I really liked this one! Very magical and fun to read. The writing was descriptive and enjoyable!

Thank you NetGalley and Meg Shaffer!

The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer is a delightfully fun fairy tale full of quirky characters and adventure. After the recent death of her mother, Emilie decides she wants to find her biological sister Shannon, who has been missing since she was a young teen. Emilie seeks out Jeremy Cox, who is well known for being able to find missing people, to ask him for help. Jeremy agrees to help Emilie, but says they need the help of his old friend Rafe, as Jeremy and Rafe also went missing in the same area of forest Shannon disappeared into when they were teens.
I really liked this book, it was a fun read, and I loved the dynamic between the characters. The only complaint that I really had while reading, was that it did at times read more YA, and the characters acted much younger than their written ages.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of The Lost Story in exchange for my honest review.

This book was a great mix of fantasy, adventure, love, and friendship. The characters explore a magical world similar to Chronicles of Narnia with a twist of working through past trauma while focusing on forging bonds for the future. It was a quick and easy read as well. Loved this line, "Yes, books are magic. Maybe even the strongest magic there is." ✨️

Receiving the advanced copy of this book was like winning the lottery! The Wishing Game was my favorite book out of the 157 books I read in 2023, and once again, Meg Shaffer delivered with The Lost Story.

This book gripped me with the map. The world she created was magical and really did feel like a story written by a child living her best life. I loved the character development for Rafe, Jay, and Emilie. Their histories were believable and my heart was breaking for each of them. I felt like I was seeing through their eyes and experiencing everything they were instead of just reading it on the page. I found myself lost in their world, and it made The Lost Story that much better.

I think Meg did an incredible job with all the magical details including the unicorn pencil and Jay's ability to find lost things that want to be found, Everything was just so clever!

I'm desperately hoping for another book so we can continue the journey with the queen, princess, lord, and prince...and maybe some dragons waking from a slumber?

This book is a must for everyone who loves magical realism, wrote stories as a child, and wants to live out some of their daydreams. Another extraordinary book!

A recipe for Whimsy:
-pick up a Meg Shaffer book
-become enchanted
-read and enjoy

A perfect mix of dark and light, heavy themes with magical redemption.

Before I start this review I just want to confess that I was not a Narnia child. Knew of it? Yes. Actually watched/ read anything about it? No.

My unfamiliarity with Narnia aside, I really enjoyed this read.

Similar to The Wishing Game, in that it strikes a good balance of prose evoking a nostalgic style and a tone that reads for those who have aged out of fairytales.

No subversions here, everything is as a Fairytale demands. To some (like me) it's a welcome return to a style that I thought I'd aged out of. I was an Oz child through and through. Some people are going to find this

Those who relate to this book are going to fall for it HARD.

If you, like me, think about impossible worlds, fantastical creatures, the harmless threats of children's fantasies ane the harmful threats of adults' realities-

Do yourself a favor and read this book.

The feeling when you click with an author's imagination is perfection. When I finished The Wishing Game I knew Meg Shaffer and I share the same longing and fondness for the far-off fantasy lands of children's literature. The Long Story is another extension riffing on C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia. Jeremy and Rafe disappear as teens, but only Jeremy remembers where they were: an enchanted land full of magic and adventure. They return 15 years to help Emilie find her missing sister who went missing in the same woods.

Meg Shaffer masterfully pulls tropes from the Narnia stories and reshapes them for an adult audience. The pain of growing up, the reason why we often escape into fantasy stories in the first place, is revisited in order to heal those traumas, and the main characters, Jeremy and Rafe, have much to address. The writing is absolutely lovely as it pays attention to the natural world and makes the struggles of Jeremy and Rafe feel so real. Plus the humor! Jeremy is a self-identified a**hole and sarcastic as hell.

It's hard to review this book without spoiling anything, and the twists are worth it to keep a surprise!

