Knowing this middle grade novel was influenced by Les Miserables, one of my all-time favorite stories actually kept me from enjoying the book initially. I was too focused on identifying which elements came from Hugo's story. Once I let go of that and allowed myself to be immersed in Pong and Somkit's world, I was drawn into this tale of a boy trying to live beyond his destiny and how he and his friends helped transform their society. I did feel like the ending was a bit hurried, but still satisfying. I loved the southeast Asian-influenced setting. And yes, it's obviously influenced by Les Miserables, but I recommend not thinking about that as you read. You can contemplate the connections after you've enjoyed the story.

I loved this book! I felt transported into the world and was right there with Pong, Simkit, and Nok. I enjoyed Pong's journey throughout the story and his journey of self-discovery. I loved how Father Cham tied back to all of the main characters through their background story. It was the perfect ending and I cannot wait to be back at school to recommend this book to students.

A Wish in the Dark is a magical journey into self-discovery, not just for the two main characters - Pong and Nok - but for everyone that plays a part. Pong and Nok first see one another when Nok is visiting the prison where her father is a warden. Pong is there, not as a prisoner, he's the child of a prisoner, but in Chattana that's just as bad. Pong was born there and will live there until he's 13 when he will be turned out to make his own way in the world. Pong can't wait that long. He sees a chance to escape one day and he does! As a fugitive, he has nowhere to go and finds sanctuary at a Buddhist temple. His story does not end there, neither does Nok's because hiding away is not the way a person discovers who they are and what they are meant to see and do. Soontornvat has a way of describing her characters and their experiences that allows the reader to truly get to know them and care about them. This is a story with roots in Thailand, which will open a new world to many readers and excite others to see something of themselves in the pages. The pages are full of beautiful light, sneaky darkness, friends with big hearts, raw pain, and maybe the reader will find their own light as they follow the journey of Pong and Nok.

I was provided a free digital copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When I read the description for Christina Soontornvat's ,"A Wish in the Dark" and saw that it was compared to Les Miserables, I was intrigued. I read Victor Hugo's book in high school and watched the most recent musical movie when it came out in theaters and have also seen it on stage in 2014. So I know the source material very well.
'A Wish in the Dark" follows Pong-an orphan raised in a prison, his friend Somkit, and the prison warden's daughter, Nok. Pong is placed in the Jean Val Jean role-he escapes from the prison (is not released) and is helped by a kindly old monk. Nok is the Javert of the story, who believes that the law is to be followed in all instances. Soontornvant weaves a little bit of magic and world building into her tale, and while it takes a bit long to get going (especially for a middle grades book-most of the action happens in the second half, which I think would cause many children to become disinterested before getting to that point), the story ends well. This is something I may suggest to the elementary book club I co-chair.

First of all, I'd like to thank Candlewick Press for sending me an e-arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I had a great time reading this book. A Wish in The Dark follows the main character, Pong, who ran away from Namwon where they keep prisoners' kids until they reach certain age, then they will be let out. I like the overall idea of this book. The writing style and the plot was done so well. For me, it's not particularly thrilling but I am sure that younger readers will find this book quite exciting as they follow Pong's and Nok's adventure in finding out about truths and fighting for justice.

The highlight of this book for me would be the theme. The question of power, status and how the poor will be poorer and the rich will be richer. Also, the game of politics and how the people rise up to fight the Governor for justice. This is all happening in real life and the fact that this book's main characters are in their early teenage years makes it more interesting. The author is trying to educate the kids that change is possible. The mentality that we have is not always what it seems like, we could be better and change our fate. The message is so empowering and it kinda amazed me that a book targeted for younger audience would be discussing on issues like this. Kids could definitely take away a lot from this book.

However, I did find Pong has less personality compared to the rest. He might be kind but I feel like if it weren't because of the other characters, Pong's life will be uninteresting. Unlike Somkit, he's funny and he's resourceful in many ways. He has that personality in him that will attract the readers. Same goes with Nok, she is a lady with strong will and always stands firmly with her beliefs and instincts. I also adore the adult characters in this book, like Father Cham, Nok's father and mother, Manit (the police officer), and the rest. These are the adult characters that we need to see more in children and YA books.

Besides that, I also adore the depiction of the scenery of various places in this book and the description on the orbs and the market place. Everything is so beautiful. I hope that this book would be turned into an animation some day because I bet it will be nothing else but amazing.

This was a nice read. I din't expected it since it is a middle grade book :)
And I really loved all the references to Thai culture. I learned a lot :)

*I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a free review. All opinions expressed are my own.*

This was the sweetest story ever!

From redemption to freedom vs. safety, I genuinely enjoyed all the themes this book explored. They were conveyed in such an engaging and entertaining way that was still thought-provoking and deep. I loved Pong, Somkit, and Nok -- but most of all Pong and Somkit's friendship. It was just so wholesome and pure and utterly amazing.

Plus, the prose was done extremely well. I felt like the book could translate very well to a film because it conveyed everything clearly, yet beautifully. The whole concept of a city run by colorful orbs has visual appeal, too, and I found myself wanting to be in Chattana so I could see all the orbs and hear the buzzing Pong keeps mentioning. I also appreciated the lore and history interwoven into this story as well as multiple aspects of this fantasy world (religion, poor sectors, food, martial arts, and more).

This book has to be one of the best middle grade books I've read this year, and I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to read it.

What would you do If you were born in a prison and you dreamed of the day you turned thirteen so that you can get out, but one day the chance comes about for you to escape? Would you take the opportunity to run or wait the four more years before you are released? This is the situation that Pong faces. He was born in Namwon Prison. He and his best friend, Somkit, dream of the day when they can go live in the city under the bright lights. They have grown up hearing the stories of the great fire and the governor who blesses everyone with the lights. One day Pong has a chance to escape and he takes it, but he finds out that life outside the prison isn't much better for a runaway. His arm has a tattoo that lets everyone know that he is on the run so he has no peace. He also finds out that only the wealthy have the bright lights. The poor have little to no lights at all. Many years later, Pong crosses path with the warden of the prison and his family. Nok, the warden's perfect daughter, recognizes him and vows to take him down in order to restore her family's name. As Pong goes on the run with Nok chasing after him, they both discover things about themselves and their past that shake them to their core. Will Nok capture Pong and turn him into the governor for Pong to go back to prison for the rest of his life? Will Pong be able to help the poor people who take him in and help them get the light that they deserve? Will Pong and Nok get the happy ending that they both deserve? Read this incredible book to find out these answers and so much more!

I absolutely love this story! The friendships, old and new, are extremely loyal and unselfish. Courage to stand up for what is right, even when you are standing up to a giant, is the theme throughout this story, despite the outcome. These friendships light up the world!

It’s hard to put my finger on it, but this story didn’t captivate me. I liked the main characters but when I put the book down, I wasn’t eager to pick it back up again to find out what would happen to them. The main problem didn’t surface until about half way through the story.

The setting in this book has an air of reality, even with the magical elements. The prison island feels very much like the sort of thing that could really exist.. While the light is a pretty heavy handed metaphor for privilege and income inequality, it's a fascinating exploration. Each character approaches the problems in the system from a different direction, informed by elements of their personal history. It's a broad plot with complex conflicts but resolves quickly and in a satisfying manner .A compelling read.

A fun fantasy adventure inspired by Les Miserables. The author managed to recreate the story for kids without the prostitution,suicide, and drunken couple--yay! But the key themes of hope, determination, and redemption remain.

A well written story that will stay with me for a long time. Our fifth graders will love entering this "Thai-inspired" fantasy world. Fans of Les Misérables will appreciate the themes and twists that Christina has infused into this beautiful story of struggle and hope.

A Wish in the Dark is a fabulous book for young readers and adults. It depicts the balance of right and wrong with simplicity that is both engaging and effortless. Also adding to the balance battle is the struggle of wealth and poverty. Characters, Pong and Nok are superbly well-developed and each embody opposing views of what is "right and just." The story flows with a steady pace of action that will keep young readers interested and engaged. A beautifully written classic tale about justice. The best book I've read so far this year.

I was a little surprised to find out this one was middle grade because while the main characters fit the age range, it felt like it was written for an adult audience. Not that I think middle grade readers would have any trouble with this book but it seems to effortlessly cross genres in this way.

I also didn’t know it was a retelling of Les Misérables until after I finished (thanks Jenna) but it makes a lot of sense now. It’s a very clever retelling because it doesn’t follow the original exactly but I can definitely see how pieces pulled from it.

There is so much that’s great in this book — learning from each of the characters as they grow into themselves and come to a better understanding of their world, the way it directly addresses and confronts privilege, the inclusion of magic in a somewhat subtle and yet intrinsic addition to the story. It’s a beautifully told story, moving slowly at the start but giving room for these characters to develop.

Let me be honest with you, I was doubtful how this story would intrigue me. The first two pages I was kind of having a hard to get into the story however as time goes by, I start to realize how good and interesting this book is. It's a Thai story and the fact that my country is quite near made so happy to keep on reading.
The story was written well by the author, Christina. The story grips me strong. I love all the characters - Pong, who wants to be free and away from prison life and Nok, who is fighting to chase the truth.

Overall, I wish the magical element was elaborate more. I feel like it wasn't enough. Aside from this, the story is amazing and unique. No, I have not yet watch Les Miserable but I will after finish reading this book. It makes me wonder about it. Highly recommended

I received this book as an ARC on NetGalley and below are my honest opinions of the book.

I want to first start out by saying that this book gives a very important look at the effects of the self-fulfilling prophecy. This is something that we need be aware of as we talk to people especially as parents and educators. The words that we say to people will become what they believe about themselves. This story really dives into that, and it is heart-wrenching! It also touches on poverty and is set in a Thai-inspired world which is something that we don't see enough of!

In the story, the Governor is the one in charge of everyone because he controls all the light in the city. He has created a world that believes, "Those who are born in darkness always return." This turns into the self-fulfilling prophecy mantra of a young boy named Pong. He and his best friend were raised in a jail because their mothers' have a criminal past. Thankfully because of Dumbledore, we know that "Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if we only remember to turn on the light." Once Pong sees an opportunity to flee the jail, he is set on an adventure that will lead him to many different places and people. He must figure out a way to survive with a prison tattoo that he can't get rid of and one that he believes defines himself.

I absolutely loved this story! It was perfectly paced, and I read it in a day because I didn't want to put it down! It had some fantasy elements, but not so much so that I think people who claim to not enjoy fantasy books will still thoroughly enjoy this story! I am sure that I will hear buzz about this book, and I hope it will receive the recognition it deserves.

I recommend this for middle grade and elementary libraries and would be a great read aloud to students! There are so many great discussions that could come out of it!

This magical middle grade novel teaches the power of friendship and the struggles of privilege and power differences. The comparison to Les Miserables is spot-on. The book is equally addictive and I know it will stick in my mind the same way. Soontornvat tuned it for a younger audience, though, which I thought was lovely. She kept the magic alive—literally. The orbs of Chattana that glow in different colors made for a beautiful landscape, both on the cover and in my imagination.

I especially loved how Soontornvat expanded on Pong’s stay with the monks. That has forever been a Les Mis moment that I wish would be more detailed, and she nailed it. Pong’s connection with Father Cham is so unique and beautiful. I loved Father Cham’s blessings, and his way of giving each child exactly what they needed, which coincided with Pong’s need to atone for his perceived wrongdoings. This is the sort of healing connection I think everyone needs right now.

Pong and Nok, the central characters in this story, are magical in and out. The journeys they go on lead them to become better versions of themselves right in front of readers’ eyes. Pong’s quest to reduce the suffering he and those around him face conflicts with Nok’s adoration of the Governor and her certainty that he can do no wrong. Luckily, both of them learn to challenge their views in a way that, again, delightfully parallels Les Miserables.

Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend A Wish in the Dark for any reader—it’s a Middle Grade novel that will appeal above and beyond the bounds of that genre. 4/5 stars for this wonderful new release!

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A wonderful, illuminating story about growth, friendship and empathy.

I truly loved this book, and I'm excited to start introducing it to young readers, but it will be equally captivating for adults who enjoy middle grade fiction. The writing is beautiful and the characters are so compelling. I absolutely loved the subjects, and I think the author approaches some difficult themes so well. Thought it is described as a twist on Les Miserable with a bit of magic, I don't think readers need to be familiar with the classic that inspired it to absolutely love this title.

Soontornvat's premise of "a Thai-inspired take on Les Misérables" is highly original, so I was excited to read it. The writing is sharp--there are some stellar examples of dramatic irony and tension-building, and I appreciated how Soontornvat incorporates a strong thread of standing up for what's just and right even in the face of adversity.

That being said, there are two reasons I might hesitate to recommend this to a middle-grade reader. 1) It really leans into the gritty, dark side of Les Mis; there are a lot of descriptions about prison life and the seedy underbelly of the town, and the reader has to slog through a lot of pain and turmoil. 2) It's LONG. It took me a while to finish, and I'm usually pretty speedy.