The Elfor One

The Code Trilogy #3

by R.R. Haywood, Colin Morgan (Narrator)

The thrilling conclusion to R. R. Haywood’s epic Code Trilogy.

After years of confinement in the squalor of the Worldship Humility’s lower decks, the Elfors are finally free. But freedom comes at a cost and as the Elfors spill through the rest of the ship they are met with open hostility. Tit-for-tat killings and assaults spread throughout the ship and Captain Helga Sveinsson is in danger of losing control.

Yet the chaos on board is nothing to the real danger facing Helga, Zhang, Sam, Yasmine and the others. They are still in possession of the code which contains critical information: the location of a habitable planet. A new home for the last of humanity. That knowledge is power and there are people who will stop at nothing to have it.

For 120 years The Six have ruled the fleet from the shadows, controlling finance, raw materials, construction, clothing, food, water–everything. Now they have decided to flex their muscles, and those they cannot bribe they will destroy. Nobody can stand against them.

But an Elforist never backs down from a fight, and this time the stake is the future of all humanity...

Genres: Science Fiction, Audiobook, Suspense, Space Opera

17 pages, Audiobook

First published September 29, 2022

About the author

"One of the most original voices of our time." - Richard Moriarty, The Sun

"Whether it's gritty horror, spectacular sci-fi, or insane comedy, RR Haywood delivers in style." - Chris Riches, Daily Express

RR Haywood is a Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Amazon, and Audible bestselling author with over 4 million books sold and more than 30 Kindle Bestsellers. As one of the top ten most downloaded indie authors in the UK, Haywood has captivated readers worldwide with his diverse storytelling.

His creations include the global sensation EXTRACTED, the riveting CODE TRILOGY narrated by Colin Morgan, the phenomenal UNDEAD Series, the blockbuster DELIO, PHASE ONE, and the chart-topping A TOWN CALLED DISCOVERY. His latest work, FICTION LAND, narrated by Game of Thrones star Gethin Anthony, has been hailed as "an outrageously funny tour de force."

A former police officer, Haywood now resides with his dogs on the north coast of the Isle of Wight. He entertains audiences and shares his expertise on TikTok with his Writing Class for the Working Class.

Reviews

[Jeramie Vens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this so much. I want more of this series and these characters!

[Book Friend Pola · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would not read 3rd book if it wasn't already in my library. That how angry I was at 2nd book's ending.
I felt completely disillusioned regarding author's emotional intelligence and general abilities. I was ready to DNF it on a spot. Not the greatest place to start a new book.

In the end, it positively surprised me, but only because my expectations were literally on the ground under feet of mud. There was one thing that I really liked but I will get to it last.

First stuff that bothered me.

Narration
I couldn't exactly pin it when reading previous books, but now I finally see. The narration style is atrocious. We have a present tense from an all-knowing narrator. It positively kills any sense of urgency and unknown. Bye bye tension.
When characters do something we repeatedly hear about all of their motivations and some meandering divagations. I swear, I was rolling my eyes at every "wild Yassy, crazy Yassy".
There was left zero space for readers to conclude something on their own. It felt like all the 'right' conclusions were being constantly shoved down my throat.
The author very much wanted to tell us what this story suppose to be but failed to show it.

Characters
There were too many. I didn't care about half of them. The ones I did care about, maybe except Yassy, had no arc. We constantly hear about them being this and that, but I honestly don't know where it all is coming from. The author has some super protective feelings about Sam, that is a grown man, but somehow everyone treats him like a toddler.

Plot and ending
The moment conspiracy theory entered the stage I could not treat this plot seriously. It completely disconnected me emotionally. The ending was just chaos. I understood nothing. Whatever happened it was obvious from the begging that Sam will hack some magical solution and all heroic elfors will rise and charge everywhere. And this note that they didn't harm anyone innocent during their charge. Give me a break.

Problematic stuff
I hate the way this author writes about SA and trauma. It's just so shallow and performative.

Stuff I liked
Somehow, by complete coincidence I fathom, we got a very beautiful sapphic romance in there. It was brief and of course, led absolutely nowhere, but it was a truly joyful moment during this read. It's huge shame that the author has to be a man.

[Daniele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice end for this trilogy. Haywood mixed a lot of science fiction with the human emotions, a nice mix that kept the plot interesting all the time. Again, Colin Morgan narrated this book majestically performing several voices for all the characters.

