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Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes #2
The Worst Spies in the Sector
It sucks being dead...... especially when you're broke. Former Captain Brad Mendoza and former Commander Jessica Lin would be two of the most wanted people in the galaxy, except everyone thinks they're dead. Now, they're desperately trying to find a new way to make a living before they run out of fuel, food, and hope.
Enter a mysterious stranger with an offer that's too good to be true. But beggars can't be choosers, and 9,000 credits for a simple passenger and cargo run is too lucrative to pass up. But there's one big problem: their passengers didn't choose their ship by accident. And now Brad and Jessica are embroiled in a galaxy-spanning conspiracy where the only sure thing is that they'll need a ton of luck to survive. And somehow, they'll have to figure out how to be spies along the way.
The exciting sequel to The Worst Ship in the Fleet, The Worst Spies in the Sector will keep you on the edge of your seat and rooting for our dead heroes to somehow, once again, survive impossible odds. A mix of comedy, sci-fi adventure, and spy thriller, it will keep you guessing until the very end. Order and read now!
A Science Fiction Thriller!
Enter a mysterious stranger with an offer that's too good to be true. But beggars can't be choosers, and 9,000 credits for a simple passenger and cargo run is too lucrative to pass up. But there's one big problem: their passengers didn't choose their ship by accident. And now Brad and Jessica are embroiled in a galaxy-spanning conspiracy where the only sure thing is that they'll need a ton of luck to survive. And somehow, they'll have to figure out how to be spies along the way.
The exciting sequel to The Worst Ship in the Fleet, The Worst Spies in the Sector will keep you on the edge of your seat and rooting for our dead heroes to somehow, once again, survive impossible odds. A mix of comedy, sci-fi adventure, and spy thriller, it will keep you guessing until the very end. Order and read now!
A Science Fiction Thriller!
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2023
1349 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Skyler Ramirez
83 books130 followersSkyler grew up in Southern California, under the best weather that state has to offer. So, he's shown a little of his insanity over the years in moving to colder, wetter places: New York City; Provo, Utah; Bainbridge Island, WA. He now resides with his family in Texas, which (apart from the humidity) gives him that great weather once again.
Skyler has been and continues to be a leader and executive with multiple Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies, working across a variety of functions, both technical and non-technical. In other words, he's very much a jack-of-all-trades but master of none. Maybe that's why he has now decided to be an author as well. In it, he’s finally found the thing he loves to do most.
Mr. Ramirez currently resides in Texas with his wife, Lindsey, and their four children.
Skyler has been and continues to be a leader and executive with multiple Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies, working across a variety of functions, both technical and non-technical. In other words, he's very much a jack-of-all-trades but master of none. Maybe that's why he has now decided to be an author as well. In it, he’s finally found the thing he loves to do most.
Mr. Ramirez currently resides in Texas with his wife, Lindsey, and their four children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
February 28, 2024
The second installment of this series picks up where the first one ended. More of the same, which is a good thing for the most part.
The story, while lengthier, is also kept quite small in scope. As a result there's not a whole lot going on through which we have to progress. We dive a little deeper into our main characters and some new ones are introduced to us. The overall pacing feels steadier than that of the first book.
A point of critique: while it makes sense coming from our obviously flawed main character's POV, I wouldn't mind a little less drooling over Lin. It's approaching a level of immaturity that doesn't align with my taste, especially given the author's tendency to repeat it (among other things), as if driving a certain point home. However, such repetition seems totally unnecessary in a short book like this.
And although (former) navy captains can of course be flawed, this juvenile tone surrounding our main protagonist also undermines the credibility of the notion that he has been, in fact, a navy captain. This is particularly notable since there is little in the narrative to substantiate this claim in the first place.
All in all, a good and engaging continuation. 4/5.
The story, while lengthier, is also kept quite small in scope. As a result there's not a whole lot going on through which we have to progress. We dive a little deeper into our main characters and some new ones are introduced to us. The overall pacing feels steadier than that of the first book.
A point of critique: while it makes sense coming from our obviously flawed main character's POV, I wouldn't mind a little less drooling over Lin. It's approaching a level of immaturity that doesn't align with my taste, especially given the author's tendency to repeat it (among other things), as if driving a certain point home. However, such repetition seems totally unnecessary in a short book like this.
And although (former) navy captains can of course be flawed, this juvenile tone surrounding our main protagonist also undermines the credibility of the notion that he has been, in fact, a navy captain. This is particularly notable since there is little in the narrative to substantiate this claim in the first place.
All in all, a good and engaging continuation. 4/5.
May 22, 2024
Great space adventure!
Interesting and entertaining characters make this space adventure so much fun. The story is clean and I really appreciate that. I highly recommend this series.
Kindle Unlimited
Interesting and entertaining characters make this space adventure so much fun. The story is clean and I really appreciate that. I highly recommend this series.
Kindle Unlimited
February 7, 2024
It's short, fun, light: simple and effective space opera.
With a convincing anti-hero, and an author who has a lot of fun with genre clichés. It's quite predictable, the universe doesn't shine with its originality, but it's pure candy.
Excellent entertainment.
With a convincing anti-hero, and an author who has a lot of fun with genre clichés. It's quite predictable, the universe doesn't shine with its originality, but it's pure candy.
Excellent entertainment.
April 24, 2024
Brad & Lin stumble on
Amazingly (if not for the fact that I know there are more books in the series) Brad is still rather clueless but still alive. He is also dealing with the fact that he’s very much infatuated by Lin while also very much aware how out of his league she is. He sensibly knows that telling her that is a nonstarter so for now he’s content to keep close to her.
Unfortunately, while they are alive, free and have the use of a ship they hadn’t previously needed to know anything about the costs involved in operating one or especially how to acquire the necessary funds they lack…
Amazingly (if not for the fact that I know there are more books in the series) Brad is still rather clueless but still alive. He is also dealing with the fact that he’s very much infatuated by Lin while also very much aware how out of his league she is. He sensibly knows that telling her that is a nonstarter so for now he’s content to keep close to her.
Unfortunately, while they are alive, free and have the use of a ship they hadn’t previously needed to know anything about the costs involved in operating one or especially how to acquire the necessary funds they lack…
May 6, 2024
Entertaining space opera listening 🎵🎎✨
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 2 of 6
They are trying to hire their spacecraft and make money they need badly. The only group that will hire them turns out to be a bad choice.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of space opera action novels. 20224
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 2 of 6
They are trying to hire their spacecraft and make money they need badly. The only group that will hire them turns out to be a bad choice.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of space opera action novels. 20224
December 16, 2023
A little bit of a step down from the first book. Still looking forward to continuing the story, especially with that ending. I want answers!
February 3, 2024
I got hooked on Mr. Ramirez’s Brad Mendoza/Jessica Lin (The Worst…) when I ran out of Andrew Moriarty’s works (he’s my go to right now). After reading the Worst Ship in the Navy I was hooked! Had to pick up the rest of 5he series and see if the love continued. Ok, it does! Mr. Ramirez does a great job sucking me in with the mixture of internal thought and action. Brad’s like a friend or myself (yeah, done a fair amount of the same) and love how Mr. Ramirez develops his characters and brings things together action. While Jessica is something of a secondary character it’s only because the stories perspective is from Brad Mendoza’s. If I was to challenge Mr Ramirez in anyway it would be to be like CJ Cherryh and give us more powerful secondary or tertiary characters. There’s nothing wrong with them stepping up and becoming powerful characters in their own right. That's not to knock Mr. Ramirez’s telling here because I love! Solid and yes, looking forward to more Brad Mendoza/Jessica Lin stories!
December 29, 2023
JUST AS DUMB AS A STUMP OR SMART AS A FOX?
This is a great book and a great series for any and all those of us who enjoy a good science fiction series full of action and enough twists and turns in the storie's plot to keep you on your toes in suspense, and thrown in hilarious situations you'll want to sit and read the whole book if not the whole series in one sitting. Skyler has brought together a cast that is easy to relate to, and even though they stumble to do and say what is correct most of the time, the characters (Brad and Jessica or is it Ben and Jen) are easy to contact with. Brad is dumber than dumb or is he really dumb and not smarter than what others or even he thinks? He's a man who was a captain of a naval battleship (how dumb can he be), he seems to be able to come up with a plan to get out of the trouble he fines himself in, all at the sametime saving the day and his crew mate Jessica when it is needed most. This is the second book in which I have read in this series as well as my second book I have read that Skyler has written, and it will not be my last. I really enjoyed this book and series so far and hope you will too. I highly recommend it to everyone no matter what the reader's age is.
This is a great book and a great series for any and all those of us who enjoy a good science fiction series full of action and enough twists and turns in the storie's plot to keep you on your toes in suspense, and thrown in hilarious situations you'll want to sit and read the whole book if not the whole series in one sitting. Skyler has brought together a cast that is easy to relate to, and even though they stumble to do and say what is correct most of the time, the characters (Brad and Jessica or is it Ben and Jen) are easy to contact with. Brad is dumber than dumb or is he really dumb and not smarter than what others or even he thinks? He's a man who was a captain of a naval battleship (how dumb can he be), he seems to be able to come up with a plan to get out of the trouble he fines himself in, all at the sametime saving the day and his crew mate Jessica when it is needed most. This is the second book in which I have read in this series as well as my second book I have read that Skyler has written, and it will not be my last. I really enjoyed this book and series so far and hope you will too. I highly recommend it to everyone no matter what the reader's age is.
