Captured

The Prometheus Project #2

by Douglas E. Richards

From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the adult thriller, WIRED, THE PROMETHEUS CAPTURED is the second book in a science fiction series praised by kids and adults alike. ( This book is about 50% longer than book 1, and contains a bonus chapter). Ryan and Regan Resnick are the youngest members of a top- secret team exploring the greatest discovery ever a vast alien city buried deep underground - as potentially deadly as it is astonishing. When the city is captured by highly trained soldiers led by a ruthless alien, the adult members of the team are taken hostage. Now, Ryan and Regan are the team's only hope of survival. With the future of the world at stake, the Resnick Kids must do the outwit the brilliant alien, free the prisoners, and thwart an unstoppable invasion. But not everything is as it seems. And time is quickly running out. . .

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Childrens

186 pages, Paperback

Published December 4, 2013

About the author

Write to Doug at douglaserichards1 at gmail dot com, and visit the author's website to be notified of new releases.

Douglas E. Richards is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of science-fiction thrillers that have sold more than three million copies (see list below). Richards has been celebrated for his gripping, thought-provoking works that blend cutting-edge scientific concepts with heart-pounding narratives.

Richards burst onto the literary scene with his debut novel, WIRED, published in 2010. The novel garnered widespread acclaim for its ingenious combination of scientific speculation and thrilling storytelling. This success set the stage for a series of bestselling novels, each marked by meticulous research, riveting plots, and characters that resonate with readers.

Known for his ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible and engaging narratives, Richards has become a go-to author for readers seeking an intellectually stimulating and adrenaline-fueled reading experience. His works delve deeply into the ethical dilemmas posed by scientific breakthroughs and the potential impact of technology on society.

A former Director of Biotechnology Licensing at Bristol Myers Squibb and a former biotechnology executive, Richards earned a BS in microbiology from the Ohio State University, a master's degree in genetic engineering from the University of Wisconsin--where he engineered mutant viruses now named after him--and an MBA from the University of Chicago.

The author has two grown children and lives in San Diego, California, with his wife and dog.

Richards loves hearing from readers, and always replies, so feel free to write to him at douglaserichards1 at gmail dot com, and address him as "Doug". You can also Friend Richards on Facebook at Douglas E. Richards Author, or visit his website, where you can sign up to be notified of new releases.

SCIENCE FICTION THRILLERS BY DOUGLAS E. RICHARDS

SERIES

WIRED (Wired 1)
AMPED (Wired 2)

MIND'S EYE (Nick Hall 1)
BRAINWEB (Nick Hall 2)
MIND WAR (Nick Hall 3)
UNLEASHED (Nick Hall 4)

SPLIT SECOND(Split Second 1)
TIME FRAME (Split Second 2)

THE ENIGMA CUBE (Alien Artifact 1)
A PIVOT IN TIME (Alien Artifact 2)

STANDALONE NOVELS

QUANTUM LENS
GAME CHANGER
INFINITY BORN
SEEKER
VERACITY
ORACLE
THE IMMORTALITY CODE
UNIDENTIFIED
PORTALS
THE CURE (To become KU eligible for the first time in 2023)
THE BREAKTHROUGH EFFECT

Kids Science Fiction Thrillers (9 and up, enjoyed by kids and adults alike)

TRAPPED (Prometheus Project 1)
CAPTURED (Prometheus Project 2)
STRANDED (Prometheus Project 3)

OUT OF THIS WORLD

DEVIL'S SWORD

Reviews

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captured is the second book in The Prometheus Project. In the first book, Trapped, Ryan and Regan Resnick were surprised to learn that their parents were part of the Prometheus Project, a top-secret team of scientists who discovered an alien city buried within the Earth. Due to their unquenchable curiosity, quick wit, and predisposition to find trouble, the children not only discovered their parents' secret but also managed to become an important part of the team.

In Captured, Ryan and Regan are given a warning from the teacher, an alien device that communicates with the kids telepathically. They are told that an intruder has entered the alien city. A security check doesn't seem to find anything. Then, strange things begin to happen. The head of security suddenly loses his memory, in fact he can't remember order that initial security check. Something weird is going on.

I was captivated by Captured. I found the second book in this great series just as entertaining and action filled as the first book.

[Desiree reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

douglas made a gret book and they are great and the kiid safed the world and the earth and the author has a great inmanastoin and they are great book to read and for kid of all ages ty doguglas and i am going after 3 and 4

[Brandon Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars yet again!:
From the first book we get yet another adventure of Regan and Ryan.

This adventure was even more stimulating than the last. I was thoroughly on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going to transpire in the alien waystation.

The recap at the beginning was accurate and even helped me get a better idea of what happened in book one, so well thought out!

