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The Elements #3
Lava
As the Earth continues to rebuild from Mars’ missile strike, and society roils in the wake of the hormonal suppressant shortage, Azure Lynwood is facing an even worse piece of news: the Space Corps have found out about Tor’s reckless plan to help dozens of omegas get through their heats, and he’s been arrested.
But Tor assures Azure that help is on the way. He’s friends with a brilliant lawyer who specialises in alpha and omega cases, and it will only be a matter of time before the charges against him are swept under the proverbial rug. The news is heartening… until Azure finds out that Tor’s flashy new lawyer is none other than Ethan McCallum, the omega who first taught Tor how to go through a heat, all those years ago.
Note: It is recommended that you read Hurricane and Deluge (The Elements Books 1 & 2) before Lava.
But Tor assures Azure that help is on the way. He’s friends with a brilliant lawyer who specialises in alpha and omega cases, and it will only be a matter of time before the charges against him are swept under the proverbial rug. The news is heartening… until Azure finds out that Tor’s flashy new lawyer is none other than Ethan McCallum, the omega who first taught Tor how to go through a heat, all those years ago.
Note: It is recommended that you read Hurricane and Deluge (The Elements Books 1 & 2) before Lava.
167 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2019
24 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Laura Taylor
24 books97 followersLaura Taylor is a pseudonym for Gabriel Danes. Gabriel is a bisexual, transgender writer of fantasy and romance novels. He likes watching ice hockey, reading about vampires and werewolves, cooking, and has fantasies of one day becoming a firefighter.
Gabriel lives on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia.
Gabriel lives on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 20, 2019
Should have been 1 book instead of 3
I really struggled to finish. Too many subplots and meandering information.
Not terrible but... In the future, maybe one couple per book or get rid of all the excess baggage.
I really struggled to finish. Too many subplots and meandering information.
Not terrible but... In the future, maybe one couple per book or get rid of all the excess baggage.
March 29, 2025
Despite not loving that last chapter, I really loved this book. There was less time compression and easy solutions than the last book, and the revolutionary changes felt real. I loved the deep detail about the biology, meted out from research centers while Azure was going through it. At first I wasn't a fan of the additional POVs but they grew on me as the story became more multifaceted. Taylor accomplished a lot in a small amount of pages. You can tell how deeply he thought through this world and history, but at times it felt like he was working backwards from obvious solutions to a kind of unbelievable state of fucked up. Same with reader questions. We almost always got an answer but the moments prompting the questions always felt a little ridiculous. Overall, he tackled a huge number of deep ethical questions in a very short series. I could have read a lot more! 4 stars rounded up.
September 21, 2020
I really didn't care much for the relationship between Adam and Kit. Imo it didn't add much to the overarching plot and could've just as well been cut or at least not given POV chapters. Their last scene in this book especially stole limelight from Tor & Azure, making both relationships' payoff less satisfying.
February 17, 2022
Knowing you are a player in changing the world to save an entire race of people must be as fascinating as it is scary.
August 26, 2019
Strong Conclusion to a Gripping Series
Con: I agree with another reviewer that calling the medical abortion used in this series "birth control" continues the fallacy that birth control is a form of abortion. Birth control prevents pregnancy from occurring. Medical abortion ends a pregnancy that has already begun. The heat suppressor in the book is the actual birth control. Why does it matter? Because this issue is as important as LGBTQ (human) rights, which is the obvious thematic metaphor in the series.
That out of the way...if you liked the first book then just know it only gets better. This final book in the series wraps up everything with solid HEAs.
Con: I agree with another reviewer that calling the medical abortion used in this series "birth control" continues the fallacy that birth control is a form of abortion. Birth control prevents pregnancy from occurring. Medical abortion ends a pregnancy that has already begun. The heat suppressor in the book is the actual birth control. Why does it matter? Because this issue is as important as LGBTQ (human) rights, which is the obvious thematic metaphor in the series.
That out of the way...if you liked the first book then just know it only gets better. This final book in the series wraps up everything with solid HEAs.
December 23, 2022
This review is for the whole series. I am conflicted. This series is okay, but it didn't live up to my expectations. Overall, it was just an average read with some significant but tolerable issues. I doubt I'd read it again.
First of all, this is NOT a sci-fi series, in my opinion. The sci-fi part is in the first book, and then basically disappears completely from the rest. And the part that's in the first book is signifcantly underwhelming. It started out great, but the follow-through just wasn't there. It ended up feeling somewhat forced.
