Thank you so much Meg Shaffer, Penguin Random House Publishing, and NetGalley for the eARC of The Lost Story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Confession: My entire life, I’ve been the person that tests the back of every wardrobe I’ve come across just to make sure it’s not a magical portal to Narnia😂. That being said, it’s easy to see why I had to say yes to a book being promoted as a modern day fairytale for adults who were enchanted by The Chronicle’s of Narnia growing up! 😍

The Lost Story, in my opinion, is a love letter to all of us grownups who wish we could travel to Narnia (or a similar fairytale land). It’s whimsical, emotional, heartbreaking, and so hopeful. From the first page, I was invested in Emilie, Rafe, and Jermey’s search for Emilie’s missing sister, Shannon, who vanished in the mysterious forests of West Virginia 20 years ago.

I couldn’t get enough of the juxtaposition between Rafe and Jermey’s life in the mythical land of Shanandoah as teenagers, and their current situation as adults stuck in the real world. It was like glimpsing what life would have been like for the Pevensie children had the end of their story turned out differently.

Although I loved the realm of Shanandoah and its inhabitants, I think my favorite part of the book was the mysterious Storyteller Corner narrator. I loved all the fairytale lessons, backstories, foreshadowing, and infuriating interruptions the charming character brought to the story. Also, the big reveal at the end was perfection!

In the pages you will find:

🏰A Magical Realm
❤️Romance (just kissing)
🧑‍🧑‍🧒Complicated Family Dynamics
🦄Mythical Creatures
🫥Mysterious Disappearances
🪄Magical Abilities
🌳Portals to Other Worlds
🐀A lovable rat sidekick
📖An unputdownable fairytale for adults!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I really enjoyed this book. I like Meg Shaffer a lot, and she outdid herself with this new book! I highly reccomend!

I loved The Wishing Game so when I saw this book by the same author on #NetGalley I felt lucky to snag an ARC! Two best friends Jeremy and Rafe go missing as boys, only to mysteriously reappear six months later with no explanation for where they’d gone or how they’d survived. You know I LOVE a story will a little magic and this one checks all the boxes! It was such a fun read I couldn't put it down and I am hopeful a second story is in the works! Right now the scheduled pub date is July 16. :) #TheLostStory

There are literally no words to describe how perfect this book was. This is everything I didn’t know I wanted in a book.
I loved the fantasy elements but the found family aspects were amazing. Highly highly recommend and I’m definitely keeping my eye on everything Meg writes in the future!

I was very excited to see this book was coming out because I LOVED Meg Schaffer’s last book “The Wishing Game” and this book “The Lost Story” lived up to my expectations. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for giving me access to this ARC! This book was full of the best parts of all fairytales; a Queen, a prince, a knight and a princess. Not to mention it also had a magical bird, mysterious powers to help others, villains and the most entertaining storyteller.

The story begins with two men, Jeremy and Ralph (Rafe), who were lost as boys in a forest in West Virginia for six months and then reappear. One boy has forgotten all his memories of being lost and the other remembers everything and becomes an investigator for missing women and children. Fifteen years later they come back together reluctantly to help a girl named Emilie who is searching for her sister who also went missing in the same place. This is where the adventure begins because in order to help Emilie, it requires both men to return to the forest to try and reunite the sisters.

If you’re looking for a book that transports you to a place like Narnia and allows your imagination to explore this is the book for you!

As someone who is not a fan of fantasy/fairy-tale type stories, I couldn't wait to read this book based on my experience with Shaffer's last book, so that is saying a lot! Lo and behold, I loved it and devoured it in less than a day. She has a way of writing the most charming stories that also explore deep feelings and just leave you in a better place after reading them.

The book centers on Jeremy and Rafe, who went missing in the woods for 6 months at 15 years old and come back seemingly no worse for the wear, while also not talking about where they were. 15 years later, Jeremy is world-renowned for his uncanny ability to find missing people and Rafe is living a reclusive life near his childhood home in WV. When Emilie tracks down Jeremy in search of her missing sister, it's the perfect opportunity for Jeremy and Rafe to reunite and bring Emilie into the secret of where they spent those missing 6 months.

Every main character in this book was likeable and the dynamics between them were authentic. I rooted for them and felt deeply for the decisions they had to make, knowing how their choices affected those around them. The descriptions of the surroundings were so vivid that I felt like I was there. The ending was perfect for the rest of the story and the whole thing was wrapped up nicely.

Meg Shaffer has made me into a fairy-tale convert and I can't wait to read what she comes up with next! Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was everything I didn’t know I needed and more! For lovers of The Chronicles of Narnia, this was an absolute dream. The narrator, the setting, the dialogue, it felt something out of my favorite books as a child. Did I mention I loved it? Rafe and Jeremy were such a delight to read about. I loved the journey we went on with them as characters. Rafe trying to remember what he forgot and dealing with abuse at the hands of his father and Jeremy gently guiding him. Ugh. It was beautiful. Emilie’s search for her sister and ultimately finding her-it was just too much. I didn’t know I was missing an adult fairytale until I read this book. Delightful!

When I realized that Meg Shaffer book was coming out with a new book I knew I had to read it instantly and this book did not disappoint! The novel follows two best friends in West Virginia, Jermey Cox and Rafe Howell. The two go missing in a forest and return after six months. They come back better when they left and the whole town doesn’t know why. How did they survive for so long? How are they in perfect health? And most importantly how did the whole town search for miles and miles and not find them? Where exactly did those two boys go?

Fifteen years later Jermey becomes a missing persons investigator and Rafe becomes an artist who resides in the woods. Emilie seeks out Jeremys help to find her lost sister. Shockingly, Jermey knows who Emilie’s sister is. The three go on an adventure to find to find the things that they lost.

Inspired by The Chronicles of Narina, Shaffer transports the reader into a magical realm where anything is possible. The story is beautifully written. If you loved Shaffer’s debut novel The Wishing Game, then you will certainly love this!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

This gentle YA fantasy references well-loved tales such as the Narnia stories and The Wizard of Oz, while dealing somewhat more explicitly with darker themes, such as addiction, child abuse, sexual predators, and homophobia. The adolescent protagonists are believable and engaging, and the story of their struggles and triumphs in two alternating worlds and lives, the real world in the present-day W. Virginia and the mythical land of Shanondoah, keeps the pace going and the tension high. The style is mystical and whimsical, but the battle between darkness and light, hatred and love, is nevertheless depicted with enough reality to touch the reader's emotions. Those readers who enjoy fantasy and coming of age stories should find a lot to love here.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer
(Publishing July 16th)

The Lost Story is an absolutely delightful book that I hope everyone who enjoys fairytales gives a chance to. I was positive I was not going to have a good time reading this book because I honestly did not have a great time reading The Wishing Game. While I can admit The Wishing Game is a good book, it still felt like it took me ages (it was about a month or more) to read. This book is so so much better.

First of all, as someone who lives in West Virginia, it is really hard to find stories/Tv/movies that do not focus on the poverty or stereotypes of the state. The amount of things that showcase the holler with incest, no teeth, etc. is so overdone, I was a little scared going into this. Meg Shaffer nailed the scenery. Rafe was poor, but it wasn’t the same way other media tries to do it. And one of the best things about WV (probably the only real good thing tbh) is the scenery, and it is actually quite perfect for a fairy tale. The woods have magic. The little details were there as well because there is an apple in the book called a Gold Apple or something, and then in the back there is a recipe calling for these apples, but you can use in place Golden Delicious -an apple created here in WV. (It’s our state fruit).

Secondly, I loved every single main character. Usually, I can’t stand at least one of the MCs in a book. The characters in this book? Love. There are gay MCs and I love that, of course. Representation. I love the quirks. The friendship. The romance is just the right amount that gives me heart eyes. I would warn there could be something triggering in this book involving mentions of child abuse because of a character having gay thoughts. I don’t know if that is a spoiler, but I think because of the happier tone of the rest of the book, it’s important to note that trigger is there. I wouldn’t want anyone to be surprised.

Thank you NetGalley & Ballantine Books for this ARC. This is 100% my honest review. This book is magical and you should check it out for mid July!

Fact: There really is a bronze Don Knotts statue in WV. Does your state have any strange statues?

I absolutely loved the Wishing Game and so was very happy to get the chance to read another book by Meg Shaffer. It did not disappoint! This one was all about finding where you belong, whether it is in West Virginia or a hidden kingdom that only a few people know about. And what matters most in your life, or who. Jeremy and Rafe found it when they were boys and so are well suited to leading Emilie there to find her long missing sister. It follows the vein of a fairytale, as so often the Storyteller reminds us (those little inserts were interesting and fun!) and so there are trials (awful Bright Boys!) on the way to find their happily ever afters, but also magical assistance and good people (or animals, go Fritz!). Jeremy and Rafe's story is sweet and heartbreaking and I would love to see the art of Rafe and I love the bonds of sisterhood between Emilie and Shannon (or Skya). This story is magical and sweet and so much fun to read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book to read and review.

Meg Shaffer’s stories are instant 5⭐️ reads for me. Her books make it so easy to believe in magic, and I mean the type of magic you felt when reading about places like Narnia or Hogwarts as a kid. Her stories evoke the same feelings and I am an instant believer in the worlds she creates. I loved The Wishing Game when I read it last year and I loved reading The Lost Story just as much! Rafe and Jeremy’s mystery background, paired with Emilie’s hope to find her missing sister, made this a book I didn’t want to put down. I was rooting for all of them from the very start! Make sure you pick up The Lost Story when it releases on July 16th and be ready to step through the door and believe again!

