The UK edition of MJ Wassmer‘s highly-anticipated debut, ZERO STARS, DO NOT RECOMMEND is out in two weeks! Due to be published by Zaffre Books on July 4th, here’s the synopsis…

What happens when you’re on holiday and the sun explodes?

> Passport
> Suncream
> Apocalypse???

Professional underachiever Dan Foster is finally taking a break. Sure, his life has been average at best and, yes, he has never has quite lived up to his potential. But after a few Bud Lights in paradise with his girlfriend Mara, things are starting to look up.

Then the sun explodes.

With the island suddenly plunged into darkness, the ultra-rich guests hijack the remaining supplies and declare themselves the new ruling class. Led by a fitness influencer turned ruthless dictator, martial law is declared and the hoi polloi are press-ganged into service. And it’s just Dan’s luck that he could land an even worse job while on holiday.

As temperatures drop and class tensions rise, Dan might have found a way for himself and Mara to escape the island. But sneaking away would also mean abandoning the burgeoning revolution that he might-have-kind-of-sort-of single-handedly started.

Here are just a small sample taken from the advance praise that the novel has received so far…

‘A life-or-death action-packed debut… a romp and a page-turner… Wassmer’s debut novel succeeds in being the opposite of its title. He might become a new favorite for fans of John Scalzi and David Wong.’ — Library Journal (Starred Review)

‘This is Lord Of The Flies meets an all-inclusive bar, with incredible results. MJ Wassmer has written a totally original brainmelter — part thriller, part comedy, and part inspiring love story.’ — Alice Bell, author of Grave Expectations and Displeasure Island

‘Fresh, fun, and completely brilliant. ZERO STARS, DO NOT RECOMMEND combines a terrifyingly plausible apocalyptic fallout with an utterly original comedic voice. Who would have thought the end of the world could be this much fun!’ — Sarah Bonner, author of Her Perfect Twin and Her Sweet Revenge

‘The end of the world has never been so fun! Explosively funny and terrifyingly plausible in its depiction of the apocalypse, this cinematic debut had me LOLing, cringing and cheering throughout. I absolutely blazed through this earth-shattering action romp.’ — Josh Winning, author of The Shadow Glass

Zeno represents MJ Wassmer in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.