Spotlight on R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens by Claudia Daherr

Debut sci-fi follows teens secretly using a virtual reality game to fight alien invasions and determine Earth’s fate

Aruba – Debut author Claudia Daher’s science fiction novel follows a diverse group of teenagers who are secretly training in an alternate reality video game, R.A.T.S, to prepare for water-stealing aliens attempting to infiltrate Earth. Spanning timelines from ancient Atlantis to a near-future world, “R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens: We Are One” (Pegasus Publishing, September 28, 2025) explores climate catastrophe activism and the power of unity, love and respect in the face of global challenges.

In 2040, 15-year-old David discovers that he and his friends are Earth's final defense against extraterrestrial forces determined to steal Earth’s water. Through an alternate reality game, R.A.T.S, created by his grandfather HB, David and his allies undergo training and unite across the globe. As they prepare for an apocalyptic battle, they unravel hidden truths about the universe and their own destinies—while battling environmental collapse and a relentless alien invasion.

“R.A.T.S” explores themes of artificial intelligence, climate change, alien life, and global cultures as the characters quickly become part of a revolutionary movement to combat environmental disasters and uncover hidden truths about the world and beyond. Through their journey, they must navigate friendships, challenges, and the pursuit of knowledge while striving to make a difference.

“I wrote this book because I believe that, at its core, we are all very similar. We all have families, with their complexities and differences, but at the end of the day, we are all human, seeking love, understanding and belonging. Together we are stronger. We Are One!”

About the Author

CLAUDIA DAHER is a Brazilian-born author who has made Aruba her home for the past 34 years. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and businesswoman, Claudia is deeply connected to her family and community. She is an entrepreneur and philanthropist, with a heart dedicated to giving back and making a positive impact on those around her.

Claudia’s unique life journey, filled with adventure, self-discovery, and resilience, has shaped both her writing and her perspective on life. She is a passionate advocate for love, unity, and the transformative power of faith. Her story is a powerful reminder that through faith, perseverance, and a commitment to love and family, we can overcome any challenge.

In addition to her writing, Claudia is an accomplished artist, with her paintings displayed worldwide, including at the Chabad Synagogue in Aruba. She is also actively involved in community volunteer work, making significant contributions to various local organizations to help those in need.

Claudia's life is a testament to perseverance, and her journey serves as an inspiration to others. Her story is not just about overcoming challenges but about embracing the beauty of life, the importance of family, and the deep connections we share with one another. Find out more about her at claudiadaherauthor.com.

An Interview with Claudia Daher

When starting your creative process, why was it important to you that your novel featured characters from different religions and backgrounds?

From the very beginning, I wanted R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens, We Are One to reflect the world we live in—a world filled with diverse cultures, beliefs, and experiences. By bringing together teenagers from different religions and backgrounds, I aimed to show that unity is possible despite our differences. The slogan We Are One is at the heart of the story, emphasizing that respect, understanding, and shared values can bridge divides. In a time when division is so prevalent, I believe young people have the power to create a movement that fosters true connection and change.

What do you believe young adult readers can learn from the book, and your tagline “We Are One”?

Young adult readers can learn that despite differences in culture, religion, and background, we share a common humanity and the ability to stand together for a better world. We Are One is more than just a tagline—it’s a call to embrace unity, respect, and empathy, showing that collaboration and understanding can overcome division. The book encourages young people to see strength in diversity and to work together toward positive change. In a time when society often highlights what separates us, this message is a reminder that true power lies in coming together.

For young adults, how does your book inspire a generational shift to disconnect from screens?

My book inspires young adults to disconnect from screens by showing the power of real-life connections, teamwork, and hands-on action. The characters in R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens, We Are One don’t rely on technology to make a difference—they build relationships, solve problems, and take meaningful action in the real world. This encourages readers to step away from digital distractions and engage more with their surroundings, their families, and their communities. The story serves as a reminder that true change happens not behind a screen, but through personal effort and genuine human connection.

How does your clean book, free of negative influences, offer a fresh perspective on unity, love and respect?

