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Shapeshifters Anonymous: The Creepshow Christmas Special on Shudder
It isn't easy being a werewolf. Especially when you're a newbie at shapeshifting.
Luckily, there's a group called Shapeshifters Anonymous that will help you work through the difficult times, like eating your friends, and shedding.
When recently turned werewolf Robert Weston Smith discovers his new found abilities in a humorous (but alarming) way, he seeks out the support group to help him figure things out. There he meets various characters who transform into assorted, odd things, including a sexy werecheetah named Irena.
But little did Weston know he'd been followed to this private gathering, by someone who wants to do the therianthropes a great deal of harm...
Shapeshifters Anonymous is a 12,000 word novella, specifically formatted for Nook. It contains a handful of werepeople, a dash of romance, some gratuitous humor, and revisionist Xmas theories. It also has previews of Konrath's other work.
Luckily, there's a group called Shapeshifters Anonymous that will help you work through the difficult times, like eating your friends, and shedding.
When recently turned werewolf Robert Weston Smith discovers his new found abilities in a humorous (but alarming) way, he seeks out the support group to help him figure things out. There he meets various characters who transform into assorted, odd things, including a sexy werecheetah named Irena.
But little did Weston know he'd been followed to this private gathering, by someone who wants to do the therianthropes a great deal of harm...
Shapeshifters Anonymous is a 12,000 word novella, specifically formatted for Nook. It contains a handful of werepeople, a dash of romance, some gratuitous humor, and revisionist Xmas theories. It also has previews of Konrath's other work.
53 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2011
70 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Konrath
198 books3,011 followersJoe Konrath has written over twenty novels in the Lt. Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels thriller series. They do not have to be read chronologically to be enjoyed, but the order is: Whiskey Sour, Bloody Mary, Rusty Nail, Dirty Martini, Shot of Tequila, Fuzzy Navel, Cherry Bomb, Dead On My Feet, Serial Killers Uncut (with Blake Crouch), Shaken, Stirred (with Blake Crouch), Dying Breath, Everybody Dies, Rum Runner, Last Call, White Russian, Shot Girl, Chaser, Old Fashioned, Bite Force, and Witch Brew. More coming soon.
Wow, that's a lot of Jack.
If you like your thrillers on the dark side, check out the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, which includes the books The List, Origin, Afraid, Trapped, Endurance, Haunted House, Webcam, Disturb, What Happened To Lori, The Nine, Second Coming, and Close Your Eyes.
Joe also wrote the Stop A Murder mystery puzzle series, where you become the sleuth and solve brain teasers to try and catch a killer.
He also wrote the sci-fi trilogy, Timecaster, Timecaster Supersymmetry, and Timecaster Steampunk. Even if you don't think you like sci-fi, give them a try. They feature Joe's well-known characters from his other series, and are insane.
With Ann Voss Peterson he wrote the Codename: Chandler thrillers, including Flee, Spree, Three, Hit, Exposed, Naughty, Fix (with F. Paul Wilson), Rescue, and Free.
And, finally, he writes erotica under the pen name Melinda DuChamp, also with Ann Voss Peterson. Those books are probably too spicy for you, so only the brave and bold should seek them out.
Joe writes a lot. You should probably read everything.
You can visit Joe and sign up for his newsletter at www.JAKonrath.com/mailing-list.php
Wow, that's a lot of Jack.
If you like your thrillers on the dark side, check out the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, which includes the books The List, Origin, Afraid, Trapped, Endurance, Haunted House, Webcam, Disturb, What Happened To Lori, The Nine, Second Coming, and Close Your Eyes.
Joe also wrote the Stop A Murder mystery puzzle series, where you become the sleuth and solve brain teasers to try and catch a killer.
He also wrote the sci-fi trilogy, Timecaster, Timecaster Supersymmetry, and Timecaster Steampunk. Even if you don't think you like sci-fi, give them a try. They feature Joe's well-known characters from his other series, and are insane.
With Ann Voss Peterson he wrote the Codename: Chandler thrillers, including Flee, Spree, Three, Hit, Exposed, Naughty, Fix (with F. Paul Wilson), Rescue, and Free.
And, finally, he writes erotica under the pen name Melinda DuChamp, also with Ann Voss Peterson. Those books are probably too spicy for you, so only the brave and bold should seek them out.
