Title: PODs
Author: Michelle K. Pickett
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Publication Date: June 4, 2013
Genre: YA Science Fiction/Dystopian
Plot: First, here is the summary of "PODs" from Amazon - 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.
Eva never expected to become a chosen one. Once her number is drawn, Eva's life is changed and she is forced into the POD system to live for a year or more until the virus is gone. But she's stuck living with eleven strangers, knowing that everyone left on the surface is dying. She never expected to fall in love with David, in fact she didn't want to date at all. But David changed that. He's everything she thought she lost when the virus began attacking. When they emerge from the POD, they discover something dark. The virus isn't gone and the survivors are not the same. Eva tries to fit into the new system, but she cannot. It's all too much and danger is always lurking around the corner. Eva and David struggle to find a place in a world that isn't the one they once loved.
The relationship between Eva and David is sweet and romantic. I do think in the beginning, it felt a bit out of nowhere and awkward, but they are teenagers and it's never like the movies, especially when you are living in close quarters while escaping death. I really enjoyed how Eva interacts with David and her devotion towards him. David definitely falls on my list of book crushes. I did want a little more depth to the relationship in parts, but it felt fairly realistic.
PODs is a fast-paced and thrilling novel, complete with romance and a unique storyline! The beginning captured my attention and I read it in one sitting. I enjoyed how Michelle wrote about what happened in the POD instead of just skipping a year ahead into the future. They didn't just sit around and watch movies. Bad things happened, though I won't ruin them for you. She also did a good job of showing how frustrating it could be to be stuck with some people. There was one character in particular I felt like slapping and shoving out an air vent. The reader also experiences a great deal of suspicion about the government and the POD system. I was skeptical. The ending (no spoilers) leaves the readers waiting for book 2. I know I will be anxiously counting down until the next one. :)
I highly recommend this book. :)
Thank you so much, Krista! I appreciate you reading and reviewing PODs. <3 It means so much to me and I'm so glad you liked it. You know I have mad love for you and your writing. I respect your opinion so much!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Michelle :)
Author, PODs available June 4th
Milayna (Milayna #1) available March 11, 2014
Milayna’s Angel (Milayna #2), September 2014
The Infected, a PODs novel available November 2014
The Innocent (Milayna #3), April 2015
Sounds awesome. I love the cover too. :-)
ReplyDeleteLooks so good. Definitely adding it to my "to-read" list. Thanks for the review and recommendation, Krista! :)
ReplyDeleteP.S. She was on the air today doing an interview with several other authors. :)
Deletehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/authorsontheair/2013/07/27/summer-book-blitz-part-2-of-3