I wrote R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens, We Are One with a deep conviction that young people deserve stories that uplift, inspire, and empower them. In a world where so much media normalizes division, disrespect, and negativity, I wanted to create something different—something that reminds readers of the beauty of unity, love, and respect. My book proves that a powerful story doesn’t need violence, drugs, or harmful influences to be exciting and meaningful. Instead, it focuses on the strength found in friendship, the courage to stand up for what is right, and the belief that even the smallest act of kindness can change the world. I truly believe that if we nurture these values in the next generation, we can build a better future—together.

How does your book emphasize mankind’s deep connection with nature?

My book emphasizes humanity’s deep connection with nature by reminding readers that we are not separate from the world around us—we are part of it. The air we breathe, the water we drink and share with plants and animals, the earth that nourishes our food, and the vast sea that sustains life all connect us in an unbreakable cycle. Even our own bodies, made up of about 75% water, reflect this profound relationship with nature. Through the story, I encourage young readers to respect and protect our planet, recognizing that harming it is ultimately harming ourselves. Now, more than ever, we must take action to care for nature before it is too late—because our future depends on it.

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Artificial Wisdom by Thomas R. Weaver

In a climate-warmed future, politics continue their negative downward spiral with the added spice of influencers gaining ludicrously more influence in daily affairs.  Tully is an “investigative journalist” who is driven by his wife’s death in a global warming catastrophe.   He prides himself on reporting the “truth”.   The world is going to a global warming hell, and Tully goes to see Martha, a long-ago friend. Martha resides on one of the few floating cities, commissioned by the uber wealthy, domed and climate-controlled.  There is a murder, and the plot thickens. 

An artilect, Solomon, is the governor of the floating cities.  Sentient and omnipotent, Solomon plays a huge role in both the plot and the ensuing, unannounced sequel.  

Technology isn’t so advanced in the story.  It is a logical extrapolation of current technology.  Sadly, the insidious and negative aspects of politics are also logically extrapolated, which provides serious depression in regards to our future. 

The book was well done, but a touch depressing due to its probability. 

I recommend it. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Spotlight on T.J. Derry's Debut Novel: Carried Away

Immersive, interactive thriller novel drops readers into the ocean as a tsunami hits and shows the harrowing fight for survival that follows

Worn down by the noise, the routine, and the creeping sense that something essential has slipped out of reach, Cole leaves New York for a remote chain of Indonesian islands, chasing silence, clarity, and a sense of meaning. Amidst the salt and heat, he reconnects with old friends, and finds an unexpected spark with someone who feels instantly familiar—and a little dangerous. But paradise has teeth. After a catastrophic tsunami, a violent fight for survival strips life to its barest terms. Cut off from the world, the group is tested in every way—physically, emotionally, spiritually—and Cole is forced into a rare kind of stillness: one that redefines what matters. 

More than your typical survival thriller, the novel is a visceral, sharply observed story about survival, connection, humility—and what’s quietly revealed when everything else falls away. In a unique twist, the book features QR codes at the end of each chapter, allowing readers to unlock bonus material on the book’s website.

A portion of the proceeds from book sales will be donated to Sungai Watch, an organization dedicated to reducing ocean pollution by cleaning up Indonesia’s rivers.

“Carried Away”

T.J. Derry | November 11, 2025 | Dead Icon / Lost Signal | Adventure, Thriller, Romance

Hardcover | ISBN: 9781069456724 | $29.99

About the Author…

T.J. DERRY: A director, cinematographer and photographer, T.J. has worn many hats over the years. After working lighting, camera, and production, he eventually found his place behind the monitor. With a passion for storytelling, he’s also delved into the art of screenwriting, crafting captivating narratives for various projects in film and advertising. His work has been featured in American Cinematographer and Adweek, among other industry publications. Taking his knack for storytelling in a new direction, he is now a debut novelist. His book “Carried Away” will be released in November 2025. Learn more at: readcarriedaway.com

Follow T.J. Derry on social media:

Instagram: @readcarriedaway / @tj.derry

An Interview with

T.J. Derry

1. Your day job is working in film and advertising. How did you find yourself writing “Carried Away”? What was your inspiration for the book?

