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God Complex of a Suicidal Freak: Zero: Vol. I
Kane Academy student Zero Hale knows two things: that he is cursed, and that he wants to die. But his plans for suicide are interrupted when he discovers his classmate, Briar Thornswood, about to jump from the same bridge he is.
Suddenly, his entire existence is turned on its head.
Ending his own life now would just be irresponsible. So, obviously, there’s only one solution. Zero must find a way to make this mysteriously troubled girl happy to be alive, and then he can die.
A childhood rival, an anonymous mastermind, a case of stolen assignments, and a group of desperate students stand in the way of his goal, but nobody is prepared for what will happen once this cursed seventeen-year-old finally does that which he’s avoided doing at all costs: try.
(God Complex of a Suicidal Freak is the first volume in a YA dark academia mystery series with heavy ties to manga/light novels, including pictures and fourth-wall-breaking interactive elements throughout.)
Suddenly, his entire existence is turned on its head.
Ending his own life now would just be irresponsible. So, obviously, there’s only one solution. Zero must find a way to make this mysteriously troubled girl happy to be alive, and then he can die.
A childhood rival, an anonymous mastermind, a case of stolen assignments, and a group of desperate students stand in the way of his goal, but nobody is prepared for what will happen once this cursed seventeen-year-old finally does that which he’s avoided doing at all costs: try.
(God Complex of a Suicidal Freak is the first volume in a YA dark academia mystery series with heavy ties to manga/light novels, including pictures and fourth-wall-breaking interactive elements throughout.)
377 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 18, 2025
I can't believe I lost Rock, Paper, Scissors to a book...
God Complex of a Suicidal Freak - Zero - Volume I...Might be the strangest book I have ever read (said as Eugene fighting with a frying pan in Disney's Tangled)...this book is kinda interactive, plays out like an anime, but read as a full written story. The 4th wall is broken repeatedly, as Zero the main character, involves you directly in the storyline asking you questions and playing games.
...Possible Spoilers Ahead...
Story follows 17 year old Zero Hale who wishes to die, why? I don't think I know yet, he ends up saving two girls over two days on a bridge where he wishes to die and then somehow gets pulled into a Poirot-esque hunt for a school bandit stealing papers/school work and causing a whole headache for the students, who are ranked academically and socially by an 'unofficial and official ranking system' on how they perform.
I think if I was a teen reading this I would have enjoyed it immensely, as an adult I struggled just a touch in the middle as it got a bit slow, but Zero is so intriguing you just want to keep reading even if he seems alittle unrealistic in his genius...however he clearly has some supernatural thing going on and I am here for it. Volume II will be read in the near future (actually maybe I'll wait to see if there's a volume III on the horizon *goes off to check J Hunter's website queue elevator music* zerohale.com [if you were wondering] ...yeah there is and it is currently in the works)...volume II will be read at some point as this was a strange experience and I want to know more about Zero's past, potential powers and where Briar has seen the tattoo before and who will X be?
God Complex of a Suicidal Freak - Zero - Volume I...Might be the strangest book I have ever read (said as Eugene fighting with a frying pan in Disney's Tangled)...this book is kinda interactive, plays out like an anime, but read as a full written story. The 4th wall is broken repeatedly, as Zero the main character, involves you directly in the storyline asking you questions and playing games.
...Possible Spoilers Ahead...
Story follows 17 year old Zero Hale who wishes to die, why? I don't think I know yet, he ends up saving two girls over two days on a bridge where he wishes to die and then somehow gets pulled into a Poirot-esque hunt for a school bandit stealing papers/school work and causing a whole headache for the students, who are ranked academically and socially by an 'unofficial and official ranking system' on how they perform.
I think if I was a teen reading this I would have enjoyed it immensely, as an adult I struggled just a touch in the middle as it got a bit slow, but Zero is so intriguing you just want to keep reading even if he seems alittle unrealistic in his genius...however he clearly has some supernatural thing going on and I am here for it. Volume II will be read in the near future (actually maybe I'll wait to see if there's a volume III on the horizon *goes off to check J Hunter's website queue elevator music* zerohale.com [if you were wondering] ...yeah there is and it is currently in the works)...volume II will be read at some point as this was a strange experience and I want to know more about Zero's past, potential powers and where Briar has seen the tattoo before and who will X be?
January 8, 2025
This was such an interesting read but also rather strange. I can say I haven't read any books like this one before. The random character facts and pictures was a very interesting addition to the book. 100% leaves off on a cliffhanger and leaves you questioning everything.
March 28, 2025
Interesting mix of genres
It was a bit of a slow start for that turned into an adventure I couldn’t put down. Don’t skip the accompanying website.
It was a bit of a slow start for that turned into an adventure I couldn’t put down. Don’t skip the accompanying website.
December 12, 2024
From the get-go, from the title, a very dark subject matter is brought to light. What makes this book, and also perhaps by implication, the potential for a series, fascinating, is that it is a truly unique take on the topic without fetishizing the anguish and suffering while at the same time is able to find points of levity in a way that, personally, feels authentic (but also strangely entertaining), at least to me. Everyone who has had some tangential experience to the protagonist processes this differently, but, as hard as it is to admit this, there is certainly a demographic that feels like they have no choice but to trivialize and humorize the idea of ending their own life. This book presents this perspective in such a way that feels like it’s not trivializing the topic itself but rather characterizing Zero’s mental process of coping with grief. Zero’s derogatory view on his own life, and his inability to end his own life (or the inexplicable events surrounding him preventing him from committing to the act and always having him split his attention to help those around him), is precisely what forces himself to take a very darkly humorous view on his continually failed suicide. The only pieces of media that comes to mind that is able to balance this dark topic with a sense of humor without cheapening the subject matter is the anime Bungo Stray Dogs which bases one of its main characters around the depressive Japanese author Dazai Osamu. But unlike No Longer Human, the protagonist Zero seems to, as his character progression is hinted at in the early chapters, be able to find a small speck of light in his life through the connections with his newfound friends around him, despite stubbornly trying to convince himself of his inevitable end by his own hands. And what starts as a dark almost psychological thriller-esque opening develops into an unexpectedly comedic and wholesome story about digging deep to re-discover the piece of humanity Zero had fought so hard to bury in order to cope with an extreme trauma from the past.
Beyond the titular conflict, what really makes this story work in how well Hunter is able to weave between genres is the strong character writing here. The first half of the book seems to be comfortable with its pacing, setting itself in a YA slice of life narrative, introducing you to its many many characters (which, helpfully, is aided by extensive bonus material like character profiles, which I will get to later). Even though the plotting in the first half is nowhere as fast paced as the second half, what really kept me around were the different character dynamics between each character. Zero’s dialogue with Marina is completely different from Briar as it is different from Jordan’s. Hunter’s strength in dialogue writing is on full force here as every single person sounds like distinctive, fully developed characters rather than plot devices to help Zero get from one point to the next, something that is sure to be a great asset for the coming volumes. And through this, each character brings out a different side of Zero, slowly showing his many colors that he mutes in attempts to devalue his own life, showing his more kind, or even his sassy side. To many people who suffer through highly traumatic moments early on in their life, they are forced to grow up much faster than everyone else, and this is definitely true for Zero, but it is in these interactions where his kind of cuter teenage persona comes out. It’s a treat to see. Other times, Hunter is not afraid to jump straight back to more serious topics - while Zero might not always be able to treat his own trauma with the appropriate care, he does so for Briar, and the delicacy in which he tries to help and empathize with this girl he barely knows is what contradicts his earlier facetious attitude towards mental health. It’s really heartwarming and also heartbreaking to see Zero treat someone else with the amount of love and attention that he so clearly lacks and percludes from himself.
In the second half of the book, there is a major tonal and genre shift towards a serious mystery thriller (although the more serious and comedic elements of the first half don’t go away but simply exist as supporting elements). There is sufficient foreshadowing towards the mystery genre in the first half, but the second half commits to it in stride, with Hunter laying out the necessary clues (and even referencing specific to page numbers so as to have readers be more involved in the process) to build a full and fleshed out picture of the motive and methods of the traitor amongst them. I won’t go into the details or the spoilers, but when the reveal dropped I was so shocked that that was the direction the author took, not only in the amount of planning that it had to arrive at that point, but simply at the ingenuity of it. Because in the end it wasn’t just about solving the mystery, but specifically not being able to solve it fully because of Zero’s hubris, which brings the third act to a final genre shift. There had been allusions to the fact that the book might dive more into action, as Hunter writes Zero’s martial arts capabilities with the amount of detailing that deserve actual fight scenes to be choreographed and animated/filmed, but in the third act, it rises above all of it, going into what could only be an epic tease of Zero’s capabilities in what’s to come in the upcoming volumes.
I mentioned this above, one thing that really sets this book apart from any other that I’ve read is the insane amount of reader interaction there is, from Zero breaking the fourth wall, to the amount of bonus material at the end of chapters. The profiles not only help in terms of visualization but also characterization as we are given insight into “off-camera” moments where the characters act as if in acknowledgement of the book and the readers. We also get perspectives outside of Zero’s, not only contextually but emotionally filling in some gaps that is much needed in between chapters. This is the first time I’ve seen an author take the manga approach of the in-between chapter panels and apply it in a literary setting, and hopefully, this is a game changer for the medium going forward, because the usage here is very inspired and also feels like an essential component of the book as a whole.
All in all, this was a very fun and fast read, and I cannot wait to see where the story goes in the coming volumes, how the characters’ relationships progress, and also how Hunter’s style can potentially innovate the next generation of YA books.
