Very funny book, didn’t think the end of the world would be this funny. I enjoyed the banter between all the characters. Dan Foster is dry and self deprecating and you want to root for him. He is a likely hero. The band of characters kept me laughing through the entire book. The narrator for the audio was perfect. He really was able to capture all the different personalities of each character. The only feedback I have is that the middle was a little long.

This was a fun concept and brought about some interesting societal interactions. I really enjoyed it. Loved the narrator too!

Incredibly over the top, campy, and hilarious in all of the right ways. It was one of those audiobooks that made me want to take the long way home or get the dog out for an extra walk just to keep listening. The characters were infuriating in all the best ways. The structure that emerged after the explosion was so frustrating to hear, but unfortunately felt so realistic. I loved this and will recommend to anyone with a similar sense of humor and frustration at the real world.

Dan Foster is taking his girlfriend Mara on a vacation. They’ve been together a couple of years, and he’s decided to splurge and take a real vacation, after he saw it advertised on social media. It was a new all-inclusive resort on a tropical island near the Bahamas. And things are nice at first. They’re in Building B, which isn’t as nice (or as expensive) as Building A, where the ultra-wealthy stay. But it’s better than Building C. Dan and Mara are having a perfectly lovely time. And then the sun explodes.

Although is explodes really the word for it? Dan and Mara were outside enjoying the day when the sun just seemed to melt away. There was no big bang. It didn’t seem to dissolve into a million tiny stars. It wasn’t like it went dark even. It’s just it just melted from the sky, leaving then in darkness.

No one is quite certain what to do. Communications go down almost immediately, so they can’t contact anyone back in the states. They have to figure it out for themselves until the plane comes back to get them. If a plane comes back. CEO and owner of the resort, Brody Sheridan, isn’t entirely sure. The man who owns the rest of the island is Dr. Terry Shae, a scientist with a large telescope. As someone who studies the sky, he affirms that the sun is gone from the sky, but all the other planets and stars that he observes are all exactly where they should be.

But what they all really need is a leader. And one of the women from Building A steps up. Lilyanna Collins is the CEO of BeachBod by Lilyanna, an exercise pyramid scheme that draws in wine moms from all over. She is buff and beautiful and a natural leader. Lilyanna calmly explains that Building A took all the food overnight because they need to stay on top of the provisions, to make sure everyone has what they need until rescue comes. And when platters of breakfast food comes out for those in Buildings B and C, everyone is happy. So they don’t take the time to ask her about the armed guards now in front of Building A. And when she breezily explains that there will be tasks for them all to do, to work for their provisions moving forward, she makes it sound like it all makes perfect sense.

It’s not too bad at first. Lilyanna has them going through the resort building by building, scavenging supplies. With no sun, the island will be getting colder, and the electricity may run out at some point, so they’ll have to ration that at well. But as they days go by, and the rations get smaller for Buildings B and C, there is dissent. There is rebellion. And those armed guards have to take action.

There is a small airstrip on the island, and Dan’s friend Alan can’t help but wonder if there is a plane there also. He was an Air Force engineer, so he might be able to get a plane moving again. Dan and Alan make a sneak over to the airstrip and find that there is a plane there, a 6-seater, which would be enough to get Alan and his husband and Dan and Mara off the island. But it’s in bad shape. It will take Alan some time to get it in shape enough to fly it. It’s not an immediate fix, but it is hope.

While Alan is working on the plane, Dan and Mara are sewing warmer clothes to prepare for the coming climate change. They work hard, but the rules get stricter, and the guards get meaner. Mara is discouraged to see her friends going hungry. Dan and Mara get caught in the middle as friends from Building C want to stage an attack against Building A to get their power back. But it’s when Dan goes back out to the airstrip to check on Alan that he finds out the truth about the island and everything that’s been happening there.

But is that knowledge enough? With a class war, a coming ice age, and no way to get off the island, will Dan and Mara be able to survive their vacation apocalypse?

Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend is a tragically funny look at the possible end of the world from a fancy vacation resort on a tropical island. With intelligence and snark, this novel looks into the depth of humanity and finds that love may not conquer all, but it can go pretty far when the world is ending. With the social satire on the classes, some romance, and the whole apocalypse going on, this story is packed with adventure, humor, and heart. And when you finally find out what’s really going on in paradise, you might just book your next vacation right away, to stay home on your sofa.

I listened to Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend on audio, narrated beautifully by Stephen R. Thorne. I thought he brought the right amount of sarcasm to the humorous parts and warmth to the relationship parts. I especially loved his performance of Lilyanna and thought that elevated the performance to excellence. This book was a lot of fun to listen to, and it tells a great story. Plus, it is a fantastic reminder to buy yourself the pretzel whenever you get the chance.

