How does the author use foreshadowing in the novel, The Thief?

Turner also displays her mastery of foreshadowing in The Thief, where only careful reading of the narrative details is likely to uncover her artfully strewn clues to the eventual resolution of the twisting plot. Even if some hints are missed however, a strength of this novel is that it stands up well to the rereading that is likely necessary to find all the cleverly hidden clues.

There are many indications throughout the novel that Gen, ostensibly a thief from Sounis, is familiar with the mountainous country of Eddis. As the magus and his companions travel toward the mountains, Gen feels that "the world was closing back in a comforting way." His actions indicate that he seems at home in this mountainous country. He instinctively knows that when going down a steep shale slope it is best to be in the last position. When the magus, Sophos, and Gen later flee from the Queen of Attolia, Gen is not only able to locate a convenient tree that spans the raging Seperchia River, but he also knows where to pull on a hidden rope to dislodge the tree and keep any pursuers from following them.

Turner also provides clues about the usefulness of Gen's braided hair. At the beginning of the trip, Gen considers borrowing a knife to cut off his hair. He decides to braid it instead, remarking that he "sometimes caught small items in the hair at the top of the braid and hid them there." Later, after Gen has been wounded by the Attolian soldiers, the magus tries to put his cloak around Gen despite Gen's protests. The thief is relieved when the magus does not notice "the bump under my hair at the base of my skull."

Very few readers will guess that the bump is actually Hamiathes's Gift.