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Tarsus #1
Tarsus
The despised white centaur may be the key to Varan’s heart…
Born into hatred, his odd white coat a source of disgust to his centaur tribe, Tarsus is well used to mockery and contempt. But when he’s kidnapped from his high-blood family by a rival faction, he realizes his torment has only begun. Beaten and sentenced to death, he’s brought before the princess Nalain, heir to the centauran throne. But rather than order his execution, Nalain gives him to her brother, the general Varan, as a servant, a plaything to amuse him before the hideous white centaur’s eventual, inescapable death.
The huge centauran Varan is disgusted with his new servant, yet he soon begins to see the gentle soul that lies beneath the filthy, matted white hide. Even as a captive, the young centaur strives to be of service to all around him, even to those who show him nothing but contempt. Odd, given his bloodline—son to the feared and powerful Shar, whose evil has caused so much suffering for the centaurs of Varan’s tribe. It’s not long before Varan finds himself drawn to Tarsus in ways he never dreamed possible, and the passion that stirs between them becomes something that neither can live without. Until war comes to the centaurs, and with it rumors that Tarsus might not be the guileless servant he seems, and how everything Varan has ever known—his clan, his home, his love for Tarsus—is doomed…
Born into hatred, his odd white coat a source of disgust to his centaur tribe, Tarsus is well used to mockery and contempt. But when he’s kidnapped from his high-blood family by a rival faction, he realizes his torment has only begun. Beaten and sentenced to death, he’s brought before the princess Nalain, heir to the centauran throne. But rather than order his execution, Nalain gives him to her brother, the general Varan, as a servant, a plaything to amuse him before the hideous white centaur’s eventual, inescapable death.
The huge centauran Varan is disgusted with his new servant, yet he soon begins to see the gentle soul that lies beneath the filthy, matted white hide. Even as a captive, the young centaur strives to be of service to all around him, even to those who show him nothing but contempt. Odd, given his bloodline—son to the feared and powerful Shar, whose evil has caused so much suffering for the centaurs of Varan’s tribe. It’s not long before Varan finds himself drawn to Tarsus in ways he never dreamed possible, and the passion that stirs between them becomes something that neither can live without. Until war comes to the centaurs, and with it rumors that Tarsus might not be the guileless servant he seems, and how everything Varan has ever known—his clan, his home, his love for Tarsus—is doomed…
Unknown Binding
Published January 1, 2025
31 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Owens
31 books612 followersAlso known as J.C. McGuire.
J.C Owens lives in small town, rural Alberta and is a self confessed writing-a-holic. In the absence of help for this affliction…
I do indeed love to write and have now completed thirty published stories, along with over twenty books sitting idle in my computer, waiting… I love the genre of male/male stories and conflict in what a person thinks they want, versus what they truly need to become themselves. I think any writing that shows the beauty of men loving men is worthwhile.
I love to hear from my readers and always appreciate suggestions and comments for future books. Sharing a love of reading and good, hot sensuality between men is always a cause for celebration!
J.C Owens lives in small town, rural Alberta and is a self confessed writing-a-holic. In the absence of help for this affliction…
I do indeed love to write and have now completed thirty published stories, along with over twenty books sitting idle in my computer, waiting… I love the genre of male/male stories and conflict in what a person thinks they want, versus what they truly need to become themselves. I think any writing that shows the beauty of men loving men is worthwhile.
I love to hear from my readers and always appreciate suggestions and comments for future books. Sharing a love of reading and good, hot sensuality between men is always a cause for celebration!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 23, 2015
I was intrigued when I came across this book because I thought the whole centaur thing would be interesting. I've read books with centaurs in them, but never a book with centaurs as the main characters, so I decided to give it a shot.
I did like the story, but unfortunately there were two major issues that bothered me throughout almost the entire story. Those two issues prevented me from marking this book any higher than 3 stars.
First: I couldn't help thinking "Stockholm!" after the 3rd chapter, all the way to the end.
