Book Review: Pods by Michelle K. Pickett

Pods

Author:Michelle K. Pickett

Release Date: June 4, 2013

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

Pods Book #1

ISBN:  1937053288

ISBN13: 9781937053284

Genre: YA/Dystopian
Review Copy Source: Publisher

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.

PODS was much more than expected. A deadly virus has been released into the world and only some are chosen to live protected in the POD system. Eva has to leave everyone she knows behind for a chance to live. When the PODS open and the occupants are released lots of things have changed and Eva no longer wants to follow the path that is set out for her if it means she has to be without her POD mate David.

I don't love the cover for PODS but the book was pretty good. Eva is pretty smart and determined. She is chosen to live in the POD system but her parents can not come with, therefore are expected to die.  She has to endure a lot of blood tests and quarantine before she can get into the PODS and the test continue once she is there. She is put with a group of strangers about the same age as her and for the most part everyone gets along besides one. It was a tad bit boring during some of the PODS time but it went by quickly and picked up once Eva was released. 

The characters were great. Each one brought their own personality and background to the story. The situations these 'kids' are put into are pretty nuts. They weather the storm pretty well though. Eva and David butt heads a lot but quickly develop feelings for each other. I enjoyed following their romance. I loved the reveal of the mutated virus. I was not expecting that and it was a great addition to the story. 

I didn't realize that PODS was part of a series until I saw that there was a sequel coming from the authors website. I would have been fine with the ending being just that but I am glad we will get more. 

I gave it 4/5 stars