Barsa (novel)

Barsa is a fantasy novel by Lian Hearn, published in 2003. It is the first book in The Tales of the Otori trilogy. The story is set in a fictional, feudal Japanese-inspired land, and follows the journey of Tomasu, a young boy who is the sole survivor of his village's massacre. He is rescued and adopted by Lord Otori Shigeru, who renames him Takeo and trains him in the ways of the Otori clan and their unique abilities.

The novel explores themes of loyalty, duty, destiny, and the conflict between good and evil. Takeo is thrust into a world of political intrigue, martial arts, and supernatural powers as he navigates the complex relationships between the different clans and struggles to understand his own identity and place in this dangerous world. He must learn to control his inherited powers and choose between the path of the Otori and the influence of the Tribe, a mysterious group with extraordinary skills. The book also introduces Kaede, a beautiful and strong-willed young woman from a rival clan, with whom Takeo forms a deep connection.