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The Yangchen Novels #2
The Legacy of Yangchen
From the New York Times bestselling author of Avatar, the Last Airbender: The Rise of Kyoshi and Avatar, the Last Airbender: The Shadow of Kyoshi comes a thrilling new chapter in the Chronicles of the Avatar series and page-turning follow-up to Avatar, the Last Airbender: The Dawn of Yangchen
Common enemies make for strange friends . . .
Avatar Yangchen has succeeded in bringing a measure of stability to Bin-Er, but her successes have been limited to a single city, and rumors concerning Unanimity—a weapon capable of total obliteration—have led to increasing tensions among the Four Nations.
Desperate to restore diplomacy, Yangchen attempts to de-escalate hostilities between heads of state. But in the wake of a brutal assassination and the freeing of Unanimity, Yangchen is forced to bring Kavik—the trusted former companion whose betrayal crushed her—back into her fold.
As the Four Nations teeter on the brink of conflict and she begins to unravel the power-hungry Zongdu Chaisee’s true agenda, Yangchen is forced to measure the worth of humanity, and how much can be sacrificed in the name of balance.
This taut and provocative fourth installment in the Chronicles of the Avatar series follows Avatar Yangchen as she charts the course of her legacy, finally making peace with her choices and facing Avatarhood with the courage it demands.
Common enemies make for strange friends . . .
Avatar Yangchen has succeeded in bringing a measure of stability to Bin-Er, but her successes have been limited to a single city, and rumors concerning Unanimity—a weapon capable of total obliteration—have led to increasing tensions among the Four Nations.
Desperate to restore diplomacy, Yangchen attempts to de-escalate hostilities between heads of state. But in the wake of a brutal assassination and the freeing of Unanimity, Yangchen is forced to bring Kavik—the trusted former companion whose betrayal crushed her—back into her fold.
As the Four Nations teeter on the brink of conflict and she begins to unravel the power-hungry Zongdu Chaisee’s true agenda, Yangchen is forced to measure the worth of humanity, and how much can be sacrificed in the name of balance.
This taut and provocative fourth installment in the Chronicles of the Avatar series follows Avatar Yangchen as she charts the course of her legacy, finally making peace with her choices and facing Avatarhood with the courage it demands.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published July 18, 2023
421 people are currently reading
8983 people want to read
About the author
F.C. Yee
12 books1,687 followersF.C. Yee is the author of four New York Times Bestselling books in the CHRONICLES OF THE AVATAR novel series set in the Avatar: The Last Airbender universe. His debut THE EPIC CRUSH OF GENIE LO and THE IRON WILL OF GENIE LO received six starred reviews. His newest project is slated for some time in 2027.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 606 reviews
August 18, 2023
4.5 stars. Might have some doubts at the start due to the prequel but if you want to read about Avatars that did lots of politicking and even spycraft, in a world that's controlled by commerce and tycoons, this one is for you. Not many bending fights, but there were some uses of bending that would make you think of why did not they use it in the animated series. The writing itself is the most complex compared to the other Avatar novels - really, the Kyoshi ones - which I also loved - feel like a middle grade/YA compared to this duology.
Meanwhile, I enjoyed Yangchen's character development here and even Kavik has become less grating - I gave him lots of benefit of the doubt during the first novel. Yet, I'd like to know his brother more, he sounds hot ^^. But, talking about Avatar novels/stories you must also talk about the villains. Here, Chaisee is one of the most interesting ones from all Avatar villains, and she was not even a bender. Anyway, this duology is very recommended for Avatar lore fans. I hope the author will write more because I love his writing of this world.
Meanwhile, I enjoyed Yangchen's character development here and even Kavik has become less grating - I gave him lots of benefit of the doubt during the first novel. Yet, I'd like to know his brother more, he sounds hot ^^. But, talking about Avatar novels/stories you must also talk about the villains. Here, Chaisee is one of the most interesting ones from all Avatar villains, and she was not even a bender. Anyway, this duology is very recommended for Avatar lore fans. I hope the author will write more because I love his writing of this world.
