Welcome to the PODs Book Blitz! Today I have an Excerpt and a Giveaway for you to enter today!
About the Book
Author: Michelle Pickett
Series: PODs #1
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Publication Date: June 4, 2013
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.
About the Author
I'm a wife, mother, author, reader, although not always in that order. I write young adult urban fantasies, science/fiction and paranormal romances and have recently started dabbling in young adult and new adult contemporary romance. Reading was one of my earliest passions, writing soon followed. I began writing seriously during college where I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in accounting. Why I chose a career that frowns on creativity remains a mystery.
I’m addicted to Reese’s peanut butter cups and eat way too many while I write (I’m currently trying to kick this habit—so far no luck), have an abnormal obsession with hoodies and can’t write without one, and I hate to cook, but love to watch cooking shows on television. An unabashed romantic, I love a swoon-worthy ending that will give me butterflies for days.
I wrote my debut young adult novel, PODs, in 2011. My second young adult title, Milayna, a paranormal romance, will release through Spencer Hill Press June 3, 2014. Milayna’s Angel (Milayna #2) is scheduled for release September 2014. The Infected, a PODs novel, will release November 2014. It is the second, and final, book in the PODs series. The Innocent (Milayna #3), the third and final book in the Milayna series, will release in April 2015.
I was 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 an extremely snooty cat.
Keep up-to-date with my current, future projects, appearances, and fun giveaways by visiting my website or blog!
I always love to hear from readers, bloggers and other authors!
Excerpt of PODs by Michelle Pickett
“Who ate all the damn strawberries?” Aidan yelled. “I was saving them for my cereal.”
“I did. Use the banana,” Josh said.
“A banana isn’t a strawberry. I marked the container with my name. You’re a jerk—”
The container hit the metal wall of the chute with a crack. I always jumped when it did that. I hated it. It reminded me of the banging and crunching we’d heard when Cam’s sub-POD was cut off from the main.
“It’s not time for our blood checks,” I said.
“Maybe it’s strawberries. I’d really like some strawberries… Josh,” Aidan said, an edge to his voice.
“Drop dead,” Josh replied, never looking up from his computer.
David got up from the table where we were having breakfast. Taking the container from the chute, he pulled a manila envelope out of the basket.
He dumped the contents on the table for everyone to see. Inside were ten name badges, one for each of us. Our photos— except Faith’s— and names were printed on one side; the other had barcodes. David scanned the label on the envelope, his face growing pale. “What’s it say, David?” I whispered.
“‘The seals to each sub-POD will be broken tomorrow morning. Do not attempt to leave your sub-POD. Officers will give residents directions and escort them to their appropriate area topside.’ That’s all it says.”
“It’s over,” Tiffany murmured, pulling the baby close.
“Hot damn! Finally, I’m free of this tin can,” Josh jumped up and hurried to the guys’ bedroom.
Well, at least Josh is happy. Why aren’t the rest of us? I thought we’d be excited. But instead everyone looks… anxious. What will we find up there? What has the world become?
“Well, guess we should start packing up our stuff,” Aidan said.
“Yeah, I guess so,” Seth agreed, rising slowly from his seat, rubbing his hands up and down his thighs.
One by one, everyone walked to their sleeping areas and started packing their belongings— except me. I sat in the living room alone, flicking the corner of my name badge with my fingernail. The lanyard wound so tightly around my fingers they turned red. My insides were quivering, jittery. Something wasn’t right. For fifteen months we’d all looked forward to the moment we could leave, but now that the time was here it felt… wrong.
First place: Signed copy of PODs, tote bag, and swag (US only see note for international)
Second place: Signed copy of PODs and swag (US only see note for international)
(**International winners will receive a print copy of PODs only if www.Bookdepository.com delivers to their country. Otherwise they will receive an e-book. Swag will not be included.**)
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