SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY
With the group out of supplies, they head to the nearest city, where they hope to earn money. When they come across a flier for a way to earn it, they gladly pursue it. But the task may be easier said than done. And even if they survive, walking out with the prize money might not be so easy. And of course, there is still the matter of the shifting sands and the next gem.
RETURNING CHARACTERS
Lief becomes crucial to the book. He becomes a guide, although we don't understand why until later. There was a good scene where he feels homesick and Jasmine seems curious. He gets embarrassed, and thinks she would think him weak. It shows that insecure part of him. As well as his fear from his vision in the last book.
Barda has a small scene where he gets mad at Lief near the end of the book. It was nice, and showed how much he cared for him. But I wish they had been more development in their relationship. Also, Barda only plays one role in the last chapter. It's a crucial role, but it seems overshadowed by Jasmine, again.
Jasmine and Kree are crucial to this book. Kree helps them when they are lost multiple times. And Jasmine always spots trouble before it starts. She senses the grey guard before they come, as well as a follower who tries to attack. Each time, keeping them alert or helping them to hide. Also, Jasmine's character develops as we learn of her regrets after a fight.
NEW CHARACTERS
Doom, the same man who they saw at Toms, is competing against the group. Lief develops a hatred for him, suspecting him of secretly attacking them.
Mother Brightly is hosting the task. She is very friendly and accommodating. But she may not be what she seems.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
Although I mentioned it briefly, both Jasmine and Lief show good development in this book. Rodda continues to show she knows how to create deep characters, which isn't always in easy task (note that the Deltora books are quite short stories as well). Especially when so many authors overlook this in favor of story. I do find the majority of authors are “story” first and “character” second, authors.
Jasmine could easily come off as a “Mary sue” who knows everything and is always having to save the guys. After all, Lief is young and inexperienced, and Barda isn't much of a guardian. But Rodda manages to exploit her weaknesses. In “City of the Rats” where Jasmine lets her temper get the better of her and actually says it may be best to leave. This book addresses it more fully, as Jasmine herself admits how she lets her anger get the better of her and is disgusted with herself.
Lief has had many instances of self-doubt. Even though he has risen to the occasion, like in the last book, where he boldly and bravely threatens Reeah the snake, he never thinks he is some hero. I found this refreshing. How many times have you said, if I do this, I will feel better about myself? Lief keeps doing amazing things, but like a real person, continues to have insecurities that he refuses to share for fear that people will learn the truth.
PACING
Same good cliffhanger endings. They help move the story along.
RIDDLES
There are still a few riddles, one regarding a half eaten away sign, and another involving mysterious marks in the sand. But they are not really meant for the reader to solve. I had no desire to even try. I feel that is one small critique.
EXPLICIT CONTENT-SPOILERS
Grey guards get killed and their corpses are eaten.
CONCLUSION
The story is well paced and original. For the first time the guardian of the gem is a mystery, and not on the cover of the book. We gain insight into both Jasmine and Lief's fears. And a small hint of Barda's feelings of needing to protect Lief. Although I still feel that he is underused. I give “The Shifting Sands” three and a half stars.
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