August 10, 2023
I liked the more political/spy aspect of the Yangchen novels. I know people are split on that due to the more action-orientation of the Kyoshi novels. But if these books mimicked the Kyoshi novels, then why make them? It's better to bring a fresh take then just rehash the same style. I like how each duology stands on its own with its own distinct feel.
This entry expanded on Yangchen's life nicely. I feel like her companions are more fun overall to read about than Kyoshi's. The banter between her and her teammates are a nice off-set to the politics that take up most of the story.
Seeing an Avatar rely on diplomacy and spying rather then just charging into battle is a nice change. I also like the dynamic of having Yangchen not trusting the White Lotus. The television show had us see them as purely good. It's interesting to see them portrayed with more of a ruthless angle then we saw from them in the show.
I feel like this review doesn't really tell much because I wanted to try to avoid spoilers.
This entry expanded on Yangchen's life nicely. I feel like her companions are more fun overall to read about than Kyoshi's. The banter between her and her teammates are a nice off-set to the politics that take up most of the story.
Seeing an Avatar rely on diplomacy and spying rather then just charging into battle is a nice change. I also like the dynamic of having Yangchen not trusting the White Lotus. The television show had us see them as purely good. It's interesting to see them portrayed with more of a ruthless angle then we saw from them in the show.
I feel like this review doesn't really tell much because I wanted to try to avoid spoilers.
July 31, 2024
This is a book that will most likely be somewhat polarizing. Similarly to its predecessor, it's a lot more political than the Kyoshi novels were, compounded by the fact that it has very little action compared to those novels as well. For me this book was great, despite the obvious lack of awesome bending fights and combat in general. To be fair, there is some combat, but not nearly as much as one would hope for. However, this makes sense when you remember that Yangchen is an airbender, therefore preferring to solver her problems with patience and diplomacy.
The characters were just as good and interesting as they were in the first book. I did like how Kavik and Yangchen's relationship developed, and also how the book didn't explicitly confirm whether or not he and Yangchen become something more than just friends. It certainly seems like they're heading that way, as their relationship at the end felt more intimate than one would expect from "just friends".
The worldbuilding here, as always, was very interesting, although I was somewhat disappointed in that we didn't get much more information about any of the past avatars. I was really hoping for some new info on Szeto, some new stuff about what kind of person he was or something of that nature. We did get some new info on how benders learn a certain kind of bending though, and oof, is it ever shocking and brutal! I won't go into more detail than this, but let me tell you that I will never look at this kind of bending the same way again.
I don't have a ton more to say about this book. It was great, as I was hoping it was, and I think that as long as you go in not expecting to see a ton of fighting and action but eager to learn more about the world and history of ATLA, you'll really enjoy it. 4 stars.
My review of The Rise of Kyoshi
My review of The Shadow of Kyoshi
My review of The Dawn of Yangchen
My review of The Reckoning of Roku
Pre-review
The characters were just as good and interesting as they were in the first book. I did like how Kavik and Yangchen's relationship developed, and also how the book didn't explicitly confirm whether or not he and Yangchen become something more than just friends. It certainly seems like they're heading that way, as their relationship at the end felt more intimate than one would expect from "just friends".
The worldbuilding here, as always, was very interesting, although I was somewhat disappointed in that we didn't get much more information about any of the past avatars. I was really hoping for some new info on Szeto, some new stuff about what kind of person he was or something of that nature. We did get some new info on how benders learn a certain kind of bending though, and oof, is it ever shocking and brutal! I won't go into more detail than this, but let me tell you that I will never look at this kind of bending the same way again.
I don't have a ton more to say about this book. It was great, as I was hoping it was, and I think that as long as you go in not expecting to see a ton of fighting and action but eager to learn more about the world and history of ATLA, you'll really enjoy it. 4 stars.
My review of The Rise of Kyoshi
My review of The Shadow of Kyoshi
My review of The Dawn of Yangchen
My review of The Reckoning of Roku
Pre-review
April 11, 2024
the yangchen novels are definitely a major departure from the avatar-verse as we know it - not just because they're focused so heavily on politics, spycraft, and backroom business deals rather than action, but also because of the lack of genuine friendships or any kind of altruistic, caring relationships. it was a bit jarring for me to see how emotionally isolated yangchen was (as well as kavik) and that probably her only true, most trustworthy companion was her bison. sure, she has a group of companions but they weren't really her friends or people who cared about her outside of her avatarhood. kavik had real potential to be a more sincere friend but the plot decided otherwise. there was even a point where it seemed yangchen and her companions could've had an actual bonding moment but again, the plot had other demands.
basically, i'm not a fan of how this book chose callousness over emotional bonds - like the climax is literally hinged on exploiting a relationship of love. it just made me feel so distant from the story and characters. even when it came to emotional scenes - grieving a death, finally forgiving a betrayal - it all felt rushed and empty. obviously this is a very subjective take on a book that's quite well-written and very well thought-out.
overall, the yangchen novels made me realize that yes, i love elemental magic and yes, i love the world of the avatar, but none of it means much to me without a strong emotional core holding it all together.
basically, i'm not a fan of how this book chose callousness over emotional bonds - like the climax is literally hinged on exploiting a relationship of love. it just made me feel so distant from the story and characters. even when it came to emotional scenes - grieving a death, finally forgiving a betrayal - it all felt rushed and empty. obviously this is a very subjective take on a book that's quite well-written and very well thought-out.
overall, the yangchen novels made me realize that yes, i love elemental magic and yes, i love the world of the avatar, but none of it means much to me without a strong emotional core holding it all together.
Want to read
January 3, 2024cannot begin to explain my excitement
...listen, i got a giftcard for christmas with like $200 on it. of course i'm spending almost all of that on books. (i still have $50 left on it too LMAO)... anyway! really excited to see the end of yangchen's story. genuinely hope this focuses more on her than kavik.
...listen, i got a giftcard for christmas with like $200 on it. of course i'm spending almost all of that on books. (i still have $50 left on it too LMAO)... anyway! really excited to see the end of yangchen's story. genuinely hope this focuses more on her than kavik.
September 29, 2023
All she knows is suffering, like can she please have a break. But she’ll always be mother.
July 28, 2023
This review has spoilers - read at your own risk!
“Legacy of Yangchen” by F.C. Yee is his 4th installment in the “Legacy of the Avatar” series. It follows the aftermath of the events of “Dawn of Yangchen”, using the full cast of characters we’ve been introduced to for a wonderful finale. With a few missteps here in there that matter little, I think Legacy is one of the strongest of the four books (ranked only slightly behind the first Kyoshi novel).
The intrigue and political machinations of the first book are turned up to 11 here. Unlike Dawn of Yangchen, Legacy will often throw massive wrenches into everyone’s plans. One example is the immediate dynamic shift regarding Unanimity, throwing the expected status quo of the book into shambles almost immediately. The multitude of these shifts made the story have a great pace that was fun to read, while still keeping its political intrigue.
In the last Yangchen book, I had felt the Kalyaan reveal was meh. I didn’t think the story had really needed it and it made things feel unnecessarily complicated. Surprise, surprise, my least favorite character was Kalyaan again. Maybe I missed something, but his characterization in this book was overtly cruel compared to the last one. Additionally, he’s just a little too good. Easily tricking the Avatar and out maneuvering the White Lotus + the Zongdus - Kalyaan comes off a bit “Mary Sue”.
However, what F.C Yee does with Kalyaan in the finale was amazing. Kavik’s weakness of family ties is inverted - he uses his own death to force Kalyaan to talk. Abusing the last drop of his brother’s compassion, Kavik overcomes Kalyaan’s presence in his mind as always better, always stronger.
