Oh my goodness! This is the most amazing contemporary adult version of Lord of the Flies ever! Seriously you need to read this!

# Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend
# 8/20/2024 ~ 8/22/2024
# 5.0 / 5.0

4.5 stars rounded up. This book was so much fun to read. I really had a hard time putting it down and had to resist the urge to jump to the end to see how things worked out. Definitely the most entertaining apocalyptic book I've read.

The characters were great in this one. I really liked all of them. Even the villains were fun to hate. The class warfare was fun in an entertaining, timely way.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

At the start of this novel, main character Dan and his girlfriend Mara on vacation in the Bahamas at the grand opening of a new resort - when out on the beach one day, everyone sees the sun melt and go dark. As they prep for the end of the world, things quickly go crazy, and Dan and Mara are left trying to figure out how to survive, how to get back to the mainland, and how to help the other people at the resort from the craziness that ensues at the resort.

Despite the end of the world premise, this book is more satirical/funny than serious. It’s entertaining and page turning, but the satire was a little over the top for me. I feel like the author was trying for a John Scalzi vibe but didn’t quite get there. It definitely was a fun read though and I’d definitely try the next book by this debut author.

3.75 stars

Dan Foster's vacation paradise turns into chaos when the sun explodes, plunging the island into darkness and sparking a rebellion among elite guests. As he faces a choice between escaping with his girlfriend or leading a fight for survival, Dan unexpectedly becomes a beacon of hope in the apocalyptic upheaval.

This book was so funny and just outrageous. I found myself giggling at so many funny lines and witty remarks. It felt very millennial coded which is a yes from me.

It is an apocalyptic world when the sun explodes and everything is dark. People go on power trips, start rationing food, and forcing people to work. Dan is the person people turn to, which he finds baffling.

I absolutely ADORED our main cast of characters. They were a hoot. I loved Mara and Dan so much, and how much they loved each other. That wedding was chaotic to the highest degree and I was here for it.

The action from the story never lets up at all, and I found myself really looking forward to reading. I was incredibly happy with the book and am SO happy I read it!!

Thank you to the publisher for this digital copy to review!

Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend is utterly fantastic, over-the-top, often hilarious, fun reading - which is a feat when you consider it's a plot about the end of the world.

I love a good apocalypse plot and this one is certainly unique - a couple is on vacation on a remote island when the sun explodes in the sky and the world is thrown into chaos. Everything from here is a race to navigate their new reality as the resort they are staying on devolves into chaos. There is SO MUCH ACTION in this book, and the characters are just so much fun to follow along with - and the twists are fast and furious and impossible to guess.

This book is also just filled with perfect laugh out loud moments - the absurdity of the situation paired with the deadpan responses by Dan as a lead character are perfectly crafted. Dan is the most delightfully flawed man, who is all too aware of his shortcomings and completely confused by the fact everyone else seems to see him as some sort of revolutionary leader. That combines for the ideal combination of entertainment and kept me glued to the page.

Overall this is pure, easy entertainment, popcorn thriller fun. Literally the most ideal book for end of summer TBR's when you want something satisfying, a little silly and wholly enjoyable to read. Be sure to grab yourself a copy.

Many thanks to the publisher for the copy!

Do not let the title fool you!!! Stars are definitely recommended! This title is it folks! Honestly this title screams, read me!!! I need this book to be a movie!

I was excited to read this book and it far exceeded my expectations. It read like a summer blockbuster movie and it was hard to put down. It was definitely one of my favorites reads of the year so far!

Just finished "Zero Stars Do Not Recommend" by M.J. Wassmer and was instantly intrigued by the wild premise—a tropical vacation interrupted by the sun exploding! I didn’t know what to expect, and the story took some surprising turns. Without giving anything away, I had a hunch about the ending, but the journey to get there was still enjoyable. Solid 3 stars for keeping me hooked!

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book early!

It is so hard to write a review without spoilers but this book was a rollercoaster comedy and plot twists! There is nothing but action right from the beginning and it’s non stop throughout. I’m normally not a huge dystopian novel fan but this was so beautifully mixed with comedy popping up often and in the most unexpected moments that it makes it an incredibly enjoyable read.

I immediately was drawn to Dan and Mara’s characters and liked them more and more as everything progressed. They were a perfect pair in every way.

I am such a huge fan of the conclusion and explanation of this novel! It’s one I will think about for a long time to come! So impressed - for a book called Zero Stars Do Not Recommend, I thankfully couldn’t agree less!

So, initially, I grabbed this book because the cover led me to believe it was a rom-com. Wrong! Insert buzzer sound here.
You could call it a modern-day Lord of the Flies, and you wouldn’t be far off, but there’s so much more to this book. It’s got a mix of romance, mystery, sci-fi, thriller, and satire. Like Lord of the Flies, it forces us to consider what would happen if the worst-case scenario became reality. What would society look like if our systems of law and order collapsed and we were left to fend for ourselves?
Who among us, male or female, hasn’t felt like Dan at some point in our lives? That kid in school who was told they could be anything they wanted but ended up only achieving mediocrity? And who doesn’t wrestle with the question of what it means to be a man or a woman and the stereotypes that go along with that? Mara is amazing in this story, loving Dan for who he is rather than who she could mold him into. She’s a total badass.
The writing is sharp; it’s funny while tackling some terrifying ideas and notions. The one-liners are hysterical, and the relationship between Dan and Mara is delightful to read. And who would ever expect a Bible-thumping preacher’s wife, who also happens to be an MLM creator, to be the one who stages a coup and steals all the food and power? But, as with all stories, not everything is as it seems, and there’s more going on at the resort than meets the eye.
I’d describe this as a “soft” thriller, not because it’s overly scary, but because it still gives you that anxious, “OMG, what’s going to happen next?” feeling that thrillers do. If you’re a fan of the Finlay Donovan or Riley Thorn books, I think you’ll really enjoy Zero Stars Do Not Recommend. As always, read it yourself and see what you think. I went in expecting a rom-com, but it turned out to be so much better!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the copy. Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend is an apocalyptic story that also has humor in it. The two main characters are Dan and Mara. They are vacationing at a private island resort. On the morning of their second day, the sun suddenly explodes. This plunges everything into chaos. Dan and Mara end up fighting for their lives. I believe that there were similarities to Lord of the Flies. I enjoyed the story overall. I do feel like it was a bit hard to get into, but around the half way mark, I did not want to put the book down. I did guess what would happen.

This is the silliest, most ridiculous, lighthearted quirky romp of an apocalypse story I've ever read. Totally fun, just a compulsively readable blast.

Dan is on vacation at a brand new island resort with his girlfriend Mara when the sun explodes. From there it's about the way the guests cope with their certain doom, being away from their families, and trying to manage their limited resources. Of course there's a rising dictator Lillyanna of the Beachbod exercising MLM empire, a blood thirsty head of security, and multiple average Joes trying to plot a way back to their families before the world ends. Chaos and hilarious madness ensues (with some darker elements, too).

I read this almost 400 pages in two days because I could not put it down, and I was actually partially surprised at the end. I do think it didn't need to be quite so long, it dragged a little in the last quarter, but overall the story was propulsive and exciting with plenty of dark humour and wit.

Super fun, four stars, would definitely recommend.

What would you do if you were at a beautiful resort on vacation and the sun exploded? That's what happens in Zero Stars, the debut novel from MJ Wassmer.

As you can probably tell from the combination of the title and the description, this book is full of humor and sarcasm. You may ask yourself, how can an apocalypse book be funny? That's where I'm super impressed with this author. He simultaneously creates a feeling of dread and hopelessness, along with comedic relief throughout the book. I thought the writing was super witty, and I really liked the author's voice.

Now, was everything super believable? Not totally, but it came close. I was surprised to find out that if the sun were to explode, we would not immediately all turn to icicles (is this common knowledge?). The characters were all really interesting and unique as well, and there were definitely a few surprises throughout the book.

I'd definitely recommend picking this one up. It was a super fun read, and I'm definitely looking forward to more from this author!

I highly recommend this surprising and entertaining story about what happens on an isolated island resort when the sun goes out and the world begins to end.

As far as post-apocalyptic novels go, there's doom and gloom everywhere, but this novel was quite different. I normally read a ton of post-apocalyptic novels, so this was definitely a refreshing change. It wasn't that the seriousness of the situation was lost on the characters or that awful stuff didn't happen. Rather, it was the snarky, self-reflective attitude of the protagonist, Dan Foster, and even the title of the novel itself that threw a positive wrench in the normal trope of doom.

Wassmer does a great job with characterization. The characters have a reality to them that is believable and earthy. You can picture yourself, your family, and your co-workers right in this environment. The struggles they face, and the myriad of ways the characters adapt certainly makes the plot a page turner, but the feelings they harbor, and the misgivings and lost chances they recall offers a true depth that is refreshing.

So many novels and shows have explored the what ifs of isolation and stranding amidst strange events, but this one seemed to be normal in its approach to a severed reality. People were isolated, and the choices they made redefined the events in new and creative avenues of action. Throughout, a strong dose of snarkiness and satire made this novel a wholeheartedly enjoyable read. And, yes, there are some seriously surprising plot twists along the way.

Enjoy, my friends! This one is worth the read.

This book was exactly what I expected but ended completely differently than expected. (But maybe not for others who can pick-up on foreshadowing) Dan and Mara are on the trip of a lifetime, too bad the sun explodes.

The resort is taken over by an MLM boss baby with a preacher husband. Work and ration cards come with a side of praise.

While there are humorous parts to this story and its billed satire, there is violence among the resort guest and a quick caste system initiated.

What a fantastical plot! I was intrigued when I read the description of this book, but I couldn't have imagined the way that it would play out.

The story was an interesting take on the classic literary good vs. evil, but with far more gray area. While the characters at times seemed a little stereotypical, I thought that Wassmer ultimately provided good background information, transforming many of them into well-developed, often relatable, characters. I'd expect to find these people in any place that would attract a diverse group. I found myself totally absorbed in the story, feeling at times like a silent observer on the island. I couldn't wait to see how the story would end.

I highly recommend this book!

Imagine going on vacation in the Bahamas to a grand, new resort. You're sitting on the beach, relaxing with your loved one when suddenly the sun explodes. It actually kind of fizzles out, looking like yolk dripping from an egg. Either way it's over. Your vacation. The world.

That's the situation professional underachiever, Dan Foster finds himself in. What's a guy to do? He's not used to taking charge or being a hero. But soon he might have to. His only goal at first is to get his girlfriend Mara off the island, but almost immediately the situation gets out of control when the A group takes the supplies and control. Somehow people begin looking to him for guidance, but Dan can't do anything. Can he?

This book is all kinds of crazy goodness. You've got action and drama. And more action. It's laugh out loud funny. One on hand it's unbelievable, but I could also see everything happening the same way if the sun ever did explode.

The characters slowly grow on you. There are many different personalities. You will find yourself caring about some and despising others as they represent different sides of humanity.

This debut novel would make an excellent movie. I really hope someone's working on it! Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend will be released August 6. Thanks to Sourcebooks for the chance to read!

Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend is a wild ride of a book. While the plot had its predictable moments, the fresh take on the apocalypse kept things interesting. The author has a knack for absurd humor and slapstick, creating a world that feels like a potential goldmine for a comedic TV series. It's a chaotic, funny read that left me wanting more.

What a fun, clever premise for a book! I really enjoyed this! The apocalypse has always been an intriguing topic for me so the synopsis really drew me in! I appreciated that the action starts right away and it really piqued my curiosity (I went on a googling frenzy about the sun 😂). I wish some things here and there had been different, but overall it was a funny, entertaining, and enjoyable experience. A great debut and I’m interested to see where the author goes from here! 4⭐️