Book Review: The Legacy of Yangchen by F.C. Yee

The Legacy of Yangchen

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The Legacy of Yangchen 〰️

I will admit the Kyoshi books were better than Yangchen's. While I enjoyed them, Kyoshi's story was far more compelling and felt more in the Avatar world than Yangchen's did. But again, I still enjoyed the read. I would also like to say I enjoyed book two of Yangchen's story more than the first. Although, if I'm being honest, it only hooked me and got interesting a bit after the 50% mark. Before that, I wasn't sold and would have probably rated the book a 3-star or something.

This book had too much politics for my liking. While I don't mind a little politics, I feel like, for an Avatar story; this was a bit excessive. I can't recall if the first book had as much, but I believe it had its fair share as well. It took away from my enjoyment of the story.

Also, as mentioned in my review of The Dawn of Yangchen, Kavik seemed to be more of a main character than Yangchen was. Although, admittedly, she did have more screen time than book one. But for a story that is supposed to be all about Yangchen, she didn't feel as present as she should have.

I also wish that we saw more of her past lives leaking through. We know from book one that she remembers most of them more than other Avatars we know. And we do get one scene where Yangchen is with Kavik and she slips into the mind of a previous Avatar. Kavik decided to keep the information she said a secret, even to her, and I expected it to come into play later in the story, but as far as I recall, it didn't.

I do hope to see more books by Yee in the Avatar world, however. Even if Yangchen's story wasn't as compelling as Kyoshi's, Yee is still an excellent storyteller. I always applaud someone who can describe fighting scenes in a book so well that I can picture them happening in my mind. And with a story in the Avatarverse, you need lots of fight scenes, or at the very least, bending scenes. And to be able to show and not tell these complicated actions takes great skill. I'd imagine even someone not familiar with any martial arts or someone who hasn't seen the show can imagine the bending scenes with great ease in their heads.

Not my favourite installment in the Avatarverse, but I'm not mad at it. Still had a good time reading it and getting to know another Avatar in another time period. Hope to see more someday, especially by Yee.

Book Review: The Dawn of Yangchen by F.C. Yee

The Dawn of Yangchen

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The Dawn of Yangchen 〰️

I have mixed feelings about this book. I'm super excited to read another Avatar's history and see a badass female protagonist. But at the same time, I felt like we spent more time with Kavik and his whole backstory than with Yangchen. Don't get me wrong, Kavik is a great character, but seeing as this book is called the Dawn of Yangchen, not Kavik, I just expected to see more of her. Hopefully, we will see more of her in book 2.

Did I enjoy this book? Absolutely. But was it a top read like Kyoshi's stories were? Sadly, not even close. I do appreciate more worldbuilding on a world we already know a lot about. (If you've seen the shows and read the comics and such, that is).

The plot was alright, but it felt lacking ins something that I can't quite put my finger on. The characters were well developed, even Yangchen, which we don't see much as Kavik. I do wish that Kcompanionship than together, in my opinion. Maybe things will change. We'll have to wait for the next book to come out.

Is this still a worthy addition to the Avatar universe? Absolutely. It wasn't the best Avatar book I've read, but it was still worth reading. If you are a fan of the Avatar world, you should still enjoy this book and early await for the second to come out, just like me.

Book Review: The Shadow of Kyoshi by F.C. Yee

Another great addition to the Avatar universe.

I am once again saddened to finish such a great read. At least after finishing the first book, I had the second one to look forward to. It's possible due to the content of the epilogue there could be a third book in the works, but I think that's just wishful thinking on my part. After all, I expected there to be a lot more Kyoshi x Rangi, considering the cover of the book. (And the fact that I assumed Rangi was the titular "Shadow of Kyoshi.")

I'm a sucker for LGBT+ and seeing Kyoshi and Rangi together always warmed my heart. I know that this book (and even series) isn't a romance series, so not focusing entirely on their romantic relationship is fine, but I wouldn't object to more. That being said, their relationship, apart from the romantic side, is a pleasure to read. They work so well together. A true bending duo.

The Shadow of Kyoshi

by F.C. Yee

I also want to point out that the formatting (of both this one and the first book) is on point. Absolutely loved it. Helped with the experience of the read.

That all being said, I did feel like the writing was slightly different than the first book, despite knowing it was written by the same person. Maybe it's because it's been a few months since I read the first book and I'm just not recalling it, but it feels different. I mean, not so different as to feel like a different person is writing book two, just, different. I'm unsure how to explain it.

Also, there were a few times where the POV would switch slightly and that was a bit distracting. Like a small line or two stating stuff Kyoshi (or whoever had the POV) shouldn't know. I mean, she could totally guess judging by the context, but it wasn't worded like a guess.

Overall, a fantastic read and a great action story. A worthy addition to the Avatar universe. If you love Avatar, you for sure have to check this out. And even if you don't know anything about the universe, reading both books should help you in that regard. No need to have seen the show. (Though I recommend that, too).

F.C. Yee