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Lila #1
Hunting Lila
17-year-old Lila has two secrets she's prepared to take to the grave. The first is that she can move things just by looking at them. The second is that she's been in love with her brother's best friend, Alex, since forever. After a mugging exposes her unique ability, Lila decides to run to the only people she can trust - her brother and Alex. They live in Southern California where they work for a secret organisation called The Unit, and Lila discovers that the two of them are hunting down the men who murdered her mother five years before. And that they've found them. In a world where nothing and no one is quite as they seem, Lila quickly realises that she is not alone - there are others out there just like her - people with special powers -and her mother's killer is one of them…
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2011
168 people are currently reading
33775 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Alderson
28 books2,789 followersHaving spent most of her life in London, Sarah quit her job in the non profit sector in 2009 and took off on a round the world trip with her husband and princess-obsessed daughter on a mission to find a new place to call home. After several months in India, Singapore, Australia and the US, they settled in Bali where they lived for five years.
She finished her first novel, Hunting Lila (winner of the Kingston Book Award), just before they left the UK, wrote the sequel on the beach in India and had signed a two book deal with Simon & Schuster by the time they had reached Bali.
A third book, Fated, about a teenage demon slayer, was published in January 2012.
The Sound, a thriller romance set in Nantucket, was published in August 2013 and this was followed by the critically acclaimed Out of Control in May 2014.
Her first non-fiction book - CAN WE LIVE HERE? - based on her blog of the same name, was published in August 2015 by Blink.
She also writes New Adult romance for Pan Macmillan (UK) / Simon & Schuster (US) under the pen name Mila Gray.
You can find Sarah on facebook and at www.sarahalderson.com or follow her blog at www.canwelivhere.com
She finished her first novel, Hunting Lila (winner of the Kingston Book Award), just before they left the UK, wrote the sequel on the beach in India and had signed a two book deal with Simon & Schuster by the time they had reached Bali.
A third book, Fated, about a teenage demon slayer, was published in January 2012.
The Sound, a thriller romance set in Nantucket, was published in August 2013 and this was followed by the critically acclaimed Out of Control in May 2014.
Her first non-fiction book - CAN WE LIVE HERE? - based on her blog of the same name, was published in August 2015 by Blink.
She also writes New Adult romance for Pan Macmillan (UK) / Simon & Schuster (US) under the pen name Mila Gray.
You can find Sarah on facebook and at www.sarahalderson.com or follow her blog at www.canwelivhere.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,155 reviews
September 1, 2011
What is there to say about Hunting Lila? It is an interesting mix of paranormal, science fiction and romance (focusing heavily on the latter), featuring an exciting cast of side characters and a (sometimes a little bratty) heroine with a (rather cool) superpower she doesn't dare tell anyone about. Let's say X-Men meets romantic comedy.
I did like Hunting Lila, especially the second half, enough to be interested in reading the sequel. I did not love it, though, for several reasons.
First off, the standard "We can't tell you because it's too dangerous for you". No, thank you. I just can't stand it. Especially when it turns into "I will tell you a little bit so that you are even more curious, but I just can't tell you everything, sorry". Gaaah! It makes me want to bang my head against a wall.
Then, Lila herself. Sometimes, she had an affinity to sulk a little too much, to come across as a spoiled brat. She wasn't angry without reason, and I understood her frustration when not being told the truth, but some of the decisions she made just weren't that … thought through. They made her seem young for her seventeen years. Still, I felt with her and I can't say her faults made me dislike her in any way. They made me roll my eyes sometimes, but then a few pages later, I would be furious on her behalf.
Another thing – the romance. Okay, Alex is hot. He is swoonworthy (seriously, I think this was the first book I ever read that actually used the word swoonworthy itself to describe a character). He has a great chest. He has amazing blue eyes. Was it mentioned that he's hot?? Yes? Okay, just to make it clear: He is hot.
Eh, yes. Thank you. I got it. Not that I have anything against hot male characters in books, but please, I would like to see for myself. I do not want to be told every five pages. Lila and Alex definitely had chemistry, and I just love their kind of love story, but that killed the thing for me in parts. Also, slight evidence of "It is not right for us to be together" syndrome. But he got over it pretty quickly ;). All in all, as I might add, the book was a just bit too heavy on physical description. And of course everyone was beautiful. Tsk. What else.
You notice that I have quite some things to complain about. Still, I was thoroughly entertained. I loved some of the side characters introduced towards the end, and I was definitely glued to the pages during the fast-paced last third of the book. This book is not particularly deep, but it was positively a lot of fun to read.
Random thoughts: For those of you who have read it, do you remember that one scene fairly at the beginning when Lila wakes up, goes down to the kitchen and finds Alex there? They make tea. She puts the kettle on the stove. They talk. They decide to got to bed. The kettle is never mentioned again. Am I just too blind to notice what happened to their tea? If not, I'm glad the house didn't burn down.
I did like Hunting Lila, especially the second half, enough to be interested in reading the sequel. I did not love it, though, for several reasons.
First off, the standard "We can't tell you because it's too dangerous for you". No, thank you. I just can't stand it. Especially when it turns into "I will tell you a little bit so that you are even more curious, but I just can't tell you everything, sorry". Gaaah! It makes me want to bang my head against a wall.
Then, Lila herself. Sometimes, she had an affinity to sulk a little too much, to come across as a spoiled brat. She wasn't angry without reason, and I understood her frustration when not being told the truth, but some of the decisions she made just weren't that … thought through. They made her seem young for her seventeen years. Still, I felt with her and I can't say her faults made me dislike her in any way. They made me roll my eyes sometimes, but then a few pages later, I would be furious on her behalf.
Another thing – the romance. Okay, Alex is hot. He is swoonworthy (seriously, I think this was the first book I ever read that actually used the word swoonworthy itself to describe a character). He has a great chest. He has amazing blue eyes. Was it mentioned that he's hot?? Yes? Okay, just to make it clear: He is hot.
Eh, yes. Thank you. I got it. Not that I have anything against hot male characters in books, but please, I would like to see for myself. I do not want to be told every five pages. Lila and Alex definitely had chemistry, and I just love their kind of love story, but that killed the thing for me in parts. Also, slight evidence of "It is not right for us to be together" syndrome. But he got over it pretty quickly ;). All in all, as I might add, the book was a just bit too heavy on physical description. And of course everyone was beautiful. Tsk. What else.
You notice that I have quite some things to complain about. Still, I was thoroughly entertained. I loved some of the side characters introduced towards the end, and I was definitely glued to the pages during the fast-paced last third of the book. This book is not particularly deep, but it was positively a lot of fun to read.
Random thoughts: For those of you who have read it, do you remember that one scene fairly at the beginning when Lila wakes up, goes down to the kitchen and finds Alex there? They make tea. She puts the kettle on the stove. They talk. They decide to got to bed. The kettle is never mentioned again. Am I just too blind to notice what happened to their tea? If not, I'm glad the house didn't burn down.
August 28, 2011
Even before I had finished my review I have already done a book boyfriend post on Alex! Please click on link if you want a visual of Alex :) http://irresistiblereads.blogspot.com...
Favourite Quote: He bent his head and in a voice that Jack couldn't hear, said, "When you came down the stairs and fell into me, that was the moment.'" Then his lips pressed against mine.
Wow! Hunting Lila is such an awesome read. It is a fast paced, entertaining, intensely readable story that is completely addictive.
Alderson has some dazzling story telling skills. I was completely absorbed in this tale and was unable to put it down until the last page. It has a fantastic mix of supernatural powers, suspense, mystery, action and romance. While the supernatural theme in Hunting Lila has an familiar yet enjoyable feel I thought the military element added an interesting element. Hunting Lila also has an upper YA feel too which makes it great read for those of us who are no longer a young adult but still love our YA.
Lila has a genuine and strong narrative makes her instantly likeable. Easy to relate too especially when it comes to her love life (who hasn't crushed on someone older or someone they have know for years?) and she is also a lot of fun. Then we have Alex. Protective, smart and caring (and it doesn't hurt that he is gorgeous too). There is also a well rounded bunch of secondary characters that I am looking forward to getting to know better in the next installment.
The romance is Hunting Lila was perfect. I was swooning at that dreamy and slightly sexy romance within the first couple of chapters. Lila and Alex had believable and sizzling chemistry together with a relationship that moved at the right pace.
Oh and what an ending! Alderson throws us an unexpected twist that leaves me craving book #2 now despite it not being a cliffhanger ending.
Overall, Hunting Lilia is an engaging and passionate read. I suggest you run out and grab a copy of this impressive debut immediately.
Favourite Quote: He bent his head and in a voice that Jack couldn't hear, said, "When you came down the stairs and fell into me, that was the moment.'" Then his lips pressed against mine.
Wow! Hunting Lila is such an awesome read. It is a fast paced, entertaining, intensely readable story that is completely addictive.
Alderson has some dazzling story telling skills. I was completely absorbed in this tale and was unable to put it down until the last page. It has a fantastic mix of supernatural powers, suspense, mystery, action and romance. While the supernatural theme in Hunting Lila has an familiar yet enjoyable feel I thought the military element added an interesting element. Hunting Lila also has an upper YA feel too which makes it great read for those of us who are no longer a young adult but still love our YA.
Lila has a genuine and strong narrative makes her instantly likeable. Easy to relate too especially when it comes to her love life (who hasn't crushed on someone older or someone they have know for years?) and she is also a lot of fun. Then we have Alex. Protective, smart and caring (and it doesn't hurt that he is gorgeous too). There is also a well rounded bunch of secondary characters that I am looking forward to getting to know better in the next installment.
The romance is Hunting Lila was perfect. I was swooning at that dreamy and slightly sexy romance within the first couple of chapters. Lila and Alex had believable and sizzling chemistry together with a relationship that moved at the right pace.
Oh and what an ending! Alderson throws us an unexpected twist that leaves me craving book #2 now despite it not being a cliffhanger ending.
Overall, Hunting Lilia is an engaging and passionate read. I suggest you run out and grab a copy of this impressive debut immediately.
October 12, 2011
Lila’s mother was brutally murdered when Lila was only 12 years old. Her father, stricken with grief, left her brother to live with his best friend Alex in the United States, but dragged Lila with him to London. While away from her brother and Alex, with whom she’s been in love for as long as she can remember, Lila discovers that she possesses a unique talent – psychokinesis. She is able to keep her ability secret until one day, in a dark London alley, two teenagers try to mug her and she uses it to defend herself. Not knowing what to do and where to hide, Lila gets on the first plane to California, where she hopes to find safety with her brother, and of course, with Alex. But her brother and Alex aren’t exactly normal 22-year-olds. They are both US Marines, working for the highly-trained, top-secret Unit. As soon as their enemies find out that Lila is Jack’s sister, she finds herself in even more danger than before.
Hunting Lila is deliciously shallow. Not a single thing in it made me think twice, helped me broaden my horizons, or any of that other nonsense we usually expect from books. :D But I was literally unable to put it down whole day yesterday. I did all my daily chores using just one hand, all the while holding my e-reader in the other.
Usually, I don’t much care for characters who get far too obsessed with a boy, to the point of losing all sense and making idiotic choices. Somehow, with Lila, it didn’t bother me as much. Perhaps it was because the whole thing was spiced up with so much well-written action. Perhaps it was because Alex truly is swoon-worthy. Perhaps I don’t even care about the reason. As a character, Lila is instantly likeable. I wouldn’t say that she’s too bright, but she’s not annoyingly stupid either. I was able to really relate to her from the very beginning, and I ended up caring about all the characters, even some I never expected to.
This is one of those stories where all the houses are nice, all the characters are pretty, and true love really does conquer all, but it also packs a few surprises and smartly-written dialogues. It’s a book I’ll definitely reread when I’m too tired to focus on anything demanding. I also can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
Hunting Lila is deliciously shallow. Not a single thing in it made me think twice, helped me broaden my horizons, or any of that other nonsense we usually expect from books. :D But I was literally unable to put it down whole day yesterday. I did all my daily chores using just one hand, all the while holding my e-reader in the other.
Usually, I don’t much care for characters who get far too obsessed with a boy, to the point of losing all sense and making idiotic choices. Somehow, with Lila, it didn’t bother me as much. Perhaps it was because the whole thing was spiced up with so much well-written action. Perhaps it was because Alex truly is swoon-worthy. Perhaps I don’t even care about the reason. As a character, Lila is instantly likeable. I wouldn’t say that she’s too bright, but she’s not annoyingly stupid either. I was able to really relate to her from the very beginning, and I ended up caring about all the characters, even some I never expected to.
This is one of those stories where all the houses are nice, all the characters are pretty, and true love really does conquer all, but it also packs a few surprises and smartly-written dialogues. It’s a book I’ll definitely reread when I’m too tired to focus on anything demanding. I also can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
September 8, 2011
Part #1 – In Which I “Get It”
Hunting Lila is a frenetic, light-hearted mash up of teen romance and comic-book action, with a backbeat of mystery and suspense.
Narrated by seventeen year old Lila, who has been keeping her power of telekinesis a secret, the plot is set in motion by a mugging on the streets of London. Lila takes off for California, to the safety of her brother and long-time crush, Alex. As it turns out, they have been keeping secrets of their own, and Lila is plunged into a world of black ops, revenge plotting and superpowers.
Reading Hunting Lila was a little like hearing a popular song on the radio. You know, that song that’s on such high rotation that even if it’s not to your usual taste, you find it stuck in your head and hear yourself humming along? In a similar way, Hunting Lila had a catchy quality. It’s a light read with a flirty vibe, focused heavily on keeping the reader entertained. (And given the adoration it has been receiving– I guess here it largely succeeds).
While the pacing isn’t overly consistent – it picks up rapidly in the second half, whereas the first focuses more on setting up the romantic plot – Hunting Lila has a sense of fun which makes it quite quick and easy to consume. The premise, while certainly not groundbreaking, was enjoyable and a slightly different take on current paranormal trends, with a couple of twists and turns.
The romance element was fluffy and heavily geared for swooning. I did like Alex, and I the interactions between he and Lila were certainly charged and engaging enough to keep me flipping pages to see how things would unfold. Although
On my purely entertainment-based evaluation, Hunting Lila passes.
But :|
Part #2 – In Which I Rain on the Fun Parade. Sorry
I’m going to place my griping below in spoiler tags, as I may mention elements of the plot best kept unspoiled.
This was a case of like, not love, for me. The concept and the plot were interesting and fun, respectively, and I see appeal of the romance, but overall, I can’t rate it above average, or “it was ok”. Which it was.
I may read the sequels out of interest to see where the story goes next, but ultimately, I was disappointed with Hunting Lila. :/
Read
August 23, 2014HUNTING LILA is on sale at the moment on Kindle for just £1.49 - spread the word! AND... my new novel COME BACK TO ME (published under my pen name Mila Gray) is also on sale - for just 99p.
It's set in Oceanside, just like the Lila books, and is about two marines on the base at Pendleton...one of whom is in love with his best friend's sister... :) this one is a straight up contemp romance.
US AMAZON link
UK AMAZON link
Come Back to Me
It's set in Oceanside, just like the Lila books, and is about two marines on the base at Pendleton...one of whom is in love with his best friend's sister... :) this one is a straight up contemp romance.
US AMAZON link
UK AMAZON link
Come Back to Me
August 23, 2011
Fast paced and completely out of control!!
Wow, now that’s what I call entertainment! Sarah Alderson spared no expense in delivering an explosive story filled with tons of action, constant intrigue and a strong cast of characters, some of which have a few supernatural powers up their sleeve. What more can you ask for? Hunting Lila felt like a wild adventure on the brink of spiraling out of control at every turn of the page. Definitely entertaining!
In this book we meet Lila who has a secret she’s been hiding for the past four years. She has this supernatural ability to move objects by sheer mental will, and when she uses that power to protect herself against an attack, she packs her stuff and flees out of the country and into the protection of her brother and his best friend. However, as she learns more about the secret organization they work for and how this military unit has been helping her brother catch their mother’s murderer, Lila discovers there’s a web of deceit behind every hidden corner and trying to figure out who she can trust is not as easy as moving objects.
I really liked the two main characters Lila and Alex. There was a ton of chemistry between these two and the buildup was nothing short of sweet torture. I did struggle a bit with how Lila’s brother Jack and Alex continually kept secrets from Lila, but it was refreshing to see a strong character such as Lila break down barrier after barrier to uncover the truth.
The story ends in a mild cliffy, but I have to say, after reading over 300 pages of constant action, I definitely need a mental break. ~sweet head spin~ However, I can’t wait for Alderson’s next release. Count me in!
Wow, now that’s what I call entertainment! Sarah Alderson spared no expense in delivering an explosive story filled with tons of action, constant intrigue and a strong cast of characters, some of which have a few supernatural powers up their sleeve. What more can you ask for? Hunting Lila felt like a wild adventure on the brink of spiraling out of control at every turn of the page. Definitely entertaining!
In this book we meet Lila who has a secret she’s been hiding for the past four years. She has this supernatural ability to move objects by sheer mental will, and when she uses that power to protect herself against an attack, she packs her stuff and flees out of the country and into the protection of her brother and his best friend. However, as she learns more about the secret organization they work for and how this military unit has been helping her brother catch their mother’s murderer, Lila discovers there’s a web of deceit behind every hidden corner and trying to figure out who she can trust is not as easy as moving objects.
I really liked the two main characters Lila and Alex. There was a ton of chemistry between these two and the buildup was nothing short of sweet torture. I did struggle a bit with how Lila’s brother Jack and Alex continually kept secrets from Lila, but it was refreshing to see a strong character such as Lila break down barrier after barrier to uncover the truth.
The story ends in a mild cliffy, but I have to say, after reading over 300 pages of constant action, I definitely need a mental break. ~sweet head spin~ However, I can’t wait for Alderson’s next release. Count me in!
September 9, 2011
3.5 stars
This is what I can tell you about Hunting Lila:
don't go into it with too many profound, life-changing expectations. A dialogue concerning the two chief World systems it is not.
What you should expect is a lot of fun, in the form of a lot of action à la X-men, a good deal of mystery, a paranormal element, some forevah and evah love and a swoonworthy guy.
When somebody murdered her mother five years earlier under unclear circumstances, Lila and her father moved back to England, his home country, leaving behind Lila's brother, Jack, but most of all Jack's best friend, Lila's crush of all crushes, Alex.
Lila is now 17 and gifted with some "abilities" which she barely controls. After an attempted mugging risks to turn into tragedy, Lila finally loses it and takes the first plane back to California, to her brother Jack and Alex.
But from the frying pan, Lila jumps straight into the fire.
In a whirlwind of action, Alex, black ops, Alex, kidnappings, Alex, guys with "abilities" and... well, Alex, Lila will uncover the stunning truth about her mysterious gift and the secret behind her mother's death.
So... Alex.
As I was saying, I really liked this book, it's a lot of fun. But to say that this girl is plagued by raging teen hormones would be a serious understatement. By half book, I was kind of smiling benignly at Lila for spending 99.9% of her time, while in absurdly dangerous situations, lusting after Alex. They're trying to kill you girl, get a grip, for chrissake. He's hot, I agree, but she describes his eyes with stroboscopic effects.
Also, I thought Lila was very puerile to be 17. She really did not sound like a girl that age but much more immature. A tad whiny and with serious concentration issues.
Still, this is a book I'd recommend because you will find it hard to put down, fast-paced and funny. The perfect read to kick back on your couch after a long day of work and relax, for a few hours of thoughtless, unadulterated fun.
Will surely pick up the next book, I want to see how she keeps up the romance.
This is what I can tell you about Hunting Lila:
don't go into it with too many profound, life-changing expectations. A dialogue concerning the two chief World systems it is not.
What you should expect is a lot of fun, in the form of a lot of action à la X-men, a good deal of mystery, a paranormal element, some forevah and evah love and a swoonworthy guy.
When somebody murdered her mother five years earlier under unclear circumstances, Lila and her father moved back to England, his home country, leaving behind Lila's brother, Jack, but most of all Jack's best friend, Lila's crush of all crushes, Alex.
Lila is now 17 and gifted with some "abilities" which she barely controls. After an attempted mugging risks to turn into tragedy, Lila finally loses it and takes the first plane back to California, to her brother Jack and Alex.
But from the frying pan, Lila jumps straight into the fire.
In a whirlwind of action, Alex, black ops, Alex, kidnappings, Alex, guys with "abilities" and... well, Alex, Lila will uncover the stunning truth about her mysterious gift and the secret behind her mother's death.
So... Alex.
As I was saying, I really liked this book, it's a lot of fun. But to say that this girl is plagued by raging teen hormones would be a serious understatement. By half book, I was kind of smiling benignly at Lila for spending 99.9% of her time, while in absurdly dangerous situations, lusting after Alex. They're trying to kill you girl, get a grip, for chrissake. He's hot, I agree, but she describes his eyes with stroboscopic effects.
Also, I thought Lila was very puerile to be 17. She really did not sound like a girl that age but much more immature. A tad whiny and with serious concentration issues.
Still, this is a book I'd recommend because you will find it hard to put down, fast-paced and funny. The perfect read to kick back on your couch after a long day of work and relax, for a few hours of thoughtless, unadulterated fun.
Will surely pick up the next book, I want to see how she keeps up the romance.
May 12, 2017
Having liked one of Alderson's other novels earlier this year, I wanted to make it a point to cry something else of her's and see if it was just as good.
Throw in a mystery, a swoon worthy romance and a paranormal aspect and I truly did love this every bit as much as I was hoping that I would.
A fast paced adventure, with just enough paranormal aspects to keep you interested and on your toes and characters every bit as lovable as they are remarkable and this is one read you won't want to miss out on.
Well written, paced, and entertaining, this is the perfect read for fans of the genre and new fans alike. I'm excited to start book two and see where it goes from here.
Throw in a mystery, a swoon worthy romance and a paranormal aspect and I truly did love this every bit as much as I was hoping that I would.
A fast paced adventure, with just enough paranormal aspects to keep you interested and on your toes and characters every bit as lovable as they are remarkable and this is one read you won't want to miss out on.
Well written, paced, and entertaining, this is the perfect read for fans of the genre and new fans alike. I'm excited to start book two and see where it goes from here.
September 2, 2011
Hunting Lila was a little bit like watching a teen movie: a fun blend of romance and soft-thriller-action. I'm labeling it as a popcorn munchie type movie[book]: a little bit swoony, smiley, action-y and definitely addictive. It even features some twist-y turn-y plot revelations in the end, adding some unpredictability and a bit of oomph to the climax.
