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The Kyoshi Novels #2
Avatar: The Shadow of Kyoshi
Kyoshi’s place as the true Avatar has finally been cemented—but at a heavy cost. With her mentors gone, Kyoshi voyages across the Four Nations, struggling to keep the peace. But while her reputation grows, a mysterious threat emerges from the Spirit World. To stop it, Kyoshi, Rangi, and their reluctant allies must join forces before the Four Nations are destroyed irreparably.
This thrilling follow-up continues Kyoshi’s journey from a girl of humble origins to the merciless pursuer of justice still feared and admired centuries after becoming the Avatar.
This thrilling follow-up continues Kyoshi’s journey from a girl of humble origins to the merciless pursuer of justice still feared and admired centuries after becoming the Avatar.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2020
1603 people are currently reading
18424 people want to read
About the author
F.C. Yee
10 books1,704 followersF.C. Yee is the author of four New York Times Bestselling books in the CHRONICLES OF THE AVATAR novel series set in the Avatar: The Last Airbender universe. His debut THE EPIC CRUSH OF GENIE LO and THE IRON WILL OF GENIE LO received six starred reviews. His newest project is slated for some time in 2027.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,672 reviews
October 27, 2020
this book officially pulled me out of my slump never underestimate the power of the gays
anti-library
October 8, 2024WARRIOR GIRLFRIENDS ON THE COVER TOGETHER 🙌🙏🔥
August 25, 2020
Four stars? Five stars? It's still so damn good. You know, I still can't decide. For now, I'll stick to four. Maybe because I expected many more action scenes ;p
What struck me about this second novel is that Avatars were even more human than ever, making mistakes, failing, making mistakes again, driving friends and loved ones away, living alone, and so on and so forth. Their powers simply do not exclude them for those, not to mention public opinion, fear, hatred, and prejudices. Avatarhood is misery and sacrifice combined, plain and simple. Even the false Avatars could not escape it.
The lore remains fantastic, some references to the Aang comics like Avatar: The Last Airbender The Rift Book Nickelodeon Avatar, and I keep learning something new despite my belief that I've devoured everything about that world.
In the first book most of the time was spent in the Earth Kingdom with the daofeis, but now we are brought to the Fire Nation, within the Caldera City and the palace itself. I enjoyed more history of course about the existing clans, past rulers, and any cultural aspects like paintings and not touching a person's hair and whatnots. The stories of past Avatars like Szeto, Yangchen, and most notably Kuruk, were also given. Kuruk's story was one of the most heart wrenching moments in the entire series.
Kyoshi got some new companions (new #TeamAvatar so to say) in this, I liked them all. We also got one new master bender, she's awesome. As for the villain, well, I kinda need more motivation and maybe even more time with Kyoshi.
All in all, lots of Avatar goodness, spirits, element-stepping, and character moments with some humor included. Please, please, please, there will be a third novel.
What struck me about this second novel is that Avatars were even more human than ever, making mistakes, failing, making mistakes again, driving friends and loved ones away, living alone, and so on and so forth. Their powers simply do not exclude them for those, not to mention public opinion, fear, hatred, and prejudices. Avatarhood is misery and sacrifice combined, plain and simple. Even the false Avatars could not escape it.
The lore remains fantastic, some references to the Aang comics like Avatar: The Last Airbender The Rift Book Nickelodeon Avatar, and I keep learning something new despite my belief that I've devoured everything about that world.
In the first book most of the time was spent in the Earth Kingdom with the daofeis, but now we are brought to the Fire Nation, within the Caldera City and the palace itself. I enjoyed more history of course about the existing clans, past rulers, and any cultural aspects like paintings and not touching a person's hair and whatnots. The stories of past Avatars like Szeto, Yangchen, and most notably Kuruk, were also given. Kuruk's story was one of the most heart wrenching moments in the entire series.
Kyoshi got some new companions (new #TeamAvatar so to say) in this, I liked them all. We also got one new master bender, she's awesome. As for the villain, well, I kinda need more motivation and maybe even more time with Kyoshi.
All in all, lots of Avatar goodness, spirits, element-stepping, and character moments with some humor included. Please, please, please, there will be a third novel.
December 23, 2020
ok but where can i find my fire-breathing girlfriend and rag tag crew of benders to take on the world with
August 8, 2020
I feel like not enough people are talking about the many problems in this book and how they contradict established canon in the earlier Avatar works. So I'm gonna mention them here:
1. Kuruk's past life does not in any way correspond to what we learned about in The Last Airbender. There was no mention of the face thief spirit or of Kuruk's wife. In addition to that, how could an Avatar, whose mission is to connect the spiritual and human worlds, and one from the northern water tribe at that, who's known for their closeness to the spirit world just start killing spirits? It does not seem like the best option out there.
2. When Kuruk kills the spirits it erodes at his spirit, which also does not make any sense because his spirit is also Kyoshi's and Aang's and Korra's, if his spirit was damaged in any way, all Avatars after him should have been damaged.
3. The Fire Avatar that preceded Kyoshi was a minister in the Fire Nation, which goes explicitly against what was said in the Last Airbender series: the Avatar cannot be affiliated with the government of a single nation, let alone his native nation. This will obviously add unnecessary bias to the Avatar as his duty to his Avatarhood will most likely go against his duty as minister of the Fire Nation.
4. I feel like the only reason the author made Kyoshi so okay with murdering people is the memes about how Kyoshi's response to anything is murder. While what Kyoshi said in ATLA is that justice will bring peace, not being a cutthroat murderer.
Other than that, Kyoshi's development obviously regressed from the ending of the first book, most likely as an attempt to add unneeded conflict in this book. And the story line with Yun felt drawn out. Kyoshi fucking up every single thing she touches became tiresome after a hundred pages. This being the last book in the series, I would've liked to see Kyoshi as a fully-minted Avatar, or at least the beginning of that Avatar who was so decisive.
