Weaveworld

I'm struggling to rate and review this book because it is probably the most unique novel I have ever read. The entire experience of weaveworld feels eerily close to what Wonderland is described to be within the book - a world teetering at the edge of human comprehension. I'm very unsure who I would recommend this book to, all I can really be sure about is that I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Weaveworld was the last of a set of 5 books my Fiancée passed me as must read books. I have previously read Abarat from Barker and was impressed by the shear creativity and this is similar with a slightly more adult vibe. I would probably define this as Urban Fantasy but it transcends a bit with its world within a world type setting. A chunky book, it reads surprisingly fast and keeps the reader engaged throughout. Also, whilst I don't ever advocate judging a book by its cover, this is has to be one of the most beautiful trade editions I have come across - it really catches the theme perfectly.

My main issue with Barker's writing has always been its slight breathlessness. He has so many ideas that are so bursting at the seams that it can be a bit exhausting at times. That being said this was fun and engaging and comes with a high recommendation from me

A lush, enthralling world; gorgeous prose; all kinda wasted in service of two pretty bland and uninteresting main characters. That being said, Barker is so good that I would still rather read something like this than most other fantasies. Struck throughout by how queer this narrative is and how good it feels to read something that's this striking and different in that way. Will have to check out some of Barker's other books.