A University of Luton graduate is well on his way to literary success after his first book made the best- seller list on one of the UK’s leading shopping web sites – Amazon.co.uk.

Abdul Ahad, who graduated in 1994 with an HND in Business and Finance, is now hoping that science fiction fans in his home town of Luton will buy his book, First Ark to Alpha Centauri, to help launch his career as a writer.

“This is a very exciting time for me,” said the 36-year-old. “Initial reviews of my book have been overwhelmingly positive, so I hope such good feedback will encourage people to go out and buy it.”

Set in the 23rd century, the book depicts Earth at a time when the environment is deteriorating due to massive climatic shifts. Disease is rife and economic and technological collapse is threatening.

In a desperate bid to safeguard the survival of the planet, world governments unanimously vote to build a giant ark ship, complete with a colony of 3,000 people, to begin an epic journey to a safer planet in our neighbouring Alpha Centauri system."

At nine miles in length, the Ark is a far cry from the Starship Enterprise, with some reviewers stating that it’s the first of its kind depicted in a science fiction book. The story tracks the ship as it comes up against creatures from another dimension and how those on board strive to ensure the voyage continues.

Abdul’s interest in science fiction began at the age of 12 when he developed an interest in mathematical and positional astronomy.

He said: “I have always loved science fiction, and the possibility of it becoming a reality. In my book I have avoided star ship fights and teleporter beams in order to keep it plausible. These are well and truly in the realms of fantasy.”

Abdul spent two years researching the technical and scientific details for the book to make it as accurate as possible, right down to the ship’s dimensions, its hardware and its infrastructure.

“It was important to show that with the right technology, building such an Ark is possible,” he said, “so I devoted several pages to explaining how the computer systems and hardware worked together to allow the Ark to function. Book reviewers have commended my research into these systems and the way they are explained.”

He added: “It’s not like conventional space crafts. This Ark is an eco-friendly world with forests, natural habitats for wildlife, and with animals and birds roaming freely.

“It’s just a completely different concept that seems to have captured the imagination of those who have read the book.”

He hopes that his first literary offering will be a hit with shoppers this Christmas in Luton and around the country.

To buy a copy of First Ark to Alpha Centauri, visit Play.com, Amazon.co.uk, WHSmith.co.uk or Tesco.com. The book is also on sale at Ottakers bookshop in George Street, Luton.