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A review by sherny
The Dawn of Yangchen by F.C. Yee
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I loved the Kyoshi books and was excited for Yangchen! Too bad it’s mostly written from the perspective of her male companion. It has a very different feel from kyoshi, as the characters are a bit older and dealing with more politics. More similar to the second Kyoshi book.
Cons: Should be called Dawn of Kavic, as the majority of the chapters are narrated by him and about his perspective. Kinda disappointing since Kyoshi was so good, but it’s an unfortunately common trope that men writing books “about women” actually write the books from the perspectives of the men around the woman. At parts the book seems like it’s trying hard to be extra edgy and make Yangchen “not like other air nomads”. Doesn’t have the same lighthearted mixed with serious vibe that the original show and kyoshi books capture perfectly.
Pros: flying lemurs! Also queer representation and a deeper look at some more serious politics for each nation fit into one book! Yangchen’s blessing is also very much a curse in a very interesting way. Gosh I love getting to learn about the air nomads and see their culture before it was destroyed, but it still comes off as an outsider looking in, since the book is mainly from the perspective of her water tribe companion.
Cons: Should be called Dawn of Kavic, as the majority of the chapters are narrated by him and about his perspective. Kinda disappointing since Kyoshi was so good, but it’s an unfortunately common trope that men writing books “about women” actually write the books from the perspectives of the men around the woman. At parts the book seems like it’s trying hard to be extra edgy and make Yangchen “not like other air nomads”. Doesn’t have the same lighthearted mixed with serious vibe that the original show and kyoshi books capture perfectly.
Pros: flying lemurs! Also queer representation and a deeper look at some more serious politics for each nation fit into one book! Yangchen’s blessing is also very much a curse in a very interesting way. Gosh I love getting to learn about the air nomads and see their culture before it was destroyed, but it still comes off as an outsider looking in, since the book is mainly from the perspective of her water tribe companion.
Content Warnings
Minor: Confinement, Panic attacks/disorders, and Classism