Summary

• The Avatar: The Last Airbender books provide background information and insights into the lives of various Avatars, expanding the show's universe.
• The Lost Scrolls series offers personal narratives and in-depth coverage of bending techniques, traditions, and character narratives during season 1.
• The Earth Kingdom Chronicles provide unique perspectives on the events of the second season, showcasing the journeys and experiences of different characters.

The Avatar: The Last Airbender books are wonderful assets that add further depth to the animated series when read in chronological order. The prequel book series, The Chronicles of the Avatar, narrates the lives of various Avatars, with two books centered on Kyoshi four centuries before the original show and the third chronicling Avatar Yangchen's life even earlier. Meanwhile, The Lost Scrolls comprises novelized versions of select episodes from the first season, offering additional background information. Lastly, there is The Earth Kingdom Chronicles, a six-part adaptation set during The Last Airbender season 2, with each book presenting a different character's perspective.

These books, as well as other forms of media, highlight the rich, colorful landscape and the best animated TV shows ever. Those who haven't ventured beyond the show may not know where to start. Fortunately, the chronology of the books is clear.

13 The Dawn Of Yangchen (Before Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Chronicles Of The Avatar

Though this is the third installment of the Chronicles of Avatar series, it's the first if reading in chronological order for the timeline of the Avatar universe. It focuses on the life of the airbending Avatar Yangchen, who is the last airbender before Aang in the Avatar cycle. Though she's mentioned in the animated series and the live-action adaptation, she doesn't get as much screen time as Kyoshi, so the novel acts as a great way for fans to explore her character.

Sent on political business to Bin-Er in the Earth Kingdom, Yangchen's encounter with the informant Kavik leads to a cautious partnership

The story explores how Yangchen's values became crucial for her successors, particularly during Aang's era. Haunted by the persistent voices of her predecessors, Yangchen strives to earn the respect of Avatar Szeto. Sent on political business to Bin-Er in the Earth Kingdom, Yangchen's encounter with the informant Kavik leads to a cautious partnership. To carve her path as a powerful Avatar, she must rely on her own wisdom.

12 The Rise of Kyoshi (Before Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Chronicles Of The Avatar

The Rise of Kyoshi tells the story of the titular Earth Kingdom Avatar, detailing her journey to claiming that title. As the longest-living Avatar, Kyoshi founded both the Kyoshi Warriors and the Dai Li, contributing to her nation's corruption and downfall, though that certainly wasn't her intention. Kyoshi remains one of the most popular Avatars introduced in the series, largely because of how heroic she is seen through the eyes of the warriors who model their ways after her.

This novel, which kicks off the Chronicles of the Avatar series, focuses on Kyoshi's evolution from a humble girl to a justice-driven powerhouse. Set 396 years before Avatar: The Last Airbender, Kyoshi's formative years are detailed, shedding light on her bisexuality and introducing her love, Rangi. The book not only enriches the understanding of Avatars but also offers detailed insights into the dynamics of that era.

11 The Shadow of Kyoshi (Before Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Chronicles Of The Avatar

While Yangchen's novel hasn't received a sequel, Kyoshi's has. It's possible that more Avatars will eventually be featured in this particular line of novels as well since there has been growing interesting in those who came before Aang since there are only a handful of Avatars he actually calls on for help, interacting with their spirits in his quest to become the best Avatar he can be.

In The Shadow of Kyoshi, Kyoshi solidifies her role as the true Avatar but faces a heavy burden with the loss of her mentors. Navigating the Four Nations, she strives to maintain peace amid a growing reputation. This gripping sequel in the Chronicles of the Avatar series continues to follow Kyoshi's evolution from a humble girl to an incredibly strong Avatar, challenging her strength and principles. Set two years after the previous installment, the story explores Kyoshi's quest for peace and her confrontation with a dangerous Spirit World threat.

10 The Lost Scrolls: Water (During Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 1)

The Lost Scrolls Series

It serves as a great companion to The Last Airbender's earliest episodes

While the first three novels are set prior to the events of the animated show, the next two sets of novels are for the fans who want to know what is going on between the scenes of the animated series. They allow the audience to see things from more characters' points of view and add in more scenes, and thus, more context, to what the audience already knows.

The Lost Scrolls series is set during The Last Airbender season 1. The first installment sees Katara recounting finding Aang in the iceberg, while Sokka reminisces about his childhood after discovering his father's old friend. This book doesn't just detail these personal narratives; it also provides a wealth of information on waterbending moves, healers, Water Tribe traditions, and more. It serves as a great companion to The Last Airbender's earliest episodes. Readers can delve into the stories of Katara and Sokka as they embark on their journeys, offering an extension for those who enjoyed the TV show's initial outing.

9 The Lost Scrolls: Earth (During Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 1)

The Lost Scrolls Series

The Lost Scrolls: Earth continues to unravel events from The Last Airbender season 1. Katara recalls her experience encouraging earthbenders imprisoned on a Fire Nation ship to rebel. Aang shares how he outsmarted King Bumi, while Sokka tells the tale of the Great Divide, coinciding with the TV show's episode of the same name. This installment preserves these captivating stories while providing in-depth coverage of earthbending techniques.

For fans who are interested in just how bending works, it's the latter that might most appeal to them. The books in this chapter of the Avatar novels allow for a little bit more exploration of bending the show had time for alongside the adventure of the main characters. This companion to the first season will enhance the exploration of the show's themes and characters in addition to viewing Netflix's live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender.

8 The Lost Scrolls: Fire (During Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 1)

The Lost Scrolls Series

The story of The Lost Scrolls: Fire finds the characters recounting the end of The Last Airbender's first season. As with the previous books, there is a particular focus on one element: fire. That means the stories are related to the Fire Nation and, in particular, Prince Zuko. At this time in the narrative, he's still very much an enemy of Team Avatar, but the audience knows where his story is headed and gets to see a little more of his journey.

This book expands upon the pivotal moments and character narratives

In this novel, Katara narrates Aang's strategic triumph against iral Zhao and the Fire Navy, Aang shares his transformative journey to accepting his destiny, and Prince Zuko reflects on the capture and subsequent loss of the Avatar. These key events are complemented by giving insight into Fire Nation leaders, firebending techniques, and the mysterious spirit world. This book expands upon the pivotal moments and character narratives, offering a concise and illuminating exploration into Avatar’s dynamic world.

7 The Lost Scrolls: Air (During Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 1)

The Lost Scrolls Series

The Lost Scrolls: Air concludes the series with more knowledge about the Air Nomads, as Aang retraces his steps to his former monastery. Katara unravels the mystery surrounding Aang's past, while Sokka shares the tale of his valiant efforts in safeguarding the Northern Air Temple from Fire Nation threats. In addition to these profound experiences, the book gives glances into airbending techniques and serves as an in-depth exploration into the rich history of Aang's heritage and the ancient traditions of the Air Nation.

Each season of the series focuses on Aang mastering a particular element, bringing the characters to the nation associated with that element. Because Aang is already an airbending master at the start of the series, much of his history, and the history of the Air Nomads in general, is only given in the show to provide Aang with a tragic history. Season 1 focuses on water, 2 earth, and 3 fire, so the Air Temples don't get a huge focus. The book helps rectify that.

6 The Tale of Aang (During Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2)

The Earth Kingdom Chronicles

The Earth Kingdom Chronicles makes great use of the different character voices

Moving on to The Earth Kingdom Chronicles, The Tale of Aang details the journey of the titular character moving through the Earth Kingdom. Along with Katara and Sokka, the characters head out in search of an earthbending teacher. This book, along with the others in the series, is a 96-page diary that gives a more personal of events from Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2.

The Earth Kingdom Chronicles makes great use of the different character voices. Each book is told from a different character's point of view instead of focusing on a specific episode or two, and that works in the fans' favor. Fans don't necessarily have to read all of them for a complete picture since they already know the events of the show, but they can pick and choose which characters they want to see tell the story.

5 The Tale of Azula (During Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2)

The Earth Kingdom Chronicles

The Tale of Azula gives a distinctive viewpoint on the second season of Avatar: The Last Airbender series, narrated through the eyes of Azula, the daughter of Fire Lord Ozai. Azula is a fan-favorite, and the most beloved villain in the animated series. Her character even gets a whole new story (and a sort of redemption arc) in the comic books that follow the show as well. Fans would probably love to see more stories set in the universe from her point of view.

Serving as a summary of The Last Airbender season 2, it plays a crucial role in the Avatar universe

This narrative uncovers the intricacies of Azula's character and her tumultuous journey, offering insight into her motivations. Serving as a summary of The Last Airbender season 2, it plays a crucial role in the Avatar universe. It enhances fans' understanding of Azula's position within the Fire Nation and portrays her as a multi-faceted antagonist.

4 The Tale of Toph (During Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2)

The Earth Kingdom Chronicles

The Tale of Toph continues to offer unique perspectives on The Last Airbender season 2, this time narrated through the experiences of Toph, Team Avatar's exceptionally skilled earthbender. This story gives an additional glance into Toph's character. Toph's role within the Earth Kingdom becomes a focal point, highlighting her emergence as a powerful character and key contributor to the kingdom's dynamics.

Like all of The Earth Kingdom Chronicles, the book is less than 100 pages and written in a journal-like format. It makes for a quick read that's easily digestible by fans young and old, which is part of the appeal. Kids who have only just discovered the show can read about the adventures of the characters just like adults who want to learn more about the lore. This one and the next also feature a slightly more humorous tone than others as a result of the characters telling the story.