Today we are hosting Michelle Pickett’s book tour of her Amazon bestselling Young Adult Science Fiction/Dystopian novel PODS. Read on for a book synopsis, my review and to find out more about the author. Residents of the US can also enter the Rafflecopter giveaway to win 1 signed copy of PODs and some Swag!  Details below. Tina 🙂

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.

My Review of PODs, by Michelle Pickett

Title:   PODs

Author:   Michelle K. Pickett

Genre:   Science Fiction/Dystopia, Young Adult, Zombies, Romance

Published:   June 4^th 2013 by Spencer Hill Press

Page Count:   312 pgs

Terrifying Future Tempered by Tender Romance!

PODS, by Michelle Pickett, offers readers a vision of the future which I found both realistic and terrifying. In the novel a deadly virus, which kills its victims within days and which has no known cure, has struck the Earth’s population. In the US the government holds a nationwide ‘raffle’, the winners being guaranteed apparent safety, alongside essential government personnel, scientists and military etc. in specially designed PODS deep underground. Meanwhile the virus wreaks havoc topside and the hope is that it will die out in the absence of remaining live hosts…. The tale centres on Eva, a 17 year old High School student. We witness how she, her family and others react to the news of the virus, the raffle, Eva’s guilt at being selected and the bittersweet realisation that once she enters the POD system she will never see her family or friends again.

Before going into the PODS Eva with the other ‘chosen’ spend two weeks in isolation in quarantine to ensure that their bodies harbour no nascent virus. Only then does she enter one of the many PODS, with other young men and women (for it is only the young and healthy who have been selected). All find it difficult to adjust to being separated from the life they knew and their loved ones and need to work together to remain sane under such claustrophobic and bizarre circumstances.

It is in the POD that Eva befriends David and it is not long before their mutual attraction turns into a budding romance, despite the difficulties of conducting a relationship with such a complete lack of privacy, not to mention misgivings such an attachment may not be a good idea, in case it turns sour. Ensconced in their POD, Eva and David struggle to contain their feelings and the other inhabitants all have their own dramas to cope with. Meanwhile both topside and within the PODS the virus has not yet had its fill….. When they are finally allowed back to the surface, after more than a year underground, the world and the rules which govern it have changed beyond recognition. Worse than that, the virus has mutated, creating terrifying Zombie like creatures and the battle for survival, whilst avoiding infection, is on……

I loved the the two main leads Eva and David. Both show themselves to be very level headed in a crisis and believe me there are many that they face! Their growing relationship is a delight to behold and there are many tender and bittersweet moments. The couple not only harbour a strong physical attraction to one another, but are also well suited in terms of their character. David is a real hottie who puts Eva’s welfare above his own and Eva is a strong and caring individual who is willing to fight for the safety of those she cares for and she wants to be with David whatever the cost. They and the other survivors have to put their youthful dreams behind them and adapt to survive, even when the actions they are compelled to take are far from palatable and heartbreaking at times.

Other characters in the novel were well drawn. My particular favourites whilst the scenes unfolded in the PODS were Jai Li and Tiffany. Once topside I liked the character of Devlin, who along with David protects others from the infected. There is plenty of tension in terms of characters who do not see eye to eye with others and the ever present government authorities who control life for those within the PODS and many areas topside, holding the destinies of many within their hands. The tale contains adventure, blood and gore, betrayal and self-sacrifice and plenty of romance. I found the tale a realistic portrayal of what could happen if such a fate ever befell humankind.

I recommend PODS to readers of Young Adult novels who like a thought provoking romance set within a future dystopian society. The second novel in the series, Infected, comes out this month. Read on for the buy links for PODS, how to enter the GIVEAWAY (open to US residents only) and to read about the author Michelle Pickett and her works.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of PODS was given to me by the author for the purpose of an honest and fair review. The Book Tour is hosted by Making Connections Blog Tours

Buy Links for PODs:

Amazon ׀ Barnes&Noble ׀ Books-A-Million The Book Depository׀

Giveaway – open to US Residents only

Win 1 signed copy of PODs and some Swag!

Click on the following link to enter the giveaway for one signed copy of PODS and some SWAG! Good Luck to all who enter! 🙂

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6289a714/

Coming Next………………..

About the Author

I’m a wife, mother, author, reader, although not always in that order. I’ve been an avid reader since a young child. I began writing for personal enjoyment in college, where I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in accounting. Why I chose a degree that didn’t encourage creativity is a mystery to me. I’m addicted to Reese’s peanut butter cups and eat way too many while I write. I have a weird obsession with hoodies and can’t write without wearing one. I hate to cook, but love to watch cooking shows. I’m an unabashed romantic and love swoon-worthy happy endings that give me butterflies for days. Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, I now reside in a small community outside Houston, Texas with my incredibly supportive, not to mention gorgeous, husband, three amazing school-aged children, a 125-pound lap dog, and a cat that thinks she’s queen. I write adult and young adult Sci/Fi, urban fantasy and paranormal romances. I love to hear from readers and other authors, so drop me a note and say “Hi!”

My work includes:

The Amazon Bestselling young adult novel “PODs”

Milayna, March 2014

Buy Links for Milayna:

Amazon ׀ Barnes&Noble ׀ The Book Depository

Milayna’s Angel (Milayna #2), September 2014

The Infected, a PODs novel, November 2014,

The Innocent (Milayna #3), April 2015.

I always love to hear from readers, bloggers and other authors!

Find me here:

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5448974.Michelle_K_Pickett

Blog – http://www.michelle-pickett.com/

Website – www.Michelle-Pickett.com

Email –  Michelle@Michelle-Pickett.com

Twitter – https://twitter.com/michelle_kp

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MichellePickettAuthor

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Michelle-K.-Pickett/e/B008QWUA5O/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Shelfari – http://www.shelfari.com/michellepickett

Pinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/michelleauthor/

Linkedin – http://www.linkedin.com/in/michellepickett

Add to your Goodreads Shelf – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13425802-pods