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Minerva
Action is driven by thought, thought is ruled by emotion, and emotion is controlled by Empaths.
Eighteen-year-old Minerva lives in a city of repurposed shipping containers, dependent on a hydroelectric plant for light and heat, while a nuclear winter blankets the world in snow. Hemp powder meals and patchwork clothes are a fact of life - as is human evolution. An unparalleled Empath, not only can Minerva sense emotions, she can read minds and influence thoughts.
Power has a price.
Starting with her mother's postpartum depression, suffering has surrounded Minerva. But she has a core of steel, and to prove it, she joins the Guard like her dad. At first, Minerva loves the camaraderie she finds among the brash, strong Vitals, and she learns to use her Empathy defensively. Then two discoveries shock Minerva, and she starts asking hard questions.
The answers may cost her life.
Eighteen-year-old Minerva lives in a city of repurposed shipping containers, dependent on a hydroelectric plant for light and heat, while a nuclear winter blankets the world in snow. Hemp powder meals and patchwork clothes are a fact of life - as is human evolution. An unparalleled Empath, not only can Minerva sense emotions, she can read minds and influence thoughts.
Power has a price.
Starting with her mother's postpartum depression, suffering has surrounded Minerva. But she has a core of steel, and to prove it, she joins the Guard like her dad. At first, Minerva loves the camaraderie she finds among the brash, strong Vitals, and she learns to use her Empathy defensively. Then two discoveries shock Minerva, and she starts asking hard questions.
The answers may cost her life.
- GenresDystopiaYoung Adult
373 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2021
8 people are currently reading
503 people want to read
About the author
Edith Pawlicki
8 books66 followersRegarding ratings - I only keep books on my shelves that I want to give 4 or 5 stars to - I am quite decisive about what I enjoy, so I rarely finish books that I don't and as a fellow author, it feels rude to broadcast when a book wasn't for me.
About me -With twenty-six first cousins and three older siblings, I grew up playing with all of them in the woods of Connecticut. I majored in computer science and Japanese and minored in history at the University of Rochester. After graduating, I taught English in Japan before moving to the Seattle suburbs, getting married, and earning my Masters in Teaching. The birth of my twin sons in 2016 turned me into a full-time mother, and when they turned two, I resumed my hobby of writing because the characters and worlds occupying my head were keeping me awake at night! In 2021, I felt ready to share a novel, so I published Minerva followed by the first two books of the Immortal Beings series.
Instagram: @edithpawlicki
Facebook: Edith Pawlicki
About me -With twenty-six first cousins and three older siblings, I grew up playing with all of them in the woods of Connecticut. I majored in computer science and Japanese and minored in history at the University of Rochester. After graduating, I taught English in Japan before moving to the Seattle suburbs, getting married, and earning my Masters in Teaching. The birth of my twin sons in 2016 turned me into a full-time mother, and when they turned two, I resumed my hobby of writing because the characters and worlds occupying my head were keeping me awake at night! In 2021, I felt ready to share a novel, so I published Minerva followed by the first two books of the Immortal Beings series.
Instagram: @edithpawlicki
Facebook: Edith Pawlicki
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 12, 2021
Thank you so much to the other for my finished copy of Minerva in exchange for an honest review! This is a post-apocalyptic dystopian for new adults, maybe older teens, that I think a lot of people will enjoy.
This sounded amazing, so I readily agreed to read and review the book!
The Plot & Story: the synopsis does a pretty good job summarizing the story. Minerva is graduating from the equivalent of high school, and despite what the society recommends for her as am Empath, she is going into the Guard. I personally like stories where Underdog characters are training and beating the odds, so I enjoyed the parts that take place at the cadet academy.
There is plenty of action throughout the novel as well as a deep discussion of various ethical issues. Almost immediately Minerva learns that one of the cadet officers is using his Empathy to Compel women, which opens up the story to a meditation on the slippery slope from well intentioned to evil, PTSD, trauma, consent, and sexual coercion.
The Characters: Minerva is a great main character, she is learning to use her Empathy while dealing with a brutish training leader at the Academy. I liked her cousin, Rex is like a big Labrador but also has a serious side. There is a great group element among the group of cadets, and all of the characters contribute something meaningful to the story.
The villain...let's just say the villain is multifaceted, and like an onion - Minerva just keeps peeling layers back to reveal who he truly is, and it's a terrible but excellent story
There is also an enemies to friends to lovers element.. So... Yeah. I shipped it.
The World: we are set in a post nuclear winter, somewhere in what used to be Canada. We learned enough about the man made disaster to be content. I envision a city of shipping containers and repurposed materials, strict rules and strict government, and man is it always cold. The whole thing is surrounded by a defensive wall of snow that has been made over the years by the city. Great imagery. I liked that the setting directly contributed to the story and wasn't just a backdrop for another story.
Others: I LOVE that the author created her own slang for the book, its pretty easy to follow but there's also a glossary, which was awesome. I also liked that the society chucked labels and just calls everyone Inda - short for individual. It's ridiculous how everyone today is so hyper fixated on labelling themselves - just be a good Inda. I mostly docked a star for editing mishaps and
I 100% recommend this book for anyone who likes post-apocalyptic settings, enemies to lovers, groups of found friends, strong family elements, ethics, or just a good story.
This sounded amazing, so I readily agreed to read and review the book!
The Plot & Story: the synopsis does a pretty good job summarizing the story. Minerva is graduating from the equivalent of high school, and despite what the society recommends for her as am Empath, she is going into the Guard. I personally like stories where Underdog characters are training and beating the odds, so I enjoyed the parts that take place at the cadet academy.
