Spotlight#184/185: Dawn and Legacy of Yangchen 

Have you ever been interested in politics? Probably not. But I think you'll still find a way to enjoy the fantasy double feature Dawn and Legacy of Yangchen by F.C. Yee

Summary 

During the Air Nomad Avatar Yangchen's era, the world is more divided than ever. After a political scandal called the Platinum Affair, several shang merchant cities governed all trade between the Four Nations for a time. Far outside the Water Chief, Earth King, and Fire Lord's watchful eyes, the cities' merchants have allowed years of political corruption to take root. 

Yangchen realized two things very quickly and rooted them out. She can't do this peacefully, and she can't do this alone. As such, she decides to induct Kavik, a thief who knows the Shang city of Bin-Er like the back of their head. While not precisely each other's first choice, Kavik and Yangchen will have to put faith in each other if they hope to stop the mysterious Unanimity Project. A ploy from the Shang cities that could upend all Four Nations. 

Characters 

Yangchen: Our main character, Yangchen, like most Air Nomads, is gentle, emphatic, and incredibly diplomatic. However, for those more closely associated with her, you realize this persona is a bit of a mask. Unlike her predecessors, Yangchen has been haunted since childhood by the voices and personalities of previous Avatars taking over her body. Years of this have made her philosophy both jaded and somewhat hollow. 

She is often dissatisfied with humanity's inability to maintain a balance between generations, to the point where she's a lot more … flexible. Through manipulation and her silver tongue, Yangchen is a highly adaptable and intelligent planner willing to use unorthodox people tactics to win the day. Even if it pushes her to the limit. 

Kavik: Growing up in the shang city of Bin-Er as an informant and errand-runner, Kavik is known to be quick on his feet while keeping his head on the ground. Being a crafty waterbender, Kavik is one of the few who can keep up with Yangchen in terms of intelligence and craftiness. He can also be sarcastic and caustic, being a cynic who is easily flustered. However, the more time he spends with Yangchen, his hidden compassion becomes more committed. 

Overview 

In hindsight, after reading the Avatar Kyoshi books, it's not surprising Yangchen would be next to cover in the Chronicles of the Avatar novel series. In those books, Yancgchen was often praised to hell and back, renowned worldwide for her seemingly perfect record. An image by her admission in Shadow of Kyoshi's was cracked, and this book shattered to smithereens. 

Every infamous story you hear about Kyoshi should also be given to Yanchgne a thousand times over. Her complex strategies and fast-moving tongue mean that for what these books lack in action, they more than make up for it in political intrigue. The corruption the shang cities pose and the threat of Unanimity allow the book to operate on a grander scale than most Avatar stories. There is a butt load of recurring characters in here, and they do their part to offer their perspectives and tricks to the story. Everyone in this book have their own hidden agenda which makes the book feel chaotic.

Kavik's POV being routinely shown is an interesting choice, given we're dealing with an Avatar who struggles to keep their identity in check, but I think they provide an excellent contrast to Yangchen. Their shared sibling drama combined with their dialogue is honestly incredible to watch. However, their semi-clashing allegiances tie nicely into the book's themes. 

In stories where the franchise's political commentary is at its peak, the books often question whether or not the protagonist's actions are even worth it. Even if Yangchen stops Unanimity and fixes the shang cities, it could lead to corruption recycling towards a new generation. Yet, given the alternative of such a choice, Yangchen still must respond with compassion. 

And while I appreciate the grand scale this book must do to get that message, I think there are issues with the duology. I think having the book operate on such a big scale does mean a lot of the quieter character moments that make this franchise work so well aren't as present. 

This goes especially so for the book's main antagonist, who barely gets any screen time for me to garner much emotion. I feel like more so than even Kyoshi. I wouldn't mind seeing more adventures of Yangchen's life. 

Epilogue 

All in all, I think the Yangchen novels, while not precisely reaching the heights of the Kyoshi Novels for me, are still valuable additions to the universe. Yangchen is still a fun character; if we got more of the status quo, her book leaves off with it. I definitely wouldn't mind finding out more about it. Until then, though, I guess we will have to let that fraud Roku get his turn as we spin the light towards him in the years to come.