This was an amazing, light story of magic and whimsy.

Have you ever felt that sense of mystery that comes from stepping into a little used bookstore and getting lost in the shelves?

Imagine that bookstore isn't a bookstore at all, but a collection of all the wonderful things that you didn't know you needed. Imagine it gave you a purpose.

When Quinta and Twain's paths cross, they each bring one component of what's needed to create the legendary starlight lace, which can be used to magically enhance the person it was weaved for. Twain can find the starlight, and Quinta can weave it into lace.

These two youths and their unique talents catch the eyes of several of the most powerful people in the world, some with good intentions, and others less so.

The story was whimsical and interesting, with a dark twist. The characters - and their relationships - were believable, with prickly and ambitious Quinta and brave but mild-mannered Twain complementing each other well.

Will definitely be going back to read again!

Oh god, this book was so good!!
I have no idea why it took me so long to read it in the first place because as soon as I started reading it, I literally couldn’t stop myself!

This book is about two orphans who meet outside a mysterious curiosity shop called The Vermilion Emporium, which will appear at a whim. Twain has found a rare piece of starlight, Quinta has the magical ability to weave starlight into lace -a long forgotten secret in their world of Severon, and with good reason. This is the sweetest love story with adventure and the most whimsical and creative aspects!

The rooms in the Vermilion Emporium are all different, and will change at will
you never know what you will find, but apparently what you need will also find you!
A room full of music boxes, a room woven entirely from threads of shadow, or a room with a dragon-bone boat ...and so much more, I could have probably read like another ten chapters just on the Emporium alone. And the characters, Quinta and Twain were so well written and amazing!!

I also really enjoyed that the book took a turn in the middle, and there was a reveal was not expecting! If you are looking for your next magical read, I highly recommend this one as it’s one of the best YA fantasy books I’ve ever read!

The way the setting was created was really good, especially when it came to the Vermilion Emporium. It's not like the YA book I wanted, which is different from what I expect from middle-grade books. This is a cool story about two friendly main characters having an exciting experience. Quinta and Twain are very strong-minded. This book has a wonderful setting and the first part is a charming love story with a touch of magic, but it later becomes more exciting and unpredictable with lots of danger and surprises.

I usually don't like when there are "comparisons" or the famous writing "this story is for lovers of Harry Potter, ACOTAR, etc..." as they can also be lies. Good marketing maneuvers, no doubt, but then we have to see how many of those already famous stories there are and if the author's style manages to win over readers like Rowling or Maas. But I must say that here in naming "Howl's Moving Castle" it was right and Pacton's style managed to keep me glued to the pages.

Twain is a boy who laughs in the face of danger, Quinta is the daughter of a circus performer who wishes to discover her magical abilities. They meet in a strange store and from there their Destiny takes an interesting turn. He has starlight, found by chance near a cliff and in that emporium they discover a book that explains how to create lace with that magical light. Such an object will capture the attention of their ruler and in this regard she will make a request to them. If they create a starlight dress for her, the guys will be able to request anything they want. But the two have no more starlight and return to the Emporium to find out where to find more. Too bad this research turns into something more dangerous and intricate.

The story is very imaginative and the worldbuilding really well described. It's not a trivial matter because many (I would even say too many) fantasy authors fail to give us a complete idea of the world they create.
I liked all the characters, from the first to the last. I turned up a bit at the insta-love but I still appreciated the couple Twain and Quinta. They are in love but they are also accomplices in a situation that is not at all easy. But we know that where there is magic there is nothing simple.

As I said before, I was very impressed by the author's style. I requested this title falling in love with the cover but I ended up loving the content as well. Pages that take you on a magical and exciting adventure.

Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me an ARC!
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Unfortunately I DNFed this, it just didn’t catch my attention and maybe I’ll get into it again when I’m in the perfect headspace to give this another try!

I think this was a case of “right book, wrong time”. For some reason I just could not get into it! There wasn’t anything inherently wrong with it but I didn’t connect with either of the characters which made getting into the story difficult. The premise was great and the story was well thought out so if this book sounds interesting to you give it a try!

Thank you, NetGalley, Peachtree Teen, and Jamie Pacton for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Ratings:
Strength of Characters: 4/5
Quality of Writing: 3.5/5
Cohesiveness of Plot: 3/5
Overall Rating: 3.5/5

The Vermilion Emporium is a whimsical and enchanting story full of magic and romance. The very minute you step into the Vermilion Emporium, you will find yourself being swept away right along with our two main characters. For those who love the fantastical nature of stories like Caraval, The Night Circus, and Howl's Moving Castle, you will find yourself in love with several things from Jamie Pacton's YA fantasy novel.

Our two main characters, Quinta and Twain, were perfectly flawed and endearing characters. You automatically want to root for them based on their resiliency and bravery to pursue their dreams for a better future. Also, their dynamic with each other is so enjoyable. Their relationship is a rare case of insta-love that doesn't totally take the wind out of your romance sails. The commonly disliked trope actually works well in this story and I didn't mind it one bit.

I've briefly mentioned this already, but the other major strength of this story was the enchanting nature of the emporium. I wish we got to spend more time there than we did because it was really cool!

My biggest critique on this book is mostly the second half. It was at this point in the book where it felt like the story was veering off into an entirely different plot, or a plot that would've been better suited for a second book. Also, a lot of the conflict resolution seemed too quick or convenient and, therefore, the weight of the story's conflict wasn't actually felt.

I think if you're looking for a more light-hearted and hopeful read that carries very fairytale-like fantasy vibes, then you should pick this one up!

Just really boring to me. I didn't like only other book I read by Pacton but thought I'd give this a chance, but the writing still reads like middle grade for a young adult fantasy. Plus, lots of telling rather than showing, which continuously grinds my gears. This just wasn't for me.

Whimsical and wrenching. A romantic fantasy adventure that is strengthened by a unique magic system and examination of class inequality. Sadly, the demographic turns dusty and the romance doesn't land as expected.

I'm a little torn because this book is simultaneously whimsical and lovely and awkward and underdeveloped which makes reviewing...complicated.

If life is like a box of chocolates, comps are like a box from the Can You Feel It segment on the Tonight Show. You never know if what you get is what you expected or if it's some terrifying and/or strange and/or gross object you'd never in a million years want to put your hand on. So when I saw the Howl's Moving Castle comp, I was a little wary. Howl's is such a specific comp because it's not just about being a cozy fantasy, it's a fantastical kaleidoscope of magical absurdities, fantastical curiosities, and just the right amount of chaos. A comp to Diana Wynne Jones' classic (and/or Miyazaki's film) is a lot to live up to without adding in an author's note about how you were inspired by and hoped to emulate The Night Circus, but when it comes to such very specific ✨vibes✨, Jamie Pacton does a good job of living up to these promises.

Unfortunately, a story can't survive on vibes alone. Pacton falls into the trap of telling, not showing. A lot. She dumps a brick-ton of worldbuilding on us, bombards us with her characters' backstories/life experiences, and, worst of all, has her protagonists tell us constantly how they're feeling. I don't need to be constantly told how happy or sad or hopelessly in love you are. I want to see it. All that telling takes all the emotion out of the story and makes for a really dry reading experience.

This took me a while to get into, but ultimately I enjoyed myself. I loved the steampunk slight-dystopian vibe. Twill and Quinta’s relationship was probably the one thing that put me off - I’m not usually a fan of “love at first sight” meetings - but I was happy to see their dynamic develop the longer they spent time together.

Probably the definition of a cozy read, The Vermilion Emporium is a whimsical fantasy story that YA readers might criticize for its central immediate ride-or-die romance. I dislike the term instalove mainly for its inflationary usage, but let's be honest, that's really what happens here - and it's necessary for the story! Although the relationship between Quinta and Twain is endearing, and the wondrous world inside the eponymous shop of magical goods is creatively built, the plot leans towards the simpler, childishly fast-paced side. This puts the novel somewhere in between intended-age audiences, where it can't hold the attention of either.

When I read the summary for the Vermilion Emporium, I was immediately intrigued and as I requested and crossed my fingers (and got it!) I was so excited to dive into it.


And life gets busy, and I've been reading like a snail lately. But no matter what, the strength of this book lies in how each time I open my tablet and start reading a portion of it, it flows nicely and you get pulled in each time. And even when you close it to resume living life and you come back to it, you get pulled in again just as easily as the first time.


I love that with books, and I haven't seen it as often in my recent reads. For this to be Jamie Pacton's debut, I enjoyed it. It has Howl's Moving Castle Vibes, it has some Wonderland-ish aspects to it and THIS BOOK HAS MY HEART AND YOU ALL NEED TO RUN AND GET YOUR COPY WHEN IT COMES OUT!


So, here we go.


Short Summary? A charming violinist with a smart mouth and a girl who's been told will do great things end up in the same path when they end up entering the Vermilion Emporium, accidentally entering a wild goose chase for Starlight as the strings of fate pull them closer-- and may threaten to pull them apart too.


Longer Summary: Twain has lost everything. After his brother's death, his love of the Violin hurts now. He has his brother's debts to pay and after finding a piece of Starlight that could change his life, he stumbles into the Vermilion district when he sees her.


Quinta has been told that she is meant to do great things.


Or well, as great as helping a photographer out. After her mother's death, she has been searching for the Vermilion Emporium which has answers to what the moonshadow bottle heirloom may mean for her future and when she finally finds the place, she thinks all her answers will be here. Except that fate pulls her to Twain.


And perhaps, they might be each other's answer.



There is so much spoilery I could spill on here, but I would also like to keep my lips closed, but TWAIN is precious and I love him so much, and while Quinta is a bit prickly at first, you get used to her. The story itself pulls you in easily and the circus ambiance, the madness and the magic along with the romance and the banter between the two will keep you wanting to know what happens next. Worldbuilding was good and while some descriptions might have dragged out (A-la Adalyn Grace style!) it was pretty good. For the next book, I do hope for an improvement in physical characteristics because I know many early readers might have had this concern.


Rest assured, despite this taking me such a long time to get through, it is a worthy read to add to your shelves! Or to check out at a local library if we're saving money :)


Overall: 5/5 stars

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. Review based on the final copy. All opinions are my own.
I went into The Vermilion Emporium with very few expectations, other than recognizing Jamie Pacton’s name as an author I wanted to try, but never had before. While more whimsical fantasy is very hit-or-miss (Pacton openly cites The Night Circus as one of her inspirations, and I’ve long put off picking that up due to the mixed things I’ve heard), but I enjoyed this overall, especially once I learned more about some of Pacton’s other inspirations and saw how those also were reflected in the text.
Quinta and Twain are very much central to the narrative, in terms of both their respective journeys and their romance. I love that there’s a great balance between giving them gritty backstories and hardships to deal with, without making this a bleak book. They come together and come to rely on each other for support and love in such a beautiful and affirming way.
And while it does lean cozy, it’s also not afraid to amp up the action, adventure, and grit when necessary. And the pacing reflects this, with the early part of the book setting up the magical world, while the later part amps up the stakes and the mystery.
This is a solid fantasy read, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, lighthearted YA fantasy.

There was a bit of pacing issues in the book. The first half is rather slow, and while I did enjoy most of the world building and following the two MCs in discovery of the Emporium, it really took until the halfway point for things to get interesting. Much of the first half is also consumed with their insta-love romance (while also simultaneously saying 'this is crazy' so at least they're self-aware I guess). I also got very annoyed with a line that keeps getting repeated which Quinta's mother said to her, like ok we get it!!

The Emporium itself is of course really the most interesting thing about this book (along with the magical lace weaving). I heard this book described as Howl's Moving Castle vibes... personally because that is a movie I love intensely that was a high-bar to set. I wish I hadn't heard/read that because I think I would've enjoyed this book on it's own more without the comparison.

The second half got a lot more interesting once some *things* happen to really move the plot along and the focus isn't quite as much on the romance. And from this point on I really enjoyed the book, and the ending. So much so that it added a half star to my overall rating.

In the end while this book had some flaws, I definitely think it's worth a read if you're a YA fantasy fan, because perhaps some of my qualms are rather personal.

I also really enjoyed the author's note at the end where she talked about her inspirations for the book.

3.75/5 stars (rounded up to 4)
2/5 🌶️ (closed door)

This book is like if cozy fantasy and traditional fantasy had a book baby: AND I LOVE IT. Strong character development, a to-die-for magic system, and a plot that all works together to keep the pages turning! (Also that cover, though. GORGEOUS) So glad i got to read this one early and all the gladder to have the hardback on my shelf!

[ARC REVIEW]

Overall this was a good story.
I wasn’t fond of how “white girl” and “black girl” were used as descriptors; a little cringe, a little lack of creativity.
But, I loved the concept behind the emporium and following the characters along their journey was great.

Thanks to NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Quando ho letto la trama di questo libro sembrava davvero interessante. Peccato che questo libro mi abbia fatto quasi perdere la voglia di leggere. L'ho dovuto mettere da parte più volte per leggere altro, perchè seriamente ogni volta che lo riprendevo in mano mi arrabbiavo per ogni minima cosa c'era scritta.
Però non è ovviamente tutto tremendo. Questo libro ha sicuramente degli spunti originali e che se sviluppati meglio potevano diventare davvero un bel libro. A partire dal negozio che compare e scompare dove gli pare, la magia delle stelle e la loro tessitura, le infinite stanze all'interno dell'emporio e la città di Severon che sicuramente sarebbe stato bello esplorare maggiormente.
Invece ci siamo ritrovati nel giro di una manciata di capitoli i due protagonisti già persi e innamorati l'uno dell'altra dopo essersi conosciuti per puro caso davanti all'emporio. Non sono sempre contraria all'instalove, ma questo è stato veramente scritto male e mi ha dato la nausea. Non puoi fidarti ciecamente e affidare la tua vita all'altro, o addirittura pensare di non lasciarsi mai più dopo poche ore che vi siete incontrati! E' assolutamente poco credibile.
Per non parlare della noia infinita della prima parte. Non succede assolutamente nulla. Solo loro due che sono nel panico perchè non sanno come fare a creare questo dannato vestito per la reggente della città.
La seconda parte del libro invece è il caos più totale. Se un personaggio poteva fare una cattiva scelta, ne farà una ancora peggiore!
In questa parte però ci sono anche alcuni degli elementi che mi sembravano più interessanti, che però continuavano a essere buttati li, inserendo sempre altre cose nuove e interessanti dal punto di vista del sistema magico, ma a cui non veniva dato quasi mai una spiegazione.
E' una lettura che mette ansia e stress e che non mi ha trasmesso alcuna emozione. E' una lettura apatica e senza sentimento. Non mi sono affezzionata a nessun personaggio, se non forse alla propietaria dell'emporio, che mi ricordava in qualche modo una bibliotecaria.
Non gli ho dato il voto più basso, solo perchè ha qualche elemento interessante, ma altrimenti è una lettura da bocciare a parer mio, perchè non ti coinvolge in alcun modo.

Grazie Netgalley per avermi permesso di leggerlo in anteprima.

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When I read the plot of this book it seemed really interesting. Too bad this book almost made me lose the desire to read. I had to put it aside several times to read other books, because seriously every time I picked it up again I got angry at every little thing written there.
But of course it's not all terrible. This book certainly has some original ideas and if developed better they could become a really good book. Starting from the shop that appears and disappears where it pleases, the magic of the stars and their weaving, the infinite rooms inside the emporium and the city of Severon that surely would have been nice to explore more.
Instead we found ourselves within a handful of chapters with the two protagonists already lost and in love with each other after meeting by pure chance in front of the emporium. I'm not always against instalove, but this was really badly written and made me nauseous. You can't blindly trust and entrust your life to another person like this, or even think of never leaving each other again after a few hours of meeting! It is absolutely not beliavable.
Not to mention the endless boredom of the first part. Absolutely nothing happens. Just the two of them panicking because they don't know how to make this damned dress for the regent of the city.
The second part of the book, on the other hand, is total chaos. If a character could have made a bad choice, he will make an even worse one!
In this part, however, there are also some of the elements that seemed more interesting to me, which however continued to be put in like they weren't important, always inserting something new and interesting like from the point of view of the magical system, but with no explanation at all.
It's a reading that puts anxiety and stress and that didn't give me any emotion. It is a dull and heartless read. I didn't get attached to any character, except perhaps the owner of the store, who somehow reminded me of a librarian.
I didn't give it the lowest rating, just because it has some interesting elements, but otherwise it's a fail read in my opinion, because it doesn't involve you in any way.

Thanks Netgalley for letting me read the preview of the book.

#TheVermilionEmporium #NetGalley Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel. I encourage you to check this one out! Really solid read.

The heart-wrenching story of The Radium Girls meets the enchanting world of Howl’s Moving Castle in a story of timeless love and deadly consequences.

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.

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Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for this book!
A well-written YA book. Not really the type of book that I like but it's still worth reading and mentioning. If you like the blurbs and fantasy YA, you'll like this book.