Book Guide

A boy on the run. A girl determined to find him. A compelling fantasy looks at issues of privilege, protest, and justice.

All light in Chattana is created by one man—the Governor, who appeared after the Great Fire to bring peace and order to the city. For Pong, who was born in Namwon Prison, the magical lights represent freedom, and he dreams of the day he will be able to walk among them.

But when Pong escapes from prison, he realizes that the world outside is just as unfair as the one behind bars. The wealthy dine and dance under bright lights while the poor toil away in darkness. Worst of all, Pong's prison tattoo marks him as a fugitive who can never be truly free.

Nok, the prison warden's perfect daughter, is bent on tracking Pong down and restoring her family's good name. But as Nok hunts Pong through the alleys and canals of Chattana, she uncovers secrets that make her question the truths she has always held dear.

Set in a Thai-inspired fantasy world, Christina Soontornvat's twist on Victor Hugos Les Misérables is a dazzling, fast-paced adventure that explores the difference between law and justice —and asks whether one child can shine a light in the dark. 

From the dust jacket

To view an example page please sign in.

Sign In




Not a member yet? Start your Free Trial

Christina  Soontornvat

Christina Soontornvat

American
Christina Soontornvat grew up in a small Texas town, where she spent many childhood days behind the counter of her parents' Thai restaurant with her... See more

To view awards and booklists please sign in.

Sign In




Not a member yet? Start your Free Trial

Please sign in for audiobook information.

Sign In




Not a member yet? Start your Free Trial

Content Guide

Please sign in to access all of the topics associated with this book and view other books with the same topics.

Sign In




Not a member yet? Start your Free Trial

Please sign in to access information about the content of this book that you may want to consider before reading.

Sign In




Not a member yet? Start your Free Trial

Resource Guide

To view other book recommendations books please sign in.

Sign In




Not a member yet? Start your Free Trial

Reviews

Semicolon

A Wish in the Dark
Reviewed by Sherry Early
Well, this sort of Thai setting, Buddhist, dystopian fantasy middle grade novel is not exactly the kind of book I would have expected to enjoy, but I did.

Read the full review on Semicolon


Common Sense Media

A Wish in the Dark
With compelling themes, sympathetic characters, and a fast-moving plot, this book has a lot of tween appeal.

Read the full review on Common Sense Media


Redeemed Reader

A Wish in the Dark
... this is a fast-moving, enjoyable fantasy that reaches a satisfying conclusion.

Read the full review on Redeemed Reader


Kirkus Reviews

A Wish in the Dark
A complex, hopeful, fresh retelling.

Read the full review on Kirkus Reviews


Please sign in to read Biblioguides Team reviews.

Sign In




Not a member yet? Start your Free Trial