Mira’s Last Dance

Temple sorcerer Penric finds himself wounded and desperate as he attempts to shepherd General Arisaydia and his sister Nikys through the final stretch of enemy territory to reach safety. Their perilous journey takes an unexpected turn in the border town of Sosie, where circumstances force one of Desdemona's previous incarnations to take center stage. Mira of Adria, a former courtesan whose essence lives within Penric's chaos demon, emerges with skills perfectly suited to their predicament, though her methods prove both resourceful and dangerously unconventional. As political intrigue swirls around them, the boundaries between Penric's identity and those of Desdemona's accumulated personalities blur in ways that could either save them all or doom their mission entirely.

Grover Gardner delivers a masterful performance that captures the wit and complexity of Bujold's layered storytelling. His nuanced vocal work distinguishes between Penric's scholarly nature and Mira's worldly confidence, making the internal dynamics between character and demon feel genuinely distinct. Gardner's pacing allows the novella's blend of tension and humor to breathe naturally, while his clear articulation ensures that Bujold's intricate world-building details never feel rushed or overwhelming despite the compact runtime.