Barbarian by Lynne Ewing, book cover

Barbarian Summary

by Lynne Ewing

3.69 Goodreads · 1k ratingsFantasy264 pages13-min summary

A misunderstood teen with supernatural abilities must choose between fitting into a new high school and returning to the dangerous world of his true love when bounty hunters threaten his fragile new life.

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Synopsis

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

Obie, a young barbarian from another realm, finds himself marooned in modern-day Los Angeles, struggling to navigate the complexities of high school life while evading mysterious bounty hunters. As he tries to lie low with his Renegade roommates and play in his band, his efforts are constantly undermined by conflicts, including making enemies with the football team and falling for Allison, the star quarterback's girlfriend. His already complicated life takes a dramatic turn when his true love, Inna, arrives from his home world, pleading for his help and forcing him to confront his deepest fears by returning to the dangerous place he fled.
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Adventurous, Humorous, Romantic, Action-packed

Barbarian Plot Summary

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

  1. A New Life in Los Angeles

    Obie, a young alien from Rill, is stranded in Los Angeles after fleeing his home world. He lives with other Rillians: Jax, the leader; the twins, Rell and Tell; and the younger Velt. They pretend to be a rock band, 'The Renegades,' to blend in. Obie struggles with high school life at Thomas Turney High, finding human customs and social rules confusing. He dislikes the superficiality and pressure to conform, wanting to return to Rill. However, Rillian bounty hunters are looking for him, so he must keep a low profile to stay safe and protect his friends.

  2. The Allure of Allison

    Even though he dislikes human culture, Obie is drawn to Allison, the most popular girl at Thomas Turney High. Allison is dating Sledge, the arrogant quarterback, making her off-limits. Obie's attempts to interact socially are often clumsy, but his unique charm and mysterious nature start to get Allison's attention. Their interactions are tense, as Obie's alien background and outsider status clash with Allison's social circle, especially Sledge and his football team, who see Obie as a threat.

  3. Confrontation with Sledge

    Obie's growing interest in Allison causes conflict with Sledge and his teammates. A fight breaks out, and Obie, under stress and anger, accidentally shows unusual strength and agility, hinting at his non-human origins. He avoids fully exposing himself, but the incident further isolates him from other students and increases Sledge's dislike. The Renegades, especially Jax, warn Obie about attracting too much attention. They remind him that bounty hunters are a constant threat, and exposure could be disastrous.

  4. Inna's Arrival

    Just as Obie starts to get used to his life on Earth, his past returns dramatically. Inna, Obie's true love from Rill, suddenly arrives. Her arrival is not a happy reunion but a desperate plea for help. She reveals that Rill is in great danger from an oppressive regime or outside threat that only Obie, with his unique heritage, can fight. Inna's presence complicates Obie's life, forcing him to face his feelings for her and the responsibilities he left behind on Rill, which conflicts with his attempts to hide on Earth.

  5. The Weight of Responsibility

    Inna's revelations cause Obie an internal struggle. He had tried to forget his past and the burdens of his royal lineage on Rill, seeking anonymity on Earth. Now, the fate of his home world depends on him. He must decide whether to keep hiding and pursue a life on Earth, possibly with Allison, or accept his destiny as a Rillian prince and return to face the dangers awaiting him. The Renegades support him but emphasize the seriousness of the situation, knowing that returning to Rill means facing the same forces that drove them into exile and the ever-present bounty hunters.

  6. Bounty Hunter Pursuit

    Inna's arrival, though important, unintentionally draws more attention to Obie. The Rillian bounty hunters, who have been tracking him, intensify their search. Their presence becomes more noticeable and dangerous, forcing Obie and The Renegades to be constantly alert. The stakes are much higher, as capture would mean Obie's forced return to Rill and potential harm to his friends and Inna. This external pressure forces Obie to make a quick decision, as his continued presence on Earth now endangers everyone around him, making staying an increasingly risky option.

