The Vermilion Emporium - by Jamie Pacton (Hardcover)

About the Book

"On the morning Twain, a lonely boy with a knack for danger, discovers a strand of starlight on the cliffs outside of Severon, a mysterious curiosity shop appears in town. Meanwhile, Quinta, the ordinary daughter of an extraordinary circus performer, chases rumors of the shop, the Vermilion Emporium, desperate for a way to live up to her mother's magical legacy. When Quinta meets Twain outside of the Emporium, two things happen: One, Quinta is sure she's infatuated with this starlight boy, who uses his charm to hide his scars. Two, they enter the store and discover a book that teaches them how to weave starlight into lace. Soon, their lace catches the eye of the Casorina, the ruler of Severon. She commissions Quinta and Twain to make her a starlight dress and will reward them handsomely enough to make their dreams come true. However, they can't sew a dress without more material, and the secret to starlight's origins has been lost for decades. As Quinta and Twain search the Emporium for answers, though, they discover the secret might not have actually been lost--but destroyed. And likely, for good reason"--

Book Synopsis

Two teens discover the secrets of a magical curiosity shop in a story of timeless love and deadly consequences.

The heart-wrenching story of The Radium Girls meets the enchanting world of Howl's Moving Castle. Perfect for fans of The Starless Sea and Divine Rivals!

"[A] hauntingly romantic fantasy adventure."--Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

It was a day for finding things...

On the morning Twain, a lonely boy with a knack for danger, discovers a strand of starlight on the cliffs outside of Severon, a mysterious curiosity shop appears in town. Meanwhile, Quinta, the ordinary daughter of an extraordinary circus performer, chases rumors of the shop, the Vermilion Emporium, desperate for a way to live up to her mother's magical legacy.

When Quinta meets Twain outside of the Emporium, two things happen: One, Quinta is sure she's infatuated with this starlight boy, who uses his charm to hide his scars. Two, they enter the store and discover a book that teaches them how to weave starlight into lace.

Soon, their lace catches the eye of the Casorina, the ruler of Severon. She commissions Quinta and Twain to make her a starlight dress and will reward them handsomely enough to make their dreams come true. However, they can't sew a dress without more material, and the secret to starlight's origins has been lost for decades. As Quinta and Twain search the Emporium for answers, though, they discover the secret might not have actually been lost--but destroyed. And likely, for good reason.

A powerful and romantic adventure set in a whimsically magical world. The Vermilion Emporium shines a light into the darkest spaces. It's about healing in a world shrouded with despair and discovering a spark of magic when you need it most.

Review Quotes

★ "[A] unique examination of class inequality and exploitation set against a provocative landscape. . . . The protagonists' easy, undeniable chemistry, the shop's fanciful impossibilities, and the heartbreaking price exacted by the starlight offer romance, whimsy, and introspection via a hauntingly romantic fantasy adventure."--Publishers Weekl, y Starred Review

★ "A fantasy novel clothed in romance and adventure, The Vermilion Emporium weaves together themes of loyalty and destiny, delivering a heartfelt and dazzling triumph."--Foreword Reviews, Starred Review

"Come for the steampunk vibes and Pacton's lavish imagery, but stay for her thoughtful commentary on social class, technology and power."--BookPage

"For teens who relish a heavy dose of darkness in their cozies. "--Booklist

"A feast for the senses . . . ."--Kirkus Reviews

"Pacton has delivered a satisfying YA fantasy debut."--School Library Connection

"Packed with fantastical adventures, heartfelt whimsy, and delightful characters, The Vermillion Emporium is as luminous as starlight lace itself. Jamie Pacton will make you believe there is magic to be found around every corner." --Allison Saft, New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic

"Whimsical, poignant, and enchanting, The Vermilion Emporium deftly weaves magic, romance, and loss into a story that lingers with the reader like starlight." --Margaret Owen, author of The Merciful Crow and Little Thieves

"Pacton's enchanting fantasy sweeps you into a world of starlight and moon shadows and holds you spellbound long after the final page." --Roselle Lim, author of Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune

About the Author

Jamie Pacton is an award-nominated young adult and middle grade author, who writes swoony, funny, magical books across genres. The Vermilion Emporium is her YA fantasy debut. When she's not writing, she's teaching college English, obsessively reading obscure history, hiking, baking, or playing video games. The Life and (Medieval) Times of Kit Sweetly is her Young Adult debut and her sophomore novel, Lucky Girl, released from Page Street in May 2021.