The Vermilion Emporium

The heart-wrenching story of The Radium Girls meets the enchanting world of Howl’s Moving Castle, when two misfits discover the deadly secret to making starlight lace inside of a magical curiosity shop.
  • ISBN: 9781682634882
  • Publication date: 11/01/2022
  • Page Count: 416
  • Size: 5-1/4" x 8"
  • Age Range: 12-16
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  • Price:
  • ISBN: 9781682634882
  • Publication date: 11/01/2022
  • Page Count: 416
  • Size: 5-1/4" x 8"
  • Age Range: 12-16
  • Price:
  • Age Range: 12-16
  • Price:
  • Age Range: 12-16
  • Price:
  • ISBN: 9781682634899
  • Publication date: 11/01/2022
  • Page Count: N/A
  • Age Range: 12-16
  • Price:
  • Age Range: 12-16
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Description

The heart-wrenching story of The Radium Girls meets the enchanting world of Howl’s Moving Castle, when two misfits discover the deadly secret to making starlight lace inside of a magical curiosity shop.

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. Jamie Pacton’s fantasy debut is the story of timeless love and deadly consequences.

Author/Illustrator

Jamie Pacton

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.

Reviews

“[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 Weekly 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

“For teens who relish a heavy dose of darkness in their cozies. ”—Booklist

“A feast for the senses . . . .”—Kirkus Reviews

“Come for the steampunk vibes and Pacton’s lavish imagery, but stay for her thoughtful commentary on social class, technology and power.”—BookPage

“Pacton has delivered a satisfying YA fantasy debut.”—School Library Connection

Resources

Resources: Discussion Guide

Reading Group Guide
The Guest Book Podcast Episode with the Author:
Spotify Apple Stitcher IHeartRadio

More Details

BISAC 1: YAF019060 Young Adult Fiction – Fantasy – Romance
BISAC 2: YAF019020 Young Adult Fiction – Fantasy – Dark Fantasy
BISAC 3: YAF060000 Young Adult Fiction – Steampunk

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