((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! ✨

A- on my book scale
A modern fairytale of found family overcoming impossible odds.
At points I felt like this story moved to fast and other points to slow, but overall I was enchanted and couldn't put it down.

Although this novel presents itself as a fairy tale for grown-ups -- and a very effective one -- the magical land at its heart, Shenandoah, turns out to be the creation of a thirteen-year-old girl. A very gifted, troubled thirteen year-old girl, who was kidnapped several years before the start of this novel. When her younger stepsister (separated by adoption) hires a noted missing-persons expert to find her, he turns out to have his own experience of being lost -- and his own connection to Shenandoah. He also has an artist friend who was lost with him in Shenandoah, but no longer remembers the experience. He does, however, remember how to get them all to one possible entrance.

And we're off!

This was a truly delightful reading experience -- though, like all authentic fairy tales, The Lost Story holds its share of darkness. There is plenty of death and more than a little abuse in the back stories of these characters. The artist -- who turns out to be more than a friend to our missing-persons expert -- has unfinished business with his father. The sisters only want to stay together. No one wants to leave Shenandoah, although it offers little of the security of twenty-first century America. As the plot winds tighter, however, it becomes increasingly evident that wishes do not always come true in this enchanted place. Can a rewrite fix it?

As in Meg Shaffer's previous novel, The Wishing Game, the characters here seem slightly off-center from our reality. This doesn't get in the way of them being immediately sympathetic. There are also several pop culture referents (Stevie Nicks, Firefly, Trapper Keepers) which may not hold up well over time. The spirit of true storytelling, though, is another matter -- and The Lost Story has that in spades.

Recommended for anyone in need of medicine for melancholy.

I loved Meg Shaffer's previous novel, The Wishing Game, but this book fell short for me. The pacing was too slow, and aside from the presence of a magical world, it just felt like not much....happened? The storyline felt flimsy and directionless; lacking an overall adverse situation to overcome, which would have propel the story forward. Also, The Lost Story was a disappointment when it was marketed as being likened to the Narnia series, which it pays homage to but can't touch with regards to creativity and character/plot development.

I did enjoy the narrator breaking the fourth wall with interjections. And Rafe and Jeremy's backstory of friendship was lovely.

Overall, a few nice points but skip it if you're hoping for another Wishing Game.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

Despite finding the fourth wall breaking storyteller interludes hokey as all hell, I ended up really enjoying the rest of this book! A nice accessible contemporary fantasy that I think could bring in new adult fans of the genre who haven't read one since childhood.

Jeremy Cox and Ralph/Rafe Howell disappeared in the Red Crow Forest together as teenagers, not reappearing for over 6 months. This book takes place 15 years after they disappeared together, Jeremy makes a living finding lost girls/women and Rafe has hidden himself away protecting wild game as a recluse in the wilds of West Virgina. Emilie, our 3rd main character, tasks Jeremy with helping her find her missing half-sister, Shannon, who disappeared in the same forest as Jeremy and Rafe 5 years prior to their disappearance.
This is a book for lovers of fantasy and fairy tales where all is not logical and explained, and overall is very enjoyable and hit the mark for me, minus a few minor complaints. The main conflict is presented as this life-or-death moment, but for me lacked true tension and fear for the success of the main characters against the Big Baddie. I think it was nearly there but just missed the mark for me on that, but everything else was well fleshed out and well written. The characters and their backgrounds were well developed and felt distinct from each other. I previously very much-loved Meg Shaffer's first novel and this is absolutely a worthwhile sophomore entry.
Thank you to Random House Ballantine and NetGalley for the electronic ARC of this novel for review.

This book was so fun!
I loved that there was such a different premise to the book, unlike any storyline I have heard before. I definitely get the Narnia influence, and loved to see the uplifting tale of sisters reuniting and healing something in each other.
I found myself in tears at the beauty of some of the storylines' forgiveness plot(s). It is a refreshing thing to read.
I would LOVE to see a sequel to this one; kind of a "where are they now?" arc.

Thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for an opportunity to receive a copy of this arc. To say that I screamed when I was accepted would be an understatement. Meg Schaffer’s debut The Wishing Game was one of my favorite books last year and I knew that I wanted to read another book from her. This one did not disappoint. We follow Jeremy Cox and Rafe Howell 15 years after they go missing in Red Crow State Forest in West Virginia as they help Emilie Wendell find her missing sister. It forces Jeremy and Rafe to confront their past, each other, and their demons to return to where they were lost to find not only Emilie’s sister but also themselves.

I loved this book so much. The magical and whimsical elements are present in this book. I could vividly picture it in my head. I felt giddy and was smiling from ear to ear. I enjoyed Jeremy, Rafe, and Emilie. Reading about their journey, personally and with each other, was fun to read about. Meg Shaffer, in my opinion, has the ability to transport you back to feeling like a kid with curiosity, wonder, and to have a fun adventure. I will say that I wish the ending was maybe another like 5-10 pages to fully wrap the story up. The Storyteller narration was cool and kept me guessing.

If you liked The Wishing Game or you just want to transport yourself to a fantastical faraway land, I would highly recommend this book when it comes out on July 16th.

This was one of those books that I stayed up too late to read, and then couldn't sleep for another hour because I was so crushed it was over.

Meg, I beg you, make this a series!!!

My only criticism was how short it was. I could have easily spent pages more in each situation. More details on each interaction would have made my heart happy, if only because I just want to sink deeper into this world and know more about these characters.

You can tell that CS Lewis and Narnia was an influence here, and I adored it. Those books and movies were favorites of mine growing up! Plus, I grew up in Maryland, another of West Virginia's neighbors that has its own Appalachian stories, so the idea of a secret world in the woods wasn't even far-fetched for me. The Appalachian Mountains hold stories far too deep and far too old for us to comprehend, and I'm content to let it filter into our worlds as it sees fit. This might as well be a true story, for all I'm concerned!

I adored Meg Schaffer's The Wishing Game, and this was yet another 5 Star Favorite for me! I'm ready for more, more, MORE!

Thanks to NetGalley, Mag Shaffer, and the publisher for the ARC! The Lost Story debuts on July 16th, 2024!