I’ve talked a lot about Faerie and the different types of creatures since that is the world I’m currently writing in, but I’ve also written a lot of books about shifters (6 to be exact)! It’s time I gave them some love too!
You’re probably familiar with the typical shifters: werewolves, dragons, bears, maybe even mermaids, but there are so many more! Namely, phoenixes, Maos, nagas, harpies, gryphons, kitsunes, alicorns and more!
Let me tell you about a few. First, what they’re described as in lore, then their attributes in the Shifter Academy universe.
Kitsunes
Kitsunes are Japanese fox spirits that can take on human form. They are known for their shapeshifting abilities, as well as their mischievous nature. They have multiple tails, with each additional tail indicating greater power and wisdom.
Shifter Academy: Naturally pretty humans of Asian ethnicity that can transform into anthropomorphic foxes with tails made of electricity. They can manipulate and channel electricity and frequencies and at top skill can become so entwined with electricity that they can phase through solid matter. Their electrical abilities can be manipulated to make them very tech savvy/proficient.
Nagas
Shifter Academy: Average looking humans with a pension for righteous and vengeful behavior that can morph into beautiful and terrifying anthropomorphic lizards with iridescent scales. They have paralytic venom from the sting of their tale, and at top skill can hypnotize people with their mesmerizing snake-like eyes. Their venom is particularly hazardous to vampires, who die within minutes of being stung.
Nagas are mythological creatures from Hindu and Buddhist traditions, often depicted as half-human, half-serpent beings. In some stories, nagas have the ability to shapeshift into human form or into other animals.
Phoenixes
Phoenixes are legendary birds from Greek and Egyptian mythology that are said to be able to rise from the ashes of their own death. They are often associated with fire and are known for their regenerative abilities. (this one is my favorite!! There’s a phoenix on my logo!)
Shifter Academy: Phoenixes can shift into birds literally made of fire. They too can manipulate fire and can teleport in a burst of flames.
gryphons
Shifter Academy: These powerful (and endangered) beings are known for their stoicism and leadership skills. They’re incredibly strong and large, and can manipulate weather. The more skilled they are, the more they can focus and prolong their weather attacks. In some instances, gryphons have been known to take their young, newly shifted children high into the sky and drop them to teach them to fly (of course, being ready to catch them if--and when--they fail). Gryphons rarely produce more than one child, which is part of the reason they’re on the brink of extinction. And they mate for life, so if they lose a partner, they have no hope of finding another.
Gryphons are mythical creatures that have the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. They are often associated with strength and wisdom, and are said to be fierce guardians of treasure. They are sometimes depicted as having the ability to transform into other animals or even humans.
Click HERE to learn more about the Shifter Academy books!