As a film director, my job is ultimately to transfer meaning and feeling to an audience—to tell a story. I remember being in an airport, searching for something to read, and struggling to find anything I connected with. I’ve been fascinated by tsunamis my whole life, and it struck me, as I stood there, that maybe what I was looking for didn’t exist yet. I started outlining the story soon after, and during a cab ride in Nicaragua—while the driver was literally nodding off—I wrote the paragraph that now opens chapter two. From there, I was hooked. I spent my free time between film projects chipping away at the book until the story took on a life of its own.

2. Tell us about Cole. How is he feeling at the beginning of the novel? How does he transform after the unimaginable happens?

Cole’s watching his life slip by, trading his most valuable commodity—time—for a desk in a sterile office, far from anything that feels important or exciting. He’s restless, disillusioned, and quietly questioning whether this is really what he’s meant to do with the short time he has on earth. When he arrives in Indonesia, things click and he feels the presence and connection he’s been longing for. 

When the wave hits, it throws him into a fight for survival. In the chaos, he comes to see the paradox: safety, stability, and simply being alive are their own kind of gift—but they’re not the whole story. By the end, he understands that fulfillment is far more complicated, and it demands more than just avoiding danger or staying safe. It’s about engaging with life fully, even when it’s uncertain or uncomfortable.

3. Do you relate to Cole’s character? When you feel numb and worn down by life’s routine, what do you do to feel grounded again?

I think a large cohort of the population can relate well to that feeling of meaninglessness, or that question of whether you’re wasting the life you’ve been given. I feel it constantly and meditate on whether I’m making full use of the gift of existence on this beautiful planet. In my life, engaging with nature (surf trips, freediving, travel, meeting strange new environments and people, engaging with the unknown and seeing how much there is to this life grounds me. That contrast really makes me feel grateful for even the banality of modern living for a time before I know it’s time to get back to nature.  

4. Tell us about the QR codes that are at the end of each chapter. Why did you choose to include them? What will they reveal?

I felt strongly that this novel needed a visual side. It’s meant to be an immersive read—the kind of book that takes you away and really puts you in Cole’s shoes—so not having an extra conduit to pull the reader in felt like a missed opportunity. So I began seeking out a solution to satisfy the need for something more captivating. Cole’s journal seemed like a unique, but somewhat obvious choice… it gives readers a chance to experience the story from a unique vantage point—to step deeper into his perspective and actually see some of what he’s seeing, thinking and feeling.

5. Tell us about Sungai Watch. What does their organization do? Why do you want to raise awareness for their cause?

Sungai Watch is an incredible organization I first discovered through social media. They’re tackling the ocean plastic crisis at its source—by cleaning rivers, one at a time, before the waste reaches the sea. Since my story is set near where they operate, and it’s so deeply connected to the ocean and the natural world, supporting their mission felt like a natural fit.

Their founder, Gary, is a bit of a cowboy in the best way—he saw the problem and didn’t wait for permission, he just got to work. That kind of initiative and action is exactly what the world needs more of, and it’s something worth supporting and raising awareness for.

6. This isn’t your typical adventure novel. There’s plenty of substance and heart to it. Yet it’s still a thrilling, engaging and cinematic read. What do you hope readers will ultimately take away from the book?

My hope is that no matter where you’ve been, what you’ve experienced, or who you are, you’ll be taken along for the ride of a lifetime. For the person stuck in a 9–5 office grind, it’s a chance to step out of routine and into something truly remarkable—and with any luck, it’ll ignite something primal.

The story begins in a kind of paradise—love, adventure, excitement, joy—before the wave hits, and then, suddenly you’re thrown into the gates of hell, fighting to survive. My ultimate hope is that readers come away with a renewed appreciation for the fragile beauty of life, and a reminder that the highs mean more because the lows exist.