Jade, a thread speaker, has the rare skill of being able to control souls using embroidery. A remarkable talent, but one she is reluctant to use given the consequences it can have. Lukas is trying to do right by his family after the deaths of his father and sister, and is wary of thread speakers due to a family tragedy. When these two meet and find themselves working together to track down a mysterious murderer whose modus operandi involves eye gouging, they find that their histories are as intertwined as the colors Jade sees in human souls.

Inspired by German and Mexican folklore, An Embroidery of Souls is a YA romantasy with a touch of pirate adventure. The romance is slow-going, but the mystery stays intriguing, and the kaleidoscope of emotions and attributes that Jade can see in the human soul is beautifully inventive. Romantasy fans will enjoy this but those looking for more action might find themselves tuning in and out.

Note: Probably best not to recommend this to those with emetophobia.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath