Summary
Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Rise of Kyoshi is a captivating young adult novel that expands the Avatar universe. Written by F.C. Yee in collaboration with Avatar co-creator Michael Dante DiMartino, the novel delves into the origin story of one of the most enigmatic Avatars in the franchise's history. Skillfully blending political intrigue and coming-of-age themes with fantasy, this work offers fans a deeper exploration of the Avatar world's rich lore and complex characters.
Plot
The Rise of Kyoshi opens with Kyoshi, a servant in the Avatar mansion, discovering her remarkable bending abilities during a mission. This revelation throws into question the identity of the true Avatar, as her friend Yun had previously been identified as such. Following a violent confrontation, Kyoshi is forced to flee with her friend Rangi, taking only a few possessions left by her parents.
On the run, Kyoshi and Rangi find unlikely allies in the daofei, a group of outlaws living in the shadows of the Earth Kingdom. As Kyoshi struggles to accept her newfound power and train in secret, she grapples with the choice between following the traditional path of an Avatar and seeking vengeance for those she has lost.
Kyoshi's journey leads her to join forces with the Flying Opera Company, her parents' former outlaw gang. Together, they become entangled in a plot to break a prisoner out of Zigan, orchestrated by the powerful Autumn Bloom Society. During this time, Kyoshi and Rangi's relationship deepens. Ultimately, Kyoshi reveals her identity as the Avatar to her companions.
As Kyoshi confronts corrupt officials and dangerous criminals, she must also face Jianzhu, a former mentor who seeks to control her. The story culminates in a series of intense confrontations, with Kyoshi embracing her role as the Avatar and beginning to shape her legacy as one of the most formidable and long-lived Avatars in history.
Themes
Identity and self-discovery
Power and responsibility
Justice and morality
Legacy and destiny
Loyalty and betrayal
Love and friendship
Balance between tradition and change
Setting
The Rise of Kyoshi is set approximately 400 years before the events of the original Avatar: The Last Airbender animated series, in a world divided into four nations based on the classical elements—Water, Earth, Fire, and Air. The story primarily takes place within the Earth Kingdom, a vast continent known for its diverse landscapes and powerful earthbenders.
Specific locations featured in the novel include Yokoya village, where Kyoshi spent her early years, and the opulent Avatar mansion built to house and train the presumed Avatar. The story also explores the criminal underworld of the Earth Kingdom, including the outlaw town of Hujiang and the city of Zigan, which becomes the site of a significant confrontation.
As Kyoshi embarks on her journey of self-discovery and Avatar training, the story spans various regions of the Earth Kingdom, from rural villages to bustling cities. The novel also touches on other nations, particularly through characters like Rangi, a firebender, highlighting the interconnected nature of this fantasy world.
Characters
Kyoshi: The protagonist, the true Avatar. Originally a servant, she discovers her powers and flees to seek justice for her mentor's murder. While training with the Flying Opera Company, an outlaw band, Kyoshi struggles with her identity.
Rangi: A firebender and Kyoshi's love interest. Rangi is fiercely loyal and helps Kyoshi navigate her new role as the Avatar.
Jianzhu: A powerful Earth Kingdom sage who initially believes Yun to be the Avatar. He becomes the main antagonist, seeking to control the Avatar for his own purposes.
Yun: Initially believed to be the Avatar, he is Kyoshi's friend before disappearing after Jianzhu's betrayal.
Kelsang: An Air Nomad monk who becomes a father figure to Kyoshi.
Lao Ge: An immortal assassin who teaches Kyoshi about longevity and morality.
Lek: An earthbender member of the Flying Opera Company who helps train Kyoshi.
Wong: Another earthbender in the Flying Opera Company.
Kirima: A waterbender in the Flying Opera Company.
Hei-Ran: Rangi's mother and a firebending master.
Quick facts
The Rise of Kyoshi is set 400 years before the events of the original Avatar: The Last Airbender animated series.
It was co-written by F.C. Yee and Michael Dante DiMartino, one of the original creators of Avatar: The Last Airbender.
The novel became a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.
The Rise of Kyoshi is the first young adult novel in the Avatar franchise.
The audiobook version has a runtime of 14 hours and 29 minutes.
The story reveals how Kyoshi became the longest-living Avatar in history.
The novel explores Kyoshi's humble origins as a homeless child before discovering she is the Avatar.
The Rise of Kyoshi introduces new characters like Rangi, Kyoshi's love interest and firebending teacher.
The book expands on the lore of the Avatar world, including details about the criminal underworld.
The novel was followed by a sequel, The Shadow of Kyoshi, released in 2020.
About the Author
F. C. Yee is an American author of young adult fiction. His debut novel, The Epic Crush of Genie Lo, marked his entry into the world of YA fantasy. In addition to his original works, Yee has collaborated with established franchises, working within existing fictional universes while bringing fresh perspectives to beloved characters and settings. He is noted for his contributions to the Avatar: The Last Airbender universe, including The Rise of Kyoshi, which explores the origin story of Avatar Kyoshi.
Yee grew up in New Jersey and attended college in New England before settling in the San Francisco Bay Area. Outside of writing, he practices capoeira, a Brazilian martial art, and maintains a day job that involves working with spreadsheets.
