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Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes #9
The Worst Admiral in the Star Cluster
Being responsible is terrible…
Brad Mendoza always wanted to be an admiral, but now that he’s been promoted, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. In fact, it’s downright stressful. So when he flees his responsibilities to go chase down some slavers, he’s hoping for a nice, relaxing mission with his new wife and their ragtag crew.
But the man they’re chasing isn’t who they think he is, and Brad and Jessica soon learn that they’re the prey, not the hunters. Now, Brad has to defeat an enemy who’s better armed, better funded, and deadset on killing him and the love of his life.
The only sure thing is that he’ll find a way to mess it all up.
The exciting ninth book in the Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes series, The Worst Admiral in the Star Cluster will have you on the edge of your seat, biting your nails and laughing along with our dead heroes as they once again unwittingly save the galaxy. Equal parts military science fiction, space opera, and comedy, you'll love this new entry in the fan-favorite series!
Order today!
Brad Mendoza always wanted to be an admiral, but now that he’s been promoted, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. In fact, it’s downright stressful. So when he flees his responsibilities to go chase down some slavers, he’s hoping for a nice, relaxing mission with his new wife and their ragtag crew.
But the man they’re chasing isn’t who they think he is, and Brad and Jessica soon learn that they’re the prey, not the hunters. Now, Brad has to defeat an enemy who’s better armed, better funded, and deadset on killing him and the love of his life.
The only sure thing is that he’ll find a way to mess it all up.
The exciting ninth book in the Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes series, The Worst Admiral in the Star Cluster will have you on the edge of your seat, biting your nails and laughing along with our dead heroes as they once again unwittingly save the galaxy. Equal parts military science fiction, space opera, and comedy, you'll love this new entry in the fan-favorite series!
Order today!
- GenresScience FictionFiction
498 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2025
About the author
Skyler Ramirez
54 books152 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 30, 2026
A good book in this series, which could have been excellent if the author hadn't pulled such improbable plot twists out of thin air.
The dual perspective of Brad and Jess does, however, slow the narrative down a bit. And their relationship drama is often tiresome.
But the world of the series is well-developed, and the next installment promises to be interesting.
The dual perspective of Brad and Jess does, however, slow the narrative down a bit. And their relationship drama is often tiresome.
But the world of the series is well-developed, and the next installment promises to be interesting.
May 21, 2026
5 stars for book 9. Skyler Ramirez has written good and very good books. The humor and heartfelt moments sprinkled with space battles has been great so far. But the progress of the author is evident. This book brought so many arcs together and described some great battles. Well done!
December 13, 2025
Holy Crap
Well I have enjoyed every book in the series, none have made me laugh out loud or my heart race with excitement quite like this one. This is the best Mendoza story yet. There are one or two spots in the beginning where an editor wouldn't go amiss, but once the story starts it flows and races along quite well. Highly recommended.
Well I have enjoyed every book in the series, none have made me laugh out loud or my heart race with excitement quite like this one. This is the best Mendoza story yet. There are one or two spots in the beginning where an editor wouldn't go amiss, but once the story starts it flows and races along quite well. Highly recommended.
December 30, 2025
Love this series!
I enjoy it when an author can develop and grow the characters in a series while maintaining the essence of the characters themselves.
One character goes from a broken drunk to a reluctant vice admiral. The other goes from an abuse survivor to a powerful woman.
They may be the “worst”, but their luck and adventures are the best!
I look forward to the next book in this series!
I enjoy it when an author can develop and grow the characters in a series while maintaining the essence of the characters themselves.
One character goes from a broken drunk to a reluctant vice admiral. The other goes from an abuse survivor to a powerful woman.
They may be the “worst”, but their luck and adventures are the best!
I look forward to the next book in this series!
March 23, 2026
These books continue in the same style which in this case is good.
The characters, the (sometimes a bit ludicrous) adventures, the dialogue and the action is all worthy of a four star rating.
The characters, the (sometimes a bit ludicrous) adventures, the dialogue and the action is all worthy of a four star rating.
June 5, 2026
After the explosive ending of the previous book — and all the mess it dragged along — I honestly wondered what Skyler Ramirez could possibly come up with to keep this series alive. Turns out the answer arrived a few days later, when I started this ninth volume: the freshly promoted Admiral Mendoza and his wife Jessica Lin go chasing after a band of pirates… with absolutely no clue about what’s waiting for them. And as decades of sci fi have taught us, when you dive in blind like that, there are only two outcomes: bad… or worse.
The book keeps the usual light hearted, cheeky tone of the series, but this time there’s a more noticeable shadow of drama, thanks to how the story unfolds and the trouble Brad and Lin — as tradition demands — manage to throw themselves into. The alternating POV works as well as ever, and this new adventure also forces both of them to face parts of their past they’d probably rather ignore. Brad, surprisingly, is a bit more serious and professional than usual. Not too much, don’t worry — he’s still our lovable walking disaster, just with a tiny hint of maturity… barely enough to make us raise an eyebrow.
When it comes to action, Ramirez never misses: space battles, reckless maneuvers, spectacular descriptions, and a pace that drags you from chapter to chapter without mercy. It’s one of those books you start “just to see how it begins,” and suddenly you’re halfway through wondering how the hell that happened.