Egalleys for Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend were provided by Sourcebooks Landmark, and an early copy of the audio book was provided by RBMedia, both through NetGalley, with many thanks.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was perfect for the book. I loved all the dialogue and situations the characters found themselves in. My only issue was that the ending felt rushed, I would have liked another chapter or two. Highly recommend this one, it’s very different and an all around enjoyable read!

This book was so unexpected in the best way possible. This book was so ridiculous and hard to believe, but it was honestly part of the charm. I actually laughed out loud. Some of the characters were really annoying and I wanted to scream at them, but the story was so unexpected that it kind of added to the charm. It was a perfect escape from reality - because really what would you do if you were stuck on an island when the sun exploded?!? I both listened to this on audiobook and read the e-book of this and they were both amazing, difficult to put down and impossible to dislike.

Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copies.

Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend was a fun, addictive audiobook! It’s the end of the world and gives lord of the flies vibes along with animal farm.

This was a fun campy apocalypse novel. Dan is on vacation in the Bahamas with his girlfriend. Unfortunately, the sun explodes and they are left in darkness. The people at the resort have to figure out what to do.

I didn’t know what to expect from start to finish. This is a good book for people who like cheesy comedy movies and for people who don’t like me. It was an easy audiobook to listen to. Thank you Netgalley and Recorded books for the chance to read the book. I recommend the audiobook. I had no issues with the voice actor or production. The book was easy to follow.

MJ Wassmer's Zero Stars Do Not Recommend is a masterful blend of dark humor and thought-provoking themes set against an apocalyptic backdrop. The novel balances its comedic elements with a genuine exploration of pressing issues such as class disparity and the essence of humanity. While I had a hunch about where the story was heading, Wassmer's unexpected twists kept me thoroughly engaged and surprised. This book is more than just a funny read; it's a compelling reflection on the world we live in. If you're looking for a unique, entertaining, and insightful experience, Zero Stars Do Not Recommend is definitely worth diving into. You won’t be disappointed!

I loved the concept and it had a lot of potential (the sun explodes and the "trapped on an island" premise with a bunch of privileged white people could have been a fascinating exploration of the darkness of humanity, a la Lord of the Flies). Unfortunately, I found all of the characters, including the MC, difficult to connect with, and the plot slow and repetitive.

I understand that the point of this genre is to kind of satirize the characteristics of already-ridiculous characters when placed in an apocalyptic scenario... but I felt like Wassmer was trying to make Dan, the MC, too much of an "everyday Joe" with all of the attending problematic views that only got exacerbated in the plot. His internal monologue consists of reminders to himself that he shouldn't do/feel/say X because "that's not what men do/feel/say"; he acts awkward around the gay men who attempt to be friend him and his girlfriend; he looks down on his fellow resort-goers for a range of reasons ranging from disgust to envy; and his attitude towards his girlfriend, Mara, a mixed Indian-and-white woman, was cringe.

This is not to mention that, for what could have been an entertainingly over-the-top plot, the pacing was slow, repetitive, and dull. The story is LONG not because so much happens, but because different characters have the same inane conversations over and over again, just in different configurations.

I also found the structure of the "influencer dictatorship" that gets implemented on the resort to be too reminiscent of modern-day governmental fascist directives to be entertained. It was difficult for me to read about cops-I-mean-guards going on a power kick and beating up guests just for the heck of it, or the arbitrary reduction of rations because those in power did not like certain guests, when similar things are happening in our society. I could have appreciated it if these aspects of the book were intended to be a critique of present-day society, but I didn't get the sense that the author intended it that way, so that was disappointing and a bit tone-deaf for me.

When a middle manager from Memphis, TN and his girlfriend save for a week at a hot new Bahamas resort, no one could expect the calamity that ensues. The sun blows up. Really.

Within hours, different factions begin to form, and we go from paradise to Lord of the Flies very quickly. This seething commentary on class, mobility, religion and MLMs was very interesting. It was uncomfortable--as it hit a lot of the same themes in our crazy American election cycle.

Overall, the interesting backdrop lent for a welcome discourse and discussion of these issues. The audio book was delightful! Multiple POV and story lines were easy to follow.

*4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*

"Will we ever get on the Internet again?"
"I want to check Instagram so bad."
"Can you imagine the stories?"
"Hey guys, if you like this video of me slowly starving, make sure to hit like and slam that subscribe button for daily starvation videos...and giveaways."

Oh the satire! This eye opening look at our society and what might transpire during an apocalyptic event is on full display in the hilarious speculative fiction satirical thriller, Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend, by comedic genius, debut author, M.J. Wassmer.