In a mirror, Yangchen too finds an inversion with her eldest sibling. After searching for so long to find her elder sister, Jetsun, she is amazed to find her sister content in the Spirit World. Yangchen learns to let both her sister and her guilt go, the opposite of the rescue plan she began with.
Finally, F.C. Yee uses some really interesting story devices that make the intrigue of the book that much sweeter. Swirling timelines reveal deceits and subterfuge from before, with the book commonly ping-ponging between past and future. This is not easy to do as a writer, yet in both the Iwishi Sparrowbones scene and the Convocation finale, Yes sticks the landing perfectly.
Powerful pacing with captivating intrigue, strong metaphors about family and especially older siblings, as well as savvy time skips overcome the (in my opinion) weak portrayal of one of the villains (Chaisee is great though). Definitely read the first one just to get a chance to read the sequel. I’d give this book a 4.75/5 and would recommend it to Avatar fans, fans of intrigue or adventure novels.
“Legacy of Yangchen” by F.C. Yee is his 4th installment in the “Legacy of the Avatar” series. It follows the aftermath of the events of “Dawn of Yangchen”, using the full cast of characters we’ve been introduced to for a wonderful finale. With a few missteps here in there that matter little, I think Legacy is one of the strongest of the four books (ranked only slightly behind the first Kyoshi novel).
The intrigue and political machinations of the first book are turned up to 11 here. Unlike Dawn of Yangchen, Legacy will often throw massive wrenches into everyone’s plans. One example is the immediate dynamic shift regarding Unanimity, throwing the expected status quo of the book into shambles almost immediately. The multitude of these shifts made the story have a great pace that was fun to read, while still keeping its political intrigue.
In the last Yangchen book, I had felt the Kalyaan reveal was meh. I didn’t think the story had really needed it and it made things feel unnecessarily complicated. Surprise, surprise, my least favorite character was Kalyaan again. Maybe I missed something, but his characterization in this book was overtly cruel compared to the last one. Additionally, he’s just a little too good. Easily tricking the Avatar and out maneuvering the White Lotus + the Zongdus - Kalyaan comes off a bit “Mary Sue”.
However, what F.C Yee does with Kalyaan in the finale was amazing. Kavik’s weakness of family ties is inverted - he uses his own death to force Kalyaan to talk. Abusing the last drop of his brother’s compassion, Kavik overcomes Kalyaan’s presence in his mind as always better, always stronger.
In a mirror, Yangchen too finds an inversion with her eldest sibling. After searching for so long to find her elder sister, Jetsun, she is amazed to find her sister content in the Spirit World. Yangchen learns to let both her sister and her guilt go, the opposite of the rescue plan she began with.
Finally, F.C. Yee uses some really interesting story devices that make the intrigue of the book that much sweeter. Swirling timelines reveal deceits and subterfuge from before, with the book commonly ping-ponging between past and future. This is not easy to do as a writer, yet in both the Iwishi Sparrowbones scene and the Convocation finale, Yes sticks the landing perfectly.
Powerful pacing with captivating intrigue, strong metaphors about family and especially older siblings, as well as savvy time skips overcome the (in my opinion) weak portrayal of one of the villains (Chaisee is great though). Definitely read the first one just to get a chance to read the sequel. I’d give this book a 4.75/5 and would recommend it to Avatar fans, fans of intrigue or adventure novels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2023
A very strong conclusion to the Yangchen story that had me scratching my head a bit in book 1. I should have had more faith that Yee would bring it all home in a big way.
This is a political and espionage story first and foremost, which is a fascinating choice in retrospect because "Blessed" Yangchen, as a pacificst airbender, is thus forced into many difficult moral dilemmas working in the shadows where her ideals are tested again and again. As a co-protagonist and Companion Kavik works well on account of his divided loyalties and willingness to get much closer to crossing the line.
