History YMMV / TheSagaOfAvatarKorra

* HarsherInHindsight:
** Many readers have noticed that Korra's persona in the story is a more calm and reserved nature along with a greater willingness to think her actions through than her canon counterpart. While this was a popular change, the authors later clarified that it was not meant to be seen as a positive change to Korra's personality because it is a direct result of the abuse that she suffered at the hands of Zaheer and the Red Lotus.
** In the first season of ''Avatar: The Last Airbender'' Katara made frequent visits to a fortuneteller by the name of Aunt Wu, in one of those scenes the fortuneteller kicks Katara out and explains that she will pass away in her sleep shortly after the birth of her fourth great-grandchild. More than seventy years have passed and Katara has outlived most of her friends and even some of her family, while her oldest grandchild Jinora is nowhere near the age of having children. It can be easy for one to get the impression that Katara's long life is in equal parts a blessing and a curse.

* SugarWiki/BetterThanCanon: There are a fair number of reviews that state Saga is off to a better start than the canon series for several reasons.
** A number of readers have stated they like how this story began in comparison to how the original series began due to avoiding the LoveTriangle issues that plagued the first two seasons along with Korra and Asami becoming friends much earlier.
** Many readers have also remarked on the improvements on Bolin's character, who more often than not held the IdiotBall in canon. Here, though he still possesses his inherent goofiness and naiveté, he is considerably more intelligent and perceptive.
** Similar to canon, this story introduces Kuvira as a reoccurring character before making her an AscendedExtra in the following Book. However, readers have liked that some of Kuvira's abilities and personality receive more establishment while she is a reoccurring character rather than only having a handful of lines like in canon.
** Korra and Asami's relationship is given more explicit on-screen development than in the tv series, due to the fic not having to deal with Nick's S&P. [[spoiler:The fact that this was such a draw for fans is likely a factor in the series decline in readership after their relationship turned out to be a RomanticFalseLead.]]

* AlternateCharacterInterpretation: Due to this being a Korra related fanfiction, you can expect some of this.

* BetterThanCanon: There are a fair number of reviews that state Saga is off to a better start than the canon series for several reasons.

** Korra and Asami's relationship is given more explicit on-screen development than in the tv series, due to the fic not having to deal with Nick's S&P. [[spoiler: The fact that this was such a draw for fans is likely a factor in the series decline in readership after their relationship turned out to be a RomanticFalseLead.]]

* AuthorsSavingThrow:
** After not explaining what the dart that Korra was hit with at the end of Book One, the beginning of Book Two quickly explains that it was simply a tranquilizer dart.

* ConflictingLoyalty: While it is understandable that Asami does not want to leave her father, she questions her decision to deny the Kyoshi Warriors help, as this makes her seem like she is aiding the Equalists. But she also knows the alternative is to leave her father in the hands of Amon, who will most likely let him die.

* MagnificentBastard: Zaheer gives an impressive showing of his intelligence with his [[TheStrategist strategic planning]], [[ManipulativeBastard long term manipulation of Korra]], impressive playing of XanatosSpeedChess and [[CrazyPrepared large amount of thorough contingencies]]. But this trope ends up {{Subverted}} because Zaheer's plans would have not been so badly derailed had he not pointlessly murdered Yujin and told [[TheFool Manu]] about his plans only to give Korra reason to distrust him and the Red Lotus and for Manu to needlessly drop his cover and then [[NiceJobFixingItVillain reveal information that allowed Mako and Bolin to rescue Korra's parents]].

* AngstWhatAngst: Averted. The story has been praised by making it clear that while Korra is attempting to move on with her life after the Red Lotus, their deaths and her imprisonment by them have lingering effects, and it will continued to effect her well into the future.

** Averted with possible romances. The authors have made it clear they will follow their plans with the future relationships regardless of what the readers want. [[spoiler: True to their word, the creators used the FanPreferredCouple of Korra/Asami as the RomanticFalseLead for the much less popular Korra/Bolin, which was likely a factor in the fic's reduced readership after Book One.]]

** When Deska and Eska accepted Korra's apology during Chapter Three of Book Two, did they legitimately accept it or were they ordered by their father to accept her apology since Eska did not try to take advantage of Korra to pursue her interests in Bolin.

** Averted with possible romances. The authors have made it clear they will follow their plans with the future relationships regardless of what the readers want. [[spoiler: True to their word, the creators used the FanPreferredCouple of Korra/Asami as the RomanticFalseLead for the much less popular Korra/Bolin, which was likely a factor in the fic's reduced readership after Book One.}}

** Korra and Asami's relationship is given more explicit on-screen development than in the tv series, due to the fic not having to deal with Nick's S&P. [[spoiler: The fact that this was such a draw for fans is likely a factor in the eries decline in readership after their relationship turned out to be a RomanticFalseLead.]]

* LesYay: Korra engages in a number of these instances.
** After Korra defeats Kuvira in a fight in Book One, Kuvira shows an interest in Korra that almost appears to be attraction. This is cemented by the fact she creates a flower out of metal for Korra and asks Korra to be her dancing partner during Book Two.
** Korra has shown a particular interest in kissing Opal ever since their sleepover with Kuvira, and each find the other to be a good kisser.

** Averted with possible romances. The authors have made it clear they will follow their plans with the future relationships regardless of what the readers want.

** Reception towards Unalaq has been far more positive than in canon due to having apparently undergone 'AdaptationalHeroism' by showing more concern for his family along with not being ObviouslyEvil like his canon counterpart.

* TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodCharacter: While the Red Lotus were better utilized in this story than in canon, some readers believed the Red Lotus should not have been killed off by the end of Book One. A special mention goes to Ghazan who was the closest to Korra (and the authors even considered sparing him). Zaheer may be the only exception to the trope since he released his spirit into the Spirit World which could make him a threat later on.

* PanderingToTheBase: The writers of this story will occasionally make changes or expansions on chapters based on feedback. [[TropesAreNotBad The changes have generally been more well received]].

* CompleteMonster: Ming-Hua is an unrepentant {{Sadist}} who gleefully takes every opportunity to [[KickTheDog physically and psychologically abuse Korra]]. She also [[AdaptationalVillainy lacks any of the likeable traits]] that her canon counterpart held and instead is shown to be needlessly cruel to both allies and enemies alike such as when she advocated for the [[YouHaveFailedMe needless punishment of the Red Lotus sentries who were stationed at the compound during Korra's escape]] and P'Li and Ghazan believe that she will want to [[YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness "get rid" of Korra after she has served her purpose]]. Her malevolent tendencies are shown to not be a recent occurrence as flashback segments show that she [[AxCrazy felt nothing but excitement]] at the prospect of [[WouldHurtAChild murdering a young Iroh in his bed]]. In the present day events of the story there are also several times where she needs to be verbally restrained or reprimanded by Zaheer or other Red Lotus members for her often pointless cruelty such as [[SadisticTeacher killing animals in front of Korra during water-bending lessons]]. When Korra chooses to turn against the Red Lotus, Ming calls P'Li and Ghazan [[LackOfEmpathy weak for feeling any emotional attachment or reluctance]] to attack the girl whom was essentially raised by the Red Lotus and threatens to kill them if they defect from the Red Lotus. While the goals of the Red Lotus could be considered noble if unachievable, Ming never shows any interest in the ideological quest of the Red Lotus to bring freedom to the world and appears to only be interested in [[BloodKnight sating her own bloodlust]]. Cruel and sadistic, Ming-Hua is in many ways the living incarnation of the moral failures of the Red Lotus and one of several contributing factors for Korra's defection.

* TheLawOfConservationOfDetail: During the chapter 'The Heiress,' it is stated that Asami has apparently had relations with multiple men and women in the past. This was criticized by some reviewers, who felt it contradicted Asami's established past, particularly her FriendlessBackground. The authors explained that this detail had been unimportant up until this point, and that they had established Asami having had previous relationships, as she had told Korra she had kissed other people before. The scene in 'The Heiress' merely went into further detail.
* TheScrappy:
** Ming-Hua is the least likeable member of the Red Lotus due to her KickTheDog moments with Korra.
** Averted with Meelo, after the authors said they did not plan on him playing much of a role beyond cameos and a few lines due to their own dislike of the character. (Interestingly enough, the authors later stated they were surprised by the response they received in defense of the character. As a result, they have decided to keep their opinions of certain characters to themselves from now on.)
** You would be hard pressed to find anyone who does like Hiroshi Sato. He might be more loathed than his canon counterpart.

** While many of Korra and Asami's scenes together in Book One could be seen as their close friendship, it was made clear in Book Two that Asami was attracted to Korra. The two dated briefly but began to worry they were moving too fast. They have currently put their romantic relationship on hold but are determined to remain friends.
*** The two eventually have sex in Book Three, but in an agreed non-monogamous "friends-with-benefits" arrangement.

** It was revealed in 'The Heiress' that Lin Beifong and Kya had become a couple.

** After being on the run together for an extended period of time Opal and Zhu Li develop feelings for each other and begin a romantic relationship.

** Korra seeing Ghazan in her nightmare during Book Two seems to be a reflection that Korra continues to recognize that Ghazan was the nicest to her, and she has some regrets in causing his death.

* DieForOurShip: A few fans of the story were not pleased with some of Iroh's scenes with Asami during 'The Heiress'. While reactions may not have necessarily reached these levels, some readers thought that Iroh's involvement in Asami's life should not evolve past friendship.

** Korra and Asami are swimming in this. Though given they're are [[BiTheWay dating]] in the main series, and the authors have confirmed Asami and Korra are bisexual in this story too, it could be foreshadowing... to the kiss they eventually shared during Book Two.

** The writers made changes to Chapter Fifteen after Korra failed to kill Unalaq some readers felt the Red Lotus' reaction was a little out of character which resulted in the authors fixing it to make it fit the characters and plot better. The writers themselves believe this was a better change.
** While Ghazan’s death scene was considered rather chilling and decently described, what led up to his death was not considered to be written as well since it caused a lot of confusion with the readers. A number of readers actually thought Korra used lavabending to kill Ghazan, which was not the case. The scene required a few rewrites to straighten a few things out, but it still confuses some readers despite that.

** Mako has been better received by the readers in this story than in canon due to avoid the LoveTriangle trope.
** Reception towards Unalaq in this story has been far more positive in Saga than in canon due to apparently having undergone 'AdaptationalHeroism' by showing more concern for his family along with not being ObviouslyEvil like his canon counterpart.

** Manu did not earn any fans after holding a knife to Jinora’s throat, who is a fan favorite of the canon series, along with being an idiot who could be single-handedlycredited with ruining Zaheer's plans during the later parts of Book One.

* TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodCharacter: While the Red Lotus were better utilized in this story than in canon, some readers believed the Red Lotus should not have been killed off by the end of Book One. A special mention goes to Ghazan who was the closest Red Lotus member Korra had to a friend (and the authors even considered sparing him). Zaheer may be the only exception to the trope since he released his spirit into the Spirit World which could allow him to become a threat later on.

** While Ghazan was meant to be somewhat sympathetic, he appeared to be more so than the writers intended. Due to Ghazan being the most amicable to Korra out of the Red Lotus and causing the least harm to her in comparison to Zaheer, Ming-Hua, and P’Li, some readers felt that his CruelAndUnusualDeath was rather brutal, especially considering his death was far worse than the others. It may not have been a coincidence that the writers considered allowing Ghazan to be spared, and had Korra experience nightmares of his death in Book Two. Though the writers have also stated that Ghazan did not have a healthy relationship with Korra as he participated in kidnapping her as a child and training her to become an HumanWeapon.

** While Ghazan was meant to be somewhat sympathetic, he appeared to be more so than the writers intended. Due to Ghazan being the most amicable to Korra out of the Red Lotus and causing the least harm to her in comparison to Zaheer, Ming-Hua, and P’Li, some readers felt that his CruelAndUnusualDeath was rather brutal, especially considering his death was far worse than the others. It may not have been a coincidence that the writers considered allowing Ghazan to be spared, and had Korra experience nightmares of his death in Book Two.
Though the writers have also stated that Ghazan did not have a healthy relationship with Korra as he participated in kidnapping her as a child and training her to become an HumanWeapon.

** While Ghazan was meant to be somewhat sympathetic, he appeared to be more so than the writers intended. Due to Ghazan being the most amicable to Korra out of the Red Lotus and causing the least harm to her in comparison to Zaheer, Ming-Hua, and P’Li, readers felt that his CruelAndUnusualDeath was undeserved, especially considering that his death was far worse than them. Even though the writers have stated Ghazan did not have a healthy relationship with Korra since he participated in kidnapping her as a child and training her to become an assassin, the fact he committed the least onscreen harm to her along with doing a number of nice things for her, such as comforting her when she cried or letting Korra keep Naga, makes it difficult for some readers not to feel more sympathetic than the writers wanted. It may not not have been a coincidence that the writers considered allowing Ghazan to be spared, and had Korra experience nightmares of his death in Book Two.