[Stavros · Rating 1 out of 5]

I will share my thoughts on this book, because I can't believe that at the time I am writing this, it has an average rating of 4.65

Spoilers ahead

I will try to categorize my gripes


1) Big plot holes and cheap emotional scenes
At the beginning of the book, why does not the virus also vent the shuttle? Why don't the 6 just kill all the characters outright, they certainly have the means to. Why don't they halt all ship communications when things get heated? Why doesn't Sam just hack the 6 to oblivion?
Was it really necessary to depict the assassin slowly killing a pregnant woman and then pulling out the fetus? No character has any family to speak of (no, that would complicate things),. but as the Kindness is splitting up, an elfor couple appears with a kid, and is subsequently sacrificed, so that our heroes can rescue said kid.

2) Too much witty dialog and overall silliness
Why do the characters feel the need to be witty constantly? This is not bad per se, but I think is out of place in this book/trilogy. And what was that with Sam's masturbation scene?

3) Weird character decisions/development
It is pretty much established that pretty boy can do literally, LITERALLY, anything, and yet he is pretty much absent until the third part of the book. Helga starts out as manipulative, and somehow ends up as a mother figure to everyone. Sven is a pilot now? Jenny almost makes a comeback to the front stage, but not quite.
And how about the rest of the fleet? The Ark crew are willing to kill millions of people out of the blue, because "they were bribed"? really? not one has any second thoughts? Only Dreigo and his "4 loyals"?

4) Whatevah technology and environment
Sam and the 6/Hector can do whatever they like. You think about it, you can do it. Like my friends who "have an idea for a killer app". All you need to do is think about it. Hack doors, hack bands, plant viruses, logs, people's locations, fleet history, ship controls, everything is up for grabs.
The ships have hundreds of thousands or millions of people on them. The Kindness supposedly carried more than a million. There are tens or hundreds of thousands of elforists. How come they all now each other, everyone has a unique nickname, everything happens right next to Sven's eatery, and you can literally WALK the length, width and height of a worldship in minutes?
If you can build habitats in space that can house people (apparently) indefinitely, why not keep them in Sol system, and try to claim Mars, or reclaim Earth? you have magic technology after all (gravity generators).
Though described inconsistently throughout the books, the fleet is most likely NOT under constant thrust. And the shuttles can do multiple trips without refueling, as demonstrated when the showdown started. So, what was the fuss at the beginning? regain control of the shuttle, and just catch up.

5) The second chapter. Wild Yassie. Crazy Yassie
ONE THIRD of the book is Yassie's unexpected romance with Christy (that everyone show coming from a mile away) and Yassie's (failed) attempt to find healing. ONE THIRD of the book. There are some sprinklings of descriptions of fleet life in general and elfor life in particular, but still, ONE THIRD.

The showdown is somewhat gratifying, but again, in my opinion kind of naive and extravagant, to trigger the reader's emotions. I mean, using worldships as torpedoes? Really?


I think the series walks a thin line, trying to be scifi, light-hearted and a social commentary, all at once.

[Suz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a trilogy. If it was, the end sucks. If it's not, WTF?!

It was the best of the three, but that ending is entirely unsatisfying and presses every one of my "manipulative, untrust-worthy author" buttons.

I really dislike being toyed with. It puts me off the author and wanting to pay for their work.

[Kate Vane · Rating 4 out of 5]

5* for Colin Morgan’s narration.

[Becky Lyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding book. RR Haywood at his best. I really hope there will be a book 4 one day. I'm not ready to get off the rollercoaster.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again RR Haywood has had me on the edge of my seat! Although the Audible collaboration has finished I cannot wait for more stories of where the Worldships are going!

[Tristan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished this audiobook, and it did not disappoint, but I am a bit divided on it. There were a few things I enjoyed about it, but some I didn't, so I will try and not post any spoilers:

Pros:
1. Fate of the Six - I enjoyed that in the end none of these shadow overseers/rulers in the background controlling the fleet escaped Elfor justice. The author did a great job making you hate them, and truly showing how those in power can be truly corrupted. I also enjoyed that they gave them backstories, instead of leaving them as faceless rulers.

2. Good character development - I liked how certain characters in series saw some character development and grew on me, since I wasn't quite fond of them in the first two books. Helga and Chan were some of my biggest surprises. Helga grew from being a lackey to someone who became loving to her friends and cruel to her enemies. I also liked how R.R. Haywood, brought about a shocking reveal with Yazzy's family. What I was impressed most about the third book, was Chan's story line in him trying to hunt down the "Silent Man" and his overall character development. He was considered my least favorite character in the series by far.

