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The Last Caspian

Devin Edwards is the first geneticist after years of research to fully sequence the genome of the classified-extinct Caspian tiger. Her job at the Tiger’s Eye Sanctuary, the most dedicated tiger rescue and conservation effort in the world, is to pull Caspians back from the literal brink of extinction; the sanctuary hosts one very special tiger that isn’t found anywhere else.

Rexleigh Murdoch is the head keeper in charge of the last living Caspian tiger, Balkhash. No one knew Balkhash had been trapped since she was a cub in the backyard of a private collector who didn’t realise what he had until his compound was raided by an animal welfare charity. Balkhash was brought to the sanctuary, and millions of pounds has been spent trying to find a way to continue her rare lineage.

Though when Balkhash and Rex are never seen at the same time, the genetic data doesn’t make sense, and both creatures that have captivated Devin have eyes that are reminiscent of the gorgeous tiger’s eye gemstone that the sanctuary is named after, she begins to suspect something that defies the laws of biology.

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2024

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Taryn J. Dallas

3 books14 followers
see main profile as TJ Dallas

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5 stars
162 (57%)
4 stars
86 (30%)
3 stars
27 (9%)
2 stars
5 (1%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Linda.
276 reviews13 followers
July 18, 2024
All hail TJ Dallas! She has given us the lighter, cuter shifter book and I love it. The humans enjoy a good snort of catnip, a nice roll in a cardboard box and a nap in a sunbeam. And guess what, the tigers love the same things. A last of her kind Caspian tiger shifter Rex, and Devin, a new geneticist working on keeping the species going fall for each other at the tiger rescue Rex works at. It's a good story with great secondary characters. Lots of action as poachers and circuses holding animals illegally call our heroes to help the wrongly caged and tortured. I love this book like a good kitty head bump and chasing a laser light pointer . 5 balls of string rated
Profile Image for Lady Olenna.
954 reviews78 followers
May 26, 2024
4 Stars

I enjoyed this shifter story! One thing that separates this from other shifter stories is the fact that there’s no fights with other shifter groups. It’s more science based and mostly saving tigers. It’s different from the usual shifter stories. It’s good different.
Profile Image for Sheila.
976 reviews
April 17, 2024
Magical

In a world of hate comes hope and love. The world although filled with greed and evil can be paved with kindness and compassion. It sometimes only takes one to make a change.
Profile Image for Vita L. Licari.
1,002 reviews50 followers
April 1, 2024
A geneticist and a shifter's love and their adventure.

Rex is a tiger shifter and the last capsian tiger in the world. Devin is the geneticist that is hired to find the break thru to impregnate Rex/Balkhash. When Rex and Devin first meet, there is an attraction.
Devin doesn't realize that when she sees Balkhash she doesn't see Rex.
This is a fantastic, an OMG story that you won't want to put down! It's also a love story between Rex and Devin. This is a favorite! Five stars!
Profile Image for Victoria.
555 reviews91 followers
April 7, 2024
Honestly, this is by far the best sapphic shape-shifter romance that hits every fantasy I’ve dreamt of.
Profile Image for JAYNE (sapphic_story_seekers).
265 reviews22 followers
March 16, 2024
If you're a fan of shape shifter stories, this is a must-have addition to your bookshelf. The Last Caspian by Taryn J. Dallas (TJ Dallas) is a low angst, well-paced novel which takes place in Tiger’s Eye Sanctuary, in Scotland, UK.

The enigmatic Rexleigh Murdoch is the head keeper at Tiger’s Eye. She is also a tiger shifter, and in this form has the name of Balkhash. Her character is quirky and playful in both human and tiger form.

Dr Devin Edwards, a genetic and biotechnology specialist, joins the sanctuary on a 12-month contract. Her goal is to revive the near-extinct Caspian tigers, with Balkhash being the last of her species, and to construct a comprehensive genetic blueprint. Devin moves into Tiger’s Eye for the duration of her contract and takes over the lab.

Both Rex and Devin are very affable characters and as the book progresses you get a lay of the land which Tiger’s Eye occupies. With a mix of humour and unexpected moments, this novel is both entertaining and filled with surprises. It also sparks thoughts about the devastating influence we exert on the natural world.

I received an ARC for my honest review.
Profile Image for queer_aussie_reviews.
337 reviews34 followers
March 8, 2024
T.J. Dallas is back writing as Taryn J. Dallas with her new release, The Last Caspian. More romance, less smut – calm down, there is still some, and it’s hot as always!

The Last Caspian is the story of Rex, shape shifter, and the last known Caspian tiger in the world, Balkhash. She dedicates her life to the conservation of tigers, along with her two fellow shifter friends. They have been searching for ways to breed Balkhash and hopefully prevent Rex from ending the line.

Devin, a geneticist, is hired by the sanctuary to do some genome sequency stuff and get Balkhash pregnant. Only she has no idea that Rex and Balkhash are one and the same, and the instant attraction between the shifter and geneticist makes things complicated.

Dallas keeps the romance sweet and angst free. It’s not all a walk in the park, but it’s never heavy, and both Rex and Devin are MCs you’ll fall hard for. The instant attraction seeps through the pages, and waiting for one of these two to make a move is fun. Who doesn’t love an interruption or two? The naivety of Rex, the tall butch shifter, is endearing and perfectly aligns with Devin’s curiosity and tough exterior.

I devoured The Last Caspian over a couple of nights, and in all honesty, wasn’t ready for it to end. It’s another hit from Taryn J. Dallas. Don’t miss it.

 
Profile Image for Issy Waldrom.
Author 10 books59 followers
April 4, 2024
Taryn's first delve into a shifter book, and it is cute and adorable. A tiger shifter, the last of her sub-species, and a recently hired geneticist, and it's attraction at first sight. Rex is smitten and clumsy, and oh so adorable, but as is always the nature with a shifter story, truths will have to be revealed in order for it to go any further.

There is, of course, more going on in the background. There is issues with poachers, a rescue or two to be had, and air to be cleared. And of course some info on tiger genetics as well.

I absolutely loved the story. Enjoyable, engrossing, easy to read with highly likable characters, an interesting setting, and lots of interesting information as well. It's great seeing their relationship develop, and I appreciate how it is handled differently from other shifter stories (no alpha/omega dynamics here). It has it's angst moments, and a few slightly darker moments, and well as looking at some heavier topics, but it is handled appropriately, and adds to what the story is.

A great read from beginning to end, and I'd happily read more of her shifter stories ^^
Profile Image for Tegan Rosenbaum.
74 reviews12 followers
April 16, 2024
5⭐️ well crafted and a joy to read!

Books about sapphic shapeshifters with romance and adventure are always creative, typically spicey, sometimes exciting, but rarely are they intellectual or educational. This book had all of those elements! The geneticist character Devin, was super hot (have to admit to crushing on her) and the explanations of bio-research, tiger types and species was really in-depth.

Admittedly I cannot confirm which science and subspecies descriptions were imagination and which are actually authentic, but that was one of things that I loved about this book. Creative storytelling nestled in a world of the horrible exotic animal trade, dangerous poachers, endangered species and the race to protect them, was a pleasure to read; on top of this "perfect fit" romance between shifter and scientist.

I had the pleasure of reading an ARC copy and tried to leave an advance review on Goodreads, but the app wouldn't let me. If you like shapeshifter romances, you will love this book!!
Profile Image for Nia.
506 reviews23 followers
March 8, 2024
I love shapeshifter novels and Taryn J Dallas wrote a terrific story!
This one has a big playful side.
Rexleigh Murdoch is Balkhash.
The last Caspian Tiger in the world.
However, no one knows that Balkhash is half human.
She works as the head tiger keeper at the “Tiger's Eye Sanctuary”, where she secretly lives safely as a tiger shifter and as Balkhash.
Rex is an absolutely lovable goof. Tall, strong and beautiful as a person, but still a goof.
The opposite of the graceful Tigress, she is clumsy and shy as a human. Especially towards the beautiful Dr. Devon Edwards who, as a genetics expert, has to find a way for Balkhash to have a cub in the Tiger's Eye Sanctuary.
Devin looks for ways to impregnate Balkhash and while analyzing the DNA, she discovers something incredible.
Of course there is a lot of science, which is explained and talked about.
However, in my opinion, everything is easy to understand. Not to mention necessary for the storyline.
Rex's past is explained piece by piece so that you can understand her history.
But the playful, funny moments were my absolute favorite.
As in so many of her books, there are lots of supporting characters who are funny, likeable and loving! It rounds everything off beautifully.
A really beautiful love story, with lots of humor and excitement!
Thanks to Taryn J Dallas for the ARC!
529 reviews17 followers
April 22, 2024
Oooh, So Awesome

Read the blurb to know what it's about but read the book to "meet" the characters and discover it is oh so awesome. There's much to enjoy in this story and also a lot to learn. I loved every bit of it. I highly recommend you read this.
Profile Image for 3DKing.
369 reviews2 followers
May 14, 2024
I really liked how hard topics were handled and how the characters developed. Can easily imagine a spin-off about the different people and their own stories, all centereing on the Tigers Eye Sanctuary.
70 reviews4 followers
March 5, 2024
To say that I was pulled into this story from the first chapter is a complete understatement. I was enthralled. I’ve read a lot of shifter novels and The Last Caspian is one of the best if not THE best. Rex, and her alter ego Balkhash, is the last Caspian Tiger and she is desperate to find a way to bring the species out of extinction. This is how we me Devin, a geneticist who is study the genetic code of the tiger (totally oblivious to any shifter goings on).
The way the character of Rex is written showed both the human and tiger side of her while in her human form. There is a particular scene involving a bright light which I found very funny but you’ll have to read the novel.
The whole setting of the novel is wonderful and had me wishing that there were places out there that cared for animals that way. I’m sure there are some but obviously not enough.
The secondary characters of Glenn and Liu were great.
I really enjoyed reading this novel and it leaves me wondering if Ms Dallas will write move in this vein.
Do yourself a favour and get a copy of this novel. You won’t be disappointed at all! I’m sure you will love like I did.

I was sent an ARC for an honest and fair review.
Profile Image for Em Lewis.
373 reviews17 followers
June 28, 2024
This book is a real page turner and the characters, and the shapeshifting are written believably which lifts the story to another level. As there is an open subplot, let's hope there is more to come.
Profile Image for Sydney.
Author 1 book12 followers
December 22, 2024
I wanted to liked this way more than I did. Unfortunately Dallas tried to science some of the paranormal, and not very well at all. All of the science stuff, especially the genetics stuff that happened after Devin finished sequencing the Caspian genome, was just so wrong and bad it kept pulling me out of the story. That is not how genetics works at all. There were also so many plot holes that you could drive a truck through. It was really hard to finish this book.

The romance between Rex and Devin was ok. Rex is totally clueless and a useless lesbian of the worst order. Devin was probably a little too understanding. Overall it was a very sweet romance, not a lot of drama aside from the shifter stuff.

There is no third act breakup. Though they do kind of take a bit of a break from talking for a few days while Devin deals with the shock of what Rex is.
Profile Image for Heather.
981 reviews16 followers
April 7, 2024
Sapphic Shifter Romance? Yes Please!!

Wonderful story! So well written! Omg I could hardly put it down! The main characters are sexy, sweet, awkward in the best way and well fleshed out. The side characters are amazing and supportive found family. I felt like I drooled when they drooled, laughed when they laughed, cried when they cried, I swear I was right there!! Definitely reread material! Highly recommend if you like shifter romance or even on the fence, it’ll be worth it right from the start! This author has a way to just pull you right in with ease…
Profile Image for TJ Phillips.
258 reviews17 followers
December 6, 2024
For what technically falls into the Urban Fantasy genre, we have a very stilted and at times, sterile shifter romance. Over all, characters were pretty flat. Rex ended being a little endearing because of her bumbling and shy behavior but for Devin, (other main) there was nothing to her personality really at all. She was a scientist, who I lost too many pages to in her POV about DNA sequencing. This book was light on dialogue and I found the cat behaviors in human form to be forced. An unfortunately forgettable story.
Profile Image for Lara.
Author 14 books65 followers
June 1, 2024
Rex is the last known Caspian tiger, living at Tiger's Eye animal sanctuary in Scotland. Enter Devin Edwards, a geneticist who plans to sequence the Caspian genome and give the tiger offspring, bringing the species back from extinction.

But the genome sequencing kicks off the reveal to an even larger secret: Rex the Caspian is also sweet sexy butch Rexleigh Murdoch, the zookeeper Devin has fallen in love with.

Excellent first foray into paranormal for this contemporary sapphic romance author. Rather than rely on "magic" as the explanation for the shifting, the geneticist character works to make the *science* make sense and that forms the crux of the internal as well as the external plot journeys. The scenes where she's dealing with the science and challenging Rex's actual nature are particularly fraught.

The romance is by turns sweet fumbling and there's steamy sex, too. I also liked that this did not include the shifter romance "fated mate" trope. Rex does briefly consider marking Devin (biting to signal "mine"). It was bypassed in favor of a verbal declaration of feeling. IMHO to the betterment of the characterization and story. There's a lot of consent discussion, which I appreciate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
112 reviews4 followers
March 5, 2024
Another terrific book from Taryn J. Dallas. I absolutely love Rex, Devin, and their supporting cast. Rex is adorable in her innocence in certain areas as she has limited life experience but fierce in her protectiveness of her family and the sanctuary. Her relationship with Glenn as a father figure and mentor and Liu as her best friend are so satisfying to read. With her background, they provide the support, stability, and love she needs and has been able to grow into a strong, passionate, independent woman/tiger. Devin is as intelligent as she is compassionate. From their first meeting to discovering the truth to becoming a member of the sanctuary team, Devin's love of the truth, science, and protecting what she cares about is always front and center; even when her understanding of truth and science seem to conflict.
This story is well written and the main characters are well developed with supporting cast getting their due as well in a great balance that moves the story along while giving the reader the right amount of information they need. You'll find love, friendship, family, heartache, and healing in throughout this lovely story.
Profile Image for Mari Stark.
265 reviews7 followers
March 8, 2024
Exceptional tiger-shifter romance/adventure

I enjoyed reading this book very much. It's a shape-shifter story, which is one of my favourite genres, especially when it involves tiger-shifters. This story has become one of my favourites. The plot is great, the story engaging, and it hooked me right from the beginning.

Both characters, Rexleigh (Rex) and Devin, are lovely. I have a soft spot and a bit of a crush on Rex, being the tiger-shifter, and Devin is great too, her scientific background is a plus for me. The book has a great plot with well-developed characters and the writing is excellent. It's a mix of humour, sexiness, action, romance, and a little bit of heartbreak.

There is an open subplot, which leaves room for a sequel, which I am already anticipating and hoping for.

This book is so good that I couldn't decide whether to read it quickly to know what happens or slowly to savour every moment. Either way, I ended up reading it more than once. This is undoubtedly a brilliant, page-turning book.

I highly recommend this shape-shifter story.

I received an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Elena Abbott.
Author 9 books50 followers
March 31, 2024
A truly amazing take on shifter romance

So first of all, Taryn J Dallas can write like nobody's business. I've been a huge fan for a while now, loving her Pride series and her romance novellas. Her first go at a paranormal shifter romance is nothing short of spectacular.

Rex is written with so much damned heart that it's hard not to love her from the start. And as we get to know Devin the instant chemistry between the two leaps off the page.

But I think what I liked best (apart from the sexy spiciness that is part and parcel to every book TJ puts out) was the thought put into the science of shifters, regarding things like DNA and mass displacement that most shifter books hand wave away with magic or some such (like in my books). Taryn put so much thought and effort into making things sound, at least to my mind, plausible from a scientific perspective. I think that was absolutely amazing.

Forgive my rambling. I'm writing this at 7 in the morning after being up for the past 5 hours devouring this book. If you're going to start reading, make sure you clear your schedule.
Profile Image for Jonna.
136 reviews3 followers
April 5, 2024
This is a great addition to the sapphic shifter genre. Dallas creates a world that is both real and magical. Rex is the head keeper at a tiger reserve in Scotland. She is also a shifter and is the last known Caspian tiger in the world. Devin is hired as the staff geneticist for the reserve and is trying to sequence the Caspian genome from both Rex and from a pelt in a museum. The reserve has 3 shifters who basically run it, the Director, Glenn, Rex, and the assistant keeper Liu. While Rex is a tiger, sometimes, she is a delightfully awkward, kind, and adorable person. She is drawn to Devin, but doesn’t have any real experience with dating and watching her figure it out is sweet.

I am a biologist by training and the genetics is handled very well. I appreciate the detail that Dallas included - it all seemed right and was explained well. I also loved that throughout the book Devin is reading sapphic shifter books - Second Nature by Jae and Pack of her Own by Elena Abbott.

I received an advance review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Deb.
525 reviews3 followers
July 12, 2024
wow

Now, I’ve never read a shifter book before. I’ve dabbled a little in fanfic stories but never a full book. I’ve always thought it would be a bit weird. How wrong am I.
If you takeaway the shifter element this is a really great story with brilliant characters throughout. With the addition of the shifter it turns into a truly epic story. The weirdness I expected never happened.
The setting of this story is a place I could happily live in. The roar of one of these magnificent creatures really takes your breath away.
I know it took me a while to get around to this book, but TJ, I’m gobsmacked. Thank you for opening my eyes to a new genre. Now I’ll never catch up on my TBR list.
Profile Image for Nova Kelly.
24 reviews
July 15, 2024
This was my first shifter book and I absolutely loved it! The story had me engaged all the way through and I found a new love and appreciation for tigers. The writing is impeccable and there are real facts about tigers and poaching, effectively tugging on your heart strings. The characters are relatable, shifter and human alike. Rexleigh and Devin are adorable together! I was not only on the edge of my seat waiting for them to get together, but also to find out if they would be able to save the Caspian tigers from extinction by producing another Caspian shifter. This book was exciting, sweet and emotional all in one. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys sapphic fiction or shifter stories! You won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Eel.
Author 5 books21 followers
February 9, 2025
It Factor

"You think about kissing me?"

This book is peak lesbian drama.
The whole story is crazy well researched (who knew you could scientifically explain how shifters work?), but between all time-skips and monologuing is a really charming story of a 6’4” butch with a furry form and a fainting Englishwoman named Edward.

This story is angsty with trigger warnings for human trafficking and mentions of abuse, but somehow also kooky af bc Rex never learned social skills.

"Pretend I never said that." She groaned. "Let’s pretend I said something super witty, and you can leave thinking I’m at least a little cool."

Honestly love these two. Bonus points for a lesbian pregnancy trope.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews