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Strak's Bad Day
Strak is a run-of-the-mill Orcus Empire recruit whose days are filled with following orders, patrolling corridors, and stamping papers. When he's captured by the most-wanted space pirate in the galaxy, he assumes (quite logically) that the end is nigh. Instead, he finds himself...spearheading a birthday celebration for said space-pirate's 12-year old daughter?
As the two of them build sand castles on Vegraturn III, overload on chocolate at Sugar Rush, and conquer arcade games on Cadus X9O, Strak rediscovers something that's been missing from his fun.
Now, all that's left to do is to bring her back to her father by 16:00 Universal Time...
As the two of them build sand castles on Vegraturn III, overload on chocolate at Sugar Rush, and conquer arcade games on Cadus X9O, Strak rediscovers something that's been missing from his fun.
Now, all that's left to do is to bring her back to her father by 16:00 Universal Time...
- GenresAudiobook
82 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 23, 2024
3 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 26, 2025
Strak is captured and sitting in the brig of a pirate’s space ship when he meets the pirate captain’s 12-year-old daughter in her birthday. He dad (pirate captain) is away on business (as usual) so she convinces Strak to show her the galaxy’s highlights on her special day. Madcap adventure ensues. Strak has a heart of gold but a mostly empty head, so they get into some silly fixes. I particularly enjoyed the description of the sweet shop and Strak’s heroic efforts on behalf of the birthday girl.
A short, light and fun sci-fi adventure with excellent narration.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @SpotifyAudioSelects, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #StraksBadDay for review purposes. Publication date: 4 November 2025.
A short, light and fun sci-fi adventure with excellent narration.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @SpotifyAudioSelects, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #StraksBadDay for review purposes. Publication date: 4 November 2025.
November 23, 2025
This is a story about a not that bad day.
This was a super cute, cozy little sci-fi romp. I had such a good time listening to this quick little adventure! If you’ve enjoyed things like the hitchhikers guide to the galaxy, I think you’ll enjoy this one!
Thank you so much@tlcbooktours@spotify &@spotifyforauthors for including me on this #booktour
This was a super cute, cozy little sci-fi romp. I had such a good time listening to this quick little adventure! If you’ve enjoyed things like the hitchhikers guide to the galaxy, I think you’ll enjoy this one!
Thank you so much@tlcbooktours@spotify &@spotifyforauthors for including me on this #booktour
November 7, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Spotify Audiobook Selects for the ALC.
4.25🌟 rounded down
Strak’s Bad Day is a fun, sci-fi romp novella. A space pirate captain captures Strak, and he ends up having to babysit the captain’s daughter. The two end up growing closer and having fun, even though they’re both closed off to the idea at first. It’s short and sweet. I would love to read more novellas set in this universe.
John Pirhalla narrates the audiobook. He does a great job bringing the characters to life.
Recommended for anyone seeking a light-hearted sci-fi read.
4.25🌟 rounded down
Strak’s Bad Day is a fun, sci-fi romp novella. A space pirate captain captures Strak, and he ends up having to babysit the captain’s daughter. The two end up growing closer and having fun, even though they’re both closed off to the idea at first. It’s short and sweet. I would love to read more novellas set in this universe.
John Pirhalla narrates the audiobook. He does a great job bringing the characters to life.
Recommended for anyone seeking a light-hearted sci-fi read.
November 28, 2025
An extremely fun sci-fi romp that features one of my favorite tropes of person who doesn't realize how sad is life is and is then bullied by a child to have fun which leads to near-death experiences and involuntary crime life.
This is so fast and I really want there to be a whole series of these adventures.
This is so fast and I really want there to be a whole series of these adventures.
December 31, 2025
Strak is a cog in the Orcus Empire, just another faceless soldier hunting space for a notorious pirate. He has little in the way of ambition, and is too embarrassed to go home after dropping out of university. Then he’s sent on, what he believes, to be a one-way trip as he alone is ordered to tail said notorious pirate… Needless to say it doesn’t go well for him. But what Strak doesn’t expect is for the twelve-year-old daughter of his captor to then kidnap him from her father, who then makes Strak responsible for giving the young lady the birthday of a lifetime. Space Pirate Dad won’t be earning any father of the year awards any time soon, but I have to hand it to this lite sci-fi novella for being so fun, cute, and containing a surprisingly heartwarming moral.
