Whether it’s for the chance to glimpse a non-human perspective, experience ‘fish out of water’ drama, or something else, fantasy shapeshifters intrigue us with their blend of human and creature.
Are you looking for fantasy shapeshifter books to read? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are 15 fantasy shapeshifter books you must see:
- Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
- Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
- Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs
- To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
- Tithe by Holly Black
- Dragon’s Bait by Vivian Vande Velde
- Tiger and the Wolf by Adrian Tchaikovsky
- Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa
- Talon by Julie Kagawa
- Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
- Firelight by Sophie Jordan
- Mage Slave by R. K. Thorne
- Firebolt by Adrienne Woods
- An Enchantment of Raven by Margaret Rogerson
- The Legend of Huma by Richard A. Knaak
I’ve included book descriptions, readers’ ratings and summaries of positive and negative comments for each book below. On the other hand, if you’d like a quick summary, here’s a comparison chart.
Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Description
Danica Shardae is an avian shapeshifter, and the golden hawk’s form in which she takes to the sky is as natural to her as the human one that graces her on land. The only thing more familiar to her is war: It has raged between her people and the serpiente for so long, no one can remember how the fighting began.
As heir to the avian throne, she’ll do anything in her power to stop this war — even accept Zane Cobriana, the terrifying leader of her kind’s greatest enemy, as her pair bond and make the two royal families one.
Trust. It is all Zane asks of Danica —and all they ask of their people—but it may be more than she can give.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.15
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
First on our list of YA fantasy shapeshifter books is Hawksong. Filled with lush and captivating world-building, this story captivated fans with its fantastical world. Whether it was the well-drafted descriptions, subtle legends and traditions woven throughout the tale, or different people groups, Hawksong whisked readers into its pages.
The story focuses on the growing relationship between the two leads, Danica and Zane, and how they join their two very different and hostile cultures: avian and cobra shapeshifters. Fans remarked that the two nation’s cultures and traditions were distinct and fascinating, and the gradual trust Danica and Zane created a moving story.
Negative Comments
No book is without its critics, including Hawksong. If they didn’t enjoy the novel, what did they say?
Overall, some readers found the period and setting of this book unclear since it referenced myths and legends from vastly different time periods and locations. For instance, some said it included legends from Egypt and Greece.
Others focused on the ending, saying it was abrupt and left them with more questions than answers.
Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Description
Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it. That doesn’t mean that she’s averse to breaking a rule or two.
But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian’s basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents’ murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.
But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she’s shaped?
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.91
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Second on our list of YA fantasy shapeshifter books is Raised by Wolves. This action-packed novel intrigued fans with its likeable protagonist, Bryn and its exciting spin om werewolf lore.
Praising Bryn as mature and intelligent, these readers described her as a breath of fresh air. Contrasting her with other ‘strong female characters’, fans said that while others might come across more as hostile and obstinate, Bryn was genuinely brave, assertive, and thoughtful. They found getting to care about her easy and were eager to find out what happened next.
On top of that, others enthused over Raised by Wolves‘ fast-pace and enthralling twists. As the story moved along, these readers were startled, thrilled and captivated until the very last page.
Negative Comments
No book is without its critics, including Raised by Wolves. If readers didn’t enjoy this book, what did they say?
For the most part, critics pointed to the plot. While some said the plot was slow, others said it seemed forced. For instance, some thought the characters made unreasonable decisions, giving these readers the impression that the plot relied on characters’ acting thoughtlessly.
Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs
Description
On land…
Tempest Maguire loves her California coastline home. Surfing the killer waves. Taking care of her brothers and dad. Loving her longtime boyfriend, Mark. But the weight of her secret is pulling her under, toward the ocean’s ever-growing call.
Among the waves…
Tempest’s secret? She is half mermaid, a legacy left by her absent mother, who returned to the ocean many years ago. And now Tempest has her own choice to make. Complicating matters is Kona, an enigmatic newcomer whose otherworldly abilities hint at a shared passion and common secrets.
Beyond the sea…
But there is more at stake besides Tempest’s heart and her identity – her life may be in danger too. Because the waters hide a mysterious and dark secret world of their own, one full of sweeping romance and thrilling adventure – but one where nobody, least of all Tempest, is safe.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.89
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Third on our list of YA fantasy books about shapeshifters is Tempest Rising. This novel delighted fans with its relatable and sympathetic main character, Tempest, as well as its fascinating world of mermaids, selkies and more.