There is plenty of action throughout the novel as well as a deep discussion of various ethical issues. Almost immediately Minerva learns that one of the cadet officers is using his Empathy to Compel women, which opens up the story to a meditation on the slippery slope from well intentioned to evil, PTSD, trauma, consent, and sexual coercion.
The Characters: Minerva is a great main character, she is learning to use her Empathy while dealing with a brutish training leader at the Academy. I liked her cousin, Rex is like a big Labrador but also has a serious side. There is a great group element among the group of cadets, and all of the characters contribute something meaningful to the story.
The villain...let's just say the villain is multifaceted, and like an onion - Minerva just keeps peeling layers back to reveal who he truly is, and it's a terrible but excellent story
There is also an enemies to friends to lovers element.. So... Yeah. I shipped it.
The World: we are set in a post nuclear winter, somewhere in what used to be Canada. We learned enough about the man made disaster to be content. I envision a city of shipping containers and repurposed materials, strict rules and strict government, and man is it always cold. The whole thing is surrounded by a defensive wall of snow that has been made over the years by the city. Great imagery. I liked that the setting directly contributed to the story and wasn't just a backdrop for another story.
Others: I LOVE that the author created her own slang for the book, its pretty easy to follow but there's also a glossary, which was awesome. I also liked that the society chucked labels and just calls everyone Inda - short for individual. It's ridiculous how everyone today is so hyper fixated on labelling themselves - just be a good Inda. I mostly docked a star for editing mishaps and
I 100% recommend this book for anyone who likes post-apocalyptic settings, enemies to lovers, groups of found friends, strong family elements, ethics, or just a good story.
October 24, 2021
Great Storytelling that Teaches Morals
Wonderful read. A little hard to get into at first being it's a story completely different from others, set in a future destroyed by nuclear bombs. But once you get into it you must see it through to the end. Minerva is a strong good willed 18 year old who leads you through tough and uncomfortable situations but always figures out how to do what is right. Can't wait to read another of Palwicki's works.
Wonderful read. A little hard to get into at first being it's a story completely different from others, set in a future destroyed by nuclear bombs. But once you get into it you must see it through to the end. Minerva is a strong good willed 18 year old who leads you through tough and uncomfortable situations but always figures out how to do what is right. Can't wait to read another of Palwicki's works.
November 23, 2021
“Remember, if I say murder, you murder.”
Minerva lives in a Dystopian world controlled by emotion and physical capability. Families are only allowed to have two children, and their parents’ traits are passed down to them. Most are either full of vitality, empathetic or a mixture of the two and then some added characteristics on top. Minerva is one of just a handful of Level 5 Empaths, which means she can do, feel, fix, help, hurt —much more than the rest. Sometimes this gift is a blessing, and others it’s a curse.
At 18 years old, it’s unusual for someone like her to choose to go into “The Guard.” The reader slowly finds out what is expected of her as a cadet, but as an empath she ends up with the responsibility of much more than someone her age should have to handle.
Numerous bombshells are dropped on our main character throughout her journey regarding her past, present and what’s to come. Some are secrets so turbulent not even she can predict what’s about to come crashing down on the entire city.
It’s truly interesting to see what it’s like for two humans to have a deep, heartfelt empathy for one another. Just the simplest touch can show you exactly who a person is on the inside. At times you may see someone portrayed in a light that you never pictured before. While others, you are forced to see the evil that hides beneath the walls they’ve built up to disguise the truth.
A story that is reminiscent of Divergent by Veronica Roth, it has bits and pieces that take me back to the world of Tris starting as the underdog and becoming a hero.
The Narrator Ellora Sen-Gupta was fantastic and a breeze to listen to. I hope that there will be a Book 2.
Trigger warnings: rape, malfeasance, sexual assault; abuse.
4 ⭐️.
Thank you to Love Books Tours & Edith Pawlicki for the #gifted Audiobook in exchange for my honest review. This was also my first experience with Audible and it was a great one.
#vowsofgoldandlaughter #booktour #ad #lovesbookstours #lovesbooks #reader #reviewer #minervabook #edithpawlicki #booktour #bookreview #bookrecommendations #audible
Minerva lives in a Dystopian world controlled by emotion and physical capability. Families are only allowed to have two children, and their parents’ traits are passed down to them. Most are either full of vitality, empathetic or a mixture of the two and then some added characteristics on top. Minerva is one of just a handful of Level 5 Empaths, which means she can do, feel, fix, help, hurt —much more than the rest. Sometimes this gift is a blessing, and others it’s a curse.
At 18 years old, it’s unusual for someone like her to choose to go into “The Guard.” The reader slowly finds out what is expected of her as a cadet, but as an empath she ends up with the responsibility of much more than someone her age should have to handle.
Numerous bombshells are dropped on our main character throughout her journey regarding her past, present and what’s to come. Some are secrets so turbulent not even she can predict what’s about to come crashing down on the entire city.
It’s truly interesting to see what it’s like for two humans to have a deep, heartfelt empathy for one another. Just the simplest touch can show you exactly who a person is on the inside. At times you may see someone portrayed in a light that you never pictured before. While others, you are forced to see the evil that hides beneath the walls they’ve built up to disguise the truth.
A story that is reminiscent of Divergent by Veronica Roth, it has bits and pieces that take me back to the world of Tris starting as the underdog and becoming a hero.
The Narrator Ellora Sen-Gupta was fantastic and a breeze to listen to. I hope that there will be a Book 2.
Trigger warnings: rape, malfeasance, sexual assault; abuse.
4 ⭐️.
Thank you to Love Books Tours & Edith Pawlicki for the #gifted Audiobook in exchange for my honest review. This was also my first experience with Audible and it was a great one.
