Wednesday, May 28, 2014

The Lost (Lost #1) by Sarah Beth Durst

Series: Lost #1
352p.
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Published: 5/27/14
Source: From publisher for review
Award-winning author Sarah Beth Durst has been praised for her captivating novels that merge the darkly imagined with very real themes of self-discovery and destiny. In The Lost, we'll discover just what it means to lose one's way.

It was only meant to be a brief detour. But then Lauren finds herself trapped in a town called Lost on the edge of a desert, filled with things abandoned, broken and thrown away. And when she tries to escape, impassible dust storms and something unexplainable lead her back to Lost again and again. The residents she meets there tell her she's going to have to figure out just what she's missing, and what she's running from, before she can leave. So now Lauren's on a new search for a purpose and a destiny. And maybe, just maybe, she'll be found. 
Against the backdrop of this desolate and mystical town, Sarah Beth Durst writes an arresting, fantastical novel of one woman's impossible journey and her quest to find her fate.
My thoughts:
This is a story about a woman who wants to run away from her life and gets her wish. She finds her self in Lost a place where lost things are found. It is also a place where you find what you lost. This is essential since you cannot leave until you find it. In a way this was a retelling of a mix of Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan. The reference to Peter Pan is quite evident with the Finder being named Peter, but then again, that may just be a personna he adopted.

I really enjoyed these characters. Granted at first it took a bit of getting used to because so many of them seemed crazy. Still, as Lauren starts to find some semblance of sanity within the insanity certain characters start to really grow on you. I was a bit concerned at first since even though Peter really grew on me, you didn't get to know him well. Ms. Durst does not often write series books, but standalones so I thought I wouldn't get more Peter when I realized at the end that this is a series. So relieved since I really want to know more about this character. Luckily, Lauren, our heroine, feels the same way.

I give this book 4 stars. It's a strange turn to a strange town but it holds a lot of promise to what new adventure will come. I personally can't wait for the next installment, The Missing, slated for later this year. I recommend this book to those that enjoy retellings and renewed chances at life. It is an adult book, but can be read by all.

25 comments:

  1. Ooh I'm reading this one next, I can't wait! It sounds like a cool take on some of my favorite classics! I love Sarah's writing and I'm glad she's doing a series with this one. Great review!

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  2. Hmm, sounds intriguing, definitely something that bit different.

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    1. It is different. You really should check out her books. :)

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  3. I haven't read any of these auhor's works, but I've been meaning to try her out so I think I'll be checking this out soon after the sequels release so I can read them back-to-back. Lovely review, Melissa!

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  4. Love the sound of this. I like strange and crazy and you had me at Alice in Wonderland. ;)

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  5. This is one of my most anticipated YAs for the year, and I somehow managed to never hear that it was a loose retelling. Although that totally makes sense. Great review, Melissa. I can't wait to read it for myself ;)

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    1. This was actually an adult novel but can be read by YA and enjoyed easily. Hope you enjoy it!

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  6. Really this is adult? Cool! I have read some great reviews on this one and I am interested to explore this insane world. I just got a copy the other day!

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  7. I need to try the Durst book I got

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  8. I was really curious about this one and I couldn't find any reviews for it that were positive. Most of them were just okay. I had no idea it was going to be a series. I think I'll wait to see what book 2 is like before picking it up.

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  9. I dismissed this one since the cover looked like so many in this genre..but dang.I need to add it!

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  10. I saw this one on NetGalley and though I've never read anything by her I considered it. I'm just so far behind in my reading. I am so glad to see it reviewed!! And glad to know you enjoyed it! Great review!!

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  11. I have this but set it aside. I think I was too tired when I tried reading it the first time. But I really like Sarah's other book. I'll pick this one back up soon, I'm sure.

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  12. I love anything strange, so I think this book would be right up my alley! Plus, I read and enjoyed Drink, Slay, Love and I think it's time I revisit Sarah Beth Durst's writing. Great review!

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  13. Hmmm it's interesting, I didn't know this one but it looks a little different. I'm glad you had a good time with it.

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  14. It sounds so diffferent! I'm just wondering if she made it all up, or is she really in that place? Interesting! :)

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  15. I really want to read this. It sounds so fascinating!

    Thanks for your review,

    Lauren

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  16. My friend Sara just RAVES about this book. Maybe I'll have to borrow her copy and give it a try. It sounds so strange I'm not sure if I'd like it, but I guess it might be worth finding out!

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  17. I only read Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst before, Melissa, but I loved it, so this one is firmly on my wishlist :) Fantastic review!

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  18. This sounds great. I have yet to read something by this author. Will have to check it out.

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  19. Oh I'm glad I read this review. I'm having the hardest time getting into this book so I set it aside. I'm hoping it will pick up and I'll enjoy it as much as you did.

    Durst has a really unique writing style but I've always liked her stories.

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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