  7. Allison's Discovery

    As the bounty hunters close in and Obie struggles with his decision, Allison discovers the truth about his alien identity. This discovery shatters her view of him and her understanding of the world. She must confront the reality that the mysterious new boy she was drawn to is an extraterrestrial. Her reaction is a mix of shock, fear, and fascination. This revelation forces Obie to trust her with his secret, further complicating his emotional state as he balances his feelings for her with his loyalty to Inna and his home planet.

  8. The Renegades' Support

    Throughout Obie's internal struggle and the growing external threats, The Renegades remain his loyal friends. Jax, Rell, Tell, and Velt, who shared his exile and struggles on Earth, reaffirm their loyalty to Obie. They promise to help him, whether it means fighting the bounty hunters on Earth or going with him back to Rill to reclaim his destiny. Their collective strength and unique Rillian abilities become important as they prepare for the inevitable confrontation. Their bond as a band and as fellow exiles strengthens, turning them into a unified force ready for what comes next.

  9. A Difficult Farewell

    With the decision made to return to Rill, Obie faces the hard task of saying goodbye to Allison. Their parting is emotional and bittersweet. Obie acknowledges the real connection they shared despite their very different worlds. He expresses regret for the danger he brought into her life but also thanks her for understanding. This farewell marks the true end of his attempt at a 'normal' life on Earth and shows his full acceptance of his role as a Rillian prince. It is a poignant moment that highlights the sacrifices he must make for his home planet.

  10. The Return to Rill

    Having made his choice, Obie, with Inna and The Renegades, prepares to leave Earth and return to Rill. This journey is dangerous, as they expect to face not only the bounty hunters but also the oppressive forces that now control Rill. Obie mentally prepares for the battle ahead, embracing his identity as a 'Barbarian' – a warrior from a noble family. The group combines their resources and special abilities, uniting to confront the challenges of their home world. The story ends with their departure, leaving the outcome of their mission to free Rill open for future adventures.

Barbarian Characters

Obie

Protagonist

A reluctant alien prince hiding on Earth

Obie is a young alien prince from the planet Rill, forced into exile on Earth. He resents his new life in Los Angeles, finding human customs illogical and superficial. Despite his royal heritage, he tries to blend in as a typical high school student and a member of 'The Renegades' rock band. He possesses hidden Rillian abilities, including enhanced strength and agility. Obie is torn between his longing for a normal life and his duty to his home planet and his people. He is initially rebellious and cynical but ultimately accepts his destiny.

Relationships: Jax (mentor and friend); Inna (true love from Rill); Allison (romantic interest on Earth); Sledge (rival)

Inna

Supporting

Obie's true love and catalyst for his return to Rill

Inna is Obie's true love from Rill, a brave and determined young woman who journeys to Earth to seek Obie's help. Her arrival serves as the primary catalyst for Obie's decision to return to his home planet. She is deeply loyal to Rill and to Obie, bringing with her urgent news of the planet's dire situation. Inna embodies the call to duty and responsibility that Obie has been trying to escape, reminding him of his heritage and the fate of his people. She is willing to risk everything to save Rill and to bring Obie back.

Relationships: Obie (true love)

Jax

Supporting

Leader of The Renegades and Obie's mentor

Jax is the wise and experienced leader of The Renegades, the alien band Obie lives with. He acts as a mentor figure to Obie, guiding him through the complexities of Earth life and reminding him of his responsibilities and the dangers they face. Jax is pragmatic and strategic, always prioritizing their safety and mission. He is fiercely loyal to Obie and the other Rillians, offering counsel and support. He understands the gravity of their situation and the importance of Obie's role in their future.

Relationships: Obie (mentor and friend); Rell and Tell (fellow Rillian exiles/bandmates); Velt (fellow Rillian exile/bandmate)

Allison

Supporting

Popular human girl who falls for Obie

Allison is the most popular girl at Thomas Turney High School and the girlfriend of the star quarterback, Sledge. She represents the allure and complexity of human life that Obie initially scorns. Despite her privileged social status, she is drawn to Obie's mysterious nature and outsider charm. Her interactions with Obie challenge her perceptions of her own world and lead her to discover the truth about his alien identity. She is ultimately understanding and supportive, despite the shock of Obie's revelation.

