An adult fairy tale with magic, rainbow-colored landscape, royalty, unicorns, good vs. evil, battles and love. One day two teenage boys disappeared into the Red Crow Forest of West Virginia, seemingly. lost forever, until they reappeared many months later......taller and stronger..without any explanation of what had happened to them.

Enchanting and mesmerizing, just let the story draw you in. You won't regret the experience and regain your lost wonder.

4.25⭐

"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 like it was written just for 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."

This quote sums up The Lost Story perfectly. I read The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer last year and absolutely fell in love with her storytelling and magical words. The Lost Story was no exception.

When I first started this book, I had no idea that it was inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia, but I loved it. The magical feeling of stepping through a door and entering a completely magical word was all there and I loved every second of it. This book also gave me very strong Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland vibes.

I loved so much about this book- the characters, the setting, the magic, the friendship, the love- it was honestly perfect. There were some very hard topics in this book, but Meg Shaffer handled them with such care, it was lovely. The narration was amazing as well.

Read if you love:
-Narnia, Alice in Wonderland or Peter Pan
-found family
-magic
-LGBTQ love stories

Two young boys go missing and then six months later they just show up out of the woods. They have not lost weight and they actually are healthy.
Later on in life one of them finds lost women and the other is a hermit of some sort. Then a young woman shows up that is looking for her lost sister.
That's all that happens up to 50% of this book.
When you finally get to the place that they were for 6 months the story gets rushed.

I just did not connect with this book. The characters seemed much younger than their supposed age of in the early 30's. I liked them but they got on my dang nerves.
The romance angle was sweet but not enough to save the book.

Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.

Childhood best friends Rafe and Jeremy go missing in the dense woods of West Virginia. After 6 months the two are found without any explanation and looking as healthy as they had been when the went missing. Fifteen years later Rafe is struggling. He lives off the grid in a cabin where he creates amazing works of art but is plagued by loneliness. He has no recollection of what happened during the time that the boys went missing and it has haunted him ever since. Meanwhile Jeremy has become quite famous as a finder of lost things and missing people. Neither have spoken to each other since they exited the forest all of those years ago. A young woman, Emelie asks Jeremy to assist her in locating her long lost sister that, coincidently , had vanished several years ago from the same woods as the boys had. Jeremy knows that in order to locate Emilie’s sister he is going to need Rafe’s help. Jeremy remembers everything about the enchanted world where they had spend those missing months but refuses to tell Rafe. The only way that Emilie’s sister can be found is by returning to the woods with Rafe and Jeremy showing her the way to another world full of secrets and danger.

This is described as a Narnia for adults, and I cannot think of a better way to describe it. It was full of adventure, secrets and evil that made this an unforgettable story. I loved everything about the story as it unraveled a tale of friendship, love and family that made my heart ache.

5 ⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley #TheLostStory #MegShaffer

While I am not normally a fan of fantasy-based stories, this one knocked me off my high horse! Clever, original and extremely well-written, I suspended belief to accept Shanandoah and all its beauty, along with its pain. The relationship between Jeremy and Rafe as well as that between Skya and Emilie is so well depicted that I just loved them all. In fact, the only "people" in this novel I disliked intensely were Rafe's father, Shannon's (Skya's) mother and the Bright Boys, who can only be killed by water! I will now go out of my way to read future tales by Meg Shaffer as I hope Jeremy and Rafe can make it back to Shanandoah for Christmas! Although I received an ARC, my opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this story. It was a fun and magical ride and I loved all the characters, but especially Rafe and Jeremy. Even though I found the story slow at times, I will be recommending this book, especially to those that loved The Wishing Game. I will continue to read whatever this author writes as they always leave me feeling so good. All books are magic!

I can't say enough good things about this book! The fairy tale-like narrative beautifully under-girds themes of family, love, and second chances. It was a touch slow at the beginning, but the pace picked up nicely about a quarter of the way through. I also loved the diversity present in the novel. Few characters stay with me after I finish a book, but this book's protagonists are ones I think about almost daily. This was my first Meg Shaffer book, but it certainly won't be my last!

