Lovers of Paranormal discussion

Hello all, I hope everyone is having a great week and some good reads! :) I was looking for some people's opinions on some questions, I do apologize if you are seeing this on more than one group you are in as I am trying to get various thoughts and opinions on this.

From what I have seen, most books that are about or even vaguely consisting of shapeshifters seem like there is only one or two types at a time. On top of that, they seem to typically consist of wolves, bears, lions, dragons, maybe the occasional tiger... Are there any books with all types of animal shifters or do they mainly focus on one type?

Is there any interest in an actual world of animal shapeshifters? Or do readers want more magical beings as well such as vampires, witches, and other mythical type beings and beasts?

Do you tend to prefer a longer book or a series of shorter installments? I suppose the better question to ask would be Do you feel more comfortable purchasing a book from a first time author if it is offered in shorter installments (therefore giving a cheaper price to "try" them out)? Or do you prefer to just buy one larger book?

Thank you for your time and input. Any opinions you share are most appreciated!

I've read a few books that have gators, bunnies and badgers along with the usual shifters.

I think a lot of us enjoy the fantasy realm where the paranormal can be anything . If there was an actual world with real animal shifters I think that would be way cool !.

As for the lengths of a book I read longer books and series with shorter installments. The stories themselves is what's appealing not the length.

I hope this helps a little:)

Professor McGonagall from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone could shapeshift into a cat :-)

And Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials series (i.e., The Golden Compass, etc.) has Daemons who are people's animal spirits that can shapeshift into other animals.



Shapeshifting small animals have been around for a very long time, including The Frog Prince and The Swan Princess. The problem with smaller animal shapeshifters in ADULT literature is it stretches credibility for that animal to shift into a full-sized lover (except the frog prince). For romance purposes, or even urban fantasy, most people want to read about an animal that can protect them, not sit on their lap and purr. Which is why we tend to find them more in children's literature, where children want a loving companion and friend, than in adult literature.

Remember in the movie Sky High, the 'superhero sidekick' kid who could only turn into a guinea pig? Not very heroic on first glimpse even though the guinea pig saves the day.

@Jenn Do you happen to remember any of the titles or authors? If you don't, it's completely fine. I was just wondering!

I agree. I think people who are more on the realist side become too skeptical to accept and just go along for the adventure and fantasy of it. Such as an average sized adult turning into a small creature, some can't accept that and others are immediately into it no questions asked. Whereas fantasy lovers usually don't mind having it all and some do want more than just one type of shapeshifter. To me, the more the better! I understand not wanting to get bogged down by feeling like there was just too much excessive detail put in just to make it longer. I don't like that either. However, I think there is a lot of room to put more of them into one book or series without feeling like page filler.

Obviously the length of book question is all personal opinions, there is no right or wrong at the end of the day. I just like hearing what people's thoughts are and finding more book recommendations through those that share the same interests.

@Anna I feel like we'd get along based on all thoughts and examples listed haha (I think you're great too Jenn!)

Harry Potter and the whole Animagus concept is great. I also like that it's not just something all witches and wizards can do. They actually have to learn it and from what we've seen, they end up in one form as opposed to many. I find it more interesting when they are limited to one form or else it just seems so overpowered to just adapt to any conflict you come across.

I am a HUGE fan of His Dark Materials. I felt the movie fell short but I feel that way about most movie adaptations. The Golden Compass was one of my favorite books for a long time when I was younger. I suppose that made it harder on the movie makers to get past our nostalgia factor! When I was younger, I also really enjoyed reading and by Jim Kjelgaard. It was interesting reading the perspective of both the man and some of the animals. Made me have a soft spot for Chiri.

Pretty sure most adults wouldn't find a guinea pig shapeshifter all that interesting. Except for perhaps some people who own them/have owned them or love the animal. But those are a small niche in comparison to all the other animals out there that others prefer. Plus apex predators will always amaze people. I think how you worded it was perfect, "most people want to read about an animal that can protect them".

Thank you both for taking the time to read and respond!

I don't remember the books but I do remember the authors. I've read so many of their books and most of them are Paranormal/comedy/romance. Shelley Laurenston and Eve Langlais. I read all their books, they both have awesome imagination when it comes to the shifter world.

I think it's great you posed this question, it's awesome to see what different opinions people have about their books. Give me anything with the paranormal and I'm happy!! lol