A Wish in the Dark
Author:
Christina Soontornvat
Publication:
2020 by Candlewick Press
Pages:
375
Current state:
This book has been evaluated and information added. It has been read and any content considerations have been added.
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
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Reviews
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.
A Wish in the Dark
With compelling themes, sympathetic characters, and a fast-moving plot, this book has a lot of tween appeal.
A Wish in the Dark
... this is a fast-moving, enjoyable fantasy that reaches a satisfying conclusion.
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