Read
August 5, 2025dnf 30%. Each book is more like a short story or episode of 160ish pages. MC is a mysognistic idiot. The author makes that clear in the first sentence of each book. MC's first mate is also an idiot because even though she is supposedly brilliant, she follows the idiot MC's commands even after no longer being in the navy.
May 20, 2025
Another fun quick read about some ex-space navy folks who get hijacked on their first attempted cargo mission. I especially liked that main character has managed to become a lot less of a self-centered dweeb.
May 31, 2024
The Worst Spies in the Sector (Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes, #2) by Skyler Ramirez continues the misadventures of the most dysfunctional crew in the galaxy. While the sequel offers more of the humor and action that fans enjoyed in the first installment, it still grapples with some of the same issues that hampered its predecessor.
In this follow-up, the crew of the worst ship in the fleet finds themselves embroiled in a convoluted espionage plot, tasked with infiltrating a high-security enemy facility. The plot is packed with twists and turns, and while it is engaging, it sometimes feels overly complicated and hard to follow. Compared to the more streamlined narratives of James S.A. Corey’s The Expanse series or John Scalzi’s Old Man’s War series, Ramirez’s story can feel somewhat scattered.
"While the humor and action are still present, the plot of The Worst Spies in the Sector often feels convoluted and difficult to follow."
The characters in The Worst Spies in the Sector remain as quirky and entertaining as ever. The crew’s antics provide plenty of laughs, but once again, the character development leaves much to be desired. The characters often feel one-dimensional, lacking the depth and complexity found in other space opera series like Becky Chambers' Wayfarers or Ann Leckie’s Imperial Radch trilogy. Readers who crave more nuanced and multifaceted characters may find themselves disappointed.
Despite these criticisms, Ramirez’s strength lies in his ability to craft engaging and fast-paced action scenes. The espionage elements of the plot provide ample opportunity for thrilling sequences, and Ramirez delivers these with aplomb. The humor, while sometimes bordering on slapstick, remains a highlight, adding a lighthearted touch to the otherwise high-stakes narrative.
In comparison to its contemporaries, The Worst Spies in the Sector lacks the intricate plotting and character depth found in series like James S.A. Corey’s The Expanse or Becky Chambers’ Wayfarers. However, it does offer a fun, action-packed romp that will appeal to readers looking for a lighter, more comedic take on the space opera genre.
Overall, The Worst Spies in the Sector is an entertaining sequel that delivers on humor and action, but it falls short in terms of plot complexity and character development. Fans of the first book will likely enjoy this continuation of the crew’s adventures, but those seeking a more substantial and nuanced story might find themselves wanting more.
December 19, 2025
DR
Having been declared diseased following the aftermath of book 1. Ex-cpt. and ex-XO now are fugitives in the galaxy at large. With one ship and just the two of them to crew it, and with little to no life experience outside of serving in the Emperor's space navy following straight and narrow turns out not to be as easy as it's made out to be.
The Worst Spies in the Sector brings a sort of closure to MC's encounter with the King's Cross from the book#1, for now. Book#2 really sets the tone/expectations for the books to follow in the series. First book focused purely on Brad and Jessica, two socioeconomically functional members of society with deep seated mental issues and an excessive luggage of emotional trauma in toll, trying to scrape by in the wider galaxy all the while being perceived as handy (probable) tools/personnel by powers that be. First introduction of the gag character, Harris, who's simultaneously incompetent at basic tasks and overachieving them. The defining action sequence read like a charm, with systematized space navy training contrasted to experience of crime muscle.
The naivete of Brad and Jessica in regular social encounters could be interpreted as lazy, plot driving, license. Author had the conclusion of Book#1 and imagined what he wanted Book#2 to be about, but didn't know how to connect point A to point B. As it can be imagined, not sure if mentioned in book, as both of them had commanding positions they had received some intelligence operations training if only to spot and react/report them. Personally, the idiom, don't look a gift horse in the mouth comes, to mind, as it seams believable that a person down on their luck, especially crashing form an adrenaline high of life-or-death experience would look past most shortcoming when given a rope to climb.
Conclusion: 4/5. Listened on Audible included in plus catalogue. Narrated by: Michael Murphy. Humorous military sci-fi series. Extremely romanticized view on love relationship, akin to two ships adrift damaged in the storm and only together can the surviving crew members make it ashore. Action sequences are conclusive (ending life) and gory. Terrible value for the length of the book, buying it with USD- 3.23 $/hour ( 9.99 $ / 03 hrs 06 mins ).
Values:
Terrible: >1.66 $/hour
Bad: 1 - 1.66 $/hour
Good: <1 $/hour
Dream: 0.4 - 0.27 $/hour
Stars:
1 - Not worth the resources to reproduce/preserve this title.
