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Transcendence #1

Transcendence

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Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Romance (2014)
Librarian's note: This is an Alternate Cover Edition for ASIN: B00IFV9AXY.

It's said that women and men are from two different planets when it comes to communication, but how can they overcome the obstacles of prehistoric times when one of them simply doesn't have the ability to comprehend language?

Ehd's a caveman living on his own in a harsh wilderness. 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 cavehome. 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.

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 13, 2014

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About the author

Shay Savage

45 books3,744 followers
Shay Savage is an independent author from Cincinnati, Ohio, where she lives with her family and a variety of household pets. She is an accomplished public speaker and holds the rank of Distinguished Toastmaster from Toastmasters International. Her hobbies include off-roading in her big, yellow Jeep, science fiction in all forms, and soccer. Savage holds a degree in psychology, and she brings a lot of that knowledge into the characters within her stories.

From the author: “It’s my job to make you FEEL. That doesn’t always mean you’ll feel good, but I want my readers to be connected enough to my characters to care.”

Savage’s books many books span a wide variety of topics and sub-genres with deeply flawed characters. From cavemen to addicts to hitmen, you’ll find yourself falling for these seemingly irredeemable characters!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,766 reviews
Profile Image for mark monday.
1,742 reviews5,515 followers
August 13, 2016
ok I've been reading the reviews for this and am getting a little disturbed. reviewers are going on and on about how excited they are to read a romance that features a Neanderthal. come on, ladies. Neanderthals aren't even our own species! well I suppose they are a subspecies of the homo sapien. but still. I bet there's not a single Neanderthal in Transcendence.

now here is an example of a Neanderthal:

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do you seriously want that Neanderthal all over you? really?

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or how about this fellow...

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sisters, what you are looking for is a CRO-MAGNON man.

here's a typical Cro-Magnon hunk:

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hubba hubba! you know you want to get with that.

even the professor below recognizes the charisma and sex appeal of the Cro-Magnon stud:

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so get it straight, please. NO to Neanderthals! YES to Cro-Magnons. there is a reason why Cro-Magnons survived and Neanderthals went the way of the dinosaur: it's 'cause those Cro-Magnons were so darned cute, obviously.



I finally got around to reading this! below is a review, with spoilers:

Profile Image for Christy.
4,114 reviews34.7k followers
April 20, 2015
5 I Luffed this book Stars!

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Transcendence was unlike any book I have ever read. To be honest, after reading the blurb I wasn’t too sure if it sounded like something I would like. After hearing a few friends rave about it, I decided to give it a go. I’m so happy I did. A beautiful, moving, and original story told in the pov of Edh, our caveman.

Edh has been living alone for a long time. After his tribe was destroyed many seasons ago, he was the only survivor. Going at it alone isn’t easy. He longs for companionship. One day out of no where, Edh finds a girl in a trap he set. She is dressed in clothing he’s never seen and she’s making strange noises, but it’s okay. He’s just happy not to be alone anymore. The girl gets out that her name is Beh. Edh decides Beh will be his mate.

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Beh doesn’t seem like any of the women of his tribe, and he doesn’t understand. He wants to get her to like him, to show her that she will be safe and provided for with him, but he feels like he is failing.
“I had thought getting her to like me would be fairly simple, but now that I have shown her everything I have, she seems bored, and I do not feel like a very good mate.”

It takes some time, but slowly Beh starts to warm up to him. After spending more time with her, he realizes how happy he is not to be alone anymore. He isn’t so focused on ‘mating’. He doesn’t care that she’s different, or that she doesn’t seem to be able to communicate with him just yet. He only wants her to be there with him.
“She may be strange; she may not know how to make baskets, and she may be very noisy, but she is my mate, and I’m thrilled she is here.”

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She’s my mate, she’s unusual, and she’s mine.

It takes Beh some time to come around. I’m sure she is not used to Edh’s ways, and she doesn’t know whats going on at first. Once she gets to see the real Edh, and see what kind of heart he has, she can’t help but start to fall for him. Edh was the sweetest, most kind and caring man. I had the biggest smile on my face for a majority of the book. Every time I heard him ask for a ‘khzz’ or tell Beh he ‘luffed’ her, I melted.


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The chemistry between these two was smoking hot! But it wasn’t just sexual. This book was filled with so many beautiful and tender moments between these two. Some brought me to tears, one straight up had me crying

Even though there is no real dialogue between these two, you can feel the love they share. It is beautiful and moving to see how love can grow between to people so different, different times, different cultures, different languages. It just proves that love is limitless. Love grows through actions, not just words.

This book was so different and unique. I never thought this concept would appeal to me, but I can honestly say that I loved every bit of this book. Just a heads up, this book has little to no dialogue. It is told from Edh’s pov, so you mainly get his thoughts. Being inside his head was a joy.

Transcendence was a truly beautiful romance and one that stayed on my mind for days after read. I can already tell this is going to be on my favorites list for 2014! If you’re looking for a fresh and unique romance, pick this one up!


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Profile Image for SueBee★bring me an alpha!★.
2,417 reviews14.8k followers
April 3, 2017




★★★★★! Transcendence (stand-alone). Ehd & Beh’s epic love story set in pre-historic times!

“Love,” she whispers.
“Luffs!” I respond, and her smile brightens even more.”

Be-still-my-beating-heart! Transcendence (stand-alone) is an epic love saga in pre-historic times!

Story opens up to caveman Ehd, separated from his tribe, finding a peculiar woman in his trap, Elizabeth, Beh. His instinct is to protect her, his baser needs to put a baby in her, but his heart shows him how to love her and be a family.

We get to follow Ehd and Beh through their out-of-times meeting, awkward courtship, brewing love and on through life’s ups and downs. Faced with the dangers of their era they fight to survive, learn to persevere and strive to progress set against the backdrop of Ehd’s love for Beh.



Four words to describe Ehd: Protective, charming, noble and sweet.



Four words to describe Elizabeth, Beh: Brave, moody, nurturing and complacent.

Transcendence, told from Ehd’s POV, depicts a love so great it transcends time! Their story ends full circle, bringing tears to my eyes.

Spectacular! Unforgettable! Epic! Thought-provoking!

“Beh loves Ehd.”

***
Hero rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 4 stars
Sexual tension rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4.5 stars
Plot rating: 4.5 stars
Dialogue rating: 5 stars
Storytelling rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: 5 stars
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Overall rating: 5 stars

Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.


Thank you to Liz for Buddy-reading!

Signed paperback provided to me by author Shay Savage in exchange for an honest review, but I purchased my own Kindle copy.
Profile Image for Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️.
1,922 reviews32.7k followers
November 13, 2014
If I could give this more than 5 stars I would.

This was such a beautiful story. Ehd was such a "pure" character in the sense that he lived honestly and simply, according to his instincts and emotions. He never had ulterior motives. He just wanted Beh to be his mate and to provide for her and make a family with her.

