Minariel


Non-Fiction - Science/Technology
100 Pages
Reviewed on 11/23/2025
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Author Biography

My name is David Elkins. I am the author of Minariel. I write, draw, and illustrate books. I am the author of the books Marakin, Denewen, Nuna Anodm, and Tamaren.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Alija Turkovic for Readers' Favorite

Minariel by David Elkins combines ideas of science, technology, and group behavior. It investigates how people can move, communicate, and share information in organized, often geometric ways. The book explores how groups form physical patterns, operate devices together, and coordinate actions in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional spaces. It explains how language is more than words and letters. It also includes touch, temperature, air, sound, and smell. Elkins explores extended human senses such as balance, magnet detection, and full-body spatial awareness, and shows how devices can enhance or simulate these senses. Overall, this book is a well-written guide to understanding how humans behave, perceive, and communicate in technology and shared spaces.

I found David Elkins' Minariel to be a surprisingly insightful and inventive book. Even though the topics are scientific and technical, Elkins explains them clearly and provides examples of how they can work in real-life settings. The book encouraged me to think about communication in much broader terms than how we typically view language. I appreciated the balance between the theoretical sections and pages that show equipment, diagrams, and environments. Some of the concepts are complex, yet the book is accessible due to its clear structure and visual explanations. I also like that it treats human senses as flexible and expandable rather than fixed. Although the scope is broad, the author's focus remains on how groups function and how technology can support them. This makes me curious as to where these ideas can lead in practice. Very highly recommended.

Carol Thompson

Minariel by David Elkins explores the intersection of the social and physical sciences, offering a unique perspective on human interaction, sensory perception, and the mechanics of group dynamics. The book is organized into seven chapters, each examining a distinct aspect of human behavior and perception, from geometric group formations to the intricacies of magnetoreception and equilibrioception. Elkins skillfully blends scientific concepts into imaginative scenarios, creating a work that engages both the intellect and the senses. Illustrations and diagrams reinforce this approach by clarifying complex ideas and giving abstract theories a more concrete presence. The discussion of language conveyance is equally intriguing, as it challenges traditional notions of communication and proposes novel methods of transmitting information through tactile, olfactory, and auditory media. The inclusion of illustrations and diagrams throughout enhances readers' understanding of complex ideas, making abstract concepts more tangible and accessible.

David Elkins demonstrates a remarkable ability to blend scientific concepts with imaginative scenarios, producing a book that is intellectually stimulating and visually engaging. The author’s attention to detail is evident in his precise, creative descriptions of group mechanics, sensory tools, and interactive networks. Readers who enjoy speculative and imaginative works that bridge science, art, and philosophy will find Minariel captivating. Fans of authors like Italo Calvino, known for his inventive storytelling and exploration of abstract concepts, will appreciate Elkins’ approach to blending creativity with intellectual inquiry. Elkins has penned a compelling read for those curious about the interplay between science and creativity, as well as for anyone who enjoys exploring the potential of human ingenuity. His ability to craft vivid scenarios and his imaginative use of illustrations make this book a unique addition to the genre.

Luwi Nyakansaila

Minariel by David Elkins is a guide centered on social and physical science. It focuses on group dynamics, sensory perception, communication methods, and interactive tools. The book educates readers on human behavior in groups, standing formations, and geometric patterns. It further delves into the operation of devices like cameras and flashlights by multiple people. The author covers multi-dimensional language systems, dealing with alphabet letters, syllable arrangement, and sensory media for communication. The book also covers the non-traditional senses, Magnetoreception, and Equilibrioception senses, and their sensory devices. Readers will learn about the phases of matter (solid, liquid, gas, plasma), the medium of transmission, interactive networks, and audio-visual landscapes. It includes tools for communication and interaction, and clothing and equipment that provide protection and sensory connection.

Minariel is an interesting read that can help you coordinate actions as a group, create environments that encourage interactions through different methods, and learn the importance of sensory feedback. The book is filled with many examples from team sports, letter arrays, and observations of temperature from heaters. These examples make it easy to understand the concepts that the author presents. David Elkins’ narrative makes it easy to jot down notes on the topics presented. I really like how this book keeps things simple. The language is straightforward, so you never feel lost or overwhelmed. The illustrations do not just add color to the book—they actually help you connect with the text. This is an excellent read for anyone interested in learning about environments and how interactions can be optimized through various modes and devices.