My library has classified this book as "Teen" but I don't think that particular shoe fits, this is an at times quite dark and twisty tale that casts a critical gaze on the structures and uses of power in the Avatar world and, by extension, our own. Highly recommended for all.
This is a political and espionage story first and foremost, which is a fascinating choice in retrospect because "Blessed" Yangchen, as a pacificst airbender, is thus forced into many difficult moral dilemmas working in the shadows where her ideals are tested again and again. As a co-protagonist and Companion Kavik works well on account of his divided loyalties and willingness to get much closer to crossing the line.
My library has classified this book as "Teen" but I don't think that particular shoe fits, this is an at times quite dark and twisty tale that casts a critical gaze on the structures and uses of power in the Avatar world and, by extension, our own. Highly recommended for all.
July 28, 2023
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.
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.
January 14, 2024
3.5 stars. Was very bored in the middle but the ending was engaging
to-be-released
April 16, 2023ngl after a train wreck of a last book i have very little hope for this. let's do a prayer circle to f. c. yee in the hope for more yangchen. give us what we deserve.
although this line in the synopsis makes me taste bile. Yangchen is forced to bring Kavik—the trusted former companion whose betrayal crushed her—back into her fold. Wtf! Stop!
─── ･ ｡ﾟ:☆. *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Books in the series:
1: The Dawn of Yangchen ★★
although this line in the synopsis makes me taste bile. Yangchen is forced to bring Kavik—the trusted former companion whose betrayal crushed her—back into her fold. Wtf! Stop!
─── ･ ｡ﾟ:☆. *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Books in the series:
1: The Dawn of Yangchen ★★
August 30, 2023
This was okay. I found myself skimming a lot of it. Definitely preferred the Kyoshi novels more
July 15, 2023
I appreciated that this book focused more on yangchen than the last one did. The first one really felt like it was about Kavik. Overall it was a good story though I didn't feel like it wrapped everything up if this is meant to be a duology.
August 29, 2023
Pobre Yangchen 😭😭 pude sentir durante todo el libro su estrés y lo único que quiero es darle un abrazoooo aaaaa
Amo los libros de este autor, por favor no me dejes, necesito 3 libros más de Kyoshi y otro extra de Yangchen 🖤 THANKS
Amo los libros de este autor, por favor no me dejes, necesito 3 libros más de Kyoshi y otro extra de Yangchen 🖤 THANKS
October 11, 2023
Nothing in this book was written well or clearly. Yet somehow Yee still found the time to explain obvious plot points 3 times and pat himself on the back for his creativity.
September 1, 2023
*4.25
My enjoyment of this duology is the opposite of when I read the Kyoshi duology. I really liked the first book of the Kyoshi series but I DNF the second book. Meanwhile I thought the first book of Yangchen series is just okay but I really like the sequel.
A lot of people may complained about the lack of actions or the fact that Kavik got the majority of the POV chapters, but I literally don’t care for any of that. I enjoy a good plot twist reveal where some terrible event happened and you thought our MCs lost, but it turns out everything is going as planned and the MCs have been faking the entire thing to fool their enemies. It was done well in this book but most of all, Yangchen and Kavik relationship is a big reason for my enjoyment.
Yangchen is aroace so I don’t know if her relationship with Kavik is romantic or plationic, but I found that I don’t care for the nature of their relationship. I enjoyed their dynamics and I enjoyed their moments. That’s more than enough for me.
Also I found it funny how Kyoshi was viewed as the ruthless Avatar because of the show but she only started being ‘ruthless’ in her adult years. Meanwhile here Yangchen is still a teen and she’s already more ruthless than Kyoshi (at least to me, she is). I also found that I liked Yangchen’s companions more than Kyoshi’s. Other than Rangi, I couldn’t remember any of Kyoshi’s other companions. Yangchen’s companions are more memorable and have more personalities so I was able to remember them more, plus their dynamics are more fun.
Anyway, I think this is the Avatar novel that I liked the most out of all of FC Yee’s Avatar series. I’m begging and praying that FC Yee will get to do another Avatar series because he singlehandedly made me interested in the ATLA universe again.
My enjoyment of this duology is the opposite of when I read the Kyoshi duology. I really liked the first book of the Kyoshi series but I DNF the second book. Meanwhile I thought the first book of Yangchen series is just okay but I really like the sequel.
A lot of people may complained about the lack of actions or the fact that Kavik got the majority of the POV chapters, but I literally don’t care for any of that. I enjoy a good plot twist reveal where some terrible event happened and you thought our MCs lost, but it turns out everything is going as planned and the MCs have been faking the entire thing to fool their enemies. It was done well in this book but most of all, Yangchen and Kavik relationship is a big reason for my enjoyment.
Yangchen is aroace so I don’t know if her relationship with Kavik is romantic or plationic, but I found that I don’t care for the nature of their relationship. I enjoyed their dynamics and I enjoyed their moments. That’s more than enough for me.
Also I found it funny how Kyoshi was viewed as the ruthless Avatar because of the show but she only started being ‘ruthless’ in her adult years. Meanwhile here Yangchen is still a teen and she’s already more ruthless than Kyoshi (at least to me, she is). I also found that I liked Yangchen’s companions more than Kyoshi’s. Other than Rangi, I couldn’t remember any of Kyoshi’s other companions. Yangchen’s companions are more memorable and have more personalities so I was able to remember them more, plus their dynamics are more fun.
Anyway, I think this is the Avatar novel that I liked the most out of all of FC Yee’s Avatar series. I’m begging and praying that FC Yee will get to do another Avatar series because he singlehandedly made me interested in the ATLA universe again.
September 11, 2023
Life as the avatar sure is depressing
October 26, 2024
I highly recommend reading this book straight after finishing book 1, I had such a hard time remembering the political situation and what not, but I guess that's mostly on me not being in the best headspace for this book.
That being said, once I got the most important parts dusted off again it was a whirlwind of plot and character driven forward momentum that really had me finish this book in no time. Loved the beautiful moments that highlight the complexity of Yangchen's character and her place in the world.
That being said, once I got the most important parts dusted off again it was a whirlwind of plot and character driven forward momentum that really had me finish this book in no time. Loved the beautiful moments that highlight the complexity of Yangchen's character and her place in the world.
December 2, 2024
I still love book Avatar Kyoshi more
I like that these books exist; they feel kind of like a cartoon, but with something more mature about them
I was really happy to get to know Yangchen's story
I even teared up, even though I already knew that part...
I like that these books exist; they feel kind of like a cartoon, but with something more mature about them
I was really happy to get to know Yangchen's story
I even teared up, even though I already knew that part...
September 8, 2024
Maybe a little better than the first Yangchen book? But overall a bit underwhelming. As an Avatar known for their great wisdom and being almost perfect, this was a wild, and usually not very smart Yangchen. The two books center around economic issues and business and trade cities, so it got kind of boring, especially for an air Avatar. Def not as good as Kyoshi, but just ok.
August 31, 2023
When playing the game, sometimes you didn't want your opponent to respect you as smart, rational, and clever. Sometimes you wanted the opponent to believe you were completely unstable and utterly reckless.
Minor spoilers for The Dawn of Yangchen, but no discussion of major plot points.
I could not imagine there being a better author for these Avatar books than F.C. Yee. He has done such an incredible job creating engaging and complex stories that still feel true to the universe so many of us grew up loving.
Yangchen more than any other Avatar installment is a very politics-centered story. Now, granted, I eat political plotlines up, but I think this would still be enjoyed by someone less drawn to those. This duology was like one big chess game. Most every action had to do with outwitting the other political players. I thought Yee found just the right balance of keeping readers in the dark. This allowed for some fun plot twists and kept us guessing what was real and what was part of the plan, but we also often got told the plan and just had to sit back and hope nothing would go wrong. (Spoiler alert, it did!)
Yangchen and Kavik are maybe the two most likeable and root-able characters I've read recently. Yangchen is an avatar unlike any others we've encountered. I empathized with her deeply over the guilt she felt for compromising on her strong morals. Still, she was clearly an overwhelmed and overworked, trying to do the best for everyone around her. I loved watching her and Kavik's friendship continue to develop, and the ways they had to learn how to re-trust one another. Kavik deserves everything good in the world. It broke my heart seeing him be kept at arm's length by the rest of the group, knowing that he genuinely wanted to help Yangchen.
I did feel like the circumstances that brought the two back together were a little contrived, but I moved on from that quickly. My other criticism would be that I wish we'd explored the White Lotus more. I loved that they were a more politically-motivated organization than the future iterations we see in ATLA and TLOK, but I do think that there's a gap in their evolution that I would have liked to seen addressed.
Nevertheless, I really really hope that Yee isn't done writing in the Avatar universe. Give me Szeto. Give me Kuruk. Hell, make up a random Avatar in a random time period, I don't care, I'll read it. If "too much of a good thing" exists, we haven't hit it yet. Give me more, Yee.
February 5, 2024
If Kyoshi was asking about the practicality of violence, Yangchen shows its ugly underbelly. After careful peace talks, the burning buildings end the conversation. "The true arbiter waiting at the end of the performance was violence." Yangchen despises violence, and this puts her at a severe disadvantage. It is clear at every step that her job would be easier if she was willing to fight dirty, but she isn't, and that's why the later lore had given her such a legacy.
The book manages to juggle the present plot and the looming feature of her in-world legacy by focusing on Yangchen's regrets. "Threatening an avatar with regrets was like to trying to drown a fish."
The characterization is also completely on point. Yangchen is still the figure from history books, built from poise. Yee puts this in every detail, noting that "the flames of the candles tilted as she passed them, bowing their heads." Even when she's angry, she's stoic. "The light vanished, replaced by smoke. Yangchen's features were blanked out in the darkness, snd the hallway lamps outside cast her heavy silhouette in the frame of the entryway. It was like she had an alcove to herself already.
No artist who loved her would have rendered her like this."
It's Yangchen's entire Avatar persona that's so compelling. She has her own personality, but her whole being is wrapped up in being THE AVATAR. She's an entity, not a human. When she's threatened that she might leave this eirld with regrets, Yangchen's response actually gave me chills. "I can't leave this world. I'm trapped! I always come back! haven't you heard?" Yangchen is the only Avatar we've seen that doesn't truly see herself as a new individual taking on the reigns of Avatar. She sees herself as simply "The Avatar." Same person, new body.
The book manages to juggle the present plot and the looming feature of her in-world legacy by focusing on Yangchen's regrets. "Threatening an avatar with regrets was like to trying to drown a fish."
The characterization is also completely on point. Yangchen is still the figure from history books, built from poise. Yee puts this in every detail, noting that "the flames of the candles tilted as she passed them, bowing their heads." Even when she's angry, she's stoic. "The light vanished, replaced by smoke. Yangchen's features were blanked out in the darkness, snd the hallway lamps outside cast her heavy silhouette in the frame of the entryway. It was like she had an alcove to herself already.
No artist who loved her would have rendered her like this."
It's Yangchen's entire Avatar persona that's so compelling. She has her own personality, but her whole being is wrapped up in being THE AVATAR. She's an entity, not a human. When she's threatened that she might leave this eirld with regrets, Yangchen's response actually gave me chills. "I can't leave this world. I'm trapped! I always come back! haven't you heard?" Yangchen is the only Avatar we've seen that doesn't truly see herself as a new individual taking on the reigns of Avatar. She sees herself as simply "The Avatar." Same person, new body.
August 19, 2023
I liked this book slightly better than the first one.
Neither of them live up to the Kyoshi novels to me, but I still really enjoyed them in their own right. They're filled with much more political intrigue and drama and a bit less action, but I didn't mind that. I find the characterization of Yangchen incredibly fascinating and I love the direction they went with her. The other characters are great too.
I have to give it up for F.C. Yee's writing as well, it's absolutely gorgeous and really fits the Avatar universe.
The acknowledgments at the end sounded like this was the final book in this universe for him, which makes me sad. I hope I had the wrong idea, honestly. I'd love more of these.
Neither of them live up to the Kyoshi novels to me, but I still really enjoyed them in their own right. They're filled with much more political intrigue and drama and a bit less action, but I didn't mind that. I find the characterization of Yangchen incredibly fascinating and I love the direction they went with her. The other characters are great too.
I have to give it up for F.C. Yee's writing as well, it's absolutely gorgeous and really fits the Avatar universe.
The acknowledgments at the end sounded like this was the final book in this universe for him, which makes me sad. I hope I had the wrong idea, honestly. I'd love more of these.
August 30, 2023
This book was different from the rest of the series, I think because Yangchen is such a different Avatar. She struggles with the weight of being an airbender, and the pressures of her past lives ever present. Knowing how humanity doesn’t really change, how balance is impossible to maintain haunts her, but her cleverness and the people she surrounds herself with help her to short victories at personal cost.
I didn’t love this book as much since it lacked the close relationships other Avatars had, but it was still well written, wove in interesting Avatar lore from Korra and Aang’s journey’s, and was intriguing.
I didn’t love this book as much since it lacked the close relationships other Avatars had, but it was still well written, wove in interesting Avatar lore from Korra and Aang’s journey’s, and was intriguing.
May 31, 2024
So sad about this. I did not enjoy this book at all, I even contemplated if I should dnf it which is wild because I really liked the first one. Book 2 felt super convoluted and confusing to me but I'm 90% sure it's not the books fault. Maybe I wasn't in the right mindset. But after a while I realised that I didn't love any of the Avatar novels. But I'm excited about the Roku book and it's written by a new author so maybe I'll like Roku more.
April 19, 2024
this one gagged me more than any other avatar book like never forget THE chapter
November 3, 2024
Listened as audio book
This book was leaps and bounds better than the previous Yee started writing the book he was commissioned to about Yangchen rather than floundering to write a female character who wasn't Kiyoshi he succeeded in making a believable lovable sociopath who's coldness towards humanity was just as believable as her love for it excellent book with well written political intrigue and lovable side characters that I'm glad recurred after only getting a brief mention in the previous book it's also quite telling that 2 segments of the previous book is all that's required to understand the entirety of this one
This book was leaps and bounds better than the previous Yee started writing the book he was commissioned to about Yangchen rather than floundering to write a female character who wasn't Kiyoshi he succeeded in making a believable lovable sociopath who's coldness towards humanity was just as believable as her love for it excellent book with well written political intrigue and lovable side characters that I'm glad recurred after only getting a brief mention in the previous book it's also quite telling that 2 segments of the previous book is all that's required to understand the entirety of this one
August 9, 2025
What a complicated web we weave. That's the life of Yangchen. These two books were fun to read and interesting.
The poor girl is always stressed out and spinning a thousand plates, makes for a great story. This one starts to reveal an Avatar-universe secret long time fans would love to know.
Wish FC Yee was still writing. Alas
The poor girl is always stressed out and spinning a thousand plates, makes for a great story. This one starts to reveal an Avatar-universe secret long time fans would love to know.
Wish FC Yee was still writing. Alas
September 3, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
I mostly enjoyed the story, there were some tense moments and some fun political maneuvering. That being said Yangchen just feels a little bland to me and I don’t love following her. So far the Kiyoshi duology has been my favorite of these Avatar books.
I mostly enjoyed the story, there were some tense moments and some fun political maneuvering. That being said Yangchen just feels a little bland to me and I don’t love following her. So far the Kiyoshi duology has been my favorite of these Avatar books.
August 8, 2024
Dare I say I like Yangchen more than Kyoshi
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