Overall, this doesn't count as canon to me.
1. Kuruk's past life does not in any way correspond to what we learned about in The Last Airbender. There was no mention of the face thief spirit or of Kuruk's wife. In addition to that, how could an Avatar, whose mission is to connect the spiritual and human worlds, and one from the northern water tribe at that, who's known for their closeness to the spirit world just start killing spirits? It does not seem like the best option out there.
2. When Kuruk kills the spirits it erodes at his spirit, which also does not make any sense because his spirit is also Kyoshi's and Aang's and Korra's, if his spirit was damaged in any way, all Avatars after him should have been damaged.
3. The Fire Avatar that preceded Kyoshi was a minister in the Fire Nation, which goes explicitly against what was said in the Last Airbender series: the Avatar cannot be affiliated with the government of a single nation, let alone his native nation. This will obviously add unnecessary bias to the Avatar as his duty to his Avatarhood will most likely go against his duty as minister of the Fire Nation.
4. I feel like the only reason the author made Kyoshi so okay with murdering people is the memes about how Kyoshi's response to anything is murder. While what Kyoshi said in ATLA is that justice will bring peace, not being a cutthroat murderer.
Other than that, Kyoshi's development obviously regressed from the ending of the first book, most likely as an attempt to add unneeded conflict in this book. And the story line with Yun felt drawn out. Kyoshi fucking up every single thing she touches became tiresome after a hundred pages. This being the last book in the series, I would've liked to see Kyoshi as a fully-minted Avatar, or at least the beginning of that Avatar who was so decisive.
Overall, this doesn't count as canon to me.
October 17, 2020
So I love this book and I love Avatar Kyoshi (by far my favorite Avatar). The first book was much better to me in terms of plot. This second book seemed more focused on world building and elaborating on characters and lore we know from ATLA and LOK. I pray they make these books into animated movies or shows on Netflix, I think Nickelodeon has a deal with them.
I loved the way this book ended and even though this is marketed as the last book, I hope they surprise us with another!
I loved the way this book ended and even though this is marketed as the last book, I hope they surprise us with another!
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September 21, 2021me @ the cover reveal:
July 24, 2020
Hello, I humbly request more books in the series PLEASE
Just. Forever in love with this universe, and especially Kyoshi.
Just. Forever in love with this universe, and especially Kyoshi.
August 26, 2020
I didn't know what conclusion I wanted for this duology, but The Shadow of Kyoshi ended so perfectly that I was literally sobbing. The highest of recommendations.
Full review to follow.
Full review to follow.
August 5, 2020
Rant Review.
Finishing Shadow of Kyoshi felt like getting rid of a terrible burden. The first book of the Kyoshi Novels presented a cast of compelling and somewhat well-written characters, and cutting off half of that cast for the second book wouldn't have been such a terrible mistake, if the new characters were at least credible.
Main plot points are ignored, characters change from water to wine in a couple of pages, and the author gives you hints of a couple of important worldbuilding details, without explaining or even bringing them up later on.
The relationship between Kyoshi and Rangi could have been actually explored, without making it seem like it doesn't exist for half of the book. Their conflicts could have made some real difference after all, and the other members of the Flying Opera Company could have been introduced before the end of the story.
The only two merits I'll give the author are exploring the Fire Nation's politics before the unification of the clans, centuries before Sozin, and letting us know a little more about Kuruk and Yangchen's Avatar careers, and how they affected Kyoshi's.
I felt like I was forcing myself to like this, because of how much I love Avatar's worldbuilding, but this final product, which seems like an unfinished fanfic, has the same dead weight as the plot of some episodes from Legend of Korra.
For his future works, I hope the author starts to actually describe his characters appearance, and make sure that some of them (precisely two, in a single book) won't turn into psychotic genocidals in eight pages.
I apologize for eventual grammar typos, and for not knowing how to properly structure a review. If you're planning to read Shadow of Kyoshi, I reccomend that you rip that band-aid off quicly, like I did, and finish it in four days. More than that would be a terrible waste of your time.
Finishing Shadow of Kyoshi felt like getting rid of a terrible burden. The first book of the Kyoshi Novels presented a cast of compelling and somewhat well-written characters, and cutting off half of that cast for the second book wouldn't have been such a terrible mistake, if the new characters were at least credible.
Main plot points are ignored, characters change from water to wine in a couple of pages, and the author gives you hints of a couple of important worldbuilding details, without explaining or even bringing them up later on.
The relationship between Kyoshi and Rangi could have been actually explored, without making it seem like it doesn't exist for half of the book. Their conflicts could have made some real difference after all, and the other members of the Flying Opera Company could have been introduced before the end of the story.
The only two merits I'll give the author are exploring the Fire Nation's politics before the unification of the clans, centuries before Sozin, and letting us know a little more about Kuruk and Yangchen's Avatar careers, and how they affected Kyoshi's.
I felt like I was forcing myself to like this, because of how much I love Avatar's worldbuilding, but this final product, which seems like an unfinished fanfic, has the same dead weight as the plot of some episodes from Legend of Korra.
For his future works, I hope the author starts to actually describe his characters appearance, and make sure that some of them (precisely two, in a single book) won't turn into psychotic genocidals in eight pages.
I apologize for eventual grammar typos, and for not knowing how to properly structure a review. If you're planning to read Shadow of Kyoshi, I reccomend that you rip that band-aid off quicly, like I did, and finish it in four days. More than that would be a terrible waste of your time.
June 21, 2022
This is a VERY high 4-star.
Just like the first book, I love almost everything about this novel.
But what pulled it down for me, surprisingly, was Yee’s writing. I kept getting lost in his overwritten purple prose, and some of his action was difficult to follow once he strayed away from general action to more specific stage direction.
Funny enough, the reason I like this book so much is also because of Yee’s writing. When he hits, he really hits. His character work is great and his world-building is outstanding.
