This science fiction collection explores the boundaries of science and humanity through a unique blend of “hardcore” and “poetic” writing. Rooted in universality, with a nod to Hong Kong and Malaysia, it balances futuristic vision with grounded reality.
Section One: Chronicles of the Masked Wars
explores struggles under techno-authoritarianism, the distortion of life and love through hyper-politicization, and the loss of self-determination in the age of AI and big data.
Section Two: Starlight Lingers
weaves love stories through the lens of advanced physics, where relativity and quantum mechanics lead a pair of lovers to rediscover the essence of humanity and the meaning of human civilization.
Section Three: In Search of the First Vegetarian
tackles time travel paradoxes and free will under determinism. It also delves into the origins of the mind and the “hard problem of consciousness.”
About the author
Chiew Ruoh Tau 周若涛, born in Kuala Lumpur in 1977, is a poet and writer. He has received several literary awards, including the Hua Zong Literary Award, the Seagull Literary Award, the China Times Literary Award, and the Ni Kuang Science Fiction Award.
His published works include a poetry collection titled Mysterious Songs (2011, Got One Publisher), and a science fiction collection titled Chronicles of the Masked War (2023, Got One Publisher).
Reviews
Breaking: Shortlisted for Huazong Literary Award: Mahua Grand Prize
｜花踪17｜2024年第17届花踪文学奖决审入围名单 – 副刊 – 花踪
Chapter Excerpts
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Sci-Fi, Necessarily (Preface)
By King Ban Hui 龔萬輝 When you first read this novel, forget for a moment that Chiew Ruoh Tau is a poet. Chiew Ruoh Tau writing science fiction might surprise you—but perhaps it shouldn’t. He once entered the Ni Kuang Science Fiction Award and even won. (This isn’t a spoiler; it’s in his bio.) In…
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Chronicles of the Masked Wars
“I’m helping you,” said the officer, “and your comrades.” His hairline receding, brows thin, and eyes sharply defined by black and white, the man wore smart glasses, giving the impression of a stern schoolmaster. This was the so-called “good cop.” After enduring a round of scolding from the “bad cop,” Wang Nian silently mulled over…
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Verdict
In the witness stand, Professor Chen snapped his fingers, and a three-dimensional projection of a city appeared in the courtroom’s center, floating like a ghost town. Tiny drones buzzed like gnats, cars crawled like ants, and people drifted like specks of dust. Strangely, the skyscrapers, bundled like clusters of chopsticks, all emitted vibrant fireworks from…
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Starlight Lingers
Beyond the planetary exosphere, weapon pods hover in formation, awaiting orders. From my vantage point, they resemble somber, rectangular coffins. Yet to those on the planet below, if they were to look up, they’d see an array of strange constellations carving the sky with ruthless precision. In a carefully calculated moment, the propulsion systems of…
Publication Information
ISBN: 9789670744797
Publisher: Got One Publisher 有人出版社
Publication date: April, 2023
Language: Chinese (Simplified)
Print length: 272 pages
Format: Paperback
Dimension: 5.75 x 8.25 inches
Enquiry and purchase:
ruohtau@gmail.com