Dan's floating in a pool, happy with the deal he got for himself and his girlfriend to vacation at this new resort; when all of a sudden the sun...yes, the sun...explodes and darkness surrounds him.

After the initial shock, survival instincts kick in, and class warfare begins. The resort's owner feels the guests who paid the most should be in charge. After all, they are rich and that must mean they are smart... sound familiar?! But when rations are cut, water is scarce, and slave labor is kept in check with armed guards, even calm unassuming Dan knows it may be time for a rebellion.

The precision comedic timing of voice actor Stephen R Thorne was perfection. He brought the writer's insightful awareness of the ridiculousness of our world's conduct to a heightened level.

Reading and listening to this new exciting author, I laughed, rooted for the heroes (here's to Lenny from NJ. You were Born To Run!), and cursed pyramid schemer Lilyanna, who ruled like a fascist. The main twist was Stephen King worthy. If you want to laugh, think and fall in love with a ragtag group of misfit heroes I highly recommend, with sun shining stars, this exceptional debut.

I received a free copy of this book/audiobook from the publishers via #NetGalley for a fair & honest review. All opinions are my own.

I really wasn't sure it was possibly to make an apocalyptic book into a comedy but this book achieved that. This book will be well liked by those who are fans of the TV show Lost. This book will make you laugh out loud and also say "what the heck is going on" several times.

I really enjoyed the character of Dan Foster and he really provided a great comedic relief throughout the book.

While I found this book interesting and the twist was well done I did struggle to get through the middle of the book since the story seemed to drag on. The ending also felt a little rushed and left several unanswered questions.

I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the performance by Stephen R. Thorne was well done.

A modern day apocalypse tale without the seriousness. Dripping with sarcasm and irony, fans of TJ Klune and Steven Rowley will love this one.

At no point did I ever expect what would happen next!
This was such a fun story full of mystery, thrills, love and found family and I couldn’t put it down!

RB Media ALC
Imagine you’re on a small beach in the Caribbean on a much needed vacation, and then it suddenly goes dark because the sun exploded. This apocalyptic book started with a literal boom and doesn’t let up throughout the story. There were such vivid characters here that help balance the seriousness of their situation with some lightness. The book had an interesting exploration of how people react in the face of a major natural disaster. It was fast paced, the narration was excellent, and characters you’ll root for and loathe. It’s out now and a perfect book for when you need something quick and original.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so crazy and comical. I was not anticipating everything that happened in this book. It was a wild and crazy ride. I really liked how quickly the people on the island devolved and created chaos. This book explored divisions in class and how those of a higher class created strife and chaos through entitlement. Overall the book was a crazy exploration of an apocalypse occurring in paradise while people are vacationing. There were comical moments and the big reveal at the end was bonkers. This was a very interesting summer read.

Thank you Netgalley and RBmedia for the audio ARC of Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend.

It's no spoiler that in the first chapter of this book the sun appears to blow up and signal a potential end to the world as we know it.

This novel takes a light hearted approach to an end of the world apocalypse. The characters are quirky and eclectic and will have you laughing at dark times. I like how the author shows the resourcefulness of these 'average' people and how they bond together.

Don't wait for the sun to blow up. Start living life now and "always get the pretzel!" 😉

I love apocalyptic/disaster movies and books even when the science doesn’t make sense (and the acting is SO bad) so this book should have been right up my alley. This started out good but then was really slow in the middle with the same confrontations happening over and over again; it got old. Add in the dated references (televangelists, Rodney King) and I almost DNF’d. Instead I skipped ahead to find out what happened and the science left a lot to be desired. Otherwise, this had some funny moments; just not enough to make it a must read.

The narration saved this.

A dystopian world, a reluctant hero, a chaotic class system and a villain you don't see coming. This is a satirical read that had me laughing out loud and wanting to throat punch several people.

Think Andy Weir in the witty comedy and smart arse observations from our hero, Dan. He doesn't want to be the hero. He also doesn't want to be stuck in the job he's in and the man he's become. Luckily for him the world is about to end and he has to step up.

There's plenty of other characters - Dan's amazing kick arse girlfriend, Mara; the overbearing southern business woman, Lillyana with her OTT total wanker bodyguard, and a cast of white collar/blue collar, rich/not so rich of guests who are suddenly thrust into survival mode.

This is an entertaining social satire and would make you wonder what you would do in similar situations. It's wonderful to watch Dan decide to become the man he wants to be and finally find himself. I absolutely loved the narrator, Stephen R. Thorne. His comedic timing made the book even funnier. His delivery was spot on.