Seriously, it baffles me that this isn’t animated. I’d even love a video game or something visual. The story is fantastic. We see and feel the full weight of being an Avatar from both Kyoshi and her predecessors (both Avatar and non-Avatar). And like the brilliant antagonists of Legend of Korra, the opposing forces here are brilliantly realized and entirely sympathetic.
I want this book to do well, oh so well. I want Avatar to have a sweeping expanded universe in the same way Star Wars, Marvel, DC, and now Harry Potter is branching off to.
But namely, I want more stories from Kyoshi. In whatever form or medium. This story only depicts her very early career as the Avatar, and I want to spend more time in her world.
***2nd read update***
Dropping my review to a 3.5
There are elements of this story I LOVE: anything to do with Yun and Kuruk, and others I'm not as much of a fan of: the Fire Nation politics.
I've also noticed a trend with F.C. Yee. His second acts are really, really sluggish, whereas his openings and endings are much more engaging for me.
Oh! And Yee overuses the heck out of simile.
Just like the first book, I love almost everything about this novel.
But what pulled it down for me, surprisingly, was Yee’s writing. I kept getting lost in his overwritten purple prose, and some of his action was difficult to follow once he strayed away from general action to more specific stage direction.
Funny enough, the reason I like this book so much is also because of Yee’s writing. When he hits, he really hits. His character work is great and his world-building is outstanding.
Seriously, it baffles me that this isn’t animated. I’d even love a video game or something visual. The story is fantastic. We see and feel the full weight of being an Avatar from both Kyoshi and her predecessors (both Avatar and non-Avatar). And like the brilliant antagonists of Legend of Korra, the opposing forces here are brilliantly realized and entirely sympathetic.
I want this book to do well, oh so well. I want Avatar to have a sweeping expanded universe in the same way Star Wars, Marvel, DC, and now Harry Potter is branching off to.
But namely, I want more stories from Kyoshi. In whatever form or medium. This story only depicts her very early career as the Avatar, and I want to spend more time in her world.
***2nd read update***
Dropping my review to a 3.5
There are elements of this story I LOVE: anything to do with Yun and Kuruk, and others I'm not as much of a fan of: the Fire Nation politics.
I've also noticed a trend with F.C. Yee. His second acts are really, really sluggish, whereas his openings and endings are much more engaging for me.
Oh! And Yee overuses the heck out of simile.
October 8, 2020
☆ 4 / 5 ☆
The Rise of Kyoshi (Book 1) : 5/5
“Kyoshi screamed in the darkness, over and over again, her hatred for the world and herself spiraling into oblivion.”
While I still really enjoyed my time with this installment, I did not love it quite as much as the first book.
My main disappointment is purely based on the fact that we only see a glimpse of the Flying Opera Company and I really wanted to get used to them more and build a deeper connection with their characters. And overall it was just missing that group dynamic and bonding moments I always enjoy.
We follow Kyoshi as the Fire Lord asks for her help and she is still searching for Yun. It seems like their troubles might be connected and Kyoshi struggles to find the right balance to follow her daofei code while keeping the world at peace.
This time around we spend more time with Hei-Ran, Rangi’s mother, and get to know her more. I think her character was very interesting and there are a lot of talks about the Fire Nation and their traditions. Since the first Kyoshi book focused more on the politics of the Earth Kingdom it was an interesting contrast and I just really enjoy these added layers to the Avatar world.
“She didn’t have the right to lose herself in her rage and let it take her to oblivion. No matter what she’d been through. She wouldn’t allow herself to become a human scar, a compendium of personal loss. She had the obligation to be more than the sum of her grievances with the world.”
After having Jianzhu as an antagonist in the first book, Yun did not feel quite as charismatic, but he still presented an interesting dilemma for Kyoshi. Seeing what happened to him right as he got taken away and his feelings while trying to survive and coping with his loss of Avartarhood was pretty heartbreaking and it is also so much more difficult for Kyoshi to cope with this reality as well. She clings to the hope that he will come back to them as they once were but maybe this is not what her former best friend wants. There are a lot of complex feelings involved in this, Kyoshi’s guilt from “taking” this life and power from Yun but mostly her determination to save him.
There’s a lot of trauma involved in both of their journeys and how they parallel each other. They’ve both seen a lot of the horrific things in this world and how wicked people can be. They’ve both suffered at the ends of some of the same people but ultimately it is how they handle that trauma that differentiates them. Mostly Kyoshi has had a present support system to help her heal and get to understand her powers while Yun was left alone and helpless, having to claw his way into the world by himself.
“You can have your past, or you can have your future. Not both.”
Kyoshi is still most definitely very unique in her journey and her feelings towards Avatarhood compared to what we’ve experienced before. She is extremely resentful of Kuruk and the state he left the world in for her to fix. He keeps trying to get in contact with her but she’d rather bypass him and speak to Yangchen instead. Of course things are never quite as they seem to be and there’s definitely an important discussion on how each iteration of the Avatar has a direct consequence on the next, how each life is connected through a chain of reactions. Mostly though this is about Kyoshi having to learn to stop trying to live up to a legacy that is half illusion, and to be her own person and her own Avatar.
It’s also really interesting to me that she doesn’t struggle as much with acquiring her spiritual powers (mastering the Avatar State and meditation to communicate with her past lives) but rather with how to use them and setting a moral code for herself. Things are not as clear cut for her and it’s fascinating to see her find her own path to justice and fairness.
“A girl stood on the other side, revealed by inches, as if she were too much person, too much force for any one mortal to handle all at once.”
I love Kyoshi and Rangi together, they truly just mean the world to each other and they’re both so willing to throw themselves into danger for one another. I just feel like their relationship was more settled in this book so there was a little less yearning but I love their dynamic and every scene they share together. Plus, the way they work together in battle is just *chef’s kiss*.
Despite the darker topics, there are always lighthearted moments and touches of humour that stay in line with what we’re used to in the original series and overall I do love coming back to this world time and time again. Kyoshi is hands down one of my favourite Avatars so I obviously still really loved this. I wonder if we’ll get more from her adventures or any more Avatars!
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The Rise of Kyoshi (Book 1) : 5/5
“Kyoshi screamed in the darkness, over and over again, her hatred for the world and herself spiraling into oblivion.”
While I still really enjoyed my time with this installment, I did not love it quite as much as the first book.
My main disappointment is purely based on the fact that we only see a glimpse of the Flying Opera Company and I really wanted to get used to them more and build a deeper connection with their characters. And overall it was just missing that group dynamic and bonding moments I always enjoy.
We follow Kyoshi as the Fire Lord asks for her help and she is still searching for Yun. It seems like their troubles might be connected and Kyoshi struggles to find the right balance to follow her daofei code while keeping the world at peace.
This time around we spend more time with Hei-Ran, Rangi’s mother, and get to know her more. I think her character was very interesting and there are a lot of talks about the Fire Nation and their traditions. Since the first Kyoshi book focused more on the politics of the Earth Kingdom it was an interesting contrast and I just really enjoy these added layers to the Avatar world.
“She didn’t have the right to lose herself in her rage and let it take her to oblivion. No matter what she’d been through. She wouldn’t allow herself to become a human scar, a compendium of personal loss. She had the obligation to be more than the sum of her grievances with the world.”
After having Jianzhu as an antagonist in the first book, Yun did not feel quite as charismatic, but he still presented an interesting dilemma for Kyoshi. Seeing what happened to him right as he got taken away and his feelings while trying to survive and coping with his loss of Avartarhood was pretty heartbreaking and it is also so much more difficult for Kyoshi to cope with this reality as well. She clings to the hope that he will come back to them as they once were but maybe this is not what her former best friend wants. There are a lot of complex feelings involved in this, Kyoshi’s guilt from “taking” this life and power from Yun but mostly her determination to save him.
There’s a lot of trauma involved in both of their journeys and how they parallel each other. They’ve both seen a lot of the horrific things in this world and how wicked people can be. They’ve both suffered at the ends of some of the same people but ultimately it is how they handle that trauma that differentiates them. Mostly Kyoshi has had a present support system to help her heal and get to understand her powers while Yun was left alone and helpless, having to claw his way into the world by himself.
“You can have your past, or you can have your future. Not both.”
Kyoshi is still most definitely very unique in her journey and her feelings towards Avatarhood compared to what we’ve experienced before. She is extremely resentful of Kuruk and the state he left the world in for her to fix. He keeps trying to get in contact with her but she’d rather bypass him and speak to Yangchen instead. Of course things are never quite as they seem to be and there’s definitely an important discussion on how each iteration of the Avatar has a direct consequence on the next, how each life is connected through a chain of reactions. Mostly though this is about Kyoshi having to learn to stop trying to live up to a legacy that is half illusion, and to be her own person and her own Avatar.
It’s also really interesting to me that she doesn’t struggle as much with acquiring her spiritual powers (mastering the Avatar State and meditation to communicate with her past lives) but rather with how to use them and setting a moral code for herself. Things are not as clear cut for her and it’s fascinating to see her find her own path to justice and fairness.
“A girl stood on the other side, revealed by inches, as if she were too much person, too much force for any one mortal to handle all at once.”
I love Kyoshi and Rangi together, they truly just mean the world to each other and they’re both so willing to throw themselves into danger for one another. I just feel like their relationship was more settled in this book so there was a little less yearning but I love their dynamic and every scene they share together. Plus, the way they work together in battle is just *chef’s kiss*.
Despite the darker topics, there are always lighthearted moments and touches of humour that stay in line with what we’re used to in the original series and overall I do love coming back to this world time and time again. Kyoshi is hands down one of my favourite Avatars so I obviously still really loved this. I wonder if we’ll get more from her adventures or any more Avatars!
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May 10, 2021
I need a Rangi in my life 😩🆘️
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If my favorite gay avatar can't pull me out of this reading slump probably nothing will
- - - - - -
"We've gone too far," she said to the fox. Then she realized she was talking to an animal. She'd gone too far indeed. In the head.
This entire book was like an emotional roller coaster for me. I cried. I smiled. I laughed. I fell in love. I cried again. I got angry. I got scared. I smiled.
Kyoshi is by far the most badass avatar to ever been portrayed in this franchise.
For the majority of the book I kept wishing for her to energy bend the hell out of all her opponents. But then I realized. It was only discovered 400 years following the events of this book bynone other than my first boy crush Aang. Epic fail on my part
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If my favorite gay avatar can't pull me out of this reading slump probably nothing will
- - - - - -
"We've gone too far," she said to the fox. Then she realized she was talking to an animal. She'd gone too far indeed. In the head.
This entire book was like an emotional roller coaster for me. I cried. I smiled. I laughed. I fell in love. I cried again. I got angry. I got scared. I smiled.
Kyoshi is by far the most badass avatar to ever been portrayed in this franchise.
For the majority of the book I kept wishing for her to energy bend the hell out of all her opponents. But then I realized. It was only discovered 400 years following the events of this book by
July 24, 2020
May I please have more avatar books 🙏🏻
August 5, 2020
Just like the last one, I felt that the characters besides Kyoshi were unexplored. It was odd that Lao Ge was barely in the book at all and the rest of the Flying Opera Company only came into play at the very end of the book. The battle with Yun also felt very anti-climatic. I did like the new waterbending healer(I don't remember her name) and Kyoshi and Rangi were perfect together as usual but this spoke to me even less then the first one.
March 25, 2023
5/5 ⭐
Obviously, I've been obsessed with this and everything that has happened up until it ended
Bummer that's the last one!
