Thank you to Net Galley and Peachtree Teen for the ARC. I love whimsy but unfortunately this was not for me, I am too used to action and fast paced books.

I took away half a star (and considered a 4-star review) because a couple of areas started to drag for me. However, I only felt that way for a short while before the book picked back up again.

At first I really loved the atmosphere and the writing. Usually, if a book has good vibes then I’m not too bothered if there’s a plot or not. To begin with I thought that this book wasn’t going to have any plot and that it would rely on the atmosphere but no it has the plot, the only problem it’s that it only reveals itself at around 50%.
In term of the romance, it’s very much insta lovey and they kiss at 29%, so if you’re a slow burn girlie this book is not for you.
The world building is pretty much non existant, and you just have to go with the flow.
The characters are stoopid really (spoilers), Twain is told he can hear starlight but as soon as he hears something he’s like “ must be nothing, right?”and later when Quinta discovers the secret of starlight, she’s already aware of the “cost” but doesn’t associate it to how unwell she is until it’s pretty much too late?? And she also harvest it from other people when she’s already sick and could therefore make her supposed friends sick too. Also we’re told that the first people to weave starlight died years after they first started but it only takes Quinta a couple of weeks to feel extremely sick, be consistent please.
The villains were laughable, like as stoopid as the main characters, like how is she supposed to make a dress out of nothing in three days? They could at least try to find starlight??
Finally, lace is not sewed its woven.

Absolutely adored this story! Not usually a fan of intsalove, but it works for these characters as it starts off more as attraction than love anyways. Man, the magic in this world! Argh, I love it. Just a really good read overall, I'm so glad I picked it up!

I enjoy books that feature magical realism and The Vermillion Emporium did not disappoint. It's inspiration from The Radium Girls is evident once the story unfolds and we understand how starlight is woven into lace. It’s a bittersweet story but the friendship between Quinta and Twain is beautiful. The story had the right amount of whimsy, depth, and emotive storytelling for me.

Initially an interesting premise, but the execution was dragged out. The author exceeds at cultivating a sense of mystery, but the characters themselves didn't feel likeable; there needed to be moments of genuine softness, rather than sarcasm.

I found the premise really interesting, and I really wanted to enjoy it, but I just couldn't stick with it for some reason. It just didn't really hold my interest.

Diving into Jamie Pacton's "The Vermilion Emporium" was like stepping into a vivid tapestry of magic and romance. This novel, set against an imaginative backdrop inspired by the tragic tale of the Radium Girls, is a story of love, magic, and self-discovery, crafted with a finesse that captivates the reader from the beginning.

The central characters, Quinta and Twain, are both orphans with their own burdens and dreams. Their chance encounter leads them to the magical Vermilion Emporium, a place that holds more than meets the eye. The discovery of starlight lace patterns in this shop sets them on a journey filled with magic, danger, and the unexpected. Pacton's portrayal of Quinta and Twain is deeply compelling, making them characters you can't help but root for. Their development throughout the novel, especially their evolving relationship, is portrayed with a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength​​​​.

Pacton's writing style is notably descriptive, reminiscent of authors like Erin Morgenstern. Her use of language is both beautiful and evocative, creating a world that is rich and immersive. However, there are moments where the language slows the progression of the plot, but this does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the story. The world of "The Vermilion Emporium" is a multiracial, vibrant place filled with magic, yet it is also marred by the dark realities and consequences of accessing such power​​.

The homage to the Radium Girls is a poignant aspect of the book, skillfully reworked into the fantasy setting. The concept of starlight and moonshadow being tangible, almost anthropomorphic entities, adds a unique dimension to the narrative. Pacton's ability to blend historical elements with fantasy is both imaginative and respectful, acknowledging the past while creating something entirely new​​.