3. The narrator - As with the other books I always enjoy the narrations of Colin Morgan in this series. I can tell from his voice he really lives the characters, especially when he is voicing Sam. If they ever did a movie or tv series on this trilogy I feel Chris O'Dowd would be the perfect actor for Sam, because Colin Morgan really sold him to me on it.

Cons:

1. Sam and Yazzy - One of the biggest draws for me in the series was the developing relationship between Sam (my favorite, relatable nerd) and Yazzy (my favorite, sassy thief), to star crossed people who grew together, and became more then what they started with. Unfortunately, how the third book treated them, I wasn't quite a fan of. Though I understand what Dimitri did to Yazzy was truly horrific, having her relationship jeopardized by a possible love triangle was not the direction I wanted to see her in, which further complicated her relationship with Sam. Then with Sam, the third book made him go all shut in with the relationship, barely using him in the book and keeping him on the bridge 95% of the time. I do understand if he didn't the war would be lost, but it could have been handled better in my opinion. Worst is, that everyone truly liked Sam, though the story made the line between liking him for who he is and what he can do for them very blurry. The way they treated him, seemed more like those taking care of someone with special needs. Sam may have his mannerism and eccentricities, but I think they should have treated him a bit more then what was in the 3rd book.

2. The ending - I think this was my biggest issue with the 3rd book, was the way the author left many unanswered questions; does this end the trilogy? Where is the Jade Emperor? Are there more details regarding the new planet? Is there another book on the horizon? The ending did feel rushed in my opinion, and I have never been a fan of the "The End?" type endings. I kind of felt the third book could have used a chapter or two to flush out things like the conclusion to Chan's storyline, revealing more about this mysterious planet and an Epilogue to show how are all characters are doing after the war. I don't like stories that end with "leaving it to the imagination of the readers". I want all major story lines finished off, especially if this is the last of the series and especially not to feel rushed.

All in all this was a good series, top marks to Colin Morgan for narration, definitely a great series to recommend to others. I do hope R.R. Haywood has another book to write for the series, even if its a novella to finish things off left unanswered in the Elfor One.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant series.
I love RR Haywood’s characters. They are people I learn a lot about self acceptance, having flaws that make you stronger and why supporting your “family” is the most important thing regardless if they are blood, friends or comrades in circumstance.
Such a big picture ending with so many characters it just doesn’t get better.
Colin Morgan the narrator of the series has a huge repertoire of voices, accents and mannerisms he is perfect to put you exactly in the story with the right intensity you will never get lost.

[Clint · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good sci fi spoiled by an author who can’t get out of his on way.

A good story with great characters thetas unfortunately comes along with a heavy helping of the authors own pudding brained narrative Haywood is a good author and I enjoyed his Extracted series but The Code series is just chock full of Hayward loathing over men in general and old, white men specifically. I’m all for self therapy but do it on your own time Hayward and don’t force your audience to suffer while you work out your own self loathing.

[Vance Knox · Rating 4 out of 5]

R.R. Haywood hits this one out of the park. It’s mostly action and the rise up of the oppressed. We learn some more things about The Six (a secret organization once called the Illuminati), they are the only ones still around. They have controlled everything for the last 120 years–everything (finance, raw materials, construction, clothing, food, water), but since learning about the code, and the path to a new planet, they are hellbent on stopping anyone from learning about the new planet. They fear a loss of revenue.

Captain Helga and the Elfors form a large army.

People start dying.
The quiet man is an accomplished killer.
Elfors are blamed again by the mainstream media. Even in the future, no one trusts them as information is twisted in the way the six want it to be.

Wow! What a fucking kicker of a book.

I loved the cruiser scene where Abdul decides to use a shuttle and try to block or slow down the arrival of the Feds. (I shall say no more, so you can enjoy it.)
Oh, and the attempted wank scene. ROTFLMAO.

The bad: Part two of this book. What the fuck was the point of that massive section. It should have been cut out, and Chang’s rescue could have been done another way.

Also, Sam (our hacker hero) is in his early late 20s to early 30s. His Elfor nickname is Pretty Boy. In books 1 – 3, he is treated as a young kid. Not sure why. I’ve known people who speak like this (in real life), but it dwindled off as I got older (past 15).

The good: Everything else.

Get this book, skip part two and plow into the conclusion. Actually, as there are a few good jokes based on part two, you should probably read it to save confusion.

I couldn’t give this book 5 stars for the filler section of part two.

[Alex Berry · Rating 2 out of 5]

In all ways this book *should* be better than the previous two. Wider scope, concluding the story, introducing a larger big-bad, positive character development, emotional hardships overcome and a more gripping main plot.

In all of the ways above, it falls down due to two simple factors. The length of the book and the writing style.

Introducing a wider scope and exploring the 'world' which has already been established in the first 2 books is a great idea but it is completely rushed and largely pointless. The GB ship is introduced, explained and discarded within one chapter.

Same issue with the introduction of the 'illuminati' (original I know), the group is introduced, explained to the extent that we know the interpersonal relationships between them. But because we have a single (short) books worth of build up, the pay-off for overcoming them is minimal and hollow.

Yassy, Sam and Zhang all move forward as characters, both emotionally and their place in the story. But because the writing is pulpy, male-centric and frankly misogynistic, none of it makes any sense. Yassy dabbles in bi-sexuality, gets a head tattoo and is on the end of the worst parentage reveal i've read in a longtime. Sam does absolutely nothing apart from masturbate and long after Yassy. Zhang battles with his sex addiction still but nothing happens emotionally.

In terms of story conclusion, how we can blow up the scope of the story, up the 'power levels' of everyone and emotionally conclude the story lines, and expect a satisfying conclusion. Its rushed and hollow.

The writer is relying on his cringeworthy style over any substance. I would recommend solely as a quick holiday read.

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4 stars
Unlike book 2, this did not have a ‘funny’ recap about the first two books, which I was looking forward to. However, the author did a pretty descent job of throwing in back story type of reminders to let us know what happened in the past.

I kind of hope that this is the final book of this series, but it seems possible that there is room for another story? Either way, I like how RR Haywood does his story telling. It has the right amount of stupid-funny, the right amount of building up the characters we need to hear about, and the right amount of intense scenes and sequences. I can see how some people might get annoyed when there is one ‘repeating’ story line, but I feel like there is a purpose to it. For example, Sam knows that the fleet shifted, he just knows this. This line/storyline repeats maybe 3 or 4 times and might be over-redundant for some people. When Colin Morgan reads this, he puts the right amount of emphasis on these lines and makes the story more fun. This book did a better job of fewer characters than the first two books (at least fewer characters that mattered).

Either way, this was a fun book and I enjoyed it. It was maybe a little too long.

Audiobook narrator Colin Morgan rating: 5 stars
With Colin Morgan, it’s like you get a full-cast narration with just one person. He is amazing.

[steve irineou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not make sense

Since you are reading this it is safe to assume you have read the previous two ,and though there were inconsistencies in the previous two ,the were no bad for light reading IMO. But this one since to go of the rails . So the protagonists are now in charge and the bad guys are trying to sabotage them by using agent provocateur s to start trouble between the two factions. (Upstair faction against the downstairs people):People are saying and the can't see who is doing it because the authorities do not want the people to "feel that they are not trusted" Really? people are getting killed an raped an they are worried about privacy issues? And the solution is simple Separate the two factions until you have set up systems to police both factions. They have been separated for 120 years,What difference would it make to tell the downstairs people " you are now free to come upstairs but give us a couple of weeks to set up systems to insure your safety" ?? It was so ridiculous I gave up on the book less than 1/10th of the way in.

[Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading The Worldship Humility and the ever-more-expansive Elfor Drop, I honestly had no clue how R.R. Haywood was going to be able to close out his trilogy with only one more book.

But he managed to do it in the best way possible.

The Elfor One is a brilliant ending to Yasmine and Sam's story, bringing back all the characters you already know and love, while also handing a surprising amount of plot to some you'll grow to like just as much. It's funny, tense, and offers up the answers you've been waiting for, all while building to an absolutely massive and well-earned climax. There's closure, but there's also enough left open for what I hope will be another book or two down the line. Read it; start with the first. It's an adventure.

[Taylor Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book: 2 stars
The narrator: 5 stars

Definitely my least favorite book of the trilogy. The author was not great at writing serious subjects like sexual assault and trauma in the previous books but took it to another level of yikes in this book.
I was really excited when I heard there would be a sapphic romance only to be disappointed that it was only put it to create relationship drama for the couples in the story.
Honestly the only reason I didn’t quit this book is a) I got this far I wanted to know how it would end and b) Colin Morgan did such a great job narrating. He made the character feel so real that I got attracted to them.

