A Book for Narnia Fans

If you read The Chronicles of Narnia and wished for a return to secret wardrobe doors, talking animals, and kingdoms outside of our realm, then you’re going to love The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer.

The Lost Story follows childhood best friends Jeremy and Rafe, who vanish into the West Virginia woods and mysteriously reappear six months later, with no memory of where they were or how they got back.

Fast-forward fifteen years, Rafe still can’t remember a thing, though his body is marked with strange, unexplained scars. Jeremy remembers everything, but refuses to talk. That silence shattered their friendship.

Then Emilie shows up, searching for her missing sister, and the two men are drawn back together for a journey that will unlock the truth and test everything they thought they knew.

I read this with my book club, and the general consensus was a solid 8/10. It’s a fun, imaginative story that tapped into the childhood sense of wonder and adventure we all missed.

My only critique? The pacing felt rushed. Characters became fast friends almost instantly, which made some of the relationships feel underdeveloped. It took a few chapters to adjust to the rhythm.

Still, it’s absolutely worth the read. 8 out of 10.