I love a good sci-fi novella, and this story delivered. Full of sarcastic humor and tender moments between Strak and the birthday girl, “Strak’s Bad Day” is a cozy little romp through space, which feels more like a tour of old-timey shopping malls as Strak’s takes this semi-psycho pre-teen to arcades and candy stores and petting zoos. But what really surprised me about this book was just how much Strak learned from his experience, and how much he was able to teach Pirate Dad at the same time. I loved how Strak found his passion for life again and a new purpose. It showed a level of character growth that feels all the more satisfying because you genuinely don’t expect it with the dry, sarcastic narrative voice of the novella. My only qualm with the story was just how lite the world building was. I never had a good visual of Strak’s or any of the other characters, though I gathered they are all very alien looking with tentacles and lots and lots of eyes. And while the footnotes were cute, I could have done without them if it meant we got a tad more world building, hence the 4.5 stars. But otherwise, I really loved this book and I hope we see more of Strak in the future! And thanks to the author for giving me an ebook to review.
I love a good sci-fi novella, and this story delivered. Full of sarcastic humor and tender moments between Strak and the birthday girl, “Strak’s Bad Day” is a cozy little romp through space, which feels more like a tour of old-timey shopping malls as Strak’s takes this semi-psycho pre-teen to arcades and candy stores and petting zoos. But what really surprised me about this book was just how much Strak learned from his experience, and how much he was able to teach Pirate Dad at the same time. I loved how Strak found his passion for life again and a new purpose. It showed a level of character growth that feels all the more satisfying because you genuinely don’t expect it with the dry, sarcastic narrative voice of the novella. My only qualm with the story was just how lite the world building was. I never had a good visual of Strak’s or any of the other characters, though I gathered they are all very alien looking with tentacles and lots and lots of eyes. And while the footnotes were cute, I could have done without them if it meant we got a tad more world building, hence the 4.5 stars. But otherwise, I really loved this book and I hope we see more of Strak in the future! And thanks to the author for giving me an ebook to review.
November 4, 2025
I would like to thank the publisher for sending me an audio-arc in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.
Strak is a recruit for the Orcus Empire – following orders, patrolling, doing paperwork, etc. But everything changes when he’s captured by a notorious space pirate and he believes he’s about to be killed… only to end up as babysitter to the space pirate’s twelve-year-old daughter on her birthday. As Strak spends the day with her, he begins to remember what life was like before the empire, and slowly he realizes that maybe he’s made some poor choices in life, though he’s realizing that there’s always time to fix things. Now he just needs to have her back to her father before time runs out.
Okay but why did I absolutely love this? First of all, this was fantastic and short and sweet and adorable. I loved seeing Strak loosening up and enjoying his outing with this tiny sort-of-psycho kid as they go from place to place, doing things that are both random and amazing. From the zoo to a sugar crash that could’ve led to a coma (not the first time) to an arcade, this short story reminds all of us that sometimes we need a day off, and if things aren’t working out then maybe it’s time for a change. The conversation he had with her dad at the end was beautiful and hopeful and I loved that he came to this realization and was able to help father and daughter salvage their relationship. This was exactly what I needed to read today.
Strak is a recruit for the Orcus Empire – following orders, patrolling, doing paperwork, etc. But everything changes when he’s captured by a notorious space pirate and he believes he’s about to be killed… only to end up as babysitter to the space pirate’s twelve-year-old daughter on her birthday. As Strak spends the day with her, he begins to remember what life was like before the empire, and slowly he realizes that maybe he’s made some poor choices in life, though he’s realizing that there’s always time to fix things. Now he just needs to have her back to her father before time runs out.
