The Lost Story

I read this book multiple years too late (not that I would've been able to read it earlier, it didn't exist but still).

I'm really torn about this book. For me right now, it honestly was a meh read. I couldn't easily follow the narrative tone (it felt like it switched character pov multiple times within a chapter), I didn't vibe with how it was written, and I really couldn't get invested into the story no matter how hard I tried. The first third of the book felt like it dragged, and the only part that was really interesting ended quickly and felt rather rushed through. Which was probably the point since it was a high-stakes situation (or as high-stakes as this book gets) and it would be best to get in and get out. It was an exploration, a fantasy slice-of-life, a dive into the world that would've enveloped my younger self and appeal to everything that they wanted out of a story. I think for me right now, this book ended up hovering around 3 to 3.5 stars. (I rated the book 4 stars to meet in the middle with my kid self, I might bump it up to 4.5 stars though.)

If it was my younger self reading this story, it would've easily been a 5 star or pretty dang close to it. It had the magic, it had the immersion, the humor, the characters practically leapt out of the page and felt like you could touch them, talk to them, learn more about them past what made it onto the page. I'm sure if I read this story a couple years ago, I would've been jealous of the cast. I would've loved to live in the magical kingdom and I probably would've thrived in it. It felt like home, a place that I could've had the chance to visit but I never got to. I loved how much of their lives was altered due to a child daring to dream, and dream, and dream. A child wanting a family, and a place of belonging, and a home, and a place of safety so strongly that it's changed everything for the cast. A glimmer of home that was inherently gifted but also carved out of love, home, yearning.

I would've loved this book several years ago, so it feels really bittersweet. I right now am unable to fully appreciate this story because it doesn't appeal to my tastes. But reading it felt like I was getting a treat that I thought I couldn't get because my parent's would've told me no, realized I'm an adult and got it anyways. It was healing, it was indulgent, it was doing that wild thing that I've always secretly wanted to do but never did until I realized I could and gave myself permission to do so.

My kid self loves this book and I worry that I don't indulge them enough in my life. It was nice getting a taste of home, of my childhood, of magic, and everything my life used to consist of. I think this book will hold a spot in my heart because of that. It made me feel like a child again and I miss being a child whose imagination was a blanket of comfort.

A Captivating World of Wonder

Spoiler Alert: This review contains plot details that some readers might prefer to discover on their own .

The Lost Story was my first introduction to this author, and it left quite an impression. The book begins with two teenage boys, Ralph (Rafe) Howell and Jeremy Cox, who mysteriously vanish during a field trip in West Virginia’s fictional Red Crow State Forest. After six months of exhaustive searching, hope fades, and they are presumed lost—until the unthinkable happens: they suddenly reappear.

Where have they been? One of the boys refuses to answer, while the other seems genuinely clueless. Even stranger is their condition—they don’t look like they’ve suffered at all. On the contrary, they appear stronger, healthier, even … changed.

Fast forward 15 years: Jeremy has become a specialist in finding missing girls and women, while Rafe, after a harder recovery, has pursued a career in art. Once inseparable, the two have drifted apart. When Emilie, a young woman searching for her missing sister Shannon, seeks Jeremy’s help, he knows he can’t solve the mystery alone. Jeremy reaches out to Rafe, the one person who might hold the key to unlocking the truth. Their search forces them to confront their shared past—and re-enter the magical, mysterious world they left behind: Shanandoah (yes, that’s the spelling!).

This story is an enchanting blend of heartwarming character development and a vividly magical setting. The author weaves humor and emotion seamlessly, creating a tale that’s as intelligent as it is heartfelt. The relationship between Jeremy and Rafe is especially poignant, and their journey of rediscovery—both of themselves and each other—is as gripping as the central mystery.

If you enjoy books with big heart, delightful characters, and a touch of magic, I highly recommend The Lost Story. The audiobook, narrated wonderfully by Jorjeana Marie, adds an extra layer of charm, though the story shines in any format. It’s such a rare gem that I found myself wishing it were longer—a true testament to the author’s skill.

I loved this book so much! Anyone who loves Narnia probably will! I know I will revisit this one again in the future, probably multiple times. And I really hope Meg Shaffer writes a sequel to this!

That was BEAUTIFUL! I am a deep lover of fairytales and to get to dive deep into a fairytale as an adult was just beautiful. It felt like watching The Neverending Story again as a kid and just being entranced. I adored this story so much, the characters, and the romance. Would I have loved more? More books, more story, more world building? Of course! But isn't that the tell of a good book telling just enough to leave you wanting more but not too much to leave you burnt out? I loved getting to experience a one-off fairytale. Plus it's set in West Virginia which really is made for a fairytale. It's a place that has become dear to my heart through the years. 

I laughed, I cried, I want to read it all over again eight more times.

This book is just how it's described a book for grownups who still look for the magical lands of their youth. It was wonderful and magical and even though it was more romantic than I usually like I had no problem with the romance in this book at all. I thought it was sweet. I loved all the main characters but Emilie was my absolute favorite. She was so quirky and fun. I liked the writing style and the pacing. This is my first book by this author and I plan to read her again. Highly recommend

I've never read The Chronicles of Narnia because by the time I discovered the series, I was already too old for fairy tales. Fortunately, I've now reached an age where I'm old enough to read them again, and while I keep saving Narnia for the future, I'm always drawn to books inspired by it.

The Lost Story has all the elements a fairy tale needs: princes and princesses, knights, magic, special animals, villains, unicorns, found family, romance, second chances, redemption, and, of course, a happy ever after.

This story has one of the most gripping beginnings I've experienced in a while, and I was ecstatic to dive into it. We follow Emilie, who, in search of her big sister, contacts Jeremy, a formerly lost boy with a special talent for finding girls in need. From there, we are introduced to a cast of lovable characters, learn their stories and secrets, and enter a magical world full of wonder and Fleetwood Mac.

For no particular reason, I was expecting this to be a fairy tale for adults and was anticipating something a bit darker. However, this is a fairy tale for everyone, which is exactly as it should be

A huge step up from [b:The Wishing Game 62926992 The Wishing Game Meg Shaffer https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1684817680l/62926992.SY75.jpg 95993000], Meg Shaffer's debut, although considerably darker as well. One of those rare books that casts a spell while you're reading it, even though its weaknesses quickly become apparent if you think too hard after the last page. For example, the Storyteller Corner gimmick is way too twee and totally unnecessary. And Schaffer tries to cram too much plot into 350 pages. But none of that matters when you're in the midst of the magical experience. My advice is to let go of any 2024 cynicism (I know that's a big ask) and allow yourself to believe that a good story can literally save your life. Here's how much The Lost Story captivated me: the new e-reader I ordered arrived today, but I finished the last third of the book on my creaky old Kindle because I couldn't stop reading long enough to set up the new one.N.B. It's best to go into The Lost Story not knowing much about the labyrinthine plot. But I have to ask this, hoping it isn't too spoilery: why doesn't the blurb mention that the book has a queer love story at its heart? Who is the publisher afraid of (besides several state governments and the Republican platform)?

After reading The Wishing Game I had to get this book. I love this author's writing and story telling. 

I'm from WV and I loved how well the state is represented it doesn't include any stereotypes even in a joking manner from a character. 

This is a slower pace story, but it's a story I didn't want to rush through. Throughout the story we have a narrator commenting on what is happening and there is an option to skip a chapter. I did not skip the chapter and found it helpful in understanding Jeremy better. 

The world created in this story is magical and beautiful. I wish I could visit this world myself. I loved the characters and character growth and how the story develops. 

The last 50 or so pages does lag, but there is quite if a bit story to still wrap up. It's worth it. The ending felt fitting for the story. 

I saw that nod to The Wishing Game in the story. 

If you enjoyed The Wishing Game you'll love this one. Both stories have some similarities, but not in a formula aspect. 

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. 

The Lost Story” by Meg Shaffer is a captivating and beautifully woven tale that transcends the traditional boundaries of fairy tales, inviting adults back into the magical world of their youth with a fresh and inclusive perspective. Shaffer's novel is a testament to the power of storytelling, love, and the bonds of friendship, making it a memorable journey for anyone who holds a special place in their heart for tales that transport you to another world .

I could not put this book down and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to read an advanced copy! The ending had me in tears, a testament to Shaffer's powerful storytelling. For anyone who cherishes fairy tales and appreciates meaningful representation, this is a journey you'll wish could go on forever. I can't recommend it enough!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!