Just the fact that Shay Savage was able to conceive and write this amazing story - a story in which there are only really two characters and virtually NO dialogue - is a testament to what a great author she is. The fact that she writes the story through Ehd's eyes and stays true to the premise that Ehd cannot understand ANYTHING Beh is saying is true talent.

I loved how she was able to make us really feel how frustrated Ehd would become at not understanding what Beh wanted or why she was mad at him. Also, the way in which Savage was able to convey what Beh was saying to the reader without actually using words, merely Ehd's observations and inferences - and not actual dialogue - really made the story and the setting authentic.

And the ending, oh the ending. So beautiful.

This book is definitely on my all time favorite list. I think I'm gonna go read it again...
September 1, 2017
Update 09-01-2017 A famous author whose name I won't mention because her fans are scary ;) borrowed heavily from this SELF-PUBLISHED book. Anyone who loves the words "my mate" repeated endlessly should read this book

Update October 11th. I wish more people knew about this book because I found no cheating and no slut shaming. Books that don't promote violence on women like Transcendence and are still steamy and compelling deserve more love.
Jared Padalecki as shaved Ehd

ORIGINAL REVIEW

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Before I write my review of Surviving Raine it's fair that I review one of my 2015 favorites. I re-read Trascendence because I wanted to have a feel of the author's style before I dived into Survaiving Raine. My conclusion? I'm a huge fan Of Mrs. Savage. (Update Oct 10th, Not anymore after I tried her scifi books and read the spoilers for Surviving Raine sequels , but this book is fantastic)

We meet Ehd, a caveman who lives in the Ice-Age. He's also the loneliest man on the planet. He lost his tribe to a fire, all his family. He has struggled to survive these rough times. He doesn't have much of a life. He's SURVIVING. He hadn't seen another human being for a long time and Ehd's starting to think that he'll be alone forever.

A modern-day girl named Elizabeth appears magically. It's never clear how that happens but you can imagine the 20000 years age of cultural differences that separte these soon-to-be-couple. Ehd is determined to mate with her and surely you understand all the sexy implications of that decision.
description

Or should I say instict? Because Ehd is a very primitive man whose actions are driven by instict and eventually by LOVE.


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He'll provide for her, he'll protect her from harm and he'll put a baby on her. A baby! That's cute and sexy at the same time.

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What I love about this book is that we are all the time on Ehd's mind and his train of thought is amazing. He's naive, but strong, and he falls in love hard for his mate. He's extremely repetitive. My mate, I have to provide for my mate, she is my mate my mate is weird, I want my mate with me, I have to protect my mate . It's really primitive, cute and charming at the same time.

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I love how this couple falls for each other slowly, how they solve their cultural differences and how, what started as a very instictive desire (I have to put a baby on her) ended up in a love that TRASCENDS THE TIME. Love trascends everything. I think just the title was so full of promise and the book delivered.

The steamy scenes are full of that longing, cuteness and awkwardness of two virgin people who are learning to love. That's the reason I read New Adult and Classic romance. This kind of storyline is always so romantic because it's like inexperience is another burden for a couple to overcome and when they do it correctly is always so romantic. Beh and Ehd journey to survive the harsh times they live in and at the same time discover love is one of the best I've read. It's beautiful.

My only minor complain about the book is that perhaps just a little less sex would have worked better for me, and a I wish there had beem a little bit of Beh's perspective. That would have made a huge difference in an already-awesome-book, but at the end I don't care. I just started to try to put bookmarks on my favorite lines and without meaning it, I ended up re-reading the whole book. FOR THE THIRD TIME. I have a lot of homework and tons of books to read, but couldn't stop. That's how much I love this book and why is one of 2015 favorites.

I have to appreciate how cute this story was and I can't describe it in words properly. I just love how original this is. No billionaires, no tattoed boys, no clones of Anastasia steele or aby abernathy OR bELLA Swan. The two characters feel real and refreshing. You have to suspend disbelief a lot, because some times Ehd is just too perfect and the traveling from one age to the other is not explained, but who cares? The book is an incredibly, fast-paced journey.

If you haven't read this book, what are you waiting for? Even if you don't like fantasy book and prefer a contemporary setting perhaps you will enjoy Shay Savage's contemporary romances. I know I did.
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
2,604 reviews25.1k followers
November 11, 2015
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When I started reading Transcendence by Shay Savage, I thought I knew what to expect. I read the synopsis and knew the basics of the book. But…I was wrong. I was not prepared at all for this book. How it would make me both laugh and cry. At the intensity of the feelings it would evoke.

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Ehd is a caveman, and he is alone and so very lonely. He has been alone for a very long time. This last winter has been hard, but he wonders if maybe it was so hard because he is losing the will to survive. But that all changes as one day he finds a beautiful woman in his pit trap. This woman looks nothing like any female he has ever seen. The coverings on her body and on her feet are completely unfamiliar. And the sounds coming out of her mouth are giving him a headache. But, she is beautiful, and she is his.

“I will provide for her. I will protect her. I will give her anything she wants.”

Elizabeth finds herself trapped in a deep pit. And her rescuer is a beautiful man wearing nothing but some pieces of animal hide. He hauls her out of the pit and to his cave. He doesn’t seem to understand anything she says. But, very quickly he does learn the meaning of the word “no!” She very quickly realizes, though, that she must depend on this man for survival, to protect her in this unknown wilderness. Their tenuous relationship does turn to a somewhat comfortable partnership, as long as Ehd respects Beh’s use of the word “no.” And soon their relationship begins to slowly grow into love.

“My mate, My Beh”

Ehd and Beh are faced with the task of understanding each other without being able to verbally communicate. Men seem to have a hard enough time understanding the complexities of the female mind. So I can understand Ehd’s frustration with trying to figure out Beh. The book is told from his point of view and it is hilarious at times watching him struggle.

“I don’t understand, but when it comes to my mate, I rarely do.”

But, the power of love overcomes all obstacles. With all the differences Beh and Ehd are faced with, they learn to depend on one another, they respect one another, and they support one another. So, buckle your seat belt. Don’t plan on getting much accomplished, get yourself a comfortable reading spot, and read this book. I will not be forgetting Beh and Ehd anytime soon. I hope you feel the same way, too. Thank you, Shay Savage, for a beautiful book.

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Note: This book does contain adult content so is for the appropriate reader only.


June 13, 2022
4.5 "Ehd luffs Beh." stars


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We eat, I put my penis inside of her for a while, and then I fall back to sleep.


OMG this book blew me away. It has to be one of the most surprising and unique books I have ever read. This book is a funny, easy , feel good read. Ehd had some seriously sexy caveman charm. I loved him. Loved being in his head. God he had me laughing so hard at some of his thoughts. I loved Beh, loved their relationship. The only reason this book wasn't a 5 star for me is because I would have liked to hear what the others, Beh, Dad, and the kids were saying . I loved that the POV was all from Ehd's but if we could have heard just what the others said around him, especially Beh I feel like I could have got to know Beh better. Other than that this book was a awesomely sweet and I teared up at the end . I would totally recommend it!

