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4.38 AVERAGE
4.38 AVERAGE
Can't give objective reviews of Avatar related content because I love learning more about that world. But really enjoyed the world expanding in this.
This book gave me everything I needed about Kyoshi's story. Can't wait to read the second book.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Fantastic! This is such a strong start to Avatar novels in every way; character, plot, expansion on the lore and respect to the original series. Kyoshi is such an amazing character to follow, especially given the humble origins we first meet her in, and seeing her gradual growth into the legend that we know she becomes by Aang's time.
There are so many twists and turns in this book. You always think you know where the story is going - and no, you're constantly surprised and surprised again. It really keeps you on your toes.
Where the book really excels though is in a) the villain (one of the best in the Avatarverse IMO) and their relationship with Kyoshi (they're almost a tragic villain, in a way), and b) Kyoshi's mentor, who makes her confront the morality behind her actions, and sets her on the path towards the no-nonsense utilitarian powerhouse we know she will one day become.
Plus the book does not shy away from addressing and exploring Kyoshi's bisexuality, in a way that feels totally natural and unforced.
All in all, I really hope this strong start - and the overwhelmingly positive reaction from the fanbase - encourages more novels in future and further exploration of the 'Expanded Universe' of Avatar. For now, I cannot wait for the sequel!
Second reading, July 2021, via audio: Just as good as I remember. The story is so strong, and so detailed, and so perfectly ties together thematically and character-wise. It actually quite masterful, and something I hope to be able to replicate in future! I still love all the little moments of worldbuilding to flesh out the world/time period, and references to obscure lore; it makes the world feel alive and shows how much the author knows his stuff. Quibbles I had last time still stand - mainly that the rest of the Flying Opera Company (i.e. Kyoshi's Team Avatar) could definitely have gotten some more development and backstory, and it's a shame this wasn't rectified in the sequel. Hopefully future stories can fill this out. I thought Nancy Wu did a really good job narrating, particularly when injecting a sense of urgency or anguish into her voice, reflecting the characters' emotional states. Also, since I'm not too familiar with Chinese pronunciations, hearing them spoken aloud by (I'm assuming) an Asian-American was very helpful to, and I'll try to adopt those from now on. But looking back, this was such a 'hit' (in terms of hit and miss content) - these books are now the third pillar of Avatar; AtLA, LoK and the Kyoshi novels. That says something about how well they succeeded.
There are so many twists and turns in this book. You always think you know where the story is going - and no, you're constantly surprised and surprised again. It really keeps you on your toes.
Where the book really excels though is in a) the villain (one of the best in the Avatarverse IMO) and their relationship with Kyoshi (they're almost a tragic villain, in a way), and b) Kyoshi's mentor, who makes her confront the morality behind her actions, and sets her on the path towards the no-nonsense utilitarian powerhouse we know she will one day become.
Plus the book does not shy away from addressing and exploring Kyoshi's bisexuality, in a way that feels totally natural and unforced.
All in all, I really hope this strong start - and the overwhelmingly positive reaction from the fanbase - encourages more novels in future and further exploration of the 'Expanded Universe' of Avatar. For now, I cannot wait for the sequel!
Second reading, July 2021, via audio: Just as good as I remember. The story is so strong, and so detailed, and so perfectly ties together thematically and character-wise. It actually quite masterful, and something I hope to be able to replicate in future! I still love all the little moments of worldbuilding to flesh out the world/time period, and references to obscure lore; it makes the world feel alive and shows how much the author knows his stuff. Quibbles I had last time still stand - mainly that the rest of the Flying Opera Company (i.e. Kyoshi's Team Avatar) could definitely have gotten some more development and backstory, and it's a shame this wasn't rectified in the sequel. Hopefully future stories can fill this out. I thought Nancy Wu did a really good job narrating, particularly when injecting a sense of urgency or anguish into her voice, reflecting the characters' emotional states. Also, since I'm not too familiar with Chinese pronunciations, hearing them spoken aloud by (I'm assuming) an Asian-American was very helpful to, and I'll try to adopt those from now on. But looking back, this was such a 'hit' (in terms of hit and miss content) - these books are now the third pillar of Avatar; AtLA, LoK and the Kyoshi novels. That says something about how well they succeeded.
"what insult have i given you?"
"your existence," kyoshi spat.
my new favorite book. probably my new favorite avatar (sorry korra). i love kyoshi and rangi so much.
"your existence," kyoshi spat.
my new favorite book. probably my new favorite avatar (sorry korra). i love kyoshi and rangi so much.
Each revelation of this book hooked me in deeper. I was pleased to learn that learning about Avatar Kyoshi's life included learning about Avatar Kuruk's life as well. This is a worthy installment in the Avatar saga, and I'm looking forward to read the next book. I really enjoyed Yee's similes here. They nearly always involved an appropriate comparison that hit the nail on the head for how the characters were feeling.
adventurous
medium-paced
Oh my god I absolutely LOVED this. What a beautiful, solid addition to the avatar universe, wow. The writing was beautiful and everything felt so so real. I’m always a bit wary of books based on tv shows that are supposedly prequels or sequels to the show, but I was not disappointed with this one. Genuinely consider and even believe this is canon and am only feeling joy of having more depth to the avatar universe.
I loved how this book got more into the different cultures within the avatar universe, I definitely feel like I know even more about this world than before. The characters were great and everything made sense.
The only thing I missed was, you know, a sokka or a bolin. Just someone to lighten up the mood a bit and bring humour to the pages. Also the pacing was a bit meh for me, but I cant put my finger on exactly what was off with it for me. I just found myself having difficulties keeping my focus and motivation to keep reading, maybe because I sometimes had the feeling the plot wasn’t really going anywhere. And lastly the ending was a but anticlimactic compared to the other graphic action packed scenes, but nevertheless I CANNOT wait to read the sequel.
I loved how this book got more into the different cultures within the avatar universe, I definitely feel like I know even more about this world than before. The characters were great and everything made sense.
The only thing I missed was, you know, a sokka or a bolin. Just someone to lighten up the mood a bit and bring humour to the pages. Also the pacing was a bit meh for me, but I cant put my finger on exactly what was off with it for me. I just found myself having difficulties keeping my focus and motivation to keep reading, maybe because I sometimes had the feeling the plot wasn’t really going anywhere. And lastly the ending was a but anticlimactic compared to the other graphic action packed scenes, but nevertheless I CANNOT wait to read the sequel.