#vowsofgoldandlaughter #booktour #ad #lovesbookstours #lovesbooks #reader #reviewer #minervabook #edithpawlicki #booktour #bookreview #bookrecommendations #audible
December 2, 2021
This author never disappoints ever book that she has written has been so amazing I will look forward to whatever else she writes. I loved the character so much especially Minerva I found her to be an interesting yet compelling character that has such a great sense of right and wrong I also loved the romance I loved that it took time for them to get together both of them just fit so well together it was just so amazing to read. I also loved the other characters they were all so unique in their own ways I love books where the MCs parents are still around and are amazing also Minerva's friends and family were amazing as well I loved Kalyan he was such a great character and an amazing love interest. I loved the plot it started with the MC Minerva going to become what she wants to be she solves a crime with someone she came to care about to only find there is a even worse villain in their midst I really loved everything about this book it was an amazing read.
April 12, 2021
Warning: rape, sexual assault, abuse!
🦄🦄🦄
The truth was, she could never escape it - she had a unique skill that was troublesome, complex, and useful.
🦄🦄🦄
Action is driven by thought, thought is ruled by emotion, and emotion is controlled by Empaths.
Eighteen-year-old Minerva lives in a city of repurposed shipping containers, dependent on a hydroelectric plant for light and heat, while a nuclear winter blankets the world in snow. Hemp powder meals and patchwork clothes are a fact of life - as is human evolution. An unparalleled Empath, not only can Minerva sense emotions, she can read minds and influence thoughts.
Power has a price.
Starting with her mother's postpartum depression, suffering has surrounded Minerva. But she has a core of steel, and to prove it, she joins the Guard like her dad. At first, Minerva loves the camaraderie she finds among the brash, strong Vitals, and she learns to use her Empathy defensively. Then two discoveries shock Minerva, and she starts asking hard questions.
The answers may cost her life.
🦄🦄🦄
Minerva is a dystopian novel by Edith Pawlicki that has a twofold impact on a reader. One, it's a good read with an interesting story, and two, it's got a philosophical view point on topics related to society and it's functioning around certain situations. Given that this is a dystopian book, I wasn't expecting it to be this deep. Yes, I was expecting it to be entertaining because I feel like the dystopian genre gives a sense of 'what if' if it's written well and that's exactly what the author did by creating still connecting it to things that are part of our world (e.g. mobile phonesare rare but they mention how everyone had one).
The book's also very emotional and can make you cry (I did) because it contains a lot of sensitive talk but it's done the right way.
When it comes to the main character Minerva, first and foremost I will admit that I didn't like Minerva because if something that transpires in the beginning and even though I haven't forgotten about it, everyone needs a chance to be better and I think she does improve as the story progresses. Her relationship with her mother is a very difficult one and although we're fed clues as to why this might be the case I will admit that when the secret is finally revealed it broke my heart.
By the end of the book we're left content but there's still what I'd like to think of an opening to book 2 with unanswered questions or maybe a spin off with certain other characters put in the frontline to see what will happen next.
When it comes to the writing and structure of the story the author has put a lot into making everything feel as real as possible and bringing it to life, but there are areas where skimming through wouldn't hurt. Also, I would recommend reading the glossary at the end first (without reading the last chapter for spoilers) because there are certain terms that aren't used in modern day language. (E.g. freeze - a strong curse word; many people find it offensive (i.e. “that freezing liar”))
Overall, I loved the book and would definitely recommend it to dystopian lovers!
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 8.5/10
Melina L.
🦄🦄🦄
The truth was, she could never escape it - she had a unique skill that was troublesome, complex, and useful.
🦄🦄🦄
Action is driven by thought, thought is ruled by emotion, and emotion is controlled by Empaths.
Eighteen-year-old Minerva lives in a city of repurposed shipping containers, dependent on a hydroelectric plant for light and heat, while a nuclear winter blankets the world in snow. Hemp powder meals and patchwork clothes are a fact of life - as is human evolution. An unparalleled Empath, not only can Minerva sense emotions, she can read minds and influence thoughts.
Power has a price.
Starting with her mother's postpartum depression, suffering has surrounded Minerva. But she has a core of steel, and to prove it, she joins the Guard like her dad. At first, Minerva loves the camaraderie she finds among the brash, strong Vitals, and she learns to use her Empathy defensively. Then two discoveries shock Minerva, and she starts asking hard questions.
The answers may cost her life.
🦄🦄🦄
Minerva is a dystopian novel by Edith Pawlicki that has a twofold impact on a reader. One, it's a good read with an interesting story, and two, it's got a philosophical view point on topics related to society and it's functioning around certain situations. Given that this is a dystopian book, I wasn't expecting it to be this deep. Yes, I was expecting it to be entertaining because I feel like the dystopian genre gives a sense of 'what if' if it's written well and that's exactly what the author did by creating still connecting it to things that are part of our world (e.g. mobile phonesare rare but they mention how everyone had one).
The book's also very emotional and can make you cry (I did) because it contains a lot of sensitive talk but it's done the right way.
When it comes to the main character Minerva, first and foremost I will admit that I didn't like Minerva because if something that transpires in the beginning and even though I haven't forgotten about it, everyone needs a chance to be better and I think she does improve as the story progresses. Her relationship with her mother is a very difficult one and although we're fed clues as to why this might be the case I will admit that when the secret is finally revealed it broke my heart.
By the end of the book we're left content but there's still what I'd like to think of an opening to book 2 with unanswered questions or maybe a spin off with certain other characters put in the frontline to see what will happen next.
