The Adventure of the Demonic Ox

Sorcerer Penric's plans for a routine teaching expedition take an ominous turn when reports surface of a possessed ox terrorizing a remote mountain construction site. What should have been a perfect opportunity to instruct his adopted daughter Otta in the finer points of demon identification becomes something far more perilous. As Penric and his young apprentice venture into the rugged terrain to investigate the supernatural disturbance, they discover that the chaos lurking in the mountains extends well beyond a single afflicted animal. The isolated setting transforms their educational journey into a test of both magical skill and survival instincts.

Grover Gardner brings his signature gravitas to Bujold's latest Penric adventure, masterfully balancing the story's instructional moments with escalating tension. His nuanced performance captures both Penric's seasoned wisdom and Otta's eager determination, while his pacing allows listeners to fully absorb the magical world-building without losing momentum during action sequences. Gardner's distinct characterizations help distinguish between mentor and student perspectives as the supernatural mystery unfolds. The audio format particularly enhances the atmospheric mountain setting, with Gardner's delivery emphasizing the growing sense of isolation and mounting supernatural dread.