The Honorable Barbarian is the fourth in a series, but the first to focus on Kerin, younger brother of Jorian, hero of the first three novels. Kerin is described as a "prudent and judicious" youth; Jorian is more experienced with the world and offers him much good advice, which he tries to follow. Kerin remembers not to talk too much in front of strangers, to hold chivalry and honor in high regard, and to keep his word. Kerin is no one-dimensional hero who is strong and always clever, but a young man who learns from his mistakes.

Kerin's love interest is Nogiri, a courageous princess of Salimor, who is kidnapped and raped by pirates. Kerin clumsily rescues her, nearly causing a disaster, and Nogiri at first puts him off, saying she is betrothed. But the rape has made her unsuitable for marriage to a prince, so she is...