4 1/2 Stars 
 Having followed and enjoyed the Avatar TV series, I was happy to learn there was some lore to help tie up some unanswered questions. Possibly the most intriguing of which was the question of what happened to Zuko and Azula's mother. The story is essentially a quest, both for the mysterious woman who played such a crucial hand in the status of the current world dynamics, and for the young Firelord Zuko's sense of identity. 
 Even those who hadn't followed the series could enjoy this graphic novel. The artwork remains brilliantly true to the cartoon, a blend of Asian-themed fantasy visuals with that charming hint of Studio Ghibli style. In this format you have the benefit of footnotes included by the creators, detailing their process and reasoning for both art and story direction. The framing is impactful, the dialogue natural, and storytelling exceptional. 
 The character development is also largely satisfying. Zuko is taking up the mantle of leadership with some reluctance, still struggling to step out from under the oppressive shadow of his cruel father and psychotic sister. Unfortunately for him, his sister has the clues he needs to locate his mother--and so she's along for the ride. Most of the original Avatar gang is assembled in the hopes of managing the broken loose cannon that is now Azula--her moods split erratically between the viciously manipulative and the raving lunatic. As one would already expect from the series, there is nothing redemptive about Azula. All flashbacks still lead to the same chilling conclusion--that the girl was a born sociopath, devoid of conscience and incapable of feelings beyond hatred, vengeance, envy, and want of power. (gee, I wonder who she got that from...*coughcoughDADDYcoughcough*) 
 Which segues into the reason I couldn't wholeheartedly give the book the 5 stars I would have liked. As much as I appreciate the story's repetitious emphasis on second chances, mercy, and family...I'm afraid it perhaps overdid the "but they're still family" aspect: 
 *Yes, my father is a heartless murdering tyrant who's destroyed countless lives and doubtless will again as son as he figures out how to escape the palace dungeon, but he's still 'family'... 
 *Yes, my sister is a depraved psycho arsonist who's been relishing the thought of my death since she was barely walking, but she's still 'family'... 
 My concern of course is that this sort of unconditional "family" loyalty emphasis could prove detrimental to impressionable young minds, promoting a hopeless cycle of attempts at maintaining toxic relationships with abusive and/or sociopathic family members who are simply going to continue their victimizing. 
 But...I could be slightly overthinking this bit of Middle Grade literature. >.> It's been known to happen.