So I heard about this book at the 2012 BEA. Or rather I saw the bookmark and was like 'Huh that girl looks like Hayden Panettiere' and grabbed one up to investigate. It was only later, after reading Concilium, that I found out the connection between the two (same author).

The book is, appropriately enough, broken up into different 'parts'. We see before Eva enters the POD (Populace Obliteration Defense...yeah that sounds like something the government would name the project meant to protect against an Extinction Level Event), the year or so she's inside the POD, and then everything after. Its an interesting way to view Eva's evolution as in some ways she remains the same and in others she changes quite a bit.

Throughout the book I wanted a happy end for Eva. She kind of got a shaft deal quite frankly. Not just her, everyone in the PODs seemed to get a shaft deal and some dealt better than others (Josh, you suck). At first Eva is closed off. Not so much because she doesn't want to interact, but rather she is still in shell shock from the entire ordeal. Slowly she opens up, though she's set rules for herself in hopes that it will keep her from feeling anymore pain.

David is...in the POD he's definitely different. He's constantly smiling or chuckling at something Eva does or says, doesn't really let how truly upset he was show (unlike the others). After the year in the POD, due to other circumstances, he's harder, quieter and more pessimistic. Eva by contrast is desperately holding onto whatever she can to get through the days. I do admit to becoming a bit annoyed with them both at this point; granted they both bring up good points about why they need to be more rational, but in the end they both take major risks to be together.

It makes sense, from a psychological standpoint. They found a sense of normalcy with each other, a way to fight back the tide of depression and so because of spending so much time together they became dependent on each other. Perfectly logical. However its stressed its because they love each other and can't bare to be apart. I had to bite my inner cheek to keep from shouting.

Despite this being part of a series (there is a second book due out, Infected), the ending is satisfying, but leaves enough questions to bespeak another book (for one thing, where did the virus come from exactly? how many people survived it? How many people mutated?). I'm interested to see where Pickett goes with David and Eva now, plus hey I'm always down for some governmental conspiracy! ( )

2.5 stars. It was ok, about what I expected based on the description and previous experiences. Nothing spectacular.

It would have been more of a solid 3 star rating if the characters didn't have to make out every 2.5 seconds. Seriously annoying. It got old really fast. And the story line just kept circling. First they were in PODs, then in the compound, then back in the POD, then back to the compound. Never really went anywhere for me. ( )

I seriously loved this book. It was a perfect read for me. I've always found myself almost as interested in the rebuilding of society as the apocalyptic event when ever I read books like this. This book goes into so much detail about the governments plans and how everything is being run.

I was doubtful when I read the blurb about this book because it seemed like there was way too much information to fit in a 300 page book. But somehow Michelle Pickett managed just that without it feeling rushed or falling flat. I have no idea how she was able to explain everything in such detail considering:

1) This book spans across a large chunk of time

2) There were so many characters in and out of the story that I felt attached to, they weren't just zombie fodder

3) The love interest was slow building and realistic

4) Detailed descriptions were give about all of the government actions going on around them, including procedures, logistics, and motivations.


Overall I found this book to be actually plausible in real life (unlikely but not impossible) and extremely gripping From start to finish.. ( )

Review of PODs

Rating 4 stars

(3rd Review for July)

www.reviewoffantasy.com

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.


The thing about this book that made it different from every other Zombie book was that it didn't just show the aftermath of the “Zombie Virus” we got to see the before which was very interesting and well written. I finished PODs in one sitting it just kept me turning pages. The actual Pod system was well thought out and even though it was a bit like big brother – watching a group of people do day to day stuff it still kept me interested.

I must admit I cried when Eva was being separated from her parents I could feel her panic and then numbness, it was so so sad, and her fear was tangible when she reached the decontaminating camp. I mean to be selected as a person who would be saved from the virus and then treated the way they were in my opinion they were treated like criminals in a sense, locked up in glass boxes, it just sounded horrible and It didn't stop there, there seemed to be no human compassion when the world was at its end yet not one ounce of kindness or reassurance was given from the adults over the pod system, it showed great character in Eva at how strong she was throughout the whole ordeal.

On leaving the pod system I was excited to see where everyone would go, and wasn't shocked when camps were set up, but once again it displayed the adult’s as cold and callous.

Spoiler: http://aoifesheri.wordpress.com/2013/07/16/review-of-pods-by-author-michelle-k-p...

Eva – her best quality was how stubborn she was, I just loved it about her and her sense of humour only heightened when she was angry, she had me smiling so much with her angry/smart comments. Eva’s shyness was lovely to see too, even though by her description you could tell she was beautiful, yet a compliment from David turned her bright red.

The love story was well paced intense, open and gentle. There was no push and shove, they loved each other and were never afraid to show it.


The Zombies – I didn't get to feel afraid while reading this book until the very end, but there is a book two which I can assume will be filled with action as much as I loved this book the lack of action was a bit disappointing but in saying that I can’t wait for book two.

( )

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. ( )