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Parents' Guide to

Avatar, The Last Airbender: The Rise of Kyoshi: The Kyoshi Novels, Book 1

By Michael Berry, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Servant girl becomes mystical hero in fast-paced fantasy.

Book F.C. Yee , Michael Dante DiMartino Fantasy 2019
Avatar, The Last Airbender: The Rise of Kyoshi: The Kyoshi Novels, Book 1 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 1 parent review

kerorelly
kerorelly Adult
June 19, 2023
age 12+

Adventure story that is extremely well-written

Both Rise of Kyoshi and The Shadow of Kyoshi are beautifully written adventure novels. I highly recommend these books, but it might be helpful if you have background knowledge of Avatar: The Last Airbender and/or Legend of Korra. This book is a prequel to those two series, and the books make more sense with prior knowledge. Still, anyone could pick this up and would likely enjoy it. I said that this book is for anyone over the age of 12, but depending on the child's reading comprehension it might be difficult for them to grasp. There is generally a fair amount of complex vocabulary throughout the book. It doesn't meander though, it is very exciting to read. There are some dark scenes that could be frightening, such as fantasy violence, mental strife, and death. I recommend this to anyone who likes the Avatar series. It has a wonderfully built setting and world, expanding upon the universe we already know. The main character goes through outstanding growth throughout the novels. Kyoshi endures and escapes from abuse, manipulation, bullying, classism, and other struggles that lead her to seek revenge. She is a wise, caring, and strong protagonist. Her fight against self-doubt is a prominent theme. The other characters shine. I really enjoyed reading these novels, I found myself unable to stop turning the pages to find out what is next. Also, the books are inclusive to many different types of people. It says there is no romance, and it isn't prominent, but there is a romance in this story.
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What's the Story?

As AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER: THE RISE OF KYOSHI opens, charming, young Yun seems to possess the traits of the Avatar, but unassuming servant girl Kyoshi displays real power. Forced into exile, Kyoshi hones her skills on the road with her friend Ragni. But an act of betrayal kindles an urge for vengeance. Can Kyoshi and her sometimes disreputable allies achieve justice and elevate her to her proper place of power?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (3 ):

Sometimes a supporting character in a series has enough vibrancy to earn her own story, and this action-packed adventure spotlights a young character worthy of the sustained scrutiny. Kyoshi is serious in her quest for self-knowledge, but author F. C. Yee provides plenty of action, invention, and humor to animate her tale.

Readers unfamiliar with the Airbender universe may need some extra time to ramp up to speed in Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Rise of Kyoshi, but eventually the plot becomes easier to follow. Fans will find the new perspective on the protagonist refreshing and worth continuing in the saga's next volume.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Rise of Kyoshi addresses the theme of "The Chosen One." Why is Kyoshi special? Do you believed that some people are fated for greatness?

  • Kyoshi's parents abandon her when she's very young. How does being orphaned affect children?

  • Why is discipline important? Why must students practice the same skills over and over?

Book Details

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