What truly stands out in "The Vermilion Emporium" is the way Pacton weaves together various themes and elements. The book is more than the sum of its parts, with each component contributing to a rich, cohesive narrative. Despite dealing with dark themes, the novel maintains a warmth and intimacy, offering a cozy escape. The romance that blossoms within its pages is both charming and heartwarming, providing a light counterbalance to the more somber aspects of the story​​.

In summary, "The Vermilion Emporium" by Jamie Pacton is a heartfelt, beautifully written fantasy novel that successfully combines elements of romance, adventure, and historical fiction. It is a dazzling triumph that speaks to themes of loyalty, destiny, and the power of love. For readers who enjoy a blend of magic and reality, with a touch of historical reverence, this book is a must-read. It's a story that stays with you long after the last page, a testament to Pacton's skill as a storyteller.

This is a beautiful story and I think I was focusing too much on the Howl’s Moving Castle comp to realise the inner workings of the book. I was waiting specifically for Howl and Sophie lookalikes, but didn’t really get that (well I’ve only watched he movie but I hear the characters differ in the book). But I quickly realised that didn’t even matter!

I liked Quinta and Twain about the same. I think they complemented each other well and Pacton wrote them both well. I liked reading about Quinta’s insecurities and Twain’s drive. It made them more real to me and like them more. They both had dreams and wanted to dream more.

I think the shop then found them at the right time, for them both. The shop is full of dreams and pulls in dreamers. I definitely do think it shows itself to people when they need it. I like the shop – I did think they would spend all their time in it but I like what we got.

I think this is definitely a book where you should read more about the other comparison/inspiration – The Radium Girls. Pacton took that inspiration, really ran with it and made it mystical and wonderful. It spoke to burning yourself out to work for others who won’t care about you or how it harms you. As well as dismal working conditions – which happens in any era – in any type of workplace unfortunately.

I liked that she took the real-life events and added fantasy elements to it. It was well-done and was a good part of the overall plot. This is my first book by Pacton and her first fantasy book, but to me she managed to tie all the different parts of the plot together neatly – which isn’t always easy.

Rating: 2.5 of 5

This was... an okay read for me. It wasn't terrible but I found it quite forgettable. It also didn't help that the romance felt very instalove.

This had a beautiful magical atmosphere with plenty of whimsy that I loved, but sadly the story was a major letdown for me for three factors.

1) Everything comes so easily to our two protagonists. They're orphans who have been on their own for a few years, suffered huge losses (ok that didn't come easily). But this magical art of finding starlight and weaving it into lace just... falls into their laps? You expect me to believe that both of these arts have been lost for hundreds of years and when Quinta picks up a book of lace patterns and a piece of starlight her fingers just know what to do and not only follow the pattern perfectly but use it as a jumping off point to create something new? And Twain needs to find more starlight so he listens for its song and then just plucks clumps of it off rooftops and streetlights? How come no one in hundreds of years have been able to do it, exactly?

2) Quinta believes she has this great destiny because her mother told her "you were destined for greatness" which is helpfully repeated multiple times per chapter. And this is the sole reason she doesn't instantly agree to leave with Twain? Also, she insists she is a "one night girl" who is destined to leave anyone she loves but gives no reasoning for this at all.

3) instalove. Despite Quinta's insistance on being a "one night girl" she falls in love with Twain pretty much the instant they meet and immediately starts holding his hand and wanting to kiss him. There's no basis for it they're just boom! in love. I mean they're sweet together but...

bonus) The Vermilion Emporium (that the book was named for!) doesn't get a lot of page time even though it's definitely the most interesting thing in the story. We could have spent so much more time exploring its magical rooms than we did.

I loved the whimsicalness of the story but the flaws eventually overwhelmed any enjoyment for me and I had to put it down. Plus I read that it ends on a cliffhanger which doesn't make me want to finish it.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for providing an early copy for review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Peachtree for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.


It was a surprise. I didn't expect so much of the cover but I couldn't stop reading that reminds me to the Taylor Swift song "Timeless"

Let me be honest – this book was not my cup of tea. One of the only things that actually drew my attention was the worldbuilding and setting of the story. It has a compelling magic system regarding its mystical lace and an interesting intersection between positivism and the fantastical with scholars studying in schools of both magic and scientifa. I especially enjoyed the way the magical system connects to the Radium Girls comp, a heartbreaking and destructive drawing of lifeforce from working women for inconsequentially beautiful things. The Radium Girls infamously were made to paint and craft with radium, a highly poisonous substance that caused irreparable damage to them as they are sacrificed for the production of common furniture. In The Vermillion Emporium, it is revealed that the mysterious origins of starlight lace was extracted from the human body, leaving the person weaker and weaker after each extraction, until certain death. However, I think it would have fared the plot and pacing better if this element was introduced earlier into the story, it would have heightened the suspense (something I find this book lack overall) and allowed for a more in-depth exploration into the magic system and Quinta’s backstory, which I thought was dealt with poorly.

One of my favourite vibes for fantasy books is "Ghibli-style fantasy romance", and this exactly that. I could so easily picture this as a beautiful animated movie, as it's so full of whimsy. And I absolutely loved the romance. I would highly recommend this if you're looking for a cosy fall read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me access to the free advanced digital copy of this book.

This was a fun and mysterious read that had me on my toes, grappling for more. I really enjoyed this book! It's a must read to be honest.

Oh this book!!!! I absolutely love this book with all my heart!!! Quinta and Twain are two perfect characters who were meant for each other. There is so much magic in this book it’s practically bursting at the spine!!!

The story is beautiful, magical, and romantic. This has been described as part Howl’s Moving Castle and that is exactly right!!! I enjoyed every step of the way to the ending. Then the ending really stole my heart and I cannot wait to reread this one!!!

I recommend this to those who loved Howls Moving Castle, those who love a healthy dose of magic, and romance. This is just too beautiful to miss!!!!

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this for my honest and unbiased opinion.

Thank you for sending approving me for this arc, and I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to get to it (I am, unfortunately, a mood reader). I'm afraid this one wasn't for me.

DNF at 25%

It wasn't bad, per se. But I just wasn't into it. The story wasn't grabbing me, even in scenes where characters apparently in danger. And then there's the relationship...

It's not instalove (thankfully) but it's toeing that line. They've known each other for a matter of hours and already are WAY to trusting of each other and keep having thoughts along the lines of of "omg I wouldn't do anything different today because then I wouldnt' have met her and my world would be miserable".

I've only posted this review on Goodreads, but won't share it anywhere else.

Have you ever had a dream that feels too far out of reach? One made of impossible feats and feelings of untapped potential? What if you could capture that into a thread, which you could thread into a lace unlike any other material? Quinta and Twian are about to go on such a journey, with many perils in their paths. What truths will they find out not only about themselves, but the world they live in?

This story has an amazing jumping off point, a solid cast of characters, and just when you think it's about to get tropey the story shifts in an unexpected way that keeps you guessing. Why then, you must be asking yourself, would I only give this novel a 3.75?! Perils are only exciting when they are peppered throughout. In this novel nothing goes right for our main characters, and I mean NOTHING. By the end I was rooting for just one subplot to go their way rather than unfurling into telenovela levels of drama only to find myself rolling my eyes and trying to figure out if this trouble was worse than the last. I love good drama, but when it drags the story beyond to a point where you're just trying to survive it I find the reading becomes more of a chore than a cheer.

3.75 stars rounded to 4. Recommended for fans of extreme fantasy who don't mind a bit of PG romance, ages 12+. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a /long/ book. It was enjoyable but quite a few parts were a slog to get through. I really enjoyed the relationship between Quinta and Twain and the magic system with the lace making was super interesting. The book was already slow paced but once Quinta gets kidnapped from the ball it was excruciatingly slow. I think that’s more a me issue than a book issue since I prefer a fast paced story but keep it in mind as you’re going into this one. Overall a fun read and I’m glad I read it. 3.75⭐️