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The Worst Mercenaries in the Border Systems
Never Meet Your Heroes
When Brad Mendoza comes face to face with crack mercenary Billy Firebrand, his supposedly fictional boyhood hero, the results are nearly disastrous. Add in an enemy navy with delusions of galactic domination, a duplicitous admiral, and an upset fiancee, and it just isn't Brad's day.
The exciting eighth book in the Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes series, The Worst Mercenaries in the Border Systems, will have you on the edge of your seat, biting your nails and laughing along with our dead heroes as they once again do their best to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Equal parts military science fiction, space opera, and comedy, you'll love this new entry in the fan-favorite series!
Order today.
When Brad Mendoza comes face to face with crack mercenary Billy Firebrand, his supposedly fictional boyhood hero, the results are nearly disastrous. Add in an enemy navy with delusions of galactic domination, a duplicitous admiral, and an upset fiancee, and it just isn't Brad's day.
The exciting eighth book in the Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes series, The Worst Mercenaries in the Border Systems, will have you on the edge of your seat, biting your nails and laughing along with our dead heroes as they once again do their best to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Equal parts military science fiction, space opera, and comedy, you'll love this new entry in the fan-favorite series!
Order today.
- GenresScience FictionAdventure
452 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2025
308 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Skyler Ramirez
52 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 24, 2025
Entertaining space opera listening 🚀
This kindle ebook novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 8 of 9
Jessica and Brad are in love 😘 as they travel in the universe helping the people in need! An exciting novel with interesting characters lots of action, misdirection and violence leading to a happy ending 👨❤️💋👨!
I would highly recommend this series and author to readers of fantasy world 🌐 🚀 space opera adventures family and friends relationships romantic novels🏙😕 2025 🤓🎆
This kindle ebook novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 8 of 9
Jessica and Brad are in love 😘 as they travel in the universe helping the people in need! An exciting novel with interesting characters lots of action, misdirection and violence leading to a happy ending 👨❤️💋👨!
I would highly recommend this series and author to readers of fantasy world 🌐 🚀 space opera adventures family and friends relationships romantic novels🏙😕 2025 🤓🎆
October 7, 2025
4.25.
I don't like royalty in this one. I also dont like reading instead of " working" what ever that is termed as but I read instead.
Brad and Jessica... honestly, at this point, it's not the deck stacked against them. It's not even the casino.
No, the entire city of Las Vegas (metaphorically) is against them and they are (again metaphorically) in a fried out Kombi on the edge of the desert.
We start off with some blackmail and it's not really explained post " hey this is how blackmail works and I'm blackmailing you".
A lot more of soul searching that is allowed as .... mercenaries? Not sure what they are classified as of yet, but a lot of " why are we doing this and what does it mean". Displays of ostentatious wealth are shown as kind of a " ha ha, look at our former Navy members in a trillionaire yacht".
The macguffin of the new weapons was interesting from a physics standby. Some nearly technical mumbo jumbo is a new lead for these intrepid heroes to chase down.
The death scene of this newest big baddy was moderately good, but it felt anticlimactic and by now we should know- no body, no death. We'll see.
Even with the betrayal and blackmail, and the talk of who are they fighting for, the decision at the end to go and unilaterally fight pirates was a little odd. Its like, if after Midway, the Japanese decided to go hunt fish poachers in the Solomon Islands, or after Pearl Harbor, America said we're going to go ice fishing in Newfoundland. There, there's the metaphor I was looking for.
I can't wait for the next one which is coming out this December.
I don't like royalty in this one. I also dont like reading instead of " working" what ever that is termed as but I read instead.
Brad and Jessica... honestly, at this point, it's not the deck stacked against them. It's not even the casino.
No, the entire city of Las Vegas (metaphorically) is against them and they are (again metaphorically) in a fried out Kombi on the edge of the desert.
We start off with some blackmail and it's not really explained post " hey this is how blackmail works and I'm blackmailing you".
A lot more of soul searching that is allowed as .... mercenaries? Not sure what they are classified as of yet, but a lot of " why are we doing this and what does it mean". Displays of ostentatious wealth are shown as kind of a " ha ha, look at our former Navy members in a trillionaire yacht".
The macguffin of the new weapons was interesting from a physics standby. Some nearly technical mumbo jumbo is a new lead for these intrepid heroes to chase down.
The death scene of this newest big baddy was moderately good, but it felt anticlimactic and by now we should know- no body, no death. We'll see.
Even with the betrayal and blackmail, and the talk of who are they fighting for, the decision at the end to go and unilaterally fight pirates was a little odd. Its like, if after Midway, the Japanese decided to go hunt fish poachers in the Solomon Islands, or after Pearl Harbor, America said we're going to go ice fishing in Newfoundland. There, there's the metaphor I was looking for.
I can't wait for the next one which is coming out this December.
July 26, 2025
good series
Really like the series. It’s one of the ones that I’m o. The lookout when I know the release date is due. There adventures are always full of chaos, action and surprises and you never know what to expect from the crew. This one was a little less action and a lot more of simply jumping and chasing but the storyline helped carry it through. The ending for this crew was extremely sad, yet has a touching moment, and you’ll just have to read it to find out what i mean by that. One thing that was eweird was in the Epilogue there was a switch from our motley crew to the Forebrand crew, which we never saw or heard anything about. And believe me when I say, that crew is every bit as weird as the motley crew of the Worst….(crew) exploits. But the introduction to this crew is important because they’re getting their own series, which will be exciting, I’m sure but I worry that it will pull Mr. Ramirez from his timely schedule for the Worst… books. So I’m hoping he can pull it off and write the duo while keeping up with the same timely release dates. Good luck on that Mr. Ramirez. I’m looking forward to a Billy Firebrand series, especially after meeting only a few of his crew. PS—I was definitely caught by surprise by Denise’s origin.👍😂
Really like the series. It’s one of the ones that I’m o. The lookout when I know the release date is due. There adventures are always full of chaos, action and surprises and you never know what to expect from the crew. This one was a little less action and a lot more of simply jumping and chasing but the storyline helped carry it through. The ending for this crew was extremely sad, yet has a touching moment, and you’ll just have to read it to find out what i mean by that. One thing that was eweird was in the Epilogue there was a switch from our motley crew to the Forebrand crew, which we never saw or heard anything about. And believe me when I say, that crew is every bit as weird as the motley crew of the Worst….(crew) exploits. But the introduction to this crew is important because they’re getting their own series, which will be exciting, I’m sure but I worry that it will pull Mr. Ramirez from his timely schedule for the Worst… books. So I’m hoping he can pull it off and write the duo while keeping up with the same timely release dates. Good luck on that Mr. Ramirez. I’m looking forward to a Billy Firebrand series, especially after meeting only a few of his crew. PS—I was definitely caught by surprise by Denise’s origin.👍😂
July 25, 2025
Another fun and engaging story. This book brought a lot of satisfying conclusions to ongoing plot lines and tied together well the two main series in this world. I appreciate the attention to detail describing the technology and how space travel works in this universe; there’s no traveling so fast to the next location that entering feels too unrealistically close together. The characters don’t have tons of depth or development, but they’re fun and memorable. Two critiques are that there are so many secondary and tertiary characters that can distract when they pop in occasionally and that a few of the books feel formulaic. Still looking forward to more.
July 18, 2025
Fun and enjoyable read. This book has some revelations and several sub plot line wrap-up's. Characters continue to live life and gain more depth as events roll along. New characters are introduced and some previous one's return. The challenges are impossible again, but that just makes it more fun reading to see how things work out. I am not going to give hints, but some new developments are in store, and I look forward to them. Please keep this universe rolling along and the books coming.
June 30, 2025
Another great entertaining read with a sweet ending. It's always nice to see the background plot get larger as well.
The one complaint I have would be the character AI art for each chapter. Not only is it unnecessary, they were not flattering at all and pretty distracting. This was especially true for Jessica Lin.
The one complaint I have would be the character AI art for each chapter. Not only is it unnecessary, they were not flattering at all and pretty distracting. This was especially true for Jessica Lin.
July 6, 2025
Brad, Jessica and the team are back and again facing the impossible, as they are blackmailed into a secret mission into enemy territory. Brad also gets to meet his hero and reunites with two people from his academy days. These stories are all about the characters and the interactions, spot on as always.
July 16, 2025
Laughing All the Way to the End
This is an underdog series I’ve really enjoyed. Couldn’t put it down. Please, somebody find this and make a movie!
I wish the pictures of the characters weren’t just AI generated, especially that stupid, evil laughing admiral portrait, but that’s really the only downside.
This is an underdog series I’ve really enjoyed. Couldn’t put it down. Please, somebody find this and make a movie!
I wish the pictures of the characters weren’t just AI generated, especially that stupid, evil laughing admiral portrait, but that’s really the only downside.
June 29, 2025
Excellent
How fun... and good to find an author who can keep me "reading" and not "scanning" . I've read all the prior books in this series and I'm sure I'll keep reading. Thank you 🙂
How fun... and good to find an author who can keep me "reading" and not "scanning" . I've read all the prior books in this series and I'm sure I'll keep reading. Thank you 🙂
July 1, 2025
An exciting adventure!
Wow, just wow. Skyler never fails to write a bad Dumb Luck and Dead Heros adventure. This story is exciting from the first page to the last, and speaking of which, what an ending! Can't wait for the next book!
Wow, just wow. Skyler never fails to write a bad Dumb Luck and Dead Heros adventure. This story is exciting from the first page to the last, and speaking of which, what an ending! Can't wait for the next book!
July 21, 2025
Misadventures, but so much fun.
Ride along with Brad and Jessica, always an adventure. This was a great end to the current story, looking forward to whatever craziness comes next.
Ride along with Brad and Jessica, always an adventure. This was a great end to the current story, looking forward to whatever craziness comes next.
August 2, 2025
Thank you!
10 stars would be more appropriate along with some Admiral bars. Finally! So tastefully written, I was almost crying. If you’re going to write more series I vote for one about momma Mendoza. Nuff said!
10 stars would be more appropriate along with some Admiral bars. Finally! So tastefully written, I was almost crying. If you’re going to write more series I vote for one about momma Mendoza. Nuff said!
August 19, 2025
Hopefully you have read the rest of this series. Great characters and character building throughout the series. Add to that great storyline for all, plus the backstories involved. It is well worth your time.
August 20, 2025
Fun and fast-paced
Very fun read, fast-paced, interesting characters cruising the stars in an intriguing backdrop that isn't overwrought. Have enjoyed this entire series and looking forward to more.
Very fun read, fast-paced, interesting characters cruising the stars in an intriguing backdrop that isn't overwrought. Have enjoyed this entire series and looking forward to more.
November 17, 2024
Top Notch Science Fiction!
July 5, 2025
love this guy
Love this author. I love these books. Love these characters so well done bravo. I hope you keep writing till I’m really old.
Love this author. I love these books. Love these characters so well done bravo. I hope you keep writing till I’m really old.
July 14, 2025
read them all
Another great adventure. Nothing but fun. I enjoyed it tremendously. If you haven’t already read them all. Can’t wait for the next installment.
Another great adventure. Nothing but fun. I enjoyed it tremendously. If you haven’t already read them all. Can’t wait for the next installment.
July 15, 2025
A really good story in this series. Lots of action, lots of fun. I really liked it.
July 31, 2025
True Love Conquer All
Brad and Jessica get through their latest adventure and finally make an honest couple of each other. Oh, and something about a new war starting.
Brad and Jessica get through their latest adventure and finally make an honest couple of each other. Oh, and something about a new war starting.
October 13, 2025
Love the whole series
I love these books, and I can't wait for the next one to come out. I definitely recommend them to anyone.
I love these books, and I can't wait for the next one to come out. I definitely recommend them to anyone.
September 2, 2025
The Dumb in this series does a lot of heavy lifting.
First, it's formulaic, like more than a David Drake novel. If you've read one book, you read then all. Also, the characters are flat and uninteresting.
Of particular note us the author's asian fetish, which is blazing away in the first 2 novels. Beyond simple "icky" misogyny, the protagonist obsession with his asian gal pal contrasts with his blonde European ex who betrayed him. Which is interesting because Skyler Ramirez' wife is a blonde European.... We know this because she's in all his author photos.
I wonder if she reads his books?
I'm willing to bet she doesn't, and after reading 2, I understand why.
Waste of money, poorly written shallow plot with asian women stereotypes and gross fetishing.
Pass on it.
First, it's formulaic, like more than a David Drake novel. If you've read one book, you read then all. Also, the characters are flat and uninteresting.
Of particular note us the author's asian fetish, which is blazing away in the first 2 novels. Beyond simple "icky" misogyny, the protagonist obsession with his asian gal pal contrasts with his blonde European ex who betrayed him. Which is interesting because Skyler Ramirez' wife is a blonde European.... We know this because she's in all his author photos.
I wonder if she reads his books?
I'm willing to bet she doesn't, and after reading 2, I understand why.
Waste of money, poorly written shallow plot with asian women stereotypes and gross fetishing.
Pass on it.
October 10, 2025
Such a good installment to the series. The humor, the strife and the wonderful group of well thought out characters. This is one of my favorites for the series. I loved the change to the chapter start graphics, so keep an eye on them!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews