Books matching: shapeshifting abilities
18 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare is a steampunk novel set in Victorian London, following the story of Tessa Gray, a girl who discovers her rare ability to shapeshift into other people. Kidnapped by the Dark Sisters, she is rescued by Shadowhunters and embarks on a journey to find her missing brother while uncovering the evil forces behind the Pandemonium Club. The book is praised for its fast-paced plot full of action, diverse characters, and the infusion of historical references and literature in a dark paranormal setting.
Set in the 1800s England, the novel introduces readers to a world of Shadowhunters, downworlders, and a clockwork army led by the Magister, all while exploring themes of love, friendship, and supernatural circumstances. The writing style is commended for its simplicity yet effective blend of historical reality and steampunk paranormal fantasy, making it an engaging read for both teens and adults who enjoy dark, action-packed stories with well-developed characters.
Tessa set the book she had been reading down on the bedside table, and turned to see Miranda standing in the doorway of her small room—just as she did at this time every day, delivering the same messa... - #2
The Fifth Head of Cerberus by Gene Wolfe is a multi-layered work that delves into matters of identity, freedom, and colonization across three interconnected novellas set on twin colony worlds. The book explores themes of uncertainty, ambiguity, and the nature of reality through the lens of unreliable narrators and intricate storytelling techniques. Wolfe's prose is described as beautiful, deep, and technically perfect, creating a complex yet rewarding reading experience.
When I was a boy my brother David and I had to go to bed early whether we were sleepy or not. In summer particularly, bedtime often came before sunset; and because our dormitory was in the east wing o... - #3
Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee is a middle-grade space opera novel that seamlessly blends Korean mythology with science fiction elements. The story follows Min, a 13-year-old fox spirit, who embarks on a quest to find her brother Jun, who may have deserted his post in search of the powerful Dragon Pearl. As Min navigates through a universe filled with supernatural beings and space adventures, she must use her shapeshifting abilities and charm to uncover the truth about her brother's disappearance. The book is praised for its engaging plot, diverse representation, and unique world-building that combines elements of fantasy and science fiction.
Dragon Pearl stands out from typical middle-grade fantasy novels by offering a fresh take on the genre, featuring gender-neutral characters, Korean folklore, and a strong female protagonist. The book explores themes of family, loyalty, and self-discovery as Min defies societal norms and embarks on a daring journey across the Thousand Worlds to unravel the mystery surrounding her brother's actions. With its richly imagined universe and fast-paced storytelling, Dragon Pearl captivates readers with its blend of mythology, space exploration, and intricate character dynamics.
I liked to sleep in, though I didn’t get to do it often. Waking up meant waking early. Even on the days I had lessons, my mom and aunties loaded me down with chores to do first. Scrubbing the hydropon... - #4
In 'Nimona' by Noelle Stevenson, readers are introduced to a whimsical and witty graphic novel that follows the story of Evil Villain Lord Ballister Blackheart and his uninvited sidekick, Nimona, a shapeshifter with amazing magical abilities. The plot revolves around their attempts to defeat their nemesis, Sir Ambrosious Goldenloin, and challenge the status quo in a world filled with stereotypes and questions about good and evil. The writing style seamlessly blends humor, friendship, love, and dark themes, creating a unique and engaging narrative that explores the complexities of morality and heroism.
The book delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, and the blurred lines between good and evil, offering a fresh take on classic fantasy tropes. Through the character development of Nimona, Blackheart, and Goldenloin, the story unfolds to reveal deeper layers of complexity and emotion, culminating in a poignant exploration of identity and the consequences of one's actions. The art style complements the storytelling, adding depth and charm to the narrative, making 'Nimona' a captivating and thought-provoking read for fans of graphic novels and fantasy tales.
- #5
'Who Goes There?' by John W. Campbell Jr. is a novella that serves as the inspiration for the movies 'The Thing' and 'The Thing From Another World.' The story revolves around a group of individuals in an Antarctic setting who encounter an alien life form that has the ability to imitate any living being perfectly. As paranoia and mistrust grow among the group, they must work together to uncover the true identities of their companions and survive the deadly threat lurking among them. The writing style is described as quick, easy to get through, and perfect for fans of the horror and science fiction genres.
