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Space Casey

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Some heroines will steal your heart. This one will steal your wallet. In the future, mankind has expanded to fill the solar system, but when a snarky con-woman steals the wrong spaceship, she finds herself stranded in a distant galaxy. She is humanity's first emissary to a galactic civilization, and all she wants to do is go home. Preferably, without being arrested.

1 pages, Podiobook

First published January 1, 2008

2 people are currently reading
81 people want to read

About the author

Christiana Ellis

9 books34 followers

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5 stars
96 (29%)
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125 (38%)
3 stars
74 (22%)
2 stars
26 (7%)
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5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Breakdown.
39 reviews
October 31, 2008
I shouldn't be so hard on this podiobook as I am since it's a free download but to be true to at least myself I have to call it like I see it, or at least hear it.

Space Casey tells the story of a con-woman that despite her best efforts is whisked away into one bad situation after another.

The story is overall well done, and the writing is sound. My big problem was and is that for 90% of the story I'm not really sure where it's going and once I get there it leaves the sound realm of fun-slapstick-quirky-comedy that it had been enjoying to the realm of incredible-unbelievable-comedy, such a sharp turn in purpose didn't agree with my taste.

My other big problem was the main character, well most of the characters in general. Most seemed contrived, cliché and very predictable. All of these things are of course excusable for the sake of comedy but it just didn't go well with the main character. The main character is a thief/con woman, who, at least in my opinion, should be a life hardened woman. A thief/con woman should be able to think on her feet and be a little more selfish in my mind. In the case of this story she comes across and a hesitant, bumbling generic woman.

If there happens to be a second I wouldn't hesitate to give it a listen as I certainly feel that the writing and the story had potential but it just needs a little more time.
Profile Image for Hákon Gunnarsson.
Author 29 books162 followers
January 25, 2016
I listened to this audio play a while back. Before listening to it I had never heard of the author, just came across this title at podiobooks, and thought it looked promising.

It is a science fiction parody, or maybe comedy would be better word for it. A humorous space opera. The plot is simple, and the characters aren't always very deep, but it is funny. I laughed a lot listening to it. To me the humor works.

So I think I can recommend it to anyone that is interested in silly, funny science fiction audio play.
15 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2008
I'm a big fan of audio drama, as such one of the best things that has happened in recent years is podcasting. For those of you who don't know, "a podcast is a series of digital-media files which are distributed over the Internet using syndication feeds for playback on portable media players and computers," according to wiki. Or in shorter terms think radio that you can download and play in a variety of formats, whenever you want. Not only can you find podcasts on various topics like science, geek news, indie music...you can also find novels, short stories, and audio dramas. Space Casey is this later form. A story that has cast members and audio effects just like old style radio.

I loved this story, the heroine is a true con artist that quickly cons her way into an impossible situation. She meets the various challenges that arise with humor, wit, and luck. With a variety of different, unique characters aiding and/or hindering her attempts to return to a life she is familiar with, Space Casey takes the listener on a fun filled adventure where you never know what will happen next.
Profile Image for Julie Davis.
Author 5 books320 followers
May 18, 2013
Pure nostalgia took me back to this really fun little audiobook. Listening to Mur Lafferty read Shambling Guide to NYC made me recall the other Podiobooks I discovered with such pleasure.

This short book, probably a novella if it were in print, follows con artist Casey as she boosts a spaceship from a greenhorn. Problem is, the spaceship was programmed to take off for uncharted territories. Uncharted to humans that is. I won't say more about the plot other than we see Casey rise to new heights as she struggles to return to human space with all the odds against her. Never was her ability to con people (and robots and spaceships) ever more necessary for her survival.

This is a lot of fun and I found myself laughing aloud several times. I absolutely love Christiana Ellis's sense of humor and narration. She also got a lot of voice talent assistance from other well-known Podiobooks and podcasting talent and I had fun seeing if I could identify them before the credits at the end. This is actually more of an audio drama than an audiobook, complete with sound effects.

Perfect summer fun, or actually fun for whenever you're listening. Christiana, if you're listening, thank you.
Profile Image for Thomas.
2,694 reviews
March 25, 2014
A very funny space opera somewhat in the Douglas Adams tradition. For free audio, the production quality is impressive.
Profile Image for Elise.
12 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2010
Totally fun podiobook! It is presented more as an audio drama, and the cast of voices is perfectly matched to each character.

Christiana's wit and snark keep me coming back for more.
Profile Image for Luis Peres.
7 reviews4 followers
September 1, 2017
This was absolutely brilliant. Considering it´s an independent home made production, it´s amazing.
Great story, really funny characters, good dialogue and very very well done. One of the best audibooks out there and a great radio play for sure.

I´ve listened to the sequel but the sequel didn´t appeal to me which was weird... but this first one is a masterpiece in my view or to my listening...
Profile Image for Lijadora del Prado.
213 reviews
September 26, 2021
Funny, entertaining sf radio play in the style of hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy. Protagonist is a 'con artist' with a (delightfully) cynical view on the universe. She steals a self aware space ship, shenanigans ensue which result into first contact with aliens.

About the length of a novella.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for David.
415 reviews
February 25, 2023
On a whim, I decided to check out this classic SF podcast after hearing Ellis's narration at Escape Pod. Like all good time travel stories, Space Casey gets messy. But therein lies the fun.
Profile Image for Melissa Hayden.
996 reviews120 followers
May 27, 2015
I listened to this story and enjoyed the different voice actors and sound affects. Very enjoyable and well put together. The episodes are shorter, about 15 minutes or so, that makes it easy to listen to them. And it's only 10 episodes long as well, so you get through it all quickly.

This was a fun listen for the events that happen to Casey and her deadpan humor that goes with it. I enjoyed her realistic view on the world and how it relates to what happens. Then in the end we get the connections. Very well done.

****FULL REVIEW****
Casey will be the first representative of the human race into the deep space of the vast universe! (even if unknowing.) A con artist looking to get off her station, and steals a ship with no idea of what she's getting or getting into.

I listened to this story and enjoyed the different voice actors and sound affects. Very enjoyable and well put together. The episodes are shorter, about 15 minutes or so, that makes it easy to listen to them. And it's only 10 episodes long as well, so you get through it all quickly.

The first episode caught my attention as we jump right in with Casey and her job and personality. The ship adds to the character of the world. And by the end of the short episode Casey is already in a tight spot.

This is set in space on a ship (mostly), and it's a soft space story. This is not about technology and technical things. It's of Casey and her ways of dealing with the out-of-mind crazy events of space. And her personal ways are fun for us. A fun space opera to enjoy.

The characters... Casey is a loner. A con artist who starts to connect with the ship and it's pet. She grows a bit through the hurdles of the unknown that come her way. Al, the spaceship, is quite an emotional ship. He made me chuckle in his left field ways of thinking. The voice of the ship, Al, was perfect. I loved his infliction in his words.

The Universe grows as Casey experiences many crazy things it can throw at her. And all she wants is to get home... But to what extent will she go to get there? She will ponder those things, and learn about a few species as well.

This was just the light, fun read I was needing right now.

It was a fun listen for the events that happen to Casey and her deadpan humor that goes with it. I enjoyed her realistic view on the world and how it relates to what happens. Then in the end we get the connections. Very well done.

I'll be checking for the next season of Space Casey to continue on with her.
Profile Image for Tyan.
28 reviews6 followers
August 28, 2008
This was the very first podio book I listened to. What a great first choice! The main character, Casey, is sort of a female version of Harry the Stainless Steel Rat. She's all about her own self-interest but deep down is a good person. The story follows her as she steals a ship, encounters aliens, and sets in motion a hilarious chain of events. Casey is both flawed and strong, which just adds to her appeal.

The quality of the voices, sounds, and editing are top notch. I felt like I was listening to a modern version of an old-time radio show. I enjoyed the series so much I found myself restricting the number I allowed myself to listen to so the series would not end too soon! Plus my coworkers gave me worried looks every time I laughed.

If you like scifi and humor I positively recommend this book.
Profile Image for D. Henbane.
Author 4 books3 followers
May 14, 2014
This one kept popping up time and again while I was searching for something new to enjoy. I was turned away initially by the feeling it was going to be a youth sci-fi type book. In a way it is, and in another it's not. It could certainly be read by a teenager without fear of tainting a fragile mind, but also is entertaining to an adult. Kind of like the Shrek series. Enjoyed by both the youth and the adults.

I think the author did a great job of tip-toeing the line, offering a story that young people could absorb themselves in, while leaving behind subtle parts that only adults will pick up on. Casey seems to be the perpetually unlucky and unlikely hero. I enjoyed the snark, the jokes, and the unique approach to handling difficult situations. If you were to take a chance on any story, this would be the one to burn that credit on.
Profile Image for Theresa.
18 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2008
This was a fun ride. I was chuckling throughout the week or so it took me to take enough craft time to listen the whole way through.

My only problem is that Casey being Casey, it felt too tied up at the very end. She should've been whisked off into a cliffhanger of a new adventure. But that may not be quite so much a flaw as me wishing I wasn't finished.

Profile Image for DDog.
414 reviews22 followers
June 12, 2009
I found this audiodrama hilarious. Ellis has a gift for comedic timing and lovable characters, and I had fun the whole way through.

I admit that part of the fun was recognizing all the other great podcasters who had cameos over the course of the story, but I think it stands well on its own even if you don't follow anyone else's work.
Profile Image for Tina.
27 reviews11 followers
March 2, 2010
I listened to this book as a free podiobook. The story is well written for this medium-- fun sound effects, exaggerated characters, and short segments. It reminds me of the radio stories from 1950's. The story itself, however, is a little thin and the characters a bit unbelievable. Great for a young audience, but unsophisticated for adults.
Profile Image for Ashley.
Author 7 books1 follower
July 3, 2010
I did not review this story because while trying to listen to the podcast version, I was constantly distracted by the sound effects which I found off-putting. Many people love sound effects, so this is purely personal. I did not listen to the story because of this reason.
Profile Image for Aws Al-Najjar.
54 reviews12 followers
July 17, 2015
a very cheerful funny and fast pace story that ends before you know it started and the free audiobook is super cool with its special effects. I have to mention that Christiana have written the book in a narrative way showing some life rules and the story ends with lesson learned.
255 reviews8 followers
May 10, 2016
Great story, great production values. Thoroughly enjoyed this podiobook, and can't wait to see what Chritiana has in store for us next.
Profile Image for Chris.
7 reviews2 followers
December 22, 2008
If your looking for a fun "human in space" audio play (I don't think it was meant to be a book at first), this is an amazing listen :-)
Profile Image for Sherry D. Ramsey.
Author 65 books139 followers
June 19, 2009
I intended to listen to just the first episode or two of this audiobook to see if I liked it; ended up putting it on my Zune and devouring it. A great, fun listen!
Profile Image for Lori.
Author 51 books283 followers
Read
August 25, 2011
Short and fun. I'm really enjoying this.
234 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2012
An Audio drama rather than an audio book. Great fun throughout. The ending was a bit unsatisying for me even though it wasn't intended to be too serious. Overall, though, highly enjoyable stuff.
Profile Image for BobA707.
821 reviews18 followers
August 15, 2012
Entertaining. The theatre side of this podio book was very good, but the story itself too brief and too simple. Enjoyed it though - excellent for no cost !!
Profile Image for Seth Kenlon.
Author 10 books11 followers
October 19, 2012
I loved this book. It's funny sci fi, which I do enjoy sometimes; light-hearted and fun, with likeable characters in unlikely situations.
Profile Image for Darrell.
455 reviews11 followers
April 9, 2017
A con artist steals a space ship from someone who turns out to be an alien in disguise. It turns out humans are considered a protected species and can only be visited by aliens once every hundred years. Being the first human to meet alien species, Casey uses her con artist skills to get herself into, and out of, several sticky situations. This story is laugh out loud funny both due to the writing and the voice actors' delivery. Well worth your time.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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