Hovering near death, human Tad Fellows is rescued and healed by the Magic Folk of Greenwillow. Though his physical wounds have mended, his memories plague him. He alone carries a horrible secret: the Northern Leader intends to destroy the Magic Folk. Their survival depends on the Sun Maiden, a being who embodies the power of the sun. With a single thought, she can boil the oceans or destroy a city. Tad and his friends, the Young Ones, are called upon to find the Sun Maiden and save their land. The teenagers' perilous adventure takes them through foreign lands where they encounter many threats from the Shadow Travelers and other dangerous creatures, Strahlins, and the man who intends to destroy their country. The Young Ones must accomplish their quest by overcoming evil. But will they succeed, or will the Northern Leader triumph in this epic tale of despair, love, friendship, revenge, and betrayal?