Obviously, I've been obsessed with this and everything that has happened up until it ended
Bummer that's the last one!
September 14, 2020
4.5 / 5
first things first, WARRIOR GIRLFRIENDS ON THE COVER
second, i enjoyed this sequel a lot more than the first! i think i connected with the characters a lot more this time. in this story, kyoshi has to deal with her morality, her duties, and what makes an good avatar, and i could really feel for kyoshi’s struggles. the story starts with her clearing away criminals through brute force, and then her doing the same to the officers that arrested them because they are corrupt themselves. this sets up how evildoing is everywhere, and she can’t punch her way through all of it. we’re introduced to jinpu, her air nomad secretary-of-sorts who’s just delightful, and kyoshi is also invited to the fire nation, where most of the story takes place. we see rangi and hei ran again and eventually, yun.
i loved seeing more of rangi and kyoshi. they’re adorable as heck together, and they care about each other so aggressively it’s endearing. rangi is also kyoshi’s moral ground in a way, which i like. i enjoyed seeing the relationship between rangi and her mother as well, and how their personalities clashed at times. i didn’t care for yun all too much, but i did kind of miss the old him. like in the previous book, there was also more worldbuilding, especially in the fire nation, and i found zoryu, the current fire lord, pretty fascinating. you can see the set up for how the fire nation turns out in the future. lastly, kyoshi’s relationship with the past avatars was very cool to see. we get to learn how avatars all made their mistakes, even with access to past lives, but they do the best they can. that, and kyoshi’s encounters with yun, helped her grow more into her avatarhood, and i’m proud of her!
it sucks that this is the last book, but i hope to see more avatar books in the future! i loved this duology and what it did to expand the universe.
first things first, WARRIOR GIRLFRIENDS ON THE COVER
second, i enjoyed this sequel a lot more than the first! i think i connected with the characters a lot more this time. in this story, kyoshi has to deal with her morality, her duties, and what makes an good avatar, and i could really feel for kyoshi’s struggles. the story starts with her clearing away criminals through brute force, and then her doing the same to the officers that arrested them because they are corrupt themselves. this sets up how evildoing is everywhere, and she can’t punch her way through all of it. we’re introduced to jinpu, her air nomad secretary-of-sorts who’s just delightful, and kyoshi is also invited to the fire nation, where most of the story takes place. we see rangi and hei ran again and eventually, yun.
i loved seeing more of rangi and kyoshi. they’re adorable as heck together, and they care about each other so aggressively it’s endearing. rangi is also kyoshi’s moral ground in a way, which i like. i enjoyed seeing the relationship between rangi and her mother as well, and how their personalities clashed at times. i didn’t care for yun all too much, but i did kind of miss the old him. like in the previous book, there was also more worldbuilding, especially in the fire nation, and i found zoryu, the current fire lord, pretty fascinating. you can see the set up for how the fire nation turns out in the future. lastly, kyoshi’s relationship with the past avatars was very cool to see. we get to learn how avatars all made their mistakes, even with access to past lives, but they do the best they can. that, and kyoshi’s encounters with yun, helped her grow more into her avatarhood, and i’m proud of her!
it sucks that this is the last book, but i hope to see more avatar books in the future! i loved this duology and what it did to expand the universe.
August 27, 2020
Actual review: 3.75
“People shouldn't have everything they want. No one is entitled to their every desire. To live in balance, we must willingly decide not to take all that we can from the world, and from others.”
The Shadow of Kyoshi is the final book in The Kyoshi Novels duology.
♠ Court Politics and Policies
There were several aspects I really enjoyed in this novel. For instance, the pressure society puts on Kyoshi, as she is the Avatar, as well as the pressure she puts on herself is practically tangible, and it’s reminiscent of one of the themes Aang faces in the original animated show. The fact that the series now focused more on court politics vs. teenage shenanigans was a welcome change that showcased the emotional growth Kyoshi experiences.
Unlike in the first book, we were introduced to a lot more history and lore into this world, and I must say, it was fascinating. I will happily devour anything that gives me more information on this world, and this novel gave more than its predecessor.
♣ THE AVATAR RISES
I reiterate that I would have preferred this story told through a different medium. The Avatar world is colourful and the bending is visually stunning, so I wish this story was said through an animated short or a graphic novel. However, despite a few shortcomings, and Kyoshi being somewhat of a Mary Sue of YA fantasy, I enjoyed this story for the most part.
It was darker than I expected, and the storyline was well executed.
In conclusion, the duology is a decent addition into the world of the Avatar. I really, really miss this world.
“People shouldn't have everything they want. No one is entitled to their every desire. To live in balance, we must willingly decide not to take all that we can from the world, and from others.”
The Shadow of Kyoshi is the final book in The Kyoshi Novels duology.
♠ Court Politics and Policies
There were several aspects I really enjoyed in this novel. For instance, the pressure society puts on Kyoshi, as she is the Avatar, as well as the pressure she puts on herself is practically tangible, and it’s reminiscent of one of the themes Aang faces in the original animated show. The fact that the series now focused more on court politics vs. teenage shenanigans was a welcome change that showcased the emotional growth Kyoshi experiences.
Unlike in the first book, we were introduced to a lot more history and lore into this world, and I must say, it was fascinating. I will happily devour anything that gives me more information on this world, and this novel gave more than its predecessor.
♣ THE AVATAR RISES
I reiterate that I would have preferred this story told through a different medium. The Avatar world is colourful and the bending is visually stunning, so I wish this story was said through an animated short or a graphic novel. However, despite a few shortcomings, and Kyoshi being somewhat of a Mary Sue of YA fantasy, I enjoyed this story for the most part.
It was darker than I expected, and the storyline was well executed.
In conclusion, the duology is a decent addition into the world of the Avatar. I really, really miss this world.
March 10, 2021
hi I love kyoshi thanks bye
okay but seriously wow this series is good. like damn. the characters, the writing, the fast-paced plots, the discussions of morality . . . this book has it all. I think with atla, it's ultimately a kids show and it works perfectly, but because of that it can only get so dark; the kyoshi books are firmly YA, and it means they can get a lot grimmer, a lot more existential and morally questionable and messy.
the thing about this series is that it's ultimately hopeful, but in a lot of ways it's steeped in hopelessness. it's about finding hope despite that, about accepting that sometimes you can't be the best and you just need to do what you can, but like holy wow these books feel so downcast sometimes, but not in a bad way, not in a way that drags you down, in a way that's oddly comforting, and I just *screams incoherently* these books are so good pls
also seriously kyoshi can step on me pls and thank you. and her and rangi are simply iconic together
okay but seriously wow this series is good. like damn. the characters, the writing, the fast-paced plots, the discussions of morality . . . this book has it all. I think with atla, it's ultimately a kids show and it works perfectly, but because of that it can only get so dark; the kyoshi books are firmly YA, and it means they can get a lot grimmer, a lot more existential and morally questionable and messy.
the thing about this series is that it's ultimately hopeful, but in a lot of ways it's steeped in hopelessness. it's about finding hope despite that, about accepting that sometimes you can't be the best and you just need to do what you can, but like holy wow these books feel so downcast sometimes, but not in a bad way, not in a way that drags you down, in a way that's oddly comforting, and I just *screams incoherently* these books are so good pls
also seriously kyoshi can step on me pls and thank you. and her and rangi are simply iconic together
Read
June 27, 2021PAIN. This book was PAIN.
But so so good. I especially loved the implicit discussion of "Evil: nature vs Nurture". One thing I wish though is that the "after" were a bit...better. It wasn't as satisfactory as it could have been considering that there were some loose ends left untied as well as some reunions that weren't given the proper care and attention. But the story as a whole? *chef's kiss*. Such a glorious sequel.
But so so good. I especially loved the implicit discussion of "Evil: nature vs Nurture". One thing I wish though is that the "after" were a bit...better. It wasn't as satisfactory as it could have been considering that there were some loose ends left untied as well as some reunions that weren't given the proper care and attention. But the story as a whole? *chef's kiss*. Such a glorious sequel.
September 5, 2020
kyoshi is simply my favorite Avatar and she is not the violent woman everyone makes her to be.
July 29, 2020
I loved these books a whole lot, and I still just want so much more about Kyoshi. Like this is just Kyoshi at 17, but what was she like at 40, 87, 133, 191, and 205?
July 29, 2020
The Shadow of Kyoshi is a great sequel.
Read
June 23, 2021THIS DID NOT DISAPPOINT. the kyoshi duology is truly a masterpiece, especially because it reminded me how great of an experience reading is. maybe this is odd to hear from someone who's read too many books this year alone but it's rare to find books that i can call my all-time favorites now, and yet this duology has effortlessly made its way into the list. the action scenes, the characterization, the portrayal of raw emotions...everything is well done. i don't know what else to tell u so you'll be encouraged to pick this up. JUST KNOW THAT IT'S GREAT AND I SOBBED BY THE END OF THIS BOOK. read it!!!
August 1, 2021
i'm going to personally march into avatar studios and start punching walls until they adapt my gay daughters into a series
December 24, 2020
“People shouldn't have everything they want. No one is entitled to their every desire. To live in balance, we must willingly decide not to take all that we can from the world, and from others.”
“Honor cannot be coveted too dearly, young lady. Sometimes it must be laid down for the good of others.”
“No fire is ever the same fire. No Avatar is ever the same person. You and the flame change with every moment, every generation. You are one flame, and you are many.”
4.5 stars. The Shadow of Kyoshi serves as a worthy conclusion and solidifies this duology as a must-read for any fan of "Avatar: The Last Airbender. Honestly, I was a bit apprehensive going into this seeing that this is visibly a lots shorter than the previous book in this two book series. It turns out that I had no reason to be worried. In many ways, this book is similar to The Rise of Kyoshi but in just as many ways, is different: F.C. Yee managed to take everything I absolutely adored about the the previous book and add new, fascinating elements that made me love this book (and by extension, the duology) that much more.
Let's start off with prose: to no one's surprise, Yee's writing reads with the fluidity of Waterbending, the burning passion of Firebending, the grounded stability of Earthbending, and the spirited capriciousness of Airbending. Honestly, I don't think they could have picked a better person to write this duology. Yee's prose just fits with the world of the Four Nations, especially with the way that its cultural touchstones primarily come from Asia. There's also something remarkably more dark about the prose in this novel and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. It befits the tone that this novel takes, with Kyoshi having been established as an Avatar and having to face even greater obstacles and consequences than what she had to deal with in the previous novel. As the plot treads deeper and deeper into darker territory, Yee's prose evolves to fit the narrative in a way that is only natural.
Speaking of the plot, it was really well-written in this installment. That is not to say that the plot in the previous novel wasn't good, but I think this novel took the plotting to a whole another level. As a result of the first book setting up an incredible foundation for Kyoshi's character within and outside of her role as the Avatar as well as having introduced various elements, Yee is able to utilize them to create a compelling plot from the very first page. This novel, in addition to the typical Avatar's adventure-fare, explores political intrigue through the importance of Kyoshi's role as the Avatar within Four Nation politics. Frankly, I absolutely love political intrigue and I was overjoyed to see the way in which this book explored it through the lens of a protagonist who is the Avatar.
While the plot is a strong part of the novel, that doesn't mean that Yee neglected character at all. In fact, it's the complete opposite. Through this plot, Yee is able to add more members to Kyoshi's Team Avatar with the addition of characters such as her Air Nomad secretary Jinpa and even Hei-Ran, Rangi's own mother to Team Avatar on the journey that Kyoshi must go on within this novel. This novel also dedicates a large portion of its pages to exploring A few times throughout this novel, Yee explores his thoughts and all of the rage curdling within him; as a result, Yee's perfect marriage of character work and plot is best observed in the way this novel ends: In all honesty, it is one of the most perfect endings I've seen in terms of narrative full-circleness, character-wise, and plot-wise.