From the way the book opens to the beautiful end, I cannot get over The Lost Story.

Jeremy & Rafe were once two boys who got lost in Red Crow Forest and mysteriously returned, sort-of nearly unscathed, 6 months later. Now they are adults grappling with their experiences and the lingering impact of their time "away."

When Jeremy meets Emilie, who asks for his help finding her long lost sister, the two men must reunite to explore their past and help two sisters find a future together.

This story handles some pretty emotional topics - CW: Child abuse, child abduction - but it does it with such beautiful story telling that you cannot help but get swept away into the world that helps heal our characters' scars (inside and out.) The Chronicles of Narnia is a perfect comparison to this special story, and the adults who grew up on the story of the Pevensie children will love this magical journey.

Thank you, Random House + Ballantine books, and Netgalley, for the ability to review this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

#TheLostStory #NetGalley #BallantineBooks #RandomHouse

🏰🏰🏰🏰🏰 / 5

THE LOST STORY by Meg Shaffer

thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

quick thoughts:
🌳 woman teams up with former lost boys to find her half-sister who’s lost in the woods
🦄 magical realism, fantasy, mystery
🏳️‍🌈 queer representation
✍🏼 short chapters, unique writing style
👍🏼 would recommend to everyone!

you guys… this might be one of my favorite books ever! nostalgia has to be one of the best feelings, and this [lost] story will make you feel nostalgic and every other emotion 🥺

🎶 “it’s only me who wants to wrap around your dreams”

this story is so special. i knew this one was gonna be good after i fell head over heels in love with THE WISHING GAME, but man, did this story knock me on my ass in the best way. i truly loved everything about this book, and i’m convinced Meg Shaffer can do no wrong when it comes to building worlds to help us escape our reality. though i usually always encourage readers to go into books blind, i feel like it definitely pays off in this one. so… that’s all i’ve got for you. except to say that YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK! you can thank me later 😘

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy!

I fell in love with Meg Shaffer after her first novel, The Wishing Game, so I had high hopes for The Lost Story. I was so glad to not be disappointed! Inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia, this story is about Jeremy and Rafe who disappear for 6 months when they're 15 into an enchanted world that they find in a forest in West Virginia. Flash forward 15 years and the boys have lost touch. Jeremy now helps find girls who are kidnapped, go missing, or are lost and partners up with Emilie who's sister is presumed dead but may actually be the connection that Jeremy needs to reconnect with Rafe and return to the enchanted land of their childhood.

I loved this story for its whimsical nature and creative storytelling. There are chapters from the storyteller's point of view that bring humor and insight to what's happening in the story while also teasing some upcoming moments. The connection between Jeremy and Rafe had me smiling like a little girl and I loved the unique personalities among all of the characters. I hope these characters' stories can continue in a future novel and look forward to work from this author in the future! If you miss the childhood stories you loved like Narnia, The Neverending Story, and just fairy tales in general, this is just the book you need to feel nostalgic and warm your heart. 4.5 stars!

For the kids who loved Narnia and The Golden Compass and grew up to love The Magicians, The Lost Story is the perfect portal fantasy with a dash of romance.

After the loss of her adoptive mother, Emilie is lost, not physically but emotionally. When she discovers that she has a missing half-sister, Emilie becomes obsessed with finding her. She enlists the help of a professional missing persons investigator and previous lost boy, Jeffrey. He agrees to help, but only with his childhood best friend, Rafe, who went missing with Jeffrey 15 years ago and has no memory of the six months they were gone. So the three of them (and Emilie’s pet fancy rat) head off in search of the lost sister and hopefully some lost memories.

Complete with mermaids, monsters, unicorns, and knights, this fantasy called to my inner child while still being distinctive and mysterious enough to keep adult me glued to the page. The relationships between each character are so deep that my heart was aching for them. Love comes in many forms, and seeing that represented was healing and beautiful. The emotional and, at times, harrowing journey is interrupted by “the Storyteller,” who makes asides and even apologizes for the story. I love a good fourth wall break, so this was fun and gave me a reprieve from crying because this story had me sobbing my eyes out. Maybe it was just cancer season getting to me, but my heart broke a thousand times while reading this modern fairytale, and I still wanted more.

The Lost Story includes portals, fantasy worlds, magical realism, fairytales, LGBTQ rep, childhood friends to lovers, unrequited love, found family, 2nd chances, and amnesia.

3.5 Stars, rounded up.
The Lost Story is an enjoyable fairytale retelling (extention?) with an interesting premise. What happens after?... After leaving Neverland, Wonderland, Narnia, or Shanandoah?
However, this did feel a lot like two separate books at times. We start the story, mainly following Emilie and the pursuit of finding her sister in our mundane world. Which leads us to 2 lost boys, Jeremy and Rafe. Naturally, Emilie's missing sister has ties to these lost boys. Add in some memory loss and cryptic suggestions from Jeremy and our MCs are off to Never-never Land! And from there we get a lot less Emilie and really dive into J & Rs history.
I preferred the more fantastical parts of the story and yet somehow the relationships still felt rushed, since a lot of history was packed into the last third of the story. Overall, the Lost Story had plenty of heart and I'd reccomend it to anyone who enjoys fairytales.

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group, Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the eARC!

3.5-4
This was a book full of whimsy and deep hard hitting lines. It was an absolute 5 during the buildup.
It started magically, but by the middle of the story once we got into the actual fairy tale land, I just did not enjoy it as I’d hoped. It felt cheesier than the rest of the novel or when they were living in the real world. At one point I wondered if it was a made up world for children who suffer traumatic events. Almost as if this is where they can escape to when disassociating.
Despite its low points for me which were a matter of preference, it is undeniable what an excellent excellent writer this is. I want to read more from her.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book.

Best friends Jeremy Cox and Rafe Howell went missing in a West Virginia state forest, reappearing six months later with no explanation for where they were or how they survived. Fifteen years later, Rafe is a reclusive artist with no memory of what happened during those months. Jeremy is an investigator hoping he can help vet tech Emilie Wendell find her sister, who vanished in the same forest as Rafe and Jeremy.

The novel begins with what the world knows about the disappearance of Jeremy and Rafe, and then we meet Emilie. After her adoptive mother's death, she found out that she had an older half-sister who disappeared years ago in the same woods the boys had. She's scattered but friendly and wants to have some kind of family again. Jeremy's specialty is finding lost things and girls, and Rafe drew or carved fantastical things that felt real. It all comes together in a fairy tale kind of way, along with a portal inside the Red Crow Woods that links West Virginia to a fantastic world where the boys are more than they used to be.

Interspersed with the story is storyteller commentary, which actually is really fun to read. Fairy tale logic and a collection of secrets tie everyone together. All the characters felt lost at some point and found themselves in the land of Shanandoah, and in the love of others. I loved that about this book, that even with the real-world pain of missing children, abuse, and death, there's still the hope of family, love, and finding the path you were meant to take. This is a wonderful story, and not truly lost at all.

#MegShaffer is an amazing storyteller. The magic in this story will reach into you heart and not let go. I cannot wait to see what Meg comes up with next.

# The Lost Story
# 7/29/2024 ~ 7/29/2024
# 5.0 / 5.0

The Lost Story is a spellbinding mix of fantasy and reality. But don't mistake it for a children's book-with themes of kidnapping, homophobia, hatred, and revenge, The Lost Story is definitely adult fare. Like most "fairy tales" The Lost Story is essentially a battle between good and evil- in both the real world and the one hidden in the base of a tree in a West Virginia forest. But with a queen, prince, and knight as characters, and writing that transcends the ordinary, the plot feels "regal." Filled with magical moments and flights of fancy, The Lost Story will leave you with a sense of wonder and awe-almost like being a kid again!

Meg Shaffer's "The Lost Story" is a magical and nostalgic journey reminiscent of childhood dreams and fairy tales. This novel beautifully blends fantasy with reality, creating a captivating tale for adults who still believe in magic.

The story revolves around Jeremy Cox and Rafe Howell, two best, childhood friends who mysteriously vanished as boys, only to reappear six months later. Fifteen years later, Jeremy is a renowned missing persons investigator, while Rafe, a reclusive artist, has no memory of the time they were lost and remains haunted by his loss of memories. When Emilie Wendell seeks Jeremy's help to find her missing sister, they embark on a quest together that forces them to confront their past and the enchanted world they once inhabited.

The characters in "The Lost Story" are engaging and richly developed. Rafe, with his wounded soul and dual talents in physical and artistic pursuits, is particularly endearing. His vulnerability and depth make him a character you want to hug and protect. Jeremy, strong and determined, is equally compelling, and the bond between the two friends is heartwarming and authentic. Their journey, alongside Emilie, is filled with emotional highs and lows, making you root for their success and healing.

The story's magical elements and the exploration of friendship, love, and healing create a tale that is both enchanting and deeply moving.

Overall, "The Lost Story" is a wonderful read that will take you to a world of wonder and remind you of the magic that exists just beyond the surface of reality. It's a four-star tale that will linger in your heart long after the final page is turned.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

“Joy is quieter than people think it is. Especially the joy of getting something back, something you thought was lost forever. ”
Here are reasons to read the Fantasy book:

Missing Boys - Jeremy and Rafe went missing in the West Virginia mountains, and 6 months later were found
Years Past - after 15 years, they no longer keep in touch but Jeremy can now find lost things and people
Sister - Emilie’s adoptive mom has died and she wants to find her missing sister, who disappeared in the same place as Jeremy
Return - So she enlists his help to see if maybe they shared the same lost story

I read this with my buddy Erin and we both had the same reaction: We wanted to re-read this book immediately. It reminded me a lot of the Wayward Children series by Seanan McGuire and definitely had the same feel as this author’s last book, The Wishing Game, which was one of my top books last year. This one is on track to be the same. I love the world she creates and her characters so much!

I really enjoyed this magical book. I loved the characters and the development throughout. It was fast paced and kept me engaged, to the point that I read this in a day and a half. I am not much of fantasy reader but this was just the right amount of magic!

Thank you Netgalley & Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books for the advanced reader copy!

THE LOST STORY was a really interesting reading experience and unfortunately another miss for me this month. Her debut novel was also not a top favorite for a few reasons but I could see why people loved it. THE WISHING GAME needed some more actual magic and this book technically delivered on that. I wanted her to write a book like this one but it still didn't live up to the expectations.

This book is a portal fantasy / kind of magical realism story, which is usually absolutely up my alley. Emelie is looking for her sister and Jeremy is known for finding missing women and girls. He was once lost himself - he and his best friend Rafe were missing for six months in the woods... well, according to the general public. Where were they actually? In a Narnia-esque land through a door in the forest.

The first half of the book involved them figuring out how they'd journey together and preparing. I was expecting more time in the magical world but it took a lot of buildup to get there. Then, unfortunately, the plot felt very meandering like there wasn't a point or climax to be seen when they were in there. There were basically two mini climaxes with very little rising action or time for a conclusion once we got there.

The characters felt very lame and the dialogue was cheesy in most instances. I didn't care for Emelie - she was usually annoying and childlike while Rafe and Jeremy felt more like actual adults. I know that Shaffer is going for whimsical but unfortunately it usually just comes off as juvenile, to the point where I never believe I'm reading a book for adults.

Her plots and synopses sound so good but there's something lacking in the execution. I feel like I will definitely keep reading her books in hopes that one of them hits. There's just something about them that keeps me interested in whatever she writes next.