Thank you Random House Ballentine and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. When Jeremy and Rafe were younger they disappeared in a forest. No one knew where they were or what happened to them. Six months later they returned but Rafe doesn’t remember what happened and Jeremy isn’t saying. And before long Jeremy moves. 15 years later and Jeremy works on missing person cases meanwhile Rafe has become a recluse. But everything changes when Emilie’s tracks Jeremy down because her sister disappeared from the same forest they did. Turns out when they were missing Jeremy and Rafe had actually been in a magical realm and now they’ll return in search of Emilie’s sister. But will they like what they find? Can the missing memories be recovered? And what exactly does Jeremy know? This is such a beautiful story! Meg Shaffer creates such beautiful images that really allow the reader to visualize and put themselves there. I love the relationship between Rafe and Jeremy as well! Handling difficult vibes all through the lens of a magical world that has everything on would expect from fairytales! I absolutely adored this book! Plus there is queer representation!

I absolutely adored the first book by this author, the wishing game, so I was very excited to see a new book by her! I really did not think that it would live up to the first novel because I loved it so much… But this is my new favorite. The characters are so wonderful and I loved them both individually and as the fun ensemble they made together. The romance was perfect (!!) And believable - and it felt like the ideal fairytale for adults. If you are a fan of the lion, the witch and the wardrobe, I guarantee you will love this book as well.

Drawing inspiration from C.S. Lewis's enchanting Chronicles of Narnia, Meg Shaffer's latest novel unfolds as a mesmerizing fairy tale, albeit with a distinct allure for adults who, in their heart of hearts, still entertain the possibility of magical realms lurking behind the mundane. At the core of this wondrous tale are Jeremy Cox and Rafe Howell, childhood friends whose disappearance in a vast West Virginia forest and subsequent inexplicable return six months later set the stage for a narrative rich in adventure, mystery, and the exploration of deep emotional landscapes.

This novel is a tapestry of themes—friendship, adventure, love, loss, and the quest for identity—woven with threads of magic and the ineffable. The story revisits the enchanted world of Shenandoah, a land of breathtaking beauty and peril, through the intertwined fates of Jeremy, Rafe, and Emilie Wendell, whose sister's disappearance in the same enigmatic forest propels them on a quest fraught with danger and discovery.

Shaffer's prose is lauded for its vividness, painting Shenandoah with such detail that it almost leaps off the page, inviting readers to lose themselves in its magic. The narrative is both a journey and a coming-of-age tale for its protagonists, exploring themes of friendship, trauma, and redemption. Jeremy, with his unique abilities and tormented by secrets, Rafe, an artist grappling with internal scars, and Emilie, determined and brave, make for a compelling trio. Their quest is not just about finding what was lost but also confronting what was left behind: unresolved trauma and the truths of their shared past.

Readers and critics alike commend the book for its lush descriptions, atmospheric settings, and the profound connections between its characters. The humor, vulnerability, and humanity of the characters add layers of depth to the narrative, making it not just a fairy tale but a reflection on the complexities of life and relationships.

Yet, for all its magic and wonder, the novel also navigates darker territories—addressing issues like memory loss, suicide, adoption, and family dynamics—thereby grounding its fantastical elements in the gritty realities of human existence. The LGBTQ representation further enriches the tapestry, offering a nuanced portrayal of identity and belonging.

Despite its near-perfect execution, some readers felt the story could have concluded earlier, hinting at a pacing issue towards the end. Nonetheless, the overwhelming consensus is one of admiration for Shaffer's storytelling prowess, her ability to craft a world at once surreal and strikingly real, and her exploration of the human spirit's capacity for magic, resilience, and transformation.

In essence, Meg Shaffer's novel is a celebration of the magical power of books to transport, transform, and transcend. It is a fairy tale for the modern adult, reminding us that wonder and adventure aren't confined to the pages of a book but are all around us, waiting to be discovered. A highly recommended read, it is a book that invites return visits, promising new discoveries with each reading.

Confession: "The Wishing Game" by Meg Shaffer was my favorite book of 2023. I can't remember the last time a book captured my heart and brought me to so many (happy) tears. Needless to say, I was so excited for more from this author, and "The Lost Story" did not disappoint!

I don't want to give too much away, but will say that Shaffer created a lovely modern fairy tale with characters that pop off the page. I fell in love with Rafe, Jeremy, Emilie, and Skya. I particularly loved the boys' journey together. The way real-life conflicts were woven into this fantastical story was beautifully done. And the dialogue/banter was so much fun! These felt like people I know, and I wanted nothing more than for them to reach their happily ever after. (Also, as a proud West Virginian, I appreciated all the references and positive light shed on my home state!)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy, and to Meg Shaffer for writing another great book!

Another great take on childhood literature from Meg Shaffer! Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine books for the ARC. All opinions are my own and scheduled publication date is July 16 2024.
The story is loosely based on the idea of the Chronicles of Narnia (which I have not read). Jeremy and Rafe are 2 boys living in West Virginia. They are lost in a state park called Red Crow for months and then emerge from the forest. It is not clear what happened to them and Rafe has no memory of anything that happened. Jeremy is taken back to England by his mother almost immediately.
It turns out that Jeremy has a gift for finding lost people and he is approached by Emilie who learned after her adopted mother's death that she has a biologic sister. Unfortunately that girl was kidnapped as a teenager by a pedophile. The pedophile is found dead but the girl is never found.
The story of the 3 (Jeremy, Rafe and Emilie) looking for the lost sister is truly magical. The world they find themselves is in so imaginative and intriguing. What a delightful strong sense of place in both worlds- the real West Virginia and the Red Crow world.
The characters are well done and believable. They are easy to root for.
There are strong elements of romance as well in this fantasy novel.
A great book for all those who loved children's books with their fantastic imaginative worlds!
Can't wait to see what the author comes up with next!

One of my top books from last year was The Wishing Game, so I was very excited for Meg's new one. The idea of this book seemed right up my alley, but sadly, it just didn't hit for me. It took me forever to read this, and at some points, I was not excited to pick it up.

I loved all of the Easter Eggs and references; Meg writes fantasy worlds so beautifully, and she makes me want to get lost in them. One of the main things that didn't work for me was how long it felt like it took to actually get to the magical world. There is magic throughout the book, but my favorite part of fantasy realism books is the fantasy part!

If you liked The Wishing Game and The Chronicles of Narnia, there is a chance that you will enjoy this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review!

I truly did enjoy every aspect of this story. There was an interesting adventure, a great group of characters, and wonderful world-building in both the real world and the fantasy world.
The character development was very well done. Each character had their own turmoil, big or small, to get through. Right in the beginning we meet our boys and learn quickly “what happened” to them without knowing what truly went on in those woods. They go home and now have to live their lives and try to get back to any semblance of normalcy. Fifteen years later we learn, that things can never and will never just be normal. Not when you were in a beautiful fairy tale.
I loved the way Meg wrote each world. I have been to West Virginia for a camping trip and it truly is as she described. It’s a different world in those mountains.
The nod to Nárnia and creating a fairy tale world full of wonder and whimsy, I was transported. I enjoyed it immensely.
The hard part for me was remembering who I was reading about in the aspect of their ages. There were times when I thought wait they’re not teenagers, they’re grown adults. I enjoyed the reading and the story, but just not the it seems like they are still young teenagers. The dialect sometimes was very young. I imagine it would be as if maybe they are in this fantasy land and because they never truly were able to return to normalcy they stayed in a young fanciful mindset as they grew up.
As a whole, it was a very fun read with a great pace. You could easily devour it in a few days if you wanted or you could let it linger a little bit more.
Also, you must listen to Ludovico Einaudi’s Primavera! It is beautiful and the whole album just fits so lovely with the story.

“Yes, books are magic. Maybe even the strongest magic there is.”
The most perfect book for those readers who lived their books as children. Strongly influenced by The Chronicles of Narnia; the author still creates a unique world that you just want to immerse yourself in; and characters you just want to find their happiness in life. A must read for all book lovers!

