In the haze this past week has been, I forgot to mention that my friend Toby Buckell's book "Crystal Rain" is a finalist for the Locus Award for Best First Novel. "Crystal Rain" is set in a unique Caribbean milieu, something not seen much in science fiction or fantasy (unless, of course, you count the black lectroids in "Buckaroo Banzai",) and it's a great read. Toby's second novel, "Ragamuffin," comes out in June, and promises to be just as good.

So congratulations and good luck, Toby!

By the way, isn't his cover art the coolest?!