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nytprvn.bsky.social · @nytprvn.bsky.social@bridge.neodb.net

Rated The Rise of Kyoshi 10/10

Oh my god this book is AWESOME!!!!!.

Even if you picked up this book with a story similar to Aang's in mind (which I'm absolutely sure you didn't), you'd still end up loving it. The story isn't one you'd expect from Avatar lore but exactly what it needed. If Kyoshi was one of the best and the most awesome Avatars in history, she absolutely deserves it.

Sometimes you just forget that most of the main characters in the book are teenagers, but the book being labeled as YA is a slight reminder of that.

Plus, it answers many questions around Kyoshi - why does she - an earth avatar - use fans? why the makeup and the headgear? and the more abashed question, was she a mindless killing machine? (fvck you she's not! where did that notion even come from?).

WARNING (or spoilers?) <spoiler>Some dear-to-heart characters die though, sorry won't spoil who. A lot of people die actually</spoiler>.
And the LGBTQ+ rep. is awesome <spoiler>(Kyoshi is bi y'all!!!! Kyoshi x Rangi (Kyangi? Ryoshi??) all the way!!!)</spoiler>.

If you thought the avatar world was full of cheery laughter and fun (Azula's fall comes to mind here), you're wrong. Well, it is fun and cheers but obviously it isn't for everyone. The story grants a glimpse into the ATLA world from the perspectives of those not of the air nomads, like Aang, or the civilised and well off tribes, like Korra and Katara, in the times before the hundred year war (the fire nation is described as a genuinely good and modern place during the pre-Sozin-messes-up-everything era).

As Avatar Yangchen told Aang somewhere in a dream, the avatar lives and reincarnates amongst people so that it can be compassionate to everyone, experience emotions as they do. Kyoshi was born outside the bubble of the prestige and good fortune that comes with being identified as the Avatar. And hence, she lives her life free from that facet of the Avatar's life. But that bring with it it's own problems, least of which are power hungry officials wanting to use her power for their gain (They do that to every Avatar I suppose). Whatever shortcomings the world sees in her as an Avatar, she responds in kind with her way of how the world raised her.

If anything, my only grievance is in the story not having a much more satisfying conclusion. I know... the story hasn't really ended yet and picks up in the second book, but the author could've wrapped up things a bit better. The 'cliffhanger' if you will, doesn't leave anything hanging and instead rather blatantly announces that the story has moved onto the next book so continue reading.

I'm a simple person, so without further ado, I'm jumping in to the next book.
PS: I just found a slight missable White Lotus easter egg in there.

#book

Published 2026-09-20 10:00 UTC · bridged from Atmosphere