Trapped (The Prometheus Project Book 1) Read online

  “You mean . . .” said Ryan eagerly.

  “That’s right,” said Dr. Harris warmly. The corners of his mouth turned up in a small but delighted smile.“Welcome to the team.”

  The Resnick siblings were giddy as they surveyed the room full of smiling and encouraging faces.

  What an opportunity. They were being offered the chance of a lifetime. More than the chance of a lifetime. Who knew what awaited them inside this strange and fabulous city? Who knew what adventures? What dangers?

  Snooze-ter Pennsylvania was turning out to be not such a boring place, after all. They might not know just what awaited them in this alien city, but they knew this for sure; it would be interesting. And exciting. And fun.

  “Carl,” said Dr. Harris. “Can you contact the president for me when you get back outside.”

  “What should I tell him?”

  “Tell him I just recruited two capable new team members for the Prometheus Project,” said Dr. Harris.

  He smiled broadly. “And tell him that I expect big things out of them.”

  A brief history of The Prometheus Project

  Thanks for reading The Prometheus Project: Trapped. If you are an adult, please note that each book in the Prometheus Project trilogy increases in length and sophistication (with the third book about twice as long as Trapped).

  A number of years ago when my two kids, Ryan and Regan, were in middle school, I was looking for some science fiction for them to read. Science fiction with amazing plots and cool, mind-blowing science—the kind that had inspired me when I was a kid (i.e. when dinosaurs roamed the earth). While plenty of great fantasy offerings were readily available, I never did find the books that I was looking for—so I decided to write one of my own.

  The result was The Prometheus Project: Trapped. My goal was to write a fast-paced adventure that would keep kids glued to the page. One with accurate, mind-expanding science, a fun plot, and short chapters that each would end in a cliffhanger. The original version was twice as long as the version you’ve just read. In the original, Ryan and Regan were friends, not brother and sister, and Ryan had a younger brother named Kevin. Kevin wanted to be a detective, and so was instrumental in discovering his parents involvement with this top secret project. I really, really liked this version, but in the end, I decided it wasn’t streamlined enough. I was diabolical in pursuing my goal of hooking young readers and never letting go.

  So I cut half of the book out, had the kids discover their parents’ involvement in the Prometheus Project practically from page one, made Ryan and Regan brother and sister as they are in real life, and held my breath. I had no idea if kids would love it or loathe it.

  I’m happy to report that the reaction to Trapped has been positive beyond my wildest dreams. The book was immediately embraced by educators around the world, and was designated as “recommended literature” by the California Department of Education, among other honors. An editor at National Geographic KIDS magazine read the book, loved it, and asked me to write for the magazine, which I did for several years. Trapped has now been used as a read-aloud in hundreds of classrooms around the country, is part of the curriculum for a Master’s level program in teaching, and has been translated into Korean. And after reading Trapped, the board of San Diego Comic-Con International invited me to speak at the Con in 2010 as a special guest, truly one of the highlights of my life.

  What continues to astonish me to this day is that the book seems to appeal to both reluctant readers and advanced readers alike, appearing on lists for gifted students as well as lists for those who are struggling. I have also been delighted by the reaction from adults, many of whom seem to enjoy all of the Prometheus Project books a great deal.

  I’d like to think I’ve grown as a writer since I wrote this book, but as the first of my books to ever be published, Trapped will always hold a special place in my heart. I hope that you had as much fun reading it as I had writing it.

  Douglas E. Richards

  May, 2012

  The Adventure Continues . . .

  The Prometheus Project, Book 2: Captured

  A Fantastic Alien City

  Ryan and Regan Resnick are the youngest members of a top-secret team exploring the greatest discovery ever made: a vast alien city buried deep underground—as potentially deadly as it is astonishing

  A Devastating Invasion

  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.

  A Diabolical Plan

  With the future of the world at stake, the Resnick kids must do the impossible: 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 …

  The Prometheus Project, Book 3: Stranded

  Ryan and Regan Resnick are trapped on a treacherous alien planet, surrounded by vicious predators, and in the path of a raging river of lava. And their troubles are only beginning…

  When the Resnick kids become stranded on a primitive planet, they are plunged into a nonstop fight for their lives. But surviving on the deadly planet might be the easy part. Because if they can get back to Earth, they will have to face a ruthless adversary who controls a mysterious alien device. A device that is the most powerful, dangerous, and unstoppable weapon the world has ever known …

  Also by Douglas E. Richards

  WIRED (Adult science fiction/technothriller)

  AMPED (The WIRED Sequel)

  THE CURE (Standalone sci-fi/technothriller, available in September — the hardcover is available for preordering now on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com)