PODs (Pods #1)
by Michelle K. Pickett (Goodreads Author)
Paperback, 312 pagesPublished June 4th 2013 by Spencer Hill Press*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*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.
When I first read the description of PODs, I thought - Without any sarcasm - Great! Another post apocalyptic / slightly dystopian tale! I love these kinds of stories. Seriously, it's a genre for me that I will never get enough of. What I didn't expect, was for PODs to punch me in the face and tell me " I am NOT like all the rest!" Ya know.. if books could punch people or talk.
Yes. PODs has alot of similar elements as other Post Apocalyptic Dystopians. " oh my gosh! A VIRUS- WERE ALL GONNA DIE!" The kicker with PODs is, you pretty much know from the get-go WHO is going to die. A raffle determines who gets into the pods and ultimately has significant chance of survival, and who gets left out in the open and doesn't really stand a chance.
For me this is where PODs stands with the smaller crowd of P.A authors. Too many stories drop you in the middle of the aftermath. All death and destruction and 90% of the S**t has already gone down. PODS give readers a chance to experience the "before" aspect. The semi normal times, the shock and the heartbreak. Then the inbetween- The life in the PODs.
I was really worried that it would simply flash forward to 1 yr later and everyone leaving the PODs. Thank you Michelle k. Pickett! Not only am I happy that I wasn't just Thrown into the Post Apocalyptic world, but life inside the PODs was really interesting!
Getting to spend a year with the characters was wonderful. You really get to know them and what they are like and watch the relationships form. There were also some SERIOUSLY intense scenes that really help shape the characters into the stronger selves we know they need to be.
Outside of the PODs is a mixed can of worms. Stay inside the community. Be safe, but controlled and overall unhappy. Or leave the community, be with the man you love, but fight for your life every damn day.
Overall, I really enjoyed the unique perspectives given in PODs. Sometimes it isn't about prepping for survival. Sometimes it's just about getting lucky. It was thrilling and intriguing, with just enough romance. I would highly recommend it.
Rating: 4.5/5