The many twists and turns of almost getting "Captured," as the title suggests, to the plan of ultimate destruction, I was captivated by what was going to happen next. The extensive layout of furthering the plot from book one was fantastic. In book one, we seem to get more of an idea of the characters and setting, and in book two we see more action involving the characters and a dynamic setting, which makes the story even more compelling!

One minor thing that is not going to knock off a star, but should at least be mentioned is something that I wanted to touch on in both books, but seems to be more prevalent in the second. This is the "the kids can do no wrong" mentality. I understand that the books are mainly geared towards teenagers or young adults in real life, thus giving us the story of two kids in these adventures. However, it's almost a Scooby-Doo like mentality, where even when the kids are put in dire straights, they miraculously come up with a complicated plan to make someone not shoot them or injure them in some way. Or they suddenly solve a complicated puzzle because they remembered something their dad told them 6 years ago. If it happened once, or a few times I think it would be alright. However, it happens quite often where they make these discoveries. Again, I wouldn't say enough to derail the story or make me uninterested. Just a small detail!

[Anna Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book, I believe it went very, very well with the first book in the series. I enjoy all the adventures and puzzles Ryan and Regan go through. Ryan and Regan, are two very smart kids, I feel the writer really focused on their personalitys way more on this book than the first one. The puzzles they solve seem more planned out, and better executed in the second book. I am however taking away one star for the amount of times the science facts are spread out. I believe there could have been more conversations between each character, given us more of an option to really get to know the characters that are kind of a one and done character. Like Tezoc for example, I wish he had more conversations before they found out who it was, I wish I would have gotten to know more about him.

To complete my review one last thing: Even though this book is a midgrade/kids level book I believe this writer did a great job making it a good read for all ages. Honestly I believe this book and the first one are good reads that I felt I couldn't put down once I picked up, I recommend this to anyone who likes a good Sci-Fi book.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional

Terrific story, particularly for children and thinking adults. We have come to know the main characters quite well and they are charming. The Prometheus Praject, the city, is fascinating. But the best part lies in the puzzles created which must be solved to overcome the problems encountered. Great fun to read!

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Douglas Richards is an amazing author and this story is an awesome adventure both for kids and adults. The exploits of Ryan & Regan are thrilling and to find two kids that can reason like them, that is next to impossible . This is as unpredictable as it could ever be, and throughly enjoyable as it goes. Once you get going you can’t stop, you’ll read this to the end. 5

[Janet Faulds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

I enjoy these books tremendously. They are captivating and engrossing. Science is explained simply without being condecending. Really good read!

[Wenzel Roessler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written YA story that has a pretty decent plot that will keep adults entertained as well.

[Karen Edgecombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prometheus Project

This was advertised as a kid’s book, but it was a very imaginative story that I enjoyed reading! I wouldn’t be surprised if I read a few more of these!

[Adina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wordy, soap opera. Chose for tired sleepless night... Boring "Characters", . Collected bits and odds of scientific like ideas and a tasteless soup...

[Izzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Detailed

I really liked the way Richard explained the characters and would recommend this title for people interested in sci fi.

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Carrie Spellman for TeensReadToo.com

Quick note: This is the second book in THE PROMETHEUS PROJECT series (which I say mostly because I hope there will be many more), but it definitely stands alone. The first book, TRAPPED, is nicely recapped in the first chapter of CAPTURED, and referred to often enough that you don't really feel like you've missed anything. Other than the fun of reading the first one.

Ryan and Regan Resnick are extremely smart kids. Maybe a little too smart. But boy is everyone else lucky that they are! Last summer, their scientist parents dragged them to a sleepy town in Pennsylvania, for no reason that they could see. Until they found the secret city that the government, and their parents, were studying, under high security. It was built by aliens. Ryan and Regan's dad was the first person to ever break through the barrier that the aliens put up. Until Ryan and Regan found their own way in. It's a good thing they did, too. Since they ended up having to save everyone. Now they are the youngest members of the Prometheus Project.

Between school and the Prometheus Project, Ryan and Regan have plenty to occupy their time and minds. Especially since they seem to have acquired some telepathic ability that connects them to each other as well as to the main computer in the city. They can communicate as well as sense the connections. At least they could with the computer until it sent out some kind of warning the other day, and seems to have shut down. But no one in the city seems to notice anything strange, so they let it go.

Planning to do some exploring and help with a few experiments, they meet their parents in the building that they've set up shop in. Much to the brother and sister's disappointment, their parents have a dinner party planned and are ready to go home. After much convincing it is agreed that they will be allowed to stay overnight by themselves. After all, the city is guarded by the best security the government can offer. Plus their parents are planning to be back at six in the morning.

Ryan and Regan wake up the next morning to find that it's already eight o'clock, and their parents still aren't back. They set out to investigate, only to find the city apparently deserted. No scientists, not even security people. Something is definitely wrong. And it looks like it's up to Ryan and Regan to solve it. As long as whatever took out the computer doesn't get them next.

Fast paced adventure, mixed with quick thinking. I don't know if I would have nearly the presence of mind that these two have, but it sure was fun to ride along with them! There is a lot of scientific information, which I'm sure is very interesting if you get it. I can speak from experience and say that it's not necessary to understand all of it. It's done in a way that just about anybody can follow, and doesn't make you feel dumb for not getting it all. Ryan and Regan are great fun, and the story is just a cool idea! The whole book is very well written, but the last chapter is too perfect! You'll agree when you read it.

I'm (impatiently) looking forward to getting a copy of the first book in the mail, and the next one as soon as the author can get it finished!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a real page-turner. It picks up a few months after the first book left off with Regan and Ryan actively participating in the discoveries and experiments of the Prometheus Project. When they do an overnight in the alien city to help out another scientist, they wake up to find everyone gone. It seems as if the city is deserted. They find one security guard and the three of them discover that an alien named Tezoc Zoran has taken control of the city and all the staff within. He tells them that he will kill a member of the team every few hours until Regan and Ryan's father comes up with a solution to his problem, starting with their mother. Through escaping from the mercenaries working with the alien, Regan and Ryan are able to put the pieces together and realize the totality of Zoran's devious plan. They are also able to put a stop to it using their deductive powers.
The last chapter in the book where the principal marks them as underachievers made me laugh considering all they really do outside of school.
I am looking forward to reading the third book in this series and sharing it with my students.

[KyleeJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Captured even more than Trapped! I already knew Ryan and Regan Resnick. I knew how clever they are and how well they work together. In Captured the alien city under Brewster, Pennsylvania is invaded by an as yet unknown and unidentified being. There are even more challenges and puzzles for the siblings to overcome and solve. I don’t want to give away too much of the plot in this review. I just hope that Mr. Richards will continue with this series at some point.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captured is the second book of The Prometheus Project series by Douglas E. Richards. Aimed at 8-12 years olds this is the perfect book for children who are interested in Science and like Science Fiction. The children in this book use their brains instead of their brawn. They analyze, ask questions, make connections and reason things out to solve the problems they face.

http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot....

[Kathleen (itpdx) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not the target audience for this book. It is a children's book aimed at middle readers. Lots of action and brain stretching challenges. This is an improvement over the first book with less overt explanation of characters feelings.
NOTE: I passed this book and the first of series on to my 11 year old nephews, they both liked the books very much. They like that they are futuristic and involve a mystery.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and very science-y. A bit too blatantly educational for my adult taste, but as a little nerd-child I would have loved these books.

However, Paragon needs some better editors. In the first two books, I spotted a number of missing commas, and in the second book I found at least two misuses of homonyms.

Disclaimer: I was sent the first two volumes by the author after I failed to win them on First Reads.

[The Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asher (10yo) read. "I really liked all the alien technology, like the med-pen with three different buttons. One of the buttons relieves you from pain for 30 minutes, another button makes wounds heal faster, and the last button kills any infection in your body. I would like to be in one of the Morcan prisons, because they are mansions!"

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast-paced adventure. There were more 'scary parts' where the children were threatened, but they were never hurt. I asked my daughter if she thought is was scary, and she told me no because she knew it would work out in the end.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the second book was much better than the first because of the action in it. It is a great kids book. Thank you Douglas Richards for sending both the books to me. I appreciate the idea of authors letting us preview their books.

[Myra Winans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in the series, Ryan and Regan Resnick stay in the alien city and have to rescue the adult scientists including their parents. I think middle school aged kids would enjoy this book. As an adult I enjoyed it. It is nice that the kids are the heroes.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast paced series. It was easy to follow the characters. As I finished one book, I couldn't wait to get the next one to see what happens. I like science, and this made you think a bit. You never know what is going to happen next.

[Brittney Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't really feel like I need to give this one its own review because I felt exactly the same way as I did the first one. It didn't do anything better or worse than the first book and my view and opinion didn't change after this one.

[Terry]

To read our full review, go to the Reading Tub.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, another well-crafted storyline with twist and turns. My son and I enjoyed reading this second book in the series. Now, on to the third...

[David Blaylock · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, even if I am 4 times the age of the intended audience.

I am sure my younger self would have given this 5 stars.

[Bandora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

Fast paced and not predictable. I specially appreciated the bonus chapter at the end that answered questions about the story.

[Makali · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 it was good, i like the science mixed in

[Brenda]

Great for 8 year old who loves to read. Love reading this book with Justin!