My only real concern is the choice — yeah, the one we’ve already seen — to split Brad and Lin into separate storylines again. It works, don’t get me wrong, but I really hope it doesn’t become the default move. . Cool idea, absolutely… but it’s the kind of thing you want to handle with kid gloves.
That said, the book was a blast and the series is still going strong. And yes, I can’t wait to dive into the next one.
The book keeps the usual light hearted, cheeky tone of the series, but this time there’s a more noticeable shadow of drama, thanks to how the story unfolds and the trouble Brad and Lin — as tradition demands — manage to throw themselves into. The alternating POV works as well as ever, and this new adventure also forces both of them to face parts of their past they’d probably rather ignore. Brad, surprisingly, is a bit more serious and professional than usual. Not too much, don’t worry — he’s still our lovable walking disaster, just with a tiny hint of maturity… barely enough to make us raise an eyebrow.
When it comes to action, Ramirez never misses: space battles, reckless maneuvers, spectacular descriptions, and a pace that drags you from chapter to chapter without mercy. It’s one of those books you start “just to see how it begins,” and suddenly you’re halfway through wondering how the hell that happened.
My only real concern is the choice — yeah, the one we’ve already seen — to split Brad and Lin into separate storylines again. It works, don’t get me wrong, but I really hope it doesn’t become the default move. . Cool idea, absolutely… but it’s the kind of thing you want to handle with kid gloves.
That said, the book was a blast and the series is still going strong. And yes, I can’t wait to dive into the next one.
February 6, 2026
Slow start, fast end
Been a big fan of this series since book1, but struggled with the first part of this book, as I found it slow in progressing the storyline. Thankfully stuck with it and the last third makes up for any reservations I had
Brad and Jessica as always, split up and get into trouble individually and the other then comes along to save the day. Slavers play an important role in the whole storyline and Brad gets led along by the nose to chase one specific slaver, which is very nearly his and the crews downfall
It all works out in the end, but the last few chapters raise some interesting questions about what is really happening with the rebellion and the Epilogue sets up the next book nicely
Been a big fan of this series since book1, but struggled with the first part of this book, as I found it slow in progressing the storyline. Thankfully stuck with it and the last third makes up for any reservations I had
Brad and Jessica as always, split up and get into trouble individually and the other then comes along to save the day. Slavers play an important role in the whole storyline and Brad gets led along by the nose to chase one specific slaver, which is very nearly his and the crews downfall
It all works out in the end, but the last few chapters raise some interesting questions about what is really happening with the rebellion and the Epilogue sets up the next book nicely
January 25, 2026
I felt there were opportunities to really enhance the storyline, but they did not seem to be taken. Too similar to the previous books, although admittedly my frame of mind is not quite "normal" recently (personal events have me emotionally hijacked at this time). Got through the book without disliking it, but was hoping for little better from it.
January 26, 2026
Revisiting delightful characters in new adventures, even if the plot points are somewhat repetitive, is always enjoyable. I just enjoy these novels, even laughing out loud at some of the two protagonists' quips. However, I do hope to see this storyline come to an end in the near future as these never-ending series tire.
March 8, 2026
A+++
Loving the series!!!
I read through these books at a hundred miles an hour. I think it's because the characters are so engaging. Skyler Ramirez is a master at building up his characters with lots of wit and charm. It's like watching a very well produced movie.
Just read the books and you'll see.
Loving the series!!!
I read through these books at a hundred miles an hour. I think it's because the characters are so engaging. Skyler Ramirez is a master at building up his characters with lots of wit and charm. It's like watching a very well produced movie.
Just read the books and you'll see.
April 2, 2026
Excellent
And now I'm waiting for the continuation of the story. I've read and enjoyed the other 8 books in the series... Even though I criticize other authors for writing " blood and guts, death and destruction " as if they don't have the creativity to write anything else... For some reason I can accept it with this author.🙂
And now I'm waiting for the continuation of the story. I've read and enjoyed the other 8 books in the series... Even though I criticize other authors for writing " blood and guts, death and destruction " as if they don't have the creativity to write anything else... For some reason I can accept it with this author.🙂
June 21, 2026
Dang books are addictive
Skyler Rameriz is a good story teller, no doubt. But, he is an even better character builder, not necessarily builder of character, but builder of unique and memorable character.
Also, very good at causing adultz to spend time reading space operas rather than doing productive work!
Skyler Rameriz is a good story teller, no doubt. But, he is an even better character builder, not necessarily builder of character, but builder of unique and memorable character.
Also, very good at causing adultz to spend time reading space operas rather than doing productive work!
December 23, 2025
Loved it!
Another great installment but make sure have read all they earlier books or you will be lost. Impossible situations and brilliant solutions seem to be par for Jess and Brad. Patiently awaiting 10!
Another great installment but make sure have read all they earlier books or you will be lost. Impossible situations and brilliant solutions seem to be par for Jess and Brad. Patiently awaiting 10!
December 25, 2025
Fun
Like all the other books to date this is just a fun romp through space. It won't change your life but will simultaneously tickle your humour and "pop a little space dust" in your eyes.
Like all the other books to date this is just a fun romp through space. It won't change your life but will simultaneously tickle your humour and "pop a little space dust" in your eyes.
December 30, 2025
Best yet!
What a wild ride. Love story, reluctant heroes, dastardly villains, epic space battles, what more can a reader want. Assassin's, secret agents make it all the more fun.
What a wild ride. Love story, reluctant heroes, dastardly villains, epic space battles, what more can a reader want. Assassin's, secret agents make it all the more fun.
January 12, 2026
A wonderful fun series.
It’s a pity the editing isn’t slightly better, particularly the proofreading. With a few language tweaks that don’t change the author’s voice, this is a James Webber quality, space opera. The author should be earning millions. The fact that he’s not allows those of us with fewer resources to more affordably read and enjoy the series.
For any who complain about clumsy pros and a few proofreading lapses, get over yourselves and enjoy the ride. It’s a wonderful series. Very, very highly recommended.
It’s a pity the editing isn’t slightly better, particularly the proofreading. With a few language tweaks that don’t change the author’s voice, this is a James Webber quality, space opera. The author should be earning millions. The fact that he’s not allows those of us with fewer resources to more affordably read and enjoy the series.
For any who complain about clumsy pros and a few proofreading lapses, get over yourselves and enjoy the ride. It’s a wonderful series. Very, very highly recommended.
January 17, 2026
Bring it, Brad!
Brad Mendoza, reluctant admiral must overcome incredible odds and confront the man who was abusing Jessica when they first met. Out gunned, he does just that and more.
Brad Mendoza, reluctant admiral must overcome incredible odds and confront the man who was abusing Jessica when they first met. Out gunned, he does just that and more.
January 18, 2026
Another well crafted story— except. . .
Liked the book but Mr Ramirez has the lead characters make some uncharacteristically imbecilic decisions with associated actions to set the stage for elements of the storyline.
Liked the book but Mr Ramirez has the lead characters make some uncharacteristically imbecilic decisions with associated actions to set the stage for elements of the storyline.
March 1, 2026
back up to full speed
Loved book, best of the last several books. It has nice detailed descriptions and embedded content. Word of warning, you should read the preceding books to understand the context.
Loved book, best of the last several books. It has nice detailed descriptions and embedded content. Word of warning, you should read the preceding books to understand the context.
March 20, 2026
Thrilling AND hilarious!
It is amazing that Ramirez can take on on a thrilling roller coaster ride while also making you laugh out loud. I am binge reading every book he has ever written
It is amazing that Ramirez can take on on a thrilling roller coaster ride while also making you laugh out loud. I am binge reading every book he has ever written
April 13, 2026
Love this series and the adventures of Brad and Jessica. Though I am getting tired of the two of them being kidnapped in every book. Still excited for the next book and going through the side books now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2026
Good read.
This was a good book with a lot of sneaky stuff going on and it also had a lot of traders in it .The book was well written and had a good storyline with a few funny parts as well as plenty of action.
This was a good book with a lot of sneaky stuff going on and it also had a lot of traders in it .The book was well written and had a good storyline with a few funny parts as well as plenty of action.
May 15, 2026
We are told over and over again that everybody wants him/ them dead. Glad the list is a bit shorter now! Anxious to find out WHO is the Big Bad that has every system in such a choreographed dance of shifting power. Good luck Vice Admiral and Captain!
June 14, 2026
Good but not great. I felt for a lot of the early part of the book like the plot was dragging the characters around, and then just when things were starting to get interesting the two main characters get into an absurd fight. But the ending was good and resolved some long neglected threads.
December 16, 2025
worst?
Brad and Jessica figure it out……Again. Another tight fun story. The only issue I have is that I have to wait for the next one!
Brad and Jessica figure it out……Again. Another tight fun story. The only issue I have is that I have to wait for the next one!
December 17, 2025
The fun continues
These series will never be 'literature', but the are fun, entertaining, outlandish, good reading.
Book 9 as good as book 1,2,3.....
Enjoy!
These series will never be 'literature', but the are fun, entertaining, outlandish, good reading.
Book 9 as good as book 1,2,3.....
Enjoy!
December 18, 2025
Better and better
Wow, this was the best book in the series and cannot wait to read the next! Not sure how I came
To see and read this series but sure glad I did!!
Wow, this was the best book in the series and cannot wait to read the next! Not sure how I came
To see and read this series but sure glad I did!!
December 19, 2025
The best sci-fi I've ever read
I've been a devoted sci-fi fan for more than 50 years. Skyler has combined character and plot better than any other author I've read.
I've been a devoted sci-fi fan for more than 50 years. Skyler has combined character and plot better than any other author I've read.
December 23, 2025
These books just keep getting better.
The space battles are good. The characters get more developed, and "more real" in every book. I eagerly await the next one.
The space battles are good. The characters get more developed, and "more real" in every book. I eagerly await the next one.
December 23, 2025
One of the best, if not the best book in this series. There is action, growth and hilarious insults that make this series and characters great.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews