Reviews tagging 'Child abuse'

The Vermilion Emporium by Jamie Pacton

1 review

takarakei's review

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75


  • Dual POV
  • Mystical magical shop
  • Adventure
  • Magical lace weaving

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
the ball, and once they get separated
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.

2/5 🌶️ (closed door)
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