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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
Ash, a once-successful writer turned hermit with crippling mental health issues and a giant case of writer's block, meets aspiring model Darian and Essex boy who's loud and cheerful and everything Ash is not. And yet, somehow, they find a real connection that Ash isn't sure he's emotionally stable enough to hold onto. Apart from the AWFUL decision to render the Essex accent phonetically, this was very sweet, and handles Ash's anxiety and depression well.
Originally posted on Three Little Birds Book Blog
I first read this book two years ago when one of my favorite authors (of all time) recommended it. I remember loving it the first time I read it, thinking it insightful, humorous, touching, and real. I left with the impression that Alexis Hall was a talented writer who knew how to quickly engage a reader, impressing with his smartly crafted prose and memorable characters. Yesterday, when I decided to reread this (after recommending it to a friend), all my initial impressions still stood. Today, I think they’re a paltry description of Glitterland and Alexis Hall. I’ve been thoroughly impressed again, and I’m somewhat flabbergasted that Glitterland is even better than I remembered. This book is truly that damn good.
First, don’t let the cover dissuade you from giving this book a chance. It’s utterly ridiculous, but beautifully appropriate for this novel that kind of left me star struck. Glitterland is told from the perspective of Ash Winters, a severely reclusive and socially inept writer who battles Bipolar Disorder. One night Ash meets Darian -- a ‘glitter pirate’ as he sardonically dubs him -- and after an intensely sensual and unexpectedly stirring one-night stand, Ash finds himself completely mesmerized by a man so far removed from his world, that he questions whether he’s real or a creation of his sometimes unreliable mind.
Have you ever heard the phrase, “It’s not about the story, but how the story is told,” or some variation of those words? This is that kind of book. Glitterland isn’t the most original romance, with the opposites-attract trope, as well as the reclusive protagonist who’s taken out of their shell by a charming love interest. Also, the intensity of their connection, and the time that the novel spans might even lump it in the insta-love category, though there are no trite declarations at any point in this impressive novel, and the characters are much too substantial for that (even the starburst-sweet glitter pirate). Sure, the fact that this is M/M sets it apart a bit, but what really makes this book stand out is simply the writing.
In a little over 200 pages, Alexis Hall showcases the kind of writing that makes it difficult for me to think of another romance writer who’s impressed me more. He’s the best. His poetic prose enveloped me from the very first page, and with the most lyrical and memorable style, he so effortlessly conveyed a wide range of emotions without ever crossing the line to pretentiousness (no purple prose here). The impactful writing, especially the introspection, was enhanced by the dialogue, which was mainly between Ash (the eloquent Cambridge grad) and Darian (the Essex bloke who loosely pronounces most words). The contrast between the two made for the most scrumptious scenes filled with crackling chemistry and sweet humor.
Glitterland is a story that’s been somewhat present in my mind these last couple of years, regularly teasing me with flashes of my favorite scenes, and a general impression of the warmth and giddiness I felt when I finished. But with this second, complete reread, it’s proven itself to be an all-time favorite. I can’t emphasize enough how uniquely brilliant it is, though I’m sure you’re thinking I’ve gone on about it enough. This dramatic comedy is filled with unforgettable moments, as well as two of the most outstanding and real characters that exude charm and are endearingly flawed. Glitterland is a smart mix of effervescence and substantial emotionality, so it’s capable of producing moments of both aching sadness and joy. Simply, I recommend this read to anyone who loves a satisfying romance featuring remarkable writing and sparkling, exceptional characters.
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I first read this book two years ago when one of my favorite authors (of all time) recommended it. I remember loving it the first time I read it, thinking it insightful, humorous, touching, and real. I left with the impression that Alexis Hall was a talented writer who knew how to quickly engage a reader, impressing with his smartly crafted prose and memorable characters. Yesterday, when I decided to reread this (after recommending it to a friend), all my initial impressions still stood. Today, I think they’re a paltry description of Glitterland and Alexis Hall. I’ve been thoroughly impressed again, and I’m somewhat flabbergasted that Glitterland is even better than I remembered. This book is truly that damn good.
First, don’t let the cover dissuade you from giving this book a chance. It’s utterly ridiculous, but beautifully appropriate for this novel that kind of left me star struck. Glitterland is told from the perspective of Ash Winters, a severely reclusive and socially inept writer who battles Bipolar Disorder. One night Ash meets Darian -- a ‘glitter pirate’ as he sardonically dubs him -- and after an intensely sensual and unexpectedly stirring one-night stand, Ash finds himself completely mesmerized by a man so far removed from his world, that he questions whether he’s real or a creation of his sometimes unreliable mind.
Have you ever heard the phrase, “It’s not about the story, but how the story is told,” or some variation of those words? This is that kind of book. Glitterland isn’t the most original romance, with the opposites-attract trope, as well as the reclusive protagonist who’s taken out of their shell by a charming love interest. Also, the intensity of their connection, and the time that the novel spans might even lump it in the insta-love category, though there are no trite declarations at any point in this impressive novel, and the characters are much too substantial for that (even the starburst-sweet glitter pirate). Sure, the fact that this is M/M sets it apart a bit, but what really makes this book stand out is simply the writing.
In a little over 200 pages, Alexis Hall showcases the kind of writing that makes it difficult for me to think of another romance writer who’s impressed me more. He’s the best. His poetic prose enveloped me from the very first page, and with the most lyrical and memorable style, he so effortlessly conveyed a wide range of emotions without ever crossing the line to pretentiousness (no purple prose here). The impactful writing, especially the introspection, was enhanced by the dialogue, which was mainly between Ash (the eloquent Cambridge grad) and Darian (the Essex bloke who loosely pronounces most words). The contrast between the two made for the most scrumptious scenes filled with crackling chemistry and sweet humor.
Glitterland is a story that’s been somewhat present in my mind these last couple of years, regularly teasing me with flashes of my favorite scenes, and a general impression of the warmth and giddiness I felt when I finished. But with this second, complete reread, it’s proven itself to be an all-time favorite. I can’t emphasize enough how uniquely brilliant it is, though I’m sure you’re thinking I’ve gone on about it enough. This dramatic comedy is filled with unforgettable moments, as well as two of the most outstanding and real characters that exude charm and are endearingly flawed. Glitterland is a smart mix of effervescence and substantial emotionality, so it’s capable of producing moments of both aching sadness and joy. Simply, I recommend this read to anyone who loves a satisfying romance featuring remarkable writing and sparkling, exceptional characters.
Connect with Three Little Birds Book Blog:
Blog ∣ Facebook ∣ Twitter ∣ Instagram
I had to remind myself that I do not need to agree with or like the characters I am reading about. Ash is in many ways a terror to himself and others, and I found his struggles with mental health and life in general believable and well written. Darian is a darling and I almost feel like he deserves better. Maybe HEA is not for this book. Just maybe.
While I read romance and erotica often, and certainly don't mind smut in my books, there were too many in this one. They became bit of a chore to get through.
Also the ending was dragging a bit for me. Thus 4 stars out of 5.
While I read romance and erotica often, and certainly don't mind smut in my books, there were too many in this one. They became bit of a chore to get through.
Also the ending was dragging a bit for me. Thus 4 stars out of 5.
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Typically I'm not much of a fan of when dialogue is written out phonetically in a character's accent, but this one really grew on me. I liked the way characters made the wrong choices. For people who like their sex scenes to have a lot of emotions in them.
Relatable characters, though not without fault. This is an enjoyable romcom style read that delves into navigating mental health and sense of self within relationships. Checks a lot of the boxes you expect in an Alexis Hall novel, with humor balancing the heavier aspects of the novel.
I am just sad it took me so long to read this book. I read For Real, which is third in the series, and adored it sooo sooo much so figured I would like the rest. Darian is outgoing and unapologetic in who he is. He was a wonderful character and I believe so perfect for Ash. Ash, well he has some mental issues, that Darian seems to help him with & without even knowing it. Darian by being Darian helps Ash become happy. Then of course there is the inevitable breakable, and it frustrated me that it took so long, as then it was the end of the book. Audio was awesome on this as well. Can't wait to continue series.
J'ai eu du mal à rentrer dans l'histoire parce que le personnage de Ash n'est pas très attachant au début (c'est le but mais bon...) et Darian a un accent donc je comprenais rien à ce qu'il disait
Mais quand l'histoire à vraiment commencé je ne pouvais plus m'arrêter. Leur histoire d'amour est vraiment mims et prône l'acceptation de l'autre.
La maladie mentale d'Ash est bien représentée et j'ai aimé la note de l'auteur qui nous fait comprendre qu'Ash n'est pas un narrateur fiable. On s'en rend d'autant plus compte grâce à un seul chapitre du point de vue de Niall qui nous fait remettre en perspective tout le récit.
C'était une très bonne lecture et j'en garde beaucoup de citations (et de larmes) !
Mais quand l'histoire à vraiment commencé je ne pouvais plus m'arrêter. Leur histoire d'amour est vraiment mims et prône l'acceptation de l'autre.
La maladie mentale d'Ash est bien représentée et j'ai aimé la note de l'auteur qui nous fait comprendre qu'Ash n'est pas un narrateur fiable. On s'en rend d'autant plus compte grâce à un seul chapitre du point de vue de Niall qui nous fait remettre en perspective tout le récit.
C'était une très bonne lecture et j'en garde beaucoup de citations (et de larmes) !
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
I would not have taken him back