Books matching: shapeshifting abilities
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- #1
A fun, suspenseful, and heartwarming read for young fantasy fans - especially for anyone looking for their next magical school adventure after Harry Potter. Delightfully written, with memorable characters and lots of surprises!
Finding the Fox (The Shapeshifter) by Ali Sparkes follows a young boy named Dax Jones, who discovers he has the ability to shapeshift into a fox. After learning about his powers, Dax is taken to a special government boarding school designed for children with extraordinary abilities. Throughout the story, Dax and his friends face various adventures as they navigate the challenges of their new environment, uncover secrets about the school, and explore Dax's mysterious past. The narrative is packed with suspense, heart-stopping moments, and clever plot twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
It was an unlovely garden; a rectangle of uneven grass with charmless grey-green bushes at its edge, split by a concrete path which led to the shed, behind which was a compost heap. A washing line str...2006•332 pages - #2
Atmospheric and addictive, Clockwork Angel is a fun start to the Infernal Devices trilogy - brimming with magic, romance, and lovable (and hateable!) characters, especially if you’re already a Shadowhunter fan.
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 The book is praised for its fast-paced plot full of action, diverse characters, and the infusion of historical references and literature in a dark paranormal setting.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...2010•516 pages - #3
A rich, original take on Camelot’s infamous sorceress - dark, magical, and flawed. Perfect for Arthurian fans seeking a new perspective, but be ready for a complicated, not-always-lovable heroine.
I, Morgana by Felicity Pulman is a fresh interpretation of the classic King Arthur story, focusing on the character of Morgana. The book delves into Morgana's internal struggles, portraying her as a complex and multi-dimensional character driven by revenge, grief, and a desire for power. Pulman weaves a tale filled with magic, betrayal, love, and redemption, offering a new perspective on the well-known Arthurian legends. The writing style shifts between evocative descriptions of Morgana's shapeshifting abilities and introspective reflections on her journey from a loving child to a ruthless and cruel woman.
Something shifts. Something changes. The air feels cool against my cheek, my black feathers ruffle in the breeze. I look down as a little girl dissolves into light and shadows, and I know that I am fr...June 2014•360 pages - #4
A beautifully immersive and emotionally resonant fantasy that goes deep both literally and thematically. If powerful themes and a unique magical world excite you, definitely dive in - just be prepared for some unexpectedly intense moments along the way.
'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’... - #5
A uniquely intricate and challenging read - more a literary puzzle than a traditional sci-fi novel. Highly rewarding for those willing to dive deep, but not an easy or breezy experience.
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...1972•261 pages - #6
A clever, funny, and heartfelt graphic novel that's both light and deep. Great for readers who enjoy quirky adventures, subverted tropes, and stories that challenge what it means to be a hero or a villain.
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.
May 2015•272 pages - #7
A dazzling and imaginative ride through space, Dragon Pearl is myth meets sci-fi at its most fun - great for readers seeking fast-paced adventures, diverse worlds, and heartfelt messages.
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...2018•320 pages - #8
A foundational sci-fi horror story - short, sharp, and paranoia-fueled. Essential reading for fans of The Thing or classic science fiction, but might not grip everyone with its 1930s style.
'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...1938•131 pages - #9
A fun, sizzling mix of queer romance, magical intrigue, and historical grit - Hexbreaker is a fantastic pick if you love opposites attract and a dash of crime-solving in your urban fantasy.
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...May 2016•244 pages - #10
A quirky, surprisingly sweet monster romance with real emotion, thoughtful consent, and tentacles galore - perfect for those who love their HEAs a bit out of this world.
Abducted from Earth, Joanie finds herself in the arms of Nemon, an alien with tentacles from an ocean-like planet. Despite their traumatic pasts, they fall in love, navigating a world filled with genetically engineered soldiers, alien abductions, and a developing romance. The story explores character development, consent, and a unique take on the alien romance genre, all while hinting at a larger plot unfolding in the series.
When the pain grew too great, I retreated into memory, but I had to be careful where I tread. There were minefields in my past, and one wrong step on memory lane could send me into deeper suffering t...May 2018•313 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Iriduan Test Subjects )










