An Embroidery of Souls 
by Ruby Martinez

A Soul-Stirring Fantasy Full of Magic, Mystery, and Heart

Ruby Martinez’s debut absolutely blew me away. Jade Is a Thread Speaker is a breathtaking mix of emotional depth, lush worldbuilding, and one of the coolest magic systems I’ve ever read. It’s a story about power, sacrifice, and healing, but at its core, it’s about two broken people learning they are worthy of love, even with the cracks.

Jade is a thread speaker, someone who can manipulate the very fabric of a person’s soul, tugging at the threads that make them who they are. Strength, beauty, health… all of it can be rewoven, but every change has a cost. And whether someone gives it willingly or not is another story entirely. Lukas, on the other hand, is a boy born into hardship, working himself to the bone just to keep his family afloat. When a series of brutal murders begins stealing not just lives, but souls, Jade and Lukas are thrown together on a journey that spans cities, secrets, and simmering feelings neither of them saw coming.

Let’s talk magic first, it’s incredible. The soul-as-tapestry concept is beautifully executed, with each thread color symbolizing a different aspect of the self. It’s as poetic as it is powerful, and it adds layers of emotional weight to every use of magic. And the way the magic is tied into themes of classism and control? So smart and so timely.

What really hit home for me, though, were the characters. Jade’s character arc is a standout. She battles deep-rooted fear, anxiety, and the trauma of being used for what she can do instead of loved for who she is. Watching her come into her own was inspiring and beautifully written. Lukas is grieving and weighed down by responsibility, but his quiet strength and deep empathy make him the perfect complement to Jade. They’re both navigating self-worth struggles, and their emotional growth is raw, real, and far from rushed. I loved that healing wasn’t instant—it’s messy, and it takes time.

The romance? Chef’s kiss. It’s tender, slightly fast-paced but never superficial. There’s tension, vulnerability, banter, and so much heart. They feel meant for each other, like two puzzle pieces slowly learning how to fit together, flaws and all. Their journey isn’t perfect, but it’s full of genuine love and earned intimacy (and yes, the romance is closed-door, but still beautifully emotional).

I’d recommend checking content warnings if you’re sensitive to certain themes like grief, trauma, or panic attacks. But overall, this is a deeply human story wrapped in gorgeous fantasy.

If you love magic that means something, character-driven fantasy, slow-burn healing, and love stories that stay with you long after the final page, this book is for you. I laughed, I cried (happy tears!), and I’m already itching to read more from Ruby Martinez. Pick this one up, you won’t regret it.