The Vermilion Emporium is a haunting and fantastical story. Strangers Quinta and Twain discover a curious shop called The Vermilion Emporium, where behind every door is a magical mystery. This adventure quickly binds them together and they realize that together they can create a precious commodity- starlight lace. But starlight lace is extremely dangerous. And unbeknownst to them, a powerful figure has taken notice and is determined to take all their lace. Quinta and Twain must race to find each other and escape before the starlight lace takes a toll- for magic always comes with a price. 

The Vermilion Emporium is an extraordinary story with real-life influences. Pacton says she draws inspiration from the Radium Girls and Erin Morgenstern; I thought both influences resonated. I also think aspects of Howl’s Moving Castle are present in some of the more magical scenes with the Emporium. The creeping danger from the starlight, Twain and Quinta’s budding romance, and the urgency to craft the lace make this a very well-paced and unputdownable adventure. I was spellbound and couldn’t look away! For fans of Howl’s Moving Castle and The Radium Girls- check out The Vermilion Emporium. Looking forward to seeing what Jamie Pacton writes next! Thank you to Jamie Pacton, Peachtree Teen, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.