La Peor Nave de la Flota (Suerte Tonta y Héroes Muertos nº 1)

Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes #1

by Skyler Ramirez

Brad Mendoza es un idiota. Él lo sabe, y también lo sabe todo el mundo en la nación estelar de Prometeo. Una prometedora carrera naval arruinada solo porque accidentalmente mató a 504 civiles. Así que es hora de rendirse y aceptar un mando sin futuro en el Perséfone, la peor nave estelar de la flota. Hasta que conoce a la hermosa y astuta Jessica Lin, su nueva oficial ejecutiva, que esconde un terrible secreto propio. Ahora, con una nave enemiga cuatro veces más grande acechándoles, Brad está en una carrera contrarreloj para salvar a Jessica y a su estúpida nave.

Pero Brad Mendoza es un idiota. Solo nos queda esperar que sea del tipo con suerte.

Una emocionante aventura de ciencia ficción militar y un thriller de ópera espacial con muchos giros, sorpresas y humor. Esta novela corta da inicio a una serie de libros en el emocionante y popular universo de Suerte tonta y héroes muertos.

Una traducción anterior de esta novela se vendió con el título de La Peor Nave De La Armada. Esta nueva versión cuenta la misma historia, pero es una traducción actualizada.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Space Opera, Science Fiction Fantasy, Audiobook, Ebooks, Adventure

116 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 25, 2023

About the author

Skyler 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.

Reviews

[Charles van Buren · Rating 4 out of 5]

No swearing or graphic scenes

Well written, quick and easy to read short sci-fi novel. Mildly humorous story about a misfit captain and crew in a misfit, poorly designed and maintained very small and very old warship. Of course they find themselves in the midst of danger for which they are ill equipped.

[Dantegideon · Rating 1 out of 5]

What the heck was this. What an utterly useless bastard the main character is. Activities: none. Sports: none. Honours: none. So many memories! Edit: a better title for this would be “The Biggest Drongo in the Universe”.

[Dave Stone · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hated this book

There is a character archetype called the Lovable Loser. Portrayed as a sympathetic, likable, or well-meaning person.
Captain Brad Mendoza is not likeable, sympathetic, or a well-meaning person. He is in fact contemptible.
This book is a painful character study of self loathing and self pity. The main character has through past action caused the deaths of over 500 people. Despite his crushing feelings of guilt he caries on with reckless dereliction of duty endangering the lives of all around him while ignoring the least effort option for day drinking, cowardice, and sexual harassment of a subordinate. He makes no effort to correct his behavior or to even suppress what he hates about himself or to even to take a shower and put on clean clothes. I did not find this book to be fun or funny.
Alcoholic self destroying people who have suicidal ideation should resign and not be the captain of any military ship, not even the worst one in the fleet.

Plus one star for being very short.

[Javir11 · Rating 4 out of 5]

7,5/10

Novela a la que llegué por casualidad y que lo cierto es que sin ser nada del otro mundo, me entretuvo bastante.

A su favor tiene dos cosas, la primera que es muy cortita, sobre ciento y pocas páginas, por lo que su autor no se va por las ramas y nos cuenta lo que tiene que contaros. El otro punto a su favor, es que a pesar de tener solo 100 páginas, la trama está bien estructurada y da tiempo incluso a conocer a los personajes y a todo lo que envuelve a la historia.

En general novela corta de ciencia ficción muy interesante, con buen ritmo, buenos personajes y una trama sencilla, pero que te atrapa. Por ponerle un pero, el protagonista carga con algún cliché de más, pero el resto compensa de sobra.

Si traducen más novelas de esta saga las leeré seguro.

[Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

The good things first:

1. It reads quickly.
2. The plot isn't that bad.

The rest of it, though, is a bit of a mess. It's WAY too telly, and the characterization outside of the main character is pretty flat. It's also told from a male-gaze perspective, though at one point the main character holds himself accountable for it. The thing is, Ramirez isn't a good enough writer to make that anything other than the female character calling him out for ogling him after he calls someone else out for it. It doesn't stop from describing her curves, though, which is a real shame since she's clearly more competent than he is (which he admits to).

Speaking of which, the main character (Brad, which is about as non-SF a name as one could come up with) runs with his self-deprecation angle to the point that it just becomes tiresome. The author can't use events as a means of showing us how he feels about himself; no, he has to have Brad remind us OVER and OVER again that he can't stand himself.

I can see why this is a popular series, and I have to admit that it was entertaining enough, but I don't see myself continuing the series. The only reason I gave it a shot is because it checks off one of my Kindle Achievements, and it was short.

[Rodrigo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pues esperaba algo mas, si es cierto que al ser tan corto apenas se desarrollan los personajes, pero es que la historia es bastante sencilla, con una resolución también rápida.
Lastima que solo este traducido este...
Valoración: 6/10
Sinopsis: ¡Una aventura militar de ciencia ficción!

Brad Mendoza es un idiota. Él lo sabe, y todos los demás también. Una prometedora carrera naval se fue por el desagüe solo porque mató accidentalmente a 504 civiles. Entonces, es hora de que se rinda y acepte un comando sin salida en Perséfone, la peor nave de la flota. Hasta que conoce a la bella y astuta Jessica Lin, su nueva directora ejecutiva, que alberga un terrible secreto. Ahora, está en una carrera para salvarla a ella y a su estúpida nave.

Pero Brad Mendoza es un idiota. Tendremos que esperar que sea del tipo afortunado.

[Lena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Watch your triggers SA that receives 0 justice. It's not portrayed in detail, but there are descriptions of victims that made me uncomfortable, and this isn't a trigger for me. Just keep in mind what you can handle before proceeding.
I did not appreciate him ogling Jessica Lin, the XO, and him chastising himself for it does not exonerate him. It was disgusting. His actions later towards her, while correct and something any decent human should do, were in such a contrast that I didn't like it. Poor Jessica spent half the book having her butt and curves described, and she was only allowed to shine for a few brief moments. I do not like how they are clearly going to become a couple. I'm very disturbed by that. I don't want to see how the author deals with this in the rest of the series.
I actually liked a lot of this story. The writing itself is pretty good, and I liked how Mendoza talked to the reader. It was amusing, and I definitely understood how he felt about being disgraced and how he dealt with being assigned to the worst ship in the fleet. I think the climax went by way too fast, but the plot that didn't involve the triggery thing was pretty good.

[Sensei_cor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. La primera mitad se me ha hecho larga hasta el punto de estar a un pelo de dejarlo, luego ya ha remontando a normal. Aún así tengo tantas ganas de leer ciencia ficción de este estilo que seguramente siga con algún otro libro más de esta saga incluso sabiendo que no es gran cosa.

Ahora sí, aviso a posibles lectores: la traducción oficial es una auténtica basura, tenedlo el cuenta.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book reminded me why i don’t read male pov

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, sharp, and full of humor—this was such a great read!

The Worst Ship in the Fleet by Skyler Ramirez is one of those books that’s easy to sink into, even if you’re new to sci-fi. The world building is smooth and approachable—it never feels overwhelming or bogged down with jargon. Instead, Ramirez layers in just enough detail to make you feel like you’re on the Persephone right alongside the crew, without pages of info-dumping. It’s quick, digestible, and honestly a great gateway book for anyone curious about the genre.

What really stood out for me was the humor. There’s a sharp wit and irreverence woven throughout that balances out the more serious moments. It’s brash in the best way—characters trade snappy dialogue and there’s a bite of sarcasm here and there that kept me grinning. You can tell the author had fun writing this, and it makes the reading experience even more enjoyable.

And let’s talk characters. Captain Brad Mendoza is such a compelling lead because he’s flawed, human, and weighed down by guilt from his past mistakes. He’s the kind of character you root for because you see him struggle—questioning himself, trying to rise above his failures, and slowly piecing together what kind of leader he wants to be. Jessica Lin is a fantastic counterbalance: smart, sharp, and more than capable of standing her ground. Their dynamic makes the story crackle, and you can feel the potential for more growth in future books.

The story itself moves at a brisk pace. It’s not weighed down by endless exposition, which makes it a super fast read. There’s action, mystery, and even a few surprises along the way that left me wanting more. By the end, I was invested—not just in how Brad and Jessica would survive the “worst ship in the fleet,” but in how they’d grow into the roles they’ve been forced into.

This novella feels like the perfect start to a series. It sets up a foundation of flawed but loveable characters, throws them into an underdog situation, and then lets the reader enjoy the ride. It’s fun, accessible, and full of potential.

If you’re looking for a military sci-fi story that balances humor, heart, and fast pacing, The Worst Ship in the Fleet is a fantastic place to start. I’m already looking forward to diving into the next book and seeing where Ramirez takes this ragtag crew.

[Sass · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reminded me of the Star Trek film with Chris Pine as Captain Kirk and then it just became a Star Trek book in my mind. The Chief Engineer was an Irish man in this, but all I could see is Scotty and Commander Lin, though she is a woman in this book, became Spock/Bones character that Captain Mendoza lusted over...mentions of her hotness got on my nerves. Oh well. Just not for me, I guess.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining space opera listening

This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 1 of 6

Another will written short story with interesting will developed characters lots of action, misdirection, and some violence leading to the unexpected conclusion.

I would recommend this series and author to readers of fantasy space opera novels. 2024

[Mikhail · Rating 3 out of 5]

The phrase which comes to mind is "this is trash but it's my trash." I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, but I'll probably read the next one.

[Emms-hiatus(ish) · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF with a quickness.

Absofuckinglutely not.

The MMC is not an anti-hero - he's an insufferable misogynist.

[Andrew✌️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this book almost by chance while looking for something new to read. The author was completely unknown to me, but the premise caught my attention — sometimes the best discoveries happen that way, without planning.

The story follows Captain Brad Mendoza, who is sent to the edge of known space after a disastrous scandal. There, he finds himself in command of a ship considered worse than the worst assignment any fleet officer could imagine.

The overall tone is light and humorous: plenty of funny situations, lively dialogue, and a pace that flows well. As a first volume, though, the action is still limited and revolves around a single journey. You can tell the author is laying the groundwork for something bigger, introducing characters and dynamics without rushing.

There isn’t much psychological depth: the characters are sketched in simple strokes, more functional to the adventure than to any complex inner development. Still, every now and then, more serious and gritty details emerge — especially in Commander Lin’s past — adding a bit of depth and breaking the comedic tone at just the right moments.

The worldbuilding stays in the background: this isn’t a novel that aims to build a detailed, rule heavy universe. What matters here is the adventure, the journey, and the crew moving from one situation to another with a slightly improvised spirit.

Despite its lightness and a few naïve moments, the book entertained me and left me wanting to continue the series. It’s a perfect read for anyone looking for something fun, easygoing, with a touch of humor and a space adventure that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

[Paul (Life In The Slow Lane) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The worst ship in the fleet, but not the worst book I've ever read (but in the same flotilla).

Reminds me of a very old movie called "The Wackiest Ship In The Navy" or maybe "Down Periscope" with Kelsey Grammer would be closer.

This is the story of a formerly respectable naval commander (space that is) who made a right royal balls up resulting in 500, or so, refugees going to Davy Jones' space locker. He gets punished by being put in charge of the crapiest ship in the navy, where he can bludge around and talk to Dr Alcohol every night until he chunders chunks all over his cabin. Of course, he comes good in the end sort of, and redeems himself.

This isn't a long story and not bad for passing time or giving your eyeball muscles a mild workout. I probably won't read another in the series.

[Tria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had potential, but didn't live up to it.

Content warning: discussion of blackmail and sexual assault.

Pfft. Author profile says "Skyler writes books that ... he wouldn't be embarrassed or worried for his teenage children to read. He feels ... great stories don't need foul language, graphic scenes ... to make them exciting." (Spoilers follow.)

And yet, he has chosen to make the greater part of any personal history or character-building of the main female character of his series (described mainly with comments on her physical beauty) be that she was blackmailed by her shipmates and repeatedly raped. As if rape as a tool for character "development" hasn't been seen as thoroughly old hat for decades already - and as if that could ever be something any decent parent would prefer his kids to read over and above simple swear-words!

The rest of this novella might have had me deciding to move onto #2 and see what happened to the characters as a result of the ending of #1, especially since, for the most part, the novella itself was quite readable, though it did feel rather rushed. However, that particular narrative choice has decided me against bothering to read any more of the series. There are a number of other soft SF series out there that have good reputations for writing quality, that I've yet to read. I'd far rather opt to try out some of those than to continue *any* series that uses sexual assault, and almost nothing else, as development for its non-male characters.

2 stars - one for the pacing, which was reasonably done despite the feeling that the story ended too quickly, and one for the author's vocabulary and ability to use language, though that's somewhat inconsistent.

In future, Mr Ramirez, aside from the cliché of Jessica Lin's entire personality and situation, you might be better off not putting into the mouth of a character who is being labelled with ableist epithets like "idiot", words like "incontrovertible" - the two contradict each other. Not to mention, I've yet to meet any "sloppy alcoholic" who never swore...

[Conor Brandt · Rating 1 out of 5]

Content warning: rant about the portrayal of SA in books.

Short and sweet, it has all you need from a pulp sci-fi novel: hot woman, massive space-ships, explosions, an alcoholic captain and unnecessary SA.

Wait what was that last bit?

Yeah. This novella is funny and mildly entertaining, but I truly do not love when science fiction stories feel the need to assault their woman characters to move the plot along. The female characters never have their own agency in the story, they are either victimized, objectified, saved or all at once. Woman are led by the men in this story, make no mistake.

This book is pulpy, and utter slop, but it isn’t all bad. The alcoholic main character’s depression is interesting, but the story buries his interesting character under a mile of needless scenes. Certainly its more bad than good.

2 stars, I hope the series gets better and doesn’t leave behind its characters but I’m confident the only two who will matter are our hero and his sexy, objectified and victimized love-interest. I’m unsure if I’ll read more.

Additional rant to the review: so many reviews of this book comment positively on the lack of gratuitous sex inside which is absurd to me. The book constantly talks about sex, curves, butts or other sexual themes. Why is actual sex a bridge too far? The woman characters are already being objectified by all the men in the book, why not at least allow them to have some consent in the matter?

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

I appreciate starting a character's journey out on a low point, which was certainly the case here with Brad Mendoza. However, if your character is an absolute skeevy pig, openly leering at their colleagues, and continuously thinking about their asses or their breasts, you'd better have TIGHT execution to sell that redemption arc.

Sadly, this wasn't long enough or well-written enough to excuse the grossness of the main character's POV, which reeks of the male gaze.

The concept had a lot of promise, but I don't think this'll be the series for me. I will not be continuing.

[Margaret · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is about rape, misogyny, alcoholism, murder and suicide. The author's personal blurb says he writes books that his teenage children can feel safe reading....like wtf? It's more important to you that your children don't read swear words than reading about women being raped and the men who get away with it? Great job.

[S.A Reidman · Rating 3 out of 5]

“One of the first skills I lost when I became a drunken failure and murderer was the ability to do math in my head.” - Ben Mendoza everyone...riddled with guilt wrapped up in self-deprecation. Poor bastard.

At first, I thought that this was basically the douchey incompetent baby brother of John Scalzi's Human Division. I just couldn't shake the vibe that Barry Mendoza(kinda sucks) and his team are definitely a few levels below the more organized B Division. But the Persephone is way worse. Instead of being useful but expendable in the way a CIA agent is until their cover's blown and they're essentially, left out to dry like the B Division. They had tactical usefulness from the jump and could be blamed for any failures.

My poor crew on the HMS Phony didn't even get that. They are the equivalent of benchwarmers of the real benchwarmers at the far end of the Galaxy but the team isn't even playing over there because they're at an away game and have zero use for these very specific warmers so they're just left to their own devices at the end of the galaxy. Whatever, the analogy got away from me for a bit.

Suffice it to say I was entertainined. I will root for the underdogs nine times outta ten. I wanted to like this book, but when I first met Mendoza. He immediately annoyed the shit outta me but then he won me over so Ramirez played that beautifully. The story moved very fast - like a couple of hours and it was done. Some novellas are just fast like a blip.

The Butcher of Bello-whatever could be a little annoying which is why I am usually not a fan of first person narrative. If the narrator is a douchebag then I'm stuck with that voice for hours. Can't believe he won me over by Chapter 9. I especially took an instant liking to Kelly O'Malley but I'm partial to all things Irish.

Thingamajigs, Bits and Bobs I found interesting:
⚫Korgal Manuever
⚫Chitra Slide
⚫Jacards Gambit
These all sound like heists the team at Leverage Inc would use to swindle some evil corporation out of millions. That or like a dance in the future.
That scene: First if all, I love when there's a calculation that could end in life or death taking place on deck. It takes me back to childhood watching Piccard and the gang get into it before the episode took a turn. So Chapter 12 was my favorite.
Top marks for addressing military harassment even in a fictional universe and not using censorship words like 🍇 grape.
Favorite /Unique Quotes: yeah this is not one of those books.
Cover Cause I'm a Bird:Perfectly encapsulated the Phony and ensuing shitshow
Re-readability: nah but I will read the series
GR Rating: 3.5⭐
CAWPILE:6

[Crystal L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just desserts and an infinite number of ways to go!

This storyline has tremendous potential and I can't wait for the next book. Irreverent and wonderful brash and plausible. Love the characters and their potential

[Julie Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed

Sadly let Ramirez is a new author to me. I really enjoyed the book.
I hope there is more coming. I would love to see what happens to the two main characters in their new lives.

[Porter Wheeler · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s sometimes nice to be reminded that any old slop can get published

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Worst Ship in the Fleet by Skyler Ramirez is the first book in the "Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes" series. This book is a Military Science Fiction novella. It was a quick, fun read. I read it in a day. It was at times humorous and at other times deadly serious. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.

[Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun quick space opera. First in the series

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of fun and a page-turner. Looking forward to reading more in this series. This reader recommends this book for Space Opera fans.

[james · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy, clean read with a simplistic, predictable plot.

Cleanliness and simple lexicon probably make this book more appropriate for the young teen fiction genre.

[Georgia Seitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murderbot banter levels, super short and likable characters

[Ty Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, but no substance.