The Lost Story follows Emilie, who reaches out to Jeremy for help finding her half sister who disappeared years ago. Jeremy has an uncanny ability to find lost people, and he claims it’s because he and his best friend Rafe were lost in the woods for six months as teens. Initially, Jeremy tells Emilie he can’t help her, but then comes back and tells her he will help her, but only with the help of Rafe, who he hasn’t spoken to since their reappearance.

Emilie questions why he changed his mind, and Jeremy tells her that he and Rafe saw her sister when they were lost, but Rafe is the only one who can find that place again. Rafe is convinced that if someone else is missing in the woods, then he needs to help them. He doesn’t understand why Jeremy thinks he can help, as Rafe has no memories of their time lost. We learn that the boys stumbled into a magical realm and were happily living there, instead of being lost. So, the team returns to the woods, and hope to find the door to the world, and Emilie’s sister inside.

I so very much wanted to love this story, but unfortunately it fell flat for me. The writing felt very YA, except for a lot of sexual innuendos that felt like they were intended to make the characters seem older. Our main three are in their 30’s, but as the book went, they read younger and younger until it felt like reading from the perspective of older teens. All the relationships were very insta-bestfriendship without showing up how that relationship was built, so I didn’t find myself caring about any of the outcomes.

Based on the synopsis, it felt like we were going to spend a lot of the book in the Narnia-esque world, but we don’t arrive there until 60% or more through the book, and then get quick and dirty worldbuilding that left me wanting more. The main antagonist and conflict were incredibly obvious, and if this was a YA book I wouldn’t have minded, but it was unsatisfying for an adult novel. Overall, I was left feeling like this book was a draft, and needed a lot more character, relationship and worldbuilding, because all the element of the book felt incomplete.

If you are looking for a cozy, cute book, this did hit all of those notes, but if you want more fantasy elements, then I would give this one a pass.

As I was completely surprised by the fantasy pieces woven into the story, I was afraid I wouldn’t want to finish the book. I was wrong! I loved the way the story wove the lives and worlds of the characters. I had to read every bit of the story! For all fantasy readers, as well as a reader who can suspend judgement.

When they were fifteen, Jeremy and Rafe were the best of friends. Then they vanished for six months in Red Crow State Forest. They reappeared in perfect health, apart from Rafe’s amnesia. He turned into a hermit, Jeremy became a professional finder of lost girls, and neither spoke to the other for years. Then Emilie approaches Jeremy to help her track down her sister, who vanished twenty years ago in Red Crow. Their quest will take them deep into wonder, peril, grief, and love. A heartwarming tale for anyone who thought Narnia needed sharper teeth and more kissing.

Inspired by C. S. Lewis’s series, “The Chronicles of Narnia,” Meg Shaffer’s new fantasy novel called “The Lost Story” is one of wander, mystery, and old flames.

Follow the story of three characters as they search for a missing girl in a magical world, full of enchantment, danger, and memories that were loved and long forgotten.

The characters are charming and unique, like old friends you haven’t seen since childhood, and the fantasy elements are made of dreams and fairy tale books. As a writer myself, I felt myself recognizing the author’s passions pieces - quotes she must have written down years ago, or premises that have bloomed more and more over the years into breathtaking scenes.

While this book was a fantastical journey with characters the author must have loved dearly, the dialogue did seem to pull me out of the story often. The conversations were not very realistic, and every character was unnaturally witty (something that my husband and I have discussed is one of our pet peeves in writing - ie, Gilmore Girls).

This was my only critique though, as the characters felt real in all other aspects - their ambitions, secrets, internal conflicts, and grief. I feel that the book could be categorized as “Young Adult Fantasy,” for the themes and chapters are so reminiscent of stories that start with the words, “Once upon a time…”

“The Lost Story” is beautiful, and a tale worth escaping reality every time. Run away to a hidden world this summer, as this novel will be available to buy on July 16, 2024!

I absolutely loved The Lost Story" by Meg Shafer. It was captivating storytelling and well-developed and loved characters. I immensely appreciated the immersive world-building and Meg’s ability to keep me entertained and engaged throughout the plot. It felt, like a warm hug when I used to watch fantasy movies as a kid. I dont want to spoil it, but I can honestly say it honestly has one of my most beloved characters of all time, for which I will spend future time comparing over others I will meet on other reading endeavors. If you like an intriguing plot and amazing characters, and enjoy reading fantasy, this is a most read.

Joy is quieter than people think it is.”

I don’t really even have words for how much I loved this book. I laughed, I cried. I felt all of the feelings. @meg_shaffer has a way of creating a fun whimsical story that is grounded in real emotion and depth. She did it with The Wishing Game and she’s done it again with The Lost Story.

