PODs
by
Michelle Pickett
Publication Date: June 4, 2013 by Spencer Hill Press
Seventeen-year-old Eva is a chosen one. Chosen to live, while others meet a swift and painful death from an incurable virus so lethal, a person is dead within days of symptoms emerging. In the POD system, a series of underground habitats built by the government, she waits with the other chosen for the deadly virus to claim those above. Separated from family and friends, it’s in the PODs she meets David. And while true love might not conquer all, it’s a balm for the broken soul.
After a year, scientists believe the population has died, and without living hosts, so has the virus. That’s the theory, anyway. But when the PODs are opened, survivors find the surface holds a vicious secret. The virus mutated, infecting those left top-side and creating... monsters.
Eva and David hide from the infected in the abandoned PODs. Together they try to build a life--a new beginning. But the infected follow and are relentless in their attacks. Leaving Eva and David to fight for survival, and pray for a cure.
My review:
I read PODs in less than 12 hours (partly because it was good and I didn't want to stop reading, but also because I received the ARC yesterday morning, half freaked-out that I wouldn't manage to read it before my blog tour stop.)
PODs had me by the throat within the first few pages. The virus is spreading; a lucky few are selected to be put in secure underground chambers and wait for a year for the virus (and all hosts) to die. Eva is one of them. She has to say goodbye to everyone she loves, knowing that they would be obliterated by the mysterious virus. I was going through that part with a lump in my throat. Michelle Pickett made me feel all the sadness and fear that Eva experiences. There is an overwhelming atmosphere of loss for the greatest part of the book as we also get to meet Eva's POD roommates and hear their sad stories.
I loved most of the characters and their interactions. They were all young people holding on to what little hope is left for a normal life once they're out of the PODs. There was some laughing, some crying, developing romances, great friendships. All the time the danger is still there, as well as the horror of the government dealing with even a slightest possibility of the virus within the PODs.
There is more action once they resurface and find out that there is a new danger lurking in the aftermath of the virus. Eva and David are faced with tough choices, not to mention the zombie-like mutants.
I enjoyed that part just as much, though I felt that some scenes were repetitive; Eva insisting that she is able to fight, David insisting that she shouldn't. Too many hot moments interrupted, and ending in the same conversation. I would have also liked some more details on the world outside the POD or the 'safe' villages established for survivors.
Overall, I liked PODs. It has the right amount of terror, action, romance, and heartbreak, great characters. Recommended to fans of Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick.
Meet the Author:
I'm a wife, mother, author, reader, although not always in that order. I've been an avid reader since a young child. I began writing for personal enjoyment in college, where I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in accounting. Why I chose a degree that didn't encourage creativity is a mystery to me.
I'm addicted to Reese's peanut butter cups and eat way too many while I write. I have a weird obsession with hoodies and can't write without wearing one. I hate to cook, but love to watch cooking shows.
I'm an unabashed romantic and love swoon-worthy happy endings that give me butterflies for days.
Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, I now reside in a small community outside Houston, Texas with my incredibly supportive, not to mention gorgeous, husband, three amazing school-aged children, a 125-pound lap dog, and a cat that thinks she's queen.
I write adult and young adult Sci/Fi, urban fantasy and paranormal romances.
I love to hear from readers and other authors, so drop me a note and say "Hi!"
website | Twitter | Facebook
a Rafflecopter giveaway