Then she leans over and takes my penis in her mouth. "Hoh!" I sit up quickly, the shock of my mate's actions causing my body to react almost violently. Beh has my penis in her mouth. In her mouth! I can't put a baby in there!

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Profile Image for Debra.
474 reviews2,448 followers
February 16, 2014
★★★★★ 4.5 stars!



What an amazing story! I absolutely LOVED everything about it. Once again, Shay Savage has delivered an outstanding male point of view that managed to keep me hooked from the moment I started reading it. And most of all, she has created another unique, swoon worthy hero that managed to sweep me off my feet with just a few of his many achingly sweet and adoringly funny gestures.
In essence, Transcendence is a love story but it is also a story about survival, communication, hope and the courage to fight for what you want and about finding love in the most unexpected places.



Caveman Ehd has been on his own for quite some time. Ever since his family and the rest of his clan died, he's been living in solitude while trying to survive the ever-changing seasons in the barren land where he lives.

"I have no idea how long it has been since I felt the comfort of another person's presence, only that many cold seasons have passed since then."

Then, on one of his hunts, he suddenly stumbles upon a young, beautiful girl who has fallen into his pit trap. Ehd is immediately taken away with her beauty and he couldn't be happier with his discovery since it seems he's finally found his long awaited mate.

Elizabeth ("Beh"), on the other hand, has no idea where is she or how she's gotten there. She went from the twenty first century she grew up in to suddenly landing in this prehistoric age populated by cavemen who have no knowledge of the English language. It's extremely hard for her to adjust to her new conditions and at first she tries to keep her distance from Ehd as much as possible, even though he's the only other person around who's able to help her survive.



As the story progresses both Ehd and Beh have many struggles to overcome; the most important one being their lack of communication. Ehd doesn't speak English so every single one of their "conversations" has to go through a bit of sign language and facial expressions. Then, there's also the fact that Ehd first and only thought is that Beh is his new mate and he wants to put a baby inside her so they can form a family. Of course, that's not how it works in our century and when Beh keeps turning him down he has to find new ways to make her like and care for him. Along the way, his feelings for her grow stronger and he begins to realize all he really wants is for her to just be there with him, not just as his mate but as his partner as well.

"There is nothing more important than Beh, and if making her happy means my own sorrow, I will have to accept that."

Even though there is practically no dialogue and the entire story is told from Ehd's POV, Beh and Ehd still managed to communicate their love for each other beautifully and that is exactly what made their love so epic. Ehd never failed to show her with his actions that he was willing to do anything to protect her and make her happy and Beh on the other hand, tried to show him with the few words she was able to teach him how much he meant to her as well. They were both such strong characters and I can't even begin to imagine what life must have been like for Beh to adjust to her new life conditions. Together though, they tried to be there for each other whenever the other one was going through a difficult time and they managed to make to most of the life conditions they were given.

All in all, this unique, captivating, heartfelt and at times hilarious love story is an absolute must read. And let's face it, you do not want to miss meeting caveman Ehd, I assure you! ;)



Release date: February 14, 2014.

**ARC kindly provided by L.J. Anderson on behalf of the author in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Nataliya.
850 reviews14.2k followers
April 26, 2023
Sometimes I read books just for the sheer hilarity. Or awesome riveting dialogue. Like the one heavily featured in this book:
"Ehd.... Beh..... Ehd..... Beh..... Ehd...... Beh...."
Irresistible, right? Right? Right? Right?... Bueller? Bueller?... Bueller?...

A young woman from our present is somehow transported into the prehistoric times and comes across an idealized version of a prehistoric man who is dead-set on sexxxing her up, after a thoughtful courtship, of course. Let me note that she seems more attracted to him after she forces him to brush his prehistoric messy hair and take a prehistoric bath. He, on the other hand, is fascinated by her lacy pink bra and panties, which - unless I'm completely misunderstanding something here - she has not changed for a few months (the absence of lingerie stores in prehistoric times is a bummer).



Ehd, the prehistoric dude, is unable to comprehend speech or learn to speak (some Broca's area nonsense here), and therefore communicates in grunts (so basically like a stoned frat boy on a Thursday night, really).

Unable to comprehend the speech of his new lover, he dismisses it as silly noises - but does catch on quickly that certain 'noises' if he stupidly makes them guarantee him sexxxxy prehistoric times, and so those are the only words he bothers to learn. Otherwise he shortens the young woman's name to 'Beh' and thus the suspenseful dialogue ensues:
"Ehd.... Beh..... Ehd..... Beh..... Ehd...... Beh...."
Wait. Wait. Wait. Waaaaaait.
Ehd.
Beh.
A vapid heroine with a dishrag personality who is somehow the center of the hero's world.
An uber-possessive overly-protective hero with messy copper-colored hair and a flair for codependent relationships.

I've read it before, somewhere. I swear, this is so familiar...
Ehd?
Beh?
Oh crap.
Edward?
Bella?


This was 'Twilight' fanfic? Ahhhhhhhh.......


Well, that explains a lot.


The awkwardness. The lack of communication. The angst. The creepy overprotectiveness. The codependency. The lack of plot.

It still does not explain the supposed attractiveness of unwashed sex in a cave with a guy who dismisses any attempts at verbal communications as meaningless noise.

Unless, of course, this 'noise' results in sex.
And babies.

Blergh.
Profile Image for ✦❋Arianna✦❋.
790 reviews2,568 followers
October 20, 2015
5 Stars!!

description

“Transcendence” by Shay Savage was unlike anything I have read. It was such a unique, beautiful, unforgettable, tough-provoking story. This book moved me to my core and it will stay with me for a long time. I love this author’s writing style. I really do. But I have to admit I was reluctant to start this book simply because it’s labeled as a historical romance. I have read a few historical romances, but honestly it’s not one of my favorite genre. So if you are like me and you don’t have necessarily a thing for this genre, think again and pick this book up. You won’t regret it!

This book left me speechless. The story, the characters, the writing were done to perfection IMO. The story is a story about love. That kind of love that is pure, simple, beautiful. “Transcendence” is the story of Ehd, a caveman in prehistoric times. He lives alone since all the men and women in his tribe died. He feels alone and he longs for companionship. One day he finds a strange woman in one of his pit traps. The woman wears strange clothes and makes weird noises, but Ehd is sure that she’s the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. He decides to keep this strange woman, to provide for her, to protect her and to put a baby in her belly, so he decides to make her his mate.

“I will provide for her. I will protect her. I will give her anything she wants.”


Elizabeth (Beh) doesn’t know where she is or how she got there. She is scared, a little injured and frustrated because she can’t communicate with this strange, yet good looking man. She is terrified when this man takes her to his cave. But he doesn’t want to hurt her. If at the beginning she is frightened by Ehd, as time passes she starts to warm up to him. Ehd wants to make Beh his mate, but first he must make her like him.