Second: This might not be an issue for other readers, but I was disappointed at the lack of world-building. The society presented felt like it could have been humans just as easily as centaurs, and the author merely substituted one for the other. For example, the centaurs in this story used benches to sit on, and slept on beds. In real life, horses can sleep lying down, but more often sleep standing up because getting up and down take a lot of effort and leaves them vulnerable to attack. I have a hard time believing centaurs, especially centaurs in a military, would leave themselves vulnerable in that way. I think it would have made a lot more sense to have the centaurs eat/talk/meet at standing tables, and have a bed designed for the human half to lean forward on while the equine body could stay standing (similar to a person falling asleep on a table while sitting in a chair).
Here's another example: The buildings all seemed as though they were designed for people, not centaurs. Varan, Tarsus, and company go to a keep, and Varan walks around on the walls. How did he get up there? It's not explicitly stated, but ramps take up a lot of space, and don't make sense for a military establishment since space is always at a premium, and steps are hard for a horse to navigate. I would have liked to read about architecture that had been designed specifically for centaurs.
Overall, this was a quick read and I did enjoy it. If the two things I talked about don't bother you, I'd definitely recommend reading this book.
I did like the story, but unfortunately there were two major issues that bothered me throughout almost the entire story. Those two issues prevented me from marking this book any higher than 3 stars.
First: I couldn't help thinking "Stockholm!" after the 3rd chapter, all the way to the end.
Second: This might not be an issue for other readers, but I was disappointed at the lack of world-building. The society presented felt like it could have been humans just as easily as centaurs, and the author merely substituted one for the other. For example, the centaurs in this story used benches to sit on, and slept on beds. In real life, horses can sleep lying down, but more often sleep standing up because getting up and down take a lot of effort and leaves them vulnerable to attack. I have a hard time believing centaurs, especially centaurs in a military, would leave themselves vulnerable in that way. I think it would have made a lot more sense to have the centaurs eat/talk/meet at standing tables, and have a bed designed for the human half to lean forward on while the equine body could stay standing (similar to a person falling asleep on a table while sitting in a chair).
Here's another example: The buildings all seemed as though they were designed for people, not centaurs. Varan, Tarsus, and company go to a keep, and Varan walks around on the walls. How did he get up there? It's not explicitly stated, but ramps take up a lot of space, and don't make sense for a military establishment since space is always at a premium, and steps are hard for a horse to navigate. I would have liked to read about architecture that had been designed specifically for centaurs.
Overall, this was a quick read and I did enjoy it. If the two things I talked about don't bother you, I'd definitely recommend reading this book.
May 2, 2015
2.75 rounded up
First of all, kudos to the author for trying something new, ie centaurs as protagonists. However, for me it wasn't a hit.....maybe because I've seen horses mate and know what their schlong looks like. It's huge and a 3-finger stretching preparation is a waste of time. And perhaps I missed something but I was not able to wrap my mind about them being in a bed cuddling with their long equine legs and large rump..... much less the oral sex. There is a significant disconnect there for me.
But the story is well written and interesting and she continues to be one of my favorite authors.
First of all, kudos to the author for trying something new, ie centaurs as protagonists. However, for me it wasn't a hit.....maybe because I've seen horses mate and know what their schlong looks like. It's huge and a 3-finger stretching preparation is a waste of time. And perhaps I missed something but I was not able to wrap my mind about them being in a bed cuddling with their long equine legs and large rump..... much less the oral sex. There is a significant disconnect there for me.
But the story is well written and interesting and she continues to be one of my favorite authors.
April 17, 2015
I wish this was longer, but this was very good, which comes to no surprise since its Owens'.
September 12, 2017
Tarsus and Varan's non con relationship changed to consensual without any intermediate steps. There wasn't any relationship development to justify their professions of love at the end. Varan was weak and didn't stand up to his mother and sister. The sex scene was incorrect when Varan stretched out Tarsus with his human fingers, which in no way matched his horse penis. He should have used his fist which would have made it kinky! The world building was lacking. The furnishings were too human to fit the physical requirements for centaur horse bodies, i.e. human style beds and carpet.
April 6, 2017
The sex was weird... very, very weird and could have been done better (as well with some general body placement), but A for effort and it was quite sweet + enjoyable.
