In The Ancient One, Barron weaves many traditional elements of the fantasy genre with Native American mythology, scientific issues, and a contemporary setting to create a fresh, original story. These elements include a quest, time travel to an alternate world, and a battle between good and evil.

Early in the story, Aunt Melanie suggests to Kate that she go on a "vision quest" to discover her purpose in life. Like many fantasy heroes, Kate embarks on a quest to find and restore the Fragment of the Broken Touchstone which will in turn defeat Gashra, the Wicked One, and protect the balance between good and evil so essential to the health of the land. In order to succeed, she must not only separate from her life and perform a number of dangerous physical feats, but she must also confront the dragons within herself and grow into her...