Zero stars do not recommend A novel

Imagine you're enjoying a day on the beach when suddenly the sun explodes. That's just what happens to Dan and Mara as they are trying to enjoy their island resort vacation. Readers are immersed in chaos from the very first page, as the disappearance of the sun throws the world into darkness and panic ensues among the resort guests. As Dan and Mara face escalating chaos, Mara's concern for her mother's dialysis adds emotional depth to their fight for survival. Throughout the story, debut author Wassmer maintains a sense of tension and intrigue that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages. From the mysterious disappearance of the sun to the escalating environmental threats such as perpetual winter and concerns about freezing to death, every plot twist is expertly executed, keeping readers guessing until the very end. This is a must-read for fans of disaster fiction and character-driven narratives alike. With its captivating plot, finely crafted characters, and skillful pacing, readers will be eager to discover whether Dan emerges as the unexpected hero and saves the day.

DEBUT Wassmer rockets onto the scene with a life-or-death action-packed debut. As Dan and Mara vacation at a resort in the Bahamas, the sun warms them until that sun explodes. Launched into darkness and confusion, resort guests are left to fend for themselves, quickly forming alliances and hoarding resources. It's no laughing matter, but Wassmer will make readers laugh out loud anyway, especially when an influencer and pyramid-schemer takes her position as the resort's overlord, complete with an intense security detail. Protagonist Dan has a quick wit, and the other characters are so well-developed that the realism in their interactions is smile-inducing. The novel is a romp and a page-turner, but it also has a great deal of pathos. Wassmer explores different kinds of masculinity and the nature of romantic relationships, while Dan struggles to find his purpose and inner strength and contends with what "success" means in a person's life. VERDICT 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 (a.k.a. Jason Pargin).--Laura Stein