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Glitterland

Book 1 in the series:Spires Universe

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'Glitterland' by Alexis Hall follows the main character Ash, a writer struggling with mental illness and self-doubt, who meets Darian, an Essex boy and aspiring model. As their one-night stand evolves into something deeper, Ash is forced to confront his self-imposed boundaries and allow the possibility of happiness with Darian. The story is filled with humor, emotional depth, and explores themes of love, mental health, and self-acceptance. The writing style showcases nuanced character development and a unique blend of charm, wit, and realism that keeps readers engaged.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, with Ash's struggles with mental health providing depth, while Darian's sunny disposition offers a counterbalance, allowing for significant character growth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is characterized by a blend of humor and emotional depth, employing vivid imagery and clever dialogue to convey the complexities of the characters' experiences.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on the complex relationship between Ash, a writer grappling with bipolar disorder, and Darian, a carefree model, showcasing how their one-night stand transforms into a meaningful connection amidst significant personal challenges.

Setting:

The setting unfolds in contemporary Britain, with a focus on vibrant nightlife that highlights the differences in the protagonists' social backgrounds.

Pacing:

The pacing is engaging, moving quickly through pivotal moments while allowing for reflective insights into the characters' emotions and experiences.
“Yes . . . no . . . I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t know the number. What if it doesn’t come? I don’t know.” Anxieties were swimming around inside me like jellyfish, but I was usually better at no...

Notes:

Glitterland is a contemporary romance set in Britain between two men, Ash and Darian.
The story is told from Ash's first-person point of view as he struggles with bipolar disorder and anxiety.
Ash is a successful published author but feels crippled by his mental illness and low self-esteem.
Darian, on the other hand, is his polar opposite, an aspiring model from Essex, characterized as the 'Glitter Pirate'.
The book blends themes of romance with serious issues like mental health, providing a compelling narrative beyond typical romance stories.
The witty dialogue and character growth are highly praised, even if some readers found the narrator's inner monologue a bit clunky.
Readers appreciate the depiction of characters from different social strata and backgrounds, challenging clichés in romance novels.
Darian's infectious optimism contrasts with Ash's negativity throughout their relationship journey.
The audiobook version, narrated by Nicholas Boulton, is noted for bringing the characters' accents and personalities to life.
The book includes humorous moments and character interactions that many readers found funny and relatable.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Glitterland include topics surrounding suicide, self-harm, depression, and anxiety.

Has Romance?

Yes, romance is a central focus in Glitterland.

From The Publisher:

The universe is a glitterball I hold in the palm of my hand.

Once the golden boy of the English literary scene, now a clinically depressed writer of pulp crime fiction, Ash Winters has given up on love, hope, happiness, and - most of all - himself. He lives his life between the cycles of his illness, haunted by the ghosts of other people's expectations.

Then a chance encounter at a stag party throws him into the arms of Essex boy Darian Taylor, an aspiring model who lives in a world of hair gel, fake tans, and fashion shows. By his own admission, Darian isn't the crispest lettuce in the fridge, but he cooks a mean cottage pie and makes Ash laugh, reminding him of what it's like to step beyond the boundaries of anxiety.

But Ash has been living in his own shadow for so long that he can't see past the glitter to the light. Can a man who doesn't trust himself ever trust in happiness? And how can a man who doesn't believe in happiness ever fight for his own?

Ratings (11)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (2)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (3)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (35):

Read It (10)
Want To Read (16)
Did Not Finish (2)
Not Interested (7)

1 comment(s)

Did Not Like
10 months

Sad

 
 
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