When the seven gems of the magic Belt of Deltora were stolen, the evil Shadow Lord invaded the kingdom and enslaved its people. Determined to rid their land of the tyrant, Lief, Barda, and Jasmine are on a perilous journey to find the lost gems, which are hidden in fearsome places throughout the kingdom.

They have found three gems. Now they must seek the fourth, hidden in the shimmering, barren waste, kept jealously by an unknown guardian. Separation, confusion, and strange, terrible enemies await them in the ordeal of the Shifting Sands.