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.