The Shifting Sands

The world feels so rich and immersive, but I wonder what inspired her to focus on magic as a central theme rather than just adventure.

The story took a bit to pick up again, but I loved the world-building during that stretch. Was that intentional?

They seem to be more than just a setting — almost characters themselves. I'm curious if Emily Rodda envisioned them as alive or sentient in some way.