Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend

MJ Wassmer’s Zero Stars: Do Not Recommend is an absolute gem of dark humor and survival adventure wrapped in a satirical commentary on human nature. The story follows Dan Foster, an average guy with a penchant for underachieving, who finds himself thrust into a world-ending situation on a remote island. His vacation, already teetering on the edge of mediocrity, turns disastrous when the sun literally explodes, setting the stage for a high-stakes, darkly comedic survival story.

Wassmer’s writing is sharp and witty, effortlessly blending absurdity with moments of genuine tension. The quirky protagonist, Dan, is someone everyone can relate to – he's a classic "everyman" who never quite hits his stride in life. But when the island descends into chaos and the social order crumbles, Dan inadvertently rises to the occasion. His struggle between escaping with his girlfriend, Mara, or becoming an unlikely hero, gives the plot an emotional depth that balances the comedic elements.

What makes Zero Stars truly stand out is Wassmer’s ability to craft such a fun and fast-paced narrative while exploring deeper themes about survival, human relationships, and class disparity. As Dan faces the ultimate choice, the stakes feel real, even when they’re delivered through laugh-out-loud moments.

With a setting that is both fantastical and terrifying, Wassmer keeps you on your toes, questioning how far any of us would go to survive—and whether we’d actually make the right choice when the world is ending. If you’re a fan of quirky characters, dark humor, and post-apocalyptic chaos, this book is for you.