Tempest won readers’ hearts, coming across to them as a great mixture of strengths and vulnerabilities. Her inner struggle to decide who and what she wanted to be, especially given her past, was meaningful and human to them.
Because she was so relatable, fans empathized with and rooted for her throughout the story.
Negative Comments
What did critics say? Almost unanimously, if readers didn’t like Tempest Rising, it was because they thought Tempest was cheating on her boyfriend.
For context, the book sets up a love triangle with Tempest, her on-and-off-again boyfriend (Mark), and a newcomer (Kona). Fans seemed to interpret Tempest and Mark as too inconsistent to consider her interest in Kona as cheating.
Critics, on the other hand, thought she was doing exactly that. As a result, they found her unlikable and couldn’t respect her.
To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
Description
Princess Lira is siren royalty and the most lethal of them all. With the hearts of seventeen princes in her collection, she is revered across the sea. Until a twist of fate forces her to kill one of her own.
To punish her daughter, the Sea Queen transforms Lira into the one thing they loathe most — a human. Robbed of her song, Lira has until the winter solstice to deliver Prince Elian’s heart to the Sea Queen or remain a human forever.
The ocean is the only place Prince Elian calls home, even though he is heir to the most powerful kingdom in the world. Hunting sirens is more than an unsavory hobby — it’s his calling.
When he rescues a drowning woman in the ocean, she’s more than what she appears. She promises to help him find the key to destroying all of sirenkind for good — but can he trust her? And just how many deals will Elian have to barter to eliminate mankind’s greatest enemy?
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.93
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Fourth on our list of YA fantasy shapeshifter books is To Kill a Kingdom. A dark retelling of The Little Mermaid, this fantasy novel enthralled readers with its anti-hero main characters and incredible ability to immerse them in its world.
Neither Lira nor Elian are heroes. In fact, readers often describe them as ruthless and twisted. However, this was exactly what they found refreshing and intriguing about them.
The two of them struck fans as tragic, burdened souls who learned how to be compassionate and to trust from one another. Their relationship is filled with deception, but the bittersweet nature of it was what made To Kill a Kingdom powerful for these readers.
In addition, readers often mentioned the story’s exquisite prose. They said that its lush images and sensory details completely transported them into the story.
Negative Comments
What did critics say about To Kill a Kingdom?
Generally, these readers focus on the characters and their romance. The two are related to one another: critics tended to say that they expected the romance to be darker than it was and were disappointed when it wasn’t.
On the other hand, some readers thought that the romance didn’t seem to grow organically out of Lira and Elian’s characters. Critics suggested that though Lira and Elian were set up as ruthless and driven individuals, they seemed to lose these traits due to the speed with which they fell in love.
Tithe by Holly Black
Descriptions
Sixteen-year-old Kaye is a modern nomad. Fierce and independent, she travels from city to city with her mother’s rock band until an ominous attack forces the sixteen-year-old back to her childhood home.
There, amid the industrial, blue-collar New Jersey backdrop, Kaye soon finds herself an unwilling pawn in an ancient power struggle between two rival faerie kingdoms – a struggle that could very well mean her death.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.72
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Next on our list of YA fantasy shapeshifter books is Tithe by Holly Black, a story revolving around faeries. This book enthralled fans with its gritty atmosphere and characters, particularly its protagonist, Kaye.
Many said that they found this a refreshing and more realistic take on fairytales. For instance, unlike most fantasy protagonists, Kaye is a teenager who drinks, dabbles in drugs and more. Similarly, the Urban Fantasy setting is unglamorized: it features trailer parks, rusted cars and aging buildings rather than only aspects that are beautiful and ethereal.
As such, fans often remarked that they thought Tithe was a more honest and relatable story than most fantasy stories revolving around fairies and fae. This made it so much easier for them to bond with the characters and invest in their stories.
Negative Comments
What did critics say about Tithe? Generally, the reasons fans loved this story was the reasons critics disliked it. Several said that they couldn’t connect with the characters, who struck them as either unrealistic or unlikeable.
Dragon’s Bait by Vivian Vande Velde
Description
Fifteen-year-old Alys is not a witch. But that doesn’t matter–the villagers think she is and have staked her out on a hillside as a sacrifice to the local dragon.
It’s late, it’s cold, and it’s raining, and Alys can think of only one thing–revenge. But first she’s got to escape, and even if she does, how can one girl possibly take on an entire town alone?
Then the dragon arrives – a dragon that could quite possibly be the perfect ally. . . .
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.93
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
What’s another story on our list of YA fantasy shapeshifter books? It’s a book readers described as having fun and refreshing twists: Dragon’s Bait.
Taking the ‘innocent maiden sacrificed to a dragon’ trope, Dragon’s Bait has maiden and dragon as co-collaborators against the corrupt townspeople who sentenced her.
Readers were delighted by the unexpected reversals: supposed enemies become allies, prey becomes predator and predator becomes prey. They also reported that they connected to Alys, the protagonist, and felt her pain, anger and eventual healing throughout the novel.
Others mentioned that the liked the deeper thematic elements to the novel, which centered around revenge and forgiveness. Readers said that this had enough of a presence to stir their imaginations while not being so in-your-face that it jarred them out of the story.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t enjoy Dragon’s Bait, what did they say? Generally, they said that Alys and Selendrile, the main characters, weren’t that developed.
They remarked that, likely due to the book’s shorter length, Alys’ changing feelings happen too quickly. Others said that Selendrile comes comes across less as a mysterious, intriguing character and more as a vaguely characterized one.
The Tiger and the Wolf by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Description
In the bleak northern crown of the world, war is coming.
Maniye’s father is the Wolf clan’s chieftain, but she’s an outcast. Her mother was queen of the Tiger and these tribes have been enemies for generations.
Maniye also hides a deadly secret. All can shift into their clan’s animal form, but Maniye can take on tiger and wolf shapes. She can’t disown half her soul, so escapes – with the killer Broken Axe in pursuit.
Maniye’s father plots to rule the north, and controlling his daughter is crucial to his schemes. However, other tribes also prepare for strife. It’s a season for omens as priests foresee danger, a time of testing and broken laws. Some say a great war is coming, overshadowing even Wolf ambitions. But what spark will set the world ablaze?
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.98
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Next on our list of YA fantasy shapeshifter books is The Tiger and the Wolf. This novel gripped fans with its politics-based plot and its fascinating, ever-clashing cultures.
Hearing about the various clans, their schemes and battles intrigued these readers. Moreover, The Tiger and the Wolf‘s world, readers said, was both beautiful and brutal. As such, fans described how this impacted the protagonist emotionally as powerful and nuanced.
Negative Comments
No book is without it’s critics, so if readers didn’t enjoy The Tiger and the Wolf, what did they tend to say?
Overall, they said they didn’t get the sense that the story had a clear direction and driving force building toward it. Instead, the plot struck them as a series of episodes. Because of this, these readers didn’t feel gripped by the story.
Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa
Description
One thousand years ago, the great Kami Dragon was summoned to grant a single terrible wish — and the land of Iwagoto was plunged into an age of darkness and chaos.
Now, for whoever holds the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers, a new wish will be granted. A new age is about to dawn.
Raised by monks in the isolated Silent Winds temple, Yumeko has trained all her life to hide her yokai nature. Half kitsune, half human, her skill with illusion is matched only by her penchant for mischief. Until the day her home is burned to the ground, her adoptive family is brutally slain and she is forced to flee for her life with the temple’s greatest treasure — one part of the ancient scroll.
There are many who would claim the dragon’s wish for their own. Kage Tatsumi, a mysterious samurai of the Shadow Clan, is one such hunter, under orders to retrieve the scroll…at any cost.
Fate brings Kage and Yumeko together. With a promise to lead him to the scroll, an uneasy alliance is formed, offering Yumeko her best hope for survival. But he seeks what she has hidden away, and her deception could ultimately tear them both apart.
With an army of demons at her heels and the unlikeliest of allies at her side, Yumeko’s secrets are more than a matter of life or death. They are the key to the fate of the world itself.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.00
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Another story on our list of YA fantasy shapeshifter books is Shadow of the Fox. What about this novel enchanted readers? Overall, it was the mixture of a fascinating world and great character cast.
Fans enthused over the enigmatic creatures, beautiful forests, cities and more that this book’s pages introduced to them. With vivid imagery and intricate world-building, this Japanese-inspired setting captured readers’ imaginations. Many said they were completely transported into Shadow of the Fox’s settings.
Others also mentioned how much they enjoyed the characters. They described them as likable, interesting and overall great protagonists to lead this fast-paced story.
Negative Comments
No book is without its critics, not even Shadow of the Fox. If readers didn’t enjoy this novel, what did they point to as reasons?
In general, they tended to say the story was predictable. Some of them said this was because the main characters came across as recognizable types (aloof warrior and naïve girl), while others said they thought the romance and quest developed and ended exactly as they expected.
Talon by Julie Kagawa
Description
The Dragons of Talon:
Once hunted nearly to extinction, they are now poised to take over the world.
The Order of St. George:
The legendary dragonslayers will stop at nothing to wipe dragons from the face of the earth.
These mortal enemies are locked in secret and deadly combat, with humanity none the wiser.
To take her rightful place in the Talon organization, young dragon Ember Hill must prove she can hide her true nature and blend in with humans.
Her delight at the prospect of a summer of “normal” teen experiences is short-lived, however, once she discovers that she’s also expected to train for her destined career in Talon. But a chance meeting with a rogue dragon will soon challenge everything Ember has been taught.
As Ember struggles to accept her future, St. George soldier Garret Xavier Sebastian is tasked with hunting her down.
But when faced with Ember’s bravery, confidence and all-too-human desires, Garret begins to question everything the Order has ingrained in him – and what he might be willing to give up to uncover the truth about dragons.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.75
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Next on our list of YA fantasy shapeshifter books is Talon by Julie Kagawa. Packed with action and adventure, this novel delighted readers with its combination of excitement, dragons and romance.
The characters themselves also captivated these readers, who often said that there wasn’t a single character they didn’t like. Even Ember, who some readers said initially came across as immature, won them over.
Furthermore, they said that experiencing the story from all three main character’s point of views was a wonderful treat.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t enjoy Talon, what did they say?
Critics commonly cited Ember herself as well as the story’s familiarity as the culprits. For instance, they said that Ember didn’t come across as a person yearning for freedom for sympathetic reasons. Instead, she came across to them as childish and self-centered.
Ember speaks contemptuously of Talon and its members, who thwart her from doing what she wants. However, these readers pointed out that what Ember rails against are minor inconveniences. Either that or the logical actions of people who take keeping her alive seriously.
Other readers said that they wished the story would deviate more from standard YA fantasy. The story promises dragons and dragon slayers. It delivers. However, readers said that the story’s execution of these concepts was too predictable for their taste.
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
Description
Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty’s anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.
Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered — in suspiciously draconian fashion.
Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen’s Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs.
While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.92
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Seraphina is the next story on our list of YA fantasy shapeshifter books. Filled with dragons, this novel captured readers with its multi-dimensional and relatable protagonist as well as its deep world-building.
Seraphina, they said, is a protagonist who acts life-like: she laughs and cries, but also acts foolish, struggles to summon courage and can stay steadfastly loyal. Because of this, readers frequently commented on how much they enjoyed reading about her.
Aside from that, fans often described this YA fantasy book as intelligent and thoughtful. This wasn’t just because of the characters’ realistic personalities, but also because the concept of dragons taking on human shape allowed the story to explore themes other books might not have.
For instance, two key themes revolved around what made someone ‘human’ or ‘not human’ (dragon, in this case) as well as the process of accepting others and one’s self.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t think this book was for them, though, what did they say? Generally, they had two comments. The first was that even though the characters were well-fleshed out and relatable, they weren’t characters that reads connect with emotionally. They were realistic, but not engaging.
These readers said that they felt indifferent as they read instead of eager to see either what the characters would do or what would happen to them.
The second part of the book that critics cited as a negative was the romance. These readers said that while they appreciated that it wasn’t a love-at-first-sight tale, it still seemed like Seraphina fell in love too suddenly.
Firelight by Sophie Jordan
Description
A hidden truth.
Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.
Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life.
Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki, a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.
Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life.
Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will’s dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away; if it dies she will be left as a human forever.
She’ll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.
Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide, from New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.87
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Firelight is next on our list of YA fantasy shapeshifter books. Written by Sophie Jordan, who also writes romance books, this novel combines her specialty in romance with intriguing dragon lore. As such, readers noted that this book is primarily a romance – something they loved.
These readers said that the ‘Romeo and Juliet’ love story between a dragon and dragon hunter immediately caught their interest. Jacinda and Will had every reason to despise and stay far away from each other. And yet, they found themselves drawn to each other regardless.
Fans found themselves on their edge of their seats, feeling both Jacinda’s turmoil and her excitement over newfound love.
They also reported that Firelight flowed well, the pages flitting by thanks to a quick pace and dramatic story line.
Negative Comments
Fans found much to enjoy about Firelight and ultimately, the most common rating readers gave this novel was 5 stars. But what did critics say?
It seems like this is a YA fantasy novel that stirs up strong feelings in readers, whether positive or negative. Critics were as frustrated with Jacinda and the romance as the fans were delighted.
These readers’ criticisms had a common thread: Jacinda came across to them as self-pitying and selfish. Some of them said that her selfishness reached the point where she seemed outright foolish instead.
However, others said that Firelight disappointed them because it stayed so close to standard the YA fantasy format in general. These readers loved the promise of a story filled with dragon shape-shifters, unique draki mythology and a love story that succeeds despite impossible odds. However, they described these twists as tacked-on rather than a fundamental aspect of the novel.
Mage Slave by R.K. Throne
Description
A warrior prince, an enslaved spy, a plot to draw the world to war.
Crown Prince Aven Lanuken wants something more than a trophy for a future wife. He wants a woman who will be more friend than follower. A queen who will be more warrior than diplomat. He wants a partner he can trust… with a dangerous secret that’s kept him trapped in a dark mountain fortress his entire life.
Mage slave Miara wants something more, too — to find an enemy prince. And not to marry him. She’s just received orders for her very first kidnapping. She loathes the idea of it, and it’s probably a suicide mission. But she has never failed a mission before and doesn’t intend to start now.
Of all the women in the world, why does he have to fall for the one trying to kill him?
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.89
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Mage Slave, another great story on our list of YA fantasy shapeshifter books, features a protagonist who shapeshifts into animals. What did fans say about this story? Delighted by the book’s loveable characters and sweet romance, these readers praised the book as a fun adventure.
Whether it was because of their balanced nobility and flaws, strength and vulnerabilities, or grin-inducing banter, Miara and Aven bewitched fans. These immensely likeable protagonists won readers over as a romantic couple as well as a kidnapper and kidnap ‘victim’. Their relationship developed gradually through the story, adding a warm romantic touch to the story.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t enjoy Mage Slave, what did they say? Overall, these readers tended to stay that either the pace felt slow or that the romance seemed inauthentic because of how quickly it developed.
Firebolt by Adrienne Woods
Description
Dragons. Right. Teenage girls don’t believe in fairy tales, and sixteen-year old Elena Watkins was no different.
Until the night a fairy tale killed her father.
Now Elena’s in a new world, and a new school. The cutest guy around may be an evil dragon, a Prince wants Elena’s heart, and a long dead sorcerer may be waking up to kill her. Oh. And the only way Elena’s going to graduate is on the back of a dragon of her own.
Teenage girls don’t believe in fairy tales. Now it’s time for Elena to believe – in herself.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.98
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Another story on our list of YA fantasy shapeshifter books is Firebolt. Fans of this fantasy novel praised it for its fast pace and lovable character cast. Danger constantly keeps the protagonist, Elena, on the run and readers bit their nails, anxious to know what would happen next.
Add to that great characters and fans were delighted! Each member of the cast had something unique about their personality to enjoy and to distinguish them from one another.
Related to that, several readers described Lucian as a compelling love interest and said that Firebolt’s romance made their hearts flutter.
Negative Comments
What did critics say about Firebolt? Typically, these readers fell into one of two camps: one camp didn’t enjoy Elena as a protagonist, while the other thought the romance between her and Lucian wasn’t convincing.
According to these critics, Elena came across as immature and self-pitying. Because of this, they found themselves irritated with her as the story progressed.
This also made it difficult for them to accept the romance between her and Lucian. Critics struggled to see what they saw in the other that made them so magnetic.
An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson
Description
Every enchantment has a price.
With a flick of her paintbrush, Isobel creates stunning portraits for a dangerous set of clients: the fair folk. These immortal creatures cannot bake bread or put a pen to paper without crumbling to dust. They crave human Craft with a terrible thirst, and they trade valuable enchantments for Isobel’s paintings.
But when she receives her first royal patron — Rook, the autumn prince — Isobel makes a deadly mistake. She paints mortal sorrow in his eyes, a weakness that could cost him his throne, and even his life.
Furious, Rook spirits Isobel away to his kingdom to stand trial for her crime. But something is seriously amiss in his world, and they are attacked from every side. With Isobel and Rook depending upon each other for survival, their alliance blossoms into trust, perhaps even love…a forbidden emotion that would violate the fair folks’ ruthless laws, rendering both their lives forfeit. What force could Isobel’s paintings conjure that is powerful enough to defy the ancient malice of the fairy courts?
Isobel and Rook journey along a knife-edge in a lush world where beauty masks corruption and the cost of survival might be more frightening than death itself.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.66
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Another story on our list of YA fantasy shapeshifter books is An Enchantment of Ravens.
Over and over again, fans lauded this novel for its utterly captivating and refreshing take on fairies. Published around the same time as several similar books, An Enchantment of Ravens nevertheless stood out to fans thanks to its beautiful and alien portrayal of these fantasy creatures.
Another highlight they mentioned was Isobel. Several praised her as a great protagonist, particularly because of her passion for painting and her cleverness in dealing with the conniving fair folk.
Fans mentioned how engrossing it was to watch her navigating the world, especially in her dealings in the fairy courts.
Negative Comments
What did critics say about An Enchantment of Ravens?
Overall, readers cited two reasons: the plot, which focused on the two journeying together, or how quickly the characters fell in love.
In terms of the journey plot, critics typically said that this story style made the novel feel meandering rather than one that built toward a clear endpoint. As such, they didn’t feel a sense of momentum that compelled them to turn the book’s pages.
In terms of the romance, critics generally thought that it was too sudden. Several commented that they didn’t understand what the characters found appealing in one another and, as such, thought the romance was artificial.
The Legend of Huma by Richard A. Knaak
Description
“To the West Huma rode, to the High Clerist’s Tower, on the back of the Silver Dragon and the path of their flight crossed over a desolate country where the dead walked only, mouthing the names of dragons.”
For the first time in the best-selling Dragonlance® Saga, here is The Legend of Huma, fabled Hero of the Lance: his mysterious origins and his Oath to the Measure; treachery among the Knights of Solamnia; his love for the Silver Dragon; the fated showdown between the Queen of Darkness and the forces of Paladine.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.03
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Last on our list of YA fantasy shapeshifter books is The Legend of Huma. This action-packed tale tantalized readers with its admirable heroes and mysterious but cruel villains.
Like several of the other stories on this list The Legend of Huma takes the traditional characterization and fantasy plot but adds just enough of a twist to make it refreshing.
Readers said that while this made the story straightforward, it was done in such a way that Huma’s convictions and sense of honor were inspiring and uplifting. Huma is a fleshed-out and convincing version of a ‘knight in shining armor’, an archetype that is notoriously difficult to get right.
Several readers commented on how much the story’s themes of heroism and standing up for one’s principles touch and spoke to them on a deep level, even as they were excited and fascinated by the story’s world.
Negative Comments
Readers predominately awarded The Legend of Huma 5 stars, but not all of them had such warm praise for the book. Critics had two objections, which mainly stemmed from the general premise of the novel: a ‘knight in shining armor’ main character and a classic fantasy story line.
Several readers who preferred principled protagonists nevertheless said that Huma came across as too stereotypical. While these readers knew Huma would be archetypal, they still wanted more differentiation from the standard ‘knight in shining armor’.
Other said that they wished the story was less predictable, even if it emulated a classic fantasy tale. To them, the story didn’t have enough original aspects to it in addition to the ‘old favorite’ tropes.
15 Fantastic YA Fantasy Shapeshifter Books You Must See
How Do These Fantasy Novels Compare?
