Avatar the Last Airbender: Smoke and Shadow

by Luen Yang Gene

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Comics, Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Adventure

232 pages, Paperback

Reviews

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

[S. M. Mayila · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me way too long to finish it because I was so attached to the characters 🖐️😭

[Kassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

ATLA Smoke and Shadow by Luen Yang Gene is a wonderful book, and I absolutely loved seeing more of Zuko's mom, Step-dad, and sister.

This book was really good, the story was amazing, the character development was very nice, and the way how there wasn't really a main character was cool.

The Shadow creatures that Azula's gang dressed up as were cool in a way that the inspiration was cool, not Azula's gang being cool, they're not.

Overall this was a great book and I can't wait to read the next. Yes I know I say that a lot lol.

[Amelia Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dialogue feels just like the show. I love getting to know Zuko’s mom.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

8.5/10

CW: War, Kidnapping, Imprisonment, Abuse, Violence, Death of a Child, Grief, Fire

This graphic novel delves deeper into the complicated aftermath of the Hundred Year War, focusing on the challenges faced by political instability in the Fire Nation. The story moves briskly, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.

One of the novel’s strengths lies within the exploration of Fire Nation politics and culture. It is a nation grappling with its past. The character development, while solid, could have been more profound. While Zuko’s journey as Fire Lord continues to evolve, some characters feel left to the elements.

Overall, Smoke and Shadow is a satisfying addition to the Avatar series. It offers a fresh perspective on the world-building and raises intriguing questions about the future of the Fire Nation. In the end, a worthwhile read for fans of the franchise

[Poonam Ranu · Rating 4 out of 5]

So not much plot progression for the overarching story happened here. I mean the juiciest piece was that Azula went off and found herself a girl gang…but even that happened without any explanation (unless I somehow skipped an entire entry explaining where that girl gang came from, then this one is one me). But yeah other than the Azula bit, not much happened. Zuko had another re-affirming moment that he should strive to be a good and honest leader, which is a revelation he’s had several times over by now.

[Emily Bennett]

I could’ve lived on without knowing about Mai’s rebound relationship.
Honestly? That boy is annoyingggg
And that one panel in which he tells Zuko “face is, she is with ME now” blah blah blah
Like, dude, just stop embarrassing yourself.
Happiest person to see they broke off at the end, judge me all you want.
Zuko handled everything way better than I would’ve because that guy was there the WHOLE time and I would’ve kicked him out.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again this was really really good. The characters all felt true to the show, great action, fast paced, and some wonderfully funny and moving parts with my favourite, Uncle Iroh! My only complaints would be how Sokka and Katara were literally shipped off out of the story, and no one reminding the New Ozai Society how unsafe the Fire Nation really was when they were tyrannical warlords.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, this has been a phenomenal series that stays so true to the original characters from the show. I absolutely love diving deeper into the lore and exploring more of Zuko's rule as Firelord. He's always been one of my favorites and I could not put this book down! By far one of the best in the series so far! Right next to The Search!

[Tegan Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Anything Avatar is amazing really, but I loved seeing our lovable characters a little older and working together to solve and protect. Would have been nice to hear more about the old fable that is featured in this story but otherwise a wonderful time.

[Elina Infante · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think it’s cool for the story to delve into more about how to be a leader. stories can often miss how difficult it is morally to lead a country or nation, and i think the trails zukerman face are good examples of that

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one got me. Especially enjoyed the Iroh bits.

[trijnewijn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avatar strips zijn zoals avatar afleveringen: puur genieten en zoveel meer dan je van een strip (of tekenfilm) verwachtte

[Elliot Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

That toddler was getting shit DONE

[Yeelen Jajčević-Timmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 ⭐️

[Endeavour Silver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zuko felt a bit "softer" in character than before but it's kinda cute and as usual the story and visuals are stunning!

[ORACLE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Animate this whole darkhorse comic run

[nico🌷 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 on storygraph; rounding up because im nice. again just super weird plot but i did prefer it over “the rift” if that means anything

[Sara James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes I just need to relive the highs and lows of ATLA on a vacation at the big age of 21, and I think that's okay.

[Manjot]

(8/143) The number one thing I like to imagine about this story line is that Zuko and Mai DO end up together for a million reasons 😭. He deserves the world and so does she. It’s really fun to spend time in just the fire nation for this story and learn more about its rich history (which gets me excited about water & earth nation lore). I’m impressed by the allusions to the dangers of fascism in what is ostensibly a kid’s novel and loved the use of New Ozai Society to drive home that point. This one maybe more than others I’m upset with myself for not using as a teaching tool! It’s so rich and perfect for middle school.