The second issue is the lack of romance and development in Tor and Azure's relationship. I love alpha/omega pairs; it's my favorite thing in MM romance. The two had physical chemistry, but I just didn't feel like they had very much depth beyond that. There aren't any major conflicts between them. While there's plenty of sex and relationship stuff in this series, none of it holds up against the true star of this show... which is social and political commentary.
So yeah, about that. It's way too much. WAY too much. Look, I'm all for the social and political suggestions made in this series, and I think the background created in the books is interesting to explore. But holy fucking fuck... it was explored in every which way it could be. And then turned inside out and explored again. Omegas have it shitty, alphas have it shitty, betas are the true cunts of the world, blah blah blah. We got it the first 50 times. If this series was about 2 or 3 times as long, the amount of social/political stuff would be appropriate. As it stands, though, with each book being relatively short, a lot of that crap needed to be replaced with scenes that created depth for Tor and Azure at least, or actual sci-fi elements, or BOTH.
The sex is hot, though. It's got that going for it. Plenty of smut scenes, especially in the first book.
Book by book:
**Hurricane (first)** - 3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This starts off with sci-fi elements. They are interesting and giving me "Expanse" type vibes, which I'm all fucking about. Then Azure has a heat, and the interaction with Tor begins. Then a fuuuuuck ton of sex--like 50% of the book--but it's hot, so there's that. Then we nosedive; the book abandons all opportunites to use the cool scifi elements from before, does a couple months time skip with no development between MCs at all, whips up some very basic sci-fi stuff to create drama for book 2, and THE END.
It was disappointing. Started well, had hot sex, and then died a quiet boring death. Also, Azure annoyed the fuck out of me for half this book. I like him in the others, but he is very whiny in this one until he gets through his heat, and it's not cure.
**Deluge (second)** - 2.5 stars ⭐️⭐️.5
This starts off with continuation of basic sci-fi stuff from the end of book 1. It once again glosses over basically every opportunity to make it interesting or thrilling. All sci-fi is now dead/absent at this point. We go through a lot of time skip and MCs just start shacking up together. No real relationship discussion.
Then the social commentary starts. And continues for 75% of the book. Just nonstop shit about the imbalances between alphas and omegas and betas. God, it drones on forever. If the author cut that crap in half and use the space to have some real substance between MCs and it would be great, a perfect balance of plot, romance, and sex. But nope.
**Lava (third)** - 2.5 stars ⭐️⭐️.5
This is just like book 2, except there's no sci-fi elements at all, and the social stuff is now political stuff. On and on and on about the state of alpha/omega rights in the world. A large portion of the book deals with Azure/Tor in legal troubles because of stuff from the last book, but the plot for those legal troubles is just so boring. It's just a vessel to further disguise the social and political content as plot that matters. I skimmed part of the book, frankly.
Azure and Tor get their HEA, but it feels cheap simply because the series hasn't developed much depth to them. The fucking social/political issues of this world have more depth than the MCs.
Ratings on a 1-5 scale:
SCI-FI/FANTASY - 1
PLOT - 2
MM ROMANCE - 2.5
CHAR DEVELOPMENT - 2.5
HEAT/SEX - 4
HEA ✅️
A/B/O ✅️
KNOTS ✅️
HEATS ✅️
First of all, this is NOT a sci-fi series, in my opinion. The sci-fi part is in the first book, and then basically disappears completely from the rest. And the part that's in the first book is signifcantly underwhelming. It started out great, but the follow-through just wasn't there. It ended up feeling somewhat forced.
The second issue is the lack of romance and development in Tor and Azure's relationship. I love alpha/omega pairs; it's my favorite thing in MM romance. The two had physical chemistry, but I just didn't feel like they had very much depth beyond that. There aren't any major conflicts between them. While there's plenty of sex and relationship stuff in this series, none of it holds up against the true star of this show... which is social and political commentary.
So yeah, about that. It's way too much. WAY too much. Look, I'm all for the social and political suggestions made in this series, and I think the background created in the books is interesting to explore. But holy fucking fuck... it was explored in every which way it could be. And then turned inside out and explored again. Omegas have it shitty, alphas have it shitty, betas are the true cunts of the world, blah blah blah. We got it the first 50 times. If this series was about 2 or 3 times as long, the amount of social/political stuff would be appropriate. As it stands, though, with each book being relatively short, a lot of that crap needed to be replaced with scenes that created depth for Tor and Azure at least, or actual sci-fi elements, or BOTH.
The sex is hot, though. It's got that going for it. Plenty of smut scenes, especially in the first book.