“I want her; I know I do. It is far beyond not wanting to be alone anymore. I want her – only her. I will do anything to make Beh mine.”


Ehd and Beh get to know each other and they start to communicate in their own way. It’s hard for both of them, but they learn how to be patient with the other, they learn things from each other and they eventually become mates starting a new family.

“My Beh, my mate.”


Written entirely from Ehd’s POV, “Transcending” was very different from what I usually read. First because the story is written from a caveman’s perspective and secondly because there’s no real dialogue. I can’t remember the last book I have read without any real dialogue, so obviously I was a little scared about this aspect of the story. At least in the beginning. I’m glad to say the story was pure and simple perfection even without any real dialogue. Needless to say I couldn’t put it down. The story doesn’t have any action and overall you can say is very slow, but I liked it very much.

Ehd was a character that won me over from the beginning. He’s innocent and naïve, maybe a little frustrating at times, but he was so adorable and kind. His need to protect and provide for Beh was so sweet. His need to comfort her at times and the way he cared for her and later loved her melt me in a puddle of goo. His tenderness was simply wonderful. It goes without saying that I liked this strange caveman more than other possessive/caveman heroes I read about. Being in Ehd’s head was a strange, yet very unique experience. Every time, this author knows how to write effortlessly a male POV and this time she did it again. Our caveman’s POV felt so honest and genuine and I truly enjoyed it. He made me smile and swoon so many times. However, I would have liked at least one chapter from Beh’s poin-of-view. I wanted to know what she thinks and what she feels for Ehd.

I don’t know if I can say that was a chemistry between these two characters. Since there’s no real dialogue it's hard to say. But there’s was a connection there. They not only learned how to survive together, they also learned how to understand, accept and love each other.

Overall, a wonderful, touching read that I highly recommend!

”My life with Beh was beautiful, trascending everything that set us apart from each other..."
Profile Image for Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾.
2,136 reviews13.2k followers
February 17, 2014
4 I just fell for a caveman stars

I will provide for her. I will give her anything she wants.

Have you ever wondered if it is possible to read a book that only has about 4 words of dialogue yet still love it?

Have you also ever wondered of what would happen if a prehistoric book mated with a Nicholas Sparks book?

If I was a fan of Shay Savage before reading this, I am now full on

This was an amazing, beautiful, one of a kind love story. It was unlike anything I have ever read and I doubt I'd read again. It was unique. It was unforgettable.

I struggled with my rating at first since it did take me a bit to get into the story. I did skim through some parts and found it to be slow in others. But considering it's been 2 days since I've finished and I still can't stop thinking about it? It deserves nothing less of the 4 glorious stars.

If you read the blurb and are expecting a domineering "caveman" caveman type alpha (You know the type. The "me man you woman we bang" type of caveman"), well you'll be sadly disappointed. Ehd was nothing like that.

He was vulnerable, sweet, constantly doubting himself with Beh, and at the same time so incredibly endearing that you can't help but completely fall for him. His inner thoughts never failed to put a smile on my face.
What if I don't fit inside her?
After all this time of waiting for her to want me, what will I do if I am unable to mate with Beh?
I take a calming breath and assure myself I will fit inside of her. Women are supposed to stretch there so babies can be put inside and come back out when they're ready. If something the size of a baby can come out, surely my penis can go in.
It's big, but it't not that big!

The story is told entirely in Ehd's POV. The fact that Shay Savage was able to write an entire book from a caveman's POV that has about 3 words in his whole vocabulary just shows her incredible talent as an author. It's no small feat let me tell you.

You don't get much more insight into Elizabeth that what Ehd is able to gather from his perspective.

It wasn't a quick paced book. There wasn't a lot of action, no dirty talk, or filthy dirty caveman loving. Don't get me wrong, it was still steamy, in a very sweet first time discovery way. Both Elizabeth, or Beh as he calls her, and Ehd are innocently naive. But that just added to the appeal for me.

It is told over the span of many years, and unfolds the story of love at it's most innocent and pure. It was beautiful, albeit not my usual type of book.

Then there was that ending. Oh my poor cold little heart, that ending!

The only other time I cried like that was at the end of . Good lord.

And just as you think it's over, Shay gives you a last chapter that just ties everything together.

Were there some discrepancies in the story? Sure.
But this is not really a book that you expect to be highly realistic, so I didn't harp on that.

So if you're looking for a different and unique book about a beautiful and innocent love and discovery, this is not to be missed. You will fall for Ehd just like I did. It's one of those books that will stick with you for a while.

***ARC given to Dirty Girl Romance blog in exchange for an honest review***

For more reviews visit
Profile Image for Belle Aurora.
Author 58 books12.2k followers
February 16, 2014
5+ Stars! A book that will be forever in my heart...

What can I say about this mind-reeling book?

I promised myself to only read the first chapter to get a feel for it...
Yeah, right.
Four and a half hours later, I had murdered this book, and myself in the meantime.

Never have I had emotions pulled from me like I had with Transcendence.
I am still speechless.

It took me a little while to get used to the style of narration, but once I was in, I was IN. As in completely invested and wanting to learn more, turning pages as quickly as I could.
14% in, I had shed my first tears. Tears which would be the first of many. Don't misunderstand me. This is a LOVE STORY. About a committed couple who would do anything for one another. The love they share is special in a way that is a so beautiful, it will bring you to tears.

Annnnd i'm crying again. (Damn you, Shay Savage!!!! You brilliant woman, you!)

We get inside the mind of caveman, Ehd, who is a smart guy, although he has no way to express himself with words, he does a fine job with grunts, growls and actions. We begin the story at the very depths of his depression, for he is lonely. He has been alone for a long time. He only wants a mate. Companionship. Someone to share his life with.
Enter Elizabeth (AKA Beh).
I'm almost afraid to tell you more about this book. It is honestly not something I can tell you about. It is something you need to experience.
I normally need a lot of dialogue between characters to enjoy a book. This book doesn't have much dialogue and I'll be honest...it didn't need it. Not at all.
Unlike any book I've ever read.

This book is now on my Top Five Favourite books... EVER!

Get this book right now. You will laugh, cry and melt. You will fall in love with these characters and when they are in pain, you will feel it in your very soul.
A love story to top all love stories.
Profile Image for Amy Harmon.
Author 23 books18.5k followers
February 9, 2017
I really liked this book. Very different, very fresh. I tore through it and was very impressed by the sweetness and the originality of the story.
Profile Image for Jennifer Kyle.
2,477 reviews5,315 followers
July 11, 2014
”My life with Beh was beautiful, trascending everything that set us apart from each other..."

description

"Hoh!" Shay Savage has written to PERFECTION the FIRST ALPHA. She takes us waaaay back in time to experience the love story of Ehd and Beh.

Ehd’s pov guides this whole story. He doesn’t possess the capacity for language. Needless to say, dialogue in this story is scarce.

Ehd lost his family and has been surviving on his own. Up until one day he finds a beautiful girl making noises caught in his pit trap. She is dressed oddly and uttering sounds that he doesn’t comprehend.

Ehd is hyped to make Beh his mate. He wants to provide for her, to protect her, and to impregnate her. Beh's responses confuses Ehd. It's pretty funny as a woman to read his prehistoric pov.

”She is crying, but I don’t understand why. Was I already a bad mate for her? Was my cave really that inadequate”

It takes a while for Beh’s tears to stop, for her to respond favorably towards Ehd. I got the biggest kick at certain scenes as Beh assimilates to her new environment and mate.

”Beh needs to make baskets, and I need to hunt. That’s how it works. Apparently, Beh doesn’t know this.”

Sometimes Ehd’s thoughts are on a loop of his priorities but for me it worked and I found him gentle, kind, sexy, protective and simply wonderful!

”She may be strange; she may not know how to make baskets, and she may be very noisy, but she is my mate, and I’m thrilled she is here.”

Time passes and Ehd and Beh’s relationship grows deeper and deeper. Their sex scenes were on fire as these two explore one another and it surpasses all of Ehd’s expectations.

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I can see how some may not get into this story. For me, this was extremely well done, unforgettable and I honestly cried that’s how moved I was by this story.

Through and through this was an unforgettable tale of luffs!

"I tilt my head to the side, listening to the three short sounds she utters in a row."
Profile Image for Arini.
857 reviews2,015 followers
October 14, 2020
The book that made me google The Sex Life of Early Humans. You’d be shocked by all the weird and revealing facts I found. Why, you learn something new every day.

A sexed up prehistoric romance told from the perspective of the male lead who doesn’t know how to speak because early humans don’t communicate through language and is horny all the time because he only has the brain capacity to mate, mate, and mate.

This book is undoubtedly odd. It’s unique in terms of the setting and time period, but everything else is just meh. Sure, the romance is beautiful, but we have no plot whatsoever and no dialogue. I really can’t with the repetitive inner monologue of Ehd wanting to “provide” for Beh and “put a baby inside her.”

Don’t get me worng, I loved Ehd’s pure and innocence, his protectiveness and primal caveman insticts. I loved all the daily mundane routine they do. I also appreciate that even though Ehd can’t understand anything Beh is saying, us readers can still draw together what’s going on through Ehd’s observations.

Since the author claimed to have taken the liberty to make the book more fun and abandoned historical accuracy, I think making Beh teach Ehd how to speak would be awesome. There’s also a mention of some tribal conflict and if that had been explored more, I think it’d make for a great plot.

If this . . . situation wasn’t romanticized, I think I’d find everything in this prehistoric world a turn off and that I wouldn’t survive a day in it—sexy caveman companion present or not.

(Read as an Audiobook)
Profile Image for Phuong ✯.
665 reviews7,598 followers
February 21, 2021
I've been developing a kink love for ✨ barbarian ✨ novels. The part of me that has been slowing getting out of touch with humanity, because I've been staying at home too much this year, can absolutely relate … kidding.



Imagine living in the modern world, waiting in vain for your prince charming to sweep you off your feet and to find that one spark with another human being, just to realize that your soulmate is a human-like primate born in the prehistoric period. Awkward.



Written solely in the Hero's perspective, Transcendence is a story about Ehd, a literal caveman, who's been living in the wilderness on his own for some time after a forest fire took his family and whole tribe. One day, he finds a women in his pit trap and hauls her back to his cave to love and protect kidnapp, but somehow along the line they both fell in love. Guess, forced proximity and pairs who survive the winter in a cave together stay together ✌️. This book doesn't have any kind of plot. All Ehd and Elizabeth, or how Ehd calls her "Beh", are doing is collect wood, clean themselves in the lake, make a fire, cook food, sleep, have sex, comb their hair, repeat. Ah, and let's not forget to bear children, because yk prehistoric times and birth control is not a thing yet. 😌

I love how Shay Savage writes the most interesting survival books (having also read Surviving Raine) with very unique settings. The premise of this book great, the execuation could be improved. What made this book just an "okay" read for me is the failed communication between Beh and Ehd. Ehd can't understand any type of language, because he's missing that part in his brain that understands language, all he can produce are some primitive sounds, so the only "dialogues" in this book were the characters saying each other names and "kiss". The lack of communication + only Ehd's POV made this book become monotonous pretty quickly. Beh's POV would have helped Transcendence greatly to make it more interesting even if she would only talked to herself.

The epilogue chapter was good, because the whole story came full circle and some things in this book finally made more sense that didn't make sense to me while reading. I still have so many questions regarding Beh's reason to stay and some events that happened during the book, which it could have profited on from Beh's POV. Disclaimer: I've already read "Luffs" (#1.5) when I was writing this review, it's a short novella from Beh's POV answering exactly these questions. It definitely helped clearing up some things that I didn't understand while reading Transcendence, but instead of the extra novella, Shay Savage should just include it in Transcendence. A lot of things would make so much more sense.

The romance between Beh and Ehd was very cute and sweet. Ehd must be one of the most civilized & sweetest cavemen I've ever read about. A caveman who takes a "No" for No? Wow, I don't know if I should be impressed or not. Maybe the romance was a little too sweet for me considering the circumstances. Where was the angst? The drama? The high stakes living in the wildness? I wanted something… anything, but anything resembling a fight or drama was resolved pretty quickly. Even the sad scenes that should have made my heart ache were written in the way that made me feel sad for like 3 seconds before everything was okay again. –//spoilers// Ehd and Beh have a baby girl named "Lah", the baby gets sick and is close to dying but then Beh's father time travels to them at the right time and takes the baby with him to get to a hospital. Ehd is very devastated about the loss of his baby and is mourning, but then it was just said that Beh and Ehd had like another baby the next winter and I was like ???? Wait stop for a second… WHAT. And when I was still trying to understand what was happening, Beh's father came back with a healthy Lah. I couldn't even mourn Lah, before she was back again with her fam so yeah I wanted something to hurt and it never came. 🙈 –

Honestly, I just want to applaud Beh for a second, because girl, I could never be her! Beh struggled at the beginning with her surrounding, which was expected, but she quickly put on her big girl panties and adapted to everything like a PRO. Go GIRL! I have no other choice but to stan! If by chance, I'd be transported back to prehistoric times and had to live in the wildness.. I'd be dead in 48 hours max… okay who am I kidding, I'd be dead after 2 hours after making too much noise and attracting all kind of wild animals. I'd let boars trample me to death, cause let's be real what's the point? Why prolong the inevitable. 😂

*Historians in the far future finding & examining my bones*: yeah no this girl didn't even try…

Nothing spectacular, but Transcendence was quite interesting and unique enough that I'll not forget it for a long time and most importantly, it satisfied my craving for barbarian romances for now.


TRANSCENDENCE SERIES

#1 Transcendence3.25 stars
#2 Luffs2.75 stars
Profile Image for Lucia.
737 reviews894 followers
March 21, 2018
Shay Savage is master of writing untraditional, unconventional and unforgettable stories. And Transcedence definitely proves it.

What happens when lonely caveman Ehd finds strange girl near his cave? He takes her as his mate. But how will he make her like him when they cannot communicate? And so starts this original and exciting journey of two souls that might or might not be destined for each other...



Transcendence is one of the most unique and interesting books I have ever read. I’m not sure if there is something similar out there. It was extremely fascinating experience to read about real caveman, his thinking, his way of living. And the most surprising thing of all? The fact that Ehd was sweet, caring and very sensitive person.

Yes, Ehd was manly man and made me laugh quite often with the way he was seeing things. I am used to jerk-like arrogant heroes in Mrs. Savage’s books and I love them. But Ehd was nothing like that. Yet, he really grew on me quickly and made an excellent narrator for this story.



But most importantly, Transcendence is an epic love story. Sounds unbeliavable when it comes to pre-historic times? This fictional story proves that true love can overcome all differences. It was emotional and all kinds of beautiful.

And a little note/fact/warning about this book so it does not catch you unprepared. Taking into consideration that we are talking about pre-historic times in this book, there is visible lack of real dialogues, conversations or direct speech. But believe me, it does not reduce the captivity of this novel. On contrary, it makes it even more special and unique!

*ARC provided by author as an exchange for honest review*

MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing
Profile Image for Jen .
804 reviews603 followers
February 15, 2016
5 Hoh! Stars

My life with Beh was beautiful, transcending everything that set us apart from each other and bringing us together with our family and tribe.

What a truly beautiful and unique love story! I knew at some point I'd get around to reading this simply because the premise was too different for me to ignore, but the idea of the story narrated solely from the POV of a prehistoric dude had me doubting how much I'd enjoy it.

To be fair I don't REALLY know That much about the prehistoric-ish era.



Well, that's not entirely true but it's close. So sue me.

Imagine my surprise when I was sucked into this book from the first few pages.

I didn't expect to relate to Ehd, but as the story rolled on it became evident that his needs weren't a whole lot different than that of Beh, his eventual mate and love. And I have to say picturing Ehd and Beh both becoming frustrated with the other and the communication difficulties brought a smile to my face more than once.

Most of the noises she makes just hurt my head, but I don’t mind so much. She’s my mate, she’s unusual, and she is mine.

The fact that Ehd had to learn to endure Beh's chatty ways added to the overall delightfulness of this book. Yep, I said delightful. My husband had to learn to endure the same damn thing!

When I put my penis inside of her, it feels too good to slow down. Besides, once I finish, I’m really tired, and all I want to do is lie down. If I make sure she feels good first, then she might let me sleep afterwards.

See? Some things are universal regardless of time and space.

I went back and forth between a 4 and 5 star rating but when it comes right down to it, I have to give some major props to Shay Savage for creating a truly unique love story. In a world of romance books filled with misunderstandings, jealous exes and non committal jackasses, Transcendence and its creativity stands alone.
Profile Image for ✰ Liz ✰ .
1,368 reviews1,324 followers
May 6, 2016

~Re-read with my girl Sue 5/6/2016~

This book is simply stunning! The re-read only made me fall more in love with Ehd. This love story is timeless and unforgettable!~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

REVIEW POSTED 10/17/2014
"I wrap my arms around her and twist our legs together as well, just for good measure. I want to make sure nothing can separate us. I want to be positive we will remain together forever."-Ehd


description

Who knew I would be completely held captive by a book told in the male POV, with only a few words of dialogue, and set back in the caveman days? Transcendence is possibly one of the most tender well written books of all time.

Ehd is all alone. His tribe has been killed and he has been surviving. He isn't really living. He longs for a companion. He longs to have a family. He wants to have a tribe. As he is out on a hunt, he stumbles across a horrible sound....a girl screaming.

description

Beh is scared and alone. Ehd scoops her up and brings her back to his pad (aka cave!)

"She is so beautiful—her smooth hair and her deep eyes and her creamy, pale skin. I don’t like the noises she makes, but she looks to be able enough, even if she is small. I briefly wonder if she is fertile and if she would bear a child who looks like me. I like this idea. A lot. Finally, after all this time alone, I have a mate."

At first, Beh is terrified, scared, and continues to make sounds which annoy Ehd. He doesn't understand her. Still he does everything he can to provide for her and show her he is worthy of her.

"I will provide for her. I will protect her. I will give her anything she wants."

Beh slowly warms up to Ehd and tries to communicate with him. The form a friendship. Ehd still has it in his mind to mate with Beh as soon as possible. Beh is more hesitant. A great deal of time passes when finally Beh and Ehd kiss. It is so sweet and sexy all at the same time!

"The warmth of my mate’s mouth covers mine, and it sends tingles of sensation through the rest of my body as her tongue traces over my lower lip. The game that annoyed me in the beginning is now my favorite thing to do."

description

Even as these two make a way to connect, Beh is still so strange to Ehd. He cannot understand her need to be clean, constant noise making, and her inability to do simple tasks that every woman should know how to do. This element of uncertainty continues to add humor and simplicity to the story. You just want to know what is going to happen next between these two!

"My mate is quite serious about this bathing thing. I don’t like it. Not at all."

description

And did I mention the humor?

"Her mouth noises are almost constant, but so is her desire to pull me down into the furs and put me inside of her, and she has been like that for days and days. At first, I was thrilled. Now , I am completely worn out."

This story was just beautiful. The text is full of rich description. The emotions are deep. Ehd and Beh have to survive some very dangerous elements. They face great loss and great joy. The most thrilling about this read is that you want to know where Beh came from. What is happening? Will they be able to stay together? Will Beh find her way home and leave Ehd? I felt such a wave of emotions throughout this read. I was laughing, crying, and even blushing at times. Such a tender read with so much heart! This is a book that I will never forget! If you haven't read this book, drop everything and read it now! I know I will be rereading this one again soon! I KHIZZ LUFFS Ehd and Beh!

description

"I have lived on my own for a long, long time, and just the last few seasons with Beh make me realize there is no way I ever want to be alone again. I would never be able to survive without Beh with me. I wouldn’t even want to live if she were no longer here."
Profile Image for Claire.
2,316 reviews726 followers
March 3, 2014
ITS LIVE....IF YOU BUY ONE BOOK THIS YEAR IT NEEDS TO BE THIS ONE!.

I want to give this book more than 5 stars, it's just that good.

I will provide for her. I will protect her. I will give her anything she wants.

Transcendence is quite simply perfection, and right now, I want to rewind my life back to when I began reading it, when my expectations were at a manageable level, and my interest was mainly piqued because of an unusual synopsis, with it being very different to the books I have generally read of late. Now that I have finished it, I can without a doubt say it has ruined me. I know it is unlikely that I will have to opportunity to read something as well crafted, beautifully executed and un-put-down-able for a long time to come.

I am 100% in love with this book. Every. Thing. About. It.

I think the genius behind Shay’s writing, and my total awe for her stems from the fact that the book is told completely from Ehd’s point of view. As you would expect from a caveman there is virtually no vocalization or conversation between him and Elizabeth (Beh) and although I would love to tell you the words that they do use to communicate with each other I am not going too, because they would give far too much away, but just thinking about it makes me smile!

She is enough to warm me – inside and out.

There are so many parts of this book that I want to comment on, but seeing as I am someone who only offers spoiler-free reviews it is difficult to put anything down, without giving too much away. I do have a list of things that stand out as hands down, some of my favourites though –

• Bath-times
• Hair-brushing & detangling
• P.M.T
• Nose Nuzzling
• Hand Holding
• Shaving
• Pillows
• Pottery

All quite inane things but put together in Transcendence, just out and out awesome!

She is everything to me, and I have to be a good mate to her.

Who knew how easy it would be too fall in love with a caveman... well I have wholeheartedly and irrevocably. My only disappointment is that I cannot comprehensively write a review that does the book the true justice it deserves, or emphasizes just how stunningly beautiful, and wholly unforgettable that it is.

I will never, ever hurt my Beh.

ARC provided by the author, and I cannot express my gratitude for the opportunity to read and review what will now be without doubt one of my all-time favourite books.
Profile Image for Rain.
1,938 reviews28 followers
August 22, 2022
I'm a huge fan of stories that travel off the well-worth path.

This is a story of a caveman named Ehd. He looks just like we do, but lacks the Broca's Area in his brain. (As do all the people of his era) This is his story, with only his pov. Please make sure to read the forward by the author to better understand the world she's created.

Ehd is young when the book begins, maybe around 17. He's all alone and has spent many years learning to take care of himself. One day, he finds a young woman wearing peculiar clothing, and making very loud and annoying sounds from her mouth.

This story has almost no dialogue, but is casually sublime in what it delivers with emotions. It is the journey of two young people who find a way to communicate, who learn about survival, family and love together.

If graphic sex and youthful exuberance bother you, I don't recommend reading this one. It's quite steamy. This story is simplistic but RICH with emotions. Truly one of the most beautiful M/F love stories I've ever read.

I cry those stupid sad but happy tears every time I get to the end of this book. It wraps me in the best feeling of believing in true love.

Original review:

I simply do not have the words to explain what a tender, touching, beautiful, all encompassing love story this is. One of the most re-read on my bookshelf.
They are wrapped together in a tight embrace, legs intertwined and arms encompassing one another. You can almost feel the emotion coming from the slate of limestone in which they are embedded. They lie facing each other with their heads so close, giving the impression they had just shared their final kiss.
I listened to the audiobook (Chris Chambers does a great job) and then had to purchase a paperback copy for my bookshelf.

One of the most innocent love stories I've ever read. Kinda sci-fi, kinda Blue Lagoon, but mostly just an incredible story of survival and love.
Profile Image for Patrycja.
639 reviews4,066 followers
November 16, 2014



Title: Transcendence
Series: Standalone (for now)
Author: Shay Savage
Release Date: February 14th , 2014
Rating: 2 stars
Cliffhanger: No
HEA:




Shay Savage caught my attention with incredible as well as a little bit unbelievable idea, that totally did persuade me into reading Transcendence. I just couldn’t pass the opportunity to get my hands on a book about real caveman, could I? After reading so many delicious novels with alpha males aka modern cavemen, not digging into a book with a real one was for me almost a crime.

Not only did I was thrilled to find out exactly how this crazy story would go but I wanted and expected real alpha that would make my panties wet, my ovaries insane and just change into blubbery mess. I didn’t get that.



Honestly, I thought this story will go in completely different direction! I thought our caveman will be homo sapiens not complete primitive. In my mind, I saw this story as a spellbinding romance between modern woman and a man that lived in the wilderness, like Tarzan perhaps? Still caveman but intelligent, up – to – date human.

I’m sorry, but as captivating and original as the idea was, Transcendence is not a real romance in my eyes and it certainly didn’t make me swoon, laugh or have fun. For most of the time I was bored. Bored to tears.

I won’t be even telling you what the story is about, because frankly I could summarize the entire plot in few sentences. Reading the official blurb is as detailed as you could get. Mostly, Edh wanted to make his mate happy – give her water, food, nice cave to live in and baby. In his mind everything was about making babies. So we kind of get horny caveman and that’s all.




Reading only internal monologue of a prehistoric human, as there wasn’t any conversation, was boring. BORING. Yes, you guessed right Edh wasn’t very complex character. He was as simple as a man can get. I was turned off by this lack of conversations or at least some understanding between main characters. Edh was not able to comprehend and learn Elizabeth’s language at all. The only words he could use was his and Elizabeth name-sound (Edh and Beh), no, kiss and love. Nothing more.




Savage done a great job in psychological field of the story, though – I will admit that. I want to congratulate her for being so wonderful and detailed in telling a story from perspective of primitive man. Everything what made Edh a prehistoric human was perfectly thorough and comprehensive. Basic needs as food, water, shelter, safety and an heir were everything for him. But it didn’t make the story. Not for me.

In nutshell, I was pretty disappointed. Transcendence with it’s absolutely mind-blowing storyline should be the hit! Instead it was very slow-paced, meek and plain.



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Profile Image for Chelsea (chelseadolling reads).
1,503 reviews20.2k followers
December 11, 2018
So I listened to this on audio and the narrator kept saying the girl’s name (Beth) as “bae” bc the main character doesn’t really know how to speak and I couldn’t stop giggling bc I kept picturing a prehistoric fuckboy and I just 😂😂 but anyway y’all this book was WILD. It felt a little long for my personal tastes but it was def hella smutty and also really... primal? Idk y’all this is one of the weirdest books I’ve ever read but I definitely didn’t hate it lmao
Profile Image for ♥Rachel♥.
2,014 reviews885 followers
November 29, 2018
Re-read November 27th 2018 and loved it all over again!

Transcendence
was amazing and I kept thinking about it for days after finishing. It was an original story about survival and finding a love that “transcendences” time.

Ehd is a caveman alone and barely getting by. He has his own little cave and should be out preparing for the coming winter, but with being so lonely, he can’t quite muster up the will to get to it. This all changes when he discovers a girl, Elizabeth or “Beh” as he calls her, stuck at the bottom of his animal trap. She is different from any other girl he’s come across. Beh wears strange coverings, and babbles on and on. But she’s another person and a female at that, and Ehd is overjoyed to have found her. He knows immediately that Beh must be his mate, and he sets out to convince her. Funnily enough, Beh has different ideas and so winning her over isn’t as easy as Ehd thought.

This story is told through Ehd’s POV alone, and there is VERY little dialogue throughout, yet I loved being inside his head. Being a caveman, his goals and drive is very primal: food, shelter and mating to form his own tribe. But Ehd has profound emotions and a desire for love and acceptance that comes through loud and clear through his narrative. Ehd is so very grateful to have found Beh, and he puts her happiness and welfare far above his own.

It is far beyond not wanting to be alone anymore. I want her—only her. I will do anything to make Beh mine.

There is nothing more important than Beh, and if making her happy means my own sorrow, I will have to accept that.


I couldn’t help but fall hard and fast for this caveman! I was so touched by Ehd’s kind and tender soul, and I hoped desperately he’d get his heart’s desire.

This story was fascinating! From their struggles to survive, and the dangers that came along with it to the progressive deepening of both Beh and Ehd’s feelings for each other, I couldn’t put this book down. Oh my heart!

I don’t want to say too much because I think it’s best to go into this story knowing as little as possible. I will say this is one of my favorite reads so far of 2014. I’ve read several books by Shay Savage, and her writing continues to amaze and impress me!
Profile Image for peachygirl.
284 reviews818 followers
March 31, 2021
Safe to say I've never read anything like this before. Ehd and Elizabeth's story was truly one of a kind!

For a human like primate aka Homo savage (the writer's words, not mine), Ehd is surprisingly gentle. And kinda adorable. I loved seeing everything through his eyes, inspite of the lack of conversation. It did take me a while to get used to the narrative, since he rarely thinks about anything other than "putting a baby" in his mate, but I was astonished by how tender hearted he really was. To the point where he was willing to do anything to keep his mate safe. What a precious sweetheart!
His Beh was equally wonderful.

The writer does take a lot of liberties with her "artistic license", but it was such a beautiful read that I ignored most of the inaccuracies. And the epilogue cleared up some of the doubts I had.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Ehd, the way his mind works, his interaction with Beh and their kids, his endearing nose rubs and even his and Beh's physical relationship. It was super cute and not the least bit smutty. Every time he made the sounds of 'khzz' or 'luffs' to make Beh smile, a part of me melted. And the last chapter was beautiful beyond words.
4.5 'luffly' stars.
Profile Image for KAS.
317 reviews3,126 followers
December 15, 2016
WHERE ON EARTH DO I BEGIN? I do not want to ruin the experience, except to tell you to expect the unexpected! It was beautiful. It was thoughtful. It was remarkable.

Months ago, I remember seeing the title of this book and the 5 star ratings pop up on the Goodreads feed, but I never read the reviews. I decided at some point I would read it based on the ratings and because the cover totally intrigued me. Since I was "going in blind" and unfamiliar with this author, I concocted scenarios in my mind of what I was about to read. Well .......

Silly, silly woman! My scenarios couldn't have been more off the mark, and thank goodness for that. While reading, my emotions and anxiety levels were all over the place. I am so glad I did not read the blurb or reviews beforehand. I just dove in and let the pages speak for themselves!

To me this was a slow burn, angst filled romance, which I could not get enough of.

My friend, Carol [Goodreads Addict], said it best when she commented on my status update, "This book slayed me."

I encourage you not to read reviews or the synopsis, but jump in feet first and prepare to be "slayed" ;)


Profile Image for ~**Anna**~ A Romance Reader.
624 reviews320 followers
April 8, 2024
Re-read April 8, 2024

Yes, its official. This book is still one of my favorites. This is such a beautiful story. So romantic and unique. I love Ehd! He is so sweet, hardworking and loyal. Beh is also great. I can't imagine going back in time to such a place, but she was very strong. She sacrificed a lot for love.

If you haven't read this book I encourage you to do so. I promise you'll fall in love with Ehd and his beautiful heart.



Original review

I read this book in 2015, but I didn't have a GR account back then. I love this book! The plot is so original. I should do a re-read soon!
Profile Image for ELLIAS (elliasreads).
502 reviews40.8k followers
Want to read
August 30, 2022
why is this reminding me of ice planet barbarians and why do i want to read it....
Profile Image for Alp.
758 reviews441 followers
April 12, 2016
OH. MY. GOD. I’m a puddle of feels!

This book was so beautiful. I loved it. Absolutely loved it! I can’t believe it took me so long to pick up this one! Ehd and Beh’s story touched my heart in every way. Despite my high expectations, I never expected Transcendence to literally blow my mind like this. It was such a wonderful story, so much so that it kept me glued to the pages until the end. I’ve officially become Shay Savage’s fan.

This is exactly what happened to me while I was reading this book—I felt so alive, happy, but sad at times. I smiled. I laughed. I hoped. I feared. I cried. The story itself was so sweet, emotional, and hilarious all at once. Reading this book was like taking a journey through both good and bad times with Ehd and Beh, which I loved every minute I spent with them.

I always have a soft corner in my heart for naïve heroes, and Ehd, as a character, thoroughly won me over! He’s so adorable, caring, protective, and most of all, he loved Beh wholeheartedly no matter how strange she was!


My mate is unusual, and I couldn’t be happier about it.

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 lie next to me in the furs at night. In my mind, she is with me always and forever.

As long as she lets me hold her close to my chest, protect her, and keep her warm, everything will be all right.
With her, I feel complete and content.



*Sigh*

Near the end of the book when Beh was so ill, Ehd took her to their first cave. Both of them knew this was their last JOURNEY and they were ready to go through this together.


I think of the first day I saw her, sitting at the bottom of my hunting pit. I remember how obstinate she was at first, though when I think back on it now, I realize she was only confused and frightened. I remember when she first untangled my hair for me and the little wooden carving I had made to help with the task.

I remember the first time I was inside of Beh, touching the soft skin of her back as waves of pleasure moved over me. I remember when I placed my hand on her belly and felt Lah kick. I remember when Kay was born and how Lee helped me cut the cord and place his new sister on his mother’s stomach.

I remember it all.



This was heartbreaking, yet so beautiful at the same time…


“Beh…loves…Ehd,” she whispers, and her eyes sparkle at me just like they did the first time I tried to put a baby inside of her. It seems so long ago, but also so recent, as if time isn’t really relevant to the feelings inside of us both.
But time still moves, and there is nothing I can do to stop it.
“Luffs Beh,” my mouth utters, and I am rewarded with her quiet smile and the touch of her thin fingers on my cheek. “Ehd luffs Beh.”



Oh my, this totally made me burst into tears! Broke my heart into tiny pieces! I cried my heart out for him… I can’t put my feelings into words… I just don’t know how to describe them here…

By the way, this book left me emotionally overwhelmed. I not only enjoyed reading it but also loved every page I turned and every line I read. This is definitely one of my most memorable reading experiences, one of the best books of all time!


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**Thanks for the buddy read, Ally!

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