4.75 stars

The world-building in this story was absolutely amazing. And the characters? They were so complex and captivating I couldn't help but fall in love with them. The way the author explored friendships and romance was truly exquisite. I love that this book had all those cozy fairytale vibes, with a queen, princess, knights, unicorns, sword fighting, mermaids, magical land, and even a charming prince. Plus, this book tackled important issues like suicide, adoption, and family drama, which added depth and emotional resonance. And I absolutely loved the LGBTQ representation here. The writing style had me completely hooked from the beginning, especially when the storyteller directly addressed the reader. It added such a unique and engaging element to the story.

Bravo, Meg Shaffer. This was captivating from the start, very refreshing in comparison to other recent reads. It definitely had me wanting more and rooting for the characters.

I was very excited to read this book after absolutely loving Meg Shaffer's first book, however, it didn't seem to be as well done. I enjoyed the premise, going back to a special childhood place as adults, but it just seemed to fall flat when they actually went back. The beginning was great. I loved getting to know all the characters, the build up to the return wasn't bad, but when they actually returned it just felt like a middle grade book rather than an adult one. It came together a little too quickly, resolved too quickly, and then went into a happily ever after for far too long. I was a little confused as to why it had not ended until a last minute conflict followed by even more happily ever after.
It ended with, I think, a way to add another book but it definitely did not leave me wanting more. Not much character growth, despite 15 years passing, and too many loose ends that really didn't make much sense.

This is definitely a bit more magical than I first anticipated, but overall a great read. The story had everything from friendship, some romance, and of course some fantasy.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book was SO close to being a better overall read, but a few things held it back. First, the good - the characters are likable, the fairytale vibe is enchanting, the love story is sweet. I mean, it was a "good" book. But just like her first book (which I could not finish for this one reason alone), this is an adult book written in such a middle-grade way. It lacks real depth, grit, or complexity. There is not enough tension for the story she's trying to tell. Just because you throw adult themes in a book - and here there's talk of suicide, kidnapping, domestic abuse, homophobia, drug addiction, and more - that doesn't make it an intellectually or emotionally layered journey fit for an adult audience. I mean, there is very little discernable difference between how the two male characters read on the page at 15yo and then later at 30yo. All this time has passed, and...so what? Same for their mutual female friend. And what is up with all of them? Are they a throuple? Why hint at that so heavily and then never take it anywhere? This happens a few times in the book, with plotlines just left hanging. The pacing of the story is also problematic. What I'm guessing is meant to be the main climax of the story (maybe??) is at about 60% into the book with a villain you can see a mile away, and it just kind of fizzles. The book then clunks along for another 40% of the time, with a few weak attempts at 3rd act conflicts and resolution. I liked the book enough to finish it, but it's probably not one I'll be putting near the top of my list for 2024. Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for an advanced digital copy of The Lost Story.

“Books are magic. Maybe even the strongest magic there is.” Meg Shaffer always does a beautiful job of writing books that make you feel like you are reading books from your childhood, but with the complexities and emotions of adult life. I absolutely loved this book! I laughed, I sobbed, and I was taken away into a magical world. This story has beautiful love of all kinds (romantic, sisterly, familial). I am a person who doesn’t read the back of books before reading (whoops), so when I first started this I really thought we were about to get Meg does a true crime book, but then I was suddenly flown into a magical world! I will say some parts did drone on for me while others felt rushed - but all that being said this is still a 5 star read for me! Also after that ending I really hope we get more to this story 👀👀

From the moment I picked up *The Lost Story* by Meg Schaeffer, I was completely hooked. The book takes readers to a magical world reminiscent of my favorite classic tales.

Inspired by *The Chronicles of Narnia*, this fairy tale for grown-ups follows best friends Jeremy Cox and Rafe Howell, who disappear in a West Virginia forest. They return six months later with no memory of where they’ve been. Fifteen years later, Jeremy and Rafe must confront their past and return to the enchanted world they once knew.

What You Can Expect:
- 🌈 LGBTQ rep
- 👨‍👩‍👧 Found family
- 🎤 Stevie Nicks references
- 🐀 A cool pet rat
- 👑 Royalty, 🦄 Unicorns, and more

*The Lost Story* is a phenomenal read! I was captivated from start to finish. The enchanting atmosphere took me back to stories I loved as a child.

The interludes with the Storyteller reminded me of *The NeverEnding Story* and *The Princess Bride*. The book balances whimsy with tough topics like suicide, adoption, and family drama.

Thank you to #NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the #Arc.

Thank you so much for allowing me to read this book early. I loved the beginning, with Jack's special powers and the conflict between him and Rafe. I knew from the description that there would be a fairy tale element, but I didn't think too much about it. However I did lose interest a bit in that part. That is just me though! I am not as into fantasy as many others. Meg Shaffer is a great writer and I can't wait to read more.

((Rounding up from my rating of 3.5 stars.))

I wish I could have reviewed the two halves of this book separately. The first 45% was such a fun read— I couldn’t put it down and I gushed about it to tons of friends, who would also enjoy the silly banter, found family, queer MCs, and the very millennial references that were woven in. I was so excited to see where this one was headed and how the author would weave in the fantastical elements of the story that were clearly coming. It was cozy and quick at the same time. It was easily a five star start for me.

Then our three main characters stepped into the second half of the book, and the moment they stepped through the portal, the writing changed for me dramatically. For context, I have a middle grade reader at home, so I’m very familiar with that style. The second half of this book felt like it was written for that middle grade audience, for good narrative reason, but that reason wasn’t enough to keep me from feeling frustrated at the switch. I wanted so badly to love it but the magic and world building of the second half of the book felt so loose that I couldn’t get invested in the secondary stakes the book sets up. The topics are still aimed at adults (childhood abuse for being gay, for example), but the shift in writing was jarring for me. Please note there is a narrative reason for this shift, which would be a spoiler to share, so flagging that it may not be as troublesome for some readers as it was for me.

However, the characters were compelling and I still absolutely enjoyed my time with them. I just spent a lot of time in the second half of the book missing the writing from the first half, which felt as cozy and fun as Meg Shaffer‘s other novel, The Wishing Game (five stars for me).

If you liked the tone of the Wishing Game as much as I did, or if you enjoyed the Chronicles of Narnia as a child, I think you’ll have a great time for the first half of the novel. It’s a quick read that I think would make an immersive vacation read this summer.

Thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine for the advance copy of The Lost Story.

Rating: 3.75/5

"The Lost Story" by Meg Shaffer invites readers on an enchanting journey into a magical kingdom hidden within the depths of Red Crow State Forest. As Rafe and Jeremy stumble upon the portal during their youthful escapades, the narrative unfolds with a sense of wonder and discovery. While the slow-burn LGBTQ+ relationship between the protagonists lacks spicy moments, it adds depth and authenticity to their connection. Although character development could be more robust, and the pacing occasionally feels hurried, Shaffer's vivid storytelling captures the imagination, leaving readers yearning for more immersive world-building. Despite a slight dissonance between its adult fairy tale aspirations and whimsical nature, the enduring bond between Rafe and Jeremy shines as the novel's heart. Although the intermittent "storyteller corner" interjections may disrupt the flow for some, they add a unique touch to the narrative. Received as an ARC on NetGalley, "The Lost Story" from Ballantine Books is a captivating read that earns a commendable 3.75/5 rating.

4.5 rounded down. I enjoyed The Wishing Game but Meg Shaffer has topped it with her sophomore novel! The book was uniquely written with intermittent notes from “The Storteller” in between chapters, which I really enjoyed. There’s romance, amazing friendships, a magical adventure, and a wonderful fairy tale world. What more could you want?! Highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine Books for the ARC in consideration for my honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. This is a story about missing relatives and found family, rejection and redemption, love and loss. A rather sad version of the real world mixed with the most enchanting fairytale realm. I thought the use of the storyteller as a character was a brilliant way to tie it all together. The Wishing Game was interesting, but this story stole my heart. I will definitely read whatever Meg Shaffer writes next.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me access to this book. I’m not much of a fantasy or sci-fi reader but I did enjoy this book. Took me a while to finish it, but I Definitely recommend picking this book up

All the whimsy and magic of The Wishing Game has been rekindled in The Lost Story. This is truly a gift for those who have been looking for Narnia or waiting for their Hogwarts letter well into adulthood, but tainted with the darkness that a life lived offers.

I was delighted to receive an advanced copy of this novel through Netgalley and Ballantine books (thanks guys!) This book follows Emilie, who has lost her sister, even though she never knew her. It also follows Jeremy and Ralph, one who is good at finding and one who needs to be found. Oh yeah, and it also has a magic kingdom. This book on paper is exactly what I like, It involves magic, found family, discovering oneself, discovering a sense of belonging, pet rats, funny horses, and self aware third person. AND it is a fairy tale written for adults who loved books as children and love books now. HOWEVER. None of the characters felt round to me. Everyone had their little quirk, but they didn’t have any depth. I was super engaged until about 60% through, and then I felt like the story lost me. I’m so sad because The Wishing Game changed me, and this book didn’t quite meet my expectations. However, I did really enjoy my time in Shannandoah, and loved that Shaffer made West Virginia a magical place. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend, but it’s a great read if you chose to read it!

Such a beautiful story with wonderful characters and a great journey throughout the story. I loved following the characters throughout the story and the world-building. Definitely a good book to read!

I adore Chronicles of Narnia and this book was like a grown-up version of the book. This book has it all - love, friendship, and growth. I loved the characters and was hooked from the first page. I really hope the author continues the story in future sequels.

The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer is easily one of my favorite books of the year so far. I was a big fan of Meg Shaffer's previous novel, The Wishing Game, and I was not disappointed at all in her latest novel, The Lost Story. I found it to be such a unique and beautifully written novel. After reading the first couple of pages, I was immediately immersed into the story of the characters we are introduced to (Jeremy, Rafe, and Emilie). The story picks up fifteen years after Jeremy and Rafe have returned from being lost for months in a forest in West Virginia. Rafe is now a talented artist who lives an isolated life while Jeremy has the amazing ability to find those who have been lost, just as he and Rafe once were. Emilie comes into the story as she comes to Jeremy for help in finding her missing sister who disappeared in the same West Virginia state forest years before the two boys did. What follows is an amazing journey filled with magic and a ton of surprises. I love the way the author described the magical land in the story; it felt as if I was there in the story with the characters. I also loved the way that each of the characters went on their own individual journeys throughout the story and also came together in the end to help support each other. I think a lot of other people will fall in love with this novel just as much as I did!

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

4.5 stars
A lovely fairytale for adults! I adored all of the main characters. I thought there wasn’t too much world-building to be confusing, but enough to get you to feel like you were in their world. I also thought the “story teller” aspect was a cute touch! While I thoroughly enjoyed the story, I think the conflict(s) were quick. Overall a very enjoyable read that I recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for my honest review!

Aw, I had such high hopes for this one after LOVING The Wishing Game last year. While that one is more magical realism which I love, The Lost Story delves more into fantasy which isn’t my favorite.

While The Wishing Game was Meg Shaffers spin on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Lost Story felt like an homage to Chronicles of Narnia.

I just <b>know</b> so many people are going to adore this book but it ended up just being okay for me. I really enjoyed Jeremy and Rafe but found myself irritated by Emilie most of the time. It ended up being a cute fairytale for adults but didn’t blow me away.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC! ✨