The Introverted Bookworm

Title: Fertile Centaur

Author: Julie Law

Genre: Fantasy, Erotica, LGBTQ+

Lisa is a well-to-do young lady, with a passion for horses and riding. Her older husband, who she resents due to his controlling and critical behaviour, has curtailed her freedom by banning her from leaving the house. Trapped in a loveless marriage, with a man who fails to satisfy her desires, Lisa feel trapped and disheartened. However, when Lisa embraces a rare glimpse of freedom by visiting the enigmatic Calista – a charming female centaur – her situation changes for the better.

Calista, whose androgyny is exemplified in her possession of both male and female sexual organs, resides in a magical forest maze. She invites Lisa into her world with open arms. Polished, commanding, and displaying impressive physical prowess, Calista’s magnetism quickly draws Lisa in – especially when the centaur offers to take her away from her domineering husband. However, Calista’s desire to claim Lisa as her mate soon becomes apparent, and the two women quickly lose all inhibitions as they indulge in a passionate liaison.

The non-binary element of this story arouses the reader’s curiosity. Indeed, we are not quite sure how to feel about Calista, whose strength is juxtaposed with softness and sensuality. As the plot unfolds, it becomes apparent that the story is based around Lisa discovering the sexual fulfilment that she is seeking as a woman, a need which cannot be satisfied by her onerous husband (Calista is responsible for giving Lisa her first orgasm).

Escaping traditional gender restrictions in terms of sexual experimentation is a central theme in the narrative. The centaur is free from the linear physical limitations of being strictly ‘male’ or ‘female’, and as such, the relationship is a blank canvas for Lisa to play with in terms of exploring what can truly satisfy her desires.

Lisa’s connection with Carista is portrayed with sensual deftness and helps the reader to appreciate what could be defined as the ‘masculine’ and ‘feminine’ elements of sexual attraction. The only downside to their story is that it is unclear in the ending whether or not Lisa successfully escaped her abusive marriage. This question is left unanswered, and the reader really wants to know whether Lisa escaped and is safe. However, there is a good chance that this could be cleared up if there is a sequel to the book.

Fertile Centaur is part of the Futa Fantasy Shorts series and is only suitable for adult readers due to its erotic content. Law has written an entertaining and engaging short story, with characters who push the limits of gender conformity and open the readers’ minds to the possibilities of sexual experimentation.