Book Review: Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes – The Worst Ship in the Fleet
As an avid fan of military sci-fi and space operas, I was immediately drawn to Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes – The Worst Ship in the Fleet. The intriguing premise of a washed-up naval officer, Brad Mendoza, who’s known as an idiot by everyone on Prometheus, piqued my interest—especially given his darkly humorous circumstance after accidentally causing a tragedy that claimed 504 lives. I enjoy stories that mix humor with high-stakes adventure, and this title promised just that.
In this fast-paced narrative, Brad finds himself reluctantly taking command of the Persephone, the worst starship in the fleet, instead of pursuing his failed naval career. His dynamic with Jessica Lin, the cunning executive officer who has her own secrets, adds a layer of intrigue to the story. Together, they navigate their shared baggage and face an impending enemy warship four times their size—leading to a thrilling race against time to save one another and their vessel.
One of the most commendable elements of this book, which I’ve seen echoed in several reader reviews, is its character development. Many readers, including one who commented that it was “a fun read" and they “couldn’t put it down,” felt the characters were engaging and well-crafted. I agree that the interactions between Brad and Jessica are compelling. Their growth, especially as they reveal bits of their past, made the narrative not just about action, but personal redemption and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.
However, the book isn’t without its drawbacks. As some readers noted, the pacing is a double-edged sword; while it keeps the action flowing, it occasionally sacrifices depth for brevity. One reviewer mentioned that they almost deleted the book early on due to feeling suppressed alongside Brad’s initial despair. I felt that while the humor and pacing grabbed my attention, certain aspects could’ve used more flesh, especially given the emotional weight of Brad’s backstory. This is primarily because with only 146 pages, there’s only so much room to dive deep into character motivations and relationships.
Another aspect that received mixed feedback was the humor in the book. Some readers found it delightful, while others felt it lacked punch. In my experience, there were moments that made me genuinely chuckle, such as Brad’s self-deprecating thoughts about being a complete idiot—humor rooted deeply in his flawed nature. Yet, I can see how others might find the comedic elements a bit stagnant or not as prevalent as they hoped.
Overall, Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes – The Worst Ship in the Fleet provides a fun escape into a universe filled with space battles, broken heroes, and the chance of redemption. I found myself drawn to the antics of Mendoza and Lin, rooting for them as they battled both external enemy forces and their inner demons. The creative universe set up by Ramirez promises even more exciting adventures in future installments of this series.
In conclusion, I would recommend this book for those who enjoy a light-hearted yet thrilling military sci-fi experience. If you’re looking for deep character studies and extensive world-building, you might want to approach with tempered expectations. However, if you want an entertaining read that leaves you eager for more, this short novel beautifully serves that purpose. I look forward to diving into the next book in the series! Four stars for the humor, engaging plot, and character potential, all while appreciating a few of its shortcomings.