Shapeshifters

These are some of my favorite mythical creatures.  They are humans in their main form and there are other forms they take as well.   Shapeshifters can usually shift into any form although usuallly there is only one that they take.  Shapeshifters are most commonly protrade as wolves, as there are centuries of legends of werewolves.  Unlike werewolves that can only shift at the full moon, shapeshifters can shift whenver they wish.  The native american skin walkers are the forerunners to the many books that are out now.  My favorite book about shapeshifters is by Jennifer Roberson and details the history of a ruling class.  This class can shift into forms, taking on the shape of their animal compainon.  They can only take on the form of these creatures because the animal lends them their form.  They can talk to the animals through a telepathic link although they cannot talk to other people's lir.   There are also mythical shapeshifters such as the dragon shapeshifters.   Dragon shapeshifters are often protrayed in romance novels as being domineering people and very protective of their mates.  There seems to be a common sense of all shapeshifters in that many seem thick headed and given to bouts of temper if they do not get their way.  Any gentleness they may have is hidden and only through dillagence can the female lead find it.  Shapeshifters are wonderful people and facenating, I enjoyed them as much as any other book I have read.