Glitterland

Spires, Book 1

By: Alexis Hall

Narrated by: Nicholas Boulton

Once the golden boy of the English literary scene, now a clinically depressed writer of pulp crime fiction, Ash Winters has given up on 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 throws him into the path of Essex-born Darian Taylor. By his own admission, Darian isn’t the crispest lettuce in the fridge, but he 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?

©2016, 2018, 2023 Alexis Hall (P)2023 Dreamscape Media

Dark, funny and heartwarming

Another good one by Alexis Hall. I laughed, I cried (a lot). And good narration on top of it. Do recommend.

Emotional wreckage

This series is a trigger minefield. Emotional wreckage. Exquisite sex scenes that actually make it worse. I adore it. Highly recommend.

Honestly, not my fav Hall book

I really like Hall's other novels, but I had a really difficult time getting into this one. I think it boiled down to the fact that I just really disliked the main character. I think there were some really good, important points about mental health, but jeeze the main guy was just SUCH a jerk! If I'd met the couple in real life, I'd be telling his boyfriend there were more fish in the sea. There comes a point where just apologizing for something doesn't make it okay. You have to show that you're changing. I just didn't feel like their relationship ever got to that point, so for me it ended unsatisfyingly.

Dark romantic story

The main character was hard to like at first yet you warm to his hardness- very true to gay men - the characters are interesting and fun- really enjoyed

A good read overall :)

Overall, I enjoyed this book, but I felt like the narrator was a bit older than the characters were portrayed to be in the book and on the cover. This made it difficult for me to visualize them. I appreciate the author’s depictions of bipolar and depression, as well as the character growth and the beautiful use of words, choices, and descriptions. However, I found it challenging to become fully invested in the characters because I couldn’t visualize them as easily as mentioned. Despite this, I think it’s a cute book, and I’m excited to read the next one.

Waited for this!

Ever since reading Glitterland, I hoped for an updated version that included the afterward. While the subject matter (mental illness) is both painful and difficult at times, Alexis Hall's lovely prose and storytelling makes it worth it. This is an earlier work from Hall (first published) but that did not detract from a beautiful tale of love, growth and understanding. Add Nicholas Boulton's incredible narration for a book that will bring both tears and smiles.

Wow!

Having read the first book, boyfriend, Material I was kinda hoping for it to be a similar storyline and character development, and all that stuff that goes into storytelling, however, was I surprised! Not only did I enjoy the way that the writer writes about the intimate scenes, but I really think he put effort in trying to make them part of the story and not way too out there! In my opinion, very tasteful.

A Story Many Need To Read or Hear

Honestly the narrator nearly turned me off. Even more honestly Ash’s character kind cut a little too close to home. I learned to live with the narrator and overcome my own personal emotions to finish this story and I will never forget it. This story is more like fantasy mimicking life vs life mimicking fantasy if that makes any sense. There is a great darkness within this story one that many live with but don’t speak of; however, there is an even greater beauty within it. To be honest I’ve listened to 10 things that never happened newly 30 times now and decided I needed to give the authors additional books a try. While I don’t see myself listening to this one nearly as many times it is a story that I will never forget and will always stick with me and I will always recommend. It’s real class babe!

Gritty and Real

As someone who’s struggled with their mental health for years, I felt so seen by this book. The descriptions of depression and anxiety were so very real and accurate, but were also done in such a beautifully painful way. This book is yet another phenomenal work by Alexis Hall!

A Beloved Favorite

A superb performance from Nicholas Boulton. Ash and Darian somehow grow lovelier, sexier, sweeter over time. The new additions from the author add to the experience in the new publication. thanks so much for another go at this core story, Alexis Hall.