** While Brock (an {{Expy}} of the ''Anime/{{Pokemon}}'' character) who appeared in 'The Heiress' might have been a one shot character the readers were not meant to really care about, Korra's rather InnocentlyInsensitive treatment of him during Asami's birthday made some readers feel sorry for him.
* WhatAnIdiot:
** When Red Lotus are sneaking into the Sato Estate to recapture Korra, they are discovered by Yujin. Instead of restraining and hiding her, Zaheer has her killed. Korra's friends would have discovered she was missing eventually. Finding out Yujin was killed not only altered Korra's friends sooner, but begins making the Red Lotus a BrokenPedestal to Korra.
** During the end of Book One, Manu finds out that Korra's friends figured out she is the Avatar and told Tenzin about this. Rather than maintaining his cover to warn Zaheer discreetly, he decides to take Jinora hostage which not only exposes him, but it leads to the downfall of the Red Lotus' plans. If he had not revealed himself, Mako would not have tortured him to find out the Red Lotus' plans for Korra nor would they have found out they planned on capturing Korra's parents as a backup plan if Korra decided to back down. It was because of his idiocy that Zaheer's plans fall apart.
** Zaheer should not have told too many of his fellow Red Lotus members that he planned on capturing Korra's parents for possible leverage, especially the ones who did not need to know, such as Manu, who would not have had any effect on the plan. As a result, Manu ends up spilling the beans to Mako after being tortured.
** Korra and Asami do make some rather impulsive decisions regarding their relationship, which leads to some strain between them. Although this could be attributed to both character's isolation enforced by others, Asami by her father and Korra by the Red Lotus.

* ParvumOpus: The Book 2 chapter 'The Heiress' has probbly received the most mixed reactions. While the chapter was praised for its depiction of Asami's party, along with Asami and Korra's interactions with many different characters, other parts were criticized. Fans seemed divided on the reveal of a [[LesYay Kyalin]] relationship, and some fans thought some aspects of Asami's personal life contradicted what had been previously established about the character. A few were also unsure about her scenes with Iroh (though this was before his AgeLift was revealed), and were not pleased at the idea that the Korrasami relationship might be heading towards a break up. However, the authors have maintained that the events of this chapter are important and will play a crucial role in later events.

* TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodPlot:
** During Chapter One of Book Two, it is established that Korra is still recovering from multiple injuries she received from the Red Lotus. The writers confirmed that some of her injuries, specifically the ones on her arms, would leave scars. However, her injuries go unmentioned again during the early chapters of Book Two even though those chapters are being used to establish that the influence of the Red Lotus will continue to affect Korra's psyche. It would have been interesting to see how Korra and her friends or family would react to the fact Korra received scars or how Korra is trying to cover them up. It would have been a strong symbolic tool to further emphasis that Korra will never be truly free from the Red Lotus either physically or mentally. However, the lack of mention of the injuries during the early chapters will reduce any impact they may have if they are mentioned in a later chapter.
** In canon, Korra's CoolBigSis relationship with the Airbabies was a highlight. It would have been interesting to see how Korra's initial relationship with the Airbabies would develop in Saga during the beginning of Book Two, especially after how Korra got along with Jinora during Book One and how accepting they were of her being their grandfather's reincarnation. Additionally, Korra admits she has an easier time talking or spending time with them. Instead of receiving more screentime to develop their friendship, she only has a handful of short scenes with them and occasionally makes a reference to an off-screen moment she had with them.
** The handling of the Korrasami relationship was poorly done to say the least. While most praised how it was built up during Book One and the fact Korra and Asami became girlfriends at the beginning of Book Two, the writers had the relationship come to an abrupt halt within three chapters rather than trying to give the relationship proper development. Many readers have criticized the writers decision with this.

* TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodCharacter: While the Red Lotus were better utilized in this story than in canon, some readers believed the Red Lotus should not have been killed off by the end of Book One. A special mention goes to Ghazan who was the closest Red Lotus member Korra had to a friend. Zaheer maybe the only exception since he released his spirit into the Spirit World which could allow him to become a threat later on.

** The writers stated they considered sparing Ghazan at the end of Book One, but decided to kill him off. This appeared to be a possible missed opportunity, due to how he was the nicest to Korra, and some readers would have been interested in any interactions he could have had with her after she was responsible for killing his friends.