I actually pretty much read this all in one go. It completely suited my mood at the time. I read a fair few adult thrillers and while Hunting Lila had that thriller aspect, it felt more like a mash-up of YA contemporary romance with soft-sci-fi aspects. It felt kind of like a guilty pleasure as it was rather light and flirty to read.
In terms of plot my crude analysis is: the first 50% focuses a lot on Lila crushing on (22 year old, brother's best friend) Alex. It was smiley and full of all kinds of YA swoon. The second 50% was where the action kicked in and things veered to the "X-men" side of things.
I really liked the older YA vibe, the military base setting, and the British narration. And, I really liked Alex ;)
Expect something light, flirty and fun ~ don't take yourself too seriously with this one. Good fun, good times. I am definitely reading #2 :)
I actually pretty much read this all in one go. It completely suited my mood at the time. I read a fair few adult thrillers and while Hunting Lila had that thriller aspect, it felt more like a mash-up of YA contemporary romance with soft-sci-fi aspects. It felt kind of like a guilty pleasure as it was rather light and flirty to read.
In terms of plot my crude analysis is: the first 50% focuses a lot on Lila crushing on (22 year old, brother's best friend) Alex. It was smiley and full of all kinds of YA swoon. The second 50% was where the action kicked in and things veered to the "X-men" side of things.
I really liked the older YA vibe, the military base setting, and the British narration. And, I really liked Alex ;)
Expect something light, flirty and fun ~ don't take yourself too seriously with this one. Good fun, good times. I am definitely reading #2 :)
January 12, 2020
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Hmmm, No Longer A Favorite*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Re-read:
The book centers around Lila Loveday (17) who has a Telekinetic, meaning she can move things with her mind. Something she's been hiding since the ability appeared, alongside the fact that she's in love with her brother's best friend. Overall, I'm shocked that it's not that good anymore. First thing I noticed in my re-read is that Lila annoyed me with the constant thinking of Alex. I get it, you're in love with him, but honey, you haven't seen him in three years. She's pretty much obsessed with him. The book was slow to actually begin - if you know what I mean - and spent most of the book with Lila thinking about Alex, wanting to be with him and all that. It got too much and overruled everything else that the book is about. Don't think I'll re-read book two though...
Also, Lila is actually a very naive and annoying, which I didn't notice the first time reading it - though to be fair, it's been seven years since my last read. That being said, the premises of the book is quite interesting, but like I said, it got overshadowed by Lila's teenage behavior. So it's quite clear that it's no longer a favorite of mine; the book will be removed from the ‘favorite shelf’, ‘favorite female character’, and ‘kick ass heroines’. But do not get me wrong, the book isn't bad, it's not, it's just not great for me anymore. I wasn't as picky as I am now. I've changed very much, specially on my book taste.
Other Characters:
The list is a bit long so I've put it in a spoilers tag.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Young Adult) Paranormal Romance (M/F).
Series: - Series, Book One.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Alex Wakeman.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Sure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Sure.
Will I read this again in the future? - Umm I don't think so.
New Rating - 3 stars.
First read:
Great, I love it! Want more!!
Rate: 5 stars!
July 11, 2017
Read along with Sam and Jasprit.
This was such a fun, glued-to-the-pages, suspenseful, swoony read!
Lila has special powers that no one knows of. She can move things with her mind. She is mugged one day, uses her powers to defend herself, and almost lets things go too far. In a panic, she packs a bag, gets on a plane and leaves London, where she lives with her Dad, to run to her brother, Jack in California. Well, truthfully she runs to Alex, her brother's best friend and Jack. Lila has been in love with Alex since she was five years old, when she broke her leg and Alex bundled her up in his jacket, and brought her back home. Alex has always been there for her when any tragedy struck, holding her hand. The last tragedy Alex was there for her was five years earlier, when Lila's mother was murdered. Lila's father packed her up from the States, and took her back to England, immediately after the funeral. Jack stayed back, and along with Alex, dropped out of school and joined the military. Jack and Alex work in a super secret, special ops branch of the military. Upon arriving, Lila realizes Alex and Jack are very worried about her protection, and they make sure she's guarded at all times. More than that though, when Lila sees Alex again for the first time in five years; she realizes that she is hopelessly, head-over-heels in love. This girl has it bad! Let me tell you Lila is swooning over Alex like you can't believe for most of the book, and I was too, right there with her. Here's a quote to drool over (I guess this is a little spoilery, so look away if you don't want to know):
He finished tying the knot and looked me in the face and I felt my gaze fall from his eyes to his lips and back again. "Why are you giving it back to me?" I asked. He pressed his thumb to my bottom lip and I heard an intake of air. That was me, I thought, before my head started to spin. Then he bent his head and kissed me. Just lightly, for a short few seconds before drawing away again.
*Faints*
This story hooks you in the first page. If I didn’t have to work, I would have read this in one sitting. There is action, adventure, and a lot of plot twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. I love superhero stories. I've always thought it would be so cool to have Buffy, super-girl strength but when you think of it, what good would that do me? Am I going to go around beating people up? Lila's superhero power is badass and infinitely more useful. This book left me with quite a few questions like: While we're not left on a violence inducing cliffhanger (thank goodness!), I'm already dying for the next book: Losing Lila.
As a side note, I just want to thank Sam and Jasprit for inviting me into this read along. If they hadn't, this story probably would've been sitting, unread, on my shelf for who knows how long! That would've been a shame.
This was such a fun, glued-to-the-pages, suspenseful, swoony read!
Lila has special powers that no one knows of. She can move things with her mind. She is mugged one day, uses her powers to defend herself, and almost lets things go too far. In a panic, she packs a bag, gets on a plane and leaves London, where she lives with her Dad, to run to her brother, Jack in California. Well, truthfully she runs to Alex, her brother's best friend and Jack. Lila has been in love with Alex since she was five years old, when she broke her leg and Alex bundled her up in his jacket, and brought her back home. Alex has always been there for her when any tragedy struck, holding her hand. The last tragedy Alex was there for her was five years earlier, when Lila's mother was murdered. Lila's father packed her up from the States, and took her back to England, immediately after the funeral. Jack stayed back, and along with Alex, dropped out of school and joined the military. Jack and Alex work in a super secret, special ops branch of the military. Upon arriving, Lila realizes Alex and Jack are very worried about her protection, and they make sure she's guarded at all times. More than that though, when Lila sees Alex again for the first time in five years; she realizes that she is hopelessly, head-over-heels in love. This girl has it bad! Let me tell you Lila is swooning over Alex like you can't believe for most of the book, and I was too, right there with her. Here's a quote to drool over (I guess this is a little spoilery, so look away if you don't want to know):
He finished tying the knot and looked me in the face and I felt my gaze fall from his eyes to his lips and back again. "Why are you giving it back to me?" I asked. He pressed his thumb to my bottom lip and I heard an intake of air. That was me, I thought, before my head started to spin. Then he bent his head and kissed me. Just lightly, for a short few seconds before drawing away again.
*Faints*
This story hooks you in the first page. If I didn’t have to work, I would have read this in one sitting. There is action, adventure, and a lot of plot twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. I love superhero stories. I've always thought it would be so cool to have Buffy, super-girl strength but when you think of it, what good would that do me? Am I going to go around beating people up? Lila's superhero power is badass and infinitely more useful. This book left me with quite a few questions like: While we're not left on a violence inducing cliffhanger (thank goodness!), I'm already dying for the next book: Losing Lila.
As a side note, I just want to thank Sam and Jasprit for inviting me into this read along. If they hadn't, this story probably would've been sitting, unread, on my shelf for who knows how long! That would've been a shame.
February 7, 2017
Please someone give me more paranormal-romance books! I can't get enough especially reading hunting Lila! Holy shit I'm so glad that I took a chance on reading this.
5 loving Alex Stars!
5 loving Alex Stars!
October 1, 2014
REREAD 2014
FIRST READ IN August 2012
Guys, I’m so, so sorry! I knew that I wouldn’t have the time for reading this the upcoming weekend, neither next week and I was stuck at the airport and had this on my Kindle and somehow I couldn’t resist and so I decided to take a peek – and ended up devouring it within a few hours. I won’t say anything else but I freakin’ loved this! I really hope you guys will enjoy it as much as I did. Sorry again, bookers.
[image error]
FIRST READ IN August 2012
Guys, I’m so, so sorry! I knew that I wouldn’t have the time for reading this the upcoming weekend, neither next week and I was stuck at the airport and had this on my Kindle and somehow I couldn’t resist and so I decided to take a peek – and ended up devouring it within a few hours. I won’t say anything else but I freakin’ loved this! I really hope you guys will enjoy it as much as I did. Sorry again, bookers.
[image error]
February 1, 2012
Initial thoughts;
What just happened? I'm actually left slightly stunned. What a phenomenal book. I absolutely adoredalex this book. I need Losing Lila now.
After just reading the first few pages of Hunting Lila I had a gut feeling that this would be a 5 star book. Just like Fated I fell in love with this book in the first few pages. Lila after a near mugging uses her ability; she doesn’t know how but she can move objects with her mind (telekinesis) to scare her muggers, not being able to cope with what’s happened she makes a spur of the moment decision to fly out to California. Where her brother Jack and best friend Alex live she doesn’t tell them anything about why she’s there. But she soon starts suspecting that something’s not quite right with them. Her brother insists on having a complicated alarm system on whilst she’s in the house, he’s discouraging her from moving back to California insisting there’s more “safer places”, he won’t let her go anywhere without telling him first and every time she asks either of them a question about their job, (they work in a special unit in the marine corps) they just distract her with something else. What exactly don’t they want her knowing? Lila soon discovers part of their secret, Lila’s mum was murdered five years ago and they know who did it and they’re not going to stop until they find them. Lila’s distraught she doesn’t want them to get caught up in any of this or get hurt in the process; Jack’s the only family she has left in California and she’s been in love with Alex for as long as she can remember but neither of them take no for an answer.
This book seriously messed with my mind, you’re told so many things, that you end up believing; Demo’s and his group are the ones who killed Lila’s mum, what the sole purpose of the unit is. But during the story so many times your worlds turned upside down, you’re smacked around all over the place with things you would have never seen coming and you’re left not knowing what to believe and who to trust.
And Alderson has done it again with a superb set of characters from overprotective Jack, badass Suki and dreamy Alex *sigh* a lot of my friends had warned me about him; he’s considerate and so dreamy;
“A few minutes later, Alex wandered through in a clean pair of
shorts and bare feet, water still trickling down his neck from his
bristling hair. My stomach did a one-eighty flip as I caught sight
of the ridges of muscle running down his torso. The he pulled on
a t-shirt and I sighed audibly”
He definitely lived up to expectations and will certainly go to the top of my all-time swoon worthy characters. And finally Demo’s group they reminded me a lot of the X-men, I was a huge fan as a kid, and so it was a lot of fun getting to know each member and their abilities.
Hunting Lila was one heck of a unputdownable read, I was so annoyed that I had to go to work, every spare minute I had I would have this book in my hands; travelling to work, in my lunch break, whilst cooking and then when I didn’t have it I think I was suffering from serious withdrawal symptoms, in the two days I read it, it was on my mind the entire time I just couldn’t get enough. It had me on the edge of my seat, gasping in shock, suffering from serious heart palpitations and at times my fingers were actually trembling in anticipation for more Alex.
In quick succession I have devoured both of Sarah Alderson’s books; she is such a fantastic writer that she has quickly become one of my favourite authors. I will certainly be pouncing on her next set of books Losing Lila and Catching Suki as soon as they come out.
