REVIEW:The Killables by Gemma Malley

Evil has been eradicated. The City has been established. And citizens may only enter after having the 'evil' part of their brain removed. They are labelled on the System according to how 'good' they are. If they show signs of the evil emerging, they are labelled a K . . . But no one knows quite what that means. Only that they disappear, never to be seen again ...

I wasn't sure what to expect from The Killables. The blurb didn't explain much, but I had pretty high expectations, from the reviews I had read. Unfortunately, although did enjoy it, it wasn't as good as I hoped it would be. 

The story centers around Evie and Raffy, who both live in the City. They are in love, but their relationship is 'evil' and against the law, according to The System, which controls everything. I didn't like either of the main characters, which, obviously, is not a good thing in a book! They were both quite selfish, and Evie was always thinking of herself. She had no mind of her own and just did whatever the horrible Raffy told her to. Oh my goodness, RAFFY. He was possibly the worst character I've ever come across. He was so BORING.All he wanted to do was boss people around all the time, and he always had to get his own way. He was really mean too. He had no personality other than that. He and Evie continued to irritate me all the way throughout the book. I didn't warm to either of them, even at the end! The only character I liked was Lucas. He had some personality at least, and I think he was a much better love interest for Evie. Even though she didn't deserve him!

And I found Evie and Raffys relationship ridiculous! There was no explanation or building up of their relationship, it was just: they love each other. Accept it. I didn't like it at all, I would have much preferred at least a little bit of build-up.

However, apart from the characters, most of the rest of the book was great! It was written so well, the world-building was fantastic. It was so detailed and the history the author created was so interesting, I loved reading about it. It was a very original and creative concept too, and the author really made it work. I am now eager to read more of Gemma Malley's books, to get more of her brilliant writing. As long as the characters were nicer in her other books!

I liked how there was always something happening. The action scenes were exciting and frequent, and although they didn't feel 'unputdownable' I still enjoyed them! Especially towards the end, those were my favourite. 

The ending felt a bit rushed to me. It all seemed so easy! *SPOLIER. HIGHLIGHT TO READ.* They just went into the City, infiltrated the System, taking it down, and got out again, so easily! I wish there had been more conflict. * SPOILER OVER* It was quite a satisfying ending though, I don't see why it needs to be a series! I don't think I'll be reading the next book, I'm happy enough with this ending!

I know this seems like quite a negative review, but really, I did like it! There was a fair bit of bad and not so much of good, but the good news is that the good was very good, so it makes the bad not so bad! If that makes any sense :) Would I recommend it? Welllll... It wouldn't be top of my list, but I would to fans of dystopia or Gemma Malley's other books. I will be looking out for more of this authors books!

Rating: 3/5

Source: For Review - thanks to Luisa Plaja for sending me this to review!

Format: Proof Copy (ARC)
Pages: 384

Age group: 12+
Official Publication Date: March 29th 2012
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton
Challenges: British Books Challenge, ABC Reading Challenge