Cover design by Lisa Marie Pompillo
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 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 the Emporium, two things happen: One, Quinta starts to fall for 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 centuries. As Quinta and Twain search the Emporium for answers, though, they discover the secret might not have 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.
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PRAISE
“A hauntingly romantic fantasy adventure.” –Publisher’s Weekly, starred review
“A heartfelt and dazzling triumph.” –Foreword Reviews, starred review
“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
“For teens who relish a heavy dose of darkness in their cozies. “—Booklist
“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
The heart-wrenching story of The Radium Girls meets the enchanting world of Howl’s Moving Castle. Jamie Pacton’s fantasy debut is a story of timeless love and deadly consequences.