For all you Alex fans Sarah Alderson has said she has written a short story from Alex which will be at the end of Losing Lila so make sure you pre-order your copies!
A big thank you to Sam and Rachel for reading this book with me, without you it probably still would have been sitting on my shelf unread for who knows how long!
Favourite quotes;
“When I said I had no choice about helping you, I meant it. There was no other option because you are the only option. I don't trust anything at the moment. But the one thing I am sure of, the one thing I do trust..." he paused for a fraction of a second, "is the way I feel about you.”
“I felt his other hand sear hot against my cheek. He bent his head, and in a voice that Jack couldn’t hear, said, “When you came down the stairs, and fell into me, that was the moment.” Then his lips pressed against mine.”
“Now my imagination was running wild. Who was she that he was
this anxious about her being near the house – and near me she
hadn’t looked dangerous – slightly kooky, maybe, but the most
dangerous thing about her had been her hair: one flick of that bob
would probably have sliced me in two”
“She sashayed over to him, like a heat-seeking
missile programmed with a new target. I almost expected her to
swing one of her endless legs over his hip and wrap herself around
him like ivy”
What just happened? I'm actually left slightly stunned. What a phenomenal book. I absolutely adored
After just reading the first few pages of Hunting Lila I had a gut feeling that this would be a 5 star book. Just like Fated I fell in love with this book in the first few pages. Lila after a near mugging uses her ability; she doesn’t know how but she can move objects with her mind (telekinesis) to scare her muggers, not being able to cope with what’s happened she makes a spur of the moment decision to fly out to California. Where her brother Jack and best friend Alex live she doesn’t tell them anything about why she’s there. But she soon starts suspecting that something’s not quite right with them. Her brother insists on having a complicated alarm system on whilst she’s in the house, he’s discouraging her from moving back to California insisting there’s more “safer places”, he won’t let her go anywhere without telling him first and every time she asks either of them a question about their job, (they work in a special unit in the marine corps) they just distract her with something else. What exactly don’t they want her knowing? Lila soon discovers part of their secret, Lila’s mum was murdered five years ago and they know who did it and they’re not going to stop until they find them. Lila’s distraught she doesn’t want them to get caught up in any of this or get hurt in the process; Jack’s the only family she has left in California and she’s been in love with Alex for as long as she can remember but neither of them take no for an answer.
This book seriously messed with my mind, you’re told so many things, that you end up believing; Demo’s and his group are the ones who killed Lila’s mum, what the sole purpose of the unit is. But during the story so many times your worlds turned upside down, you’re smacked around all over the place with things you would have never seen coming and you’re left not knowing what to believe and who to trust.
And Alderson has done it again with a superb set of characters from overprotective Jack, badass Suki and dreamy Alex *sigh* a lot of my friends had warned me about him; he’s considerate and so dreamy;
“A few minutes later, Alex wandered through in a clean pair of
shorts and bare feet, water still trickling down his neck from his
bristling hair. My stomach did a one-eighty flip as I caught sight
of the ridges of muscle running down his torso. The he pulled on
a t-shirt and I sighed audibly”
He definitely lived up to expectations and will certainly go to the top of my all-time swoon worthy characters. And finally Demo’s group they reminded me a lot of the X-men, I was a huge fan as a kid, and so it was a lot of fun getting to know each member and their abilities.
Hunting Lila was one heck of a unputdownable read, I was so annoyed that I had to go to work, every spare minute I had I would have this book in my hands; travelling to work, in my lunch break, whilst cooking and then when I didn’t have it I think I was suffering from serious withdrawal symptoms, in the two days I read it, it was on my mind the entire time I just couldn’t get enough. It had me on the edge of my seat, gasping in shock, suffering from serious heart palpitations and at times my fingers were actually trembling in anticipation for more Alex.
In quick succession I have devoured both of Sarah Alderson’s books; she is such a fantastic writer that she has quickly become one of my favourite authors. I will certainly be pouncing on her next set of books Losing Lila and Catching Suki as soon as they come out.
For all you Alex fans Sarah Alderson has said she has written a short story from Alex which will be at the end of Losing Lila so make sure you pre-order your copies!
A big thank you to Sam and Rachel for reading this book with me, without you it probably still would have been sitting on my shelf unread for who knows how long!
Favourite quotes;
“When I said I had no choice about helping you, I meant it. There was no other option because you are the only option. I don't trust anything at the moment. But the one thing I am sure of, the one thing I do trust..." he paused for a fraction of a second, "is the way I feel about you.”
“I felt his other hand sear hot against my cheek. He bent his head, and in a voice that Jack couldn’t hear, said, “When you came down the stairs, and fell into me, that was the moment.” Then his lips pressed against mine.”
“Now my imagination was running wild. Who was she that he was
this anxious about her being near the house – and near me she
hadn’t looked dangerous – slightly kooky, maybe, but the most
dangerous thing about her had been her hair: one flick of that bob
would probably have sliced me in two”
“She sashayed over to him, like a heat-seeking
missile programmed with a new target. I almost expected her to
swing one of her endless legs over his hip and wrap herself around
him like ivy”
July 22, 2014
3.5 STARS
A while back I had promised myself that I wouldn't read YA anymore. It had become boring, predictable, too young--I know what you're thinking, it's YA right? I agree, but it felt like I was reading middle school stuff. So I took a break.
Turns out it wasn't YA in general, but the KIND of YA I was reading. I need more mature characters, so a mature YA fits the bill. And besides, sometimes you need to change it up anyways from all the adult stuff. So this was really, really good! It reminded me of JLA's Lux series, but to be completely honest, not quite as good.
When Lila gets mugged and accidentally uses her 'gift', she undergoes a small early-life crisis. She doesn't understand her powers, can't figure out what they mean, so she boards a plane from London to California to see her brother and hopefully make sense of it all. Jack, her brother, and Alex his best friend work for an organization called 'The Unit'. Lila isn't sure what they do exactly since it's very secretive. However, her entrance into the U.S unleashes a series of events that change everything. For Lila, her brother and Alex, who Lila has loved for as long as she can remember.
Of course there's action, adventure, lies, betrayal...and love. Things are not what they seem and soon everyone questions what side they should be fighting on.
This was a fast-paced and highly entertaining read. The relationship between Lila and Alex was sweet and intense. There were moments I couldn't put this down. It ends on a sort of cliffy, but more an ending that begs for the sequel to be handy, so I'm jumping into Losing Lila!
A while back I had promised myself that I wouldn't read YA anymore. It had become boring, predictable, too young--I know what you're thinking, it's YA right? I agree, but it felt like I was reading middle school stuff. So I took a break.
Turns out it wasn't YA in general, but the KIND of YA I was reading. I need more mature characters, so a mature YA fits the bill. And besides, sometimes you need to change it up anyways from all the adult stuff. So this was really, really good! It reminded me of JLA's Lux series, but to be completely honest, not quite as good.
When Lila gets mugged and accidentally uses her 'gift', she undergoes a small early-life crisis. She doesn't understand her powers, can't figure out what they mean, so she boards a plane from London to California to see her brother and hopefully make sense of it all. Jack, her brother, and Alex his best friend work for an organization called 'The Unit'. Lila isn't sure what they do exactly since it's very secretive. However, her entrance into the U.S unleashes a series of events that change everything. For Lila, her brother and Alex, who Lila has loved for as long as she can remember.
Of course there's action, adventure, lies, betrayal...and love. Things are not what they seem and soon everyone questions what side they should be fighting on.
This was a fast-paced and highly entertaining read. The relationship between Lila and Alex was sweet and intense. There were moments I couldn't put this down. It ends on a sort of cliffy, but more an ending that begs for the sequel to be handy, so I'm jumping into Losing Lila!
December 13, 2014
This book was so damn cute.
I know that the author's intentions were never for me to find this story just 'cute', but without taking in account all the paranormal activity and mystery, the book is more or less about this girl, Lila (one of the most innocent characters - as far back as I can remember reading about), trying to run from herself, from her past, in the same time running to the only people she can trust with her life: her brother and his awesome, good-looking, red-motorcycle-driver best friend (whom she is crushing really-really bad).
See? It sounds cute.
Back to the beginning, 'cuz we're running in circles here, there are 2 things you might want to know about Lila:
1. Her mother was mysteriously killed a few years before.
2. Her father decided to move to England and he took her there (almost against her will), breaking her little heart, because she had to leave behind her beloved brother and (surprise, surprise!) the 'love of her life' - Alex.
Now, if you're asking me (which you're probably not, but again you don't really have a choice) I never understood why did she feel bad about trying to defend herself by threatening someone with a knife (don't mind the fact that she wasn't really holding it in her hands).. if someone tried to corner me on a dark street with any reason whatsoever and threaten me, I would have surely broken his (in this case their) useless neck (using or not using my hands to do so). Neither did I get the reason why she left London so quickly, but anyways, who I am to question it, right?
She goes back to US, and she has to find a way to make her brother let her stay. But that's not the biggest of her problems, because very soon things are getting a bit out of control and all she can do is run, run, run and run so more, and then run into Alex who seems to keep protecting her every time she is in trouble.
There was something sweet about her obsession for Alex. In other situations I would've been annoyed by her obsessive attitude, but somehow in this case it worked perfectly, and I felt somehow a bit protective of her. Yes I still wanted to shake her from time to time, to make her put the priorities in order (like caring more about her brother, and just a bit less about Alex), but at times when there was too much tension in the air I found her worries about Alex kind of sweet.
Also there was this age difference between them so obvious, that made me wonder why would a guy like Alex like a girl like Lila. She was naive and childish (funny how she wanted people to think of her as an adult, but her actions showed all the contrary); Alex was more mature, his actions calculated, his life so different than hers. Maybe all those differences made them fall for each other, who knows, I am glad they did because this way they kept my attention, waiting to see who will make the first step.
I won't say much about the action, because these days I stay away from spoilers, but I loved all of it. I didn't know who to trust - who's the good guy, who's the bad one - even in the ending I was left wondering if there won't be a twist in the next book, anyways it was nice to see Lila find her answers and some more interesting things about her life and the people she cared about, and I loved all the other 'special' people (the ones with powers, if you get what I mean).
One thing that I noticed and bugged me a bit was how everyone in this book seemed to look amazing, gorgeous, dazzlingly beautiful or magnificent. I don't know in what world does Lila live, but in mine not everyone looks like movie stars.. just saying.
All in one, a great one-sitting-kind-of-story that makes you want more, more, more... oh yeah, and then some more :)
PS: Another lovely cover, but don't be deceived by the girl with high heels and blue dress - Lila is not the dress-type, and the only time she wore heels she ended up walking barefoot.
PSS: If I am not remembering well his hair color, then I apologize for changing it in these beautiful pictures LOL
This review can also be found at ReadingAfterMidnight.com
____________________________________________
Blog (EN) | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin' | Blog (RO)
____________________________________________
I know that the author's intentions were never for me to find this story just 'cute', but without taking in account all the paranormal activity and mystery, the book is more or less about this girl, Lila (one of the most innocent characters - as far back as I can remember reading about), trying to run from herself, from her past, in the same time running to the only people she can trust with her life: her brother and his awesome, good-looking, red-motorcycle-driver best friend (whom she is crushing really-really bad).
See? It sounds cute.
Back to the beginning, 'cuz we're running in circles here, there are 2 things you might want to know about Lila:
1. Her mother was mysteriously killed a few years before.
2. Her father decided to move to England and he took her there (almost against her will), breaking her little heart, because she had to leave behind her beloved brother and (surprise, surprise!) the 'love of her life' - Alex.
Now, if you're asking me (which you're probably not, but again you don't really have a choice) I never understood why did she feel bad about trying to defend herself by threatening someone with a knife (don't mind the fact that she wasn't really holding it in her hands).. if someone tried to corner me on a dark street with any reason whatsoever and threaten me, I would have surely broken his (in this case their) useless neck (using or not using my hands to do so). Neither did I get the reason why she left London so quickly, but anyways, who I am to question it, right?
She goes back to US, and she has to find a way to make her brother let her stay. But that's not the biggest of her problems, because very soon things are getting a bit out of control and all she can do is run, run, run and run so more, and then run into Alex who seems to keep protecting her every time she is in trouble.
There was something sweet about her obsession for Alex. In other situations I would've been annoyed by her obsessive attitude, but somehow in this case it worked perfectly, and I felt somehow a bit protective of her. Yes I still wanted to shake her from time to time, to make her put the priorities in order (like caring more about her brother, and just a bit less about Alex), but at times when there was too much tension in the air I found her worries about Alex kind of sweet.
Also there was this age difference between them so obvious, that made me wonder why would a guy like Alex like a girl like Lila. She was naive and childish (funny how she wanted people to think of her as an adult, but her actions showed all the contrary); Alex was more mature, his actions calculated, his life so different than hers. Maybe all those differences made them fall for each other, who knows, I am glad they did because this way they kept my attention, waiting to see who will make the first step.
I won't say much about the action, because these days I stay away from spoilers, but I loved all of it. I didn't know who to trust - who's the good guy, who's the bad one - even in the ending I was left wondering if there won't be a twist in the next book, anyways it was nice to see Lila find her answers and some more interesting things about her life and the people she cared about, and I loved all the other 'special' people (the ones with powers, if you get what I mean).
One thing that I noticed and bugged me a bit was how everyone in this book seemed to look amazing, gorgeous, dazzlingly beautiful or magnificent. I don't know in what world does Lila live, but in mine not everyone looks like movie stars.. just saying.
All in one, a great one-sitting-kind-of-story that makes you want more, more, more... oh yeah, and then some more :)
PS: Another lovely cover, but don't be deceived by the girl with high heels and blue dress - Lila is not the dress-type, and the only time she wore heels she ended up walking barefoot.
PSS: If I am not remembering well his hair color, then I apologize for changing it in these beautiful pictures LOL
This review can also be found at ReadingAfterMidnight.com
____________________________________________
Blog (EN) | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin' | Blog (RO)
____________________________________________
January 21, 2018
I find Sarah's books to be a little bit hit or miss for me personally but as of right now, I am interested in picking up the sequel at some point. However at the moment, I'm not sure when I will be able to. The storyline follows a young girl called Lila, she is seventeen and living with her Dad in London, UK. Her mother was murdered some years back and so, her daughter Lila is staying away from California for her own safety. Until the day a mugging occurs and she runs back to a town south of Orange County. There, she stays with her older brother Jack and his friend Alex who she has always had a crush on from a young age. They are part of a secret group and both are tracking down the men who murdered Lila's mother. However, the task is deadly and full of risk, hidden secrets get revealed and someone is after Lila. I liked the thriller/adventure aspect but what let the story down for me a little was the romance and crush Lila had on Alex. She acted a little babyish towards him a times, a little whiny which I didn't like much. It was a good length and I was able to read it in a couple of sittings. My current rating stands at a three however, this may change after I have tried the sequel called Losing Lila.
August 22, 2011
Instant favorite!
It's been a long time since I've read a book that is so exhilarating and fascinating with an awe-inspiring concept.
Hunting Lila has just about everything I look for in a read and then some I didn't even expect.
Sure, the supernatural abilities isn't anything I haven't seen before, but it doesn't have to be something new to impress me, it's the way it's delivered that really made this standout. Add an outstanding cast, a tender romance and pulse-pounding action and you've got the makings of an unputdownable read!
Sarah Alderson's writing is wonderful. I love that this is set at a military base. Very refreshing and different from my other reads. I just love what she did with these characters and I love how she combined fast paced action with tender innocent intimacy. At first I was a little put-off by Lila's...obsession over Alex, but once I started to get into their memories and the way they're around each other it turned out to be sweeter as the book went on. Lila is a very likable character, she's very conflicted, but who wouldn't be if you had powers you didn't understand and was afraid about how others would react. I liked her strength and her courage. Jack is a good man. He could be a bit...much, but I think he pulled off the big brother protecto card very well. As for Alex? I adored him. I loved that he was the one to give Lila the answered she needed, or at least somewhat since the 'I can't tell you' bit was getting pretty old, but what I loved most of all was that the budding relationship felt very natural. It never felt rushed or pushed, it just...happened and that made it more believable and even more swoon-worthy in my eyes. I also really appreciated a lot of the reactions in this book. I wanted to see the struggle behind the truth and that's exactly what Alderson gave us. I also really got a huge kick from Demos’s group! Loved them all, especially Suki since she played like an anime character in my head. They all have a very confident, powerful but at ease present that surrounds them and I loved that things aren't always what they are at first glance.
As for the ending? I absolutely did not see that twist coming and I applaud Alderson for keeping me on my toes. Very unexpected and while she didn't leave a huge cliffy (thank-you very much) I'm still dying to know what happens next!!
Overall, I had so much fun with this book!! It's sharp and smart and made me smile. It's highly addictive and completelty sensational.
Loved every minute of this fantastic debut!!
More Please!!
It's been a long time since I've read a book that is so exhilarating and fascinating with an awe-inspiring concept.
Hunting Lila has just about everything I look for in a read and then some I didn't even expect.
Sure, the supernatural abilities isn't anything I haven't seen before, but it doesn't have to be something new to impress me, it's the way it's delivered that really made this standout. Add an outstanding cast, a tender romance and pulse-pounding action and you've got the makings of an unputdownable read!
Sarah Alderson's writing is wonderful. I love that this is set at a military base. Very refreshing and different from my other reads. I just love what she did with these characters and I love how she combined fast paced action with tender innocent intimacy. At first I was a little put-off by Lila's...obsession over Alex, but once I started to get into their memories and the way they're around each other it turned out to be sweeter as the book went on. Lila is a very likable character, she's very conflicted, but who wouldn't be if you had powers you didn't understand and was afraid about how others would react. I liked her strength and her courage. Jack is a good man. He could be a bit...much, but I think he pulled off the big brother protecto card very well. As for Alex? I adored him. I loved that he was the one to give Lila the answered she needed, or at least somewhat since the 'I can't tell you' bit was getting pretty old, but what I loved most of all was that the budding relationship felt very natural. It never felt rushed or pushed, it just...happened and that made it more believable and even more swoon-worthy in my eyes. I also really appreciated a lot of the reactions in this book. I wanted to see the struggle behind the truth and that's exactly what Alderson gave us. I also really got a huge kick from Demos’s group! Loved them all, especially Suki since she played like an anime character in my head. They all have a very confident, powerful but at ease present that surrounds them and I loved that things aren't always what they are at first glance.
As for the ending? I absolutely did not see that twist coming and I applaud Alderson for keeping me on my toes. Very unexpected and while she didn't leave a huge cliffy (thank-you very much) I'm still dying to know what happens next!!
Overall, I had so much fun with this book!! It's sharp and smart and made me smile. It's highly addictive and completelty sensational.
Loved every minute of this fantastic debut!!
More Please!!
September 4, 2011
My review can also be found on my blog Collections.
Reasons you should read Hunting Lila:
- It's way different than the usual paranormal! Your first indication should be the lovely cover, which doesn't feature the cliché
- American characters speaking fancy British words like mum (for mom) and vest (for undershirt) and using what we Americans like to call military time. It's always good to brush up on your British! If you're a clueless American like me, of course. ;D
- Jack and Alex (do yourself a favor and click that link!). Normally I get turned off by male characters named Alex because well...I have a similar name and it's weird to me if I start swooning over a character that basically has the same name as me... But this Alex is the exception! hehe Anyway. *ahem* Jack and Alex, two very fine military men. Marines, to be exact. Damn. *fans self*
- And most importantly, you don't want to miss out on a fast-paced and action-packed story (there's guns and fast vehicles!) with awesome characters and a pretty sexy romance (NO love-triangle in sight! Heck yeah!). I totally believe this book would make a great movie or TV series. I heard film rights were already sold so it's well on it's way!
Really, you don't want to miss out on this book! I'm already eagerly anticipating the sequel Losing Lila , which will be published in August 2012. :)
January 16, 2012
**AN ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE!!**
Every once in a while you read a book that swipes you off your feet and takes you on an action-packed, perfectly romantic, and totally heart-pounding ride that you never want to get off of — that's exactly what Hunting Lila was like! I loved everything about it!
From the very first page, Sarah Alderson sucks you into a super-cool world with various types of psychics like Lila. The way she describes things makes you feel like you're actually a part of the book, which makes all the cool things even cooler and all the intense things exponentially more intense.
Lila is one of those characters I know everyone will adore as much I do. She's stubborn, witty, fun, vulnerable yet still totally kick-butt when she needs to be! And her childhood romance with Alex — who nearly tops my Boys I Wish Were Real list! ♥ — is the best kind of romance out there: sweet, realistic, swoon-worthy, and 100% free of insta-love! It was perfection!
Well-crafted, fast-paced, and engaging to the core, Hunting Lila is a book that I'll recommend to everyone I know! It will suck you in until the last page is turned and leave you craving for more. The sequel, Losing Lila, can't come fast enough!
BUY or BORROW?: Definitely and completely and absolutely a book worth every penny! Buy it for sure, and you'll want to read it over and over again like me! :)
(Original review at Mimi Valentine's YA Review Blog)
Every once in a while you read a book that swipes you off your feet and takes you on an action-packed, perfectly romantic, and totally heart-pounding ride that you never want to get off of — that's exactly what Hunting Lila was like! I loved everything about it!
From the very first page, Sarah Alderson sucks you into a super-cool world with various types of psychics like Lila. The way she describes things makes you feel like you're actually a part of the book, which makes all the cool things even cooler and all the intense things exponentially more intense.
Lila is one of those characters I know everyone will adore as much I do. She's stubborn, witty, fun, vulnerable yet still totally kick-butt when she needs to be! And her childhood romance with Alex — who nearly tops my Boys I Wish Were Real list! ♥ — is the best kind of romance out there: sweet, realistic, swoon-worthy, and 100% free of insta-love! It was perfection!
Well-crafted, fast-paced, and engaging to the core, Hunting Lila is a book that I'll recommend to everyone I know! It will suck you in until the last page is turned and leave you craving for more. The sequel, Losing Lila, can't come fast enough!
BUY or BORROW?: Definitely and completely and absolutely a book worth every penny! Buy it for sure, and you'll want to read it over and over again like me! :)
(Original review at Mimi Valentine's YA Review Blog)
September 14, 2017
i loved this book so much!!!!!!!!!
this book was so romantic and i loved all the characters,because there was no weak women in this book.
this book was so romantic and i loved all the characters,because there was no weak women in this book.
June 21, 2016
Somewhere between 1.5-2.0
Here is a brief summary of the book (with a few spoilers):
"Oh Alex, Alex, Alex, Alex. I just couldn't stay away from you. So I am gonna pack my bags, and fly out to you. I'll make it sound like I am coming for my brother, what's his name again....
Oh and I'll email my dad and tell him I am going to visit Jack, when really I have to see you. I mean gawd you're so beautiful.
I also have this horrible secret, but I can't tell you so don't make me!
I can move things with my mind!!
Please don't hate me or reject me. And oh you and Jack are so secretive, but GAWD you're sexy to stare at, especially when I can't read you.
Alex, oh Alex, since I was five years old, I just knew you would be the one. Please tell me you feel the same way! My heart would shatter if your feelings aren't as perverted as mine when I think of you.
But I must hide the fact that you are surrounded by a beautiful woman like Racheal, I feel so inferior with my plain looks even though other men say and show otherwise. But I have kept myself pure for you! Only a few innocent kisses!!
Oh Alex, you have watched me grow up since I was little. But now I realized Jack, Jack who?, and you work for the people who want my people out of the equation!
Oh no!
Jack who?
But now the bad guys are after me! Come protect me!
Oh you love me too Alex!! But can we have sex now? I don't care if we are on the run, Jack is shot, people I have just met have died for me, and my mother is really alive!!! But can we stop for a little bit and let me do all the things my mind has thought of? Oh and Jack will be sooooo mad if he knew where were a thing!!!"
Lila is soooooooo annoying and conceited and immature. Every time she gets mad, she runs away or leaves the room? How old are you again??? I hate this horribly thought out character, the other horrible characters, and the very unoriginal story line.
Would not recommend...EVER.
Here is a brief summary of the book (with a few spoilers):
"Oh Alex, Alex, Alex, Alex. I just couldn't stay away from you. So I am gonna pack my bags, and fly out to you. I'll make it sound like I am coming for my brother, what's his name again....
Oh and I'll email my dad and tell him I am going to visit Jack, when really I have to see you. I mean gawd you're so beautiful.
I also have this horrible secret, but I can't tell you so don't make me!
I can move things with my mind!!
Please don't hate me or reject me. And oh you and Jack are so secretive, but GAWD you're sexy to stare at, especially when I can't read you.
Alex, oh Alex, since I was five years old, I just knew you would be the one. Please tell me you feel the same way! My heart would shatter if your feelings aren't as perverted as mine when I think of you.
But I must hide the fact that you are surrounded by a beautiful woman like Racheal, I feel so inferior with my plain looks even though other men say and show otherwise. But I have kept myself pure for you! Only a few innocent kisses!!
Oh Alex, you have watched me grow up since I was little. But now I realized Jack, Jack who?, and you work for the people who want my people out of the equation!
Oh no!
Jack who?
But now the bad guys are after me! Come protect me!
Oh you love me too Alex!! But can we have sex now? I don't care if we are on the run, Jack is shot, people I have just met have died for me, and my mother is really alive!!! But can we stop for a little bit and let me do all the things my mind has thought of? Oh and Jack will be sooooo mad if he knew where were a thing!!!"
Lila is soooooooo annoying and conceited and immature. Every time she gets mad, she runs away or leaves the room? How old are you again??? I hate this horribly thought out character, the other horrible characters, and the very unoriginal story line.
Would not recommend...EVER.
July 20, 2024
I felt his other hand sear hot against my cheek. He bent his head, and in a voice that Jack couldn’t hear, said, “When you came down the stairs, and fell into me, that was the moment.” Then his lips pressed against mine.
Can I rate this book a 10? I loved this book, honestly, I loved it. This is one of them books that seriously takes you by surprise and blows you away. I’ll admit, I was a bit hesitant when I first heard about it but after seeing so many awesome reviews, I knew this was a book I wanted to try. And yep, if you can’t already tell I was definitely not disappointed.
Hunting Lila is Sarah Alderson’s debut novel and let me tell you, it doesn’t feel like a debt novel. Sarah’s style of writing is easy to follow, exciting and very interesting. She knows how to deliver great characters, she knows how to deliver an explosive storyline and build up the suspense, and of course, she knows how to deliver a romance that will leave you breathless. All of these things make this book, one of the best books I’ve read this year.
Our main character Lila is a great protagonist. We first see her in London, being mugged by teenage boys and unfournately because of her situation she is about to use her gifts to stop the boys, but she soon stops when she realises she could actually hurt them. This then leads her to jumping on a plane to visit her brother and his best friend Alex. Lila keeps her gifts a secret from both Jack and Alex but most of all she’s been keeping another secret…..she’s been in love with Alex for years. While trying to keep her secrets safe, Lila can’t help but start questioning what her brother and Alex are really up too. And when she finally gets her answers, she sure is unsure of who she can trust.
Lila is a lovable character, one that you feel very connected with throughout this book. He love for Alex is undeniable and helps her get through the hard days. It’s safe to say Alex is her rock throughout this book, even in times of doubt he’s still the first person she will turn too. Now, Alex is….well….let’s just say, he sure is going to be a hit with the female readers. I adored him! He first comes across of as the big brother type, very protected of Lila and that’s how he tries to keep things between them. But again that undeniable attraction between them is unavoidable and that then leads to a loving and tender relationship between the character, and it’s one that will make your heart melt. Yep, I totally fell for Alex! I love him.
The story has a very strong plot that leaves readers questioning what’s real and what’s not. There are unexpected twists and turns that jump out at you and leave you dying to know more. There are scenes that will make you heart break but then there’s scenes that will have you jumping for joy but most of all, the ending. The ending will leave you dying to know more because Sarah Alderson throws in a huge twist, that I honestly didn’t see coming. I was left a little speechless.
Overall, Hunting Lila is an awesome book and the fact that I actually devoured this book within 24 hours because of how good it was, I now urge you guys to……GO AND BUY THIS BOOK!! It’s not one you want to miss out on and I can’t wait for August 2012, when I can get my hands on book 2.
Can I rate this book a 10? I loved this book, honestly, I loved it. This is one of them books that seriously takes you by surprise and blows you away. I’ll admit, I was a bit hesitant when I first heard about it but after seeing so many awesome reviews, I knew this was a book I wanted to try. And yep, if you can’t already tell I was definitely not disappointed.
Hunting Lila is Sarah Alderson’s debut novel and let me tell you, it doesn’t feel like a debt novel. Sarah’s style of writing is easy to follow, exciting and very interesting. She knows how to deliver great characters, she knows how to deliver an explosive storyline and build up the suspense, and of course, she knows how to deliver a romance that will leave you breathless. All of these things make this book, one of the best books I’ve read this year.
Our main character Lila is a great protagonist. We first see her in London, being mugged by teenage boys and unfournately because of her situation she is about to use her gifts to stop the boys, but she soon stops when she realises she could actually hurt them. This then leads her to jumping on a plane to visit her brother and his best friend Alex. Lila keeps her gifts a secret from both Jack and Alex but most of all she’s been keeping another secret…..she’s been in love with Alex for years. While trying to keep her secrets safe, Lila can’t help but start questioning what her brother and Alex are really up too. And when she finally gets her answers, she sure is unsure of who she can trust.
Lila is a lovable character, one that you feel very connected with throughout this book. He love for Alex is undeniable and helps her get through the hard days. It’s safe to say Alex is her rock throughout this book, even in times of doubt he’s still the first person she will turn too. Now, Alex is….well….let’s just say, he sure is going to be a hit with the female readers. I adored him! He first comes across of as the big brother type, very protected of Lila and that’s how he tries to keep things between them. But again that undeniable attraction between them is unavoidable and that then leads to a loving and tender relationship between the character, and it’s one that will make your heart melt. Yep, I totally fell for Alex! I love him.
The story has a very strong plot that leaves readers questioning what’s real and what’s not. There are unexpected twists and turns that jump out at you and leave you dying to know more. There are scenes that will make you heart break but then there’s scenes that will have you jumping for joy but most of all, the ending. The ending will leave you dying to know more because Sarah Alderson throws in a huge twist, that I honestly didn’t see coming. I was left a little speechless.
Overall, Hunting Lila is an awesome book and the fact that I actually devoured this book within 24 hours because of how good it was, I now urge you guys to……GO AND BUY THIS BOOK!! It’s not one you want to miss out on and I can’t wait for August 2012, when I can get my hands on book 2.
November 2, 2011
With memorable characters, a sweet romance and an exhilarating plot - Hunting Lila is a fantastic read. The cover is what drew me to read this novel at first. It's unique, sexy and mysterious. Once I read the premise that described a girl with special abilities and lots of excitement. I knew I had no choice but to read it.
Going into this, with the incredible reviews and feedback it's been getting, I had high hopes. I'm happy to say that I was not disappointed. Lila has a great plot that swept me in from the start. We meet Lila right away during a mugging, trying not to stab a guy in the eye with a hovering knife… that she's controlling. See, Lila can move objects with her mind. She doesn't know why or how, but she's been able to for the last three years. This mugging incident makes her flee to California to go stay with her brother and, most importantly, see Alex again - her brother's best friend who she's been secretly in love with her whole life.
Lila is a wonderful character. I adored her from the get-go. She's stubborn, feisty, unsure of why she has this ability and with a huge - but completely adorable - crush on her brother's best friend. What goes through her mind when she sees, or even just thinks about, Alex is incredibly sweet and often amusing. She contemplates every detail and perceives every reaction - it's pretty entertaining. Her feelings really feel genuine, though. It's not hard to imagine being as irrational as she, with a crush like hers. A crush she's had her whole life. It was absolutely romantic. And Alex, I loved him! He's sexy, charming, protective, has a big heart - just dang perfect!
I did notice a few similarities with Hunting Lila and the TV series, Heroes. The conspiracy behind the agency, the abilities, the power hungry villain trying to round up all the abilities for himself, the mind piercing "weapon" they use against the ones with abilities. So the idea behind the book is not something I haven't stumbled upon before. However, Hunting Lila does have a unique plot, fun mysteries and unexpected twists. Just when I thought I had it all figured out… BAM, another bomb was dropped. I was really impressed by the complexity of it all. I have really high hopes for the sequel, Losing Lila, which promises to be action packed and full of adrenaline.
Going into this, with the incredible reviews and feedback it's been getting, I had high hopes. I'm happy to say that I was not disappointed. Lila has a great plot that swept me in from the start. We meet Lila right away during a mugging, trying not to stab a guy in the eye with a hovering knife… that she's controlling. See, Lila can move objects with her mind. She doesn't know why or how, but she's been able to for the last three years. This mugging incident makes her flee to California to go stay with her brother and, most importantly, see Alex again - her brother's best friend who she's been secretly in love with her whole life.
Lila is a wonderful character. I adored her from the get-go. She's stubborn, feisty, unsure of why she has this ability and with a huge - but completely adorable - crush on her brother's best friend. What goes through her mind when she sees, or even just thinks about, Alex is incredibly sweet and often amusing. She contemplates every detail and perceives every reaction - it's pretty entertaining. Her feelings really feel genuine, though. It's not hard to imagine being as irrational as she, with a crush like hers. A crush she's had her whole life. It was absolutely romantic. And Alex, I loved him! He's sexy, charming, protective, has a big heart - just dang perfect!
I did notice a few similarities with Hunting Lila and the TV series, Heroes. The conspiracy behind the agency, the abilities, the power hungry villain trying to round up all the abilities for himself, the mind piercing "weapon" they use against the ones with abilities. So the idea behind the book is not something I haven't stumbled upon before. However, Hunting Lila does have a unique plot, fun mysteries and unexpected twists. Just when I thought I had it all figured out… BAM, another bomb was dropped. I was really impressed by the complexity of it all. I have really high hopes for the sequel, Losing Lila, which promises to be action packed and full of adrenaline.
October 16, 2011
WHOA!
I WANT MORE!
*ahem*.
Sorry, composure.
Hunting Lila was awesome. It's not often that I'll purchase a book on my Kindle, and then go and fork out more money for a paper copy. It says a lot about what I think of a book. My boyfriend caught me with it and raised an eyebrow, all he got was a "BUT IT'S SO GOOOOOOD! (I'm supposed to be saving for a holiday, you see).
I'm not going to write a long review, because I know I won't express my love of this book enough without becoming a raving loony, and I know no one wants to see that.
Alex; can I have one? Yes? Awesome. Thanks! That boy did things to me that no fictional character has done before (yes, I am aware of how that may sound, get your minds out of the gutter! Tsk tsk). I may or may not be in love.
And Lila. Dear Lila. I loved her! There's really not much more I can say.
A brilliant book. If you're stuck in a rut - PICK THIS ONE UP!
I WANT MORE!
*ahem*.
Sorry, composure.
Hunting Lila was awesome. It's not often that I'll purchase a book on my Kindle, and then go and fork out more money for a paper copy. It says a lot about what I think of a book. My boyfriend caught me with it and raised an eyebrow, all he got was a "BUT IT'S SO GOOOOOOD! (I'm supposed to be saving for a holiday, you see).
I'm not going to write a long review, because I know I won't express my love of this book enough without becoming a raving loony, and I know no one wants to see that.
Alex; can I have one? Yes? Awesome. Thanks! That boy did things to me that no fictional character has done before (yes, I am aware of how that may sound, get your minds out of the gutter! Tsk tsk). I may or may not be in love.
And Lila. Dear Lila. I loved her! There's really not much more I can say.
A brilliant book. If you're stuck in a rut - PICK THIS ONE UP!
dnf
September 9, 2016This Lila is awfully fixated on her crush. I don't think I can take all the swooning and lusting.
February 22, 2012
I love books like this. Ones that are exciting. And Hunting Lila is a debut every bit as exciting as its gun-fights and getaways. Sarah Alderson blends intrigue, superhuman powers and fast-paced action with romance, teenage longing and a pinch of heartbreak like a seasoned-master.
Seventeen year old Lila Loveday has a rather singular talent... one she’ll keep hidden at all costs. After narrowly avoiding a mugging by telekinetically wresting a knife from her attackers, she flees London to the safety of sunny California and the only two people in the world she trusts implicitly: her brother Jack, and his best friend, Alex. Well, now Lila has bigger problems. Like keeping her other great secret safe: that she’s been hopelessly in love with Alex since the age of seven. Not to mention that Jack and Alex are working for a shady government organisation, or that they’re hunting the people who murdered her mother five years ago... people like her.
Lila, You’ve Got Me On Knees, Lila...
After her mother was brutally murdered five years ago, Lila was torn from her happy life in the United States, and relocated to London with her grieving father. In the space of weeks, she lost her mother, lost her brother and Alex, who remained in the States, and her mourning, absentee father is hardly there for her either. Not long after, her power manifested itself, and if she wasn’t isolated enough before, that seals the deal. She doesn’t have anyone to turn to—the two people she would are thousands of miles away—and it leaves Lila alone inside her head.
It’s that Lila’s so isolated, coupled with her introspective nature that allows us to get to know her so well. A great deal of the book is Lila, alone, with nothing but her overactive (and at times deliciously X-rated) imagination for company. Despite a first-person narrative, many stories don’t get quite so deep into the protagonist’s psyche, peel away quite so many layers of their paranoias and fears and give us such an intimate view of their mind. I loved getting to know Lila: her paranoias and insecurities and her imagination.
Lila is smart, independent, entertaining, and while she has a tendency to jump to conclusions and run from her problems (oh yes, the cover on this one could be straight out of the book—including the dress), Sarah Alderson (author/evil-genius) somehow makes this trait not frustrating, but wholly endearing. Lila is defined not by what she is, but by who she is. Despite an extraordinary talent, the book is, well, about her, not about what she can do. As Lila re-establishes her relationship with her brother, and with Alex, we start to venture out of her head a little... and then things get really exciting. I’m talking gunfights, explosions, and high-speed getaways on motorcycles.
Alex
Oh my, Alex is more than a pretty face. Kind, caring, and a genuine good guy. As much as we like them, he’s not a bad boy, and it’s lovely. He’s the boy next door with Marine training. Lila’s been infatuated with Alex for years, but it’s easy to see why. He’s a lovely human being.
The tension between Alex and Lila is palpable. It crackles with electricity, and every casual touch, or innocent, friendly hug had me holding my breath. The intensity of feeling is thrilling and overwhelming, developed over a decade long crush. The heat the two share aside, it’s so nice seeing a romance built on a real, genuine friendship. The two have been close as siblings for years, and seeing the pain and beauty of the shift to something more is beautiful to witness.
Politics and Murder and Intrigue, Oh My!
Alderson has an extraordinary knack for writing mystery and intrigue and shady organisations with murky motivations. In Fated, it was an inter-dimensional war between two equally perfidious groups, and In Hunting Lila, the manoeuvring is about something much more familiar and far closer to home: politics, power, and money. Sarah keeps turning characters completely upside down. Her heroes and villains are hard to pin down, and I never know who to trust.
The Verdict:
Hunting Lila has everything: action, intrigue, excitement and scorching-hot, incredibly sweet, romance. From its thrilling first chapter, to its satisfying, but slightly heartbreaking conclusion, it held me utterly enthralled with its humour, slowly-unfolding mysteries, and remarkable characters. There’s a perfect blend of politics and paranormal, intrigue and romance in Sarah Alderon’s fabulous debut, and I’m invested and in-love with its huge cast of characters, and even fascinated by the ones I loathe. With the final page turned I’m still reliving fights and flights, breathtaking revelations and perfect first-kisses. I need the sequel, Losing Lila. Now, please.
Seventeen year old Lila Loveday has a rather singular talent... one she’ll keep hidden at all costs. After narrowly avoiding a mugging by telekinetically wresting a knife from her attackers, she flees London to the safety of sunny California and the only two people in the world she trusts implicitly: her brother Jack, and his best friend, Alex. Well, now Lila has bigger problems. Like keeping her other great secret safe: that she’s been hopelessly in love with Alex since the age of seven. Not to mention that Jack and Alex are working for a shady government organisation, or that they’re hunting the people who murdered her mother five years ago... people like her.
Lila, You’ve Got Me On Knees, Lila...
After her mother was brutally murdered five years ago, Lila was torn from her happy life in the United States, and relocated to London with her grieving father. In the space of weeks, she lost her mother, lost her brother and Alex, who remained in the States, and her mourning, absentee father is hardly there for her either. Not long after, her power manifested itself, and if she wasn’t isolated enough before, that seals the deal. She doesn’t have anyone to turn to—the two people she would are thousands of miles away—and it leaves Lila alone inside her head.
It’s that Lila’s so isolated, coupled with her introspective nature that allows us to get to know her so well. A great deal of the book is Lila, alone, with nothing but her overactive (and at times deliciously X-rated) imagination for company. Despite a first-person narrative, many stories don’t get quite so deep into the protagonist’s psyche, peel away quite so many layers of their paranoias and fears and give us such an intimate view of their mind. I loved getting to know Lila: her paranoias and insecurities and her imagination.
Lila is smart, independent, entertaining, and while she has a tendency to jump to conclusions and run from her problems (oh yes, the cover on this one could be straight out of the book—including the dress), Sarah Alderson (author/evil-genius) somehow makes this trait not frustrating, but wholly endearing. Lila is defined not by what she is, but by who she is. Despite an extraordinary talent, the book is, well, about her, not about what she can do. As Lila re-establishes her relationship with her brother, and with Alex, we start to venture out of her head a little... and then things get really exciting. I’m talking gunfights, explosions, and high-speed getaways on motorcycles.
Alex
Oh my, Alex is more than a pretty face. Kind, caring, and a genuine good guy. As much as we like them, he’s not a bad boy, and it’s lovely. He’s the boy next door with Marine training. Lila’s been infatuated with Alex for years, but it’s easy to see why. He’s a lovely human being.
The tension between Alex and Lila is palpable. It crackles with electricity, and every casual touch, or innocent, friendly hug had me holding my breath. The intensity of feeling is thrilling and overwhelming, developed over a decade long crush. The heat the two share aside, it’s so nice seeing a romance built on a real, genuine friendship. The two have been close as siblings for years, and seeing the pain and beauty of the shift to something more is beautiful to witness.
Politics and Murder and Intrigue, Oh My!
Alderson has an extraordinary knack for writing mystery and intrigue and shady organisations with murky motivations. In Fated, it was an inter-dimensional war between two equally perfidious groups, and In Hunting Lila, the manoeuvring is about something much more familiar and far closer to home: politics, power, and money. Sarah keeps turning characters completely upside down. Her heroes and villains are hard to pin down, and I never know who to trust.
The Verdict:
Hunting Lila has everything: action, intrigue, excitement and scorching-hot, incredibly sweet, romance. From its thrilling first chapter, to its satisfying, but slightly heartbreaking conclusion, it held me utterly enthralled with its humour, slowly-unfolding mysteries, and remarkable characters. There’s a perfect blend of politics and paranormal, intrigue and romance in Sarah Alderon’s fabulous debut, and I’m invested and in-love with its huge cast of characters, and even fascinated by the ones I loathe. With the final page turned I’m still reliving fights and flights, breathtaking revelations and perfect first-kisses. I need the sequel, Losing Lila. Now, please.
September 1, 2011
How do you get a boy to read a book that, for the most part, has a girl trying to express her love for her brother’s friend whom she has known ’since forever’, and then find them hand in hand almost all of the time for the latter half of the book? The answer: throw a bunch of superpowers and abilities into the mix to saturate the romance and give him something explosive to look forward to in the end. And it needs to be quite “explosive”.
In Sarah Alderson’s debut novel Hunting Lila, we first find Lila at a moment in her life where she realises she did something terrible, even though she was just defending herself. Through her telekinetic abilities of which she can’t yet fully control, Lila flings a knife into her mugger’s eye. This act of defence sweeps Lila off her feet and onto a whirlwind adventure full of mystery and lies, secrets and betrayals, action and suspense, and romance – that my lady blogging friends deem steamy and seductive . . .*choke*. Readers will find themselves swept up into the adventure too, just like Lila, and will find it hard to ground their feet until the very end.
To get far away from the guilt, Lila jumps onto a plane and flies from London to Southern California where her brother lives. Jack and his friend Alex work for The Unit, a top secret corporation that even the FBI know nothing about. They have enough on their hands with their duty at work to worry about Lila. But Lila has no where else to go. With her mother dead, her father never home due to his travelling occupation, and the mugging incident that has pulled her away from normality, sunny California is the only place Lila deems safe. Jack constantly urges Lila to go back home, but when she finds out that The Unit is connected to her mother’s murder, leaving is the last thing on her mind. Justice, and finding who murdered her mother is what she strives to discover, even if it means she’ll have to reveal her ability too.
Lila is a fantastic protagonist and character. Through Sarah’s suave narration we feel every emotion that Lila expresses. Her family is practically in ruins leaving her alone. The one person however, that she knows who will give her comfort is Alex. Every character within Hunting Lila is well established. Each character has a facade which is either penned negatively by someone else on the rival side, or by themselves, their misunderstood self. Smashing the facades of so many of the characters within the book through Lila is what makes this book so ace. Sarah gives us the opportunity to view the two sides of the one coin – the one character – and when it is flipped, only one side will truly show.
Hunting Lila is packed with everything from the first page. The multi-layered plot that Sarah has so cleverly crafted engages you from the word go. There is no use believing anything as when it all changes and the tables turn, you’re going to find your jaw bruised and battered from falling to the floor; your fingers blistered; your eyelids paralysed; the pages ripped. If you love surprises make sure to pick up this book as you won’t regret it. I did however find the book imbalanced a bit due to the romance aspect but that is the reason why five-star reviews have been churning out ever from such girl-swooners of the world. The romance . . . the romance. . . I lost my train of thought thinking about the romance . . . the romance . . . *facepalm*
In Sarah Alderson’s debut novel Hunting Lila, we first find Lila at a moment in her life where she realises she did something terrible, even though she was just defending herself. Through her telekinetic abilities of which she can’t yet fully control, Lila flings a knife into her mugger’s eye. This act of defence sweeps Lila off her feet and onto a whirlwind adventure full of mystery and lies, secrets and betrayals, action and suspense, and romance – that my lady blogging friends deem steamy and seductive . . .*choke*. Readers will find themselves swept up into the adventure too, just like Lila, and will find it hard to ground their feet until the very end.
To get far away from the guilt, Lila jumps onto a plane and flies from London to Southern California where her brother lives. Jack and his friend Alex work for The Unit, a top secret corporation that even the FBI know nothing about. They have enough on their hands with their duty at work to worry about Lila. But Lila has no where else to go. With her mother dead, her father never home due to his travelling occupation, and the mugging incident that has pulled her away from normality, sunny California is the only place Lila deems safe. Jack constantly urges Lila to go back home, but when she finds out that The Unit is connected to her mother’s murder, leaving is the last thing on her mind. Justice, and finding who murdered her mother is what she strives to discover, even if it means she’ll have to reveal her ability too.
Lila is a fantastic protagonist and character. Through Sarah’s suave narration we feel every emotion that Lila expresses. Her family is practically in ruins leaving her alone. The one person however, that she knows who will give her comfort is Alex. Every character within Hunting Lila is well established. Each character has a facade which is either penned negatively by someone else on the rival side, or by themselves, their misunderstood self. Smashing the facades of so many of the characters within the book through Lila is what makes this book so ace. Sarah gives us the opportunity to view the two sides of the one coin – the one character – and when it is flipped, only one side will truly show.
Hunting Lila is packed with everything from the first page. The multi-layered plot that Sarah has so cleverly crafted engages you from the word go. There is no use believing anything as when it all changes and the tables turn, you’re going to find your jaw bruised and battered from falling to the floor; your fingers blistered; your eyelids paralysed; the pages ripped. If you love surprises make sure to pick up this book as you won’t regret it. I did however find the book imbalanced a bit due to the romance aspect but that is the reason why five-star reviews have been churning out ever from such girl-swooners of the world. The romance . . . the romance. . . I lost my train of thought thinking about the romance . . . the romance . . . *facepalm*
October 13, 2011
This book is a stunner. I mean that in the BEST possible way. Hunting Lila is a thrilling masterpiece with love weaved into every page and you will not be able to put this one down.
After the death of her mother, Lila and her father moved across the ocean to London... leaving her brother Jack and his best friend Alex behind. After her secret, of moving things with her mind, is revealed while she is being mugged, Lila decides to run away from a life she doesn't want to live any more and visit her brother Jack. Once there, Lila realized a few things. One: that Alex is even better looking and she is still completely in love with him. And, two: that Alex and Jack are a part of something called The Unit, and are hunting down her mother's killer. As more secrets get revealed, nothing is as it seems and Lila must find a way to keep herself and the people she loves safe.
I loved this book so, so much. I love concepts like this. It's not magic, but it's powers of the mind, and it just intrigues me like no other. Hunting Lila goes to show you, you honestly never know who to trust, and that you need to be optimistic because things may not always be what they seem. I also completely fell in love with the romance in this story. I love when the couple know each other inside and out and then finally realize that they're meant to be. It's the development, the protectiveness, the laughs... it just warms my heart in the best possible way. And of course you know, when I adore the villains... well it's one freaking awesome book.
Lila's character is a protagonist I adored following through the story. She's been somewhat broken, yet she's still so strong and she knows exactly what she wants. And regardless of risks, she follows her heart and does what she believes in right and I find that so admirable. There's also her brother Jack, I really liked his role, even when at certain times he was blinded by his own impulsiveness, he's honestly just Lila's caring brother who would do anything to keep her safe. I have to say I also loved Demos, Suki, Ryder, Nate... and that whole gang. I love being pleasantly surprised and those characters certainly did that for me! There are three more characters I need to mention... 1) Rachel - I wanted to strangle her. 2) Sara - I'm SUPER curious about her... I have a feeling she's going to break someone's heart and I don't like it! Finally, 3) Alex.
Oh Alex. You.... you blonde, build, older, protective, sexy boy who rides a red bike. Can I haz you? He is most definitely a new favorite boy of mine. His heart and mind are always in the right place. Alex is smart and strong, and I just loved his character more than words could say! I honestly cannot wait for Losing Lila, to see where Alex and Lila go... because I just cannot get enough of their romance. Ps. Alex... I will go running with you any day! Just come on over! ;)
There are a few twists in this book I didn't see coming, and I love being kept on my toes. Hunting Lila is thrilling, unique, and a memorizing read. Especially after the ending, I cannot wait to read Losing Lila!!
After the death of her mother, Lila and her father moved across the ocean to London... leaving her brother Jack and his best friend Alex behind. After her secret, of moving things with her mind, is revealed while she is being mugged, Lila decides to run away from a life she doesn't want to live any more and visit her brother Jack. Once there, Lila realized a few things. One: that Alex is even better looking and she is still completely in love with him. And, two: that Alex and Jack are a part of something called The Unit, and are hunting down her mother's killer. As more secrets get revealed, nothing is as it seems and Lila must find a way to keep herself and the people she loves safe.
I loved this book so, so much. I love concepts like this. It's not magic, but it's powers of the mind, and it just intrigues me like no other. Hunting Lila goes to show you, you honestly never know who to trust, and that you need to be optimistic because things may not always be what they seem. I also completely fell in love with the romance in this story. I love when the couple know each other inside and out and then finally realize that they're meant to be. It's the development, the protectiveness, the laughs... it just warms my heart in the best possible way. And of course you know, when I adore the villains... well it's one freaking awesome book.
Lila's character is a protagonist I adored following through the story. She's been somewhat broken, yet she's still so strong and she knows exactly what she wants. And regardless of risks, she follows her heart and does what she believes in right and I find that so admirable. There's also her brother Jack, I really liked his role, even when at certain times he was blinded by his own impulsiveness, he's honestly just Lila's caring brother who would do anything to keep her safe. I have to say I also loved Demos, Suki, Ryder, Nate... and that whole gang. I love being pleasantly surprised and those characters certainly did that for me! There are three more characters I need to mention... 1) Rachel - I wanted to strangle her. 2) Sara - I'm SUPER curious about her... I have a feeling she's going to break someone's heart and I don't like it! Finally, 3) Alex.
Oh Alex. You.... you blonde, build, older, protective, sexy boy who rides a red bike. Can I haz you? He is most definitely a new favorite boy of mine. His heart and mind are always in the right place. Alex is smart and strong, and I just loved his character more than words could say! I honestly cannot wait for Losing Lila, to see where Alex and Lila go... because I just cannot get enough of their romance. Ps. Alex... I will go running with you any day! Just come on over! ;)
There are a few twists in this book I didn't see coming, and I love being kept on my toes. Hunting Lila is thrilling, unique, and a memorizing read. Especially after the ending, I cannot wait to read Losing Lila!!
December 22, 2011
*sigh* Not very good.
I picked this book up because all of my GR friends who have read it gave Hunting Lila 4 or 5 star rating. But still I went and read it without any expectations. The first half of the book was boring and the same dialog was going over and over again. Lila was like Jack(the brother)what do you do? -I am in a secret government military unit. -So what do you actually do? - I can't tell you. -Why not? -If I tell you,then I'm gonna have to kill you. -Jack,please tell me. And like that maybe four or five times and not only with Jack but with Alex also.
It was disappointing. Lila is on the run from some dudes with super powers so she and Alex(her crush) go to the mall to buy some clothes because they didn't had any(except the ones on them,duh!). And since you are on the run you probably shouldn't buy impractical things,such as,listen to this - FLIP-FREAKING-FLOPS!!! WTF did she got that?! How are you suppose to run in those,you dumbass? I mean,talk about stupidity.
A little piece of advise: The next time you decide to leave London,or where ever the f*** you've been,try and talk to your dad and not run of like a wanted mass murderer to California. Sure,she did leave a note to the housekeeper. How thoughtful of you. And please be sure to call your bro and let him know you are actually coming and not just send him an email. What if he didn't check his account? Also,after your bro finds your ass at the airport don't start thinking about your crush 5 seconds afterwards. Obviously,she came to Cali just to get it on with Alex who FYI is not very special. She was staring at him the whole time. Ugh! What did I expect. After all she is a sixteen-year-old hormonal girl trying to hump a twenty-something-guy.
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Don't know why I gave this book 2 star rating in the end. I could easily go for 1. I admit,I have a problem with paranormal books and can't deal with certain things such as making all the wrong choices and insta-romance. But I won't be that mean. 2 stars will remain because there were two less annoying characters like Suki and Nathan.
I picked this book up because all of my GR friends who have read it gave Hunting Lila 4 or 5 star rating. But still I went and read it without any expectations. The first half of the book was boring and the same dialog was going over and over again. Lila was like Jack(the brother)what do you do? -I am in a secret government military unit. -So what do you actually do? - I can't tell you. -Why not? -If I tell you,then I'm gonna have to kill you. -Jack,please tell me. And like that maybe four or five times and not only with Jack but with Alex also.
It was disappointing. Lila is on the run from some dudes with super powers so she and Alex(her crush) go to the mall to buy some clothes because they didn't had any(except the ones on them,duh!). And since you are on the run you probably shouldn't buy impractical things,such as,listen to this - FLIP-FREAKING-FLOPS!!! WTF did she got that?! How are you suppose to run in those,you dumbass? I mean,talk about stupidity.
A little piece of advise: The next time you decide to leave London,or where ever the f*** you've been,try and talk to your dad and not run of like a wanted mass murderer to California. Sure,she did leave a note to the housekeeper. How thoughtful of you. And please be sure to call your bro and let him know you are actually coming and not just send him an email. What if he didn't check his account? Also,after your bro finds your ass at the airport don't start thinking about your crush 5 seconds afterwards. Obviously,she came to Cali just to get it on with Alex who FYI is not very special. She was staring at him the whole time. Ugh! What did I expect. After all she is a sixteen-year-old hormonal girl trying to hump a twenty-something-guy.
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Don't know why I gave this book 2 star rating in the end. I could easily go for 1. I admit,I have a problem with paranormal books and can't deal with certain things such as making all the wrong choices and insta-romance. But I won't be that mean. 2 stars will remain because there were two less annoying characters like Suki and Nathan.
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