Willa of the Wood Review

Another underrated masterpiece by my new favorite author!

Willa of the Wood by Robert Beatty is a historical fantasy middle grade book about Willa, who is a Faeran. The Faeran are a magical creature species that live in the Appalachian Mountains' forests, and live in clans. Willa is a jaetter--which, in her clan, are Faeran who are assigned to steal items from day-folk (humans) during the night for the padaran (the clan leader who is basically treated like a god). 

But within the swoop of one night, she discovers some things that changes everything she knew about her clan and day-folk in general. To put it simply, the old ways, wisdom, and magic of her clan are dying, and many of those in her clan aren't as benevolent as they seem to be. 

Willa feels like her world is shattering, but she finds solace and company in the least expected of people. 

This book was full of unexpected surprises! What I love about Robert's Beatty's writing is how atmospheric and emotional it is. The book really reminded me of the movie Princess Mononoke, with it's whole humans vs. nature thing. Even at the beginning of the book Willa is kind of like San, and she even has a wolf companion!

But I did give it 4 stars. There are plenty of destructions and injuries described throughout the book, which might be off-putting to some people. At least there are some happy moments throughout and a happy ending.