Lastly, can I just talk about the absolute genius of the title. The Shadow of Kyoshi can refer to so many things and is the perfect title for this novel as the shadow can refer to so many different but relevant things: including but not limited to Sheer poetic genius. Conclusively, I would highly recommend this duology to fans of the Avatar franchise as it is such a gift to the fans that is worthy of being read and adored.
“Honor cannot be coveted too dearly, young lady. Sometimes it must be laid down for the good of others.”
“No fire is ever the same fire. No Avatar is ever the same person. You and the flame change with every moment, every generation. You are one flame, and you are many.”
4.5 stars. The Shadow of Kyoshi serves as a worthy conclusion and solidifies this duology as a must-read for any fan of "Avatar: The Last Airbender. Honestly, I was a bit apprehensive going into this seeing that this is visibly a lots shorter than the previous book in this two book series. It turns out that I had no reason to be worried. In many ways, this book is similar to The Rise of Kyoshi but in just as many ways, is different: F.C. Yee managed to take everything I absolutely adored about the the previous book and add new, fascinating elements that made me love this book (and by extension, the duology) that much more.
Let's start off with prose: to no one's surprise, Yee's writing reads with the fluidity of Waterbending, the burning passion of Firebending, the grounded stability of Earthbending, and the spirited capriciousness of Airbending. Honestly, I don't think they could have picked a better person to write this duology. Yee's prose just fits with the world of the Four Nations, especially with the way that its cultural touchstones primarily come from Asia. There's also something remarkably more dark about the prose in this novel and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. It befits the tone that this novel takes, with Kyoshi having been established as an Avatar and having to face even greater obstacles and consequences than what she had to deal with in the previous novel. As the plot treads deeper and deeper into darker territory, Yee's prose evolves to fit the narrative in a way that is only natural.
Speaking of the plot, it was really well-written in this installment. That is not to say that the plot in the previous novel wasn't good, but I think this novel took the plotting to a whole another level. As a result of the first book setting up an incredible foundation for Kyoshi's character within and outside of her role as the Avatar as well as having introduced various elements, Yee is able to utilize them to create a compelling plot from the very first page. This novel, in addition to the typical Avatar's adventure-fare, explores political intrigue through the importance of Kyoshi's role as the Avatar within Four Nation politics. Frankly, I absolutely love political intrigue and I was overjoyed to see the way in which this book explored it through the lens of a protagonist who is the Avatar.
While the plot is a strong part of the novel, that doesn't mean that Yee neglected character at all. In fact, it's the complete opposite. Through this plot, Yee is able to add more members to Kyoshi's Team Avatar with the addition of characters such as her Air Nomad secretary Jinpa and even Hei-Ran, Rangi's own mother to Team Avatar on the journey that Kyoshi must go on within this novel. This novel also dedicates a large portion of its pages to exploring A few times throughout this novel, Yee explores his thoughts and all of the rage curdling within him; as a result, Yee's perfect marriage of character work and plot is best observed in the way this novel ends: In all honesty, it is one of the most perfect endings I've seen in terms of narrative full-circleness, character-wise, and plot-wise.
Lastly, can I just talk about the absolute genius of the title. The Shadow of Kyoshi can refer to so many things and is the perfect title for this novel as the shadow can refer to so many different but relevant things: including but not limited to Sheer poetic genius. Conclusively, I would highly recommend this duology to fans of the Avatar franchise as it is such a gift to the fans that is worthy of being read and adored.
July 18, 2020
The Rise of Kyoshi is a rollercoaster of a book that somehow manages to balance adventure, action and lore. The Shadow of Kyoshi is a worthy follow-up with all the ups and downs — only louder, faster and much more heart-pounding.
It’s been a great year to be an Avatar fan. Not only is the fandom buzzing with anticipation over the live-action remake (please be good 🤞), but the popularity of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ is ramping up like never before, largely thanks to its return to Netflix.
Meanwhile, Avatar Kyoshi’s ramping up too.
Now established as the world’s Avatar, Kyoshi finds herself at the center of a political conflict within the Fire Nation, all while trying to reconcile the ghosts of her past (and her pasts). There’s a lot at play in this book, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Those high stakes are matched by a deep exploration of character. We come to better understand Kyoshi in this novel, a person simultaneously shaken and fortified by events in the first book. In the best way, Yee is especially gifted at zeroing in on the flaws of his characters. You learn to appreciate Kyoshi and her friends for their imperfections. They feel real, almost tangible. Nobody’s perfect. Mistakes are made. Lessons are learned.
Not to mention the action. Wow! For as thrilling as the animation is in the TV shows, Yee’s writing is perfectly paced when it comes to bringing bending to life. If animation could be captured into words, Yee’s done it.
Read the rest of the review at Bookstacked.com
It’s been a great year to be an Avatar fan. Not only is the fandom buzzing with anticipation over the live-action remake (please be good 🤞), but the popularity of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ is ramping up like never before, largely thanks to its return to Netflix.
Meanwhile, Avatar Kyoshi’s ramping up too.
Now established as the world’s Avatar, Kyoshi finds herself at the center of a political conflict within the Fire Nation, all while trying to reconcile the ghosts of her past (and her pasts). There’s a lot at play in this book, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Those high stakes are matched by a deep exploration of character. We come to better understand Kyoshi in this novel, a person simultaneously shaken and fortified by events in the first book. In the best way, Yee is especially gifted at zeroing in on the flaws of his characters. You learn to appreciate Kyoshi and her friends for their imperfections. They feel real, almost tangible. Nobody’s perfect. Mistakes are made. Lessons are learned.
Not to mention the action. Wow! For as thrilling as the animation is in the TV shows, Yee’s writing is perfectly paced when it comes to bringing bending to life. If animation could be captured into words, Yee’s done it.
Read the rest of the review at Bookstacked.com
August 12, 2020
The Avatar creates ripples in the world, whether they mean to or not.
The now world know that Kyoshi is the Avatar. With her new status Kysohi struggles with the world's expectations of her after the lose of people who were close to her. When the Four Nations are being threatened Kyoshi must join forces with unexpected parties.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ:☆. *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Credit to the talented creator
Where Kyoshi has been a servant throughout the duration of the first book, she is now slowly enfolding into the Avatar she is carved out to be under the support of councilors and close friends and family. We are granted to see Kyoshi pick up that role before our very eyes.
She is ill-tempered and has zero patience for people who are mistreating the innocents. She lacks the proper communication skills to hold a proper conversion with anyone. That's why it was so hilarious when Rangi instructed Kyoshi how to address people in a justified way at the Fire Nation court. I wasn't entirely surprised when she butched that up completely because Kyoshi remains a child from the streets after all.
If royal blood couldn't shield a child from being orphaned, then what chances did the castoffs in the world ever have?
The pressure that was put onto Kyoshi now that was the renowned Avatar was mindboggling. Everyone had a different opinion regarding her, and some people viewed her to be ill-suited for the position of the Avatar. No matter what she tried Kyoshi was continuously toyed with by various people who saw her as a pawn for power in their own twisted games.
Leave it to Kyoshi to deal with them.
Pride in her duty, no matter how grief and terrible and ill-fated to her it was. Despite the opposition of man and spirits, this was the Era of Kyoshi. There would be no other.
Kyoshi had been struggling with making a connection with the Spirit World for a lengthy time and wasn't capable to reach out to her past lives. As the Avatar that's a troubling blockade because their past lives can often provide the most vital guidance and counseling on how to deal with specific situations. The growth Kyoshi went through to try and fix that left me beaming with pride.
Kyoshi had gone so long without her center she almost forgot what it felt like. Rangi made her human again, balanced and whole.
Certainly what was the drive force in these books was the relationship between Kyoshi and Rangi. It left me grinning uncontrollably every time these two interacted. They come from two completely different living conditions in this world, but yet they work seamlessly when they're together. Rangi exactly knows how to calm and sooth Kyoshi's stubbornness and keeps her grounded.
Credit goes to the talented artist.
Kyoshi is inexperienced with romance her heart expanded in size whenever Rangi was involved. When they had to hide their feelings for another during their visit at the Fire Nation court and wasn't allowed to touch one another it pained me. Just let them touch one another stupid court politics. But know Kysohi is her own person their love wins.
Kyoshi forgot what she was supposed to be doing. Where she was. Which way was up. Memories faded before the warmth of Rangi's lips. The two of them melded into each other, alloyed.
It has been such a privilege to get an insight into the earlier years of Kyoshi's live. I had often wondered what drove Kyoshi to do the things to she did cause many aspects regarding her life hadn't been exposed up until now. It makes you understand how Kyoshi was shaped into the most renown Avatar of them all how she made these decisions. It left me with tons of admiration for her.
↠ Genre: Fantasy, The Avatar The Last Airbender Universe
↠ Reputation: Bisexual reputation
↠ Pov: Third Person – Female
↠ Type: Book 2 out of 2
↠ Rating: 90%
Books in the series:
1.) The Rise of Kyoshi ★★★★★
August 26, 2020
Hey.
Hey you.
You like Avatar: The Last Airbender?
You recently finish binge watching ATLA and The Legend of Korra on Netflix?
You struggling to regain meaning in life and need more ATLA content as much as Zuko needed his honor?
You like the meme "be gay do crime"?
Well then do I have the books for you.
The Kyoshi Novels are truly an excellent addition to the ATLA canon. They provide much depth to the lore and characters. Taking the legendary figure of Avatar Kyoshi and making her fleshed out.
In the last book we learned how she became the Avatar. In this book we learn how she became the Kyoshi we know.
It's a bit darker than the first book and is tonally closer to episodes such as The Southern Raiders. Kyoshi had a hard life not because she faced larger than life villains, but because the villains she faces are more...let's say personal to her.
She has a character arc that's just as good as many of the characters from the show, and a fun and memorable cast of sides who come along on her journey. I personally feel some of the sides are somewhat lacking in character growth and depth, but they aren't really the focus of these books, Kyoshi is.
Also I am HERE for the yearning and sapphic goodness that is this series' romance.
If you love the show and thinking of checking these novels out, I'd highly recommend you do! They are an organic and welcomed edition to the universe of Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Hey you.
You like Avatar: The Last Airbender?
You recently finish binge watching ATLA and The Legend of Korra on Netflix?
You struggling to regain meaning in life and need more ATLA content as much as Zuko needed his honor?
You like the meme "be gay do crime"?
Well then do I have the books for you.
The Kyoshi Novels are truly an excellent addition to the ATLA canon. They provide much depth to the lore and characters. Taking the legendary figure of Avatar Kyoshi and making her fleshed out.
In the last book we learned how she became the Avatar. In this book we learn how she became the Kyoshi we know.
It's a bit darker than the first book and is tonally closer to episodes such as The Southern Raiders. Kyoshi had a hard life not because she faced larger than life villains, but because the villains she faces are more...let's say personal to her.
She has a character arc that's just as good as many of the characters from the show, and a fun and memorable cast of sides who come along on her journey. I personally feel some of the sides are somewhat lacking in character growth and depth, but they aren't really the focus of these books, Kyoshi is.
Also I am HERE for the yearning and sapphic goodness that is this series' romance.
If you love the show and thinking of checking these novels out, I'd highly recommend you do! They are an organic and welcomed edition to the universe of Avatar: The Last Airbender.
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