Willa of the Wood is set at the turn of the 20th century in the Western North Carolina and East Tennessee region of the Appalachian Mountains, in what is now Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The book follows Willa, a young night-spirit and thief for the ancient Faeran clan. Willa is taught not to trust the day-folk, or humans, who destroy the forests that she calls home. During her adventures, Willa begins to question tradition as she experiences conflict within her Faeran clan and finds an ally and friend in someone she once feared.