Weaveworld, quite simply, is a classic story, written by a man in his prime.

It's a complex, hyper-intelligent narrative, with story telling on a grand scale, and characters so vividly described, and felt, that by midway through the book, you feel you know them personally.

Beginning with an ordinary, average man - Calhoun Mooney - living in Liverpool, the book focusses on a classic good vs evil battle, good, being represented by Cal, his soul mate Suzanna, and a group of misfits, confined to reside in a magical 'carpet world' - the Seerkind. Evil is represented by the powerful dominatrix Immacolata, flanked by charismatic salesman Shadwell, and her two dead sisters.

Unquestionably, the strength of the story telling and the character development is what Barker's novel is about, but it is profound and meaningful on so many levels. The simmering love story of Cal and Suzanna, is up there with the very best, literary,'will they, won't they' themes.

At times violent, disturbing, funny, and passionate, this book is one of those 'can't put down' novels, with an ending that almost blows you away. If there is any book you need to read this week, make it Weaveworld. Your life will never be the same....