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Transcendence #1

The Lost Valor of Love

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On the eve of a brutal battle, a queen-in-waiting alters the course of history and awakens the embers of a fabled war - and a love - older than time.

Growing up during the centuries-long conflict between the empires of Egypt and Hatti, the young princess Istara is taken hostage by the King of Hatti to secure the loyalty of her father, the King of Kadesh to the empire. Soon her new life in Hatti's glittering capital becomes all she knows. Bound in blood before the gods to Hatti's unwilling crown prince, Istara, now Hatti's queen-in-waiting, learns she will never be loved.

But the drums of war beat again, and when the scheming plans of Hatti's king threaten the existence of all civilization, the gods give Istara a choice: to leave behind everything she knows to save mankind, or remain where she is, powerless, a token on the game board of kings. On the brink of one of the most brutal battles in history, she chooses to risk her life to deliver a message to the only man able to prevent the prophecy from becoming a reality—her mortal enemy, the Pharaoh Ramesses II.

Wounded, cold and hungry, she wanders in the battle's horrific aftermath, and aids a powerful commander, who she learns protected her once, and has been bound to her ever since by a prophetic dream of his future. Despite his resistance, and Istara once more becoming a pawn of kings, they must confront an eternal love so powerful, not even kings, the gods, or death can keep them apart.

442 pages, Paperback

First published June 22, 2017

About the author

E.A. Carter

8 books150 followers
E A Carter is a multiple award-winning, Amazon #1 bestselling author of epic alternate historical fiction, sci-fi, and high fantasy love stories.

Her newest release I, Cassandra came out August 26, 2021, a sci-fi drenched in the dystopian atmospheres of Blade Runner, Ex Machina, and Elysium. She is a prisoner who can alter reality. He is a dead soldier brought back to life as a sentient machine. A forbidden love affair transcends time, the end of the world, and what it means to be human. Winner, Honorable Mention in the 2021 Writer's Digest Self Published e-Book Awards.

Her debut non-fiction release of her true story of survival, hope and healing, The Lost Letters: The Dark World of Narcissistic Abuse came out Feb 14, 2021. In Oct 2021, it was Shortlisted in the International Page Turner Awards, won Highly Commended for Non-Fiction and received a PR campaign from Palamedes PR in London.

Pick up your free copy of one of E A's award-winning full-length stories at authoreacarter.com

E A Carter grew up in the Canadian countryside, the daughter of a reverend of modest means, with only her bicycle, her cat, and her imagination to occupy her.

Ever since she could talk she has been crafting stories. She writes of the complexities of love and mortality against evocative backdrops and seeks to test the perceived limits of love, death, and time.

In her debut series Transcendence, passion, war, treachery, and a love even more powerful than death awaits. It begins with the multiple award-winning historical epic The Lost Valor of Love, continues with The Call of Eternity whose passages between worlds are based on collaboration with a physicist at CERN and finishes with cosmic stakes in The Rise of the Goddess.

The premise for the series came to her during a stay in Luxor, Egypt when she dreamed of an empire-crossing, forbidden love affair which transpired during the New Kingdom period. As she woke to the sun rising over the Nile and three thousand years slammed back into her senses, she heard these words: Tell the story. Do not let it die.

It took five years of research across four countries to put together all the missing pieces of the puzzle. When she discovered the man she had dreamed of was a real historical person, including his position in Ramesses II's court, she sensed she had embarked on the story of a lifetime.

After sixteen years of research and writing, the transcendent love affair she dreamed of at last, lives again.

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5 stars
115 (66%)
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32 (18%)
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18 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for ~IreneOust~.
509 reviews777 followers
August 4, 2018

There are five star reads and then there are FIVE STAR READS! This series belongs to the latter category.

It took me not even two pages to fall in love with this author/her writing. Unique and addictive, E.A. Carter's TRANSCENDENCE Series is ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR! I think it's safe to say it's one of THE best series I've EVER read.

I can't thank my friend Joanne enough for recommending it. If you enjoy exquisitely written, original material then give this a go. Even if fantasy isn't your thing, read it! This is truly one of those reading experiences that is not to be missed!

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Profile Image for Irene.
850 reviews108 followers
January 3, 2024
Gods and mortals, kings, priestesses, soldiers and peasants, are all caught, unsuspecting pawns, in an intricate divine plan with unknown destination. War, power plays, betrayal and sacrifice.
Istara: of noble blood, married to the future King of Hatti, yet destined to love Egypt's chief captain.
Uhri-Teshub: Hatti's prince and future King, torn between the love for his wife and the duty to his country.
Ramesses: King of Egypt, God on Earth, has it all but still he is unhappy.
Sethi: Egypt's chief captain, unbeatable (second only to the King) and respected by his soldiers has his own penance for past mistakes to do.


I am beyond intrigued to find out where the next chapter of the story will lead them..
Profile Image for Saffron Mavros.
550 reviews
January 25, 2018
Wow. Any word in praise of this novel would not suffice. Not do it justice. The story was a page-turner. I think this is one of the very few stories that I completed within a span of twenty hour hours. Every time I set it aside to rest, I would be drawn back to it. To know what happened next. It was that intriguing, alluring and rich.

To depict real life characters in their own rights, that too from an era of which we practically know nothing, the amount of research the author has done is staggering. And it shows. Down to the little details. Maybe, the part about Gods are famous myths and legends, but their presence was what moved characters to make certain choices.

I could not really connect to Meresamun. But to Istara, yes. Such a strong girl. Who rises up again and again, fighting, no matter how many times she's broken by others. Is she just a pawn? I don't think so. In fact, she changed the course of lives of many men who loved her. Yet, waiting here for the next book, I'm somehow still rooting for Urhi and Istara to get back together, even though I know she is destiny bound to Sethi.

At times the story felt similar to Games of Thrones. But the way it went on it became a new idea, a new concept all of its own. Even better than the former. So yes, this has been such a thrilling ride in and out of the mortal realm. I'm practically in love with this book.
Profile Image for TeriLyn.
1,366 reviews439 followers
September 3, 2019
I have been reading a paperback copy of this book off and on for the better part of a month for a myriad of reasons. The biggest hook for me was how interested I was in the many characters of the story. There was an intense need to understand and know where the story was going and how it ends. The story is so layered and complex rooted in the need for power with betrayals happening at every turn. The abounding love, most of the time unrequited, was mesmerizing. The connections between the people and the Gods was beyond interesting. I was invested in a number of characters and wanted all the good for them even though they were mired in a lot of corruption.

With those things being said, this book was difficult for me to read in that there are so many moving parts, even more characters and situations that I didn't fully get. I'm blaming that on my lack of basic historical knowledge on the beliefs of the people at this time. Sometimes I got confused as to what was happening with the transitions, I had to constantly refer back to the prologue and time jumps of the different parts. This is definitely a "me" thing because as I said there was such an intensity to get through this that I wanted to know everything it just took me a really long time to get there. I picked it up and read then put it down more times than I can even remember and I'm in no big hurry to pick up book two.
Profile Image for Kristi.
575 reviews74 followers
June 8, 2018
I would give this book 1000 stars if I could. This was so out of my comfort zone! I read it a while back and I read it so fast that I didn’t relish in all the goodness. I decided to do a reread and I’m glad I did. Istara, the heroine is beyond phenomenal! She faves so much adversity, loss, HEARTBREAK!! My God, it’s so painful!! I cried for a solid day!! We have two heroes (one is much better than the other imo😏). Urhi-Teshub, whom she loves from a young age and Sethi (my man) whom she also loved from a young age, however she didn’t know him. This story takes place in the time of Ramesses II and he is a complete jackass (hated him). I loved the entire thing and EA writes with such beautiful elegance you are completely swept away! I so recommend this! It’s a story of secrets, lies, loving, leaving and even dying and it’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever read!
Profile Image for Katherine Stansfield.
Author 13 books59 followers
January 5, 2018
This novel is epic in the very best sense: love that crosses empires, betrayal that change the lives of millions, and all of it played out under the eyes of gods whose fates are tied in with those of the mortals at the heart of the story. Even though there are big themes and big battles here, you never lose sight of the individuals whose lives we follow. The story is set against the background of an extremely convincing ancient Egypt; I could smell the oil burning in the lamps, taste the figs laid out on beautiful silver platters in the Pharaoh's palace, and yet the novel wears its research lightly. Sumptuous description, characters with depth, and a galloping plot. I loved it.
Profile Image for Joanne Teale.
151 reviews2 followers
January 19, 2018
Wow

This has got to be one of the best book's I have read in months,was recommended in a fb group and I couldn't stop reading,if you like a story with love,ancient Egypt and God's please read this,can't wait for the next book x
Profile Image for Julia DeBarrioz.
Author 6 books53 followers
October 13, 2020
The first thing I thought after finishing this book was WOW. Then words like SCINTILLATING, SWEEPING, EPIC, and LUSH came to mind. 😁 The research alone that went into the writing of this book blew my mind. If you want to time travel back to Ancient Egypt, this is your ticket. I loved the historical details, but also the supernatural element. The Gods of Egypt are alive and well in this story, and one in particular takes a special interest in the fate of Princess Istara...
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Set against the backdrop of the conflicts that raged between Egypt, Kadesh, and Hatti, this is really a story about the women who lived in those times and the hurdles they had to overcome in a world ruled by power-hungry men. My heart broke for their hardships and rejoiced for their triumphs throughout this book, and I really can't recommend it enough!
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This book ended in a way that was satisfying and yet left me hungry for more, I can't wait to see what happens in the next installment!
Profile Image for Asrar Lydia.
112 reviews13 followers
October 10, 2020
Holy world, this book.

I expected to like the book since I’ve heard great things about the author. I did not expect it to break my heart on so many levels, making me cry and finally laugh a little at the end.

Let’s begin with the writing, because it is superb! The author uses such a poetic language, and conveys so many emotions in just a few words. The fact that she managed to uphold several different character POV’s while making their respective personalities shine through is just awe inspiring!

The storyline which spans over several years is intriguing and captivating. That combined with perfectly flawed characters, divine elements and heartbreaking friendships and relationships results in an un-put-downable book that is just... beautiful. My heart is still aching, and I loved every second of anguish this book gave me. I 10/10 recommend this book, and now I need to read ca everything EA Carter has ever written!
Profile Image for Charya.
5 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2021
Set in the 13th century BCE Empires of Egypt and Hatti, The lost valor of love is a work of historical fantasy which tells the tale of the fabled Battle of Kadesh. Rich in historical detail and with skilful world building, it draws in the reader to different time and place from the first few pages.

The story is told from the point of view of many characters, with Istara, the queen-in-waiting of the Empire of Hatti and Urhi-Teshub, her husband, narrating the events happening in Hatti. The events happening in Egypt are narrated from the point of view of several characters, including the Pharaoh Ramesses, his Queen Nefertari, Sethi- a commander in the Egyptian army and others in the Pharaoh’s court.

This lets the reader know what is happening in both Empires simultaneously and creates a satisfying sense of dramatic irony in the final scenes when the two Empires meet in battle.

But The lost valor of love is not just about battles. The love triangle between Istara, Urhi-Teshub and Sethi complicates the story with its resolution being left for the later books in the series. The relationship between Istara and Urhi-Teshub is already complex to begin with and this is portrayed with brilliant characterization from the first few chapters of the book.

The complex characterization adds to the plot of the novel. Most of the characters are pretty unpredictable, and capable of both good and bad, which makes the story that much unpredictable.

The machinations of the immortal gods from both the Egyptian and the Hittite pantheons add a nice touch of magic to the story. They are both intimidating and endearing, and in the end, not even the gods can control everything.

Bonus

The book features a clever and successful use of prologue, with a flash forward to where both Istara and Sethi are in danger and all through the book I was wondering how that high stakes climax would be resolved.
Profile Image for Priyambada Das.
152 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2020
The characters are so gorgeous !

"It is the rarest of sacrifices, one the gods have not seen in an eon. Istara, when you lay dying of fever four nights ago, Sethi gave up his eternal soul in return for your life."

The Lost Valor of Love by E.A. Carter is brilliant ! This is a big book along with conituation in a series of 3 books. So you've got like so much time to know all the characters and love them for who they really are and that's what I enjoyed the most. I loved Sethi, Urhi-Teshub and Ahmen so much !!!! Strong, gentle, caring, sensible and gorgeous ! How could I not love these amazing, amazing characters !
I'll always remember how wonderful Sethi was, he'll always be my favourite !

While reading the book, the intricate details of wars, Gods, generations and Kingdoms will reflect the amount of hardwork and dedication has been put into writing this story. I thought this might be the result of hardcore research on internet and books on war and history, but when I read the Author's note at the end of the book and I was so touched by the authenticity and veracity of the facts given in the book ! Hats off to that !

This book has literally got everything in it - adventure, fantasy, history, eternal love of Gods and Goddesses, occulatries , droolworthy characters, God fearing civilization, generations of secret buried in the sands of Egyptian desert, courageous Princes and Princesses who fought for love and in war equally fierce.The scenes of war and love so vivid and tastefully narrated.

There's just so much to talk about this book, but I really don't want to give away the mystery ! But as an attempt at adding to the mystery of this book, a huge part of this story has been written parallel to the history from 13th Century.
Profile Image for Andromeda28.
3 reviews
January 2, 2020
I discovered this book a year ago in Wattpad, though I've never touched upon it until recently and has long been sitting on my library since the day I found it.

To say the least I was intrigued as I read through the first few chapters. As the story progressed I was left astounded by how historical intricate it was.

The story itself is inspired from true events and history in which the author manipulated in order to drive the plot.

I was quite shocked to say the least of how detailed and strongly correlated it was to the history, relying heavily on accounts and what historians currently have discovered.

Among the things that I adore in this book is the writing style, which vividly brings to life the culture and traditions of the ancient lives that once existed at the time, predominantly the empires of Hatti and Egypt.

Another thing this book excels in are the characters. It ranges into a variety cultures and all displayed in the most human way as possible, their morals, personality, belief and abilities unique to all of them.

~~~~~~~~×~~~~~~~~

Over all I've really enjoyed this book and am no doubt a lover of historical fiction now, while I did read this in Wattpad I do plan on acquiring the paperback form. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy a unique take on history.
May 17, 2018
The Lost Valor Of Love is an amazing book! As a strictly fantasy reader, I was a little circumspect going in, but I was hooked immediately. It's an epic journey to follow, through ancient Egypt and Hatti, with strong characters and story lines, romance, gods, battles, heroes, villains, just about everything a fantasy reader wants, wrapped up in well-researched historical fiction. I definitely recommend you read this one!
Profile Image for Jeanine Croft.
Author 5 books37 followers
August 19, 2018
This sumptuous epic is, to me, reminicent of Anne Rice's masterful ability to transport the reader effortlessly into the heart of antiquity. I devoured these pages and the sensuous prose all too quickly. No character is mundanely good or evil; they are so powerfully human and complex. And interwoven in a tapestry, one stained with blood and tears, that resonates in your bones long after you've turned the last page.
Profile Image for Colleen Young.
Author 11 books51 followers
June 26, 2020
When you read a book do you love to learn about history with a bit of romantic spice?

If so, then this book is for you! I loved how the author weaved her 5 years of research into the dramatic interpretation of this story. E.A. has a way with words, her descriptions and storytelling are so vivid and beautiful. Good job E.A.!
Profile Image for Carly.
116 reviews8 followers
April 18, 2021
Absolutely gorgeous; I devoured this in a weekend. Truly epic romance with a lush, lovingly-rendered historical backdrop. Carter's writing is beautiful and lyrical and moved me to tears more than once.
December 26, 2019
My rating is actually a 4.5 based on what I read while the entire book was still available on wattpad. The research conducted was superior and any reader can tell based on the world and characters that EA Carter has splendidly created.
I recommend it to all who love a good fantasy read with mythological bases.
If the rest of the series is this good then it's a coup.
Profile Image for Amy Liu.
4 reviews
December 22, 2019
This book kept me captivated from start to finish. The vivid descriptions and rich characters drew me in and kept me on the edge of my seat, and the beautiful writing made the worlds come alive.
Profile Image for Alice.
60 reviews
September 1, 2020
Literally amazing. Love the world, the characters, the writing style, and all the twists and turns. Fully recommend for anyone wanting something a little different
4 reviews
December 15, 2019
This is another great book by an amazingly talented Author, I can't wait to read more of her stories
Profile Image for Amber Reno.
30 reviews
January 3, 2020
I wanted to compliment the complexity of this book. I've never read anything with such perplexing in depth characters. The writing is polished and a privilege to read. Easily a book that can be consumed in an evening.
Profile Image for Billy Buttons.
Author 19 books146 followers
May 15, 2020
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: The Lost Valor of Love
Author: E A Carter

Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 22
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 22 readers:
22 would read another book by this author.
22 thought the cover was good or excellent.
20 felt it was easy to follow.
22 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 15 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
22 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
22 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
‘What a superb read; a clever often complex plot with a superbly described setting. Strong pacing too.’ Male reader, aged 43
‘Exciting historical novel set in old Egypt. Plenty of political trickery, betrayal, love, war in this well-researched, lively novel. The author is very talented.’ Female reader, aged 54
‘A strong female hero to root for, a complex plot and a fascinating historical setting. This is a gem of a book. The author has a dynamic writing style, often poetical, which draws the reader in. A well-research plot interwoven with solid historical research, I would recommend this to fans of historical fiction.’ Female reader, aged 67
‘I sat and read this on my laptop over three days. Couldn’t stop reading it. Will now hunt out all of this author’s books.’ Male reader, aged 38

To Sum It Up:
‘An enthralling, multi-layered plot populated with fascinating characters. A GOLD MEDAL WINNER and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Profile Image for lorraine.
233 reviews
November 9, 2019
I can't say enough about this book. I just happen to read someone else's review on Goodreads because, they always have the same taste in books as I do and she loved it. I was blown away by how amazing this story is. I've been fascinated with ancient Egypt since I was a kid. One of my favorite books was The River God by Wilbur Smith. E.A. Carter has put all the things I loved about that series and added more romance, heartbreak, suspense and paranormal gods. This series is everything I love about books.
Profile Image for Sigrid Fahle.
5 reviews
July 12, 2017
I read this on wattpad, and when I read that she published the book on Amazon I had to come here and write a review.
This is a historical novel about ancient Hatti and Egypt. I don't know a lot of the history, but it is clear that the author has done mush work for the worldbuilding. I love the characters. And it was very hard every time I had to wait for the next chapter. I also liked the mythology in it.

I definitely recommend this book!
Profile Image for Anna.
9 reviews2 followers
May 4, 2019
Wow!
Just read the first 200 pages and im loving it!
Great writing and easy flowing language, its obvious that this book has been very carefully made.
The words are delicate and fit perfectly into each sentence. I love historic fantasy so i am a bit bias...☺️
The story had me gripped from the first bloody and heartwrenching beginning, this is not a fairytale feelgood thing, but raw and real. 👌👌
Profile Image for Joyce.
Author 28 books3 followers
September 15, 2017
I don't usually read romances, preferring more variety in plot lines, but Lost Valor of Love just swept me away! The writing is astounding. Perfect pacing, sentence structure lyrical and varied and natural, high tension, incredible reader identification with characters, deeply layered characters (not stark black and white). Wow.
Profile Image for Anna.
8 reviews16 followers
January 1, 2018
One of the best historical fiction books I've read! The author has really done her research and displayed it in a way that draws you into the world. Excellent story and characters who you will root for, cry for, laugh with, and even love with
2 reviews
May 7, 2018
I love a story, I love a GREAT story, and many have I read that have left a lasting impression. However, EA Carters Trancendence series, beginning with The Lost Valor of Love, and The Call of Eternity, leaves more than an impression, it is entrenched into your whole psyche, your whole being. She takes you into into the world of Princess Istara and her journey through the devastation and destruction of her home, her loved ones, her Goddess and her kingdom, and journeys into a realm filled with War, Violence, Betrayal and Hope. At the centre of it all, the 2 fiercely dominant, possessive warriors. One, who saved her when her world and all she knew was destroyed, adored her, protected her, watched her grow in a beautiful young woman, only to be forced into an unwanted marriage, then betrayed her, Prince Urhi-Teshub. Then the very fierce, very male,very commanding Commander of the Egyptian Army, Sethi, who valiantly fought the against pre-destined attraction to Istara, who sacrificed his life twice, and gave up all he owned and loved for Istara.

Both men, vowing never to give up on love, never to let go and never to lose Istara. Yet aside from the struggles and fight with each, they both had to contend with all that was thrown in their paths. War, intrigue, lies, hidden agendas...Pharoahs, Kings and Queens, but ultimately the mighty hands of the Gods and Goddesses! How does one fight a God?...how does one fight an mortal, vying to be a God?

This series takes you on a ride, with many twists and turns, you think you have it figured it, and then the turns, take another 180 degree turnaround.

Praise most of all for the writing. Without it, this
would be another good story. The senses are rocked, shaken, and you are left with a feeling a being there, a witness to it all, thats how great it is, you are literally sucked into the book, and into the story itself.

I rarely recommend a book, and I have not stopped telling others of this series. Go order, buy, read this, you will not be disappointed. For me, best series I have read, highly recommend, highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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