Joe writes a lot. You should probably read everything.
You can visit Joe and sign up for his newsletter at www.JAKonrath.com/mailing-list.php
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 9, 2020
Very funny - the thought of a werecoral never even crossed my mind before.
Now I can't unthink it!
Now I can't unthink it!
March 15, 2012
I gotta be honest. I do, at times, have the sense of humor of a 13 year old boy, and anything that starts with a guy talking about all the weird things he's been finding in his poop... is just hilarious. This was an extremely clever introduction to werewolves and the Shape-shifters Anonymous, and evil Santas' were a great touch.
Read as part of the Wolfsbane and Mistletoe anthology.
Read as part of the Wolfsbane and Mistletoe anthology.
May 29, 2017
Howlingly funny
The only problem with this book,its not long enough,other than that it's brilliant. When's book 2 coming out? I so want to read the next instalment.
The only problem with this book,its not long enough,other than that it's brilliant. When's book 2 coming out? I so want to read the next instalment.
July 22, 2020
I didn’t expect to....I didn’t want to, BUT, I loved this novella! It hits the ground running with the jokes and likable characters. I found myself wishing it were longer because it was such a fun read.
April 2, 2011
Until recently, I've only associated mysteries with the name Konrath. I have since learned that he also writes horror. I have a few in my TBR pile, which has grown exponentially within the past year (curse you, Kindle!), but when I saw Shapeshifters Anonymous, I just had to get it. It's not horror, more urban fantasy, and that was okay because I've been reading quite a bit in that genre as well. It's also comedic. I knew Konrath could be humorous—I've read Draculas, but since that was a collaborative effort, I wasn't sure exactly how much was him and how much was coming from the other authors. And because it dealt with shifters (and the fact that it was short), it jumped to the top of the pile.
Robert Weston Smith has a problem. He's a healthy individual: works out regularly at the gym, watches what he eats, and practices yoga and tai chi. So why, for the past three months or so, has he been finding strange items in his poop? That's what he hopes the doctor will tell him.
A physical examination produces a coat button, part of a zipper, and sixty-three cents in change, but no answers. The doctor suggests he visit a shrink, but Robert doesn't think that's going to provide any answers, but he promises to keep the appointment. When he returns home, he has a run-in with his annoying gypsy neighbor and her yappie little dog. Inside his apartment, he promptly passes out, not waking up until the next morning, which is when, upon going to the bathroom, he finds evidence that he has eaten his annoying neighbor. . . And her little dog, too. Realizing that the shrink isn't going to be of much good, he turns to the internet to find his answers. With growing horror, he was able to piece together a mystery, which only serves to make him more desperate to find answers. He continues to surf the web. After hitting one dead end after another, he stumbles across Shapeshifters Anonymous. What does he have to lose? He calls them and is told there is a meeting that afternoon. Before he can head out, he needs to swing by the doctor's office to pick up something they found in his stool sample—a sterling silver crucifix. On his way, he is accosted by a psychotic Santa, who delivers a rather cryptic message. He shrugs it off, thinking the guy nothing more than mentally imbalanced; he has more important things on his mind. The fun really begins when he arrives at the meeting.
You wouldn't think a guy on the verge of a nervous breakdown would be humorous, but in Konrath's skilled hands, it is. Almost from the very beginning, the chuckles start. You try not to laugh at Weston's plight (not with the strange items in your poop, but the whole embarrassment at having to take your stool sample to the doctor's office) because you can very easily picture yourself in the same situation, but you just can't help yourself. In that respect, Konrath's lead character becomes an Every Man. His characters are very realistic; as you meet them, you roll your eyes because you know people like this exist, and maybe you've even met some of them. From the pleasantly obnoxious nurse who seems to make it her life's mission to embarrass you in the crowded waiting room to the equally annoying kid full of questions to the parents who are reluctant to own up to the ill-mannered monster you just want to backhand.
As the story progresses at a swift pace, there's never a dull moment, even with the most mundane things, and the chuckles progress to outright laughter. If I was in doubt about Konrath's ability to do humor, this squelched any doubts I might have had.
My only issue, and you know there's always going to be one, is the romantic element that enters the story once Weston arrives at the SA meeting. Those who have read my reviews in the past know how I feel about romance in horror fiction. The same can be applied here. Too fast, too soon, improperly timed. I won't bore you with the details. Just let it be said that Weston's panting over Irena was not my favorite part of the story.
All in all, however, Shapeshifters Anonymous was an enjoyable read full of chuckles and laughs that really brightened my day. If you have the afternoon free, I would highly recommend it. You won't need more than a couple of hours, depending on how fast you read, as it isn't very long.
Robert Weston Smith has a problem. He's a healthy individual: works out regularly at the gym, watches what he eats, and practices yoga and tai chi. So why, for the past three months or so, has he been finding strange items in his poop? That's what he hopes the doctor will tell him.
A physical examination produces a coat button, part of a zipper, and sixty-three cents in change, but no answers. The doctor suggests he visit a shrink, but Robert doesn't think that's going to provide any answers, but he promises to keep the appointment. When he returns home, he has a run-in with his annoying gypsy neighbor and her yappie little dog. Inside his apartment, he promptly passes out, not waking up until the next morning, which is when, upon going to the bathroom, he finds evidence that he has eaten his annoying neighbor. . . And her little dog, too. Realizing that the shrink isn't going to be of much good, he turns to the internet to find his answers. With growing horror, he was able to piece together a mystery, which only serves to make him more desperate to find answers. He continues to surf the web. After hitting one dead end after another, he stumbles across Shapeshifters Anonymous. What does he have to lose? He calls them and is told there is a meeting that afternoon. Before he can head out, he needs to swing by the doctor's office to pick up something they found in his stool sample—a sterling silver crucifix. On his way, he is accosted by a psychotic Santa, who delivers a rather cryptic message. He shrugs it off, thinking the guy nothing more than mentally imbalanced; he has more important things on his mind. The fun really begins when he arrives at the meeting.
You wouldn't think a guy on the verge of a nervous breakdown would be humorous, but in Konrath's skilled hands, it is. Almost from the very beginning, the chuckles start. You try not to laugh at Weston's plight (not with the strange items in your poop, but the whole embarrassment at having to take your stool sample to the doctor's office) because you can very easily picture yourself in the same situation, but you just can't help yourself. In that respect, Konrath's lead character becomes an Every Man. His characters are very realistic; as you meet them, you roll your eyes because you know people like this exist, and maybe you've even met some of them. From the pleasantly obnoxious nurse who seems to make it her life's mission to embarrass you in the crowded waiting room to the equally annoying kid full of questions to the parents who are reluctant to own up to the ill-mannered monster you just want to backhand.
As the story progresses at a swift pace, there's never a dull moment, even with the most mundane things, and the chuckles progress to outright laughter. If I was in doubt about Konrath's ability to do humor, this squelched any doubts I might have had.
My only issue, and you know there's always going to be one, is the romantic element that enters the story once Weston arrives at the SA meeting. Those who have read my reviews in the past know how I feel about romance in horror fiction. The same can be applied here. Too fast, too soon, improperly timed. I won't bore you with the details. Just let it be said that Weston's panting over Irena was not my favorite part of the story.
All in all, however, Shapeshifters Anonymous was an enjoyable read full of chuckles and laughs that really brightened my day. If you have the afternoon free, I would highly recommend it. You won't need more than a couple of hours, depending on how fast you read, as it isn't very long.
March 14, 2012
This book was a little ... strange to me.
I had a hard time reading through it.
Starting off with Weston carrying his "stool sample" to the dr. He's finding strange things in it, like buttons, a zipper and coins?
The Doctor asks him if he had any idea how it got in his system? He says he has no idea. He sleepwalks - going to sleep fully dressed, waking up naked in a different place. But only towards the end of the month... when the moon is full.
When he wakes up the next morning, only to find a golden hoop earring and the very dog tag his neighbor was wearing, he panicked.
Google is a pretty handy tool. I do a lot of searches on Google, but I've never found a Support group for Therianthropes - otherwise known as Shapesifters.
When Weston calls and talks to a Weresquirrel, he gets the password to the SA (Shapeshifters Anonymous) group and a location and time.
on his way, he runs into a strange Santa Clause on the street. Not that Santa Clause is strange, because they're everywhere at that time of the year, but this one was talking about Naughty boys and being beheaded and burned on sacred ground. Obviously out of his mind.. right?
Lol -
Well Getting to the meeting, Weston meets a few of the local shapeshifters, Andy, the WereBoar, Scott, the WereCoral (yes he turns into a coral reef), then the older woman Phyllis, who is a furry. She doesn't really turn into an animal, she just dresses up as on... like a mascot. But they feel sorry for her, so they let her come to the meetings anyways.
Hum... Ok so getting started, Irena *sigh, love at first sight* who is a Werecougar starts catching up Weston with who is whom and whatever. When Scott starts talking about the Santa's, Weston can't believe his ears!
*GASP* Did Weston lead the evil Santa to their meeting? Are the Shapesfter's in danger???
ok so it wasn't all THAT bad - it has it's moments :)
I had a hard time reading through it.
Starting off with Weston carrying his "stool sample" to the dr. He's finding strange things in it, like buttons, a zipper and coins?
The Doctor asks him if he had any idea how it got in his system? He says he has no idea. He sleepwalks - going to sleep fully dressed, waking up naked in a different place. But only towards the end of the month... when the moon is full.
When he wakes up the next morning, only to find a golden hoop earring and the very dog tag his neighbor was wearing, he panicked.
Google is a pretty handy tool. I do a lot of searches on Google, but I've never found a Support group for Therianthropes - otherwise known as Shapesifters.
When Weston calls and talks to a Weresquirrel, he gets the password to the SA (Shapeshifters Anonymous) group and a location and time.
on his way, he runs into a strange Santa Clause on the street. Not that Santa Clause is strange, because they're everywhere at that time of the year, but this one was talking about Naughty boys and being beheaded and burned on sacred ground. Obviously out of his mind.. right?
Lol -
Well Getting to the meeting, Weston meets a few of the local shapeshifters, Andy, the WereBoar, Scott, the WereCoral (yes he turns into a coral reef), then the older woman Phyllis, who is a furry. She doesn't really turn into an animal, she just dresses up as on... like a mascot. But they feel sorry for her, so they let her come to the meetings anyways.
Hum... Ok so getting started, Irena *sigh, love at first sight* who is a Werecougar starts catching up Weston with who is whom and whatever. When Scott starts talking about the Santa's, Weston can't believe his ears!
*GASP* Did Weston lead the evil Santa to their meeting? Are the Shapesfter's in danger???
ok so it wasn't all THAT bad - it has it's moments :)
August 5, 2011
Don't you hate when you get about half-way through a book only to realize that you've read it before? Judas.
I read this in an anthology somewhere. Can't remember where or when. Pretty sure it was this year.
But I paid for it. Again.
And read it. Again.
Not that I mind reading a story I've enjoyed again but I'm doing this whole Challenge thing and now I'm like does it count?
It does.
Why?
Because I paid for it.
Again.
I read this in an anthology somewhere. Can't remember where or when. Pretty sure it was this year.
But I paid for it. Again.
And read it. Again.
Not that I mind reading a story I've enjoyed again but I'm doing this whole Challenge thing and now I'm like does it count?
It does.
Why?
Because I paid for it.
Again.
February 6, 2015
From the cover alone, I was a little concerned that this would be another horrible cheap/free Kindle read, but was I ever wrong! Turns out, this was a quick (30 pages?), side-splittingly hilarious book. I love the thought that was put into the history of the antagonist - priceless! Everyone should check out this book for a quick laugh!
April 5, 2011
this was a great twist on your usual shapeshifters stories out there. and the Santa Claus was a great touch. I laughed so hard at some points. especially the guy who turns into coral.
May 28, 2017
S.A. rocks!
I saw the title and blurb and knew I had to read this book. Therianthropes as the good guys with their own helpful society, while the supposed benevolent ones are outed as evildoers!
Hilarious, I felt bad for Weston even though he had eaten people. The others are a fun band of misfits too. A unique take on shapeshifters and the problems they face.
It would be fantastic if it was really true.
I saw the title and blurb and knew I had to read this book. Therianthropes as the good guys with their own helpful society, while the supposed benevolent ones are outed as evildoers!
Hilarious, I felt bad for Weston even though he had eaten people. The others are a fun band of misfits too. A unique take on shapeshifters and the problems they face.
It would be fantastic if it was really true.
October 7, 2017
This was incredibly funny and fun! I never knew where the story was going and laughed out loud at several surprises. Reading this made me eager to read the collection it came from. It's a weird mixture of urban fantasy, humor, and holiday mythos that reads quick and is a perfect, light lunch hour or before bed read. I will have to check out more of the author's works.
June 1, 2017
This book cracked me up!!
It was way out there....then even further out there, then so freakin far out there you can't even look back to see where it came from!
I almost laughed myself to tears reading this!
Crazy!
I LOVE it!
It was way out there....then even further out there, then so freakin far out there you can't even look back to see where it came from!
I almost laughed myself to tears reading this!
Crazy!
I LOVE it!
February 10, 2020
A fun short story
Outrageous, as in funny.
Fun characters.
A fun story line.
A good time read.
I haven't read all of Konrath's novels or short stories
but I am making a dent in them.
Outrageous, as in funny.
Fun characters.
A fun story line.
A good time read.
I haven't read all of Konrath's novels or short stories
but I am making a dent in them.
September 1, 2020
This is a cracking novelette providing a humorous take on the discovering self to be a werewolf trope, with a homicidal Santa Claus thrown in for good measure. Sparkling dialogue, great characters, well thought out situations, and an ironic narration throughout. Very chucklesome.
June 3, 2023
A novella worth reading
A novella worth reading with interesting characters and story line, and unexpected ending. I would recommend this novella too anyone who is looking for a quick read. Enjoy reading.2014
A novella worth reading with interesting characters and story line, and unexpected ending. I would recommend this novella too anyone who is looking for a quick read. Enjoy reading.2014
October 8, 2017
Funny
Very different from the usual Konrath fare. Imaginative, absurd in a good way, funny, quick read, even if you don't like werewolves.
Very different from the usual Konrath fare. Imaginative, absurd in a good way, funny, quick read, even if you don't like werewolves.
January 7, 2018
Lol this story was definitely a unique read. Literally had moments when I was laughing out loud. The furry was probably my favorite character in the story lol.
February 15, 2018
It was OK.
After some of the reviews I read, I couldn't help being a little disappointed.
After some of the reviews I read, I couldn't help being a little disappointed.
January 31, 2020
Great little read
I don't normally get into werewolves/sharpshooter but this great short story. I haven't been disappointed with any of J.A. Monday's books.
I don't normally get into werewolves/sharpshooter but this great short story. I haven't been disappointed with any of J.A. Monday's books.
February 8, 2020
I loved his Jack Daniels series but this is just dumb. Dumb dumb dumb. Don't waste you time.
December 6, 2020
Very entertaining 😂
April 23, 2024
Entertainment at its finest. I only wish it was longer.
May 17, 2024
Outlandish. Insane. Absolutely hysterical. Pure horror comedy that is a fun quick read.
July 7, 2017
What do you do in modern society if one day you figure out that your a werewolf or a were something or other. Well you better watch out for Santa Clause and his helpers cause they are probably out to get you. Also you might call the hotline for Shapeshifters Anonymous and get some group therapy. Funny stuff and of course it's all true.
February 25, 2014
For the last three months, for about three days a month, for Robert Weston Smith, objects have been showing up in the toilet after the daily “sit-down.” Stones, bits of cloth, buttons and earrings, even a dog’s ID tag – these are just not the normal objects one would find “there.” So Weston decides that a trip to the doctor is in order. Thus begins a cute, tongue-in-cheek story about an average guy seeking help when he unknowingly becomes a werewolf.
Having seen Konrath’s books promoted heavily recently, I decided to preview his style when this non-series short story was offered free. And I was not disappointed. The story is quite funny, with a giggle or an outright guffaw inhabiting nearly every page. Weston’s characterization is just deep enough to make the situations in which he finds himself believable. And the dialog is crisp, filled with puns and double entendre and quick repartee.
I have only two minor issues with the story and length is NOT one of them. While the actual story occupies only 80% of the Kindle download, the story has a definitive beginning and ending with a logical progression of plot in between. However, the final status of one supporting character is not cleared up in the end, even though all others are specifically mentioned. I would imagine the omission to be an oversight by the author or else that paragraph became an accidental victim of the delete key. Either way, it was noticeable.
The other issue is that the promotional blurb does not indicate that this is a Christmas story. Reading it at the end of February is all right, but it would have made more of an impression (translate that as incentive to purchase other books by Konrath) had it been promoted during Christmas.
Nevertheless, I will probably never hear the words to the song “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” without thinking of this story. And I certainly will never look at a donation kettle the same way again.
Having seen Konrath’s books promoted heavily recently, I decided to preview his style when this non-series short story was offered free. And I was not disappointed. The story is quite funny, with a giggle or an outright guffaw inhabiting nearly every page. Weston’s characterization is just deep enough to make the situations in which he finds himself believable. And the dialog is crisp, filled with puns and double entendre and quick repartee.
I have only two minor issues with the story and length is NOT one of them. While the actual story occupies only 80% of the Kindle download, the story has a definitive beginning and ending with a logical progression of plot in between. However, the final status of one supporting character is not cleared up in the end, even though all others are specifically mentioned. I would imagine the omission to be an oversight by the author or else that paragraph became an accidental victim of the delete key. Either way, it was noticeable.
The other issue is that the promotional blurb does not indicate that this is a Christmas story. Reading it at the end of February is all right, but it would have made more of an impression (translate that as incentive to purchase other books by Konrath) had it been promoted during Christmas.
Nevertheless, I will probably never hear the words to the song “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” without thinking of this story. And I certainly will never look at a donation kettle the same way again.
March 3, 2015
This is a short novella that is weird and funny and really really warped in a good way.
I like Konrath more every time I read one of his tales.
You know that you're in for a strange tale when it starts with a man walking across a parking lot with a Tupperware full of his poop.
The tale centers around a man who finds out he is now a werewolf. He encounters other shapeshifters at a meeting of Shapeshifter's Anonymous. I like the fact that the shapeshifters are not just the traditional wolf or tiger. They have a plethora of critters.
I totally laughed out loud when I found out that Santa Claus was in this story - not because he's doing anything funny but because I just finished writing a novella with Santa as a central character. It was fate that I find this story at this time I guess. I won't tell you his place in the tale because it's a spoiler but cadre of alcoholic Salvation Army Santa's for helpers is really bent.
It is a light tale with some laughs, some violence and a hint at sex. You can easily read it in under an hour even at an easy pace - well at least I could.
If you're expecting something meaningful, transformative or cerebral, don't read this. If you want some light hearted fun, go for it.
I like Konrath more every time I read one of his tales.
You know that you're in for a strange tale when it starts with a man walking across a parking lot with a Tupperware full of his poop.
The tale centers around a man who finds out he is now a werewolf. He encounters other shapeshifters at a meeting of Shapeshifter's Anonymous. I like the fact that the shapeshifters are not just the traditional wolf or tiger. They have a plethora of critters.
I totally laughed out loud when I found out that Santa Claus was in this story - not because he's doing anything funny but because I just finished writing a novella with Santa as a central character. It was fate that I find this story at this time I guess. I won't tell you his place in the tale because it's a spoiler but cadre of alcoholic Salvation Army Santa's for helpers is really bent.
It is a light tale with some laughs, some violence and a hint at sex. You can easily read it in under an hour even at an easy pace - well at least I could.
If you're expecting something meaningful, transformative or cerebral, don't read this. If you want some light hearted fun, go for it.
February 8, 2012
POOR Weston Smith. A career shift moved him hundreds of miles from his family and friends, he’s a little lonely, very busy-and a few times a month, he’s digesting strange foreign objects, such as change, zippers, crosses, and teeth-not his. Plus on those occasions he wakes up nude, in some other room of his apartment other than his bedroom. His GP sends him to a psychiatrist, while Weston goes for the Internet and starts hunting. Oh, oh! There may be more to this than meets the eye-and Weston begins to research lycanthropy and therianthropy (humans changing into wolves, and humans morphing into animals)—and then he stumbles upon Shapeshifters Anonymous.
A delightfully tongue-in-cheek and almost naughty spin on traditional werewolf myths, “Shapeshifters Anonymous” presents a surprising three-dimensional protagonist with what could prove to be a major serious difficulty. Weston Smith is a joy in himself, as are the other characters he encounters Author Konrath manages to put an unexpected spin on both religion and centuries-old legend simultaneously. This is certainly an approach to lycanthropy I never would have expected, but I chortled all the way to the much-appreciated ending.
A delightfully tongue-in-cheek and almost naughty spin on traditional werewolf myths, “Shapeshifters Anonymous” presents a surprising three-dimensional protagonist with what could prove to be a major serious difficulty. Weston Smith is a joy in himself, as are the other characters he encounters Author Konrath manages to put an unexpected spin on both religion and centuries-old legend simultaneously. This is certainly an approach to lycanthropy I never would have expected, but I chortled all the way to the much-appreciated ending.
March 10, 2012
This was an excellent tongue in cheek sort of story. Hell, it even had a Furry in it which made me chuckle (rather than worry as furs tend to do when they see themselves portrayed in a story).
The storyline is very light, full of laughs and jokes left right and center that keep you smiling as you read it. The writing is casual and pleasant to read and even the opening hook is well placed and drags you in by your inner jester.
What really surprised me is that if the humor had been taken out, and the whole Santa Claus thing dropped in favor for something else, there is what could have been a superb storyline hiding under all the jokes and comedy that Konrath could have expanded upon and turned into something truly amazing. The idea of the support group, the way that it was handled (jokes aside) was actually pretty believable and I would have loved to have seen more of it. That, really, is the only complaint I had with this story, and it's not much of a complaint as the story still turned out to be a fun, quick read.
If you like werecreatures, are a furry, or simply are looking for a lighthearted read, pick this up. You'll be chuckling and laughing the whole time.
The storyline is very light, full of laughs and jokes left right and center that keep you smiling as you read it. The writing is casual and pleasant to read and even the opening hook is well placed and drags you in by your inner jester.
What really surprised me is that if the humor had been taken out, and the whole Santa Claus thing dropped in favor for something else, there is what could have been a superb storyline hiding under all the jokes and comedy that Konrath could have expanded upon and turned into something truly amazing. The idea of the support group, the way that it was handled (jokes aside) was actually pretty believable and I would have loved to have seen more of it. That, really, is the only complaint I had with this story, and it's not much of a complaint as the story still turned out to be a fun, quick read.
If you like werecreatures, are a furry, or simply are looking for a lighthearted read, pick this up. You'll be chuckling and laughing the whole time.
February 24, 2014
This was a free download that I found. The short story also appeared in the anthology collection called Werewolves and Mistletoe.
First off, the author says in his preface that he decided to go all out with this story. I feel he hit a home run. It was hilarious. Unfortunately I can't go into a lot of detail about what is funny because it would give away too much of the story. But here is a short teaser description.
When a man starts noticing strange items in his bowel movements, he goes to his doctor. With a little more information, the man decides to do the next logical step. He checks the internet. There he discovers the group known as Shapeshifters Anonymous. Perhaps they can answer his questions and help him to decide his next step.
A lot of paranormal stories are dark and take themselves ultra-seriously. This story decides to go in directions that few if any have dared to go. I plan on seeking out the anthology to see if the other stories in it are as goes as this one. Highly recommended.
First off, the author says in his preface that he decided to go all out with this story. I feel he hit a home run. It was hilarious. Unfortunately I can't go into a lot of detail about what is funny because it would give away too much of the story. But here is a short teaser description.
When a man starts noticing strange items in his bowel movements, he goes to his doctor. With a little more information, the man decides to do the next logical step. He checks the internet. There he discovers the group known as Shapeshifters Anonymous. Perhaps they can answer his questions and help him to decide his next step.
A lot of paranormal stories are dark and take themselves ultra-seriously. This story decides to go in directions that few if any have dared to go. I plan on seeking out the anthology to see if the other stories in it are as goes as this one. Highly recommended.
December 31, 2011
Meh. Ok. This is a novelette that would have been better as a novel. Way too much information condensed into way too short of time. And, come on, an evil Santa Claus? Satan's Claws? Were-coral? Were-squirrels? Cute, but not satisfying. Despite, having to endure some of that ridiculousness, the story starts off great. Robert, our main shifter's, epiphany as to his true nature was fun and I wish that would have been developed further. Likewise with the whole idea of "Shapeshifters Anonymous."
Hey, develop this into a full length novel and I will definitely pick it up. Until then, it is just a big OK.
Hey, develop this into a full length novel and I will definitely pick it up. Until then, it is just a big OK.
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