Book by book:
**Hurricane (first)** - 3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This starts off with sci-fi elements. They are interesting and giving me "Expanse" type vibes, which I'm all fucking about. Then Azure has a heat, and the interaction with Tor begins. Then a fuuuuuck ton of sex--like 50% of the book--but it's hot, so there's that. Then we nosedive; the book abandons all opportunites to use the cool scifi elements from before, does a couple months time skip with no development between MCs at all, whips up some very basic sci-fi stuff to create drama for book 2, and THE END.
It was disappointing. Started well, had hot sex, and then died a quiet boring death. Also, Azure annoyed the fuck out of me for half this book. I like him in the others, but he is very whiny in this one until he gets through his heat, and it's not cure.
**Deluge (second)** - 2.5 stars ⭐️⭐️.5
This starts off with continuation of basic sci-fi stuff from the end of book 1. It once again glosses over basically every opportunity to make it interesting or thrilling. All sci-fi is now dead/absent at this point. We go through a lot of time skip and MCs just start shacking up together. No real relationship discussion.
Then the social commentary starts. And continues for 75% of the book. Just nonstop shit about the imbalances between alphas and omegas and betas. God, it drones on forever. If the author cut that crap in half and use the space to have some real substance between MCs and it would be great, a perfect balance of plot, romance, and sex. But nope.
**Lava (third)** - 2.5 stars ⭐️⭐️.5
This is just like book 2, except there's no sci-fi elements at all, and the social stuff is now political stuff. On and on and on about the state of alpha/omega rights in the world. A large portion of the book deals with Azure/Tor in legal troubles because of stuff from the last book, but the plot for those legal troubles is just so boring. It's just a vessel to further disguise the social and political content as plot that matters. I skimmed part of the book, frankly.
Azure and Tor get their HEA, but it feels cheap simply because the series hasn't developed much depth to them. The fucking social/political issues of this world have more depth than the MCs.
Ratings on a 1-5 scale:
SCI-FI/FANTASY - 1
PLOT - 2
MM ROMANCE - 2.5
CHAR DEVELOPMENT - 2.5
HEAT/SEX - 4
HEA ✅️
A/B/O ✅️
KNOTS ✅️
HEATS ✅️
December 2, 2023
This book is heavy on social justice meets the omegaverse, which I do like a lot sometimes. In this third book in the series, Azure, an omega, and Tor, his mated alpha live together happily. However, the world is experiencing seismic shifts as A/B/Os question everything they have been told about mating, bonding, and having children. Science has not kept up, laws don't reflect the reality of alpha and omega physiology, and overcorrections have caused alphas to be treated unfairly, too.
As issues arise, the legal system is called into question on a planetary scale. Tor's former lover is now the leading attorney in issues related to A/B rights. Azure doesn't like the other omega back in Tor's life, but his concerns have to be put on the back burner.
This book takes place totally on Earth and is very focused on A/O rights and reproduction in a world where the beta majority has had power for far too long. There is a lot of pain, supportive friends and colleagues, much passion, and a beautiful forever love.
As issues arise, the legal system is called into question on a planetary scale. Tor's former lover is now the leading attorney in issues related to A/B rights. Azure doesn't like the other omega back in Tor's life, but his concerns have to be put on the back burner.
This book takes place totally on Earth and is very focused on A/O rights and reproduction in a world where the beta majority has had power for far too long. There is a lot of pain, supportive friends and colleagues, much passion, and a beautiful forever love.
March 15, 2022
And we moved on again from social issues to politics. I cuncur they have a lot in common but the central issue of this book was more politics than anything else.
We still get very sweet moments between Tor and Azure, not to mention getting to see a lot more of Adam and Kit, whose relationship has a totally different dynamic so it's really interesting.
A lot of this part of the story plays out in a court room but the action itself is on the streets and in the media and in backroom deals.
The ending is very optimistic, and everyone gets their happily ever after, which is nice, but unsurprizing. A really dark ending would have made a very powerful impact, but I get that most of the romance writers don't dare/want to go there. It's true, I'm reading romance for the feel-good factor, not for the deep social criticism or realism.
We still get very sweet moments between Tor and Azure, not to mention getting to see a lot more of Adam and Kit, whose relationship has a totally different dynamic so it's really interesting.
A lot of this part of the story plays out in a court room but the action itself is on the streets and in the media and in backroom deals.
The ending is very optimistic, and everyone gets their happily ever after, which is nice, but unsurprizing. A really dark ending would have made a very powerful impact, but I get that most of the romance writers don't dare/want to go there. It's true, I'm reading romance for the feel-good factor, not for the deep social criticism or realism.
July 11, 2019
OMG. These books were so intense. I literally stayed up until 5:30 in the morning the day I got them so that I could finish reading them. I honestly could not put them down, I was that engrossed in them.
