Picture a Singaporean storyteller who weaves magic, technology, and geopolitics into thrilling speculative fiction—meet Kai Wai Cheah! Under this pseudonym, Cheah has carved a niche in science fiction and fantasy, earning Hugo and Dragon Award nominations for his action-packed narratives. His works, like No Gods, Only Daimons and Flashpoint: Titan, plunge readers into worlds where supernatural forces clash with human ambition, all told with a global perspective that’s uniquely his own.
From his home in Singapore, Cheah crafts stories that blend the pulse-pounding energy of pulp thrillers with intricate world-building, inviting readers to explore new frontiers where gods, daimons, and tech collide. Ready to dive into his universe? Let’s explore the man and his unforgettable tales!
The Making of Kai Wai Cheah
As a child, Kai Wai Cheah dreamed of being an astronaut, magician, or inventor, but he found his true calling in storytelling. Growing up in Singapore during the shift from analog to digital eras, Cheah was shaped by a blend of Eastern and Western influences, from martial arts to global sci-fi classics. His service in the Singapore Armed Forces and practice of Filipino martial arts infused his writing with authentic combat scenes and tactical depth. Writing as both Kai Wai Cheah for independent presses and Benjamin Cheah for self-published works, he began his literary journey crafting speculative fiction that reflected his fascination with technology, mythology, and human nature.
Kai Wai Cheah’s Unforgettable Stories
Cheah’s bibliography is a treasure trove of speculative fiction that blends military sci-fi, supernatural thriller, and fantasy. His breakout work, Flashpoint: Titan, a Hugo-nominated novelette published in There Will Be War: Volume X, explores a tense conflict over resources on Saturn’s moon, showcasing his knack for merging hard science with geopolitical drama. The Covenant Chronicles series, starting with No Gods, Only Daimons (a 2017 Dragon Award finalist), introduces a world where World War III unleashes daimons, and special operative Luke Landon battles supernatural terrorism with a mix of bullets and sorcery.
Other notable works include Hammer of the Witches and Prince of Shadows, which deepen the Covenant Chronicles’ mythos, and Hollow City from the Song of Karma series, a superhero tale exploring karma and identity. Cheah’s style is cinematic, with fast-paced action, richly detailed settings, and themes of duty, morality, and cultural clash. Inspired by pulp masters like Robert E. Howard and modern thriller writers like Barry Eisler, his stories balance authenticity and entertainment, making them both thought-provoking and exhilarating.
Why Kai Wai Cheah Matters
Kai Wai Cheah’s impact lies in his ability to bring a Singaporean perspective to global speculative fiction, challenging the genre’s Western-dominated narratives. As Singapore’s first Hugo and Dragon Award-nominated author, he’s a trailblazer for Asian voices in sci-fi and fantasy. His works resonate with readers who crave diverse, high-stakes stories that explore the intersections of technology, spirituality, and geopolitics. By championing the pulp revival movement, Cheah also inspires indie authors to embrace bold, unfiltered storytelling, proving that niche voices can find a global audience.
- Pseudonyms: Kai Wai Cheah (independent presses), Benjamin Cheah (self-published)
- Key Works: No Gods, Only Daimons, Flashpoint: Titan, Hollow City
- Awards: Hugo Award nominee (Flashpoint: Titan), Dragon Award finalist (No Gods, Only Daimons)
- Influences: Robert E. Howard, H.P. Lovecraft, Barry Eisler, Filipino martial arts
Snag No Gods, Only Daimons and dive into Kai Wai Cheah’s thrilling blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and supernatural action!