Captured is the second book in the Prometheus Project series, and while the first book, Trapped, was a gentle immersion into the world of science fiction literature for kids, Captured is a full on 1 1/2 somersault in the pike position dive into alien waters. Literally.
What would science fiction be, without aliens? The first book introduced us to the secret alien observation post that humans discovered, and other than a telepathic entity, the book was devoid of any real interactive alien life forms, not to it’s detriment, though. As all series should go, the best is saved for later, and definitely this was the right course for books geared towards the ages of 9-13. The first book only whetted their proverbial appetites, and now we are getting to the meat of the storyline.
Captured is a more aggressive story as well, there is actual gun-play with blood from gunshot wounds being staunched and generally a more violent book than the first. Now, that’s not to say that it isn’t an excellent book; studies have proven that it can be helpful for children to read about their fears and face them head on in stories. I certainly was reading older material by the age of 9 myself, but I always try to point out anything that might not fit in with certain family lifestyles because that’s my job as a reviewer.
The talent that author Richards shows in the first book with his deft ability of intermingling scientific facts and information into an engaging tale is still apparent, the reader learns more than they bargained for by the end of the book, without realizing they were subtly being taught.
The entire book is filled once again, with hidden tidbits of scientific knowledge, smart, kind kids who love to solve problems (lucky for them and their proclivity for getting into tough situations!) and an intense story line that will have you churning through the book without putting it down. The fate of everyone rests in the hands of Ryan and Regan again, will they be able to save them?
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Page Count: 160 pages
Publisher: Dna Press (July 19, 2007)
What to expect: scientific information scattered throughout the book but told in an engaging manner, guns, threatening figures, sensitive children might be upset with some of the sequences, people do get shot,
Publisher’s synopsis: This fast-paced, science fiction adventure is a stand-alone sequel to The Prometheus Project: Trapped. Along with their scientist parents, the brother-sister duo of Ryan and Regan continue their exploration of a fantastic alien city built deep underground. When the city is captured by a ruthless alien—with unknown capabilities and diabolical plans—and his band of mercenaries, the adult members of the team are taken hostage, and the siblings remain the team’s only hope. To save the adults, Ryan and Regan must outwit the brilliant alien and his well-trained force, free the prisoners, and thwart a seemingly unstoppable invasion. Crammed with cliffhangers, nonstop action, and unexpected twists and turns, this novel introduces scientific topics—sound and hearing, ultrasonic sound, experimental methodologies, flashpowder, human memory, and superconductivity—to children while engaging their imaginations.
About the Author: From Douglas E. Richards website: Hi, my name is Doug. I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio with my parents and my sister, Pam. I went to Finneytown High School, and then graduated with a degree in microbiology from Ohio State University, a master’s degree in molecular biology from the University of Wisconsin, and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago. I now live in San Diego, California with my wife, Kelly, and my two children, Ryan and Regan (Regan is pronounced the same as the President). The main characters in my books are named after my children. I also have a furry black dog named D