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

Cover Reveal: The Infected

The Infected (PODs #2)

by Michelle K. Pickett

Release Date: October 12th 2015

Summary from Goodreads:

From the author of the award winning Unspeakable, and the best selling PODs, comes the highly anticipated sequel to PODs. A world where death stalks the unsuspecting, and this time even the PODs might not save them. 

A virus nearly wiped out humankind...

Months have passed since a human infection has been reported. Survivors of the deadly pandemic have finally started to build a life in a world left devastated by plague. 

Ironically, for nineteen-year-old Eva, life made more sense when she battled the deadly Infected than it does in the serenity of her new home in Rosewood. Separated from fiancé and former POD-mate, David, after an impossible ultimatum, Eva finds her life a little lonely and a lot confusing. 

But as troubled as Eva’s life is, it's about to take a turn for the worse as untold dangers watch and wait for the right moment to attack…

The virus refuses to die quietly.

Book One

(click on image for link)

About the Author

I can’t write without a hoodie. Yeah, I live it Texas. We all have our quirks.

I majored in accounting in college. I was required to declare a major, but I had no clue what I wanted to do, so I picked accounting because it was the first thing listed in the booklet the counselor gave me. Surprisingly, I graduated with a 4.0 GPA. Go figure.

Forget coffee. Hand over the Red Bull or Monster Khaos and no one gets hurt. Seriously, just set it down and step away. I will turn into a normal human after I guzzle my can of caffeine.

I hate to cook, but love to watch cooking shows on television.

I paint my nails weird colors just to see my husband roll his eyes and make my 9 year-old twin girls giggle. Oh, and mortify my 13 year-old son.

I’m a hopeful romantic and love swoon-worthy endings that keep the butterflies going for days, but I don’t believe a HEA always ends with the boy getting the girl. Sometimes a HEA is an ending we don’t see coming, but is still best for the characters.

I write across genres in the young adult and new adult age groups while eating way too many peanut butter M&Ms (but we’ll keep that second part just between us).

I was born and raised in Flint, Michigan, but now live in a suburb of Houston, TX with my very supportive family, a 125lb rescue “puppy” and a 12lb attack cat, also a rescue animal.

And last, (but certainly not least), I love my family with everything in me. Everything I am, is theirs. There are no words in any language known to man to describe my love for them. They are my center.

I’d love to hear from you. So drop me an email! Let’s chat. You tell me what you like in books, what you’d like to see happen in the writing community, what type of books you like to see more of…less of—I want to hear it all! So tell me, please. Because the one thing I wish I could put on my list, but I still haven’t figured out how to do, is mind-reading. But don’t tell my kids. I still have them fooled. J:) 

Author Links:

   

Top Ten Tuesday!

Top Ten Tuesday!

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke And The Brookish. Who doesn't love lists. They make life easy! And fun!! It's always a never ending topic.

I'm playing around with my own graphic I'll be trying a few out of the next month. I want one unique to me. 

This week's topic:
Top ten books I'd recommend to those who haven't read: 
I picked a few genres since it was so hard to pick one.

Paranormal/fantasty
1. Aliens - I would have to suggest the Lux Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout. Obsidian was my first Alien book and I just love the characters. I actually loaned the first one just this past weekend to a friend who's new to aliens.
2. Werewolves/vampires/fae/skinwalker - I can make a list without Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs - She's my first choice when it comes to the paranormal. I just can't seem to get enough of her books and I know several people who have loved her books as well.
3. Zombies - PODs by Michelle K. Pickett - I really loved the whole concept for PODs and think it's my favorite to suggest to newbie zombie readers.
4. Dragons - Can't have a recommendation list without having Anne McCaffrey's Pern series. One of my favorite dragon series they are beautifully written and a perfect series to introduce the reader to Dragons.

Dystopian/post apocalyptic 
These are my top picks when it comes to suggesting the Dystopian genre.
5.  The Selection series by Kiera Cass - Dystopian world meets the Bachelor.
6. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer - Dystopian meets sci fi plus fairy tales.
7. The Ward by Jordana Frankel - Dystopian meets racing & water

Romance
Can't have a list without some romance novels
8. Anything by Julie Garwood historical romance Lairds' Fiance Series or Highland Lairds I just can't get enough of her highland men
9.  On Dublin Street by Samantha Young - My go to for New Adult Romance.
10. Stephanie Plum by Janet Evanovich - There is romance mixed in with her mysteries.