[Atlas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Twenty Four of 2023: that wasn't the end of the series? Right???

So book one was about Yazzy and the Elfors and Dmitri and the build up to stealing the code

Book two was about rebellion and bring oppressed and Helga the ice queen bringing her people together and introducing Sun and the other worldships and freeing the elfors

Book three was about conspiracy and gaining control of the Humility and what a team can accomplish, and yeah it was a little bit cheesy and yeah I didn't dig the whole Yasmin/christie/Sam shtick, but this book really works as an audiobook, so that even the cheesy bits were great

[Steve Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book dealt brilliantly with modern social topics of sexuality, mental health, poverty, social class and a whole host of themes.

The humour is also surprising close to life in a way that fiction subtly isn't

I listened to the audiobook and Colin Morgan's portrayal of the main protagonists and antagonists is supremely masterful.

I really didn't want this trilogy to end.
It would be really, really cool if we could see Yazzy, Sam, Abdul, Helen, Zhang etc in some new stories some time in the future.

[Mary Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all three in this trilogy and loved the first book. The second was good, but the humour and pacing wasn't as great. But the third book doesn't disappoint. It was so much fun and I read it in a few days (It was an audio book). The humour is back but there is lots of action and R.R. Haywood is making comments on the current state of affairs in regards to the rich, greed etc.
I've read that this is the concluding book in the series, but the ending gives a hint that he may not be finished with the Elfors yet. I would love him to get them to a planet!

[John T · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Nobody rolls an Elfor”.

The third book of the series draws us once more into the beautifully-crafted, spaceshippy sci-fi wonderland of the Worldships.

Elfor One is the best yet in the “Code” series: a brilliantly-written page-turner that morphs into a gritty exploration of humanity, greed, hope, and power, with high-stakes drama galore, forever-evolving characters, and peerless story-telling.

And it has spaceships.

No Vikings though.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was waiting so long for this audiobook to be available. It did not disappoint. I loved the storyline, the characters and the narration….oh the narration was above and beyond. Characters came to life and drew me in, made me laugh & it times on the “edge of my seat”. I only wish there was more to come.

[Niko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astonishing ending to this exciting trilogy!

I haven’t been able to stop reading and listening to this serie since book one, but the pacing and the brutality of the story in this final chapter to The Code, had me both in tears and grinning from ear to ear.

Superb work, both by writer and narrator (if you’re on audiobooks)!

[Sherri Lyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! All the way around. I usually don't love the way men voice female characters but this one was fantastic. The sheer number of characters each vocally crafted so well and authentic to their character. And the story like kept me staying up way too late but also on the bike too long! Great workout book.

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book was fantastic up until the “finale” didn’t wrap up all the loose ends. Colin Morgan was superb as always and the pace was the same million miles and hour craziness I’ve grown to love over the course of this series. I’m just a little frustrated that the there are so many threads that are left dangling. Honestly it would have just taken an epilogue to tidy it all up

[Biff meechan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Elfor One(The Code Book 3)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

As Always RR Haywood had me hooked. I enjoy reading all his books and the characters I loved the main ones and the storylines are so good. I absolutely love Sam and hopefully there will be more from the Elfors and I will be waiting to read them ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Matthew R McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome as ever, read it.

Enjoyed the series immensely so far and had a hard time putting this book down. Great characters that grew from the last books and I love the generation ship theme and the political intrigue and viciousness. Very solid writing and looking forward to the next book. Please write the next one RR.

[Stacey Calabrese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another whirlwind sci-fi masterpiece from the Boss

Haywood, more known for his Undead series, takes us once again on a roller coaster space ride with all the loops and rolls. His character builds can't be beat as he has shown in previous series. I find myself power reading his books and angry that I have to wait for the next installment.

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anybody who like RR Haywood books (and there isn't a bad one yet written) will love this and soon be as gripped by the characters and what they are up to as always. It's more the same laugh out loud and hard to put down tale you would expect and played hell with my sleep, eating and working patterns because all I wanted to do was keep reading.

[R. Andrew Lamonica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't give book two a very good review and most of my complaints about that book are still applicable to this one. But, the characters are lovable enough that I felt I needed to see their fates. I'm concerned that the series will continue given that the novel ends with some minor cliff-hangers and some ambiguity about the central mystery. I'm not sure that is needed. Oh, well.