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Lily In the Mist
Where MAGIC Walks Softly
Gilly has always loved two things: plants and possibility.
Most goblins seldom leave home, but Gilly, whose vision is limited but whose curiosity is boundless, chooses a path of new growth. When she crosses the ocean to attend a horticultural practicum in the bustling, sun-warmed city of Waveford, she never expects how magic and myth will quietly reshape her life.
During her new life in Waveford, she visits the Selkiana Monastery, a quieter haven of hot springs, shimmering mist, stone gardens, scrolls, and quirky monks who tend the land. Something about the place speaks to her, and Gilly is drawn into a life she didn't realize she'd been seeking.
Meanwhile, a long-held legend drifts through the pines; the mythical snow leopard has been sighted. An expedition, including her good goblin friend Ludash, are sent out chasing proof of the creature, but Gilly senses a deeper truth. Some magic thrives in mystery, and some wonders are meant to be held in respectful solitude.
As seasons pass at the monastery, Gilly finds meaning in everyday rituals: carving whimsical statues, tending bees, learning new crafts, sharing meals, and walking the forest trails. And hidden within the mist, the guardian of the mountain keeps vigil, watching and waiting for the right moment.
Because some journeys don't lead outward... they lead inward.
Gilly has always loved two things: plants and possibility.
Most goblins seldom leave home, but Gilly, whose vision is limited but whose curiosity is boundless, chooses a path of new growth. When she crosses the ocean to attend a horticultural practicum in the bustling, sun-warmed city of Waveford, she never expects how magic and myth will quietly reshape her life.
During her new life in Waveford, she visits the Selkiana Monastery, a quieter haven of hot springs, shimmering mist, stone gardens, scrolls, and quirky monks who tend the land. Something about the place speaks to her, and Gilly is drawn into a life she didn't realize she'd been seeking.
Meanwhile, a long-held legend drifts through the pines; the mythical snow leopard has been sighted. An expedition, including her good goblin friend Ludash, are sent out chasing proof of the creature, but Gilly senses a deeper truth. Some magic thrives in mystery, and some wonders are meant to be held in respectful solitude.
As seasons pass at the monastery, Gilly finds meaning in everyday rituals: carving whimsical statues, tending bees, learning new crafts, sharing meals, and walking the forest trails. And hidden within the mist, the guardian of the mountain keeps vigil, watching and waiting for the right moment.
Because some journeys don't lead outward... they lead inward.
132 pages, ebook
Published January 1, 2026
1 person want to read
About the author
Elayne Griffith
19 books33 followersElayne began her writing journey long ago. What started as a creative escape slowly became a dream, then a passion, and now a full time career path over a decade later.
Whiskers and Wishes is her debut in a stand-alone series set in the world of Larune. Her cozy fantasies are like being wrapped up in a warm blanket with friendships, found family, animal companions, quests of the heart, and a splash of sentimentality. She often describes her books as "Middle Grade for adults."
She also enjoys drawing cartoons (more of which can be found on her website, as well as a FREE cozy short story through the newsletter), and travels the US with her husband in their van the Millennial Falcon.
Whiskers and Wishes is her debut in a stand-alone series set in the world of Larune. Her cozy fantasies are like being wrapped up in a warm blanket with friendships, found family, animal companions, quests of the heart, and a splash of sentimentality. She often describes her books as "Middle Grade for adults."
She also enjoys drawing cartoons (more of which can be found on her website, as well as a FREE cozy short story through the newsletter), and travels the US with her husband in their van the Millennial Falcon.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
January 15, 2026
Lily In the Mist was an interesting fantasy take and one that is far removed from most other books in the genre, which is rather refreshing. Furthermore the story is rather a loop with readers finding Gilly and Ludash already living the lives of monks before being drawn back into an origin tale that reveals not only how their friendship first started but how these two goblins got where they are. And strewn throughout is the mysterious prowling of the possible although mythic snow leopard.
The story starts off slow and took some adjusting to get acclimated to it since it truly avoids any action, drama and even romance. And in a sense it's a coming-of-age via a midlife crisis although the crisis is rather through the younger years instead of actual midlife.
For me the book in a sense is unrelatable... the background is very utopian yet more modern than many fantasies. As a result the reader gets to meet many fantasy characters who actually get along with almost no tension between them. There is also very little emotional input between each individual as the story crosses years and decades between them.
All in all it wasn't a bad story but rather a strange one while I would love to see how other Larune stories share to this world to see if it ends up balancing out a bit later on.
***I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
The story starts off slow and took some adjusting to get acclimated to it since it truly avoids any action, drama and even romance. And in a sense it's a coming-of-age via a midlife crisis although the crisis is rather through the younger years instead of actual midlife.
For me the book in a sense is unrelatable... the background is very utopian yet more modern than many fantasies. As a result the reader gets to meet many fantasy characters who actually get along with almost no tension between them. There is also very little emotional input between each individual as the story crosses years and decades between them.
All in all it wasn't a bad story but rather a strange one while I would love to see how other Larune stories share to this world to see if it ends up balancing out a bit later on.
***I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Displaying 1 of 1 review