This has all the elements of a classic fairy tale. Heroes and villains. Fantastical creatures. Magical landscapes. But underlying it all are characters you’ll root for and who feel like family by the end.

This is most certainly a five star read and a favorite of the year 💛

I put off reading this book for a while because I was a little leery that I wouldn’t like it. I started reading this, and I had a hard time putting it down. First off, it’s at times a very whimsical book with real life problems thrown in to bring you back to the real world. I really liked the characters, but I wish I had gotten to know them better. The descriptions of the world are a little more vivid than the characters, but I was still drawn into this tale even though I am not a huge fan of whimsical. However, all that said, I was engrossed pretty much the whole book and was only drawn out when the storyteller spoke…which was a teeny, tiny bit annoying. A well-written modern whimsical fairytale. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

Fun book to read. Lots of Narnia vibes so I did have to be in the right mood to read this book. It was the story of best friends that disappear for 6 months and then reappear. This is the story about what happened to them and how they help someone else find another missing person.

I loved Meg Shaffer’s last book so I was excited for this one! This was definitely more fantasy than her last book which isn’t really my typical go-to. This story does suck you and makes you wanting to read more and more. I liked the storyteller point of view as well.

4.5 stars!

Such a fascinating and well-written story! It truly matches its description of an adult fairytale and was definitely one of my favorite books I’ve read this year. I will definitely be recommending this to people.

It felt like it took a while for Rafe, Jeremy, and Emilie to get to Shanandoah, but I get that Shaffer wanted to spend time focusing on what the outside world was like for them (especially Rafe and Jeremy) and the consequences of going to a fantasy world then having to come back. Once they were there things felt very fast-paced. I was actually pretty surprised by how the events happened in this book, it felt like there was a major climax at 75% and then you’re told a bunch of things happen until there’s another climax around 90%. It felt a little strange but also the narrative structure being unique was something I appreciated in this particular story. The ending felt a bit open and I wish there had been an epilogue further in the future maybe, but I also understand the point of it ending how and where it did.

I loved the relationship between Rafe and Jeremy. Their journey with their relationship felt so sweet and beautiful. I loved how they came apart and back together. I also loved seeing the bond between Emilie and Skya. The characters’ individual journeys were also great. This book does deal with heavier topics like parental abuse, trauma, grief, etc. but in my opinion it was done well.

I also loved the actual writing in this. The descriptions of Shanandoah were so beautiful and detailed. I loved the narration from different points of view. I also enjoyed the narration interludes from the storyteller.

Four stars! I adored this book. It just might be the perfect writing of a modern day fairy tale. The main characters are delightful! The mystery, the love story, and the quest are woven together so wonderfully. Honestly, even though I adored the banter of the characters throughout the chapters, my favorite parts were the pauses in between for ‘Storyteller Corner.’ I could have read the whole book from this point of view. Meg Shaffer has written a gem! I hope she decides this world needs another book and I will be first in line to read it!

Thank you to Meg Shaffer, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and Net Galley for the digital ARC.

Many thanks to NetGalley for an arc of The Lost Story and even more thanks to Shaffer for pulling me out of a reading slump! This one hooked me in quickly with its intriguing opening.

A sweet love story mixed in with magic and throw backs to my youth and Narnia days. I foresee this one doing well. The Lost Story is planned to drop to the public on 7/16/24. Definitely recommended!

I LOVED The Wishing Game, and was so excited to see a new title from Meg Shaffer - and with Narnia vibes?!

The Lost Story follows a missing persons investigator, who was lost himself as a boy, as he teams up with a young woman whose sister went missing years earlier. Their journey takes them from the forests of West Virginia to a separate realm of magical creatures and abilities - and more than a few surprises along the way.

This one is a bit more of a true fantasy rather than the magical realism of The Wishing Game, so do with that what you will. I also felt it was a little more…methodical, maybe? Formulaic?…than Shaffer’s debut. It just felt a bit more “they went here, did this, then there, did that“ - but the heart piece of her style was still there, and there were similar themes of found family, loyalty, escapism, and belonging.

I definitely enjoyed, and would recommend to others - especially those a little more fantasy-inclined than myself!

I was so intrigued by the premise of this book - fifteen years ago, two teenaged boys went missing in a state forest in West Virginia, only to randomly reappear six months later looking suspiciously healthy for two boys who were lost in the woods. Rafe Howell has no memory of their time away and has had significant mental health challenges in the time since they were missing. Jeremy Cox does remember but isn't allowed to tell anyone about the experience - especially Rafe. He also came out of those woods with an unusual talent for finding missing things and missing people. His notoriety draws the interest of Emilie Wendell, who wants him to find the sister that she only recently learned that she has, who went missing in that same state forest before Rafe and Jeremy did. The three of them go on a quest into the woods and end up in a magical world called Shannandoah, inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia and led by a queen who turns out to be Emilie's sister. In addition to their reunion, we also get to explore the relationship between Rafe and Jeremy, who had a romance in the magical world, which Rafe completely forgot. He slowly recovers his memories and starts to work through some of his past trauma. I really enjoyed this, and was impressed by Shaffer's ability to blend realism and fantasy in a way that felt pretty seamless to me. Content warnings for past violence against children (described on page), homophobia, and fantasy violence.

A book inspired by Chronicles of Narnia? Yes please! The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer follows Jeremy and Rafe. Two teenage boys who go missing for 6 months. We forward 15 years and see they’re at very different places in their lives. This was a very whimsical story full of magic, love and fairytale vibes. If you loved The Wishing Game by this author, you’ll love this one!

Thank you Net Galley for the advanced copy!

I chose to read The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer because it was promoted as being inspired by C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia. Given this comparison, I expected a similar style of creative writing with Christian themes. However, I found the book quite different and was disappointed by this mismatch.

Firstly, the comparison to C.S. Lewis feels misleading. Unlike Lewis's work, which is known for its rich narrative and deeper philosophical and theological undertones, The Lost Story contains lewd jokes and lacks the same level of literary quality. The writing did not meet the standards set by Shaffer's previous book, The Wishing Game, which I enjoyed.

The book seemed to target a young adult audience and is heavily dialogue-driven, making it difficult at times to follow who is speaking. The plot does not introduce the other world until about halfway through, which felt like a delayed entry into what should have been a central element of the story. The character Emilie joins the adventure abruptly, without sufficient development or background, and then fades in and out of the narrative.

Furthermore, the "Storyteller Corner" chapters, which appeared throughout the book, initially seemed whimsical but quickly became repetitive and felt like a shortcut for conveying important information, rather than integrating it naturally into the story.

In summary, if you're expecting a work similar to C.S. Lewis's style, you might find this book quite different. The Lost Story includes LGBTQ+ themes and offers its own unique approach, which may appeal to those looking for a fresh take on fantasy and inclusion. However, it does not capture the essence or quality of Lewis's beloved classics, and this comparison sets up unrealistic expectations that the book does not fulfill.

For fans of The Wishing Game, this magical book is for you! Right away you are swept into a world of imagination and one you never want to leave! I highly recommend this book!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!

A great read that pulls on your heart strings.

Two boys, Jeremy and Rafe, get lost in a West Virginia forest for six months to suddenly reappear one day with no explantation. Years later,
Emilie goes to Jeremy to help find her long lost sister who disappeared five years before him and rafe in the same forest. Off on a chronicles of narnia styled adventure they must discover what they have lost and what is still left to find.

As a girl who has always wanted to find myself in a fairytale world this was a 4.5 star read for me! Meg Shaffer has this wonderfully magical ability to just rip your heart out in such a beautiful way. It was a bit predictable but still very enjoyable.
If you enjoyed her other book, the wishing game, or grew up climbing into closets looking for hidden worlds this is right up your alley.

I'll be thinking about this book for a long time, finding the threads that bind it to CS Lewis's The Silver Chair, and considering the magical moments that sent goosebumps trailing up my arms.

This story is so full of sadness, and yet the sparks of joy and belonging keep it from feeling overly heavy.

The idea of a story being breathed I to life is always pure magic.

I feel like I could leave a list of trigger warnings a mile long: Far too many references to teenage sex, abduction, mild violence, child abuse, where a child is mistreated for being LGBTQIA. There were a lot of disturbing elements, and this book is definitely geared to adults.

I received an ARC from Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

“All books are magic. An object that can take you to another world without even leaving your room? A story written by a stranger and yet it seems they wrote it just for you or to you? Loving and hating people made out of ink and paper, not flesh and blood? Yes, books are magic. Maybe even the strongest magic there is.”

15 years ago Jeremy and Rafe were lost, and eventually found. They were never ever to explain how they survived, or where they were, but they seemed well taken care of. Now the two don’t speak. Safe has become a recluse while Jeremy is known for finding missing people. When Emilie finds Jeremy and asks him to help her find her sister, he knows he will need Rafe for this one…

After adoring The Wishing Game, I was beyond excited to dive into The Lost Story! Happy to report that Meg Shaffer did not let me down! The story started a bit slower, but quickly picked up to the point where I could not stop reading! I love books with the just the right amount of magical realism, and this one hit the nail on the head! I loved the back stories of all the characters…well, as much as you could love some of the bad stuff that had happened to them, but each of them were so well done that I just wanted to live the story with them. This book has so much love in it. It’s about friendships, love, grief, family, trauma, and so, so much more, but you will walk away with a smile on your face!