Books Like Avatar: The Last Airbender

 Long Ago the Four Nations Live Together...

    On February 21, 2005, a show about a boy named Aang who just wanted to go penguin sledding but was destined to save the world premiered. Along the way, he teams up with siblings Katara and Sokka, the little but fierce Toph, and once foe Zuko to defeat the evil Fire Nation. The series was called Avatar: The Last Airbender. The show had an amazing magic system: those known as benders could control one of the four elements water, earth, fire, and air. One could control them all, known as the Avatar. 

    The series was a hit and a sequel series aired in 2012 called The Legend of Korra a failed live-action movie released in theaters. Now after many years, a live-action adaptation of the series will premiere on Netflix in 2024, and an animated movie along with a second sequel series is planned for 2025. For those who need something to hold them over until then here are five books with similar magic systems to read.

Book One: The Rise of Kyoshi

    This first book is a prequel to Avatar the Last Airbender, following one of the past Avatars, Kyoshi, as she discovers her identity and sets out for revenge.

Book Name: The Rise of Kyoshi

Author Name(s): F.C. Yee, Michael Dante DiMartino

Genre: Fantasy

Release Date: July 16, 2019

Book Number: 1 of 4

Number of Pages: 442 pages

Book Description:

    F. C. Yee’s The Rise of Kyoshi delves into the story of Kyoshi, the Earth Kingdom–born Avatar. The longest-living Avatar in this beloved world’s history, Kyoshi established the brave and respected Kyoshi Warriors but also founded the secretive Dai Li, which led to the corruption, decline, and fall of her own nation. The first of two novels based on Kyoshi, The Rise of Kyoshi maps her journey from a girl of humble origins to the merciless pursuer of justice who is still feared and admired centuries after she became the Avatar.

Book Two: Set Fire to the Gods

     This book follows two teens participating in the same elemental tournament. One to avenge her mother, the other to save his family from homelessness.

Book Name: Set Fire to the Gods

Author Name(s): Sara Raasch, Kristen Simmons

Genre:  Fantasy

Release Date: August 4, 2020

Book Number: 1 of 2

Number of Pages: 432 pages

Book Description:

    Ash is descended from a long line of gladiators, and she knows the brutal nature of war firsthand. But after her mother dies in an arena, she vows to avenge her by overthrowing her fire god, whose temper has stripped her country of its resources.

    Madoc grew up fighting on the streets to pay his family's taxes. But he hides a dangerous secret: he doesn't have the earth god’s powers like his opponents. His elemental gift is something else—something that hasn't been seen in centuries.

    When an attempted revenge plot goes dangerously wrong, Ash inadvertently throws the fire and earth gods into a conflict that can only be settled by deadly, lavish gladiator games. The fights put Madoc in Ash's path, and she realizes that his powers are the weapon her rebellion needs—but Madoc won’t jeopardize his family, regardless of how intrigued he is by the beautiful warrior.

    But when the gods force Madoc’s hand, he and Ash uncover an ancient war that will threaten more than one immortal—it will unravel the world.

Book Three: Children of Blood and Bone

    This book is full of adventure and action, set in a world based in Africa!

Book Name: Children of Blood and Bone

Author Name: Tomi Adeyemi

Genre: Fantasy

Release Date: March 6, 2018

Book Number: 1 of 3

Number of Pages: 544 pages

Book Description:

    Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.

But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji was killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.

    Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.

    Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers and her growing feeling for an enemy.

Book Four: Air Awakens

    This book follows a girl working in a library as she discovers her hidden powers, leading to a grand and dangerous adventure.

Book name: Air Awakens

Author Name: Elise Kova

Genre: Fantasy

Release Date: August 27, 2015

Book Number: 1 of 5

Number of Pages: 342 pages

Book Description:

    A library apprentice, a sorcerer prince, and an unbreakable magic bond...

    The Solaris Empire is one conquest away from uniting the continent, and the rare elemental magic sleeping in seventeen-year-old library apprentice Vhalla Yarl could shift the tides of war.

    Vhalla has always been taught to fear the Tower of Sorcerers, a mysterious magic society, and has been happy in her quiet world of books. But after she unknowingly saves the life of one of the most powerful sorcerers of them all—the Crown Prince Aldrik—she finds herself enticed into his world.

    Now she must decide her future: Embrace her sorcery and leave the life she’s known or eradicate her magic and remain as she’s always been. And with powerful forces lurking in the shadows, Vhalla’s indecision could cost her more than she ever imagined.

Book Five: Red Queen

    The last book sees two groups of people; those with powers and those without and one girl who will change the kingdom forever.

Book Name: Red Queen

Author Name: Victoria Aveyard

Genre: Dystopian

Release Date: February 10, 2018

Book Number: 1 of 4

Number of Pages: 388 pages

Book Description:

    The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change.

    That is until she finds herself working in the Silver Palace. Here, surrounded by the people she hates the most, Mare discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power.

Fearful of Mare's potential, the Silvers hide her in plain view, declaring her a long-lost Silver princess, now engaged to a Silver prince. Despite knowing that one misstep would mean her death, Mare works silently to help the Red Guard, a militant resistance group, and bring down the Silver regime.

    But this is a world of betrayal and lies, and Mare has entered a dangerous dance—Reds against Silvers, Prince against Prince, and Mare against her own heart.

Conclusion

      I hope these books scratch your Avatar the Last Airbender itch. If there are any more books that give off the same vibes, let me know in the comments below!