Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend MJ Wassmer is a debut novel. Congrats! Please keep on writing!

Dan and Mara have been dating, they go to the Bahamas for a two week vacation ... and the sun explodes.

This book is really quite entertaining. I like the authors quick wit and writing style. "His mornings were slow, morose little things, but hers were set afire, from the bed to the shower to the sink to the coffee maker to the closet to the car, all one unstoppable bolt of activity, God help whatever's in the way."

Many thanks to NetGalley ... especially for introducing me to this new author. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for approving my request to read the advance read copy of Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend in exchange for an honest review. 384 pages. Publication Date is 06 Aug 2024.

A vacation gone wrong—the sun has exploded and a boss babe has stepped up to restore order at a resort. This book explores societal classes, social consciences, and perceptions of masculinity. I appreciate how this book doesn't hesitate to show the ugliness of human nature, but yet has plenty of heart and humor. This book has a lot of layers and would make for an interesting book club read. A fewwww things about the ending I wish were a little different, but I don’t want to reveal any spoilers.

This was an interesting read, but a slight disconnect for me. My challenge was the title, premise, and cover really leads you to believe this is a funny book. While it starts out with a bit of humor, IMO, this is not a funny story (more of a survival/adventure "Lord of the Flies at a resort" kind of story.)

Once I got past the lack of humor, I was able to enjoy the book more. Lillyanna and her dolt of a husband are amazing characters who leap off the page. Sadly the way things go down during the end of the world in a remote location rings very true, with people clinging to old socioeconomic boundaries and roles even when they no longer make sense.

This book makes you think about what it means to be a "leader" and what it means to live a life you're proud of. We'd all like to believe we'd be the hero that would step up when things fall apart, but who knows?

Overall a solid read with a cool premise and some nice adventure at the end. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

A humorous and exciting debut from MJ Wassmer, this novel perfectly captures the complexity of the human experience while giving readers a thrilling plotline, heroes to love, and villains to hate. Dan's emotional arc is layered and realistic, and every character in the book jumps off the page. A must-read for 2024, and a must-watch author!

Thanks NetGalley and Source Books for this eARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

Zero stars is about how humanity handles a catastrophic event like the sun exploding, and it’s not pretty. Dan and Mara are a young couple excited for a 2 week all inclusive vacation when suddenly the sun melts like a cracked egg in the sky. Chaos ensues as a class battle begins between the haves and the have nots. Who should dictate the rules of the world when the world is ending?

Frankly, I’m not sure what the hell I just read. The concept and the absurdity of it all drew me in initially but I lost interest quickly. I appreciated the frequent sarcasm but I honestly HATED most of the characters. I contemplated giving up because even though it was a quick read, it felt long to me. The reason I give it 3 stars is because of the epic twist that I would never have predicted. Sadly it took until the book was 80% finished for this mind shifting turn of events. If you want an absurd slightly unhinged beach read then pick this up when it officially publishes in August. 3 stars, maybe recommend.

This book is everything, I HAVE to pick up the physical copy of it when it comes out. I was scared with the author's witty, satire writing at first because sometimes it can be too corny and cheesy where it drives me away from reading it, but this one....I NEED MORE. To be honest, I requested the book as I thought it was rom-com-esque but it's so much more than that, absolutely loved it.

In the realm of literary wonder, MJ Wassmer's "Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend" emerges as a quirky and unpredictable tale that takes readers on a wild and hilarious ride. Protagonist Dan Foster, a self-proclaimed professional underachiever, embarks on a much-needed vacation with his girlfriend, Mara, seeking respite from his monotonous and unfulfilled life. Little do they know that their tropical paradise is about to be turned upside down by a cataclysmic event—the sun decides to explode. With the island resort plunged into darkness, Dan's holiday takes a drastic turn for the worse. Elite guests, driven by primal instincts, stage a coup and seize control of essential supplies, leaving the remaining vacationers in a desperate struggle for survival. As temperatures plummet and social hierarchies crumble, a revolutionary spirit ignites among the survivors, and Dan, quite意外地, finds himself thrust into the role of a reluctant hero. In this chaotic and surreal scenario, Dan's journey of self-discovery unfolds, as he grapples with his past choices, confronts his insecurities, and discovers hidden reserves of strength and leadership. His transformation from an apathetic underachiever to a beacon of hope for his fellow vacationers is both endearing and inspiring. Wassmer's witty and satirical writing style shines through as he weaves a tapestry of absurd and humorous situations, poking fun at the absurdities of modern society and the lengths people will go to survive. With its offbeat premise, quirky characters, and unpredictable plot twists, "Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend" is a refreshing and entertaining read that will leave readers laughing out loud and pondering the fragility of our modern world. Wassmer's unique voice and captivating storytelling talent make this novel an unforgettable experience, reminding us that even in the most extraordinary circumstances, hope and laughter can prevail.

What an interesting book! Unlike the title, I definitely recommend that you read "Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend." As this is a new author with his debut novel, I took a chance on this book based on the title and the book description. And I was happy that I did! This book is about a couple who goes on a vacation to a new resort and as they're at the resort, the sun blows up. The resort guests are forced to come up with ways to survive and are forced to work with (and against) each other to make it through each day. The book had a lot of interesting twists and was actually pretty humorous for a dark topic. Definitely take a chance on this one - you won't be disappointed!

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

I went into this book only knowing that it was based on an end of the world scenario where the sun explodes and that was the extent of my knowledge of what it was about.
The book had me quite literally laughing out loud just from in the first few pages. The comedy in this one is GOLD. At first I thought I was possibly reading a romcom, as the two MC's are in a relationship and on a scheduled week long vacation together. However, though there is a sweet little underlying love story, this was more general fiction, mixed with thriller and part mystery. The storyline highlights social stratification in a humorous way. It's funny, yet almost sad if you truly think about how it mimics the mannerisms of peers in our society today.
There are some CRINGE characters that bring about some cringy moments in this book. However, even the less than desirable characters are necessary to the storyline...so I really can't complain...other than how one appears to walk away from everything unscathed, that irked me, but it also seemed plausible given the personality traits (sadly).
I'm a big proponent of not giving away any spoilers in my reviews...so it's hard to say much else without doing just that. Therefore I'll conclude with why someone should take a chance on this writers debut novel.
It's funny...did I already mention the comedic gold? The characters are relatable (chances are you're either one of the personalities portrayed or you know someone JUST like the characters in this story), its fast paced, the plot is well thought out and it keeps you guessing. I actually did not see the ending coming and was rather annoyed with myself that I didn't see it after it was all said and done, haha, but that's how enthralled I was by certain side characters and what I thought were their motives.
I thought there were a few times where the MMC makes his insecurities known and it started to get a little repetitive, it almost made him undesirable to "listen to" which can be tough since the book is from his POV, but at the same time I think it cemented who he was and how unlikely of a hero he would be, which is kind of the entire takeaway point from the story in my opinion.
Underestimate no-one, including yourself.
Oh! and..for the love of humanity...be mindful, if a pig wears pearls, it's still a pig...don't buy into their ponzi schemes ;-)

Wow! I really LOVED this book! I’m a huge fan of post-apocalyptic stories and then to find one that is funny, entertaining and also makes you think about humanity and how we cope with things is absolutely bonkers! I loved how this story wove itself together! The characters were great, the plot was even better, and the way it was written was ::chef’s kiss:: perfect! Loved it!

Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark & MJ Wassmer for a digital ARC of Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend in exchange for an honest review.

I'll be honest, it was the title that snagged my attention! I use this phrase all the time, so I loved it! And after reading the synopsis, I was pleased to learn that this book fit right into one of the genres that I read & review the most.

Poor Dan, a total slacker, finally gets to take a luxury vacation with his girlfriend & then the sun explodes. Damn his luck!

Chaos ensures at the resort. It becomes a battle of the Haves and the Have-Nots for power as they all try to figure out how to survive without the literal sun. Somehow, Dan has become an unlikely source of hope to many of the other vacationers. But when he is faced with getting back to the mainland via a small plane that has been discovered, he has to decide if he wants to return as slacker Dan or if he wants to stay and be the hero that many of these people have begun to look toward in this new apocalyptic world.

I absolutely LOVED & devoured this book! Wassmer's writing is superb! This was my first read of his & I'm a total fan! It grabbed my interest from the very beginning and did not let go until the final word. It was so witty & funny, as well as heartwarming. I love a good underdog story.

While I hope I never have to find out what a post-apocalyptic world would be like, this was probably the most realistic version of what I would picture it to be that I've ever read.

This was a 5-Star read that I DO recommend! I will provide my review closer to release and 100% recommend it on IG!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing this book, with my honest review below.

Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend was an exciting book, with an excellent premise and even better characters. Dan and his girlfriend, Mara are vacationing in the Bahamas when the sun just… disappears. What follows is a study on humanity in a disaster, but with a dose of humor and a lot of heartbreak.

I would recommend this to any reader wanting a different book that sucks you in and won’t let go. It’s hard to describe but this captures every element needed for good reading, offering a little something for readers of every genre.

Five stars, wholeheartedly recommend!

I'm a fan of apocalyptic fiction, but this is the first such story I've read that made me laugh WHILE making me think. There's also a major plot point later in the book that I predicted, but only because it's my other "must-read" type of thing and I was hoping it would head in that direction.

So many people will enjoy this story -- and they're all going to want to talk about it with their friends when they finish. I expect to see it on bestseller lists, and I'll be very happy to do my part in spreading the word.

A huge thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read a digital copy in advance of publication.

What a fun read! Loved journeying through what happens in a post-apocalyptic world with modern, relatable characters and a sense of humor. For instance, who can imagine a MLM Boss B*tch occupying a power vacuum? Wild and witty, yet touching and thought-provoking. Great stuff, so much fun, and can’t wait for more from this author. 5 stars!

It took me a bit to get into this book but once I did I was hooked! What a unique plot. I loved it!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

The premise of this book sounds great but the characters didnt do anything for me! I couldnt get into the story and was only able finish maybe half.

Zero Stars deserves five stars. This is such a fun story exploding with witty humor, satire and relatable characters that shine light to a dark-ish story. Your eyes will widen, your jaw will drop, you will laugh, you will gasp, you will want Bagel Bites. The future looks bright for debut author MJ Wassmer.

Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend is a funny, satirical and insightful read, one that asks the questions: what would you do at the supposed end of the world?

I thought that the book had a great, strong start and an equally strong ending. However, I felt that the pacing during the middle seemed up and down at times, and the inclusion of another POV that I personally thought was a little bit strange in the switch-up, dragged it out for me. This book does have a solid cast of characters that were easy to be invested in and a great twist near the end that left me shocked. Overall, I did enjoy this book and would recommend it if you’re looking for a fast-paced and humorous read, especially one that doesn’t try to take itself too seriously.

Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks for providing this eArc. All opinions in this review are my own.

This is my first 5-star review of 2024, how exciting! The title of this book totally drew me in, and I'm so grateful because this was a definite step outside my usual genres. This book was a delight from start to finish - the main character's narration is quippy and hilarious while also being introspective and relatable, the plot is engaging and well-paced with just enough twists and turns, and the relationships between some of the couples are heart-wrenchingly beautiful. I would recommend this book to anyone with a sense of humor who's ever felt that they weren't living up to their full potential but hates self-help books.

I'm certainly looking forward to reading more from MJ Wassmer and picking up a physical copy of this novel when it hits the shelves! Thank you so much NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC.