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I think this element of shapeshifting is properly tied into the story. It does support the aura of mysticism the author is trying to convey, but it does sort of fall into the same category as a fantasy novel. Adding the element of shapeshifting made the story seem more interesting.

I think the author balanced the historical aspects with the fantasy ones really well. Though maybe this could be my own bias showing, because I love paranormal stories especially when shapeshifters are involved! Maybe using a wolf was a bit cliched, but the inclusion of one in the story didn't feel too much for me, because I had already expected some mystical/fantastical elements.

No I felt it fit into the general plot. It seems very mythological.

I haven't yet read this book, but I'm happy I read this thread, as you all have helped me see things from a different perspective. In your opinion, could the novel have survived without the shape shifting or was it a major element of the plot?

I think shapeshifting is a proper incorporation inro the novel and supports the aura of mysticism. It got me intrigued and always looked forward to what would happen next.

tarafarah7 wrote: ↑28 Sep 2018, 16:56 I haven't yet read this book, but I'm happy I read this thread, as you all have helped me see things from a different perspective. In your opinion, could the novel have survived without the shape shifting or was it a major element of the plot?

I think it wasn't necessary to the plot. It plays a role in Catrin's evil brother, but I don't think shapeshifting was the only way to write his character or their history.

Marrock had mastered his abilities enough to shapeshift. I felt that meant eventually Catrin would get to the point where she would also gain that ability. Didn't she? Or did I misinterpret that part?

bb587 wrote: ↑30 Sep 2018, 11:28 Marrock had mastered his abilities enough to shapeshift. I felt that meant eventually Catrin would get to the point where she would also gain that ability. Didn't she? Or did I misinterpret that part?

I don't remember Catrin truly shapeshifting in the novel. She is able to see through the eyes of her raven, but I can't recall her ever turning into a raven. I think it is more like she has a special bond with the animal.

CommMayo wrote: ↑30 Sep 2018, 11:01

tarafarah7 wrote: ↑28 Sep 2018, 16:56 I haven't yet read this book, but I'm happy I read this thread, as you all have helped me see things from a different perspective. In your opinion, could the novel have survived without the shape shifting or was it a major element of the plot?

I think it wasn't necessary to the plot. It plays a role in Catrin's evil brother, but I don't think shapeshifting was the only way to write his character or their history.

Thank you so much for the response! This book really sounds like it has quite a bit going on.

Tanner’s methods of incorporating fantasy elements and history together are done pretty well in my opinion. She allows both sides to be important in their own right. I had trouble at first deciding whether the shapeshifting was a true shape shift or a mental one where he took possession of the other animal’s body. Once we got further into the book, I was glad to see that clarified.

I think the shapeshifting element tied the story together well and supported the aura.

CommMayo wrote: ↑01 Sep 2018, 11:00 Midway through the novel, we are introduced to Catrin's brother who can shapeshift into a wolf. Do you think this element of shapeshifting is properly tied into the story or does it detract from the overall novel? Does it support the aura of mysticism the author is trying to convey or does it make it too much like any other fantasy novel?

For me, the shapeshifting into a wolf detracts from the story and makes the narrative adopt a nightmarish stance rather than a mystic characteristic.

I don't know that a shapeshifting character would make this "too much like any other fantasy novel." There are many fantasy books that don't feature shapeshifting characters at all. Now, if it's the wolf in relation to the abundance of werewolf books on the market, that's something, but this doesn't strike me as similar to a werewolf at all. Wolves are animals I associate with mysticism because they are powerful creatures. So, I think it works.

I thought it was brought in a bit abruptly but did fit with the mysticism of the book. The thing is, at one point it was hinted that Catrin might also be able (eventually) to shapeshift into her spirit animal, the raven. After that, other than the ability to see through her Raven's eyes, that thread seemed to be completely dropped. So is this a connection with the spirit animal that manifests differently in different people, an inherited trait, what? If inherited, where did they get it? They have different mothers and their father certainly didn't give it to them! I thought it deserved a bit more explanation than it got if it's actually going to become an integral part of the plot.

It seems to fit. He takes it a bit further with the shifting versus her only having sight. This has been common in a few others I have read. Usually they are only half siblings so one gets more "ability" than the other.