Series: Transcendence
Release Date: February 13th, 2014
Ehd’s a caveman living on his own in a harsh wildness. He’s strong and intelligent, but completely alone. When he finds a beautiful young woman in his pit trap, it’s obvious to him that she is meant to be his mate. He doesn’t know where she came from; she’s wearing some pretty odd clothing, and she makes a lot of noises with her mouth that give him a headache. Still, he’s determined to fulfill his purpose in life – provide for her, protect her, and put a baby in her.
Elizabeth doesn’t know where she is or exactly how she got there. She’s confused and distressed by her predicament, and there’s a caveman hauling her back to his cave-home. She’s not at all interested in Ehd’s primitive advances, and she just can’t seem to get him to listen. No matter what she tries, getting her point across to this primitive, but beautiful, man is a constant – and often hilarious – struggle.
With only each other for company, they must rely on one another to fight the dangers of the wild and prepare for the winter months. As they struggle to coexist, theirs becomes a love story that transcends language and time.
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
• No abuse
• Mild violence
• Trauma and depression (Hero is completely alone after his family died.)
• No cheating
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have the Heroine pushing away
• Does Not have a separation between the Heroine and Hero
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Transcendence was an absolutely fantastic book to read! The second that I discovered this book on Goodreads, I knew that I would love this book … and love it I did! What’s not to love about a caveman? Although I was slightly worried about the fact that:
- this was an actual caveman we’re talking about and
- Real cavemen don’t speak modern-day English
Transcendence was comprised mostly of inner-narration, which initially gave me pause. But I’m so happy that I did! It’s entirely narrated in Ehd’s point of view … sigh. And although he is a barbaric and very possessive caveman, he was just so amazingly sweet and adorable! The most adorable parts throughout the whole book are when Beh tries to teach Ehd how to make words. It was cute… but frustrating for Ehd … except for the word Khzz (kiss)! Wink, wink.
Both the characters, Beh and Ehd, were really likable. The loneliness really leapt off the page in the beginning, when Ehd’s all alone.
As stated earlier, Transcendence is all from Ehd’s point of view. And I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think I would’ve liked to have a dual point of view so we could see how Beh was dealing with everything. I can’t even imagine how difficult and frustrating it would be trying to communicate with someone who doesn’t speak your language, let alone any language.
But, I have to say that Ehd’s POV was an absolute delight to read! Here’s a taste of what you’ll be reading:
In the darkness of the cave, there is a light inside her eyes that makes my heart beat faster. I know the emotions I see there are reflected in my own gaze though I have never felt this way before. Beh softly repeats the same three sounds, followed by my name-sound.
Ehd in Transcendence
I think the most exciting part of this book was that it included a slight sci-fi edge with the time travel. It was rarely touched upon since the novel is told in Ehd’s POV, and he can’t even understand what jeans are, let alone time travel. However, even though these two protagonists are from such different cultures and times, their love for each other is heart-wrenchingly beautiful.
My life with Beh was beautiful, transcending everything that set us apart from each other.
Ehd in Transcendence
The part that I most appreciated about Transcendence was that you got to experience their whole lives. You get the taste of what Ehd’s life was like before he found Beh, his mate. He was very lonely. And, you get to experience the ups and downs of living in the prehistoric era, where the deadliest of winters and savage animals could take what’s most precious from you if you are not prepared or careful. Their story reads like a fairy tale, but where it differs is that you actually get to read after the happily ever after. And can I just say… the last chapter? I cried. It was so beautiful.
I don’t care if she ever makes a basket that can hold grain, but I want her to be here with me. I want her to be close to me as I work or fish, and I want her to life next to me in the furs at night. In my mind, she is with me always and forever.
Finally, its clear to me that I want her for more than children.
Ehd in Transcendence
And that’s a big thing because as a caveman, your mate truly isn’t yours until you have kids.
Shay Savage has also released a companion novella, Luffs, in Beh’s perspective!
Other Books by Shay Savage I’ve Reviewed
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[…] understand each other. Barbarian Mine reminded me of one of my favourite historical romances, Transcendence by Shay Savage, which also has the no-shared-language […]