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Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes #4
The Worst Rescuers in the Republic
Being tortured isn’t fun at all……especially when it’s your ex-flame attaching the battery cables to you. For Captain Brad Mendoza, his month has gone from bad to worse, and now all anyone seems interested in is the galaxy-changing secret that’s rattling around in his brain. Whoever breaks Brad can build an empire that will rival anything else in the Fringe!
But across the Republic, Jessica Lin survived the attempt to take her life, and she’s hunting the evil men and woman who have kidnapped her captain. Armed only with a damaged ship seized from pirates, she must use her wits and a lot of luck to gather a ragtag crew capable of finding and rescuing Brad from the vile mercenaries that hold him captive.
Joining her on her quest are Hayley Uvalde, an enigmatic and fast-talking intelligence expert who changes names as often as hair colors, Quinn Boyd, a special forces washout with an unhealthy love of explosives, and Harris, everyone’s favorite makeup artist turned mercenary. Together, they’ll race against a ticking clock to find Brad before he gives up his secret, dies, or likely both.
The fourth and longest installment thus far in the favorite Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes series, The Worst Rescuers in the Republic picks up where The Worst Pirate Hunters in the Fringe left off and takes readers through a twisting and turning science fiction military adventure with a little humor—and a lot of dumb luck—mixed in. Part hard sci-fi and part space opera. Read the series that is delighting readers worldwide!
But across the Republic, Jessica Lin survived the attempt to take her life, and she’s hunting the evil men and woman who have kidnapped her captain. Armed only with a damaged ship seized from pirates, she must use her wits and a lot of luck to gather a ragtag crew capable of finding and rescuing Brad from the vile mercenaries that hold him captive.
Joining her on her quest are Hayley Uvalde, an enigmatic and fast-talking intelligence expert who changes names as often as hair colors, Quinn Boyd, a special forces washout with an unhealthy love of explosives, and Harris, everyone’s favorite makeup artist turned mercenary. Together, they’ll race against a ticking clock to find Brad before he gives up his secret, dies, or likely both.
The fourth and longest installment thus far in the favorite Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes series, The Worst Rescuers in the Republic picks up where The Worst Pirate Hunters in the Fringe left off and takes readers through a twisting and turning science fiction military adventure with a little humor—and a lot of dumb luck—mixed in. Part hard sci-fi and part space opera. Read the series that is delighting readers worldwide!
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2023
758 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Skyler Ramirez
54 books125 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 74 reviews
March 4, 2024
Much better
The first 3 books are short stories around the 130-140 pages and a ok, but lack something, that this book being longer 240 pages, manages to overcome
It's a good story. Leading on straight from book 3, with Lin having to build a crew around her to help find Brad
There are some excellent moments in the book ranging from Lin discovering herself, to Brad being his usual childish humorous self, but it all just works and the new crew members add something that had been lacking. A repartee amongst people that get on, but rib each other
It's a good fun book
The first 3 books are short stories around the 130-140 pages and a ok, but lack something, that this book being longer 240 pages, manages to overcome
It's a good story. Leading on straight from book 3, with Lin having to build a crew around her to help find Brad
There are some excellent moments in the book ranging from Lin discovering herself, to Brad being his usual childish humorous self, but it all just works and the new crew members add something that had been lacking. A repartee amongst people that get on, but rib each other
It's a good fun book
April 26, 2024
Well, now what?
This book begins a new pattern where we have alternating events and viewpoints between Brad and Lin, who are in very different situations. Brad is “enjoying” his time with Kayla in an unknown location. Lin is still working with Harris and the people from Carter’s world. So now Lin has decided that she has to find Brad if she can.
This book begins a new pattern where we have alternating events and viewpoints between Brad and Lin, who are in very different situations. Brad is “enjoying” his time with Kayla in an unknown location. Lin is still working with Harris and the people from Carter’s world. So now Lin has decided that she has to find Brad if she can.
March 31, 2024
Book four of this series is a bit longer than its predecessors, and it's also notably better than book three.
The big difference compared to the first three books is not even its length, but the added POV, that of Jessica Lin. I found these chapters enjoyable to read and for the most part her narrative voice was different enough compared to Mendoza's.
In the setting of the book, the added POV makes sense, but I'm not entirely convinced this would stick in the next books, unless the author deliberately wants to seperate our two main characters again. Or use it to create more awkward "romantic" stuff. Please don't.