May 15, 2018
This was a interesting read for lack of a better word. I've never read a romance with a centaur. It was different. That was the only good thing about this novel. I felt like the story was rushed. There was little to no character development for the leads and supporting characters. Very little world building. The plot was predictable and thin. By the middle of the story I was bored with everything. I didn't care about anyone but Tarsus and that's only because he was mistreated and I felt sorry for him. This could have been better with more "showing" and not "telling". A lot of the times the reader is told how the main characters feel about each other instead of the writer showing us through interaction. I never got the feeling Tarsus and the prince (already forgot his name) liked each other. We are told the prince treats Tarsus differently but it's never shown how.
I wanted to like this story especially since it's unique with centaurs but it fell flat.
I wanted to like this story especially since it's unique with centaurs but it fell flat.
July 4, 2018
I have to agree with everyone else and say this was just a strange take on Stockholm's Syndrome pretending to be a romance novel. We had absolutely zero romance and no actual reason why these two people would be 'so in love'. One minute he was a slave, the next they were banging.
He was 'grateful' someone wanted to sleep with him which is why he allowed it to happen. That's soooo romantic.
Not to mention the author seemed to just write these people as human. They went to bed, they spooned, etc. They're half-horse so the majority of the things that happened weren't realistic. Strange that I have an idea of what's realistic when it comes to centaurs, but there it is folks!
He was 'grateful' someone wanted to sleep with him which is why he allowed it to happen. That's soooo romantic.
Not to mention the author seemed to just write these people as human. They went to bed, they spooned, etc. They're half-horse so the majority of the things that happened weren't realistic. Strange that I have an idea of what's realistic when it comes to centaurs, but there it is folks!
July 4, 2017
Low 3. Interesting concept but didn't wow me on execution.
As a side note, not a big fan of the sex scene.
As a side note, not a big fan of the sex scene.
April 28, 2015
I enjoy this book immensely. I'm hopping there is a follow up to this book.
November 3, 2015
I thought this idea had great potential (Gay Centaurs? Yes please!), but I didn't love the slave/master/dom/sub/almost rape-y sexual relationship.
I loved how the story began, but I frigging hated the sex scene. It just seemed a little too close to dub-con or dare I say, almost rape territory for my liking.
I lost interest, and struggled to continue reading after that.... To me, this unequal sexual 'relationship' was not romantic in the least.
Perhaps because I personally don't understand the appeal of, and dislike any kind of Dom/Sub type relationship (inequality is such a turn off for me). But if you're okay with that, you might like this.
Here are some quotes that I found particularly detestable...
"It was part of all servants duties to service any higher ranking centaur."
"There could be no escape now"
"Tarsus cried out, flinching, his upper body turning, hands trying to push Varan off, his fear overcoming his submissive nature"
"I don't believe it will fit, my lord. Please..." His voice wavered on the edge of tears.
"Believe me, it will Tarsus. Try to relax. You just make it harder upon yourself by tensing so"
... You make it harder on yourself by resisting?! Wtf! I'm sorry but that comes off pretty 'rape-y' to me.
I kept reading because I paid for it, and it was pretty short. I did enjoy the rest of the story, and even thought that the romance between Varan and Tarsus was pretty genuine at the end. But still I hate any kind of dub-con, and I just was really uncomfortable with that dynamic of their relationship.
I loved how the story began, but I frigging hated the sex scene. It just seemed a little too close to dub-con or dare I say, almost rape territory for my liking.
I lost interest, and struggled to continue reading after that.... To me, this unequal sexual 'relationship' was not romantic in the least.
Perhaps because I personally don't understand the appeal of, and dislike any kind of Dom/Sub type relationship (inequality is such a turn off for me). But if you're okay with that, you might like this.
Here are some quotes that I found particularly detestable...
"It was part of all servants duties to service any higher ranking centaur."
"There could be no escape now"
"Tarsus cried out, flinching, his upper body turning, hands trying to push Varan off, his fear overcoming his submissive nature"
"I don't believe it will fit, my lord. Please..." His voice wavered on the edge of tears.
"Believe me, it will Tarsus. Try to relax. You just make it harder upon yourself by tensing so"
... You make it harder on yourself by resisting?! Wtf! I'm sorry but that comes off pretty 'rape-y' to me.