When it comes to the writing and structure of the story the author has put a lot into making everything feel as real as possible and bringing it to life, but there are areas where skimming through wouldn't hurt. Also, I would recommend reading the glossary at the end first (without reading the last chapter for spoilers) because there are certain terms that aren't used in modern day language. (E.g. freeze - a strong curse word; many people find it offensive (i.e. “that freezing liar”))
Overall, I loved the book and would definitely recommend it to dystopian lovers!
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 8.5/10
Melina L.
November 26, 2021
Another audio I’ve listened to by this author and it didn’t disappoint. This audio instantly introduced you to Minerva her cousin Rex and her teacher. You learn that Minerva and Rex want to join the guard. This instantly got me hooked as I have no idea what the guard could mean. Obviously I would understand the more I listened.
I loved it when Minerva and Rex joined the academy, it was beautiful listening to the back story of Minerva and her family. Although I wanted to judge Juno I felt like there was more to come. I sure was right at that moment in time for sure. It was wonderful listening to the different characters roles they play in their world including energy and empathy and so much more.
The singing caught me off guard but made me smile. When I was about a third a way through.
I loved how strong Minerva was especially when all the truths got revealed and her having the backbone to stand up for herself and say no. She’s a complete role model to her friends and her family. I cannot begin to imagine what it would feel like being in her shoes.
Another brilliant audio. The narrator made this perfectly easy to keep up to speed with all the different characters and the change of events. I think this was more of a fantasy than sci fi but I really enjoyed listening to it so much.
I loved it when Minerva and Rex joined the academy, it was beautiful listening to the back story of Minerva and her family. Although I wanted to judge Juno I felt like there was more to come. I sure was right at that moment in time for sure. It was wonderful listening to the different characters roles they play in their world including energy and empathy and so much more.
The singing caught me off guard but made me smile. When I was about a third a way through.
I loved how strong Minerva was especially when all the truths got revealed and her having the backbone to stand up for herself and say no. She’s a complete role model to her friends and her family. I cannot begin to imagine what it would feel like being in her shoes.
Another brilliant audio. The narrator made this perfectly easy to keep up to speed with all the different characters and the change of events. I think this was more of a fantasy than sci fi but I really enjoyed listening to it so much.
December 4, 2021
4.5 Rounded up to 5
I am all about the dystopian genre and this YA Dystopian did not disappoint!! I absolutely love Minerva and how strong a female lead she is, especially given how young and inexperienced she is. Her growth throughout this story was perfect and I was there for it!
I also loved the supporting characters as they added so much to the overall story itself. I seriously love when it all comes together so well. The writing, the pacing, the story, the romance...wow... seriously just wow.
Although, I can't say that I'm honestly surprised I loved this given that I've loved the other books I've read by this author. The fact that Edith Pawlicki can write across different genres, has me hooked, and I will read whatever she writes.
I sincerely appreciate the publisher and By the Book Virtual Book Promoters for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
I am all about the dystopian genre and this YA Dystopian did not disappoint!! I absolutely love Minerva and how strong a female lead she is, especially given how young and inexperienced she is. Her growth throughout this story was perfect and I was there for it!
I also loved the supporting characters as they added so much to the overall story itself. I seriously love when it all comes together so well. The writing, the pacing, the story, the romance...wow... seriously just wow.
Although, I can't say that I'm honestly surprised I loved this given that I've loved the other books I've read by this author. The fact that Edith Pawlicki can write across different genres, has me hooked, and I will read whatever she writes.
I sincerely appreciate the publisher and By the Book Virtual Book Promoters for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
March 13, 2021
Book review for "Minverva" by Edith Pawlicki
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a great book! This book takes place 279 years after a nuclear holocaust that changes life as we know it. Humans are living in a city called Churchill run by a governor that will have you appreciating our term limits that we have in our government offices.
Humans can have three different abilities, which you will see in the story can be used for good or evil:
1.) Empathy - the ability to send or receive other people's emotions
2.) Memory - the ability to recall memories faster
3.) Vitality - basically a super strong human with fast healing/immune
The main character, Minerva, is a level 5 Empath. Very interesting to read while she joins the Cadets (reminds me of Basic Training) to serve the government after High School, and discovers a secret about her mother and her father.
Minerva also discovers that another Cadet is using his Empath ability to take advantage of women and basically raping them. Just wait til you read about the governor.
I highly recommend this book if you like other Dystopian novels (think "Ready Player One" or "The Hunger Games" series).
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a great book! This book takes place 279 years after a nuclear holocaust that changes life as we know it. Humans are living in a city called Churchill run by a governor that will have you appreciating our term limits that we have in our government offices.
Humans can have three different abilities, which you will see in the story can be used for good or evil:
1.) Empathy - the ability to send or receive other people's emotions
2.) Memory - the ability to recall memories faster
3.) Vitality - basically a super strong human with fast healing/immune
The main character, Minerva, is a level 5 Empath. Very interesting to read while she joins the Cadets (reminds me of Basic Training) to serve the government after High School, and discovers a secret about her mother and her father.
Minerva also discovers that another Cadet is using his Empath ability to take advantage of women and basically raping them. Just wait til you read about the governor.
I highly recommend this book if you like other Dystopian novels (think "Ready Player One" or "The Hunger Games" series).
February 11, 2021
Most books with teen characters have plots that involve sadistic physical and mental torture that's somehow supposed to motivate the characters to save the mankind that abused them so horribly (Ender's Game, Maze Runner, etc.). This book isn't like that. There was a man-made disaster, but it was far enough in the past that it's barely mentioned, and not the focus of the story. This is a nice coming of age story with characters that show personal growth from naive schoolchildren to mature adults. There are some superpower abilities and learning to control them, but without giving too much away, they are a means to an end. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to someone that wants a quick read with a feel good plot.
February 4, 2021
Minerva is a well-crafted story with intriguing characters. It is intelligent, witty and deep. With psychological insight into relationships and society, it inspires one to think about personal power, community and communication, among other themes. Minerva gives a good dose of girl power feels, while dealing with ethical conundrums and topical issues such as sexual harassment and society's "others."
January 30, 2021
I received an early copy of this book because I know the author. This book is a really fun read that packs an emotional punch. The characters are cute and I love Minerva and you enjoy going on her journey to adulthood. Spoiler: this book deals with the trauma after rape which can be quite intense and I openly sobbed frequently. That said, the main characters are teens so there are some really fun scenes as well. The story reminds me of Starship Troopers (the movie not the book) with all the soldier training but with better female characters. The powers are fun and the world is well developed. The ending comes fast but I think that is true for all good young adult books. I definitely recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2021
Minerva kept me up last night, as I could not put it down. This dystopian story tied in past, present, and an all too possible future through the eyes of a powerful young girl.
Minerva is a cadet at the Academy, and her power as a high level empath finds her drawn to use that power to find the truth behind how others with her skills use theirs. She finds that there are many versions truth, and justice, as she and her friends battle another officer at the Academy. What she learns leads her to another battle against the governor, and the stakes are much higher.
The name Minerva is aptly chosen, and without spoiling anything, I thoroughly enjoyed another Roman connection in the final conflict!
The themes within the story could all have come from today's headlines, yet fit seamlessly within this future. Doing things the right way, even when it is harder, is chief among them.
Minerva is a cadet at the Academy, and her power as a high level empath finds her drawn to use that power to find the truth behind how others with her skills use theirs. She finds that there are many versions truth, and justice, as she and her friends battle another officer at the Academy. What she learns leads her to another battle against the governor, and the stakes are much higher.
The name Minerva is aptly chosen, and without spoiling anything, I thoroughly enjoyed another Roman connection in the final conflict!
The themes within the story could all have come from today's headlines, yet fit seamlessly within this future. Doing things the right way, even when it is harder, is chief among them.
May 4, 2022
This story, this world— it stuck with me.
In a dystopian world, we follow Minerva, a level 5 Empath as she trains to become a member of the Guard. This high level of empathy is incredibly rare and allows Minerva to not only sense emotions, but also read and influence thoughts. While the Guard is usually made of other powerful people ( those with high levels of Memory and Vitality), and Empaths usually take a different path, Minerva sets out to prove herself. Discovering secrets about herself, her cadet mates, and even people in power, Minerva journey is a beautifully crafted coming of age, exploration of relationships, and how society's influence can alter the course of history.
Edith Pawlicki's writing style is inviting. Even while building this complex dystopian world that takes place almost 300 years after a nuclear holocaust, with its own slang, its own magical system, you are never left scrambling to understand. Her characters are beautifully crafted and relatable--they fail and learn, therefore, they grow. The story itself had great depth and many unpredictable twists that I just absolutely adored. It is one of my favorites of the year so far.
In a dystopian world, we follow Minerva, a level 5 Empath as she trains to become a member of the Guard. This high level of empathy is incredibly rare and allows Minerva to not only sense emotions, but also read and influence thoughts. While the Guard is usually made of other powerful people ( those with high levels of Memory and Vitality), and Empaths usually take a different path, Minerva sets out to prove herself. Discovering secrets about herself, her cadet mates, and even people in power, Minerva journey is a beautifully crafted coming of age, exploration of relationships, and how society's influence can alter the course of history.
Edith Pawlicki's writing style is inviting. Even while building this complex dystopian world that takes place almost 300 years after a nuclear holocaust, with its own slang, its own magical system, you are never left scrambling to understand. Her characters are beautifully crafted and relatable--they fail and learn, therefore, they grow. The story itself had great depth and many unpredictable twists that I just absolutely adored. It is one of my favorites of the year so far.
November 22, 2021
I was sent a copy of this audiobook for review.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.
A global war left the world in a permanent nuclear winter. Minerva lives in one of the few remaining human settlements called Churchill. It is made up of recycled shipping containers, food is limited and clothing is made from repurposed cloth. One new addition to human life is that they have evolved special abilities that pass down through family lines and depending on their skill are assigned certain training/jobs within the community – Vitals are strong, heal quickly and frequently take positions in the Guard. Empaths like Minerva usually go into therapy.
But Minerva is determined to prove herself by following her father (a Vital) into the Guard of social norms. As she trains to use her rare level 5 Empath skills she questions where this power comes from. Her mother (a Memory) refuses to touch her and has always closed her mind to Minerva's powers leaving her to think she is hiding something.
As Minerva learns to use her ability to feel people's emotions, to read their minds and even influence their thoughts, she starts to focus her skills defensively with her team of recruits. When she is attacked sexually by a fellow recruit using empathy powers a series of events unfolds that lead Minerva to make two shocking discoveries: one about her own family and one that affects the lives of her entire community.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 This story had a bit of everything – dystopian future, supernatural powers, mystery, mythology and a fast-paced and gripping story at its heart. I was fascinated by the different powers and how this society evolved to incorporate them. Minerva's journey was intriguing and I felt she reacted with grit and heart to the unfolding events even when those situations affected her personally. Overall the story was filled with interesting and quirky characters, a multifaceted villain and a story that held my attention throughout. I found the narration was perfect for this audiobook and added an extra layer of connection to the characters.
TW: Sexual assault/child abuse
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.
A global war left the world in a permanent nuclear winter. Minerva lives in one of the few remaining human settlements called Churchill. It is made up of recycled shipping containers, food is limited and clothing is made from repurposed cloth. One new addition to human life is that they have evolved special abilities that pass down through family lines and depending on their skill are assigned certain training/jobs within the community – Vitals are strong, heal quickly and frequently take positions in the Guard. Empaths like Minerva usually go into therapy.
But Minerva is determined to prove herself by following her father (a Vital) into the Guard of social norms. As she trains to use her rare level 5 Empath skills she questions where this power comes from. Her mother (a Memory) refuses to touch her and has always closed her mind to Minerva's powers leaving her to think she is hiding something.
As Minerva learns to use her ability to feel people's emotions, to read their minds and even influence their thoughts, she starts to focus her skills defensively with her team of recruits. When she is attacked sexually by a fellow recruit using empathy powers a series of events unfolds that lead Minerva to make two shocking discoveries: one about her own family and one that affects the lives of her entire community.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 This story had a bit of everything – dystopian future, supernatural powers, mystery, mythology and a fast-paced and gripping story at its heart. I was fascinated by the different powers and how this society evolved to incorporate them. Minerva's journey was intriguing and I felt she reacted with grit and heart to the unfolding events even when those situations affected her personally. Overall the story was filled with interesting and quirky characters, a multifaceted villain and a story that held my attention throughout. I found the narration was perfect for this audiobook and added an extra layer of connection to the characters.
TW: Sexual assault/child abuse
November 29, 2021
Minerva is a YA Dystopian novel and was such a fun different read for me.
After graduating from high school Minerva, an Empath who can sense other’s emotions and read minds as well as influence thoughts, decides to join the guard just as her Dad did (who’s now a high ranking instructor there).
As she struggles to fit in, as one of the most powerful Empaths (she’s a level five) she learns not only some life changing secrets about herself, but also that some other (very important) Empaths may be using their strengths in devastating ways. She must right these wrongs. It will cost her.
This one has some deep themes running though it (why am I not surprised by that Edie? ❤️) and Minerva is a sympathetic and great leading character here. Laying tons of groundwork and world building also, the author does a great job of still getting us so emotionally involved.
I’ve always found the powers of an Empath to be so interesting. There are other powers here too. Memory (just as it sounds) and Vitals (strength) also are part of this world and add lots of interesting subplots to the storyline in a great way.
I highly recommend this one to YA and/or Dystopian lovers in general.
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ I really enjoyed Minerva.
Edith’s writing always has a way of pulling the reader into her world in such a beautiful and detailed way. Thanks Edie for always allowing me to be comfortable outside of my comfort zone.
Now please give me more Immortal Beings ASAP. 🙌
After graduating from high school Minerva, an Empath who can sense other’s emotions and read minds as well as influence thoughts, decides to join the guard just as her Dad did (who’s now a high ranking instructor there).
As she struggles to fit in, as one of the most powerful Empaths (she’s a level five) she learns not only some life changing secrets about herself, but also that some other (very important) Empaths may be using their strengths in devastating ways. She must right these wrongs. It will cost her.
This one has some deep themes running though it (why am I not surprised by that Edie? ❤️) and Minerva is a sympathetic and great leading character here. Laying tons of groundwork and world building also, the author does a great job of still getting us so emotionally involved.
I’ve always found the powers of an Empath to be so interesting. There are other powers here too. Memory (just as it sounds) and Vitals (strength) also are part of this world and add lots of interesting subplots to the storyline in a great way.
I highly recommend this one to YA and/or Dystopian lovers in general.
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ I really enjoyed Minerva.
Edith’s writing always has a way of pulling the reader into her world in such a beautiful and detailed way. Thanks Edie for always allowing me to be comfortable outside of my comfort zone.
Now please give me more Immortal Beings ASAP. 🙌
November 7, 2021
This book has everything I love; magic, dystopian realities, relationship development, I loved the characters, etc. I found Minerva very relatable and loved her progress. The world itself is interesting, I can see the inspiration from our current reality and enjoyed the look beyond appearances and to do anything we set our minds to as well as that things can easily go wrong but you can defeat them. I personally loved Kalyan as a character and wish there was a little more about him or from his perspective but the insights that were there were good and powerful. I liked the ending where after they'd finished the mission throughout the book you get an insight into what they did next. Great read and glad I had a chance to read about this world and I liked the phychological ideas behind the characters and figuring everything out, very emotional.
November 29, 2021
This was a wonderful read. The story takes place 279 years in the future after a nuclear winter. There are three different abilities that people can have and you see them throughout the story. The different abilities are Empathy: the ability to receive or send other people emotions, Memory: The ability to recall memories fast, and Vitality: pretty much a strong human with fast healing.
The main character you follow is Minerva, she is a level 5 empath. Minerva joins the Guard as a cadet. She learns a secret about her parents the day she graduates from High School. Once Minerva gets to Cadet School she starts to uncover the truth about how empath powers are bring used to get female cadets to have sexual relations. Minerva goes down the rabbit hole of uncovering the truth. Murder is attempted.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes post-apocalyptic and dystopian stories. Thank you to @bythebookvbp and @edithpawlicki for giving me the chance to read and review this wonderful book. This review is my opinion and mine alone.
#minerva #edithpawlicki #yanovel #bythebookvbp
The main character you follow is Minerva, she is a level 5 empath. Minerva joins the Guard as a cadet. She learns a secret about her parents the day she graduates from High School. Once Minerva gets to Cadet School she starts to uncover the truth about how empath powers are bring used to get female cadets to have sexual relations. Minerva goes down the rabbit hole of uncovering the truth. Murder is attempted.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes post-apocalyptic and dystopian stories. Thank you to @bythebookvbp and @edithpawlicki for giving me the chance to read and review this wonderful book. This review is my opinion and mine alone.
#minerva #edithpawlicki #yanovel #bythebookvbp
December 5, 2021
Title: Minerva
Author: Edith Pawlicki
Synopsis: Action is driven by thought, thought is ruled by emotion, and emotion is controlled by Empaths.
Eighteen-year-old Minerva lives in a city of repurposed shipping containers, dependent on a hydroelectric plant for light and heat, while a nuclear winter blankets the world in snow. Hemp powder meals and patchwork clothes are a fact of life - as is human evolution. An unparalleled Empath, not only can Minerva sense emotions, she can read minds and influence thoughts.
Power has a price.
Starting with her mother's postpartum depression, suffering has surrounded Minerva. But she has a core of steel, and to prove it, she joins the Guard like her dad. At first, Minerva loves the camaraderie she finds among the brash, strong Vitals, and she learns to use her Empathy defensively. Then two discoveries shock Minerva - the identity of her biological father and her Captain's illegal use of Empathy - and she starts asking hard questions.
The answers may cost her life.
Review: I loved this story! It was so different and I don’t think I’ve read a book like this before! This book was never boring and I found myself wanting to know what will happen next! There was so much depth to it! There was a reason for a lot of things that was happening! Minerva as a main character was perfect! I loved that she was always helping someone and understood that her gift was to be used for that! I felt so bad and a bit frustrated while reading and noticed the big strain on her relationship with her mother! I genuinely wanted to give her a hug! As for her father I loved him and his relationship with Minerva! He was so supportive and I was here for that! I need to mention the romance in it and I loved it! I was rooting for them to get together and I was so glad when they did! They had perfect chemistry! There were so many twists in this book that I genuinely did not predict and it made the book even more interesting! Just please pick up this book! It is by far my favorite and I can’t wait to read your other books!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Edith Pawlicki
Synopsis: Action is driven by thought, thought is ruled by emotion, and emotion is controlled by Empaths.
Eighteen-year-old Minerva lives in a city of repurposed shipping containers, dependent on a hydroelectric plant for light and heat, while a nuclear winter blankets the world in snow. Hemp powder meals and patchwork clothes are a fact of life - as is human evolution. An unparalleled Empath, not only can Minerva sense emotions, she can read minds and influence thoughts.
Power has a price.
Starting with her mother's postpartum depression, suffering has surrounded Minerva. But she has a core of steel, and to prove it, she joins the Guard like her dad. At first, Minerva loves the camaraderie she finds among the brash, strong Vitals, and she learns to use her Empathy defensively. Then two discoveries shock Minerva - the identity of her biological father and her Captain's illegal use of Empathy - and she starts asking hard questions.
The answers may cost her life.
Review: I loved this story! It was so different and I don’t think I’ve read a book like this before! This book was never boring and I found myself wanting to know what will happen next! There was so much depth to it! There was a reason for a lot of things that was happening! Minerva as a main character was perfect! I loved that she was always helping someone and understood that her gift was to be used for that! I felt so bad and a bit frustrated while reading and noticed the big strain on her relationship with her mother! I genuinely wanted to give her a hug! As for her father I loved him and his relationship with Minerva! He was so supportive and I was here for that! I need to mention the romance in it and I loved it! I was rooting for them to get together and I was so glad when they did! They had perfect chemistry! There were so many twists in this book that I genuinely did not predict and it made the book even more interesting! Just please pick up this book! It is by far my favorite and I can’t wait to read your other books!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 23, 2021
Edith Pawlicki’s Minerva is thoroughly engrossing. In a new Dystopian setting, with a vocabulary developed to reflect the post-nuclear world, the author addresses serious problems such as discrimination and sexual assault trauma in a way that doesn't destroy the reader in the process. It's a fascinating look into how we humans may evolve in dealing with gender and respect. There is a panoply of complex characters, some of whom help us dare to hope for a better world.
November 18, 2021
A dystopian story set after a nuclear war. Minerva, a level five empath, is graduating school and has decided to enter the Guard. Once there, she starts to uncover an officer compelling female recruits to have sexual relations with him. Minerva and fellow cadets start an investigation that sends Minerva down a path she never expected. Her lineage is questioned. Murder is attempted. Slavery. Corrupt leader compelling the entire city. A government coupe.
Wow. This was so good. A slow start, but it quickly made up for that. Everything I have ever read by this author is superb. She does a great job building worlds and characters. Very unique stories.
Wow. This was so good. A slow start, but it quickly made up for that. Everything I have ever read by this author is superb. She does a great job building worlds and characters. Very unique stories.
November 18, 2021
Having read the blurb I knew this book would be good but I never imagined how involved I would become with the story! I found myself thinking about what I would do or what my life would be like if I lived in Churchill. The character of Minerva a bit annoying in places because there were so many of her thoughts but I did find myself routing for her the whole way through. I really liked a lot of the characters and loved how this book focused on a family not just being blood but those who care for and love you. The ending was marvellous (and really brought the whole story together) - don’t worry no spoilers here! I will be recommending this to everyone as I adored it!
May 2, 2022
Really enjoyed this, like a Canadian dystopia of perpetual winter.
December 17, 2021
I love the dystopian world and culture that Edith Pawlicki created. The characters felt real, and they grew throughout the book. Minerva is a very strong Empath, but she doesn't get power hungry. She makes mistakes, but they're understandable and she learns from them and is more cautious in similar situations. Some of the lingo was easier to understand right away, but everything is eventually explained. Overall, Minerva is a great dystopian novel and it reminded me why I enjoy this genre.