The interactions between our main characters, as brief as they may be, at least appear to be more mature. Hopefully this doesn't change.
The story itself was quite a ride from the beginning to the end, well executed with decent pacing and plenty of laughs along the way.
Many new characters are introduced, and while they still feel somewhat one-dimensional, they are at least given more depth this time around. I found most of them to be very likeable and hope to see more of them in the future.
I found Uvalde's character to be consistently irritating however, and the way she solved the problems she decided to solve, was entirely unconvincing and unexplained "magic".
One more thing I didn't enjoy much were the Cartoon characters on steroids. I don't know why this even needed to be a thing; surely there could have been something more fitting for a sci-fi story, even if it's one that doesn't take itself too seriously.
All in all, good stuff: 4,5/5, rounding down.
The big difference compared to the first three books is not even its length, but the added POV, that of Jessica Lin. I found these chapters enjoyable to read and for the most part her narrative voice was different enough compared to Mendoza's.
In the setting of the book, the added POV makes sense, but I'm not entirely convinced this would stick in the next books, unless the author deliberately wants to seperate our two main characters again. Or use it to create more awkward "romantic" stuff. Please don't.
The interactions between our main characters, as brief as they may be, at least appear to be more mature. Hopefully this doesn't change.
The story itself was quite a ride from the beginning to the end, well executed with decent pacing and plenty of laughs along the way.
Many new characters are introduced, and while they still feel somewhat one-dimensional, they are at least given more depth this time around. I found most of them to be very likeable and hope to see more of them in the future.
I found Uvalde's character to be consistently irritating however, and the way she solved the problems she decided to solve, was entirely unconvincing and unexplained "magic".
One more thing I didn't enjoy much were the Cartoon characters on steroids. I don't know why this even needed to be a thing; surely there could have been something more fitting for a sci-fi story, even if it's one that doesn't take itself too seriously.
All in all, good stuff: 4,5/5, rounding down.
December 16, 2024
My Amazon digital rewards guilty pleasure(?)
March 22, 2025
Ik blijf de reeks lezen. Lekker biet nadenken. Leuk verhaal weer masr deze keer 2 ipv 3 sterren. Het eindigt te zoet nar mijn smaak
January 1, 2024
CAN A BUNCH OF MISFITS SAVE THE DAY?
This series just keeps getting better and better with each additional book. Skyler Ramirez has written another well written book, and if you enjoy science fiction, action, comedy, and suspense, you're really going to enjoy the latest adventures of Brad Mendoza and Jessica Lin and the new addition characters brought into the mix of misfits and heroes that go the extra mile to beat the odds against pirates, mercenaries, and even a group of space nazis. In book 4, Skyler has switched things up a little by switching between Brad and Jessica's perspective, giving us both sides of the story from a his and hers view. They have also brought together a few additional crew mates for their adventures. I really enjoyed reading "The Worst Rescuers in the Republic," book four in the DUMB LUCK and DEAD HEROES series, and hope you will also. I highly recommend this book and series for all ages.
This series just keeps getting better and better with each additional book. Skyler Ramirez has written another well written book, and if you enjoy science fiction, action, comedy, and suspense, you're really going to enjoy the latest adventures of Brad Mendoza and Jessica Lin and the new addition characters brought into the mix of misfits and heroes that go the extra mile to beat the odds against pirates, mercenaries, and even a group of space nazis. In book 4, Skyler has switched things up a little by switching between Brad and Jessica's perspective, giving us both sides of the story from a his and hers view. They have also brought together a few additional crew mates for their adventures. I really enjoyed reading "The Worst Rescuers in the Republic," book four in the DUMB LUCK and DEAD HEROES series, and hope you will also. I highly recommend this book and series for all ages.
February 1, 2025
So not a cliffhanger but a teaser epilogue again though really it can be ignored as not exactly something we feel we have to run to find out what will happen next. So this wraps up the several steps they have been on. It was entertaining and fun at times. Still the characters, although are becoming more fleshed out, seem a caricature rather than a true character. Still even that has them being interesting and bumbling to a satisfying ending.
This could have been combined with the book before it to have a complete storyline. Probably would be done that way because it would be 460 pages and the lightheartedness wouldn't really work with that size. I usually want a short bit of humor at a time so the 200 page or so fits the bill... only this story was to books. Solid 4 for entertainment
This could have been combined with the book before it to have a complete storyline. Probably would be done that way because it would be 460 pages and the lightheartedness wouldn't really work with that size. I usually want a short bit of humor at a time so the 200 page or so fits the bill... only this story was to books. Solid 4 for entertainment
April 29, 2025
“The Worst Rescuers in the Republic” takes place in the aftermath of “The Worst Pirate Hunters in the Fringe”.
