This was a really enjoyable middle grade fantasy. I was unaware until after reading that this was inspired by Les Mis. I have not actually read Les Mis before, so I cannot speak to how this compares as a retelling. But, I enjoyed it very much on its own merit. The world-building was well done, and I enjoyed the Thai-inspired setting. The characters were really well formed and interesting. I liked that this was told through multiple points of view and that each voice was clear. The story kept my interest and moved at a nice pace. Readers that enjoy middle grade fantasy will likely find much to love in this book.

This intriguing adaptation of “Les Miserables” highlights how class systems and labels can change a persons life, The vivid description of the setting and the energy used to bring light to others makes it a must-read.

“Well, sometimes light shines on the worthy. But sometimes it just shines on the lucky ones. And sometimes… Sometimes good people get trapped in the dark.”

I adore the writing of this one. It felt magical to me, and I found myself smiling very often. The author clearly has a way with words that made me think of my childhood. I was always fond of literature and storytelling and this book does not focus on these things, yet there was a quality to it that I think child-me would have adored. The connections and friendships were a personal highlight. My personal favourites were those with mentors or parental figures, as that is a trope or theme in media that I always adore.

5/5 stars
Would buy a physical copy? Yes
Would recommend to a friend/loved one? Yes

I want to thank #netgalley for introducing me to this book because as soon as I read it, I bought a copy for my classroom library. I have never read Les Mis, or seen the play or movie, so this was a new story for me. I enjoyed the characters and felt the heartbreak and joy experienced throughout. I love when characters pull you in and share their emotions with you. My students have enjoyed reading this book.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well written. The world building was amazing! Every detail to the story connected every well. I also enjoyed the message it had. I did get a bit confused towards the middle of the book, I had to reread several pages to understand.

Like some of the other reviewers, I had no idea there were fantasy elements to this middle grade novel. It was a pleasant surprise! This is a world where one man rules a city because of his orb magic, and babies born in prison (to women whose offenses are often no more than stealing) have to remain incarcerated until they turn thirteen. Pong escapes from such a prison, and his escape entangles Nok, who is convinced that catching him will restore her father's good name.

I really enjoyed these characters, especially the kindly monk who treats Pong like a person instead of a criminal. Pong is also a memorable, relatable character, and while I spent most of the book disliking Nok, she grew on me as well. All in all, it was a lively story, full of adventure and heart.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

A Thai-inspired twist on Les Mis has a lot to live up to, and this book delivered and then some. This was an excellent exploration of what freedom really means, of questioning the way things are and seeing the beauty in what could be. A+

I really struggled to get into this book, but when I finally did I enjoyed the luminous story telling and plot. I had a big hang up in knowing it was a retelling of Les Miserables -- I focused too much on looking for comparisons and not enough on just enjoying the story. Luckily I don't think that young readers will have the same challenges.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Incredible, full of rich culture, thrilling adventure, heartbreaking tragedy, and heartwarming emotion and friendship. Such a wonderful book, strongly recommended to all.

I really enjoyed the world the author built here - the descriptions were so vivid and I really felt immersed. And that cover art - 😍. The retelling of Les Mis was really artfully done for a young audience and I thought she dealt with the big issues (good and evil, right and wrong, guilt and forgiveness) in a way that was really accessible for kids. Definitely recommend.

So, so good. I preordered a copy as soon as I finished and haven't gotten it back since the dat I brought it to school. So thought-provoking and well done!

WISH IN THE DARK is set in a Thai-inspired fantasy world and reimagines Les Miserables for middle grade readers, drawing upon themes of justice, courage, and mercy. The characters are well-drawn and likable, the magic intriguing and unusual, and the writing lyrical. It’s a delightful story that, while fantasy in many ways, still has that sense of what life is like on a daily basis for many in this world.

This was a beautiful and classic story of light vs. darkness. The observant Pong embarks on a journey that not only enlightens his world but also his life and the lives of those around him. Nok, too, embarks on a different journey to uncover secrets long hidden away and eventually helps Pong to enlighten the city of Chattana.

This book was amazing. It honestly should have won the big medal for last year instead of when you trap a tiger. Totally moving, BBFK list making title.

I enjoyed this book a lot! The characters had great growth throughout and I always love that in a book. There is a little of everything here, adventure, good and evil, punishment etc. I've never read the classic Les Misérables so I don't know if id appreciate it a different way if I did but I still got a lot out of this book. This was definitely a heartwarming and beautiful story!

I enjoyed this book! A Wish in the Dark is set in a fascinating world, with a plot that unravels at a good pace, so it wasn't boring at any part. Excited to see what else the author comes up with in the future.

Had the pleasure of hearing Soontornvat speak at a webinar. Not surprised the book was as good as it is. Loved the setting and tone and think my patrons will too.

I received A Wish in the Dark from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I need a visualization of this book. Social Status is based on what orbs (light) you can use, and so the rich live beneath the brightest light. The poor can only use the dull, cheap lights. I want to see this les misérables set in a thai-inspired world play out in real life. Maybe a dinner show of this book set onto a stage so I can also eat what the characters are eating?

Character relationship are the strength of this book, and plays a major role in character development. This is especially true for Nok who's motivation is strongly based on her parent's view of her--or at least, her beliefs of their view of her. Such strong, emotional character relationships are what drive a book into a reader's heart and is the reason why stories linger for so long in a reader's mind. This is a book impossible to not love.

This urban adventure is set in a fantastical Thai city, one where fire is forbidden and all light is controlled by the Governor. It's a novel about kids against adults, and also about kids against kids—the sort of story where you end up rooting for both the hunted (Pong, a young prison escapee trying to set things right in the city) and the hunter (Nok, the spire-fighting girl—sort of like a Ninja—determined to stop him). The two may have more in common than they could have ever imagined. Moonlit boat chases, fight scenes, an inferno, and a cliff jump ensue. But it's a book that's filled with deep characters–and deep meaning too. This might be a good fit for fans of Rick Riordan, Anne Ursu (Breadcrumbs, The Real Boy), and Jennifer Nielsen (The False Prince). It could also be a natural next step (into somewhat darker territory) after finishing Grace Lin's Where the Mountain Meets the Moon books.