November 14, 2021
Minerva is post-apocalyptic, you can tell that just by the blurb but this was a little different because Minerva had powers. She was an Empath. She is kick-ass for sure, she wants to prove that someone is using Empathy to compel women for his gain, sexually as well as other ways.
The plot was brilliant and the story flowed well, I liked Minerva as a character and also Rex, they were great. Everything was described in a way that I could visualise it so well.
Ellora Sen-Gupta narrated Minerva perfectly, she has a nice soft voice.
This is the second audiobook I have listened to by Edith Pawlicki and I have liked both. I hope to find more from her in the future.
The plot was brilliant and the story flowed well, I liked Minerva as a character and also Rex, they were great. Everything was described in a way that I could visualise it so well.
Ellora Sen-Gupta narrated Minerva perfectly, she has a nice soft voice.
This is the second audiobook I have listened to by Edith Pawlicki and I have liked both. I hope to find more from her in the future.
October 18, 2021
I loved this book! The cover is stunning and the story is amazing!
April 5, 2021
Thought-provoking, highly engaging. I highly recommend this futuristic, relevant, action-packed book about contemporary values.
April 25, 2021
I received this book free through goodreads. In a post nuclear war fallout world, the people who live in controlled cities have developed enhanced abilities that are passed on genetically, which usually determines their career path. New adults choose their futures when they turn 18. Most choose the path that compliments their abilities. Minerva chooses her path based on her dad's career in the Guard not on her strong empath abilities even though this is a harder route. After routine blood work Minerva discovers her dad can't be her biological father. Now her life becomes even harder and way more difficult. Going against the grain is what makes this story special. The world building is good, the characters better, but it's the struggles that make this book for me. I'm really hoping there will be another book in this world sometime in the future.
December 8, 2021
Wow - I’m pleasantly surprised by the complexity of this novel. The overall vibe is Divergent meets Me Too. Minerva, our protagonist, rivals some of my favorite strong YA characters - Tris from Divergent, Katniss from Hunger Games, Bree from Legendborn, and Alex from Ninth House.
In this dystopian novel, the citizens of Churchill have abilities - Empathy (allows to send or receive emotions), Vitality (strength), and Memory (faster recall and processing). Minerva is Empath and Memoir. Her Empathy power is so strong that she can also read minds and influence thoughts. However, she discovers that not everyone uses their power for good or noble deeds. Power has a price.
Pawlicki creates a world that explores life a few hundred years after a nuclear war. It’s entertaining and action-packed. But what stands out is the characters Pawlicki creates as she explores a century-old problem - superiors abusing their position of power. Many citizens of Churchill struggle with “can good people do bad things?” I love that Pawlicki shows that knowledge has power in its own right as Minerva uncovers answers that threaten everything she knows and loves.
YA books cover a wide age range, but because of the dense sensitive topics, I would suggest high school and above for this YA book. Trigger content includes child abuse and sexual assault.
In this dystopian novel, the citizens of Churchill have abilities - Empathy (allows to send or receive emotions), Vitality (strength), and Memory (faster recall and processing). Minerva is Empath and Memoir. Her Empathy power is so strong that she can also read minds and influence thoughts. However, she discovers that not everyone uses their power for good or noble deeds. Power has a price.
Pawlicki creates a world that explores life a few hundred years after a nuclear war. It’s entertaining and action-packed. But what stands out is the characters Pawlicki creates as she explores a century-old problem - superiors abusing their position of power. Many citizens of Churchill struggle with “can good people do bad things?” I love that Pawlicki shows that knowledge has power in its own right as Minerva uncovers answers that threaten everything she knows and loves.
YA books cover a wide age range, but because of the dense sensitive topics, I would suggest high school and above for this YA book. Trigger content includes child abuse and sexual assault.
November 26, 2021
Dystopian fans, this one's for you! This book has a little bit of everything all rolled into one. The world building was detailed and vibrant. The author created her own slang for the book, which is all defined in the glossary but is easy enough to figure out. Minerva is the underdog in her Cadet academy & I like that she pursued going into the Guard instead of doing what society would have her do. That's my kind of girl! This book dealt with some heavy topics and had some interesting commentary on society. I love the idea of being an Empath, being able to touch someone and see what they are feeling, thinking, etc., but I can see how that can weigh heavy on you. Overall, a fun dystopian read with memorable characters.
November 28, 2021
Minerva is set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic winter in what used to be Canada. Society in Minerva's present day no longer has use for gendered terms. They rank their society members on their skill levels from 1 to 5 in certain areas. Our main character, Minerva, is an empath, level 5. Despite this trait being one that would best suit her for counseling or working with individuals she wants to join the guard which is more suited to high level vitals.
Shortly into Minerva's start at guard training she is attracted to one of the other leads. When he tries to use his empathy to coerce her to go farther than she is comfortable no one believes her. The one person who believes her is one of the only people she cannot read with her empathy and someone she got off on the wrong foot with. Can she trust him and can they get to the bottom of this, as well as other, mysteries in their city?
I recommend this one for YA or New Adult dystopian fans. It has been awhile since I've read in this genre and this one made me realize how much I really do enjoy them.
Shortly into Minerva's start at guard training she is attracted to one of the other leads. When he tries to use his empathy to coerce her to go farther than she is comfortable no one believes her. The one person who believes her is one of the only people she cannot read with her empathy and someone she got off on the wrong foot with. Can she trust him and can they get to the bottom of this, as well as other, mysteries in their city?
I recommend this one for YA or New Adult dystopian fans. It has been awhile since I've read in this genre and this one made me realize how much I really do enjoy them.
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