Hoboken resident and author Leong Ying creates a world that is eerily familiar to ours, yet haunting in its vision.
The book “Klystar,” which was published by Tate Publishing & Enterprises, revolves around a main character named Leo, an orphaned explorer searching for his past.
Earth has become a barren wasteland that can only contain human life in self-contained “Biospheres,” yet might not be able to for long. During Leo’s search for answers, he discovers information that might help future generations.
As Leo and company search to find a solution to maintain life on the planet, he gets closer to discovering the link to all life.
Yet, while the book is a work of fiction, Ying explains scientific theories throughout the pages.
A background in physics
Ying was born in Singapore and moved with his parents to England when he was 6 years old. Always attracted to the sciences, Ying received his Ph.D. in nuclear physics from the University of Liverpool in England.
Ying came to the States in 1993 and moved to Hoboken six years ago. In addition to making local connections, he also became a member of the Hoboken Table Tennis Club.
Although he has written many academic papers and articles on physics for scientific journals, this book is his first foray into fiction. So it was only natural that his joy of discovery would lead him to science fiction.
Through his writing, Ying ponders possible futures for Earth’s inhabitants and discusses the Laws of Thermodynamics, which is a section in the middle of the book.
According to Ying, he started with the story and then hoped to reveal his scientific theories throughout the book.
The section explaining the Laws of Thermodynamics is a way for readers to look at it and refer back to the book for examples.
He said that he decided that fiction was a way to bring these theories to the masses. Even if they don’t understand the theory, they can understand part of it, he said.
One such theory that Ying believes he’s found proof of is for a twin-universe and the existence of God through the cosmos.
Ying, who previously called himself a “religious bigot” due to his scientific training, had a eureka moment on the train where he found proof for his theories. He later sent the theory to renowned scientist Stephen Hawking.
“I’m not shy about my theory,” said Ying. “Mine is not – ‘believe in it’ – it’s ‘I have the proof.’ That’s the mission I feel I’m on right now. I have to admit that I’m excited but I’m also a little scared.”
Universal themes
The book tackles larger issues of connectivity, global awareness, and the transformative power of love.
In the book, the laws of Thermodynamics are discussed, and the hero Leo discovers the mathematic significance of a poem:
“The force of love is the ultimate union. Raised to the power of zero and everything unites… The matter of God is within us all. Raised to the power of one and everything remains… The nature of the universe is paired as twins. Raised to the power of two and everything reflects…”
Leo is connected to three women who represent his past, present, and future and who also have different color eyes representing the elements of water, earth, and fire.
According to Ying, primitive cultures all had women in positions of power – women as God.
“That’s why I inevitably made all three women dominate powers,” said Ying. “I thought that the women should be the powerful figures.”
Futuristic technology
Throughout the book, there are futuristic elements that science fiction fans might be familiar with like the biospheres, laser guns, and respirator suits.
Ying said he was careful to make those elements as realistic as possible.
“Those are not unique, but I tried to go into details to make it factually based,” said Ying. “As a scientist and an engineer I tried to be as realistic and plausible as possible.”
One such example is a shower system that recycles water. In the book, Leo describes the process:
“Waste liquid was destined for collection in giant purification tanks buried deep underground adjacent to the nuclear reactors, using the high radiation to kill off microbes… Through these recycling processes, precious water was recovered… Our sealed habitats were self-sufficient and every valuable commodity recycled. A lesson learned too late for the outside world.”
Learning the craft
While Ying said he admires well-known sci-fi writer Arthur C. Clarke, who is perhaps best known for “2001: A Space Odyssey,” he wanted to write something unique. During the process of writing the book, which took 10 years to complete, Ying said that he didn’t read any fiction, only scientific journals.
“When I started writing this book I didn’t want to be corrupted,” said Ying. “So I didn’t read any books for 10 years.”
He added, “Five years ago, I read a draft and I thought it was awful,” said Ying. “So that is what made me realize that I was a good writer, because I could recognize my own junk,” he laughed.
More to come
Ying has plans for a sequel, which has a working title of “The Game of God.” It will be similar to “Klystar” in the framing. Yet while “Klystar” took place over six days, the sequel will take place over 60 years with each section spanning a decade.
In addition, Ying plans to debate his scientific theories with other scientists. Through the assistance of the company Globond, Ying intends to debate various groups in Georgia and Boston over the next few months. He also hopes to debate the scientific community at M.I.T.
“I am a legitimate scientist; I’m not afraid to debate them,” said Ying.
For more information about the book, visit: www.klystar.com. Comments on this story can be sent to: current@hudsosnreporter.com.