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Archivist's Choice
Barbarian
Lynne Ewing (2004)
Genre
Fantasy / Children's / Young Adult
Reading Time
12 Minutes
Key Themes
See below
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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.
Synopsis
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
Plot Summary
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Principal Figures
Obie
The Protagonist
Obie transforms from a cynical, reluctant exile to a determined leader embracing his royal destiny and responsibility to his home planet.
Inna
The Supporting
Inna acts as a catalyst, reigniting Obie's sense of duty and guiding him towards accepting his destiny.
Jax
The Supporting
Jax consistently provides guidance and leadership, ensuring the group's safety and Obie's eventual acceptance of his responsibilities.
Allison
The Supporting
Allison's worldview is expanded and challenged by her connection with Obie, forcing her to confront extraordinary truths.
Sledge
The Antagonist
Sledge remains a static antagonist, primarily serving as an obstacle and a representation of mundane human conflict.
Rell and Tell
The Supporting
The twins consistently offer unwavering support and camaraderie to Obie and the group.
Velt
The Supporting
Velt remains a loyal and dependent member of the group, symbolizing the future Obie is fighting for.
Bounty Hunters
The Antagonist
The bounty hunters remain a persistent external threat, driving much of the plot's tension and action.
Themes & Insights
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.”
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.”
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.”
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...”
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.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
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Key Questions (FAQ)
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.
