I just heard this a few minutes ago.

Ironically I’d just finished reading Player of Games today.

As I mentioned last week I’d been enjoying Banks’ work for some time especially his Culture series. I’d especially enjoyed his playful use of language, sense of humor, complex world view and mind blowing concepts.

When I’d first heard he had inoperable cancer I’d assumed he had at least a year which had me have my regrettably common urge to whisper “write faster, there’s still one book in you!” So despite knowing this was coming it still came as a shock just how soon it happened.

Anyway Mr. Banks rest in peace and thank you for some wonderful books. (I’ll probably review Player of Games later this week.)