Trapped

The Prometheus Project #1

by Douglas E. Richards

Trapped is the first book in the Prometheus Project series (The Prometheus Project -- Captured is the second book in the series). Trapped follows the adventures of Ryan and Regan Resnick. Having just moved to the backwoods of Pennsylvania, the children are certain they will have the most boring summer of all time. But this is before they puzzle out secret passwords, overcome laser-beam alarm systems and barbed-wire fences, and outsmart security guards. This is before they learn that their parents are part of the Prometheus Project, a top-secret team investigating a hidden alien city. And most assuredly, this is before they are under attack, facing hostile alien worlds, alien technology, and unimaginable dangers, and fighting against impossible odds to save their mother's life. In fact, Ryan and Regan quickly find that life in Pennsylvania isn't so boring, after all, as they are plunged into a nonstop adventure that will be the ultimate test of their wit, courage, and determination.

Trapped appears on Missouri State University's list of "Best New Books to Engage Students in Math and Science," and is scheduled to appear on the California Department of Education's list of "Recommended Literature for Science and Math."

Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult, Fiction, Middle Grade, Childrens, Science Fiction Fantasy, Mystery

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2005

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

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: The Prometheus Project by Alex

Wow, this book is amazing! The Prometheus Project by Douglas E. Richards is about two kids who literally discover the greatest secret on earth: an alien city with technology far greater than ours today. But when their Mom, one of the scientists working on excavating the city, is struck in the head by a collapsing generator, it becomes a race against time to save her. But how can the kids save their Mom when they fall through a wormhole into the past, two hours earlier? Read and find out! This is now one of my favorite books. The Prometheus Project is easily gripping and shows the complexities of life. I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes books and to anyone who goes to my fencing studio--the author’s son takes lessons there! My book is signed, but it doesn’t need to be signed to lure you in with its creative plot. I give this book 5 stars because the plot is very addicting, and the whole book is filled with plot twists, and amazing discoveries. It will automatically go to your favorite book list in a couple minutes.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Resnick family has just moved to the most boring place on earth, Brewster, Pennsylvania. The kids, Ryan and Regan, can't figure out why their parents choose to take this job. Their parents had been offered plenty of great jobs all over the world and they'd always declined. Then, out of the blue, their parents suddenly tell them that they are moving to the middle of no where.

What Ryan and Regan don't know is that their parents are keeping a secret from them, an extremely large secret. There is no Proact, the company where the children's parents are supposed to work. Their parents actually work on a super secret project called Prometheus. The truth of this project is absolutely out of this world.

Trapped is a complete thrill ride. These kids use their brains and their creativity to get them into and out of the most amazing adventures. I enjoyed the story so much that I've already picked up a copy of the next book in this series.

[KyleeJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Prometheus Project: Trapped” by Douglas E. Richards is geared toward middle graders. Obviously, at 32, I’m a little outside that age group, but as a mom of two I think that I can ‘read like a child’ (if that makes sense).

In “Trapped” Ryan and Regan Resnick are forced by their parents to move to Brewster, PA, ‘the middle of nowhere’ according to the children. After 6 weeks of boredom the kids are ready for adventure and boy do they find it! I don’t want to give away too much, but these kids get into (and cleverly out of) some trouble. The great thing (in my opinion) is the science back in science fiction.

Mr. Richards has a master’s degree in genetic engineering (and business). He is the father of two and wrote Trapped, as well as its sequel Captured, for his children after being unable to find an engaging sci-fi series for this age group.

I highly recommend this book for all middle school libraries. If you have a middle schooler that is into science or sci-fi, buy this book. If you have a reluctant reader who has an interest in science or adventure stories, buy this book.

Mr. Richards is currently working on an adult thriller and another kid’s thriller not set in the Prometheus Project universe. He hopes to write additional Prometheus Project books in the future as well.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up at Comic-con in 2010. It was on the "Freebie" table and I didn't know anything about it. I saw it on my shelf and though that maybe it was time to read it. As I read the back cover, I discovered that the book is intended for young readers. I thought, "What the heck, I'll read it anyways."

It is definitely for young readers, but I found it enjoyable enough for a light read.

I could see where older children/young adults might enjoy this book. There were a few times, when the author explained certain ideas, such as the scientific method.

