Questions and input on shapeshifter books

[Koda]

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 readers tend to prefer a longer book or a series of shorter installments? I suppose the better question to ask would be Do readers 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 readers prefer to just buy one larger book?

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

[Joseph]

In the book Decay Inevitable (by Conrad WIlliams), one antagonist is a woman who shapeshifts in a way similar to the bad guy in Terminator 2, I think, although more organically. I can't remember exactly off the top of my head, but I remember it was pretty well done.

[Jennifer]

Koda, a book of about 300-400 pages is good. It is not a tease (unless you are George Martin) and I think a good story can be done.

[CD]

The author Richelle Mead has a series about Succubi and other creatures of the underworld. Many of them are shapeshifters. Light reading but fun.