Review: PODs

Title - PODs

Author - Michelle K. Pickett

Genre - YA Dystopian Zombies

Publisher -  Spencer Hill Press

Expected Publication - June 4th 2013

Source - Physical Arc provide by the publisher

(Goodreads)(Amazon)(B&N)(Book Depository)

Synopsis

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.

Teaser 

          Something woke me. I couldn't see anything, so I held my breath, listening. I grabbed the flashlight next to me, but I didn't turn it on. I sat in the pitch-black tend- a simple tarp strung between two trees that sheltered a single bedroll- and listened. 

         I heard it again. The crack of twigs, the rustling of leaves. 

Don't want to giveaway to much.

Review

I received PODs from the publisher Spencer Hill Press in return for an honest review. A deadly virus has broken out proving to be lethal causing death within five days, putting everyone into a panic. However the government has a backup plan a series of underground pods will be living quarters for the selected few for a year giving the deadly virus a chance to die out. The government is holding a raffle for the remaining open 50,000 spots few will be chose while the rest will be left to die. Eva is one of the few who will be chose but she will have to leave her friends and parents to battle the virus on their own. They push her to go even though she would rather risk it staying with them.

The government bus’s all the winners to New Mexico where they will spend the year in pods. It’s clear as they board the bus that the government wasn't honest about the raffle being random when Eva can see everyone is a teenager like her no younger than 12 and no older than 25. After arriving at the pod facility they are each put into a containment glass cube where they will wait till the scientists are sure they don’t care the virus then they will be transferred to the pod they will live with nine other people till the scientist feel they are safe to move into villages. While in quarantine Eva waits her turn, having frequent blood tests and watching as others are taken away who happen to have the virus.

With a clean bill of health Eva is transferred to a pod with eight other people one of the girls is pregnant and will count as the final member of the pod. Everyone is shaken, having to leave their families to die, at first everyone is quiet but after awhile they start to open up learning more about why they were selected. The government picked people who had 4.0 grades and excelled at one subject or another like Eva with English and writing. Others excelled in math, science, art, medical, computers. They learn that the government picked people with plans to rebuild. After fifteen very long months the pods are opened instead of staying together the pod is split up breaking up couples and tearing apart friends. It’s in the villages that they learn that the virus isn't dead it’s mutated creating a whole new threat.  

I was really excited the snag a copy the synopsis sounded amazing and the cover is great. I really loved the concept it’s one that’s unique but believable I could see happening in real life if we faced a deadly incurable virus. I really loved the characters Eva was stubborn which I think made her so perfect for David. I loved the way they butted heads of most things in the book it made them feel real. The supporting characters were perfect assets to the book each was special bringing something to the group. PODs does have a romantic story mixed in with the horror story aspects with all the secrets, and action though the story its one to capture the imagination. I’m in love with zombies just like everyone else right now and PODs is one of the best zombie books I've read so far. I had its moments where it played with my heart strings as well as keeping me on my toes. I quickly devoured the book finishing it early this morning with several cups of coffee. I would highly recommend Pods to anyone who has a love of zombies, dystopia with a little romance but it’s a clean romance super sweet. 

5 out of 5 stars