Iain M Banks has passed away

Today is the saddest of days. Iain (M.) Banks passed away early this morning. I'm at a loss for words; he played no small part in getting me hooked on science fiction and inspired many of the authors I've grown to love.

I'm sure as the news spreads many, far more eloquent tributes will be written so I'll just say this: The tragedy of an author's death is that not only they, but untold universes pass from this world. RIP Iain Banks and thank you!

His legacy lives on in the books he has blessed us with, leaving the world a far richer place for having played host to such a brilliant writer. May his work never go out of print!