Welcome to the Spires Universe
Step into the vibrant, heartfelt world of the Spires Universe, a collection of interconnected contemporary romance novels that capture the essence of modern England. Created by British author Alexis Hall, this series is renowned for its richly drawn LGBTQIA+ characters, sparkling prose, and sensitive exploration of human connection. While Oxford and its dreaming spires lie at the heart of the universe, the stories travel across England, highlighting the relationships between people and the places they call home. Since debuting in 2013, the Spires Universe has earned critical acclaim, including nominations for the Lambda Literary Awards, for its raw, authentic representation of queer love, mental health, and personal healing.
The Recommended Reading Order
Alexis Hall designed the Spires Universe so that each book functions as a standalone romance. You do not need to read them in a strict sequence to understand the plots. However, the author recommends reading the books in publication order. This sequence allows you to experience character cameos, setting descriptions, and background events in the way they were originally introduced to readers.
1. Glitterland (2013)
The series begins with Glitterland, which introduces Ash Winters, a cynical, depressed crime writer living in London, and Darian Taylor, a bubbly, neon-clad Essex model. This opposites-attract romance tackles Ash's struggles with bipolar disorder and his fear of vulnerability. Darian's open-hearted nature and unique perspective challenge Ash to step out of his dark world. It is a brilliant, intense opening to the series that balances humor and emotional depth.
2. Waiting for the Flood (2015)
A stark contrast in tone to the high-energy romance of Glitterland, Waiting for the Flood is a quiet, atmospheric, and cozy story set in Oxford. The novella follows Edwin Tully, a gentle book restorer who is still recovering from the heartbreak of his ex-boyfriend leaving him. When a looming flood threatens the city, Edwin meets Adam Dacre, a compassionate flood engineer. Together, they navigate the storm, finding comfort and new beginnings in each other's company.
Companion Novella: Chasing the Light (Included in later editions of Waiting for the Flood)
Originally published as a separate piece and later included as bonus content in the 2024 edition of Waiting for the Flood, Chasing the Light shifts the focus to Marius Chankseliani, Edwin’s ex-boyfriend. Following the events of the previous novella, Marius struggles with self-worth and a degenerative eye condition (retinitis pigmentosa). When he meets Leo Dance, Marius must learn to let go of his past mistakes and accept that he is worthy of love.
3. For Real (2015)
Widely regarded as one of the standout books in modern queer romance, For Real dives deep into the BDSM community. It follows Laurence Dalziel, a jaded 37-year-old doctor, and Toby Finch, a confident 19-year-old student. Despite their age difference and differing life stages, they find a profound connection through their exploration of power dynamics, trust, consent, and mutual vulnerability. It is a powerful, intellectually engaging story that demystifies kink with empathy and nuance.
4. Pansies (2016)
Set in South Shields in Northeast England, Pansies moves away from Oxford to explore themes of homecoming, forgiveness, and healing. Alfie Bell returns to his working-class hometown for a wedding, only to cross paths with Fen, the man who bullied him during his school years for being gay. Fen is now openly queer and living authentically. As they reconnect, they must both confront their childhood baggage, navigate forgiveness, and figure out if they can build a future together.
Upcoming Books: Rough Ride & Fool’s Gold
The Spires Universe continues to expand, with Alexis Hall planning future installments that center on beloved secondary characters. Rough Ride (Book 5) is slated to tell the story of Dom (the dominant partner from the BDSM club in For Real), while Fool’s Gold (Book 6) will focus on Niall (Alfie's friend introduced in Pansies) and David. These upcoming releases promise to deepen the intricate web of connections that makes the Spires Universe so compelling.
Chronological Timelines vs. Publication Order
If you are interested in the timeline of the universe, the books do not progress in a perfectly linear fashion. The author has shared details regarding how the stories overlap chronologically. Specifically, the events of For Real take place before the timeline of Waiting for the Flood, meaning Laurence and Toby's story is already established by the time we meet Edwin and Adam. Additionally, the events of Pansies occur roughly at the same time as Glitterland, just in a different region of England. Despite these overlaps, reading in publication order remains the easiest way to catch these subtle timeline details and character links without feeling spoiled.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the Spires Universe, it is helpful to prepare for the emotional weight of Alexis Hall's writing. The books do not shy away from complex issues, including mental illness, self-harm ideation, childhood trauma, bullying, and intense relationship dynamics. If you are sensitive to these themes, checking content warnings for individual titles is highly recommended. On a lighter note, Hall’s writing is heavily saturated with British regional dialects, slang, and cultural references—ranging from the high-glitz Essex lifestyle in Glitterland to the warm Geordie dialogue in Pansies—which adds an immense layer of charm and authenticity to the reading experience.
Where Should You Start?
Because the books are standalones, your starting point depends entirely on your reading preferences:
- Start with Glitterland if you love high-contrast, opposites-attract romances, sparkling banter, and characters who undergo significant emotional growth.
- Start with Waiting for the Flood if you prefer a slow-paced, cozy, comforting story with low angst and a strong focus on atmosphere and healing.
- Start with For Real if you are interested in a deeply emotional, masterfully written exploration of kink, age-gap relationships, and intense psychological intimacy.