Chronicles of the Avatar Book 5: The Reckoning of Roku by Randy Ribay

 

Chronicles of the Avatar Book 5

From National Book Award finalist Randy Ribay comes a gripping new chapter—starring Avatar Roku—in the New York Times bestselling Chronicles of the Avatar series, set in the world of Avatar: the Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra.

A young Avatar Roku has only just commenced his training at the Southern Air Temple when his erstwhile friend, Prince Sozin, requests his aid in preventing the Earth Kingdom from claiming a remote Fire Nation island. Despite his inexperience, Avatar Roku slips away with the help of an irritating young Airbender named Gyatso. As the reluctant companions delve deeper into their wayward mission, they begin to realize that even greater threats lie ahead. Plagued by self-doubt but eager to prove himself, Roku fights for his life and the lives of others while ensuring that the hidden secret of the island doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

This searing fifth installment in the Chronicles of the Avatar series explores the beginning of Roku’s journey from privileged Fire Nation noble to the powerful but indecisive Avatar whose hesitancy may ultimately pave the way for the Hundred Year War.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197053065-the-reckoning-of-roku

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

I’ve really been enjoying this series! Avatar the Last Airbender is one of my all time favorite shows, and it has been fascinating to read books on past Avatars. Avatar Roku is one we are most familiar with when it comes to ATLA. We probably see him the most and learn the most about him. But! This story takes us back to the months following Roku learning he is the Avatar and is sent to the Southern Air Temple where he will begin his Avatar journey of mastering the elements. Though we know from the show he studied there and met Monk Gyatso, that was about it in the show. But now we get a bit more! Specifically, one of his first missions as the Avatar, the beginning of his friendship with Gyatso, and the early ambitions of Prince Sozin. So in this story, Roku is struggling with his airbending and his thinking of the Avatar. He is told my his airbending master that he must detach himself from the world and be someone of no nation. He has to let go of the idea of just being from the Fire Nation. Easier said than done especially when Roku left behind his best friend and the girl he has feelings for. Then he receives word that Sozin needs his help because the Earth Kingdom has moved on Fire Nation territory. At first he declines to get involved based on what his new teachings but when someone attacks him, he decides to sneak away. Though not without Gyatso! But once they reach this island, they learn not all is what it seems. So first off, I loved the backstory we got of Roku. So much I didn’t know! And it was fascinating. The same with Gyatso. These two shared a lot in common and it was so interesting to see these two bicker and go up against one another and challenge one another. It helped build their friendship. I also loved the small easter eggs that nod to so many things from Avatar the Last Airbender. Trust me, you’ll know when you see it! I also found Sozin fascinating to see what he was like early in life and the signs of who he will be become starting to form. Overall, I really enjoyed this story so much more than I thought I would and I can’t wait for the next one!