Relationships: Obie (romantic interest); Sledge (boyfriend (initially))

Sledge

Antagonist

Arrogant star quarterback and Obie's rival

Sledge is the star quarterback of the high school football team and Allison's boyfriend. He is portrayed as arrogant, aggressive, and possessive, embodying the 'jock' stereotype. He views Obie as a threat to his social standing and his relationship with Allison, leading to intense rivalry and physical altercations. Sledge represents the mundane, superficial challenges Obie faces on Earth, contrasting with the much larger, interstellar threats. His jealousy and bullying nature make him a direct antagonist in Obie's Earthly life.

Relationships: Obie (rival); Allison (girlfriend)

Rell and Tell

Supporting

The Rillian twin bandmates

Rell and Tell are Rillian twins and members of The Renegades. They are loyal to Jax and Obie, providing comic relief and practical support. Their unique Rillian abilities, though not always fully explored, contribute to the group's dynamic and their survival on Earth. They are less burdened by the weight of Rillian politics than Obie or Jax, often offering a lighter perspective. They are dedicated to their band and their shared mission, ready to follow Obie and Jax wherever they go.

Relationships: Obie (friend and bandmate); Jax (leader and bandmate); Velt (fellow Rillian exile/bandmate)

Velt

Supporting

The youngest Rillian bandmate

Velt is the youngest member of The Renegades. He looks up to Obie and the older Rillians, often serving as a source of youthful innocence and occasional vulnerability. Despite his age, he is fully integrated into the group's mission and contributes to their efforts to blend in and survive. Velt represents the future of Rill and the hope that Obie is fighting for. His presence underscores the responsibility Obie carries to protect his people.

Relationships: Obie (friend and bandmate); Jax (leader and bandmate); Rell and Tell (fellow Rillian exiles/bandmates)

Bounty Hunters

Antagonist

Relentless pursuers from Rill

The bounty hunters are agents from Rill, tasked with capturing Obie and bringing him back to his home planet. They represent the immediate and most dangerous threat to Obie's safety on Earth. Their relentless pursuit forces Obie and The Renegades to remain vigilant and constantly on the move. They are ruthless and determined, highlighting the serious consequences of Obie's exile and the political turmoil on Rill. Their presence is a constant reminder of the past Obie is trying to escape and the future he must confront.

Relationships: Obie (target)

Barbarian Themes

Identity and Belonging

Identity and belonging are central to Obie's journey. He struggles with his Rillian heritage and its responsibilities, initially rejecting them for a 'normal' life on Earth. However, he also feels like an outsider on Earth, trying to fit into a culture he does not understand. Inna's arrival and the increasing threat of bounty hunters force him to confront who he is and where he belongs, leading him to accept his identity as a Rillian prince and warrior.

“It's hard to blend in at school, though, when you've just made enemies with the football team.”
Narrator

Duty Versus Desire

Obie is constantly torn between his personal desires — to live a simple life on Earth, perhaps with Allison — and his duty to his home planet and people. He initially fled Rill to avoid this duty. Inna's plea, however, forces him to weigh his own happiness against the fate of an entire world. This internal conflict drives the story, showing the sacrifices that come with leadership and the difficult choices made when faced with great responsibility. Duty ultimately wins, but with significant personal cost.

“Obie must return to the one place he fears most.”
Narrator

Culture Clash and Adaptation

The novel shows culture clash through Obie's experiences on Earth. He finds human customs, social rules, and emotional expressions confusing and often illogical. His attempts to adapt lead to humorous misunderstandings and conflicts, especially in high school. The contrast between Rillian advanced technology and Earth's contemporary society provides a basis for exploring differences in values, communication, and worldview. This theme highlights the challenges of integration and the biases one carries from their own culture.

“Obie hates Los Angeles and all the junk that goes with it-especially trying to fit in at Thomas Turney High School.”
Narrator

The Nature of Love

The novel presents two types of love, creating a central emotional conflict for Obie. There is the growing, exciting, and forbidden love with Allison, representing a chance at a 'normal' life and personal happiness on Earth. Then there is the deep, lasting, and fated love with Inna, which is tied to his destiny and duty to Rill. Obie's struggle to choose between these two relationships highlights the theme, exploring whether love is about personal desire or shared destiny and responsibility. His decision is ultimately influenced by the larger stakes of his home world.

“Obie can't keep away from Allison, the most popular girl in school and the girlfriend of the star quarterback, Sledge. And when his true love, Inna, shows up...”
Narrator

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

The Fish Out of Water

Obie's alien perspective on Earth

This device highlights Obie's struggle to adapt to human society and customs. His alien perspective on everyday situations, like high school social dynamics or popular culture, provides both comedic moments and insightful commentary on human behavior. It emphasizes his feeling of being an outsider and the fundamental differences between his home world and Earth, making his journey of assimilation and eventual acceptance of his true identity more impactful. This device helps to establish his initial reluctance and cynicism.

The Call to Adventure

Inna's arrival prompts Obie's return to Rill

Inna's sudden appearance on Earth, bearing news of Rill's peril, serves as the classic 'Call to Adventure.' It disrupts Obie's attempts to live a mundane life and forces him to confront his destiny. This device compels the protagonist to leave their ordinary world and embark on a perilous journey, marking a significant turning point in the narrative. It externalizes the internal conflict Obie has been facing, making the choice to return to Rill an unavoidable necessity rather than a mere option.

Love Triangle

Obie's romantic dilemma between Allison and Inna

The love triangle between Obie, Allison, and Inna creates significant emotional tension and complicates Obie's decision-making process. Allison represents the allure of a simple, 'normal' life on Earth, while Inna embodies his destiny and loyalty to his home planet. This device highlights the theme of duty versus desire, forcing Obie to choose between personal happiness and profound responsibility. It humanizes his alien character, making his struggles relatable despite his extraordinary circumstances, and underscores the sacrifices required for his ultimate path.

Hidden Powers/Secret Identity

Obie's concealed Rillian abilities

Obie's secret identity as an alien prince with latent powers is a crucial plot device. It creates tension as he tries to maintain a low profile and avoid exposure, especially from bounty hunters. His occasional, involuntary display of these powers (e.g., during the fight with Sledge) adds excitement and foreshadows his true capabilities. This device is central to his character arc, as he must eventually embrace and utilize these powers to fulfill his destiny, moving from concealment to full realization of his potential.

Quiz

10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.

  1. Question 1

    What is the main character's name in "Barbarian"?

    1. Sledge
    2. Obie
    3. Allison
    4. Inna
    Show answer

    B. Obie The book explicitly states, "Obie hates Los Angeles...".

  2. Question 2

    What is Obie's main complaint about Los Angeles?

    1. The traffic
    2. The weather
    3. Trying to fit in
    4. The cost of living
    Show answer

    C. Trying to fit in The text says, "...especially trying to fit in at Thomas Turney High School."

  3. Question 3

    Who are the people urging Obie to lay low?

    1. His parents
    2. His bandmates
    3. His Renegade roommates
    4. The school principal
    Show answer

    C. His Renegade roommates The book states, "But with bounty hunters trying to capture him, his Renegade roommates urge him to lay low...".

  4. Question 4

    Why is it hard for Obie to blend in at school?

    1. He is new to the school.
    2. He just made enemies with the football team.
    3. He has a distinctive accent.
    4. He dresses differently from everyone else.
    Show answer

    B. He just made enemies with the football team. The text mentions, "it's hard to blend in at school, though, when you've just made enemies with the football team."

  5. Question 5

    Who is Allison in relation to the football team?

    1. The coach
    2. The quarterback's girlfriend
    3. A star player
    4. The team manager
    Show answer

    B. The quarterback's girlfriend The book states, "Obie can't keep away from Allison, the most popular girl in school and the girlfriend of the star quarterback, Sledge."

  6. Question 6

    What is Sledge's role in the football team?

    1. Kicker
    2. Wide Receiver
    3. Quarterback
    4. Running Back
    Show answer

    C. Quarterback The text refers to Sledge as "the star quarterback".

  7. Question 7

    Who shows up and pleads for Obie's help?

    1. Allison
    2. A bounty hunter
    3. His Renegade roommates
    4. Inna
    Show answer

    D. Inna The book states, "And when his true love, Inna, shows up and pleads for his help...".

  8. Question 8

    What is Obie's true love's name?

    1. Allison
    2. Inna
    3. Renata
    4. Sabrina
    Show answer

    B. Inna The text explicitly mentions, "And when his true love, Inna, shows up...".

  9. Question 9

    Why does Obie have to return to the place he fears most?

    1. To confront the football team
    2. To escape the bounty hunters
    3. Because Inna needs his help
    4. To retrieve his band's equipment
    Show answer

    C. Because Inna needs his help The passage states, "And when his true love, Inna, shows up and pleads for his help, Obie must return to the one place he fears most."

  10. Question 10

    What is the primary conflict Obie faces at school, as described in the excerpt?

    1. Academic pressure
    2. Competition with the football team
    3. Trouble with teachers
    4. Jealousy from other students
    Show answer

    B. Competition with the football team The excerpt highlights Obie's difficulty blending in due to making enemies with the football team and his attraction to the quarterback's girlfriend.

Barbarian FAQ

What is the book 'Barbarian' by Lynne Ewing about?

The book 'Barbarian' follows Obie, a character who struggles with fitting into high school in Los Angeles while also being pursued by bounty hunters. His bandmates urge him to lay low, but his desire to be with Allison and the plea for help from his true love, Inna, forces him to confront his fears and return to a place he dreads.

Who is the main character in 'Barbarian'?

The main character in 'Barbarian' is Obie. He is a young man who dislikes Los Angeles and the social pressures of high school, especially when bounty hunters are after him.

What kind of challenges does Obie face in the book?

Obie faces several challenges, including trying to blend in at a new high school, dealing with bounty hunters, navigating a complicated romantic interest in Allison (the quarterback's girlfriend), and ultimately being drawn back to a place he fears because of his true love, Inna.

What is the genre of 'Barbarian' by Lynne Ewing?

The book 'Barbarian' falls into the fantasy genre, specifically targeting children and young adults. It combines elements of adventure, romance, and supernatural themes.

Who are the key supporting characters in 'Barbarian'?

Key supporting characters include Obie's Renegade roommates, who urge him to stay hidden, Allison, the popular girlfriend of the star quarterback, and Inna, Obie's true love who pleads for his assistance.

What is the central conflict driving the plot of 'Barbarian'?

The central conflict revolves around Obie's internal struggle to balance his desire for a normal life at school with the external threats of bounty hunters and the responsibilities he has to those he cares about, particularly Inna, which forces him to face his greatest fears.

Does 'Barbarian' involve romance?

Yes, 'Barbarian' involves romance. Obie is drawn to Allison, the most popular girl in school and the girlfriend of the star quarterback, Sledge. Additionally, his true love, Inna, plays a significant role in the plot.

What is Obie's relationship with his bandmates?

Obie is part of a band with his Renegade roommates. They urge him to lay low and focus on their music to avoid detection by bounty hunters, highlighting a sense of loyalty and shared purpose.

About the author

Lynne Ewing

Lynne Ewing is an author known for her works of fiction, including "Barbarian" and "The Haunting." Her writing often explores themes of adventure and the supernatural, appealing to a young adult audience. Ewing's storytelling combines elements of fantasy and suspense, engaging readers with imaginative narratives.

All 2 summaries of Lynne Ewing's books →

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