Saturday, November 16, 2013

Making Connections PODS Tour + Giveaway!





Title:   PODs
Author:   Michelle K. Pickett
Genre:   Science Fiction>Dystopia, Young Adult, Zombies, Romance
Published:   June 4th 2013 by Spencer Hill Press
Page Count:   312 pgs

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

As much as I love horror (or at least did in the past) I've always been a little squeamish when it comes to zombies.  I'm a weird one, I know.  Now that I've been reading more and more dystopian over the past year I've been running into 'zombies' a little more often, and oddly getting more comfortable with the subject.  This book is just perfect for the reluctant zombie reader.  Though I was aware of the parallels between zombies and the 'infected', it did NOT feel like a YA Walking Dead rehash, or a Resident Evil reenactment.  It didn't try to explain every little thing, after all a teenage blonde girl is not likely to 'know' all the science and such behind every little thing- and I had no problem with that.  In fact, I think that's one of the reasons I loved it SO much.  It's like a 'layman's' YA zombie book.

Everything is from the perspective of Eva: intelligent, nearly faints at the sight of blood, an only child and rather naive about the world but still wise beyond her years.  Her transformation through the book, reactions to the spreading infection, reaction to the PODs and life within them... it was just all so believable.  I fully felt for Eva, worried over Josh's advances, swooned over David, and was her biggest cheerleader when she fully owned her reality and took life by the pants and kicked some serious butt.  She is a jewel of a character with the perfect balance of vulnerability and moxie, teenage hormones and responsible maturity.  I felt completely at home with her and loved every second.  (*Personal 'Woohoo' for purple hoodies!  Just had to add that!)

The romance was so sweet, and tragic at times.  This may be totally goofy, but the relationship was like a Taylor Swift song in the making.  Sweet, innocent, but charged with passionate longing, and finally tempered by circumstances.  I would consider this to still be a relatively 'clean' read (no forays into teenage porn) but keep in mind that like any horror movie, there WILL be blood.  And 'infected'.  And shotguns, and biting, and ... you get the idea, right?

Any fans of dystopian and YA should really give this book a try.  I will most definitely be continuing the series!  It's on my top 5 list of favorite dystopian books, and I'm flabbergasted I haven't heard more about it from readers.  Seriously, run out to your favorite bookstore (or visit your local library) and read this book!

I receive a free eBook from the author via the Making Connections Blog Tours in exchange for an unbiased review.  My thoughts are my own.
 

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!"

Social Links

 
Buy the Book

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

Giveaway

1 signed copy of PODs and some Swag!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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