Review for Tasting Fire by Shelly Holt

Shape-shifters have always walked the earth. Shrouded in myth and folklore, hiding in the shadows, watching and waiting. Advances in modern science are now about to reveal them to the world. Kai Tenzin is the self appointed leader of the Pari people. He and his kind evolved from the most reclusive predators on earth. They live and hunt in the most fearsome and rugged terrain known to man, the Himalayas. Kai leaves his small village where the mountains touch the heavens, determined to do anything to protect his people. When he is forced to enlist the aid of the beautiful American scientist Dr. Rae Hales, the last thing he expects to find is a woman who will ensnare his heart and endanger them all. Their action-packed adventure will take them around the world to discover the truth behind the legends and reveal the future of humanity.

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Tasting Fire has a premise that totally wins you over.  It's an intriguing storyline with a likable hero and secondary characters, numerous action-packed scenes, and a well thought out mythology.  Throw in a few steamy sexual interludes and you have a story that gives its readers a bit of something for everyone.

The story itself had a few problems though.  The writing style doesn't allow the reader to truly get into the character's heads.  The narrative seemed to be from the outside looking in which was unique but gave an off feeling.  The mythology, while creatively well-written, slightly overwhelmed the story at times and pulled me out of the story's forward momentum.  The story also chaotically jumped from location to location causing a speed bump in the narrative.  These are small quibbles though courtesy of an immensely likable hero.

Kai is the main reason I enjoyed this story.  It's not often that an Asian character is made the hero of the story.  It was refreshing seeing this and I applaud the author for creating this unique and super sexy hero. Having snow leopards be shifters is also unique as well as the medical reasons behind it and the reasons for their extinction being both of this world and otherworldly.  

These facets combined to make an intriguing start to a new series that I have faith will further evolve into something special.  With the author's talent at writing memorable heroes, I look forward to who I'll be able to drool over next.

My rating for this is a C+

*I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.