What a whimsical fairytale. I didn’t know what to expect from Meg Shaffer, but The Lost Story was a quick and delightful read. Emilie, looking for her sister, teams up with Jeremy, who has an ability to find people. Jeremy himself was lost once with his childhood friend, Rafe, so Jeremy enlists Rafe in their magical mission. The world Shaffer built is magical and mysterious. The breaks from the “Storyteller” are unique and keep the story fast-paced. If you’re looking for an enjoyable and enchanting story, devour this in a weekend!

Huge thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC.

If you’re a fan of whimsical stories - this book is for you. If you wish you could travel back to your childhood and read fairytales - this book is for you. If you like books that toe the line between fiction and fantasy - What’s real? What’s imagination? - this book is for you. If you’re someone who craves the next TJ Klune book - This. Book. Is. For. You!

There’s a magical world and there’s a sleepy West Virginia town. There’s knights, princes, queens, monsters, and there’s skeletons in the closet. There’s romance and (a hint of) tragedy. There’s beautiful writing. Witty dialogue. Ridiculousness.

What more could you want from a story?

(The beautiful cover doesn’t hurt either - not that I judged this book by it!)

I really loved the world building in this book. The one thing I didn’t really enjoy was the narrator. I feel like we could’ve gotten more story instead of the narrator skipping the story ahead. Thanks to NetGalley for the arc.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc of this author I love. It's the second book I've read by her and this one didn't disappoint either. I'll give it a five for now...the ending was more open ended than I like but I'm assuming it's cause there's a sequel? If not maybe more like a 4.5. It was a beautiful cozy feeling story with some fantasy aspects intertwined. The story was predictable at times but the feelings were great and I really liked the characters. I think I liked the wishing game slightly more but still a solid read! I really like her writing style in general and the use of the narrator in this book was wonderful and humorous. Need to read more by this author.

Inspired by C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia, two boys who society would never expect to be friends get ‘lost’ in the woods together. After being miraculously found, no one knows how they survived, why they came back or where they were while they were missing.

I was excited to read another Meg Shaffer book after loving reading ‘The Wishing Game‘. The book starts out with a bang. Immediately pulled in, I grabbed a cup of tea and settled in for a cozy mystery. I’m 1% … 10% in and I’m amped.
I didn’t know this was inspired by Chronicles of Narnia, but readers will easily recognize the name dropping and the similar theme. And you know what …. I didn’t like that. Her previous book was inspired by Willy Wonka, this book inspired by Chronicles of Narnia … I want something more. I’m now 20% in and I’m starting to get a little sad.
About 50% in, I’m over it. It’s too much like a child’s book, but it’s not for children. The dialogue is annoying me. It’s choppy, unrealistic. The dialogue reminded me of one of those cheesy Disney/Nickelodeon T.V. shows, but with less slime.
We hit, what I presume is, the climax of the story way too early in the book. At 70% I’m confused why there is so much text left. We should be wrapping this up. The excitement is over… right? No… it’s the longest, midwestern goodbye as story’s wrap-up. It was unnecessary.
When reading the author’s acknowledgments she mentions her husband is also an author. Doing some quick searches I found he writes parodies of other books. Everything started coming together. I hope for Shaffer’s next book she writes something more… original? Or this might be her ‘schtick’ is she writes fantasy novels inspired by fantasy classics. If so, I might not pick up again.
Overall, I didn’t hate it. If you love, love, love Chronicles of Narnia … you might enjoy this one. Warning, there are no closets. As much as I was excited to recieve this ARC and hear Shaffer is already releasing another book… I would, sadly, not recommend this to my reader friends.
***Thank you to Random House/Ballantine, NetGalley and of course, Meg Shaffer, for a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Publishing on July 16, 2024.
Have you read The Wishing Game? Excited for this Lewis inspired novel? Let me know in the comments below!