A Wish in the Dark is a beautiful and powerful tale of self-discovery, revolution, and healing. It brings to life a Thai-inspired city through the eyes of two young protagonists from drastically different backgrounds, juxtaposing the oppressed with the privileged. Pong is a character you can't help but root for, while Nok is harder to sympathize with but a compelling character in her own right with a character arc of immense growth. The book explores the gap between laws and justice and I was pleasantly surprised by the radical politics of prison abolition found in this book. This story speaks to the power of the people to reclaim their lives, of education and community care. An absolute must-read.

If you enjoyed Les Mis, you’ll enjoy this book! It was filled with adventure, hope, and light. I enjoyed reading this story.

This one took me by surprise. It starts out a little slow (not in a bad way) as you get to know Pong and Nok and learn about their world and each of their places in it. As the story moves along and the stakes for both children get higher, I couldn’t put the book down. And it’s so, so relevant to today’s discussions on race, class, privilege, and criminal justice, without being heavy handed. This is a wonderfully magical tale that I think many young readers would enjoy, and it would lend well to discussion.

"A Wish in the Dark" is a magical Les Miserable inspired tale set in Thailand. It's well written and effortlessly weaves in fantasy and magical elements within the story. The book explores concepts like poverty, wealth distribution, and justice. It's characters are developed and well rounded. It's a great middle grade read.

The Governor creates all light in Chattana, and the rich easily live their lives under its brightness. The poor still toil away in the dark, and it's not much better than the prison that Pong escaped from. Nok, the warden's daughter, is determined to find Pong and restore her family's name. But going through the city's underbelly reveals truth that she had never been aware of, and now she questions justice.

In this world, the Governor is able to infuse light into glass globes, and it's of varying strengths and uses. The people have to buy the globes, so the poorest in the city can only afford weak violet light. Any crime, no matter how small, is punished severely, and children born during a mother's sentence are tattooed and forced to continue the mother's sentence if she dies in childbirth. Once there is a prison tattoo, however, these people aren't hired into any decent jobs within the city. There is a strict East/West divide within the city; one of the Governor's favorite proverbs is "The light shines on those who are worthy." All those with the most expensive golden lights live on the West side.

Pong is aware of this injustice since he was very small, and escapes the prison. He lives with monks for the next four years, taking in their sense of charity, goodness, justice and the means of being a good person. Fate sends him back to Chattana after Nok and her family visits the monks' village. Nok at first has the same rigid morality as the Governor, and believed in his assertion that laws must be followed to the letter in order to maintain society and safety. Seeing the reality of the East side is a wake up call for her, and her own family secrets are laid bare. Pong also discovers the secret of the Governor's power, as well as his willingness to widen the divide between East and West to keep his rule inviolate.

The characters grow a lot over the course of the novel, and it circles back to the beginning elegantly. I love the world that we're introduced to, with some touches that are anchored in our own East Asian countries. Through this story, we are asked which is better: to give up control in order to be safe, or to maintain a sense of equity and justice even when risk is involved. This is a complex question, and there is no easy answer given. With teenage main characters, middle grade and teen readers can safely ponder these questions just as adults can.

Wonderfully written!!! Middle grade literature at its best.

“You can’t run away from darkness. It’s everywhere. The only way to see through it is to shine a light.”

A Wish in the Dark surprised me. I didn't know it has a Les Misérables twist, which I love. It explores some social issues such as poverty and the unfairness that it entails. And let me say that the author did a great job of tackling the underlying themes. The story features two main characters, Pong and Nok. Their lives are too contrast with each other but that's what makes them perfect main characters. I feel like their individual personalities and social status in life makes the whole book perfect. Because each of them showed a different picture and then collided with each other.

I learned more about the world and everything within because Pong and Nok are from two different sides. And wow, the representation of the Thai culture is so well-done. I'm a Filipino and most are familiar to me but I enjoyed learning more about them and new things about Thai. Such an amazing country that I want to visit someday.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to everyone, not just to kids.

WOWEE THIS WAS SO GOOD.

This is a wonderfully, atmospheric middle grade novel following two kids on different sides of the law. Set in Chattana, a city run by the Governor's light, we follow Pong, a boy who was born into Namwon Prison, and Nok, the prison Warden's daughter. This is a Thai inspired homage to Les Miserable and to be honest it was simply gorgeous!