This book is part of a larger series. I will not be reading the series, as I already have way too many books to read.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This rates at least a four for the target audience, and isn't too back for older readers, provided they can mentally shift gears to the viewpoint of tween protagonists. Very fast and focused plot. A bit too easy, but probably appropriate for younger readers.

Ryan and Regan are just a bit too smart and too perfect, but they aren't nearly as insufferable as Harry Potter.

I tried Douglas' Wired and couldn't stand it for my requisite 100 pages, but he's great with stories for younger readers.

A very good read.

[Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was written for the author's two middle-school aged kids, and I'd say the appropriate audience for the book is probably right around that target age (12-14 years old). That's not to say adults can't enjoy it, too, but it's a little too melodramatic and watered-down-for-preteens for my tastes.

I've heard the books in the trilogy get better and longer as they progress, so I'll probably check out the next one as part of the Kindle Lending Library, as I like the author and I'd be willing to give the series another chance.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. This is 100% Sci-Fi and definitely is science-y. Most science fiction books I read are usually dystopian or futuristic. This was niether. I recommend anyone to read this. It was really interesting how they went into an alien force field through an elevator. The only thing that bothered me is how often they referred to their father, and how descriptive of the health factors, such as blood and gore (which seems so cliché at the moment). Otherwise, great book!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I got this book in the mail, my daughter took it from me and had it read in less than a day. She said it was adventurous and immediately took the second book in the series to read as well.

When I read it, I enjoyed the fast-paced adventure and educational discussions in the story. I would recommend this fun, clean children's book.

[ultimate reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This exciting novel is about two incredibly intelligent kids who try to break in to a highly top secret "lab" where their parents work. Their parents are scientists that work in an alien city. They time travel after running into a column. Soon, they are discovering some things that they never knew existed. Read this exciting novel to find out more.

[Manoj · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read a couple books by Douglas E. Richards and I rated them some of my favorite books of all time. This book is designed for kids and has a good story line and engages you. As it is for kids, I found the dialogue quite simplistic and had a tough time reading it. Towards the end, I was just reading it to finish the book versus really wanting to turn the page. However, the book draws you back in at the end. He does cover some pretty complicated ideas and writes it at the correct level for even young kids to grasp.

At the end of the book, the author explains that he wrote this for his kids and that each book in the series becomes more complex geared towards older crowds to match the growth of his kids. I will give the second book a try since I do like the authors other books.

Overall, I would recommend this for younger kids. I consider it similar to the Danny Dunn books I read as a kid. Good read for kids, a little too simplistic for adults.

[William Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was clear early on that this book is written for juveniles. But I like a lot of juvenile fiction, especially science fiction, dating back to Heinlein's juveniles, like Have Spacesuit, Will Travel. I still enjoy that book at my advanced age.

I found I enjoyed this book a lot, although the afterword states that the other two books in the series are more complex and aimed at an older audience. That was enough to convince me to by the other two books. I would have stopped at book 1, otherwise, as I found it was a bit too juvenile for my tastes. Now I look forward to finishing the trilogy.

if you're a slightly juvenile adult like me, you'll enjoy reading this book. If not, buy it for your children. Recommended.

[Ray Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be a very enjoyable read. Yes, it is a short book, and the author promises that as the series develops the length of the books increase. I already have book two and look forward to reading it. As an elderly adult (62) I am not the target audience of the author, but do not let age be the determining factor on a decision to read it or not. I recommend this book for reading by any age.

[Amarendra Bandla · Rating 2 out of 5]

very very average, no where close to his other works.

[Michael Thal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prometheus Project Book 1: Trapped is a middle grade science fiction thriller that will keep readers flipping pages to uncover the secrets of an alien city buried deep beneath the ground of Brewster, Pennsylvania.

Author Douglas E. Richards introduces readers to Ryan and Regan Resnick, two very bored tweens forced from their home in San Diego to live in rural Pennsylvania because their scientist parents are summoned to work on a top secret project in the Pennsylvania boondocks.

While searching for a Frisbee in the attic of their new home, Ryan and Regan overhear their parents talking about their work. The kids quickly learn that their mom and dad feel guilty lying to them about the Prometheus Project, but they console themselves that they had no choice but to leave Southern California. The kids’ curiosity is piqued when their father says, “We can’t tell them the truth. You know that. If we did, we could all find ourselves in a prison somewhere. And if they told others, the consequences could be far worse even than that—far worse.”

