Crazy for Young Adult Books discussion
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Questions and input on shapeshifter books
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"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?"I know of two series off the top of my head that have a fairly well built world of various animal shifters.
The Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Series by Laurell K. Hamilton and the Others series by Anne Bishop
The Anita Blake series is a very long series and the author only branches out into other shifters later on in the series. But towards the end I have read about Swans, Serpents, Wolves, Tigers, Lions, etc.
In the Others series there is a more immediate introduction to the other shifters. In the first book alone their are Crows, Wolves, Bears, Coyotes, Hawks, etc.
"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?"
For me it depends on the plot. I am very interested in Shifters in general but I'm not sure how much I would like a book about JUST them. :/
"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?"
I generally like series over standalone novels. I'm about 60% - 40% in favor of authors I know versus new authors. I am willing to fork out money for a long book by a new author if the plot, cover and synopsis are really good. ^-^
I think with animal shifters the issue can often be folklore and countries where it's tied to. People are likely to associate someone who is part fox with a Japanese Kitsune or a Coyote with a Native Skinwalker and so on. So you'll either have to have a lot of multiculturalism and a large cast of characters which is probably why most stick to a few and the more popular ones.As for length...depends on how much of a story you have to tell.
I personally have not read a series that has multiple kinds of animal shapeshifters. All of the series that I have read have had wolves and/or werewolves.
I tend to prefer books that are in books rather than parts. Trying to keep up with "part 1, part 2, part 3, etc." gets complicated, confusing, and expensive. I also tend to continue with series that are in book format more often than serials.
I tend to prefer books that are in books rather than parts. Trying to keep up with "part 1, part 2, part 3, etc." gets complicated, confusing, and expensive. I also tend to continue with series that are in book format more often than serials.
This is an adult series, but
has an array of shifters. There are wild dogs, bears of all sorts, wolves, lions, tigers, cougars,and so many more. It it one of my favorite series.
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!