Given its inspiration one of the main themes the story explores is justice. What exactly is justice and who decides? Soontornvat sets up the question is it possible to be wrong and still good and then effortlessly guides the reader through it all.

This story is vibrant, fast-paced, and full of delicious food. If you love adventure driven, character-focused stories I would definitely give A Wish in the Dark your time!

This fantasy twist on Les Mis is set in a Thailand inspired world. The Jean Val Jean character, Pong, escapes from a prison when he is nine years old and the warden’s daughter Nok, our Javert, is keen on catching him. The book focuses on class, protests, and justice. It has many appealing elements such as likable characters and empathetic struggles. I found it to be slow to get started with most of the action happening in the last quarter. I also thought many of the plot segues to be way too convenient and contrived.

I really enjoyed A Wish in the Dark. The characters were really well written and the plot kept me interested. I thought the writing was also really well done. I would love to read more from this author!

4.5 stars

A Wish in the Dark is a Middle Grade fantasy that follows two children: Pong, a boy who escapes the prison he was born in, and Nok, the prison warden’s daughter who has become a warrior. As Nok tries to track him down, Pong discovers how the rich of Chattana thrive while the poor struggle, and he and his friend Somkit band together to bring justice.

I’ve said before that I felt like this book was flawless, and I still stand by it. Immediately after I finished it, I remember smiling broadly and thinking about how perfect it felt. I kept waiting for some flaws to surface in my mind, because my brain hates positivity apparently, and I truly couldn’t think of anything.
Pong is a boy who was imprisoned and treated unfairly because of his mother. He simply yearns to be free, but he also is extremely good-hearted and kind. Nok, on the other hand, is fierce and determined, but still struggling to define her ideas of right and wrong, just like any kid growing up is. Both of these characters are growing, developing their ideas of the world, and learning how to fight for others.

I think an important part of this book is the relationships that the characters form with one another. First and foremost, I ADORE the sweet friendship between Pong and Somkit (you could argue that they almost seem like brothers). Thank you Middle Grade books for giving me such a wholesome relationship between two boys!!

Some other relationships I love include Father Cham, as a mentor to Pong. I am very Thai and look up to monks a lot, so I loved seeing him teach Pong important life lessons, Buddhist-inspired. And I also fell in love with Nok’s relationship with her parents! There is one particular scene where her father reassures her of his love no matter what, and it’s so heartwarming.

What I appreciate a lot about this book is how it artfully tackles social issues such as poverty and wealth distribution. Chattana depends on orb lights, for everything from light to electricity to heating. The system is set up against people who can’t afford the better types, and the rich turn away from their struggles.

Soontornvat talks about privilege and unfairness, and how the affluent don’t care about the poor, and, most importantly, questions whether you can actually make a change, when you recognize injustice and believe you cannot do anything about it. She writes these in a meticulous way that makes it easy for kids to understand, yet encourages them to explore these issues for themselves.

What really is the cherry on top for me, though, is that this book is brimming with Thai culture. Everything from the names to the !!food!! to the customs to the cover is so wonderfully Thai, and seeing my culture written so lovingly means the absolute world to me. I think I actually teared up at one part when Pong was with monks at a temple probably because, again, my love and respect for monks has been ingrained in me as a Thai. :o)

(I also would like to note that there is a lot of mango love, and I, especially as a Thai, wholeheartedly approve.)

You’ll grow fond of these characters quickly and root for them to bring justice, and you’ll fall in love with the world that it’s set in as well as the culture it draws from. When you finish the book, the only possible reaction is to smile and feel like your heart is expanding beyond your chest.

Even if you don’t normally read Middle Grade, I am begging you to pick this up! Not only because it means the world to me for being a Thai-inspired fantasy and having so much Thai culture in its pages, but because it truly is written on another level.

My Thoughts
This book is MAGICAL, to say the least! Set in a wonderfully detailed, Thai-inspired, delightfully fantastical world with characters that you are sure to love, this book draws you in from the very beginning, and leaves you feeling you want to stay there, in Chattana, with Pong and Nok and Somkit, and the myriad other characters.

Setting and Culture
The setting is amazing, and I repeat myself, when I say magical. Soontornvat’s descriptive details effortlessly transports the reader into the alleys and countryside of Chattana. I found myself looking up at the multicolored orbs with Pong, relishing the fruit (the mango and the tangerine, not the durian though:)), watching Nok practice her spire fighting, and marching for justice along the bridge with a thousand other citizens of Chattana.

