First published 2021
Pong has spent his entire life inside Namwon Prison, dreaming of the magical lights that illuminate Chattana beyond the walls. When he finally breaks free, he discovers the city divides sharply between rich and poor. Wealthy citizens enjoy brilliant orb light while the poor struggle in shadows. His prison tattoo brands him as an escaped convict, making true freedom impossible. Nok, daughter of the prison warden, pursues him through the city's narrow alleys and winding canals. She wants to capture Pong and restore her family's reputation. As the chase continues, Nok begins questioning everything she believed about their society. The Governor controls all light in Chattana, claiming he brought peace after the Great Fire destroyed the old world. But Pong sees how this system creates inequality and injustice. His escape forces both children to confront the difference between following laws and doing what is right.
Genres: dystopia, adventure, fantasy, social-justice
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Chattana, Namwon Prison
384 pages · Paperback · Candlewick Press