The Island of Destiny: Pie Rats Book 3 was the winner in the Kid’s fiction category of the 2015 IndieReader Discovery Awards, where undiscovered talent meets people with the power to make a difference.
Following find an interview with author Cameron Stelzer.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The Island of Destiny: Pie Rats Book 3. First Published March 2014.
What’s the book’s first line?
The afternoon sky was a grey blur of clouds and rain. An icy wind howled from the east. The ocean frothed and foamed.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
The Island of Destiny is the third installment in the Pie Rats series. It is the culmination of the previous two adventures and the cornerstone for the rest of the series. Described as the book of answers, revelations and second chances, it adds depth and sincerity to the whimsical world of the Pie Rats.
The story follows the adventures of Whisker, a Pie Rat apprentice on the good ship Apple Pie. After being rescued by the Pie Rats during a tumultuous cyclone, the reluctant recruit matures into a dependable (albeit reckless) member of the crew. His blossoming friendships with the sword-wielding Ruby Rat and the good-natured Hook Hand Horace sees him drawing closer and closer to the once-feared rapscallions.
With the Forgotten Map and the King’s Key safely in his grasp, Whisker joins the ratbag crew on their voyage to the mysterious Island of Destiny. Whisker hopes to discover an answer to the question that has plagued his mind ever since his dripping body was dragged onto the Pie Rats’ deck: Where is my family?
Whisker quickly learns that the island has far more install for him than an answer. Armed with scissor swords, flying pies and barrels of gravy, the Pie Rats must first pass through the Treacherous Sea where untold dangers lurk beneath the waves.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
The Island of Destiny is referred to as the Island of Second Chances during the story. The notion of redemption and making amends is something I felt compelled to include. I grew up listening to stories where forgiveness was more important than revenge. We all have the potential to change for the better. The bad guy at the beginning of the story doesn’t have to be the villain at the end.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
There are a lot of selfless acts in the story and many of them come from the main character, Whisker. In this particular book I imagined him as a humble solider. He’s not out for glory. He’s simply doing what he believes in and, where necessary, putting his friends lives before his own. He’s the Unknown Soldier.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
Think of The Island of Destiny as a piping hot dessert pie. It tastes better after a good entrée and a hearty main course. My recommendation would be to read books one and two of the Pie Rats series first. Then, with the smell of fresh baking in the air, cut yourself a thick slice of The Island of Destiny and enjoy. You’ll be glad you waited.