This is a delightful story: adventures, suspense, battles, confrontation & resolution to past situations, magic, friendship, love and found family.
I could not put it down; hoping for a sequel/series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine
for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Meg Shaffer is a great author who can create worlds you wish you could escape to. The Lost Story is no exception. The mystery of Red Crow Park slowly reveals itself when kids disappear. Those who are "lost" find themselves in a fantasy world full of excitement, but also some danger around every corner. Shaffer does a wonderful job narrating the story and describing the scene well. However, the characters do fall flat and are not very memorable. Unlike previous works, The Lost Story falls short of being a world you wish to disappear into. Instead the reader is left a bit confused and unsure of what is reality.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this was a very fun and whimsical read. I do feel like the middle of the story did slow down slightly for me but picked up again toward the end. I do enjoy the authors style of writing and am looking forward to reading The Wishing Game. I would absolutely recommend this book!

West - by God - Virginia! The Lost Story was exactly what I was hoping for in Meg Shaffer's follow up to The Wishing Game - something unexpected! I found this book to be really whimsical and refreshing!

Inspired by Narnia, I truly loved the fairy tale world Meg Shaffer created here. Jeremy and Rafe went missing in a forest as kids in their West Virginia hometown. When they reappeared 6 months later, they did not have an explanation for where they'd been during that time or how they got back. 15 years later, Jeremy is approached by a young girl named Emilie who asks for his help to find her sister who went missing in the same forest as the boys did years ago. In order to help Emilie, Jeremy now has to convince Rafe to join them but Rafe and Jeremy haven't spoken since they returned because Jeremy wouldn't t tell him what happened while they were lost. Jeremy promises Rafe that if he helps them travel back to the forest, that he will tell him everything that happened 15 years ago. So, they set off on a journey together because they know where to find Emilie's sister!

The rest of the story is reminiscent of a childhood fairy tale and takes you on a magical journey to a hidden land.

Thank you to #NetGalley, Meg Shaffer, and Random House Publishing Group for their eARC of #TheLostStory in exchange for an honest review.

I will not be reading this book in its entirety. This makes me sad to say because I adored The Wishing Game. There was content and relationship choices that do not align with my beliefs.

An adult fairy tale! I loved the Narnia series and this novel takes inspiration from that. Who wouldn't want to read about a grand adventure in a mysterious land. Jeremy and Rafe go missing from West Virginia in their youth and mysteriously appear six months later with no explanation for where they had been or how they survived. Fifteen years later, Jeremy is a missing person investigator with an uncanny ability to find missing or lost people. Enter Emilie who needs to find her missing sister who also went missing from the same woods as Jeremy and Rafe. Can Emilie convince Jeremy and Rafe to help her find her sister? What happens when they return to the magical realm where only Jeremy knowns the truth but Rafe bears the scars from the journey?

This novel billed as a fairytale for adults and inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia was a wonderful and fun read. This kind of book isn’t my typical “must-read” but I am very happy I gave it a chance. My life needed a little magic!

Two childhood friends, Jeremy and Rafe go missing for 6 months as teens and return taller, fitter, stronger and well fed. Use your imagination based on the the above as to where they were! Upon their return, Rafe can’t remember where they were and Jeremy keeps his lips sealed. Finding out what went on, why Rafe has no memory and why Jeremy won’t talk was great as a reader. That part truly sucked me in and cemented this as a fantastic read for me.

15 years later in adulthood, Jeremy is an expert at finding missing children and Rafe is a recluse. A young woman named Emily seeks out Jeremy’s services to find her missing sister. They all come together to head back to the magical world that the boys spent six months in during their youth. In their visit to the mystical world, The crew encounters magic, fantasy, danger, and love. .All the ingredients of a great fairytale.

I recommend this book to most readers - especially those who aren’t big on fantasy, like me. It is a heart-warming read that is sure to bring some well-deserved whimsey into your life.

I, unfortunately, didn't love this one.

The book started out strong and I was hooked and intriguing to find out where the story was going.

I really enjoyed the unexpected mystery aspect and would have loved for that same vibe to continue through out the story.

However, once the group made it through the magic door the whole writing style changed and I felt like I was reading a children's book.

I understand the magic of the location can change a story but the writing became so childish I just couldn't believe I was reading the same book. .

On top of that, I found the second half to be very predictable and the twist and turns expected.

Overall I think the concept was good but the execution was a bit all over the place and lacking.

I wanted to love it but it just didn't work for me.