If there's any such thing as a fun apocalypse story, Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend is definitely it. It's an unusual tale full of humor and heart and interesting characters, and overall it's a tremendously enjoyable read.

Dan Foster and his girlfriend Mara are at a resort on a remote island in the Bahamas when the sun explodes (which totally sounds like something that would happen to me when I'm trying to relax on vacation, by the way), and things only get worse from there when Lilyanna Collins, a fitness pyramid scheme CEO, takes control of the resort. And let me tell you, on the list of literary villains, Lilyanna is second only to Dolores Umbridge on the awfulness scale. As someone who stopped reading the Harry Potter series after The Goblet of Fire because I knew Umbridge would make an appearance in the next book (I'd already seen the films), Lilyanna was really hard for me to take. The only thing that made her bearable was knowing that she'd probably get her comeuppance in the end (and did she? I'll let you read the book to find out!).

But other than Lilyanna, this novel has a really fantastic cast of characters. Dan is a wonderfully funny – and kind of clueless – main character, and his girlfriend Mara is beyond feisty. The supporting characters are all unique and well-written, and I especially loved Beard Guy despite his very minor role in the story.

Although it's addressed in a humorous and entertaining way, class warfare is really the main issue at play in this book. Lilyanna, her goons, and the other Building A (that is, the wealthy) residents are pitted against the “commoners” from Buildings B and C. When people start dying under Lilyanna's iron-fisted rule, Dan and Mara must decide if they're up for leading the resistance.

While I did see the twist coming in advance of the big reveal (although not until probably the 65% mark or so), I absolutely loved it. It's not exactly the most plausible situation, but it is perfect in the context of this story. And it's hard to say anything else about it without spoiling things, so, in the words of the great philosopher Forrest Gump, “that's all I have to say about that.”

So, yeah. If you enjoy your apocalypse stories with some humor and rich people who behave very, very badly, you'll likely enjoy this one. 4.35 stars, rounded down.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.

Dan Foster is finally taking a vacation with his long-term girlfriend at a new resort.
Then the sun explodes.

What happens next? Well, at this resort it quickly becomes a battle between the haves versus the have-nots over who gets food, etc.

This was a fun read. Part dystopian, part humor, part action.

I’m surprised this was a first novel and will definitely read more from the author.

I received this book for free from Netgalley but it did not influence my review.

Wooooow! This book was an unexpected read! I loved every page of it. The wittiness it was written with. The characters were so wonderfully sculpted and realistic. The storyline was unreal. It has “The Mist” vibes minus the scary monsters. It really put a magnifying glass to society and how we as a group cope and deal with unprecedented events. It showed that while there is good and compassionate people, there can also be ugly. It really had me questioning what I would do, and more importantly, would I survive. I highly reccommend this read to anyone who likes end-of-times stories with a sense of humour. A great debut book and can’t wait to read more from MJ Wassmer.

This book was so much fun. The entire cast of characters felt like real people and the book was both hilarious and heart wrenching. Highly recommend.

I had a really hard time getting into this book at first, but it was largely because of formatting issues. I'm hoping those are resolved before the book is ready for other readers. This is another dystopian, survivalist story, of which there have been many as of late...hopefully life doesn't imitate art...and it takes a group of really unlikeable people and throws them into a scenario that would bring out the worst parts of even the best people. It reminded me in some places of Lord of the Flies, and it was interesting to see Dan's character develop over the course of events.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The humor, wit, and sarcasm laced throughout the story kept me attentive and made me laugh out loud at several points. The cover and title drew me in immediately, and I finishing this read in less than a day due to how engrossed I was. I will be keeping an eye out for more titles from Wassmer!

I was captivated by this book—it was a truly unique experience that has left a lasting impression on me. With its creative flair, the book stands out as memorable. Deciding to judge the book by its cover rather than the summary proved to be an unexpected delight. It's an experience I would recommend to others, as going in without preconceptions enhances the journey. The narrative evokes a spectrum of emotions, ranging from humor to sorrow to anger.

I am particularly excited about the idea of this book being adapted into an audiobook. A talented narrator could really enhance the story, adding depth and dimension to the experience. It would be quite the treat to hear how a voice actor interprets the material.

I'm thankful to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for granting me an advanced reader copy of Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend.

Definitely an interesting read. Really loved the humor in this, and definitely didn’t expect the ending! It did feel a little repetitive in some parts, the “villain” for lack of a better word, in the earlier parts of the book, I don’t think needed as much spotlight as she had. After the first few speeches she made, I felt like I already knew what she was like as a person- but that could just be a preference of mine. I grew up around obnoxious religious people. Once you know one, you kind of know them all. It was a really enjoyable read for me other than that. A super creative concept!

I was immediately drawn in by the title of this book, and the story did not disappoint!

The book is well written and conceived, with a colorful cast of characters and an interesting premise. Dan is a relatable protagonist facing familiar challenges in his day-to-day life. But then the sun explodes and you get to see how an everyday guy reacts to the potential end of the world. Even in this fantastic, imaginative tale, the range of responses experienced among the characters was authentic and believable.

The book is part dark humor, part satire, part accurate representation of humanity's ridiculousness. The writing was sharp, and I couldn't stop thinking about it, even after the story ended. I was honestly a bit surprised to learn this was a debut novel. I can't wait to read more from MJ Wassmer!

Thanks for the ARC through NetGalley.

Let’s just say I was kept on my toes until it was confirmed at the end. As one wonders what would happen in a post apocalyptic world this book sure did bring to life done off the things I could think of but fine in a way that keeps you guessing. Any plot holes (or those that could have been thought to be) that I found were addressed by the end with I found refreshing.

I enjoy when books can transport you into them, which this did, although in a different way, since I was trying to figure it out. I made the mistake of explaining my theories to my husband who then gave me two options and told me what he would do personally. If I could rate lower because I had to utter the words most wives don’t like to tell their husbands “you’re right,” I still wouldn’t.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me an ARC copy of the book.
Zero Stars Do Not Recommend was an exciting ride from start to finish. Most of the story was pretty silly with characters flaws galore, but there were times when things got pretty real. I'm not going to say this is the greatest work of art ever, but it's a quick fun read if you are looking for something that doesn't take itself too seriously.

This was unlike anything I've read before and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's very creative and one that will stand out in my mind. It truly was a wild ride and I picked it up based on the cover, without reading the summary. Honestly. I suggest more people do this as the less you know about this book going into it, the better. You definitely experience a wide range of emotions while reading this book - lots of humor, some sadness and some rage.

Personally, would love to listen to this as an audiobook with a really good narrator! This is the perfect choice for an audiobook and I'd be really interested to see what the narrator is able to bring to this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an ARC copy of Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend.

In 2024, I’m trying to expand the genres I read so I requested this one with that goal in mind. And I was really entertained and pleasantly surprised!! 5 stars, totally would recommend!

"Zero Stars: Do Not Recommend" is a wild ride. It’s a creative and quirky tale that I quite enjoyed. I couldn't shake some unexpected WWII vibes which I found troubling. The start and finish were solid, and I'm giving it 3 stars. Huge thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

Dan, Mara, Lilyanna and the crew are going to stick with me even after turning that last page.

Devoured this in under 24 hours and it was an absolute delight. Full of heart and humor, Tizoc Grand Islands might get zero stars, but this book gets a full five!

Wow. You see a cute cover and think you’ll read a cute little book but it blows your mind in the best possible way instead. This story was insane. I laughed, I cried, I was angry, I was happy. What a unique, funny, kinda sad in some parts but the sadness is done with a touch of humor. I read this thing in less than 24 hours. It was SO GOOD!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an ARC copy of Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend.

I liked the premise for this book so I took a chance on it, but I unfortunately DNF @20%. The story really didn't hold my attention and I got tried of the quipy jokes on what felt like every single page. I don't think the book is poorly written, I just think it may be a better fit for another reader.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.

Dan and Mara are on vacation at a new resort in the Bahamas when the sun explodes and the world falls to darkness. The island quickly falls to anarchy when the elite guests of the island take all of the provisions and force the other guests to follow their instructions. Dan becomes the unlikely face of a rebellion, but then finds a plane for 6 and has to decide if he wants to escape with his girlfriend or stay and help.

This book originally drew me in by the cover and the title, but quickly won me over with its humor and fun story. This is unlike anything I’ve ever read. It features a post apocalyptic world, unlikely friends, cultish leaders, and a fun twist.

If the sun exploded while you were vacationing at a brand new tropical island resort what would you do? Well, give it a zero star recommendation of course!! This book is so fun, quirky, filled with satire and drama! I love a good survival story but this one goes above and beyond with it's wit and humor added in that it'll have you laughing all the way to the....end?! Will they survive or won't they?

Thoroughly enjoyed this one and would definitely recommend to those who love a good laugh while trying to survive. Definitely gave off a bit of "Shaun of the Dead" and/or "Zombieland" vibes.

Many thanks to NetGalley, SOURCEBOOKS Landmark, Sourcebooks Landmark, and MJ Wassmer for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This one was definitely fun.
I love a survival story. Especially when it comes to being trapped somewhere far away and peoples true colors start to shine through. It’s always so interesting and maddening to me! So I ate this up.

There were definitely some questionable terms and words used in the book that I wasn’t a fan of.. I guess to me I feel like “maybe just not” but some of it played into the character development of the MC

Speaking of which I’m glad he had Mara to talk sense and accountability into him bc wow he could be a prick.

The way certain events unfolded is crazy to me bc it’s something I’m 100% would actually happen when people in different social classes end up in a situation such as this. Again maddening..

I did really enjoy the plot of this book though! It also did have a lot of humor and wit did enjoy!