What's on your top ten list this week?
I can't wait to see what I need to add to my TBR list from everyone's suggestions. 

Book Blitz: Out of Sync

Title - Out of Sync

Author - A. Bin Juran

Series - Out of Sync #1

Genres - Paranormal Romance, Young Adult

Publication date - October 23rd 2014

(Goodreads)(Amazon)(B&N)

(Smashwords)(iTunes)(Kobo)

Synopsis

I’m a magical misfit

I won’t let it define me

A bolt-zapping disaster magnet

But at least I’m still trying

The guy I like asked me out

I hoped my luck was changing

Then my coven trials began

…they’re harder than I expected

Now my life hangs in the balance

I don’t know what I’m doing

But I do know this:

I’m not going down without a fight.

‘Out of Sync’ is a YA paranormal romance about a magical misfit who faces her perilous coven trials, falls in love and nearly dies more times than seems polite to mention.

Excerpt 

When I opened my eyes, I noticed that I had been perched upright in a hallway across from one of the purification pods. A disembodied voice congratulated me on completing my second trial, somehow aware that I had regained consciousness.

My throat went dry as my eyes searched for cameras, paranoia surging throughout my system. These people were crazy; there was no other explanation for what I had just been through.

I swerved away from the pods; sure, it would be nice to be clean, but that’s how they got you— with the pristine, warm showers and scented soap. Before you knew what was going on, they would try to kill you again. In the back of my mind I wondered why they needed to clean you in between the attempts on your life, but I wasn’t about to try to understand their crazy.

I just wanted out.

Once I found my way out into the open air, I saw the hooded figures had reconvened.

One of them was speaking, and I could hear him clearly, as if he was standing right beside me, drowning out my thoughts. “Your next testing phase will commence within the next few days.”

A chill passed through me.

I steeled myself. No. Nope. Not gonna happen, buddy, I decided.

“The third trial is set by the coven which has shown interest in you, based on your scores, rank and lineage.

If you pass, the elemental trials will follow throughout the next few months, according to the full moon . . . .”

My ears buzzed as the announcer’s voice began chanting from inside my skull. My body was still shaking off the numbness in my muscles and the contrasting heat in my limbs.

I had to find a way out of here. The cold air was biting, sinking into my skin, clawing at me from beneath my clothes.

The announcer’s voice joined the crowd in chant, and the magic began to swell around me.

AUTHOR BIO

When not immersed in books - be it writing or reading them - Ainat can usually be found nestling a cup of coffee in the company of her husband and twins. A former fast-food employee, T-shirt seller, and glorified secretary, Ainat eventually found herself with Bachelor's and LL.M. degrees and working as a lawyer. A few years later, listening to a catchy pop song about dream fulfillment, Ainat decided to buy a clunky little laptop and get to work. Ten novels and a much better laptop later, she came to the realization that hitting the double-digit mark meant it was time to publish and start consuming coffee (though not necessarily in that order).

When she isn't writing, editing, or mothering, Ainat enjoys reading promiscuously (which, to her, means she's reading several novels at a time while committing to none), watching political dramas and sci-fi series, and taking embarrassing memos-to-self complete with accents and dramatic pauses that should never be unleashed, ever.

Author links

http://www.ainatbinjuran.com/

https://twitter.com/ABinJuran

https://www.facebook.com/ainat.binjuran

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8422747.A_Bin_Juran

Giveaway

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Review: These Broken Stars

Title - These Broken Stars

Author - Amie Kaufman

Series - Starbound

Genre - YA Sci Fi

Format - Kindle Ebook

Expected Publication - December 10th 2013

Publisher - Disney Hyperion

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis

It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone. 

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help. 

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

Review

I received These Broke Stars in return for an honest review from the publisher Disney Hyperion via Netgalley. Tarver is a decorated war hero obligated to hang out in with the rich well to do aboard the Icarus spaceship. When he sees Lilac he’s drawn to her from across the room, her hair is standout just like her dress. Without knowing she’s the daughter of the richest man in the universe he approaches her sparking up a conversation. However he soon learns that she’s not the girl he thought but the kind of rich girl he tries to avoid. After all he’s the son of a teacher and poet not nearly on the same level as Lilac only in the same area due to being a hero.

When the ship suddenly malfunctions forcing everyone into escape pods Tarver is forced to save Lilac again but this time when the pod refuses to launch its Lilac who surprises him and manually forces it to launch.  The pod launches the pair towards an unknown planet that they learn has been terraformed but doesn't seem to have any inhabitants. They watch as the Icarus crashes into the planet leaving with it a path of destruction. Hoping the rescue crews will find them they head off to the crash site. While Tarver is down for the count it falls to Lilac to salvage the Icarus. When Lilac starts hearing whispers they follow the flowers into the forest finding a station hoping to make a signal but learn more secrets are hidden in its depths. Will they survive? Will they be rescued? What’s looming in the darkness? What are the whispers?

At first I wasn't sure if I would like Lilac because of the way she treated Tarver but really she was mean so that her father wouldn't find out about him. She’s stubborn but smart she also has a geeky side which makes me connect with her. I love Tarver he’s just the good guy who you can’t help falling in love with the way he protects and takes care of Lilac. I think they are a perfect match they each have something to offer and it allows them to be who they really are.

These Broken Stars is a fast paced adventure that grabs you right from the start keeping you drawn in till the very end. The author has created a captivating concept of the future which leaves the imagination wondering what if? I know I’m wondering if we can terraform Mars. The story has hints of Romeo & Juliet with a little of Titanic mix in but with the authors own unique twist. I think the author has created a brilliant story that is written beautifully from both points of view giving us insights into both Lilac and Tarver. The characters are memorable, easy to connect with and you can’t help cheering them on as they struggle on the planet. The story is filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of the sofa I had a few nervous moments but the author has written a perfect end. It's one of those books that will leave you thinking about it after you finish. I really loved the book and can’t wait to see what the future for the series holds. 

5 out of 5 stars

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? May 13th 2013

Welcome to It's Monday! is a weekly event hosted by Sheila at Bookjourney to share with others what you've read the past week and are planning to read the next.

Hubby's out of town for two weeks so I hope to catch up on my super behind reading. 

Read last week:

Sunshine by Nikki Rae (Review)
&
Centaur Rivalry by Nancy Straight (Review)

Currently Reading:

Comes the Night by Norah Wilson & Heather Doherty (Goodreads)
&
Afterlife Academy by Jaimie Adans (Goodreads)

Plan for the rest of the week:

Insight by Terron James (Goodreads)
The Huaca by Marcia Mickelson (Goodreads)
Triangles by Kimberly Ann Miller (Goodreads)
PODs by Michelle K. Pickett (Goodreads)

What are you reading this week?

2013 Dystopia Reading Challenge

2013 Dystopia Reading Challenge 

Hosted by Blog of Erised 

I'm new to Dystopia genre only getting a chance to read a few not nearly as many as I wanted to. So when I saw the challenge I just had to sign up. 

I'm going to do the 4th level 19+ books

Just to start

1. Doomed by Tracy Deebs (Review)
2. Dark Waltz by A.M. Hargrove (Review)
3. Eden's Root by Rachel E Fisher (Review)
4. Seeds of War by Rachel E Fisher (Review)
5. Darklandia by T.S. Welti (Review)

6. Mila 2.0 Debra Driza (Review)
7. Terra by Gretchen Powell (Review)
8. The Ward by Jordana Frankel (Review)
9. Shudder by Samantha Durante (Review)
10. Delirium by Lauren Oliver (Review)
11. Collide by Shelly Crane (Review)
12. Reboot by Amy Tintera (Review)
13. PODs by Michelle K. Pickett (Review)
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.

Top Ten Tuesday!

Top Ten Tuesday!

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke And The Brookish. Who doesn't love lists. They make life easy! And fun!! It's always a never ending topic.

This week's topic:
Top ten books I read in 2013

I read so many awesome books this year picking 10 is really hard to do but I will do my best.

1. Marking Time by April White (Goodreads) I really enjoyed the first book in this exciting new series. I'm impatiently waiting for the next book in the series.

2 Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead (Review) I read them all this year Loved them all.

3. Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst (Review) An awesome vampire story mixed with unicorns.

4. Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry (Review) I just finished this one but enjoyed it.

5. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith (Review) This one was a pleasant surprise.

6. PODs by Michelle K. Pickett (Review) I'm a sucker for a good zombie book.

7. These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman (Review) I loved the story it was hard to put down.

8. Scorched by Mari Mancusi (Review) My new favorite dragon book.

9. Romancing the Bookworm by Kate Evangelista (Review)

10. The Selection by Kiera Cass (Review) I've read the second one and I'm dying for the final book.


What's your top ten?

Halloween Spotlight ~ Zombies

During the month of October I want to spotlight as many different types of Halloween books as I can. Some of my favorites while others are on my to read list. Each post will have a theme for example this one is all about Zombies!!!!!

I have a soft spot for zombies I just can’t seem to get enough of them. I think it’s because they scare me and deep down I figure one day they will be in some form walking the earth. I know far-fetched but I have an overactive imagination. My hubby and friends love to give me a hard time but who knows maybe a scientist will accidently create the walking dead. 

My favorite Zombie books

 Dead Over Heels by Alison Kemper (Review)

Donna of the Dead by Alison Kemper (Review)

PODs by Michelle K. Pickett (Review)

Taste by Kate Evangelista (Review)

Undead by Kirsty McKay (Review)

Unfed by Kirsty McKay (Review)

I have a huge TBR of zombies book I have every intention of reading. So I decided to narrow it down to just a few. So many great zombie books available to read that I may have to do challenge myself to read a bunch next year since they are my favorite.

Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter (Here)

She won’t rest until she’s sent every walking corpse back to its grave. Forever.

Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that’s all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone.

Her father was right. The monsters are real….

To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn’t careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies….


I wish I could go back and do a thousand things differently.
I'd tell my sister no.
I'd never beg my mother to talk to my dad.
I'd zip my lips and swallow those hateful words.
Or, barring all of that, I'd hug my sister, my mom and my dad one last time.
I'd tell them I love them.

I wish... Yeah, I wish.

I love the Alice concept but I've heard so many mixed thoughts I've procrastinated starting this series. However with the beautiful covers maybe it's time I just give it a chance. 

Aftertime by Sophie Littlefield (Goodreads)


Awakening in a bleak landscape as scarred as her body, Cass Dollar vaguely recalls surviving something terrible. Having no idea how many weeks have passed, she slowly realizes the horrifying truth: Ruthie has vanished.
And with her, nearly all of civilization.

Where once-lush hills carried cars and commerce, the roads today see only cannibalistic Beaters -- people turned hungry for human flesh by a government experiment gone wrong.

In a broken, barren California, Cass will undergo a harrowing quest to get Ruthie back. Few people trust an outsider, let alone a woman who became a zombie and somehow turned back, but she finds help from an enigmatic outlaw, Smoke. Smoke is her savior, and her safety.

For the Beaters are out there.


And the humans grip at survival with their trigger fingers. Especially when they learn that she and Ruthie have become the most feared, and desired, of weapons in a brave new world….

I've had this one on my kindle for a while but never seem to get around to it but it sound intriguing. I love scary zombie books but can't read them before bed or I'm doomed to have nightmares. 

Feed by Mira Grant (Goodreads)

The year was 2014. We had cured cancer. We had beaten the common cold. But in doing so we created something new, something terrible that no one could stop. 

The infection spread, virus blocks taking over bodies and minds with one, unstoppable command: FEED. Now, twenty years after the Rising, bloggers Georgia and Shaun Mason are on the trail of the biggest story of their lives - the dark conspiracy behind the infected. 

The truth will get out, even if it kills them

I've heard so much about Feed but it sound scary so I've been waiting. I hope to get to it this month.

Do you have any favorite zombie books? I'm always looking to add to my collection of zombie books. 

Don't forget to enter my Spooktacular giveaway (here) over 200 other blogs.