2 -Bad
3 -Good
4 - Personally, love it
5 - Recommended to everyone
Having been declared diseased following the aftermath of book 1. Ex-cpt. and ex-XO now are fugitives in the galaxy at large. With one ship and just the two of them to crew it, and with little to no life experience outside of serving in the Emperor's space navy following straight and narrow turns out not to be as easy as it's made out to be.
The Worst Spies in the Sector brings a sort of closure to MC's encounter with the King's Cross from the book#1, for now. Book#2 really sets the tone/expectations for the books to follow in the series. First book focused purely on Brad and Jessica, two socioeconomically functional members of society with deep seated mental issues and an excessive luggage of emotional trauma in toll, trying to scrape by in the wider galaxy all the while being perceived as handy (probable) tools/personnel by powers that be. First introduction of the gag character, Harris, who's simultaneously incompetent at basic tasks and overachieving them. The defining action sequence read like a charm, with systematized space navy training contrasted to experience of crime muscle.
The naivete of Brad and Jessica in regular social encounters could be interpreted as lazy, plot driving, license. Author had the conclusion of Book#1 and imagined what he wanted Book#2 to be about, but didn't know how to connect point A to point B. As it can be imagined, not sure if mentioned in book, as both of them had commanding positions they had received some intelligence operations training if only to spot and react/report them. Personally, the idiom, don't look a gift horse in the mouth comes, to mind, as it seams believable that a person down on their luck, especially crashing form an adrenaline high of life-or-death experience would look past most shortcoming when given a rope to climb.
Conclusion: 4/5. Listened on Audible included in plus catalogue. Narrated by: Michael Murphy. Humorous military sci-fi series. Extremely romanticized view on love relationship, akin to two ships adrift damaged in the storm and only together can the surviving crew members make it ashore. Action sequences are conclusive (ending life) and gory. Terrible value for the length of the book, buying it with USD- 3.23 $/hour ( 9.99 $ / 03 hrs 06 mins ).
Values:
Terrible: >1.66 $/hour
Bad: 1 - 1.66 $/hour
Good: <1 $/hour
Dream: 0.4 - 0.27 $/hour
Stars:
1 - Not worth the resources to reproduce/preserve this title.
2 -Bad
3 -Good
4 - Personally, love it
5 - Recommended to everyone
February 26, 2024
Very enjoyable!
This, as the second in the series has a longer story and is better for that. The characters, flawed as they are, remain engaging and believable.
I particularly like the way that things are implied, but there's a lack of unnecessary graphic language or description. It's a skill the author has that is sadly uncommon these days, giving room for more constructive storytelling. Long may this continue.
NO SPOILERS. In this tale, continuing just days after the end of the first episode, it seems our heroes are having a very torrid couple of weeks. Clearly, life is not boring on the good ship Wanderer! The tale told, through the eyes of Capt Mendoza spins along nicely. The writing style is engaging and, to be honest, it's easy to imagine sitting at a table in a bar listening to the good Capt regale you with stories. The internal dialogue adds a nice seasoning of self-deprecatory humour to the proceedings without going over the top. The end of the story is suitably satisfying and even suggests more to come which, quite frankly, is more than welcome!
In conclusion, I am thoroughly enjoying these books. If you're looking for hard-core sci-fi or deep philosophical mysteries, then these books aren't for you. HOWEVER. If you're in the market for well written stories about characters you'll end up caring about what happens to them, will they, won't they relationship, with spaceships and a nice smattering of humour and pathos, then this engaging series is most definitely for you!
Personally, I can't wait for the next instalment.
If you've got this far in my 12 book review, congratulations! You've earned a biccie and the hot beverage of your choice. I hope it helps you decide!
This, as the second in the series has a longer story and is better for that. The characters, flawed as they are, remain engaging and believable.
I particularly like the way that things are implied, but there's a lack of unnecessary graphic language or description. It's a skill the author has that is sadly uncommon these days, giving room for more constructive storytelling. Long may this continue.
NO SPOILERS. In this tale, continuing just days after the end of the first episode, it seems our heroes are having a very torrid couple of weeks. Clearly, life is not boring on the good ship Wanderer! The tale told, through the eyes of Capt Mendoza spins along nicely. The writing style is engaging and, to be honest, it's easy to imagine sitting at a table in a bar listening to the good Capt regale you with stories. The internal dialogue adds a nice seasoning of self-deprecatory humour to the proceedings without going over the top. The end of the story is suitably satisfying and even suggests more to come which, quite frankly, is more than welcome!
In conclusion, I am thoroughly enjoying these books. If you're looking for hard-core sci-fi or deep philosophical mysteries, then these books aren't for you. HOWEVER. If you're in the market for well written stories about characters you'll end up caring about what happens to them, will they, won't they relationship, with spaceships and a nice smattering of humour and pathos, then this engaging series is most definitely for you!
Personally, I can't wait for the next instalment.
If you've got this far in my 12 book review, congratulations! You've earned a biccie and the hot beverage of your choice. I hope it helps you decide!
January 22, 2024
like the series very much
Never know what will happen with these two. Brad definitely like -likes Lin. ❤️ And the feeling seems to be mutual. We’ll see what happens. The intrigue in this one was pretty darn good. And I always appreciate storylines that have strong female characters with a lot of depth to them. Brad may have started out as a down trodden, officer who was down on his luck, burying his guilt and depression in booze but Lin seems to be a good influence on him and we already see glimpses of the responsible and honorable man returning. They’ll be good for each other, supportive because they’ve both had it rough, many unfair situations in their lives. But…things are looking up!! 👍 Can’t imagine any syfy reader that wouldn’t enjoy this series.
My one issue is the stories are short. There like a blip or maybe several chapters in most of the series I read. It’s kind of a let down because you just get into it and then it’s over. Doesn’t change the fact that the chapters or short stories, or whatever you want to call them are not good, it’s just different than I’m used to. I hesitate to say they’re like an episode on a tv series because Ryk Brown writes his huge series, titled as episodes but each of those episodes are more like a full movie. A reader just need to know this going in, that’s all.
The writing is really good and IMO this one is better than the first so we have that to look forward to in future installments. The characters are really coming into their own and we’re starting to get a real understanding of them and I really like them.
I’m moving on to #3. 😉
Never know what will happen with these two. Brad definitely like -likes Lin. ❤️ And the feeling seems to be mutual. We’ll see what happens. The intrigue in this one was pretty darn good. And I always appreciate storylines that have strong female characters with a lot of depth to them. Brad may have started out as a down trodden, officer who was down on his luck, burying his guilt and depression in booze but Lin seems to be a good influence on him and we already see glimpses of the responsible and honorable man returning. They’ll be good for each other, supportive because they’ve both had it rough, many unfair situations in their lives. But…things are looking up!! 👍 Can’t imagine any syfy reader that wouldn’t enjoy this series.
My one issue is the stories are short. There like a blip or maybe several chapters in most of the series I read. It’s kind of a let down because you just get into it and then it’s over. Doesn’t change the fact that the chapters or short stories, or whatever you want to call them are not good, it’s just different than I’m used to. I hesitate to say they’re like an episode on a tv series because Ryk Brown writes his huge series, titled as episodes but each of those episodes are more like a full movie. A reader just need to know this going in, that’s all.
The writing is really good and IMO this one is better than the first so we have that to look forward to in future installments. The characters are really coming into their own and we’re starting to get a real understanding of them and I really like them.
I’m moving on to #3. 😉
January 22, 2025
Hmm...
I really liked this except for the unnecessary cliffhanging epilogue. It has nothing to do with book 2 and everything to do with book 3. Truly I barely noticed it as I have the omnibus. So with the 1st book there was an epilogue that gives direction to the 2nd book. They are considered dead and have there own ship but we really don't know where they are going. This was not that. There was a great ending to the book, and then bam, epilogue that leaves us hanging. Well, it was really fun and twisted. I would have given it a 4 1/2 and it probably still would be getting the 4 as it isn't going to be a favorite. At least I don't think it is.
So why do I say that I barely noticed the epilogue, well I have the Audible Omnibus of the first three books. I forgot that the chapter started with epilogue as soon as it continued on without interruption. I thought I was in the same book. Then I thought that this much have been written as a serial. OK my bad. But since the CH epil. does just flow into the next book...
So if you don't have book 2 to go to, stop before the epilogue or just ignore it. I could have as I've become good at ignoring epilogues cliffhangers as they irritate if I think on them. Luckily the plot in 2 is resolved and really great. Love the non-relationship that is building between these two.
I really liked this except for the unnecessary cliffhanging epilogue. It has nothing to do with book 2 and everything to do with book 3. Truly I barely noticed it as I have the omnibus. So with the 1st book there was an epilogue that gives direction to the 2nd book. They are considered dead and have there own ship but we really don't know where they are going. This was not that. There was a great ending to the book, and then bam, epilogue that leaves us hanging. Well, it was really fun and twisted. I would have given it a 4 1/2 and it probably still would be getting the 4 as it isn't going to be a favorite. At least I don't think it is.
So why do I say that I barely noticed the epilogue, well I have the Audible Omnibus of the first three books. I forgot that the chapter started with epilogue as soon as it continued on without interruption. I thought I was in the same book. Then I thought that this much have been written as a serial. OK my bad. But since the CH epil. does just flow into the next book...
So if you don't have book 2 to go to, stop before the epilogue or just ignore it. I could have as I've become good at ignoring epilogues cliffhangers as they irritate if I think on them. Luckily the plot in 2 is resolved and really great. Love the non-relationship that is building between these two.
May 1, 2024
Short, but interesting
I like the characters of Brad and Jennifer. The plot is good. Two things keep it from being five stars.
1. Too short. IMHO a novel should come in no less than 300 pages - of GOOD material. Worst Spies has pretty good writing. But there were some things that took me out of the story and made it feel less than genuine to me;
2. Too many deus ex machina solutions. There are several points where unlikely events happen to save the heroes. Stories with problems are most enjoyable when the reader has enough information to feel like they have a chance to solve the puzzle themselves. When the hero secretly does something the reader isn’t privy to and in this case, results in a pretty drastic change in fortune and IMHO faster than believable.
I also have a hard time with the somewhat shallow treatment of rape so far. I feel like it would be more traumatic and prominent than the story seems to tell.
Still, this was a fun read with mostly likable characters and an interesting story. I give it four stars and enjoyed it. My biggest complaint is length.
I like the characters of Brad and Jennifer. The plot is good. Two things keep it from being five stars.
1. Too short. IMHO a novel should come in no less than 300 pages - of GOOD material. Worst Spies has pretty good writing. But there were some things that took me out of the story and made it feel less than genuine to me;
2. Too many deus ex machina solutions. There are several points where unlikely events happen to save the heroes. Stories with problems are most enjoyable when the reader has enough information to feel like they have a chance to solve the puzzle themselves. When the hero secretly does something the reader isn’t privy to and in this case, results in a pretty drastic change in fortune and IMHO faster than believable.
I also have a hard time with the somewhat shallow treatment of rape so far. I feel like it would be more traumatic and prominent than the story seems to tell.
Still, this was a fun read with mostly likable characters and an interesting story. I give it four stars and enjoyed it. My biggest complaint is length.
December 11, 2025
Finished this…last weekend? I’ll have to update my dates. I honestly forgot to come update Goodreads. I didn’t like this one as much as the first one in the series, and I don’t know if I’ll read any more of these. I think it’s character related…I’m not super crazy about the main character and I’m honestly not sure how I feel about the female supporting character. In the last book I liked how the plot worked out, and I liked the same thing in this book. Once I got to a certain percentage, everything that happened was in service of the plot and getting the main characters out of the fix they were in. I liked this book better at that point, but some of the character stuff was still bugging me. I think the premise of the series is fun, and maybe that the reader isn’t supposed to take any of the story seriously…but I’m not entirely sure of that, and even if that’s the case, I’m not entirely sure it works. It doesn’t really work for me. Admittedly, I’ve been accused a lot in my life of taking things way too seriously, so others’ opinions probably will vary. For me this isn’t quite doing it.
July 29, 2024
Another 4.5 stars for the dumb luck and dead heroes series.
Minor spoilers ahead.
I was extremely happy to learn that we're getting more of Jessica's backstory since she hadn't gotten very much light shined on her aside from Brad and her romance development and sexual assault.
So far, the series has been very easy and fast-paced. Enough so, I can compare it to binge watching a show, honestly. The Adventures of Brad Mendoza reminds me of a television show.
Though, I think we all can collectively agree that Owen was waving a huge red flag since the beginning of the
book. It's good to know he got what he deserved... and Tucker, though I was desperately hoping Tucker got nailed in the crotch before his way out, also deserved his fate.
I highly recommend that if you're looking for a funny book to pass time, this (and the first book) is the way to go.
Lastly, Brad is an idiot. Thank you for reading my review.
Minor spoilers ahead.
I was extremely happy to learn that we're getting more of Jessica's backstory since she hadn't gotten very much light shined on her aside from Brad and her romance development and sexual assault.
So far, the series has been very easy and fast-paced. Enough so, I can compare it to binge watching a show, honestly. The Adventures of Brad Mendoza reminds me of a television show.
Though, I think we all can collectively agree that Owen was waving a huge red flag since the beginning of the
book. It's good to know he got what he deserved... and Tucker, though I was desperately hoping Tucker got nailed in the crotch before his way out, also deserved his fate.
I highly recommend that if you're looking for a funny book to pass time, this (and the first book) is the way to go.
Lastly, Brad is an idiot. Thank you for reading my review.
October 1, 2025
Another's 3.5 to 3.75. Sometimes you just need a quick space read.
The author gets it, by directly referencing the old space age serials and pulp fiction. This would be pulp fiction but its written on and for a Kindle... so, EPulp?
Brad Medoza and Jennifer Kim... sorry, Ben M and Jennifer LIN( nice pop culture reference there...) are recently drummed out of the navy and down on their luck. And someone comes out of thr blue to offer them assistance and aid. Nothing can go wrong, right? We'll, its the second book in a series so, yes, it does.
There is human growth there, about pain, and loss, and emotional intimacy. Amd then there's a heist of sorts on a space casino planet. Balance. A very nice and pseudo realistic use of anti gravity. The stakes always felt appropriately high, not like people would just escape the danger.
Already started the next one!
The author gets it, by directly referencing the old space age serials and pulp fiction. This would be pulp fiction but its written on and for a Kindle... so, EPulp?
Brad Medoza and Jennifer Kim... sorry, Ben M and Jennifer LIN( nice pop culture reference there...) are recently drummed out of the navy and down on their luck. And someone comes out of thr blue to offer them assistance and aid. Nothing can go wrong, right? We'll, its the second book in a series so, yes, it does.
There is human growth there, about pain, and loss, and emotional intimacy. Amd then there's a heist of sorts on a space casino planet. Balance. A very nice and pseudo realistic use of anti gravity. The stakes always felt appropriately high, not like people would just escape the danger.
Already started the next one!
August 11, 2025
9/10
These are really fun little binge reads. The pacing is nice & quick for me, plus there’s a fun balance of drama & humor in these heroes. As much as I enjoy the genre, I don’t venture into sci-fi as much as I would like.
I really appreciate that these books have clean language & content, just keep in mind that there are still heavier issues mentioned & some characters are prone to leering & suggestive intentions.
But I enjoy the characters, they’re bonding through conflict & hardships. They experience real emotion in their mess, not just being hardened shells. We meet real villains who keep you guessing & while some are downright dumb, others are diabolical, playing on lots of stereotypes in a fun way.
I’ll definitely continue on with this series to get my sci-fi fix!
These are really fun little binge reads. The pacing is nice & quick for me, plus there’s a fun balance of drama & humor in these heroes. As much as I enjoy the genre, I don’t venture into sci-fi as much as I would like.
I really appreciate that these books have clean language & content, just keep in mind that there are still heavier issues mentioned & some characters are prone to leering & suggestive intentions.
But I enjoy the characters, they’re bonding through conflict & hardships. They experience real emotion in their mess, not just being hardened shells. We meet real villains who keep you guessing & while some are downright dumb, others are diabolical, playing on lots of stereotypes in a fun way.
I’ll definitely continue on with this series to get my sci-fi fix!
April 29, 2025
“The Worst Spies in the Sector”, second in the 'Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes' series, sees Brad and Jessica on the run and officially dead.
It's a running joke in the series that despite their new identities nearly everyone they meet knows exactly who they are.
With funds running low they decide to get into the space haulage business.
Their first cargo run seems simple enough, bring four passengers to point A, collect some cargo, and travel to their final destination.
What could possibly go wrong?
Everything! Just when all seems lost Brad comes up with a cunning plan.
Will it be enough to save the day (and Jessica)?
It's good fun.
3 Stars.
It's a running joke in the series that despite their new identities nearly everyone they meet knows exactly who they are.
With funds running low they decide to get into the space haulage business.
Their first cargo run seems simple enough, bring four passengers to point A, collect some cargo, and travel to their final destination.
What could possibly go wrong?
Everything! Just when all seems lost Brad comes up with a cunning plan.
Will it be enough to save the day (and Jessica)?
It's good fun.
3 Stars.
January 13, 2024
Great second installation to the dumb luck and dead heroes series.
Skyler Ramirez ramirez has done a great job at picking up the drama in this series. This second book on the is just as good as the first one. It is entertaining and fun to read. So far, the books have not introduced anything new to the sci-fi genre, but the author's writing style is down-to-earth and refreshing.
The main characters have become likable and memorable. The environment and its people are believable and interesting.
Like the first book, I highly recommend this one as well.
Skyler Ramirez ramirez has done a great job at picking up the drama in this series. This second book on the is just as good as the first one. It is entertaining and fun to read. So far, the books have not introduced anything new to the sci-fi genre, but the author's writing style is down-to-earth and refreshing.
The main characters have become likable and memorable. The environment and its people are believable and interesting.
Like the first book, I highly recommend this one as well.
January 21, 2024
Stupid is as Stupid Does😵
ADULT Oriented Sci-fi🚀�� and Space Adventure
Book Two in the series.
Our hero, Brad🐺, a former naval officer and ship🚀 Captain gets a name change and new identity but it can't fix his stupid actions that lead to a hostage situation.
I got this e-book from Amazon📚 with Kindle unlimited.
I felt like Brad's character is a little bit weak But may be that's the whole reason for these books.
Will he be a hero in the end?
These books are written in first person, which I don't care for because we never know what the other characters are thinking.