Captain Brad Mendoza has been captured by Kayla Carter and is being tortured by her to reveal the location of the fabled stellarium deposit.
Jessica Lin, having saved Persephone from destruction, is terribly disfigured and in urgent need of medical help.
Adding to Brad's woes is his belief that Jessica (the love of his life!) is dead.
He's determined to hold out for as long as possible and, eventually, comes up with a cunning plan which (for a wonder) doesn't help at all.
It's up to Jessica to get better and start the search with the help of her motley crew.
Unusually, it is told from two POVs - which kinda works.
As always it is a fun, fast read.
3 Stars.
Captain Brad Mendoza has been captured by Kayla Carter and is being tortured by her to reveal the location of the fabled stellarium deposit.
Jessica Lin, having saved Persephone from destruction, is terribly disfigured and in urgent need of medical help.
Adding to Brad's woes is his belief that Jessica (the love of his life!) is dead.
He's determined to hold out for as long as possible and, eventually, comes up with a cunning plan which (for a wonder) doesn't help at all.
It's up to Jessica to get better and start the search with the help of her motley crew.
Unusually, it is told from two POVs - which kinda works.
As always it is a fun, fast read.
3 Stars.
December 20, 2023
Not impressed. I read the first 3 novels of this series, compliments of Kindle Unlimited, and this will be the last one I attempt. I read a lot of Sci-Fi , fantasy and space opera, and this falls well short of the standards of writers like Lois McMaster Bujold, Frank Herbert, Anne McCaffrey, Naomi Novik, Jim Butcher. And as a veteran, I was especially annoyed by the pretense of addressing PTSD in the storyline. Ramirez’s treatment was facile and lacking in any meaningful nuance. You’d be better served with the Bob and Nikki series by Jerry Boyd.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2024
Slightly better than the previous part, but with some major flaws:
- Quite catastrophic logic flaws.
- Nazis in space. (Nazis in space, or in South America or in Antarctica, like the Nazis themselves, is always a bad idea. A bit like the secret twins in thrillers.)
- Soothing speech on the bad bad Nazis in space (from a student looking for good points from his schoolteacher)
It remains pleasant to read, sometimes amusing, but the author, who does not lack talent, would be inspired to give a little more logic and coherence to his next stories.
- Quite catastrophic logic flaws.
- Nazis in space. (Nazis in space, or in South America or in Antarctica, like the Nazis themselves, is always a bad idea. A bit like the secret twins in thrillers.)
- Soothing speech on the bad bad Nazis in space (from a student looking for good points from his schoolteacher)
It remains pleasant to read, sometimes amusing, but the author, who does not lack talent, would be inspired to give a little more logic and coherence to his next stories.
June 12, 2025
Jessica Lin is awesome
I know the author initially struggled with how to write this story flipping between Brad and Jessica. I loved it - it builds the tension and the little twist about the coordinates is great.
I’ve struggled to decide if I like the main male protagonist and don’t fully understand Commander Lin’s predicament / behavior / submission. It was wonderful to see her face her demons and to blossom into the incredible woman she is. Looking forward to the next chapter in this story!
I know the author initially struggled with how to write this story flipping between Brad and Jessica. I loved it - it builds the tension and the little twist about the coordinates is great.
I’ve struggled to decide if I like the main male protagonist and don’t fully understand Commander Lin’s predicament / behavior / submission. It was wonderful to see her face her demons and to blossom into the incredible woman she is. Looking forward to the next chapter in this story!
October 1, 2025
4.25!
Every story is made better with the introduction of found family, high explosives, former and or current military ( see above) and high-octane thrills.
While the antagonists were an... inspired choice, the rhetoric of Space Not Sees.... say it fast... is, as always, less than ideal.
I loved the Captain finding the desperately needed courage she needed to pull off a rescue mission. We got all mixed together with a found family and morphed into... a family? A naval unit? A Crew? We'll keep reading to find out!
Every story is made better with the introduction of found family, high explosives, former and or current military ( see above) and high-octane thrills.
While the antagonists were an... inspired choice, the rhetoric of Space Not Sees.... say it fast... is, as always, less than ideal.
I loved the Captain finding the desperately needed courage she needed to pull off a rescue mission. We got all mixed together with a found family and morphed into... a family? A naval unit? A Crew? We'll keep reading to find out!
January 23, 2024
the most action packed of series so far
Great action. “love all the new characters and all the different personalities they bring to storyline. And I definitely appreciate the book being longer with more depth to it this time. Yay!
I had big review all written up but lost it. Sorry. Not doing again . I did have couple comments about book description versus cover image. Hopefully you can see highlight notes in kindle book app.
Looking forward to next book, #5-2/27/24
Great action. “love all the new characters and all the different personalities they bring to storyline. And I definitely appreciate the book being longer with more depth to it this time. Yay!
I had big review all written up but lost it. Sorry. Not doing again . I did have couple comments about book description versus cover image. Hopefully you can see highlight notes in kindle book app.
Looking forward to next book, #5-2/27/24
February 2, 2024
Wow!!! The action factor was cranked up even higher for this one.
Get ready for a seriously entertaining and action-packed Sci-Fi fi experience.
Jessica gets rough and tough while Brad has it really bad under the care of a psycho killer. Lots of shooting, explosions, some comedy, and even space Nazis.
This book is the best out of all so far.
I extremely recommend this series to all who like a good sci-fi story.
Get ready for a seriously entertaining and action-packed Sci-Fi fi experience.
Jessica gets rough and tough while Brad has it really bad under the care of a psycho killer. Lots of shooting, explosions, some comedy, and even space Nazis.
This book is the best out of all so far.
I extremely recommend this series to all who like a good sci-fi story.
May 10, 2024
Entertaining space opera listening 🎶🔰
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 4 of 6
Brad is captured because of information he has. Lynn is recovering from the battle with the pirates. Lynn has ship ⛵ and crew searching for Brad and the fun begins.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships space opera adventure novels 👍🔰. 2024
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 4 of 6
Brad is captured because of information he has. Lynn is recovering from the battle with the pirates. Lynn has ship ⛵ and crew searching for Brad and the fun begins.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships space opera adventure novels 👍🔰. 2024
February 24, 2025
Dang, how I love this series! Space pirates. Space Nazis. Blowing up space ships. Could do with less torture. 😉 Enjoyed seeing Jessica come into her own as a character. Rather hilarious that everyone and their second in command knows of Brad's and Jessica's secret identities. Fast paced action. Hilarious sarcasm. The additional squad members round out the story-telling. Highly recommended for any sci fi fans!
May 7, 2025
The Worst Rescuers is on par with the first two books in this series. Action, intrigue, snark, and bad guys you want to punch in the mouth.
I’m still not sure what I think about the make-up artist, fashionista on the crew. What is that about? If he’s a tech guy, why isn’t he used for that?
And nazi’s!!?? How does nazi-ism keep alive into the distant future? Part of the sick human condition, I guess.
I’m still not sure what I think about the make-up artist, fashionista on the crew. What is that about? If he’s a tech guy, why isn’t he used for that?
And nazi’s!!?? How does nazi-ism keep alive into the distant future? Part of the sick human condition, I guess.
May 17, 2025
best so far
Book one-hated hated hated both Captain and commander but loved the story (cannot ABIDE self defeatism)
BUT, read the Author’s blurb and, because the writing was actually clever and, occasionally humorous, gave the writer, and Brad and Lin, another shot.
I’m glad I did, and although it’s taking FOREVER to gel up the team, this crew and teammate building is my favorite kind of space tale!!
Book one-hated hated hated both Captain and commander but loved the story (cannot ABIDE self defeatism)
BUT, read the Author’s blurb and, because the writing was actually clever and, occasionally humorous, gave the writer, and Brad and Lin, another shot.
I’m glad I did, and although it’s taking FOREVER to gel up the team, this crew and teammate building is my favorite kind of space tale!!
May 30, 2024
Entertaining if ridiculous too
It was entertaining and it was cool seeing Jessica’s switch but kind of doubt that was realistic. Just walking into a station and beating up such a strong powerful man like I’m strong powerful woman and no one can stop me … and unarmed. But like I said … entertaining and high is the point.
It was entertaining and it was cool seeing Jessica’s switch but kind of doubt that was realistic. Just walking into a station and beating up such a strong powerful man like I’m strong powerful woman and no one can stop me … and unarmed. But like I said … entertaining and high is the point.
June 11, 2024
Another fine adventure!
Yet another entertaining tale about our intrepid (dead) heroes, Brad and Jessica.
And up until this point, we've only heard Brad's voice. With this book, we finally start to hear Jessica's voice and it's an excellent addition to the series!
These are the most entertaining reads I've had in years!
Yet another entertaining tale about our intrepid (dead) heroes, Brad and Jessica.
And up until this point, we've only heard Brad's voice. With this book, we finally start to hear Jessica's voice and it's an excellent addition to the series!
These are the most entertaining reads I've had in years!
June 27, 2024
Excellent reading
This series just seems to be getting better and better each book bringing a different twist to the overall story .Each worthy of a read comes highly recommended by me, I have never read more the two books by the same author in a row have just finished my fourth and have the fifth ready to read, draw your own conclusions
This series just seems to be getting better and better each book bringing a different twist to the overall story .Each worthy of a read comes highly recommended by me, I have never read more the two books by the same author in a row have just finished my fourth and have the fifth ready to read, draw your own conclusions
July 26, 2024
Great space opera!
I totally enjoy the Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes series. I just finished book 4 a few minutes ago and I immediately got book 5. The characters are well developed and the storyline has plenty of excitement. I definitely recommend the entire series to anyone who loves the genre or just loves action/adventure.
Kindle Unlimited
I totally enjoy the Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes series. I just finished book 4 a few minutes ago and I immediately got book 5. The characters are well developed and the storyline has plenty of excitement. I definitely recommend the entire series to anyone who loves the genre or just loves action/adventure.
Kindle Unlimited
August 24, 2024
The author keeps knocking it out of the park! Every book is not just a home run...but a GRAND SLAM!!!
I absolutely love the humor in these books. The characters are intriguing as the keep trying to improve themselves while overcoming self-doubt.
The action will keep you up late at night reading "just one more chapter"!
I absolutely love the humor in these books. The characters are intriguing as the keep trying to improve themselves while overcoming self-doubt.
The action will keep you up late at night reading "just one more chapter"!
September 4, 2024
Captured Captain
The captain was captured at the end of the fight with the pirates. The double cross by part of the group against others making it seem to easy by far with how they were outnumbered. But it was a double cross against him, too. Now the rest of the crew and a few volunteers take off to save the captain against all odds. Good Read.
The captain was captured at the end of the fight with the pirates. The double cross by part of the group against others making it seem to easy by far with how they were outnumbered. But it was a double cross against him, too. Now the rest of the crew and a few volunteers take off to save the captain against all odds. Good Read.
December 30, 2024
I have read all the Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes, by Skyler Ramirez, currently out. I have found them to be wonderful, quick military sci-fi reads. These stories are action-packed, with plenty of quick-witted humor, clean romance, and great characters in a vast yet trackable universe. Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes has quickly become my favorite enjoyment sci-fi read.
May 14, 2025
A style change has been made by the author
Most authors pretty well have a single writing style and differ little from it over the years. However, here in mid series the author changes style to assign each chapter to a specific main character. Hee pulled v off well, else I would not still be reading the series. Nice work.
Most authors pretty well have a single writing style and differ little from it over the years. However, here in mid series the author changes style to assign each chapter to a specific main character. Hee pulled v off well, else I would not still be reading the series. Nice work.
December 15, 2023
Jessica Rocks!
Another great read in "The Worst" series the author has captured the essence of Jessica Lin and has fully fleshed out her character. Love this duo and their eclectic crew
Another great read in "The Worst" series the author has captured the essence of Jessica Lin and has fully fleshed out her character. Love this duo and their eclectic crew
December 17, 2023
lots of fun
And a lot of craziness too. The adventures of Brad and Jessica, I am glad they have finally found each other and themselves. Start with book one and enjoy the ride.
And a lot of craziness too. The adventures of Brad and Jessica, I am glad they have finally found each other and themselves. Start with book one and enjoy the ride.
December 21, 2023
A great tie up to the events of the last books and sets up the series with an interesting crew that has lots of potential. This is the longest book so far and it does it well, there is not a single dull chapter.
December 25, 2023
With Brad kidnapped and Jessica seriously injured, this book starts straight after the events of book three. Change in direction with this one, as it is told from both Brad's and Jessica's point of view. Good book, that introduces new characters to the team. Looking forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews