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A Star Nation in Peril #1
Rogue Agent
When everyone else dies trying…they call her.
Heather Kilgore is the most effective assassin and agent the Star Kingdom of Prometheus has ever produced. Young, focused, and coldly efficient, the King sends her in when all else has failed. But when a man she once called her love, a traitor to his star nation, turns up dead under mysterious circumstances, Heather may have finally met the mission she can’t complete.
Partnered with an old mentor turned rival and operating on a contested planet behind enemy lines, she must discover who killed Commander Connor Monroe before everyone else around her turns up dead. What she’ll find is a shocking truth, a dastardly betrayal, and a trail of bodies leading to a secret that will threaten the very existence of the billions of people she has sworn to protect.
Spy thriller meets science fiction action adventure and space opera in this exciting new series in the universe of The Worst Ship in the Fleet and Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes. You won’t be able to put this book down as you work with Heather Kilgore to discover who is killing everyone around her and what she’ll need to do to save her kingdom from ruin.
Order today!
Heather Kilgore is the most effective assassin and agent the Star Kingdom of Prometheus has ever produced. Young, focused, and coldly efficient, the King sends her in when all else has failed. But when a man she once called her love, a traitor to his star nation, turns up dead under mysterious circumstances, Heather may have finally met the mission she can’t complete.
Partnered with an old mentor turned rival and operating on a contested planet behind enemy lines, she must discover who killed Commander Connor Monroe before everyone else around her turns up dead. What she’ll find is a shocking truth, a dastardly betrayal, and a trail of bodies leading to a secret that will threaten the very existence of the billions of people she has sworn to protect.
Spy thriller meets science fiction action adventure and space opera in this exciting new series in the universe of The Worst Ship in the Fleet and Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes. You won’t be able to put this book down as you work with Heather Kilgore to discover who is killing everyone around her and what she’ll need to do to save her kingdom from ruin.
Order today!
- GenresScience Fiction
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2024
456 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Skyler Ramirez
41 books101 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 30 reviews
April 27, 2025
There is nothing I love more than trying hidden gems, so I decided to try this after someone recommended it on Reddit without really knowing what it was about. I don’t regret it, but I’m also aware this book probably deserved better than the rating I’m going to give it based on my personal enjoyment.
Rogue Agent is an YA action-packed science fiction that’s really straightforward and easy to follow. It’s plot-driven and fast paced, which is exactly why it didn’t work for me. I read books because of the characters, the plot is always secondary. If you are tired of science fiction books full of info dumps, descriptions and slow-scenes to get to know the characters, you’re probably going to appreciate this one more than I did.
My main problem with this one was the lack of characterization. I’d like to say the characters were flat, but I’m not sure it was the case; there weren’t enough pages of them to know that. There were always things happening, but it was very predictable. I saw the two main plot twists coming (okay, one I was sure and the other I was only suspicious about), so nothing really shocked me.
Still, I understand the crazy 4.33 actual rating on goodreads. Sometimes you just need something fast to pass the time. It was refreshing that it was only 200 pages.; it felt like a novella, but it actually told the whole story and even had a moment for romance. I also appreciated this didn’t follow the structure of most YA books. It felt like an adult book/novella, but easier to read and without graphic romantic scenes.
Rogue Agent is an YA action-packed science fiction that’s really straightforward and easy to follow. It’s plot-driven and fast paced, which is exactly why it didn’t work for me. I read books because of the characters, the plot is always secondary. If you are tired of science fiction books full of info dumps, descriptions and slow-scenes to get to know the characters, you’re probably going to appreciate this one more than I did.
My main problem with this one was the lack of characterization. I’d like to say the characters were flat, but I’m not sure it was the case; there weren’t enough pages of them to know that. There were always things happening, but it was very predictable. I saw the two main plot twists coming (okay, one I was sure and the other I was only suspicious about), so nothing really shocked me.
Still, I understand the crazy 4.33 actual rating on goodreads. Sometimes you just need something fast to pass the time. It was refreshing that it was only 200 pages.; it felt like a novella, but it actually told the whole story and even had a moment for romance. I also appreciated this didn’t follow the structure of most YA books. It felt like an adult book/novella, but easier to read and without graphic romantic scenes.
January 16, 2024
Suspenseful, Intriguing, and Action Packed Murder Mystery.
"Rogue Agent: A Science Fiction Tale of Assassins, Spies, and Bettrayals! (A Star Nation in Peril book 1) by Skyler Ramirez is a action packed murder mystery brain-teaser that will keep you guessing who's the good guys and who's the bag guys from everyone from the King's Cross agents, the Promethean government, the Koratan government, criminal syndicates, to a group of space nazis. Just when you think that you finally figured out the bad guys, Skyler throws a new twist having you doubting yourself. This is a great book from teens to adults who enjoy a good mystery, action, with heros who give their all, with a little bit of science fiction thrown in. I enjoyed this first book in this series, and I'm looking forward to the upcoming additional books in this series . I hope you will too.
"Rogue Agent: A Science Fiction Tale of Assassins, Spies, and Bettrayals! (A Star Nation in Peril book 1) by Skyler Ramirez is a action packed murder mystery brain-teaser that will keep you guessing who's the good guys and who's the bag guys from everyone from the King's Cross agents, the Promethean government, the Koratan government, criminal syndicates, to a group of space nazis. Just when you think that you finally figured out the bad guys, Skyler throws a new twist having you doubting yourself. This is a great book from teens to adults who enjoy a good mystery, action, with heros who give their all, with a little bit of science fiction thrown in. I enjoyed this first book in this series, and I'm looking forward to the upcoming additional books in this series . I hope you will too.
January 20, 2024
Another quick read from the dumb luck and dead heroes universe. It was nice getting to learn more about Kilgore since you don't learn much about her past from the main series. Most parts were predictable, but that didn't mean it was boring.
January 28, 2025
Entertaining space opera listening 🎶🔰
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book one of three
I have listened 🎶 to a number of series by this author and have not been disappointed 😀
They have been sent to the planet 🌎 to search for mafia gangs and eliminate them. It is going well but who is the head of the gang? It all comes to a happy ending 😀.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍readers of space opera adventure novels 👍🔰. 2025 👒😉
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book one of three
I have listened 🎶 to a number of series by this author and have not been disappointed 😀
They have been sent to the planet 🌎 to search for mafia gangs and eliminate them. It is going well but who is the head of the gang? It all comes to a happy ending 😀.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍readers of space opera adventure novels 👍🔰. 2025 👒😉
December 31, 2024
There were things I liked about the story, but in the end I didn't feel amazed. I leave the 5-star reviews for those kinds of books.
There were some intricate plot details that I enjoyed about the story, but in the end I don't feel like there was enough emotion involved. It felt more like a head-game kind of book. I understand that these are agents, but at some point one of these agents defected (let their emotions dictate their behaviour). I felt that could have been felt a bit more by the reader somehow. As it is, I just don't recall anything, so it must not have been that impactful (to me at least).
The use of Kilgore, Tabitha, Heather, Lowry confused me enough in the end that I didn't really know or care that much who won in the end. I don't know which one is taller or shorter. Maybe they are the same height? A fight between two skilled women agents with a random name thrown in means that one will win. Hopefully its the good one. At one point early in the story there was a lot of emphasis on "the redhead," but even that isn't used to actually help the reader out.
At the end, with the x-lover being still alive, it was anti-climactic since the agent didn't think it was very exciting to see him alive. It seems to me that the writer thought it clever, but it just made it less impactful for me.
For as much as these women were scarred and basing decisions on their emotions, I finished the book feeling like there wasn't anything memorable about the book.
There were some intricate plot details that I enjoyed about the story, but in the end I don't feel like there was enough emotion involved. It felt more like a head-game kind of book. I understand that these are agents, but at some point one of these agents defected (let their emotions dictate their behaviour). I felt that could have been felt a bit more by the reader somehow. As it is, I just don't recall anything, so it must not have been that impactful (to me at least).
The use of Kilgore, Tabitha, Heather, Lowry confused me enough in the end that I didn't really know or care that much who won in the end. I don't know which one is taller or shorter. Maybe they are the same height? A fight between two skilled women agents with a random name thrown in means that one will win. Hopefully its the good one. At one point early in the story there was a lot of emphasis on "the redhead," but even that isn't used to actually help the reader out.
At the end, with the x-lover being still alive, it was anti-climactic since the agent didn't think it was very exciting to see him alive. It seems to me that the writer thought it clever, but it just made it less impactful for me.
For as much as these women were scarred and basing decisions on their emotions, I finished the book feeling like there wasn't anything memorable about the book.
June 15, 2024
I like this book! I picked it up with my morning coffee, and read it straight through to the end. It's a comfortably entertaining book. The author, Skylar Ramirez, says he wrote the book in a manner that would allow his children to read it, so that might offer some insight about the tone and content. Some things that stood out for me: The main character's name is Heather Kilgore, really? Kilgore? Actually, the blood, gore, and violence is quite minimal in this book about a government assassin, and with a name like Heather Kilgore, a reader should sense the story is tightly embracing fiction for this tale. The story is mostly built on political intrigue, nefarious schemes, and job stress; Kilgore is ridiculously devoted to duty, and when the action slows down, she is introspective about her past, so she cannot relax without being haunted by either her duty or past. She believes that keeping busy at her job keeps her sane; dude, if that ain't some serious fiction, it's seriously messed up. She's a born killer, the reader might assume, and an over-used trope is the catalyst that ignites her killer instincts, and she's like a psycho-ninja-gymnast. Nevertheless, she's a killer with a conscience, and she is still aware that there are good people in the world. Readers will spot tropes throughout the book, but I found it entertaining, and I think many readers will.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2024
You will love this Author if you like emasculated males
I started reading the author’s first book, the worst ship in the fleet (or something like that) and it was enjoyable, but there were clear undertones he was pushing a political viewpoint agenda. The male characters in his stories are either misogynistic evil protagonists or they are emasculated heroes in need of rescue by the females who seem to be able to overpower any of the male characters. This wasn’t to bad in his first three Brad Mendoza “Worst” books because they were comedy and it can be funny in a vaudeville sort of way, but this book and his latest, Worst Rescue series book are just too much… that is, unless you have ingested the feminist manifesto. 🤔😏
The one thing I will give him credit for is his position on keeping the writing generally clean.
I started reading the author’s first book, the worst ship in the fleet (or something like that) and it was enjoyable, but there were clear undertones he was pushing a political viewpoint agenda. The male characters in his stories are either misogynistic evil protagonists or they are emasculated heroes in need of rescue by the females who seem to be able to overpower any of the male characters. This wasn’t to bad in his first three Brad Mendoza “Worst” books because they were comedy and it can be funny in a vaudeville sort of way, but this book and his latest, Worst Rescue series book are just too much… that is, unless you have ingested the feminist manifesto. 🤔😏
The one thing I will give him credit for is his position on keeping the writing generally clean.
August 14, 2024
At the moment I am caught up on the series Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes, so since Heather Kilgore appeared in several of those books and Skyler Ramirez is a good author, I decided to try this series. Good decision and good story. This one includes a mystery which added to the action. Decent characterizations of people involved and I liked the fishing scenes and quiet times too. I am also glad I could get this book in paper. Mr. Ramirez, please make sure paper copies of all your books are made available. I do so much screen work that paper copies of books for light reading is much appreciated.
August 2, 2024
As it is sometimes the case, this series derived from the adventures of Brad Mendoza is superior to its source. It's not very difficult, Mendoza being more and more annoying.
The adventures of this agent of the King, half spy half assassin, are rhythmic, well written, with a story that holds up and a quality main character.
We are in a sub-sub genre (an action-oriented SF spy novel, like Jane Bond but in space and in the future). And it's very good if you're not looking for anything other than good entertainment.
The adventures of this agent of the King, half spy half assassin, are rhythmic, well written, with a story that holds up and a quality main character.
We are in a sub-sub genre (an action-oriented SF spy novel, like Jane Bond but in space and in the future). And it's very good if you're not looking for anything other than good entertainment.
May 2, 2025
On the positive side the book was a reasonably fun read, however to call it sci fi is rather stretching it.
Throwing some fancy futuristic gadgets into what was basically a thriller does not make it so.
World building was non existent, characters felt pretty generic and plot was too.
If I'd picked it up as a light thriller I would have no problem, I understand that it's part of a universe featured in the authors other series so maybe I'm being a bit unfair and the world building is done in these.
Throwing some fancy futuristic gadgets into what was basically a thriller does not make it so.
World building was non existent, characters felt pretty generic and plot was too.
If I'd picked it up as a light thriller I would have no problem, I understand that it's part of a universe featured in the authors other series so maybe I'm being a bit unfair and the world building is done in these.
March 11, 2024
Good reading!
This book catches you at the very beginning and keeps you hooked to the end. I had some business to attend to and it annoyed me I couldn't finish the book yesterday. I'm grateful for the 'clean' reading. I'm not embarrassed to recommend it to others. I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next one.
This book catches you at the very beginning and keeps you hooked to the end. I had some business to attend to and it annoyed me I couldn't finish the book yesterday. I'm grateful for the 'clean' reading. I'm not embarrassed to recommend it to others. I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next one.
February 17, 2024
Excellent
So when will the next book be released? This author does an incredible job of weaving a good story. He's one of the few authors that can keep me reading without scrolling. And of course the next book is never ready!!! Oh well... I can wait... 🙂
So when will the next book be released? This author does an incredible job of weaving a good story. He's one of the few authors that can keep me reading without scrolling. And of course the next book is never ready!!! Oh well... I can wait... 🙂
March 29, 2024
Very good spin off of the "Dumb luck and dead heroes "series.
This story reads more like a mystery than a sci-fi book. The plot was well put together, and the characters worked great in the story. They were very believable. I didn't want the book to end.
I highly recommend it.
This story reads more like a mystery than a sci-fi book. The plot was well put together, and the characters worked great in the story. They were very believable. I didn't want the book to end.
I highly recommend it.
August 30, 2024
wow. Try to keep up!
You have to love the two main characters, even though they’re both stone cold killers.
The story moves along at a good pace, and as the reader gets closer to the end, the pace picks up and surprising revelations are riveting. Love Mr. Ramirez’s writing.
You have to love the two main characters, even though they’re both stone cold killers.
The story moves along at a good pace, and as the reader gets closer to the end, the pace picks up and surprising revelations are riveting. Love Mr. Ramirez’s writing.
December 21, 2024
Amazing Suspense
This book was amazing!!! This sci-fi book has it all! Secret organizations, political intrigue, and betrayals!! I enjoyed how the main character wasn't overly competent, where it seemed unrealistic. The foreshadowing was amazing.
This book was amazing!!! This sci-fi book has it all! Secret organizations, political intrigue, and betrayals!! I enjoyed how the main character wasn't overly competent, where it seemed unrealistic. The foreshadowing was amazing.
December 25, 2024
Fast paced Good read
I really enjoyed following the exploits of the protagonist. I was surprised when I turned the page and saw that I had come to the end.
I highly recommend this author.
I really enjoyed following the exploits of the protagonist. I was surprised when I turned the page and saw that I had come to the end.
I highly recommend this author.
December 25, 2024
Killer politics
A 'tyrannical' king has a special organization of assassins to kill his enemies and/or those close to enemies to stay in power. Midway through this book you read the backstory of the main character and begin to see her questioning what is good or evil.
A 'tyrannical' king has a special organization of assassins to kill his enemies and/or those close to enemies to stay in power. Midway through this book you read the backstory of the main character and begin to see her questioning what is good or evil.
February 13, 2024
Spies in space!
What an excellent book for a most excellent character. This book has ation, moral introspection, kindness and duty within it.
What an excellent book for a most excellent character. This book has ation, moral introspection, kindness and duty within it.
February 26, 2024
Pretty good, worth reading
I like the books starring Brad. This is a sideward diversion, fleshing out another character. I gave it four stars because of those facts.
I like the books starring Brad. This is a sideward diversion, fleshing out another character. I gave it four stars because of those facts.
April 23, 2024
Interesting and engaging
May 15, 2024
Too Much
The story relies too much on blood guts and gore for content. Take the blood and guts out you have only a couple of pages of story.
The story relies too much on blood guts and gore for content. Take the blood and guts out you have only a couple of pages of story.
July 26, 2024
Top Notch Science Fiction!
September 17, 2024
Never upset King's Cross
I had a suspicion that there was a double cross, but not like that. A wonderfully engaging back story that paints the landscape for what was to come
I had a suspicion that there was a double cross, but not like that. A wonderfully engaging back story that paints the landscape for what was to come
October 31, 2024
I really enjoyed it. for some reason, I was even more enthralled that the "dumb luck and heroes" serie... i think the author is improving with every new book.... so, please, keep going!
October 30, 2024
good read
I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next. It kept me reading and staying with the plot. the fights where well discribed.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next. It kept me reading and staying with the plot. the fights where well discribed.
November 24, 2024
Excitement on every page.
December 2, 2024
Good story with lots of unexpected turns.
February 13, 2025
Great read.
A jolly good read, just love the main character. Then the good justified twist in the end.
Give it a go.
A jolly good read, just love the main character. Then the good justified twist in the end.
Give it a go.
February 21, 2025
4.5
This was especially enjoyable after I had read several not so special books. I also plan to read the next two in the series. I do like the writing style of the author.
This was especially enjoyable after I had read several not so special books. I also plan to read the next two in the series. I do like the writing style of the author.
April 2, 2025
GREAT READ
I read lots of books,yours I will rate up there with the best, thank you for giving me a book I could read and truly enjoy
I read lots of books,yours I will rate up there with the best, thank you for giving me a book I could read and truly enjoy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews