Written by F.C. Yee in 2019
Synopsis: This “The Last Airbender” prequel duology* follows Aang’s past life, the Earth avatar Kyoshi, who learns of her identity much later than intended and finds herself in a reckless quest for survival and revenge.
Review: ATLA co-creator Michael Dante DiMartino has a foreword talking about his apprehensions with any spinoff and his personal requirements for an Avatar story. He signed off on Yee’s novels, and it quickly becomes clear why. The series drops readers back into a beloved world, complete with familiar bits like the hybrid animal species and innovative benders with unique signature moves, as well as brilliant scripting of minor characters to develop the main cast’s skills and worldviews as they work up to fighting the true antagonists. Yee’s writing also respectfully handles nostalgia, deprioritizing explicit references to the original series in favor of worldbuilding opportunities. In one memorable dialogue, we learn that Zuko’s obsession with honor in the show is a symptom of his culture as a whole. Kyoshi’s companion Rangi nearly says something that would give away Kyoshi’s identity in a dangerous situation, only to be cut off by someone fed up with hearing Fire nationals talk about their honor.
On the whole, Yee leans into worldbuilding in the places ATLA couldn’t. Plot points surrounding rival Fire Nation clans, a shrewd Earth minister, and ‘Fifth Nation’ pirates all flesh out the politics and culture of this world. This reflects the slightly older target audience of the series, and I was gripped by the dark turns and major twists in both books. Kyoshi’s coming into her own is radically different from Aang and Korra’s stories, and her legend is undoubtedly a worthwhile addition to the Avatar saga.
Strengths:
We only meet one Airbender in each book, but they and their bison are wonderful.
My long-standing question of “Can’t you use any element to make yourself fly?” has a satisfying answer.
There are a dozen more entertaining moments and ideas I could list here.
Weaknesses:
Kyoshi’s closest companions don’t experience any development, and there is little to grasp at for any fans wanting more friend group antics.
Rating: 18/20 times Kyoshi is asked if she plays Pai Sho
Ideal Setting: Read this when it’s been too long since you tried moving the elements with your mind.
*The series is technically three books with a planned fourth, but the third begins an entirely new (well, older) story with Yangchen, and I was happy to stop here.
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