This collection of shape shifter stories and poems is so versatile and creative. The cast of characters is diverse and unique to each story. While they are all shape shifter stories none of this book feels repetitive or boring I was fully engaged in each little world and I definitely recommend this to anyone who wants something a bit different. I’ve been introduced to new authors who I will absolutely be checking out soon!

I was thoroughly impressed by this anthology! I hold myself as a vampire book connoisseur, so I was very interested in reading about the other side of the coin. I have always loved werewolves as well and enjoyed getting to know about the different stories and shifters from around the world.

Rating: 3.5 ⭐️

Thank you again to NetGalley for another lovely anthology! I really love a good collection of stories and this was one was pleasant. In short, this is a collection of short stories and poems based around the concept of shapeshifting.

The most obvious form of shapeshifting that comes to mind in the horror genre is werewolves and this anthology doesn’t just explore werewolves, but also various were-creatures. Some creatures that we see in this anthology is were-foxes, were-bulls, were-skunks, and in one certain story, a were-slug.

The stories typically stayed within the horror genre with others branching out and touching on themes of familial loyalty, humor, and the urge to be “free.”

I enjoyed reading this and I found myself being pleasantly surprised by some stories but also disappointed in others. This could be fault of the reader however as werewolf stories aren’t usually what draws me in but I wanted to take a chance and read something new.

For the most part, this was a very cohesive anthology and I did enjoy trying to guess what the “were-creature” of each story would be. I also enjoyed that it had an equal mix of authors I recognized as well as new authors that I was introduced to.

This anthology is a bit of a mixed bag, for me. Many of the stories average three stars from me, being rather predicable and relying on familiar story beats — and there’s nothing wrong with that! Considering how little room each story is given to breathe, it’s only natural that they all feel slightly rushed. However, it’s nice to see poetry, which I wasn’t expecting. Because I’m not really into poetry, my judgement here is both biased and slightly uninformed, but for the most part the poems, like the stories, fall into that 3 star range.

I did like the emphasis on the brutality and the inhuman natures of the shifters in this book, and in the sheer variety. If you’re into horror and dark retellings, there’s a lot here for you to sample, but … they’re only samples. Personally I think this book either needed to be longer or have fewer authors in order to give more room to each story; not everyone here managed to stick the landing — let alone build up any tension or craft a sudden twist.

Still, I had fun with the collection and recommend it if you’re looking for something short and sweet with shifters, and don’t mind the darker edge these stories take. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for giving me an ARC.

This is a varied collection of shifter stories. Different kinds of shifting creatures (bears, wolves, birds, etc.); different formats of literature (short stories, poems, etc.); and different genres (horror, romance, fantasy, NF). I was entertained. Thank you to NetGalley for a digital copy

The concept of shapeshifting is creepy! This anthology collects some of the best stories out there in the genre. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Were Tales: A Shapeshifter Anthology is a collection of short stories about shapeshifters, from werewolves and foxes, to horses and spiders. It is incredibly creative, wonderfully vivid, and very well-crafted. Each story is unique and they all embody the perfect atmosphere that will have you completely captivated. There was not a single story that I was bored by or which could have been improved in any way. 5 stars!
Thank you NetGalley and Brigids Gate LLC for such a captivating ARC!

WereTales: Shapeshifter Anthology is a dark, thrilling, and deeply atmospheric collection that brings together a talented group of authors to explore the fascinating world of shapeshifters. With stories ranging from werewolves and berserkers to kitsune and trickster spirits, this anthology captures the eerie, primal allure of shapeshifting beings. It’s an exhilarating mix of horror, mystery, dark fantasy, and even a touch of humor, with each story offering a unique take on the mythic figures that have haunted human folklore for centuries.

The anthology features contributions from a stellar lineup of authors, including Jonathan Maberry, Stephanie Ellis, Gabino Iglesias, and Michelle Garza, just to name a few. Each writer brings their own voice and vision to the genre, ensuring a diverse and dynamic reading experience. The result is a series of stories that are as varied as they are captivating, ranging from terrifying accounts of monstrous transformations to tales of shapeshifters who use their abilities for trickery or humor.

The strength of WereTales lies in its ability to blend mythology with modern sensibilities. Some stories delve into deep, psychological horror, while others offer lighter, more playful takes on shapeshifting creatures. The wide array of tones—from chilling to strange and whimsical—keeps the anthology fresh and engaging throughout. Whether you’re looking for spine-tingling suspense or a clever twist on the familiar, this anthology delivers it all.

The diversity of shapeshifters represented in the collection is particularly noteworthy. There’s no shortage of werewolves, but readers will also find berserkers, fox spirits, and other lesser-known creatures that add depth and variety to the genre. Whether these shapeshifters are foes, allies, or victims themselves, their transformations serve as powerful metaphors for themes of identity, loss, and the human struggle with our darker instincts.

The writing throughout the anthology is consistently strong, with each author bringing a compelling narrative style to their work. Some stories are haunting and thought-provoking, while others provide heart-pounding action or moments of dark humor. The versatility of the authors ensures that there is something for every reader, whether you’re a fan of traditional horror, fantasy, or even speculative fiction.

WereTales isn’t just a collection for fans of shapeshifters—it’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys dark fiction that explores the boundaries between humanity and monstrosity. The anthology’s blend of mythology, horror, and literary talent makes it a standout in the genre.

Rating: 4.5/5

If you’re a fan of shapeshifters, folklore, or just enjoy well-crafted, immersive short stories that will leave you both unsettled and intrigued, WereTales is a collection you won’t want to miss.

Anthologies often deliver a mix of hits and misses, but Were Tales: A Shapeshifter Anthology is a rare gem. I loved every single story. Each tale is masterfully crafted, with vivid storytelling, compelling characters, and an eerie sense of atmosphere that lingers long after reading. The sheer creativity on display is astounding, from terrifying and grotesque transformations to deeply emotional and thought provoking narratives.

The diversity in cultural influences, geographic settings, and the variety of were creatures (beyond the usual werewolves) elevates this collection above others in the genre. The way these stories can invoke sheer terror, unease, and even moments of unexpected beauty in such a short format speaks to the incredible skill of these authors.

While the poetry selections didn’t resonate with me (a personal bias rather than a flaw), the strength of the prose stories more than made up for it. This anthology is packed with fresh, haunting, and utterly gripping tales, and I’ll be keeping an eye on all of these authors in the future. A must read for fans of shapeshifter horror. This is how an anthology should be done!

‘𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙖𝙨 𝙄 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙨, 𝙣𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙖𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧: 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙬𝙤𝙡𝙛.’

Around my tween/early teen years I was obsessed with werewolves, so when I got accepted to read this anthology I was excited!

In this book you will find a variety of stories and poetry of were-creatures, not just the simple werewolf.
As someone who is more familiar with werewolves it was enlightening to read about other forms.

I think my fave creatures in this entire book were a wolf, a bear, a raven and a fox!

I also found that in all of these stories there would be a happy ending, or a just ending, if you will. All of them fought back against their aggressor in their beast form, either to get revenge or to avenge someone they cared about. (Or in some cases, to provide for their family.)

My fave stories/poetry:

The God of Viscera and Mud - Shane Douglas Keen
Wastiger - Baba Jide Low
The Butterfly Effect - Linda D. Addison
The Skulk Legacy - Alyson Faye
Y Ceffyl Dŵr (The Water Horse) - Catherine McCarthy
The Forgotten Ones - Tabatha Wood
The Rattling Howl - Sara Tantlinger
Garden Landscape - Cynthia Pelayo
Snowbound, Bloodhound - Stephanie Ellis
Shift Left for Love - Theresa Derwin
The Fragility of Birds - Christina Sng
Wife to the Wild - Clara Madrigano
Darkness Peering - Ben Monroe
The Crow's Nest - Stephanie Wytovich
Trouble's Braids - Jonathan Maberry
What the Night Swallows - Gabino Iglesias

I would definitely recommend this if you're a monster fan!

This was interesting. I've always enjoyed shifter stories. I thought this was all about shifter romance but turned out it as horror instead. That aspect surprised me, especially right off the bat with the second story.

This was another very solid anthro I stumbled into, I'm not specifically a big werewolf reader, but if its good, I will check it out.

This also wasn't just one type of were, there were different types of shifters, which really lent to breaking up the "oh this is just going to be bad wolf stories "

The Water Horse was hands down the start of this collection, revenge and add in there are shifters, I was screaming, absolutely satisfying.

More Afraid of You was a my second favorite, and you really really got me on that one, I thought I knew...But you got me at the end.

I know I already named off two, but also Just Deserts, phenomenal.

Honestly the whole anthro is worth the read, check this out asap.

I LOVE shapeshifters of all kinds, so finding this was a dream-come-true. I wish some of them were longer, especially the one where the woman turns into the spider. Overall, this is one of the few anthologies I would recommend and I hope this gets turned into an audio version so I can listen to it! Either way, I'm grabbing a copy for myself - thank you!