Authors Interviewing Characters: Claudia Daher

R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens

In 2040, 15-year-old David discovers he and his friends are Earth’s final defense against an alien race determined to steal the planet’s water.

Guided by a mysterious alternate reality game created by his grandfather, R.A.T.S-Revolutionary Army of Teens-David and allies from around the globe must unite, train, and rise against a looming extraterrestrial threat. As they prepare for battle, they uncover hidden truths about the universe, face environmental catastrophe, and embrace their destiny as the last hope for humanity.

“R.A.T.S” is a thrilling, heart-driven journey through artificial intelligence, climate change, alien life, and global unity. As the world crumbles, a new generation rises-armed with knowledge, courage, and the belief that together, We Are One.

R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens – Interview with David, the Protagonist, and Reflections by the Author Claudia Daher

Interview with David – The Protagonist of R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens

David, in the beginning, you were just a teenager playing a video game. What did you feel when you realized the game was actually a training for something real?

At first, I thought it was a mistake. A game can’t become real — that’s what I believed. But when I realized it was all part of something bigger, I felt afraid… and then strangely peaceful. It was like the world was calling me to wake up. I understood that sometimes what seems like fun is really how the universe prepares us for our true purpose.

You lead young people from different parts of the world, cultures, and religions. What did you learn about unity and respect from this experience?

I learned that our differences are our greatest strength. When each person shares their light for the good of others, the world becomes brighter. None of us is completely alone. It’s only when we listen and care for one another that we truly begin to change things.

Many readers see you as a symbol of hope in difficult times. What makes you keep believing in humanity despite all the destruction and chaos?

Because I’ve seen the light in people’s eyes when they believe in something good. I’ve seen children smile even in the middle of pain. That made me realize that kindness is a flame that never dies — small sometimes, but always alive. As long as there’s one heart willing to love, there’s hope for humanity.

The ring you receive has deep symbolism. What does it represent to you — power, responsibility, or a spiritual calling?

The ring isn’t about power — it’s a reminder. It reminds me that everything we do has a purpose and that small actions can change the destiny of the world. It shines when I act with truth and compassion. It’s as if its light comes from within me, not from the outside.

You often mention hearing the “voices of the spheres.” What does that mean, and how did that connection change your view of the world?

The spheres are like the music of the universe. We can all hear them, but the noise of fear and hurry often covers them. When you calm down and listen with your heart, you realize everything — the stars, the trees, even the wind — has something to say. They taught me that love is the oldest language in existence.

When everything seemed lost, you chose compassion over anger. Where does that inner strength come from?

Anger destroys you before it reaches anyone else. I learned that when you act with compassion, even your enemy hesitates — because they don’t expect kindness. That strength comes from faith — in something greater than me, and in the good that still lives inside people.

Many young people today feel powerless in the face of the world’s problems. What message would you give them?

I’d say: don’t think you’re too small to matter. No single drop changes the ocean, but together they make waves. The world needs awake minds and gentle hearts — and every act of kindness is a silent revolution.

You’ve witnessed the worst of humanity — greed, destruction, selfishness — but also kindness and faith. What do you believe can still save the world?

Love. Not movie love, but the kind that forgives, welcomes, and gives without expecting anything in return. Love is an energy that transcends everything — time, distance, even death. Once we understand that, the whole world will begin to heal.

If you could send a message to the older generation — the adults — about what young people really need, what would you say?

I’d say: listen to us. We don’t need you to fix everything for us — we need you to believe that we can be part of the solution. Young people need example, not orders. Affection, not fear. Time, not haste.

After everything you’ve lived through, who is David now? A hero, a messenger… or just a human being trying to do good?

Maybe a little of all that — but most of all, a human being. I don’t want to be remembered as a hero, but as someone who believed that We Are One. Because when we finally understand that, heaven and earth will breathe together again.

Post-Interview Author Reflection by Claudia Daher

After hearing David’s voice — this young, wise, and compassionate fifteen-year-old who reminds us that goodness still lives within us — I want to share why I wrote R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens.

I wrote this book as an excuse to bring important conversations to the surface, conversations we often forget to have in our busy, digital, and divided world. The story was a way to talk about what’s really happening with our youth today — and with all of us.

The world is changing fast. Technology is entering our lives at the speed of light, and while it connects us in many ways, it can also distance us from what is truly essential — our connection with nature, with one another, and with ourselves. We are forgetting the simple beauty of spending time with friends and family, of feeling the wind, of listening to the waves, of being still. Sometimes, silence speaks louder than a thousand words, reminding us of who we truly are and what truly matters.

Young people, and even many adults, are living through moments where virtual emotions replace real ones. We have forgotten how deeply we need one another — our families, our friends, our faith, our planet. We are losing touch with what truly sustains life: respect, compassion, and care.

Everything in nature — water, fire, air, and earth — was created for us, and in return, we are meant to care for it so that it can continue to care for us. The same is true for animals, plants, and even minerals. Everything is connected in a sacred balance. When we finally understand that, we see the truth that I tried to whisper through every page of this book: we are not separate. We are One.

In R.A.T.S, the young heroes don’t see color, wealth, or religion when danger arises — they see one another’s hearts. They unite to protect what matters most: life, love, and the hope of a better world. And in a certain moment, they realize something beautiful — that if G-d is One, then we are One too.

This book was written with love and faith, not as a fantasy, but as a gentle reminder that the world can still be healed — starting with the hearts of those who believe in the light.

We Are One.

BUY HERE

Claudia Daher, originally from Brazil, has flourished in Aruba’s beauty for thirty-three years. More than just a dedicated wife and mother of three academically accomplished children, she’s an entrepreneur, philanthropist, passionate painter, doting grandmother, and a visionary director of the family’s businesses.

Venturing into the literary realm, Claudia has crafted a compelling science fiction novel targeting youth, delving into topics like artificial intelligence’s societal impacts, climate change, alien life, and the melding of global cultures. Her journey and endeavors beautifully showcase the limitless potential within us all.

Tags: featured, women writers

Category: Interviews, Women Writers