Like the other two books, I really like the immediate story of Tor and Azure's relationship, but the background of the social politics, legal cases, and political changes going on make the story of their relationship even sharper and immediate.
This series has been amazing, and even though I really don't like Ethan much in here, I can respect him. I would like to see him get his own story as well as Adam and Kit.
Like the other two books, I really like the immediate story of Tor and Azure's relationship, but the background of the social politics, legal cases, and political changes going on make the story of their relationship even sharper and immediate.
This series has been amazing, and even though I really don't like Ethan much in here, I can respect him. I would like to see him get his own story as well as Adam and Kit.
September 22, 2025
All's Well that Ends Well
This is the final story in this trilogy. I love this author's writing. There's no unnecessary words, no back and forth with "I love you. I don't deserve you." This author fits a lot of story into less than 200 pages.
There are some typos, but they look like they can be blamed on autocorrect. Do be aware that this author uses the Aussie spelling of some words.
This is the final story in this trilogy. I love this author's writing. There's no unnecessary words, no back and forth with "I love you. I don't deserve you." This author fits a lot of story into less than 200 pages.
There are some typos, but they look like they can be blamed on autocorrect. Do be aware that this author uses the Aussie spelling of some words.
September 24, 2019
Satisfying ending
I enjoyed this finally book in the series. It has a lot of relevance to politics of today, but it’s set in its own world. I loved seeing Tor and Azure continue to grow and I’m glad Adam and Kit got a lot of time in this book as well. I had really enjoyed their characters.
I enjoyed this finally book in the series. It has a lot of relevance to politics of today, but it’s set in its own world. I loved seeing Tor and Azure continue to grow and I’m glad Adam and Kit got a lot of time in this book as well. I had really enjoyed their characters.
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April 23, 2022Final book in the trilogy
An exciting conclusion to the story. A comment I made in book two's review about parallels to another series now make sense as they were deliberate which made this story even better. A second MM romance joins the first of Tor and Azure, with Adam and Kit also getting their HEA.
Well written and absolutely wonderfully.
An exciting conclusion to the story. A comment I made in book two's review about parallels to another series now make sense as they were deliberate which made this story even better. A second MM romance joins the first of Tor and Azure, with Adam and Kit also getting their HEA.
Well written and absolutely wonderfully.
October 3, 2025
Good Ending
This was well written fast paced and full of suspense. This had a lot of political intrigue as secrets start getting leaked, arrests are made, and the fight for justice and peace in the legal and social system begins. The character were amazing as always, and I really liked that we get the POV of other characters in this book as well. Highly recommend.
This was well written fast paced and full of suspense. This had a lot of political intrigue as secrets start getting leaked, arrests are made, and the fight for justice and peace in the legal and social system begins. The character were amazing as always, and I really liked that we get the POV of other characters in this book as well. Highly recommend.
March 3, 2021
Good
Great writing style and world building. Story was very good and interesting. But I felt the last quarter or so was rushed. I liked how the story felt finished at the end, even though it jumped around a bit to get there.
Great writing style and world building. Story was very good and interesting. But I felt the last quarter or so was rushed. I liked how the story felt finished at the end, even though it jumped around a bit to get there.
May 25, 2022
A nice conclusion to this trilogy. Tor and Azure's world changing issues continue. Nice courtroom drama at the end. Not usually my thing there, but Ethan came through.
August 14, 2022
Really 3.5 ⭐️. I enjoyed this trilogy but felt this last book read very slow. Tor & Azure where a great couple, really appreciated that the reader got a look into Adam & Kits relationship.
May 30, 2023
I enjoyed reading all 3 of these books. Tor and Azure are such a sweet couple, I’m glad they got their happy ending! So happy everything turned out good in the end for everyone.
August 5, 2024
Nice ending to the series
February 9, 2024
What is even going on with the cover? Is this the wrong book? The book I read was a sci-fi legal drama. Who is the weird action hero on a lava planet?!? I'm so confused. Why does he have a gun? Objection, your Honor!
January 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this trilogy! I couldn’t have cared less for Kit and Adam’s storyline and was a little mad that their proposal stole the thunder for our main couple—definitely would have preferred to scrap their scenes in favor of a more detailed HEA for Tor and Azure—but overall it was a great ending to the series.
August 30, 2021
I really love this one. We get to see Tor and Azure seperated and how their bond now effects them. This book focus on rearranging the rules that govern alphas and omegas on a legal side. It also heavily focus on the space corps trying to shift all the blame to Tor. I like watching the bond between the two to them as they try to figure out how it is working. This was an unexpected series that I enjoyed a great deal.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews