I received this audiobook advanced digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts:

The post-apocalyptic / dystopian genre is one of my favorites. While this audiobook maybe doesn't quite fit that category, it does scratch that itch for me. The narrator was great (however, I almost exclusively listen to audiobooks at 1.50 or 1.75 speed - anything less feels like I get annoyed and beg for whoever the reader is to 'just spit it out already!')

This book is quirky, thought-provoking, and unexpectedly hilarious. The characters are well developed and relatable, if not a touch caricature-y. I found heartwarming moments where character growth occurred which inspired me even during such a fantastical story (the sun exploded / melted and we're stuck on this island with a Boss Babe running the show?!)

I did not read this on vacation but I could see myself enjoying it as an un-stereotypical beach read in that it's like a fun treat.

What would you do if you were on an island vacation and the sun exploded? Would you try to save yourself, help others, take charge? Lots of interesting characters kept this story moving. This book was a lot of fun and didn’t end how I thought it would. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced reader’s copy.

What a fun book! It’s hilarious, devastating, and beautiful all at the same time. It’s the end of the world times and you find out all the different ways people will react. There’s a lot of power dynamics and mind games. You have some egomaniacs, some unlikely heroes, and everything in between. I’ve always found these types of stories so interesting. None of really know how we would react but it’s fun to imagine.

I really liked how each person’s dialogue was so different and you really could tell what kind of person they were by how they spoke in the book.
I loved the writing. I really felt like I was in the moment with all the characters.
And then there’s the end. I won’t say anything because it’s special and you just have to read it to find out… but I loved it. Never once did I see where this book was going and that truly makes me so happy when that happens.

If you’re looking for a really great and unique apocalyptic story to read, read this. Immediately.

‘Always get the pretzel.’ 😜 🥨

Rounding up from 4.5 stars.

This is the author's debut book! All I can say is wow! Well done M.J. Wassmer!

This book was not what I expected it to be. I thought it would be a rom com with a little apocalypse thrown in. Basically a light little book. I was wrong! There was very little comedy and as the book goes on, the action picks up and doesn't slow down. I loved the pacing!

I loved the variety of characters (even the characters I hated). They were very distinct and easy to picture. I read this book cover to cover and I can't wait to see what this author releases next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Release date August 6, 2024

A cavalier and darkly humorous take on dystopian. The title and cover initially drew me to this book but I was quickly captured but the story. The concept is outlandish and a bit ridiculous but the writing is intelligent and sharp. The characters are wildly varied and well developed, some likable and others despicable. This was a quick paced and easy read that had me eager to know how it all would turn out. Who knew that the apocalypse could be so lighthearted and amusing?
Rating: Liked

Novel Concept: 5/5
Novel Execution: 5/5

Title: 5/5
Characterization: 4/5
Dialogue: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Atmosphere: 5/5
Theme: 5/5
Prose:5/5

Does this pass the Bechdel Test: I think so?

Title
Zero Stars Do Not Recommend is borrowing from the internet language of how things are rated. I do think that despite it sounding fairly generic it does fit the book fairly well. Thematically the whole plot is that the sun is gone, so quite literally it is Zero Stars, and that is Not Recommended which gave me a laugh.

Characters
While I love the camp of all these characters I will say that someone of them seem to fit fairly predictable molds. Rico feels like he was pulled out of any action movie ever. Lilyanna is sort of what you'd expect as an MLM founder. Even Danny feels like like what you'd expect. Shae is...Shae. Exactly what you'd expect a character like Shae to be.

But even though these characters feel a little peel and stick there are moments that feel so genuinely fun and unique that I don't think the predictability is all that detrimental. Lilyanna being the militaristic dictator is unquestionably hilarious. Her husband's moment of vulnerability--a slip of the mask--is truly interesting. Alan's decision at the end of the novel is shocking even though he's never wavered once from his own goals. He's so likeable but there he is, making such a dangerous choice. Rico wanting desperately to be a stuntman is fucking gold. I wished I had seen more of that in Rico, for example.

Dialogue
The dialogue sounded natural for the most part but every character held the same kind of cadence. Again, it's not something I feel very harshly about but in terms of dialogue only Gloria and Lenny felt different because they're supposed to be from Jersey and so they've got Jersey accents. But even then it did feel like most dialogue exchanges happened the same way. This is hard to explain and I wouldn't blame you if you thought I'm just a crazy person and moved on with your day.

Plot
The best part about this book is that MJ Wassmer is not afraid of readers like me--in that I mean smart readers trying to figure out the plot before the reveals actually happen. In the writing you can tell that Wassmer is not very concerned about people piecing the information together, and this for me made for a much more enjoyable read. I pegged the plot twist at about 50%, not knowing the exact details of the twist, but having the broader strokes accurately pinned down.

Wassmer does this very effectively by planting his information and making subtle indication marks to the reader. Having the scientist explain the puzzle of seeing the sun explode verses the observation that earth has not been obliterated or flung out of orbit was smart. It gets readers like me trying to draft ideas and I will admit, I did have "maybe an alien ship is just parked in front of the sun," because IDK--I'm just guessing here.

The other thing that was really good but subtle is the repetition of how people found the island resort. The fucking genius line about discounts (if you know you know) was such a smart and quiet way to get you thinking if that's the enjoyment you get out of the book. Fuck all these other lines--that discount line is diamond for plot development.

One I didn't catch until the reveals has to do with someone Danny thinks is familiar. When someone says someone is "familiar," it usually means that we've meet the character before as the reader. Danny has encountered them in some meaningful way--but because of the context I couldn't reasonably place how Danny would know and so when the reveals happened I was like "OH MY GOD." It was good. IT WAS GOOD.

I do feel that the devolution of island life felt fairly predictable--but maybe that's just because of Lord of the Flies and the Standford Prison Experiment. That didn't make it any less fun, but it was easy to see where exactly we were going.

Also, I don't understand Lenny's introduction. I felt so blindsided at Lenny's introduction. I don't know how we got there. I read and re-read it but I still didn't understand.

Atmosphere
The novel is well researched. The astronomy details are accurate or accurate enough to the world that I bought into them as rules of the story. The tropical island turned winter nightmare felt very real--I did often forget that it was dark out but I think that's because most stories have a day cycle. There's also this feeling of dread of things going from bad to worse that persisted throughout the whole novel which I also liked.

Theme
The book is about morals vs survival. Morals are the first thing sacrificed on the altar of instincts--as people begin to chart out their survival and their loved ones. Dan frequently struggles with this--he is out for himself because morality is a luxury. But the contrast that Mara brings helps argue against survival being the death of morals. A lot of people believe that the mark of Civilization is when those naturally selected against either by birth (such as a mental disability) or circumstance (Such as a broken limb) are taken care of and if available, restored to health. The grave of someone who lived to an old age with evidence of a healed broken bone is what some people consider the difference between civilized and uncivilized.

Mara is the embodiment of civilization--she will mend the broken bones. (That makes sense, she's a nurse) and she contrasts most with Alan, the veteran who's whole life has been to cut himself out of the problem and survive. He leaves people behind because that's how he's always survived. Mara will always go back for someone because she's a nurse. Dan finds himself in the middle, unsure of which road is best--which is his character arc for the novel. And throughout the novel we see people fall into these two categories: do you cut yourself out and survive or do you go back for someone who's fallen behind.

Prose
The book is beautifully written and aside from Lenny's introduction I never really got lost. There's a tone to the book that attempts to keep itself light and humorous, which I found worked for me. There were a couple of times the dialogue was getting to me but that's a small detail.

And I have to say again, the twists of this story were really good. Not just because they were interesting, but because the story was well structured as Wassmer wasn't concerned about people solving the plot before his dramatic reveal.

Conclusion
I found this book because I queried his agent and he passed on me--and while I am sad that I got passed by his agent I did find what I think is the best book I've read this year. A win is a win.

The title alone is catchy! I loved this book, it hooked me right from the start! I love any kind of book about summer! I would 1000% recommend!

Oh man, this was a fun one! Here are five reasons I loved this five star book:

1) The tone. The book is told in such a relatable, conversational voice, and it immediately drew me in, and set the right expectations for what is to come

2) The MC is the perfect amount of ridiculous mess. He does not want to save the world. He just wants to sip fruity cocktails in a vacation resort. But he someone must manage to do both, and he reacts exactly how most of us would in that type of situation

3) The plot is bonkers. What do you mean the sun is GONE?? But the mystery of what happened unfolded in a way that made total sense while also being completely crazy - it was a great mix!

4) The zany cast of characters are HILARIOUS. It’s such a perfect microcosm of insane people, and there wasn’t a single one who wasn’t completely believable in their wackiness

5) I said it above and I’ll say it again - this was just FUN. It’s been awhile since I’ve read a book that was this enjoyable to dive into. I loved every second of reading it!

This is definitely five stars, do recommend for me! Thank you to Sourcebooks and Netgalley for this ARC. Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend is our 8/6!

Exceptionally average Dan has finally decided to go on a nice vacation with his girlfriend Mara, but less than a day into their life in paradise, the sun explodes. With the guests already divided by class, the wealthiest among them stage a coup and take control of all of the supplies. Things go from bad to worse, when a six-seater broken plane is discovered and only one man is able to fix it.

ZERO STARS, DO NOT RECOMMEND by M.J. Wassmer is one of those books that’s hard to categorize genre-wise. I’ve seen it already being shelved as “romance,” but sci-fi or dystopian would probably be the better slot!

Wassmer did a great job of adding in dashes of humor as everything delves into chaos, and really added a lightness to the whole “well, this is the end of the world” thing.

There are plenty of characters to hate with some to really root for, and we really get a good look at the different facets of humanity.

While slow at times, this one really picked up the pace in the latter half and I, overall, really enjoyed the conclusion!

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Publication Date: August 6

After the sun exploded, Dan, Mara, and all of the resorts guests, are stranded on a small Bahamian island with limited food. The temps are dropping. People want to get home to their families.
It’s cut throat. Every man for themselves.

If you are aware ahead of time of what you are getting yourself into with this book, then it can be a very entertaining read! Silly, but funny. The concept feels very ‘The White Lotus’ (which I cannot wait for season 3 of!!) so there were some moments I laughed and enjoyed, but mostly wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep reading? Haha. It has some amazing early reviews on Goodreads.

Thank you @netgalley and @sourcebooks for this early release!

Pub date August 6th!

Big thank you to NetGalley for the EArc of this story and allowing me to be an early reader. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When I first heard of this story I was really interested and excited about the concept of it. It’s very witty and the dialogue is very realistic and blunt.
In the end I think this story just wasn’t for me. There was some stuff I really liked about it and enjoyed however some of the execution of the story and delivery I wasn’t a fan of. I think this story just isn’t geared towards my likes as a reader and that’s okay! I feel like this is a book my dad might enjoy.

Overall I might recommend this book depending on what you like as a reader but personally for me I think it just to wasn’t for me.

A VERY APOCALYPTIC VACATION.

What a fun and weird book this was. I loved the concept and I did guess it almost right away but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story because I obviously didn’t know how we’d get there. I thought Dan had really great banter with pretty much every character, but sometimes the writing felt like it was trying too hard to be funny. It felt like the story didn’t know what it wanted to be- funny, serious, sentimental, scary… it was kind of all over the place in that sense, which knocked a star off for me.

All in all, it was a quick read and very entertaining. Thank you Sourcebooks for my gifted copy of ZERO STARS DO NOT RECOMMEND.

This was a funky book. It was so bizarre, and out there. It really is unlike anything I've ever read before.

I liked it. I didn't love it though. It was a little too dark for me (hardy, har, har). IYKYK. It definitely made me think. It made me ponder what I'd do if I was in a similar situation.

"The Truman Show" idea of it truly shocked me, and thrilled me a little bit too.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This debut sounded so good and seemed to have such potential but sadly I didn't love the narrator and was honestly bored listening/reading to this story. I ended up DNFing less than halfway through. A flop for me even with the great cover. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

While Dan and Mara are enjoying their first vacation at an all-inclusive resort in the Bahamas, something horrific happens, and the sun seems to melt from the sky, leaving everyone in the dark. Things quickly descend into chaos as everyone realizes there is no way off the island and no way to let anyone know they are there.

When Building A, which is filled with all the richest people decides they are going to be in charge it doesn't go over well with everyone else, but it seems there is nothing to be done as Building A has the food, and has armed guards walking around making sure everyone else stays in line.

Dan ends up the face of the resistance, quite accidentally, and has no idea what to do.
Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend was a surprising read. I enjoyed the beginning, it drew me in with the writing and setting, and Dan was a refreshing main character. There were times I was laughing out loud, and other times this story was full of emotion due to the circumstances and what happened to some of the others on the island.

I did feel like this story slowed down for me in the middle, but once we passed that it again drew me in and I didn't want to put it down.
There were a lot of twists and turns that were surprising and took the book in a whole different direction than I was expecting, which I loved.

Thank you DB Media and Sourcebooks landmark for the advance listening copy and advance reading copy. Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend is a hilarious and captivating utopia novel that I could not stop reading. The main characters Dan & Mara go on their first vacation and soon things go totally wrong. As they work together to escape, the satire in this novel will have you howling with laughter or sitting with your mouth open in shock. I will definitely be recommending this book to friends who need something light and funny to read.

All-inclusive Vacation? Check. First holiday with your girlfriend? Check. New vacation resort in the Bahamas? Check. All the drinks, all the sun, and all the food? Check, check, check. Sun explodes? Check.

Wait, what?!? So much for the perfect vacation. Dan Foster and girlfriend Mara find their worlds turned upside down in this debut novel about what might happen in society when faced with the impending end of the world. Dan is the reluctant hero who fits a grumpy everyman role, forced into the persona of being a hero/spokesperson when he has no idea what to do and just wants to fade into the background. Filled with wit, humour, and a narrator who can’t help but make snarky comments telling people exactly what he thinks, #zerostarsdonotrecommend utilizes satire to expose the underlying cracks in society and how we just might respond when those cracks are revealed. A fun read with some twists and turns to keep you on your toes, saying too much more will give away too many spoilers! Suffice it to say I rather enjoyed this fresh novel from #mjwassmer.

<“satire: the use of a literary work holding up human vices and follies to ridicule or scorn; wit, irony, or sarcasm used to expose and discredit vice or folly” Merriam-Webster-webster.com>

Shoutout to @netgalley and @bookmarked for the advance ebook. #zerostarsdonotrecommend will be on shelves everywhere August 6, 2024. Contrary to the title, I actually do #recommendthisbook

The background photo is if the skies in Saskatchewan last week as a result of all the forest fires burning in Northern Saskatchewan, Alberta, and even BC, here in Canada. The skies have since cleared up but it’s crazy hot and humid here. Here’s hoping the fires are contained and stopped soon. Sending up prayers and gratitude for all the firefighters and first responders fighting to restore some harmony and putting their lives on the line.

#satire #satirical #humorbooks #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookgeek #booknerd #bookrecommendations #mjwassmer #sourcebookslandmark #fictionbooks #bookreview #zerostars #saskatchewanwildfires #smokeyskies #redsun #gratitude #thankyoufirefighters

Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend follows Daniel, Mara, and a host of characters after the sun explodes during their secluded island vacation.

I'll start by saying this was not what I expected. That's not a bad thing, it just took me a bit to recalibrate. I expected a comedic apocalyptic novel poking fun at the antics of what might happen but what we got was something more serious. While there were comedic moments, and I appreciated the sarcasm of our main character, Daniel, there were also some really heartbreaking and downright cruel moments as well.

Once I re-set my expectations of what I thought I would get, I ended up really enjoying this book. I think it takes a look at an extreme response to an extreme situation, focusing on the ugliest of humanity. Sure, there's hope but Daniel and his crew deal with the worst of the worst from Building A. While hard to read at times, it forces you to think about what you would do, what you would want in this situation, how you might react, and I appreciate any book that evokes that type of internal debate.

Sometimes the emotions and motivations of the characters don't come across on page but I think this could make for a great screenplay and can go either funny or serious. I did find the plot to be a little predictable, but I will say that I recently read something that had a similar apocalyptic catalyst (even though the plots were very different). Some scenes felt really fast and I found it hard to follow who was doing or saying what but overall I liked the way the pieces came together and the thought provoking nature of the plot.

3.5 rounded up.

For those who prefer their apocalyptic fiction with a subversive, snarky, sarcastically humorous sensibility, this debut novel by newcomer MJ Wassmer is tailor-made for you! With a propulsive storyline and over-the-top action, Wassmer takes the reader and his eccentric cast of characters, on the most excellent thrill ride! If, of course, you have an exploding sun, a tropical Caribbean island resort populated with outrageously imagined tourists, and a mad scientist in an observatory in mind!

I can't count the number of times I belly laughed, rolled my eyes, or said, "Shut the front door!" while reading this hoot-and-a-half of a story!

This novel has a publish date of August 6, 2024.

Thank you to the author for his entertaining imaginative tale, the publisher for their assistance to said author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of "Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend"

#ZeroStarsDoNotRecommend
#MJWassmer
#NetGalley
#ApocalypticFiction

I would like to thank NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with an advance e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review. Look for it in your local and online bookstores and libraries on August 6, 2024.