great Art her signposts and the Great Masters her mentors, Vega pivots her alienation and exploration into a revelatory breakthrough that illuminates her life and empowers others seeking a 'second chance.'"

— Glen Vecchione, author of The Dream Box

Refuge on the Mountain

by Cornelia Feye

Readers' Favorite — 5 Star Review by Natalie Soine

★★★★★

"Refuge on the Mountain is a thrilling and emotional novel that explores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of insurmountable odds."

"A must read for anyone who is intrigued by the idea that this talented writer can combine mystery, sci-fi, Zen Buddhism, and art history into a compelling read."

— Tamara Merrill, author of Shadows in Our Bones

Struggles Against Time

by Ted Shigematsu

Readers' Favorite — 5 Star Review

★★★★★

"Struggles Against Time, a philosopher's journey through life, is nothing short of amazing. It's brimming with adventure, profound philosophical quandaries, and relatable, evocative experiences."

Skating on Thin Ice: A Zen Path of Self-Realization

by Ezra Bayda

Readers' Favorite — 5 Star Review

★★★★★

"Skating on Thin Ice will show you the guidelines to true contentment, the root causes of happiness, and three life-affirming exercises. Using personal anecdotes, stories, and examples, Ezra Bayda explores the human condition from many angles, providing helpful ways to solve some of the most fundamental challenges we face."

"Bayda emphasizes the importance of practices and meditation and advises readers against indulging in addictive behaviors that take a toll on the body, mind, and soul. Skating on Thin Ice is a handbook that will help you negate work-related anxiety and stress, foster deeper relationships, and lead you to a path of a happy and fulfilling life. To put it simply, an enlightening book that I highly recommend."

Barefoot Monks with Sullied Toes

by carlos carrio

Review by Melissa Joseph

"Carlos' poems are a plethora of evocative and pithy metaphors for the reader to take away, remember, and reflect upon. When you read poems such as Space and Time, you will see for yourself. He has touched love, contemplated loss and rejoiced in togetherness. He has indeed witnessed himself as evident in this exquisite book of poetry."

— Melissa Joseph, author of Moments with Baxter and a tender force

the wine tasted sweeter in the paper cups

by carlos carrio

Review by Nick Samaras, Poet

"In this convoluted, complex world, it is refreshing to find a writing that so simply speaks of human emotions and positive love, writing stripped of convoluted wordplay, yet filled with raw yearning and the closeness of humanity. 'Your remedy writes these words' extols a yearning not disguised and welcomes a new poetic voice."

Press & Media

SD Voyager Interview

Read the interview with Konstellation Press and Cornelia Feye

Read Interview →

Vanguard Culture's History of Joy

Konstellation Press is a producing partner in the second installment on Sacred Rituals & Generations. Watch "The Brooch," a visual essay about four generations of women, followed by an interview with founder Cornelia Feye.

Watch on YouTube →

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