I kept reading because I paid for it, and it was pretty short. I did enjoy the rest of the story, and even thought that the romance between Varan and Tarsus was pretty genuine at the end. But still I hate any kind of dub-con, and I just was really uncomfortable with that dynamic of their relationship.
November 26, 2021
**grm**
It was a short story and I postponed reading it for a long time, but in the end it wasn't so bad. Sure, I would have liked a longer plot and more world building, but I still liked the story and I didn't even know there was a sequel, so I'm going to read that too, also if the pairing probably will not be as interesting as this one was.
4 stars
It was a short story and I postponed reading it for a long time, but in the end it wasn't so bad. Sure, I would have liked a longer plot and more world building, but I still liked the story and I didn't even know there was a sequel, so I'm going to read that too, also if the pairing probably will not be as interesting as this one was.
4 stars
April 26, 2015
i was crying then only i realised it was finished.
it was that good you know.
it was that good you know.
May 13, 2015
Interesting concept, though I would have liked more character development, and a little more insight in to the relationship.
July 15, 2017
An absolute gem.
November 14, 2017
4/5
Interesting story, though a bit brief. I hope we will see more of the world.
Interesting story, though a bit brief. I hope we will see more of the world.
April 3, 2018
A quick read made even quicker by the predictable story line.
There is a large amount of imagination missing here, it is as if the book was written from a recipe card,
There is a large amount of imagination missing here, it is as if the book was written from a recipe card,
May 9, 2018
Very emotional to read especially as a child abuse survivor. But happiness prevails and there is a second book!!
May 1, 2020
Blurb = (Scale 1-10)
7
My Genre Scale = (Scale 1-10)
10
Odds if not your genre = (Scale 1-10)
4
What stood out =
Centaurs as main characters and that the white coat was considered hideous, where in our society white is typically pretty, good, etc...
Mood Type / Appeal to those looking for =
Ugly Duckling /Cinderfella with Centaur sex
Warnings =
Slave relationship, abuse, skates close to dubious consent
Series Notes =
1st in the series I will continue reading.
Rating Notes =
There were flaws but I stayed engrossed. The world building was thin but very interesting The author made efforts in turning some norms upside down including how the HEA comes about. Things were tied up nicely. There were lapses where the horse bodies were forgotten. But there were also lots of nods toward them, including a pretty funny one with Varan running through the halls. What bumped it up to 4 stars for me was the fact that I will still remember these characters in a couple of weeks.
Blurb rating purpose:
( I don't think a book should be docked stars for being as stated. If I don't like stories about "?whatever?", I shouldn't give it 2 stars, JUST based on my preferences. Unless... it wasn't clear in the blurb.)
Review Factors:
Since 2009, I have exclusively read m/m. My 1st was in 2007. I am a Kindle diehard, and I never do audio for m/m. . I read at least 100+ books a year - at an average length of 220± pages; but the total number of books is usually much, much, higher. My Goodreads lifetime rating (at the start of 2020) was a 3.72 average for 1390 books. Which considering, the more you read, the better you should be at picking out books you like, I feel is a accurate average.
7
My Genre Scale = (Scale 1-10)
10
Odds if not your genre = (Scale 1-10)
4
What stood out =
Centaurs as main characters and that the white coat was considered hideous, where in our society white is typically pretty, good, etc...
Mood Type / Appeal to those looking for =
Ugly Duckling /Cinderfella with Centaur sex
Warnings =
Slave relationship, abuse, skates close to dubious consent
Series Notes =
1st in the series I will continue reading.
Rating Notes =
There were flaws but I stayed engrossed. The world building was thin but very interesting The author made efforts in turning some norms upside down including how the HEA comes about. Things were tied up nicely. There were lapses where the horse bodies were forgotten. But there were also lots of nods toward them, including a pretty funny one with Varan running through the halls. What bumped it up to 4 stars for me was the fact that I will still remember these characters in a couple of weeks.
Blurb rating purpose:
( I don't think a book should be docked stars for being as stated. If I don't like stories about "?whatever?", I shouldn't give it 2 stars, JUST based on my preferences. Unless... it wasn't clear in the blurb.)
Review Factors:
Since 2009, I have exclusively read m/m. My 1st was in 2007. I am a Kindle diehard, and I never do audio for m/m. . I read at least 100+ books a year - at an average length of 220± pages; but the total number of books is usually much, much, higher. My Goodreads lifetime rating (at the start of 2020) was a 3.72 average for 1390 books. Which considering, the more you read, the better you should be at picking out books you like, I feel is a accurate average.
Read
September 23, 2020If graphic male/beastiality/xeno sex bothers you then this is not a really good book for you. About 1/3rd of the way through the book there is a graphic, explicit, sex scene. Other than the graphic sex, this short book was a decent read. The white centaur being the outcast in the midst of all of the darker colored centaurs is an obvious metaphor for racism, learning to look past one's obvious appearances, etc. There is mention of slavery, abuse (non-graphic), and starvation, if these bother you then do not read this book. We do not get to know these characters very well, the descriptions and personalities are very shallow. However, if you are looking for a quick fun read then this is a good book for you. A tale of an outcast centaur treated better by his captors than the centaur claiming to be his father. The plot is fast paced, since the book is less than 100 pages long it would have to be. This book had me shedding a few tears, laughing a bit, and feeling all gooey toward the end. For a wild ride, check out this gay paranormal romance.
November 25, 2017
It would have been 5 stars but the drama. The "I need to let him go" bull. I almost saw the spotlight. Heard the sniffs and applause of the crowd.
It didn't help matters that I kept imagining him anime-like, in japanese, all puffed up, in tears, but with a determined face and stars of awe floating around him.. (like Usopp in battle lol too much One Piece I guess)
Err. Anyway.
I liked it a lot because I have a soft spot for stories like that. Enemies to lovers. An innocent being kept as the enemy but slowly is apparent that he is a kind soul etc. ♡_♡
Owens is a sure thing when I need my fix!
It didn't help matters that I kept imagining him anime-like, in japanese, all puffed up, in tears, but with a determined face and stars of awe floating around him.. (like Usopp in battle lol too much One Piece I guess)
Err. Anyway.
I liked it a lot because I have a soft spot for stories like that. Enemies to lovers. An innocent being kept as the enemy but slowly is apparent that he is a kind soul etc. ♡_♡
Owens is a sure thing when I need my fix!
February 5, 2016
Definitely an interesting story because it isn't something I've really read before...well okay I've read one other Centaur book and it wasn't MM, also modern day so this one wins comparatively.
Though to be honest, I'm just a big fan of JC Owens and constantly reread her books. They might not always be the best of reads, but I find the stories intriguing and they're right up my alley genre wise.
Though to be honest, I'm just a big fan of JC Owens and constantly reread her books. They might not always be the best of reads, but I find the stories intriguing and they're right up my alley genre wise.
May 12, 2018
A fairy tale-ish romance starring centaurs. It's a simple and quick read, and also not angsty or full of torture like the blurb implied. No non-con and not full of sex. If you're looking for a quick and light read, try this book (as long as you're not squicked by centaur sex, which borders into horse sex for some people).
June 11, 2017
It was a good read, though I wish there was more. The detail well done and the plot was interesting in my opinion, however I wish Tarsus would have had more backbone. But that aside I did enjoy reading this story.
January 28, 2020
I know this is a dumb reason to stop reading, but the author keeps describing acts that are physically impossible for a centaur to do, and it just pulled me out of the story. Plus, the romance was waaay too fast and I wasn't connected to either of the characters.
April 1, 2021
So I'm not sure if I've interpreted this novel wrong, but it reads as "reverse racism"-y. I really dislike plots where the blonde, blue-eyed protagonist is hated for being white. It just seems sort of rooted in racism.
May 9, 2015
4 stars
I just finished Tarsus, and even though it ended I did not see closure.
I think there will have to be another book :)
I just finished Tarsus, and even though it ended I did not see closure.
I think there will have to be another book :)
April 27, 2015
3.5 stars
February 7, 2016
To begin with, this is gay furry porn. But it has a lot more story than porn. It's actually a love story, and I enjoyed it (well, it has gay centaurs... What's not to love?)
August 28, 2017
Loved it. Seriously had me going through an array of emotions. I loved learning about the world the author created and it's people.
October 18, 2024
rating: 4 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews