Review: "The Rise of Kiyoshi" & "The Shadow of Kiyoshi"
If you had a crush on Avatar Kiyoshi when you were 8 then this is the book for you (and your crush will return tenfold)
The Avatar Kiyoshi duology, prequels to the acclaimed Avatar: The Last Airbender series, are the first in a series of books exploring the past lives of the titular avatar. Novelizations are the optimal choice to expand on a vast world like A:TLA. Visceral prose is just about the only thing that can compete with the animation of the original. Kiyoshi was introduced as the no nonsense master of the elements from two generations prior; and has maintained her fan favorite status ever since. Other characters perceptions of her have filled in the gaps of who she is. Through the third person point of view, F.C Yee introduces us to the true Kiyoshi and what we think we know is completely abandoned. At The Rise of Kiyoshi’s start, she is so bad at earth bending that being the Avatar is unfathomable. The honor is falsely given to a talented bender named Yun.
Everyone thinks Kiyoshi to be unnoteworthy. Kiyoshi herself is at peace with this assumption, content to live her life unremarkably. As Kiyoshi discovers her Avatarhood (involving Yun’s death at the hands of a spirit) and becomes entangled with an outlaw group (daofei) , the tough infamous Avatar Kiyoshi is conceived. Though, only after she has been pushed to an absolute limit. Kiyoshi finds no joy in killing but her strong sense of justice overpowers any desire to avoid it. As the Avatar, if she doesn’t fight, who will?
Rangi, Kiyoshi’s Fire Nation bodyguard and eventual lover, is captivating opposite Kiyoshi. She has an eye for polite society and values tradition but her care for Kiyoshi trumps all; It even allows her to associate with daofei. Their love forms the foundation of Kiyoshi’s story yet it often clouded by chunks of text chronicling the pitfalls of her predecessor, Kuruk. Kiyoshi’s exceptionality as an Avatar cannot be fully understood without understanding Kuruk’s failures, but that doesn’t make it compelling to read.
Jianzhu, Kuruk’s former companion and Kiyoshi’s benefactor, is the primary villain of the novel. His character has the most attractive plot aside from our main character. Since Kuruk died young, Jianzhu has been holding the Earth Kingdom together with tricky alliances and excessive force. He utilizes very cartoon villain-esque schemes, which are surprising to see from a man so sophisticated and tactical. Through his unpredictable point of view, the necessary Kuruk context becomes less monotonous.
The political intrigue and sympathetic characters ensure a smooth read. However, the climax of the story is disappointing. Jianzhu has been tracking Kiyoshi and her outlaw group for much of the novel, but their confrontation leaves much to be desired as its abruptly interrupted by a mysterious figure. Kiyoshi is robbed of the chance to stand up to the man who has so negatively impacted her life. An odd choice considering Kiyoshi’s strong loyalty when it comes to family. Earlier in the novel she even says:
“Wrongs meant something, even if they were inflicted by your family. Especially if they were inflicted by your family”
It’s a missed opportunity to follow up on this part of her personal philosophy.
The Shadow of Kiyoshi attempts to settle this grievance by the concentrating on the dynamic between Kiyoshi and Yun. The masked figure is identified as the latter, and he seeks revenge on everyone who falsely upheld him as the Avatar. Darker themes emerge as the real Avatar and the false Avatar, who loved each other deeply, are destined to be enemies because of one overzealous man’s mistake. While searching for Yun, Kiyoshi simultaneously works to strengthen her connection to Kuruk and settle petty gang uprisings in the Earth Kingdom.
She is dragged out of her self-imposed isolation when a summon from the young Firelord Zoryu arrives. Zoryu’s claim to the throne is being undermined by his older half-brother Chaejin and the many clans are split into two factions, War of the Roses style. Kiyoshi, accustomed to roughing up outlaws, is out of her depth in such a political mechanism. To boot, Yun seems to be pulling the strings here too.
The Shadow of Kiyoshi has no burden of endless context. Instead, Yee plants seeds for the already established future. The Fire Nations descent into a violent imperial power starts here, with Zoryu and his good intentions. A profound message emphasizing why impact is greater than intention. A much-appreciated nod to the original series. My favorite line, among the bundles of beautiful prose from Yee, is Zoryu reflecting on his hopes for the future:
“He dreamed of the day when the citizens of the Fire Nation stopped using the silly insignias of their home islands as a reason to start fights […] he wanted his country to stop burning itself in the name of honor.”
Of course, Zoryu does not get his wish. But this passage exhibits Yee’s understanding of the source material, which other adaptations have lacked. Yee’s prose also extends more care to the progress of Kiyoshi and Rangi’s relationship. After a period of separation, it’s an intriguing development to see how they balance their duties to each other with their duty to the world.
While Rangi, Kiyoshi and even Zoryu come out on top, Yun’s storyline drags in the background. Their final battle is heart wrenching indeed, but the inclusion of Rangi, and Kiyoshi’s daofei friends (who have been scarce the rest of the novel) erase any impact. Kiyoshi does get closure from Yun, but Yun himself does not get a proper sendoff. It cannot be emphasized enough how interesting a false A
vatar plot is, especially for the faultless Avatar Kiyoshi. The resolution of this unique plot does not receive the attention it needs. In turn, another part of Kiyoshi’s emotional evolution is unsatisfactory.
F.C Yee’s duology expands on Kiyoshi’s background with an unexpected approach. The story is often weighed down by long-winded narration that constricts the flow of the plot. Nevertheless, the awe of being back in this world with such rich characters demands the book to be read. It’s an adventure back into childhood splendor that is worth it for even those who aren’t familiar with the original series.