“Long ago, Chattana was the City of Wonders. Giants as tall as palm trees waded in the river while singing fish schooled around their ankles. In the floating markets, vendors sold all manner of magical treats:….” (pg 16 of the eARC)

Readers get a beautiful peek into the amazing and ancient Thai culture, even if through the pages of a fantasy novel. And the richness flows through the words, the characters, the locales, the food.

Characters
This is one of those books where every character adds richness to the story. I enjoyed each one – the good and the bad. I loved that none of the characters are perfect, even the ones who you expect to be. Even those who are admired and respected by all around them, display certain flaws and/or admit mistakes they have made. And I loved that you can still love these characters, in spite of or actually because of their flaws. It makes them more real, more relatable, more us. With flawed yet likable characters, Soontornvat shows the reader that each of us has a light inside that will shine through, if we only let it.

Whether it was Father Cham, courageous Ampai or the benevolent Mark, big-hearted Pong, brave Nok, or resourceful Somkit, each character endears and ensures they stay in your heart long after you finish reading this book.

Relationships
The many and varied relationships are another important and beautiful aspect of this book. Pong and Somkit’s deep and enduring friendship is my favorite; and I also loved how Soontornvat portrayed the strong and tender mentor-student relationship between Father Cham and Pong.

‘Warm mango juice dripped down the back of Pong’s neck as Somkit tore into the fruit with his teeth. “Oh, man. I was wrong. This is worth getting beat up over.” Somkit reached over his friend’s shoulder and struck a plug of mango into the corner of Pong’s mouth.’ (pg 5 of the eARC)

Social Issues
And last, but not the least, is how effortlessly and artfully Soontornvat tackles important social issues. She talks about the unfair divide in society and how a system can let some people down; about poverty and privilege; and about how each person (no matter the age or where they are from) can recognize the wrong and believe they can help in making it right.

The book also talks about how being quiet versus lending a voice makes a big difference, and this is so timely, so relevant in today’s scenario.

“… It’s more than that. I’m marching ’cause it’s time we stand up and say we won’t be treated this way. We deserve respect, no matter what side of the river we live on. No matter what color orbs swing over our heads!” (pg 296 of the eARC)

Final Thoughts
The book’s language makes it easy for younger audiences to understand and further explore not only the societal issues, but the beautiful culture the book is based on, about relationships and loyalties, about the science of lights, the wonders of magic and imagination, and so much more! It is a book that enables countless conversations that are bound to be interesting.

In Summary
A Wish in the Dark is a book that shines bright, and fills me with hope for humanity, for justice, and shows that together we can bring about the change we want to see in the world. It is simply put, a beautiful, thought-provoking, heart-tugging book that you must read for yourself.

So yes, go get it now, and fill your heart full of hope and light!

“You can’t run away from darkness. It’s everywhere. The only way through it is to shine a light.”

<a href="https://www.ladyinreadwrites.com/">Check my blog - LadyInReadWrites - for more reviews</a>

Disclaimer: Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the eARC of the book; these are my honest opinions after reading this book.

3,5 stars, rounding up to 4!

The inspiration from Les Mis is obvious in some relationship dynamics and plot points, but I really enjoyed the fact that it followed the plot only loosely and instead became its own story. I loved the characters in this one, and the alternating POV between Pong and Nok showed two very different personalities. (My favorite was Somkit though, who has my entire heart!) And I found the Thai-inspired world to be really captivating and so vivid in its description.

My only serious issue with this book was the fantasy aspect of it. I'm not sure if it counts as fantasy or magical realism, but when something magical does happen it's completely out of a sudden and that doesn't change throughout the book. Magic is not well integrated to the world, but it's never really questioned either. I had a similar issue with Nok's Nothing-walk which was so random and she was the only person who ever used it that it really had me pause every time it was mentioned.

Overall though it was a great and entertaining read, and I would definitely recommend it, especially for the younger readers!

the french novel les misérables is famous for exploring the topics of poverty, wealth disparity and justice, and these are all handled equally well in a wish in the dark, which has been dubbed “a retelling of les misérables set in a thai-inspired world”.

in the book, social status is represented by what kind of orbs you use. since fire is banned, orbs are the only source of light for the citizens of chattana, but not everyone can afford the best ones – the rich bask in the luxury of bright lights, while the poor can only use the dimmest, cheapest kind of light. i loved the clever use of symbolism, and the world-building was so amazing. thailand, with its delicious food, friendly people, and rich culture, is one of my favorite countries in the entire world, and i enjoyed seeing it represented in the form of a fantasy world ❤

the relationships in this book gave me the warmest fuzzies. the friendship between somkit and pong is so, so beautiful – they are always there for each other, and each one of them are so forgiving and loyal towards the other. i also loved father cham and how he always manages to see the good in every single person. his little blessings for pong are so incredibly sweet, and i couldn’t help smiling at every one of them. on top of that, we witness the development of nok’s relationship with her parents – in the beginning, nok feels that she’s seen as “imperfect” and always worries about ruining her family’s reputation, but at the end, her father explains the truth to her and tells her how much he loves her, and i literally couldn’t stop smiling giddily.

in conclusion, a wish in the dark is a story with wholesome relationships and incredible world-building, discussing social issues such as wealth disparity and equality through beautiful storytelling. the book made me so happy, and i highly recommend it ♡

Middle grade fantasy. This is apparently a Thai inspired homage to Les Mis, but as I have not been to Thailand or read/seen Les Mis, that didn't give me too much information. The story starts in a women's prison, where the children born to the prisoners also reside. Two such children, Pong and Somkit, have become orphans and are still living in the prison. After a visit from the governor, Pong escapes and ends up with Buddhist monks led by Father Cham. As they spend time together Father Cham becomes a sort of mentor to Pong. But this story also revolves around Nok, a young girl raised by the prison warden to be a law-abiding citizen and a fierce spire-fighter. When her family visits the monks, she recognizes Pong and makes it her own mission to catch and punish him for his escape, which brought shame to her family.

Soon both Pong and Nok are on the run, returning to a city in unrest as they circle each other. Somkit has taken up residence and employment with Ampai, a woman who helps the poor in an underground network. They are organizing a peaceful revolt of the commoners against the governor and the unfair society he has created.

This book took me a while to get into, but the second half gripped me. It brought up interesting questions of social justice and law: are criminals born or made by their circumstances? Who has a right to create laws affecting so many? Is there good inside all of us? Though this book is marketed as middle grade, I think it works for a YA audience as well due to the length and the depth of the content.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Delightful story about blessings and magic and friends and enemies. I really enjoyed this.

I think it’s a good middle grades book!

This book was SO GOOD. I want everyone to read it. The cover is amazing. Soontornvat's writing is superb. Pong escapes the prison he's lived all his life only to find that freedom has its own complicated issues as he begins life on the run. I can see traces of Les Miserables in the narrative but Soontornvat's Thai influenced retelling is far richer and refreshing than the original. This book is all about twists and ties that bind, it will hook you from the first page.

I didn’t even realize this was a fantasy. It’s a bit boring with so much exposition in the beginning. I’m not sure middle schoolers (the intended audience?) would like this. It’s written very plainly and simplistically. From reading other reviews, I heard this has more action in the end.

readers that love mystery or fantasy will love this fast paced story. Pong learns that the grass isn't always greener in this story set in fantastic world. Soontornvat creates a beautiful world. Readers will have to decide about good and evil and morality in this wonderful new Middle Grade novel. Appropriate for elementary and middle schoolers,

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

As a fan of Les Mis and middle grade, I was very intrigued by the premise of a middle grade take on Les Miserables. This had all the elements of Les Mis- prisoner who escapes, warden’s daughter who tries to track him down, revolution- but it just kind of fell flat for me personally. I feel like there were several parts that just dragged and could’ve benefited from being edited down.

There were definitely aspects of the story I enjoyed like our main character Pong’s relationship with the monks and his childhood friend.

This book exceeded any and all expectations I had for it, and even ones I didn't.

In the genre of YA, it is so easy to dismiss a great story just because of its "target" audience, I feel like A Wish in the Dark is a prime example of this. Christina Soontornvat deftly creates a retelling of the classic Les Miserables with a completely new and unique story.

Based in a wholly original Thai-inspired fantasy world, the themes of Les Mis are deftly woven all throughout this beautiful story. The world Soontornvat has created is vibrant and wonderfully rich with backstory. The characters are well developed and I found myself as fully engrossed with this story as I have been with any of piece of fiction I have picked up this year. I highly recommend this book for any fans of brilliantly reimagined pieces of classic literature.

Absolutely solid 4.80/5 for me.