59 pages • 1 hour read
A Wish in the Dark
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
384
Novel • Fiction
Chattana • Fantasy World
2020
Middle grade
8-12 years
720L
Super Short Summary
Inspired by Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables and set in a Thai-inspired fantasy world, Christina Soontornvat's middle-grade novel A Wish in the Dark follows 13-year-olds Pong and Nok in the city of Chattana under the oppressive rule of the Governor. After Pong escapes from prison, he and Nok confront challenging truths about justice, redemption, and freedom, ultimately learning what it means to shine a light. Topics of familial incarceration, systemic oppression, and child abduction are present.
Adventurous
Inspirational
Fantastical
Hopeful
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
7,676 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Christina Soontornvat's A Wish in the Dark captivates readers with its rich Thai-inspired fantasy world and compelling moral themes. Praised for its vibrant setting and complex characters, the novel addresses social justice and personal redemption. However, some readers found certain plot developments predictable. Overall, it’s an engaging and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read A Wish in the Dark?
Readers who would enjoy A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat are fans of compelling, socially relevant fantasy with rich world-building and moral complexity. Similar in spirit to The Girl Who Drank the Moon and A Wrinkle in Time, it appeals to those who appreciate middle-grade literature that blends adventure with profound themes.
7,676 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
384
Novel • Fiction
Chattana • Fantasy World
2020
Middle grade
8-12 years
720L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.