A queer, mingled stench that only the ice-buried cabins of an Antarctic camp know, compounded of reeking human sweat, and the heavy, fish-oil stench of melted seal blubber. An overtone of liniment com... - #6
'Deep Wizardry' by Diane Duane is the second book in the 'Young Wizards' series and follows the protagonists Nita and Kit as they navigate their roles as young wizards. The story revolves around ecological issues off the New York coast, where Nita and Kit must work together to communicate with marine life, shapeshift, and tackle the consequences of human actions on the environment. The writing style is described as immersive, with a focus on character development and the intricate magical system that requires effort and learning to master.
Nita slipped out the back door of the beach house, careful not to let the rickety screen door slam, and for a second stood silently on the back porch in the darkness. It was no use. “Nita”—her mother’...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Young Wizards ) - #7
In the book 'Hexbreaker' by Jordan L. Hawk, readers are introduced to a world set in the 1890s in an alternate version of New York City, where magic plays a significant role in everyday life. The story follows Tom, a police officer with a hidden past who teams up with Cicero, a cat familiar, to solve a dangerous mystery involving hexes and missing friends. As they navigate through the magical world of witches and familiars, their bond grows stronger, leading to unexpected twists and moral dilemmas that test their characters.
The book combines elements of fantasy, historical romance, and mystery, creating a compelling narrative filled with intricate worldbuilding, engaging characters, and a touch of steamy romance. Readers are drawn into a world where magic intertwines with everyday life, where secrets and hidden agendas drive the plot forward, and where the dynamics between characters evolve in unexpected ways, keeping the readers on the edge of their seats.
The clock tower atop the Coven showed half past eleven, which made Isaac half an hour late already. With just a week to go until Christmas, winter had set in with a vengeance: the wind whipped through... - #8
'The Battle Sylph' by L.J. McDonald is a fantasy novel that delves into themes of women's suffrage, slavery, racial inequality, and love. The plot follows a young woman named Solie who is intended as a sacrifice to lure a battle sylph to her world. However, fate intervenes, and the battle sylph becomes bound to Solie, helping her escape from danger. The story unfolds with harrowing adventures, intricate world-building, and a focus on the relationships between characters, both human and sylph.
The writing style of the book is engaging, with a mix of romance and fantasy elements. The world of the battle sylphs and their interactions with humans are intricately portrayed, drawing readers in with vivid descriptions and creating a sense of tension and suspense. balances action-packed scenes with emotional depth, offering a unique blend of fantasy and romance that keeps readers hooked till the end.
Solie had an aunt named Masha, a woman who had never married and was known for her temper. She had refused to wed and lived on her own, running a bakery and working long hours every day. She’d forced ... - #9
'The Book of Werewolves' by Sabine Baring-Gould is a comprehensive exploration of lycanthropy myths and legends from various cultures around the world. The book delves into the history and folklore surrounding werewolves, drawing from medieval accounts, historical trial records, and comparative analyses of beliefs in different countries. Baring-Gould's writing style is described as informative, detailed, and well-researched, offering readers a factual breakdown of the mythological character of werewolves.
The book covers a wide range of topics related to werewolves, including the origins of the myth, comparisons of beliefs in different cultures, historical accounts of alleged werewolves, and the psychological aspects of lycanthropy. Baring-Gould presents a mix of myths, fables, anecdotes, and historical records, providing readers with an in-depth exploration of the werewolf phenomenon and its cultural significance.
- #10
The Tiger and the Wolf by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a fantasy novel set in a world where humans can shapeshift into animals, focusing on Maniye, the daughter of a Wolf clan chieftain and a Tiger Clan queen. The book explores themes of tribalism, identity, and conflict as Maniye must choose between her two natures while navigating the harsh and cold world created by Tchaikovsky. The story is described as a slow build with detailed world-building, intense character development, and a mix of adventure and fantasy elements that keep readers engaged from start to finish.
The book is praised for its unique setting in a natural fantasy world with minimal technology, where humans live in a mix of bronze and iron age pre-civilization. The writing style is commended for its realistic portrayal of characters, their doubts, anxieties, and growth, as well as the well-fleshed-out cast that captures readers' attention and emotions. The plot is highlighted for its balance between different elements, from character development to world-building, creating a story that flows naturally and keeps readers invested in the journey of the characters.
The sound of the chase confirmed he’d been right: they were heading his way. No doubt the quarry was flagging by now, but still keeping ahead of the pack. Akrit was not as young or swift as he once ha...