May 15, 2013

Review: Pods by Michelle Pickett

Paperback, 288 pages
Expected publication: June 4th 2013 by Spencer Hill Press

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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.


I really, really, really enjoyed this book! I don't even know how to start this review. Here goes...

Eva is sent to live in the PODs for a year while they try to contain the virus above. While in the PODs, she gets to know her roommates well and even finds love.

There were parts of the book that made me feel nothing but pain for Eva and her friends. They were basically torn away from their family because of a lottery, and are left to survive on their own. Jumping into a POD full of strangers wasn’t easy on any of them. Eva had to be my favorite, though, and I am not just saying that because she is the main character. She knew how to take an uncomfortable situation and turn it around. She took everything that was handed to her with no fear (or at least she didn’t show it) and just accepted that everything around her, was indeed happening. She cracked jokes and even gave her POD mates nick names upon arrival. Eva helped everyone out without them even asking. She took the little she had to work with and made the best of it. I laughed out loud so many times at some of the things that ran through her head. Honestly, all the characters were so much fun to read and were all well written.

There is a romance that grows between Eva and her POD mate named, David. Which I knew was coming because of the blurb, but I did not expect it to be as romantic as it was. So prepare yourself because this book has a ton of romance in it. I LOVED IT! With everything that happens I did not think the romance would play such a big part, but I am so happy it did. Once Eva and her friends are let out from the PODs, they are all each other have. They have bonded so much that leaving the PODs broke my heart, not just theirs. I felt every emotion they did.

David has become everything to Eva, and Eva to David. Their romance is not instant at all. I felt like I was sitting there in the PODs with them waiting for them to realize that obviously they care a lot about each other and need to be together.

As much as I enjoyed this book, I did have a couple of issues and questions left unanswered. I can’t really share much because I don’t want to share any spoilers, but I had questions about Eva’s parents and everyone’s families in the PODs. I know we’re just supposed to assume the worse, but it was never brought up again. I would have liked a bit more on the subject towards the end.

Their friend Josh, who lived in the PODs with them, what happened to him?

Another issue I had was (and I can’t believe I am going to say this) that there were WAY TOO many make out scenes. After the third or fourth one it felt repetitive, and I actually found myself skipping through the scene because I already knew the outcome. I loved David and Eva, and loved that the romance was a big part of this book, but some of those scenes were unnecessary; to me at least.

Aside from all that, I give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars! It’s easy to follow and reads at a great pace. The awesome characters in it made it super fun to read, and it has plenty of suspense and mystery. It’s also unpredictable, and once you’re pulled into the story it’s unputdownable! The ending was perfect! It’s not a cliffhanger, but not a completely ending either, where there is no room for a second book. It can be either a standalone, or can have a sequel. Guess we will have to wait and find out.

A Good Choice for Reading!












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11 comments:

  1. I am very excited for this book, and your review makes me even more excited! I can't wait to get my hands on it! Thankfully it won't be much more of a wait :D Hopefully, if there is a second book, your questions will be answered!

    Great review!

    Magen Corrie
    ~Corrie the Book Crazed Girl

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    Replies
    1. Hi, Magen!

      Even though PODs was originally meant to be a stand-alone, there will be a second book and it answers some of Damaris's questions. :) It's called THE INFECTED and will release in November 2014 through Spencer Hill Press. More information will be coming after PODs releases.

      Michelle :)
      Author, PODs available June 4th
      Milayna available March 11, 2014
      The Infected, a PODs novel available November 2014

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    2. Thank you, Damaris for the wonderful review. I'm so happy you enjoyed PODs!

      Michelle :)
      Author, PODs available June 4th
      Milayna available March 11, 2014
      The Infected, a PODs novel available November 2014

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    3. Michelle, I am so happy there is going to be a sequel. I cannot wait!!

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  2. It sounds like a good book! I think I'll have to add it to my tbr and check it out. :) Thanks for the review!

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  3. Can't wait for this book! It's been on my to-read list for a while! This review makes me wish I could get my hands on it even sooner! Can't wait and thanks for the lovely review!

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  4. Can't wait to read this I am so excited for this! I hope I win it!!!

    hakaurvamp (at) gmail (dot) com

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  5. Cool dystopian story! 4.5 out of 5 is awesome - so will be checking this out!

    Thanks,
    Leanne

    leannessf at gmail dot com

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  6. Oooh, this looks so good! I've been wanting to read it for a while,it looks amazing!

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  7. Interesting use of pods for a book

    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

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  8. I love love love end of the world books! :D this also has a very special place on my TBR list, can't wait to read it.

    jannettanrobinson at yahoo dot com

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