What was going on? Ryan and Regan plan to find out.

In his 129-page novel, The Prometheus Project Book 1: Trapped, Richards’ inventive plot leads Ryan and Regan to uncover a scientific discovery that could alter the history of our planet. The Resnick kids are cleverly placed in the middle of things as the author provides readers with an action packed plot that not only entertains, but educates.

[Brittney Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I liked the story and characters, however:

• Security is unrealstic. Why would they build a building that's top secret and not at least have cameras?

• Kids see some top secret place and rather than escorting them out you bring them further in and tell them all about it immediately? Then have to wonder what to do now that they know the information? Lol.

• The science lessons are very obvious. That's not necessarily a bad thing, it is a kid's book, but he doesn't go about it in a very seemless way. The whole story seems to stop just to explain something. For example, "Kids who hiked in California were taught that if they encountered a cougar, also known as a mountain lion, the last thing they should do is run, because running would only make them look like prey." pg. 112. There's no need to slow it down by saying "also known as a mountain lion." Especially since she's talking in her own head here. Similarly, gasoline vs. water gets used on page 109 to talk about how unique water is compared to other liquids, which also felt unnecessary for the same reason. It slowed the whole scene down just to put a fact/lesson in there.

• I thought the kids were pretty cute, reminds me of my brother and I. I also enjoyed the "kids outsmart the adults" aspect. I liked how independent they are rather than being portrayed as lost, helpless, and kind of stupid.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

First let me say, there are YA books, then there are books that are more geared to REALLY younger kids - say middle school. This was one of those books.

I like Douglas Richards as an author. There have been many, many of his books that have kept my interest and had me holding my breath as things came to a climax in whichever story arc I was reading. With this book however, I just felt like I was NOT the target audience. And truly, there is nothing wrong with that.

This book is supposed to have a somewhat science base to it, but it is told in a way that...again....a middle schooler could follow. By this I mean seriously breaking down fairly common concepts, then repeating them several times to help make sure these concepts don't go over the head of the reader, and then giving examples of said concepts.

Plus, the two MC's are two young kids. I don't remember their age, but I got the impression that the boy is around 12 years old and the girl maybe 10? Just a guess as I can't remember if they actually told us their ages.

So, while the story definitely had some interesting plot points, I don't think that I was the intended demographic. Or maybe it would be better to say that this story would be GREAT with a target demo age group of 10 to 14 years of age. IMO.

[Mary Enck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story takes you into a world built with such imagination that it is impossible to escape the reading of it. I found myself imagining just how it looked guided by the words of the author. I devote time every evening to reading novels that capture my interest. This one did that and held me throughout.

The world created by Mr. Richards is an exceptionally enchanting place, while at the same time there is the overlying sense of danger lurking just out of sight. When the two main characters, brother, and sister, set out to explore and adventure into the vast unknown of this new world, their encounters fascinating, exciting and filled with the promise of even greater things yet to come. It's gratifying to see two characters so young and yet so wise come into the story. It's a definite reflection of the result of their living with parents who engaged in some very intense parenting. I loved that aspect of the benefits of education. I will eagerly read the other books in the series. I am inspired to further encourage my young teen to learn about the romance of power of her mind.

[Michael · Rating 1 out of 5]

How is this good for teens to read?

Why do young adult authors always have the teens in the story try and take adult matters into their own hands? These kids had no right to pry into their parent’s lives in the first place, much less break into a secure government facility. Let’s just teach our kids that it’s ok to do that, shall we? And on another note, no security professional alive would allow a tree branch to grow over their perimeter fence. That’s just lazy writing. I stopped right there. I won’t be allowing my children to read this series. They have enough bad influences to try to navigate these days without authors glorifying juvenile delinquency on a National Security scale.

[Brandon Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars:
I absolutely loved this book. For it being a book mainly geared towards teenagers in real life, I found myself thoroughly engrossed in the story.

The wit of the children was extremely similar to the way my sister and I are. We tend to have a very sarcastic relationship, which made me laugh while reading. The facts about the book were interesting, and some of them I had forgotten about.

The resolution of the mysterious children at the beginning was intriguing and kind of blew my mind.

I liked the way the children outsmarted and figured out the solutions to the puzzles. At the end it got a little emotional, and went less to fact finding, and made me want to finish the book with a smile on my face.

I can't wait to read book 2 and finish out the trilogy!

