Avatar, the Last Airbender: The Rise of Kyoshi (Chronicles of the Avatar Book 1)

After watching Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra, I decided to read Kyoshi's story. As a fan, I got to see the backstory and adventures that Avatars Aang, Korra, and Roku went on. But I never understood how Kyoshi became a powerful Avatar, willing to kill anyone who threatened the balance of the world. After reading this fantastic book, I realized how Kyoshi went from a young, insecure girl to a robust, talented earthbending Avatar. Of course, Kyoshi was not alone in her quest. A new group of characters — Rangi, Yun, and the Flying Opera Company — forms the new (or old, whichever way you look at it) Team Avatar. Kyoshi comes across many foes that seem invincible, but like most earthbenders, Kyoshi is stubborn and won't give up without a fight. Armed with her inherited fans and fashionable face paint, Kyoshi stands her ground and fights back. The betrayal of some trusted allies/friends and Kyoshi's romance are two parts that tripped me up. Kyoshi seemed like a stone-hearted Avatar who didn't prefer to waste her time finding a partner. The Avatar before her, Kuruk, is nothing like Kyoshi, which explains why Kyoshi must step in where Kuruk didn't. It was incredible reading about some familiar and new bending techniques and animals, like sky bison and dust stepping. I recommend this book to Avatar fans who want to learn more about Avatar Kyoshi's past. F.C. Yee and Michael Dante DiMartino did a fantastic job showing why Kyoshi is a force to be reckoned with. I can't wait to read the second book.

This book is not a graphic novel like so many other Avatar series. It is a novel so beautifully written of the coming of age of Avatar Kyoshi. As she seeks revenge throughout the story, she gains new companions on the way, discover the truth about her past, and learns to bend the elements. I loved the author’s ability to describe fight scenes without the use of illustrations. He fills the book with adventure and twists and turns you can barely keep up! Amazing plot with keeping true to the Avatar universe.