Okay but why did I absolutely love this? First of all, this was fantastic and short and sweet and adorable. I loved seeing Strak loosening up and enjoying his outing with this tiny sort-of-psycho kid as they go from place to place, doing things that are both random and amazing. From the zoo to a sugar crash that could’ve led to a coma (not the first time) to an arcade, this short story reminds all of us that sometimes we need a day off, and if things aren’t working out then maybe it’s time for a change. The conversation he had with her dad at the end was beautiful and hopeful and I loved that he came to this realization and was able to help father and daughter salvage their relationship. This was exactly what I needed to read today.
November 12, 2025
Audiobook Review/Feature⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author, @spotify, @spotifyforauthors and @tlcbooktours for the #gifted audiobook.
🎧 Book Title: Strak’s Bad Day
👩💻 Author: Stephanie Y. Yang
📅 Release Date: November 4, 2025
🎙️ Narrated by: John Pirhalla
What a fun and imaginative adventure! This short sci-fi romp had me laughing and smiling the whole way through. Between space pirates, a reluctant babysitter, a sugar crash, a zoo trip, and birthday chaos, it’s one wild (and hilarious) ride through a quirky, brilliantly built world.
The audiobook narration by John Pirhalla was absolutely fantastic—energetic, expressive, and totally entertaining! He brought every scene and character to life in a way that makes this perfect for kids and families to enjoy together.
If you’re looking for something light, clever, and full of heart, Strak’s Bad Day is a must-listen. 🌌
Thank you to the author, @spotify, @spotifyforauthors and @tlcbooktours for the #gifted audiobook.
🎧 Book Title: Strak’s Bad Day
👩💻 Author: Stephanie Y. Yang
📅 Release Date: November 4, 2025
🎙️ Narrated by: John Pirhalla
What a fun and imaginative adventure! This short sci-fi romp had me laughing and smiling the whole way through. Between space pirates, a reluctant babysitter, a sugar crash, a zoo trip, and birthday chaos, it’s one wild (and hilarious) ride through a quirky, brilliantly built world.
The audiobook narration by John Pirhalla was absolutely fantastic—energetic, expressive, and totally entertaining! He brought every scene and character to life in a way that makes this perfect for kids and families to enjoy together.
If you’re looking for something light, clever, and full of heart, Strak’s Bad Day is a must-listen. 🌌
November 13, 2025
This was probably one of the cutest, funniest, and most charming books i've read so far this year. it was very short, and i was able to listen to it in a single afternoon crafting session. the characters were absolutely wonderful, the locations were amazingly unique, and the whole plot was mostly just a really fun day of misadventures! the best birthday one could ever imagine takes place in these pages, and i laughed more than once at the poor man dragged into the petty squabbles of daughter and father. from a sugar rush challenge that's left 7 people in a coma, to the arcade fun club the likes you've never seen before, and through it all a man has to ask. 'what am i doing with my life?' it was everything i needed, and i'll definitely be adding this to my 'feel better instantly' book rotation!
Thank you to Spotify Audiobook Selects and Netgalley for this ARC
Thank you to Spotify Audiobook Selects and Netgalley for this ARC
October 26, 2025
4.25/5
This review is for the audio version of the book, narrated by John Pirhalla.
Strak isn't having a very good day. As a low level recruit for the Orcus Empire, he leads a mostly boring life of patrols and paperwork.
Today, though, he's been captured by a notorious pirate captain, and then enlisted by the Pirate's daughter to help her celebrate her 12th birthday.
This is going to be a long day.
This was delightful. It was full of heart and sillyness and was just an all around good vibe.
I had a really good time with this as they bounced around the solar system on their little adventure. This would make a great children's series if the author wished to go that route.
This was worth the time to read.
This review is for the audio version of the book, narrated by John Pirhalla.
Strak isn't having a very good day. As a low level recruit for the Orcus Empire, he leads a mostly boring life of patrols and paperwork.
Today, though, he's been captured by a notorious pirate captain, and then enlisted by the Pirate's daughter to help her celebrate her 12th birthday.
This is going to be a long day.
This was delightful. It was full of heart and sillyness and was just an all around good vibe.
I had a really good time with this as they bounced around the solar system on their little adventure. This would make a great children's series if the author wished to go that route.
This was worth the time to read.
November 9, 2025
Strak isn't just having a bad day-- he isn't where he wants to be in life and he's trying to hold it together. When he gets taken in by a ship, that's bad, but then it turns out the ship's captain's daughter kidnaps him because no one is paying attention to her on her birthday. Strak is so scared, and rightfully so, but then he accepts his fate watching the kid.
And this was such an adorable and hilarious and unexpected experience! I enjoyed pretty much every minute and thought about it the rest of the day. I loved the narration, the characters, the hilarious world-- I even ended up loving the scary captain (who doesn't feel protective over their kids?). I'm planning on listening to it again soon and I think it's going to get funnier every time.
This is a review of the audiobook.
And this was such an adorable and hilarious and unexpected experience! I enjoyed pretty much every minute and thought about it the rest of the day. I loved the narration, the characters, the hilarious world-- I even ended up loving the scary captain (who doesn't feel protective over their kids?). I'm planning on listening to it again soon and I think it's going to get funnier every time.
This is a review of the audiobook.
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November 13, 2025
Strak is an average Orcus Empire recruit. When his ship is invaded by pirates Strak finds himself locked up. The pirate captain's daughter has a different idea for Strak; she puts him in charge of her 12th birthday celebration because her dad is always busy. As the pair jumps from fun to more fun, Strak starts to remember life before the Orcus Empire and things start to change.
A short and sweet novella, I listened to this in audiobook form narrated by John Pirhalla who absolutely brought this universe to life. I really enjoyed the connection between the characters and the inflection Pirhalla used to emote the emotions of the characters. This is a well crafted audiobook that was easy to listen to and easy to speed up.
Thank you Spotify for the gifted copy.
A short and sweet novella, I listened to this in audiobook form narrated by John Pirhalla who absolutely brought this universe to life. I really enjoyed the connection between the characters and the inflection Pirhalla used to emote the emotions of the characters. This is a well crafted audiobook that was easy to listen to and easy to speed up.
Thank you Spotify for the gifted copy.
November 7, 2025
“He knew this story by heart. After all, the easiest stories to tell are your own.”
This is the third short audiobook (less than 3 hours) I’ve listened to in the last few weeks and man I am loving them a lot more than I thought I would. Have just a few hours? A short bit of time before work? Listen to a whole story! So fantastic!
If you have listened to Cerulean I got the same vibes from this narrator!! So so good with the different characters and children’s voices.
Thank you to @spotify, @tlcbooktours, and @spotifyforauthors for the gifted audiobook.
This is the third short audiobook (less than 3 hours) I’ve listened to in the last few weeks and man I am loving them a lot more than I thought I would. Have just a few hours? A short bit of time before work? Listen to a whole story! So fantastic!
If you have listened to Cerulean I got the same vibes from this narrator!! So so good with the different characters and children’s voices.
Thank you to @spotify, @tlcbooktours, and @spotifyforauthors for the gifted audiobook.
January 19, 2025
Who'd have thought I could have so much in common with an extraterrestrial? Strak's Bad Day couples rich character development and masterful storytelling in an immersive experience that's out of this world. The narrative is playful but thought-provoking, and I even found myself laughing aloud. The only thing that left me wanting was the last page; I didn't want the adventures to end! Hopefully we can enjoy a sequel soon!
November 17, 2025
Simply put, Strak's bad day is a short, fun read. There are no live changing stakes, there is no encyclopedic lore weighing down the pacing, and there is not really any big philosophic message behind the story. Instead, it's just a fun tale to remember to enjoy life.
Together with a fantastic narrator, Strak's Bad Day is a wonderful popcorn sized adventure.
Thanks Netgalley and Spotify Audiobook Selects for providing me an ARC of the audiobook.
Together with a fantastic narrator, Strak's Bad Day is a wonderful popcorn sized adventure.
Thanks Netgalley and Spotify Audiobook Selects for providing me an ARC of the audiobook.
November 20, 2025
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC.
Sadly I didn't really like this one. It certainly has a great concept. I was very interested in the world and characters. However I struggled with the humor a bit. It just didn't really work for me and some points felt annoying. The narrator did a decent job with this story, but I didn't fully love the performance.
Sadly I didn't really like this one. It certainly has a great concept. I was very interested in the world and characters. However I struggled with the humor a bit. It just didn't really work for me and some points felt annoying. The narrator did a decent job with this story, but I didn't fully love the performance.
January 15, 2026
I don’t normally dabble in audio books but, I decided to try this one out on Spotify.
The books was a good listen. It was lighthearted and had a good plot. Strak had really good character development as the story went on and seems like he’s going to be alright. If you have about 2-3 hours of time to kill this story is a pretty good one. Might even be for kids as well! The 1 star is for the general development of the story and it being very childlike.
The books was a good listen. It was lighthearted and had a good plot. Strak had really good character development as the story went on and seems like he’s going to be alright. If you have about 2-3 hours of time to kill this story is a pretty good one. Might even be for kids as well! The 1 star is for the general development of the story and it being very childlike.
November 2, 2025
This was a fun read!
It was lighthearted and I found Strak endearing, while also being relatable. His internal struggle of where he is to where he thought he should be, the fear of disappointment of those who care for him the leading him to finding himself!
I enjoyed the listen!
Thanks TLC Book Tours and Spotify Audio for the ALC!
It was lighthearted and I found Strak endearing, while also being relatable. His internal struggle of where he is to where he thought he should be, the fear of disappointment of those who care for him the leading him to finding himself!
I enjoyed the listen!
Thanks TLC Book Tours and Spotify Audio for the ALC!
November 16, 2025
I'd like to thank Netgalley for the audio ARC.
3.75/5 stars
The audio for this was lovely. The story wasn't quite what I expected. It was much sweeter all around, and very wholesome. It still managed to paint a good enough world with solid characters for its very short length. Overall, a very nice light read.
3.75/5 stars
The audio for this was lovely. The story wasn't quite what I expected. It was much sweeter all around, and very wholesome. It still managed to paint a good enough world with solid characters for its very short length. Overall, a very nice light read.
December 5, 2025
I often find sci-fi hard to get into, especially the ones with less humanoid aliens, but this was an utter delight. Relatable problems, evocative imagery, and believable stakes--and the audiobook reader was perfectly cast.
I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for something light and funny as a pick-me-up after a hard day or just as a break from your usual reading line up.
I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for something light and funny as a pick-me-up after a hard day or just as a break from your usual reading line up.
October 28, 2025
Who knew getting thrown in the brig could lead to such a sweet friendship? 🏴☠️
Strak’s bad day takes a turn when the captain’s daughter rescues him and bullies him into celebrating her birthday. Cozy, charming, and just what I needed today!
Strak’s bad day takes a turn when the captain’s daughter rescues him and bullies him into celebrating her birthday. Cozy, charming, and just what I needed today!
January 18, 2025
Cozy
This is such a cozy and heartwarming read, I loved it! I can’t wait to see if Strak has any more adventures.
This is such a cozy and heartwarming read, I loved it! I can’t wait to see if Strak has any more adventures.
February 14, 2025
A great whimsical space opera with a wonderful sense of humor!
November 18, 2025
Absolutely delightful, cozy, sci-fi story about cross-specie babysitting and re-finding yourself. Loved it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the Audio ARC
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the Audio ARC
November 25, 2025
Imagine a mash up between Douglas Adams and John Scalzi; this would be it.
Very well narrated by John Pirhalla; an entertaining couple of hours.
Very well narrated by John Pirhalla; an entertaining couple of hours.
November 20, 2025
incredibly cute, and really good syfy details!
November 7, 2025
This is a hilarious birthday spent with the young daughter of a powerful man whom most fear or want something from. No one has time to celebrate the birthday during space conflicts, ahah so Strak (not human) gets the job. He is so sweet, he makes her day perfect. A test of loyalty, because birthday celebrations are the best and worthy. Making time for our kids and treasuring each time vs work and work. A little girl's day taught him a valuable lesson.
Go home if it has been too long.
Go home if it has been too long.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews