The Lost Story: The gorgeous, heartwarming grown-up fairytale by the beloved author of The Wishing Game

The Lost Story is a Narnia-inspired fairy tale for grown-ups, with two boys who disappeared in the woods and reappeared with no explanation. Fifteen years on, Rafe is a reclusive artist with no memory of what happened, while Jeremy is a famed missing persons investigator. Together, they must return to the enchanted world they left behind to find Emilie's sister. The book has received praise from authors such as Thao Thai, Richard Russo, and Jodi Picoult, who have called it a "dreamy, inventive novel" and a "heartwarming, page-turning story of found family [and] love triumphing over indifference."

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 18 July 2024
Publisher: Quercus Publishing

This wildly imaginative book speaks to every reader who yearns for a more magical world. - THAO THAI, author of "Banyan Moon"

If you'd like to dream instead of a parallel world where love and loyalty and friendship are the magic that transforms the least of us into genuine heroes, then Meg Shaffer's "The Lost Story" is the book you've been waiting for. - RICHARD RUSSO, author of "Empire Falls"

From the author of the bestselling novel "The Wishing Game" comes a Narnia-inspired fairy tale for grown-ups who still knock on the back of wardrobe doors . . . just in case.

Once upon a time, two boys went missing in the woods. Six months later, they reappeared, with no explanation for where they'd been or how they'd survived.

Fifteen years on, Rafe is a reclusive artist with no memory of what happened during those months, despite the scars he bears. Meanwhile, Jeremy is a famed missing persons investigator. With his uncanny abilities, he is the one person who can help vet tech Emilie Wendell find her long-lost sister, who vanished in the very same forest as Rafe and Jeremy.

Jeremy also keeps a secret: the fantastical truth about the magical realm they made home for those six months. And it's there they may find Emilie's sister.

Alongside Emilie, Rafe and Jeremy must return to the enchanted world they left behind - for only then can they get back everything and everyone they've lost.

Wholly moving . . . reminded me that even as an adult, if you look hard enough, you can find the child still inside you. - Jodi Picoult, author of "Mad Honey," on "The Wishing Game"

A heartwarming, page-turning story of found family [and] love triumphing over indifference. - Melissa Albert, author of "The Hazel Wood," on "The Wishing Game"

A dreamy, inventive nov. - Kirkus Reviews, on "The Wishing Game"

"The Lost Story" is a captivating and enchanting novel that will transport readers to a world of magic, mystery, and adventure. Set in a parallel universe where love and loyalty are the keys to unlocking extraordinary powers, the story follows two boys who go missing in the woods and reappear six months later with no explanation for their disappearance. Fifteen years on, Rafe is a reclusive artist with no memory of what happened during those months, while Jeremy is a famed missing persons investigator with uncanny abilities. Together, they must return to the enchanted world they left behind to find Emilie's sister, who vanished in the same forest.

The novel is a heartwarming and page-turning story of found family and love triumphing over indifference. It is reminiscent of "The Wishing Game" by Jodi Picoult and "The Hazel Wood" by Melissa Albert, and has been praised for its dreamy and inventive narrative.

One of the standout features of "The Lost Story" is its vivid and immersive world-building. The author has created a parallel universe that is both familiar and fantastical, with its own set of rules and customs. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and their relationships are complex and nuanced. The plot is well-paced and keeps readers engaged throughout, with plenty of twists and turns to keep them guessing.

One of the themes of the novel is the power of love and loyalty. Rafe and Jeremy's friendship is tested as they navigate the challenges of the parallel universe, and they must rely on each other to survive. The author also explores the idea of finding one's true self and discovering the magic within oneself.

The novel's writing is beautiful and lyrical, with a poetic quality that adds to the enchanting atmosphere. The author's use of descriptive language and vivid imagery brings the world to life and makes it feel like a real place.

However, some readers may find the novel's pacing a bit slow at times. The plot unfolds slowly, and some of the characters' backstories are not fully explored. Additionally, the ending may be a bit predictable for some readers.

Despite these minor criticisms, "The Lost Story" is a captivating and enchanting novel that will leave readers with a sense of wonder and awe. It is a perfect read for fans of fantasy and adventure, and for anyone who loves a good story with a touch of magic.

In conclusion, "The Lost Story" is a captivating and enchanting novel that will transport readers to a world of magic, mystery, and adventure. Set in a parallel universe where love and loyalty are the keys to unlocking extraordinary powers, the story follows two boys who go missing in the woods and reappear six months later with no explanation for their disappearance. Fifteen years on, Rafe is a reclusive artist with no memory of what happened during those months, while Jeremy is a famed missing persons investigator with uncanny abilities. Together, they must return to the enchanted world they left behind to find Emilie's sister, who vanished in the same forest. The novel's vivid and immersive world-building, well-developed characters, and themes of love and loyalty make it a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure. While the pacing may be a bit slow at times, the ending is satisfying and leaves readers with a sense of wonder and awe.

Weight: 562g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529436310