The shadow of Kyoshi

After fighting physical battles, Avatar Kyoshi faces new foes, this time in diplomacy. In order to fully appreciate this second installment of the Kyoshi Novels, readers must be familiar with the East-Asian--inspired culture of Avatar as well as the events that transpired in The Rise of Kyoshi (2019). Yun, abandoned after losing the title of Avatar, battles for survival against the malevolent spirit Father Glowworm, a struggle that hints at a gruesome ending. Meanwhile, Kyoshi avoids the social obligations of being Avatar by traveling across the land to personally subdue criminal activity, occasionally with violence. Unable to avoid politics any longer, she acquiesces to a small meeting with the Fire Lord. Upon her arrival she is dismayed to find that it is instead a well-attended feast riddled with political intrigue. The Fire Lord Zoryu asks for Kyoshi's support with his waning popularity among the fire clans, especially as his half brother Chaejin seeks to rule. As Kyoshi blunders through the court, Yun appears and promises revenge. Kyoshi and her allies now race to stop Yun and keep the Fire Clans from dissolving into war. While the narrative is gripping, multiple themes crowd the plot and occasionally disrupt the flow. Also, Kyoshi's ongoing defeats both on and off the battlefield may leave some fans frustrated. A sequel with a solid narrative that reveals the flawed beginnings of Avatar Kyoshi. (Fantasy. 12-16) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.