The adventure of the demonic ox by Lois McMaster Bujold

In another adventure in the Penric and Desdemona series of novellas set in a fantasy world, Learned Penric is told about an ox that his son Wyn thinks might be possessed by a demon. The ox is stabled on his brother-in-law’s bridge-building site and together with his adopted daughter Otta and Rina his daughter he travels to the building site to investigate. He believes that it will be an ideal opportunity to teach Otta who is studying at the Temple to be a sorceress. But events intervene, the ox escapes and Penric and his family face danger in the mountains.

Lois McMaster Bujold packs a fascinating array of themes into 130 pages - adventure, demons, danger and children growing up. The reader gets to know Penric’s family, who usually feature in the background of the novellas. There is 9-year-old Wyn, already working with his uncle on building bridges and allowed to ride by himself to deliver messages. Rina is desperate to become a sorceress and she gradually gets to know what she wants and how she can attempt to attain it. Otta is learning how to manage her demon, Atta, and growing up fast. When Penric faces great danger both Rina and Otta use their skills to face off wolves and scavengers. It is difficult for Penric to see his children moving away from him but he is consoled with a new baby in his household.

This is a feel-good series and The Adventure of the Demonic Ox is highly recommended for fans of the author and series as well as those who enjoy fantasy by Martha Wells and Sharon Shinn.

Themes: Fantasy, Demons, Family.

Pat Pledger