The Prometheus Project: Captured by Douglas E. Richards Ages 9-12 288 pages Random House October 2007 Hardcover     This sequel to Trapped, the first volume in the “Prometheus Project” series, takes the reader back to Brewster, Pennsylvania, home to a secret alien city built completely underground. The scientists working to unlock the mysteries of this city have named their project Prometheus. Built by aliens from another planet, the city continues to be protected by their society, even though they are unseen. In the first adventure, Regan and Ryan Resnick prove themselves to be worthy members of the scientific team, even though they are children. Their parents are Ben and Amanda Resnick, two of the scientists on the team. As a result of their first adventure, Regan and Ryan were granted telepathic powers by “The Teacher,” a machine that seems to have some control over events within the city. The Teacher is no longer able to communicate with the children in an effort not to interfere with the progress the humans are making to understand the city. However, the children can still communicate with one another telepathically, and they will rely on this ability to help them solve the problems they encounter when all of the residents of the secret city are captured and the exits to the city are sealed. Author Richards’ lively, easy-to-read chapter book for ages 11 – 13 will appeal to reluctant readers of both genders, but the scientific elements will appeal to the reader who is more advanced. This is a delightful tale of kids working together, much as you find in the Lemony Snicket books, to achieve an outcome. It is a lesson worth repeating. Readers will look forward to more stories about the Prometheus Project, or about these characters in other settings.     web reviews   Joyce Rice/2008 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)