Scottish novelist Iain Banks has died from cancer, triggering tributes from fans across the world.

Banks made his literary debut in 1984 with The Wasp Factory, a shockingly violent exploration of power and abuse that was initially greeted with a mixture of acclaim and controversy. He went on to write 27 more novels including the widely popular The Culture science fiction series.

In his tribute to Banks, author Neil Gaiman wrote:

“He wrote really good books: The Wasp Factory, Walking on Glass and The Bridge all existed on the uneasy intersection of SF, Fantasy and mainstream literature (after those three he started drawing clearer distinctions between his SF and his mainstream work, not least by becoming Iain M. Banks in his SF). His work was mordant, surreal, and fiercely intelligent.”

Banks began work on his final novel, The Quarry, after being diagnosed with gall bladder cancer earlier this year. The story focuses on the relationship between a son and his father who is battling terminal cancer and early reviews popping up online have said that ‘Banks’ instinct for fierce black comedy is as sharp as ever’.

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