[Saz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this many years ago and although I’m not the intended juvenile audience anymore, I find myself coming back to it.

Such an interesting read! I’m not usually a science fiction reader but the author wrote it in such a way that it’s palatable for even the newest of science fiction readers.
The characters are endearing and the plot engaging. It actually made me sit back and think about different scientific concepts and theories.

I rated it 4 stars only because it’s not an adult series so of course some of the dialogue and writing isn’t as mature as I’d like it to be.

I’ve read all three books and the adventures in each are amazing! If you have kids/teens I rly recommend you get them this series.

[Carrellk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Advertised as a "book", purchasers will find they have acquired an expensive ($5) YA novella. As a result, I am wary of purchasing other "books" by this author. As best I can tell the 2nd "book" in this series is also a novella, and the author claims the 3rd "book" in this series is something approaching the length of one of his regular "books" (which also tend to be short in length). The author would be better served by bundling all three of his Prometheus "books" into a single "book" and selling that for about $10.

Other than that, the story is engaging and fast-paced. I recommend getting it from a library instead of purchasing it.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning!

I will definitely be reading the whole series and will do everything I can to get my 5 grand nieces and nephews to read and love them as well. I love this author's writing, saw this title and put it on my Kindle. Just came across it and read it. Oh how I wish I'd read it as a child. Not sure it would have been received in the same way back then (in the age of dinosaurs). But what a gem it is. Now that STEM is receiving so much attention, this is just perfect for kids of quite a young age. Read it and you will appreciate its value.

[Uma · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is written for middle schoolers to pique their interest in books and isn't meant to cater to the adult audiences at all... The writing style is very simplistic and the plot sort of writes itself predictably.
I cannot objectively review this book since I'm not a middle schooler... But the hook wasn't too bad. The ideas were thought up well. And cleanly written as well. The characters will probably get back stories in some later books... But that's probably one of the reasons I didn't enjoy this book as much.

[Ramona · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this fast-paced, adventure-filled, time-traveling, scientific-exploring story! The two kids in the story, Ryan and Regan, are likable, smart, resourceful, and inspiring for other kids. Learning can be fun, and when you have supportive parents and other adults, it's even more encouraging to want to learn. I loved the comparisons used, to explain the alien technology, so Ryan and Regan would understand. This was a fun read and I look forward to reading book 2, The Prometheus Project: Captured.

[Andy Andetson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Douglas Richards foray into teenager lore a smashing success.

As a fan of near-future, sci-fi mysteries, Douglas Richards is a must read. Now his offerings include children’s mysteries. It has been years since I finished his last adult book, and I promised myself then that when my grandchildren were older, I would share this author’s great children’s works with them. So, I re-read his first Trapped of the Trilogy Prometheus Project to ensure that it would be appropriate for these grandkids. NOW, THEY LOVE THEM!!

[Anna Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really truly love this book. I think the writer did an amazing job with everything. The way he describes the city, what Ryan and Regan go through, everything is truly well written. I love the little science facts spread throughout the book, I also love that they are all real science facts. The siblings say funny stuff to each other all the time. This book had me interested from the first chapter. I honestly couldn't put it down until I finished it. 100\5 would recommend this book to anyone who likes sci-fi.

[Cynik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this to see if it was something I wanted for my kids - I had already read the reviews and knew that it was for kids. I would not rate it 4 stars as an adult but I believe that young readers would enjoy it. It is short and fast paced which the author states is his intention. Something to keep a young reader's interest. My 8 yr old could probably read it but I will probably hold it for another yr or two.

[(Bryan) Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining. Intriguing.

An entertaining story for kids and adults, if the adults go into it with a discerning eye looking for a book that is perfect for teaching kids basic scientific ideas while keeping them entertained. And if not that, then just a fun light read with an intriguing story.

[Vineeta killa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing thriller book . Once you start reading it you can't stop its so engrossing

The suspense created in the book is beyond the conventional expectations .
The theme of the story belong to a far future of technology .
It also reminder us about the fact the with great power comes great responsibility and how we should properly use the things we qiven

[David Gorenstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the creativity

As a 75 year old who started reading Heinlein and Asimov when I was in my early teens I would have equally enjoyed this wonderful book. SF started me on my academic science career with nearly 300 scientific papers, numerous awards and patents. I can’t thank the SF authors enough. We need more like this! Great series.