ADULT Oriented Sci-fi🚀�� and Space Adventure
Book Two in the series.
Our hero, Brad🐺, a former naval officer and ship🚀 Captain gets a name change and new identity but it can't fix his stupid actions that lead to a hostage situation.
I got this e-book from Amazon📚 with Kindle unlimited.
I felt like Brad's character is a little bit weak But may be that's the whole reason for these books.
Will he be a hero in the end?
These books are written in first person, which I don't care for because we never know what the other characters are thinking.
November 9, 2024
He's no Billy Firebrand...
but Brad Mendoza IS a nice guy doing the best he can. A talented former Naval officer, Brad finds himself adrift in the universe and no longer a part of the structure that supported his entire adult life. In spite of that, he keeps going, tries to do the right thing, snd tries to learn from his mistakes.
The first person narration is refreshingly self-deprecating and I found myself laughing out loud or nodding in sympathy. For all the introspection, there's also plenty of action. #'s 1 & 2 in the series have been fun quick reads. On to #3!
but Brad Mendoza IS a nice guy doing the best he can. A talented former Naval officer, Brad finds himself adrift in the universe and no longer a part of the structure that supported his entire adult life. In spite of that, he keeps going, tries to do the right thing, snd tries to learn from his mistakes.
The first person narration is refreshingly self-deprecating and I found myself laughing out loud or nodding in sympathy. For all the introspection, there's also plenty of action. #'s 1 & 2 in the series have been fun quick reads. On to #3!
November 12, 2023
great story
Continuation of the first book in the series, but stands on its own without sufficient backstory to catch up. Excellent protagonist characterization, other characters good. Quick-moving story with lots of tension in the right places. The only flaw I see is still that the protagonist is just too clueless to have been a celebrated Navy captain. But the story works, and he works, so I just let that go and enjoyed the whole book.
Continuation of the first book in the series, but stands on its own without sufficient backstory to catch up. Excellent protagonist characterization, other characters good. Quick-moving story with lots of tension in the right places. The only flaw I see is still that the protagonist is just too clueless to have been a celebrated Navy captain. But the story works, and he works, so I just let that go and enjoyed the whole book.
April 17, 2024
Continuing on with Brad and Jessica's fun adventures in space! This time, they are figuring out how to not be naval officers and make enough money to keep themselves afloat! I continue to enjoy the dynamics between these characters. I found the low gravity fight between Brad and the bad guys interesting. I learned some excellent fighting skills to keep in mind next time I'm in low gravity. I'm in for the next book in this series!
May 1, 2024
Good read
Well this was exciting. I really felt sorry for our heroes there for a while but I had faith they'd get thru it. More surprises in store. Definitely entertaining and well written. Only problem I had was the absolutely disgusting reactive of 'spitting' in someone's food. In my opinion it's the lowest thought any human can muster. And no one should be forgiven for it, ever.
Well this was exciting. I really felt sorry for our heroes there for a while but I had faith they'd get thru it. More surprises in store. Definitely entertaining and well written. Only problem I had was the absolutely disgusting reactive of 'spitting' in someone's food. In my opinion it's the lowest thought any human can muster. And no one should be forgiven for it, ever.
June 24, 2024
A fun sci-fi espionage novel
I read the first book in the series by chance . With sci-fi not being in my wheelhouse I did not know what to expect. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book so I tracked down this the second book in the series. It picks up where the first left off with our two hero’s fleeing on a stolen spaceship trying to figure out what comes next. This book has multiple twists and turns and a really surprising ending. A fun read.
I read the first book in the series by chance . With sci-fi not being in my wheelhouse I did not know what to expect. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book so I tracked down this the second book in the series. It picks up where the first left off with our two hero’s fleeing on a stolen spaceship trying to figure out what comes next. This book has multiple twists and turns and a really surprising ending. A fun read.
October 14, 2024
More like 3.5. A little better than the first, which I guess is not unexpected for this kind of novella format. It's going to take a while to find its footing. Anyway, the best thing is we no longer get assaulted by Brad's alcoholism (which from the timeline of the book, set in within 2 months or so, then got dispelled in a week - I point this out because this kind of "everything gets resolved in sitcom like style" is part of the series. Again, it's fun enough, and I continued on.
November 2, 2025
The book was just okay. The plot is trivial, Brad is still an alcoholic, a dreamer and absolutely clueless.. i skimmed through the book but found nothing exciting or interesting.
I think i am done with the series..
Criticism and comments
We can be anything we want. Like clowns.” what an inspiration!
“What about hiring out as mercenaries?” So far they didn't show any combat skills..
I think i am done with the series..
Criticism and comments
We can be anything we want. Like clowns.” what an inspiration!
“What about hiring out as mercenaries?” So far they didn't show any combat skills..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews