Book Review: The Prometheus Project - Book 2 : Captured by Douglas E Richards
Reviewed by J Bryden Lloyd
Writing Style - 4.5/5.0 (Excellent)
As with the opening part of this series, the writing style is consistent and strong, ideal for kids and adults alike. The dialogue flows well and this actually feels far smoother than the original, with a seemingly more considered plot which is both more complex and better than the first.
Character Development - 4.0/5.0 (Very Good)
Again, I felt that most of the adult characters were left behind a little in the development side of things, but the baddie of the piece is cleverly drawn and nicely built throughout the book.
The reprised hero-siblings manage to evolve a few more steps, becoming more rounded and more identifiable than in the introductory piece, which makes for a good balance in the cast.
Descriptive - 4.5/5.0 (Excellent)
Again Mr Richards provides superb visuals and careful world-building to give the reader the fullest experience of Prometheus. The new characters are given equal status with the descriptive brush, which makes this a nicer work.
Language & Grammar - 4.5/5.0 (Excellent)
This is a more comfortable read, mainly due to better word selection and slightly less emphasis on the introductory side of the writing. With many characters now established, the author wastes no time in getting to grips with the intricacies of the plot and getting things moving.
Plot - 4.5/5.0 (Excellent) - MINOR SPOILERS
Again this was an excellent storyline, and although not as simple in structure as the first book, this was thoroughly enjoyed by my three youngest and myself.
The first proper alien makes his move to capture Prometheus and then take over the world via mind control over the US President, and once again, it's those Scooby-doo-esque pesky kids who throw various sized spanners into the works and bring the plan crashing down.
Again there are a few admirably placed science lessons to learn along the way and the children have to think their way out of several tight corners on the road towards ultimate victory.
General - 4.0/5.0 (Very Good)
A better story than its predecessor, and worthy of another solid 4 stars... If 4-and-a-half were possible, this would easily measure there. Kids will love this series. Looking forward to part 3.