(Reposted from Amazon)
Beyond the titular conflict, what really makes this story work in how well Hunter is able to weave between genres is the strong character writing here. The first half of the book seems to be comfortable with its pacing, setting itself in a YA slice of life narrative, introducing you to its many many characters (which, helpfully, is aided by extensive bonus material like character profiles, which I will get to later). Even though the plotting in the first half is nowhere as fast paced as the second half, what really kept me around were the different character dynamics between each character. Zero’s dialogue with Marina is completely different from Briar as it is different from Jordan’s. Hunter’s strength in dialogue writing is on full force here as every single person sounds like distinctive, fully developed characters rather than plot devices to help Zero get from one point to the next, something that is sure to be a great asset for the coming volumes. And through this, each character brings out a different side of Zero, slowly showing his many colors that he mutes in attempts to devalue his own life, showing his more kind, or even his sassy side. To many people who suffer through highly traumatic moments early on in their life, they are forced to grow up much faster than everyone else, and this is definitely true for Zero, but it is in these interactions where his kind of cuter teenage persona comes out. It’s a treat to see. Other times, Hunter is not afraid to jump straight back to more serious topics - while Zero might not always be able to treat his own trauma with the appropriate care, he does so for Briar, and the delicacy in which he tries to help and empathize with this girl he barely knows is what contradicts his earlier facetious attitude towards mental health. It’s really heartwarming and also heartbreaking to see Zero treat someone else with the amount of love and attention that he so clearly lacks and percludes from himself.
In the second half of the book, there is a major tonal and genre shift towards a serious mystery thriller (although the more serious and comedic elements of the first half don’t go away but simply exist as supporting elements). There is sufficient foreshadowing towards the mystery genre in the first half, but the second half commits to it in stride, with Hunter laying out the necessary clues (and even referencing specific to page numbers so as to have readers be more involved in the process) to build a full and fleshed out picture of the motive and methods of the traitor amongst them. I won’t go into the details or the spoilers, but when the reveal dropped I was so shocked that that was the direction the author took, not only in the amount of planning that it had to arrive at that point, but simply at the ingenuity of it. Because in the end it wasn’t just about solving the mystery, but specifically not being able to solve it fully because of Zero’s hubris, which brings the third act to a final genre shift. There had been allusions to the fact that the book might dive more into action, as Hunter writes Zero’s martial arts capabilities with the amount of detailing that deserve actual fight scenes to be choreographed and animated/filmed, but in the third act, it rises above all of it, going into what could only be an epic tease of Zero’s capabilities in what’s to come in the upcoming volumes.
I mentioned this above, one thing that really sets this book apart from any other that I’ve read is the insane amount of reader interaction there is, from Zero breaking the fourth wall, to the amount of bonus material at the end of chapters. The profiles not only help in terms of visualization but also characterization as we are given insight into “off-camera” moments where the characters act as if in acknowledgement of the book and the readers. We also get perspectives outside of Zero’s, not only contextually but emotionally filling in some gaps that is much needed in between chapters. This is the first time I’ve seen an author take the manga approach of the in-between chapter panels and apply it in a literary setting, and hopefully, this is a game changer for the medium going forward, because the usage here is very inspired and also feels like an essential component of the book as a whole.
All in all, this was a very fun and fast read, and I cannot wait to see where the story goes in the coming volumes, how the characters’ relationships progress, and also how Hunter’s style can potentially innovate the next generation of YA books.
(Reposted from Amazon)
January 5, 2025
Uhh ... what do I even say?
I'm kinda new to this whole platform, so I don't really know how it all works, but I'm going to do my best and start by saying I was genuinely floored when I got to the end. And I really don’t want to give anything away about the plot because 1) it’s impossible to just get across in a few words, and 2) not knowing what’s going to happen next is my favorite part of going into any new story. However, part way through this book I started doing something that I thought I’d share here. And that something is a complete list of every single thing GCOASF does that is either incredibly unusual or that I straight up didn’t know a book even could/would do. So yeah this is technically a spoiler of sorts, too. So if you’d rather experience these elements blind you have been warned.
Still here? K, I’m just going to paste in the whole thing.
Images: Yeah, I know pictures aren’t totally uncommon in books, but I’ve never seen this many in one YA novel before. I counted and there are over fifty images in total. FIFTY. And these aren’t just little chapter break doodles, they’re full on, plot-relevant pictures of characters, settings, and stuff
[Names He Doesn’t Know]: Zero has this very interesting habit of describing characters he either doesn’t know or doesn’t care about in brackets that replace their name. Actually, he’ll just do it for the heck of it sometimes. Like, “Hey, [Troublesome Girl Whose Life I Am Now Forced To Be Responsible For], come over here” or something like that. Part of me thinks he’s doing it for fun, too
4th Wall Breaking: but not just your standard winks at the camera type of 4th wall breaking. He literally asks you questions, quizzes you, and plays games with you. There’s also some genuinely serious moments where he seems to speak to you as if he’s really trying to connect with you or tell you something he wants a serious response to. Plus, that author’s note …
Character Profiles: they come in at the end of each chapter, complete with pictures, statistics, and “personal comments”
Half Chapters/Third Chapters: Like Chapter 3 ⅔, etc
Bonus Scenes/Non-Canonical Scenes: Exactly what it sounds like (whether or not the scenes are canon or not is up to you?)
Q&As With the Cast: there’s literally a recurring interviewer character that returns every now and then to have Q&As at the end of chapters. And they only show up for the purpose of intervewing. Impossible to say if its canon content or not, but it seems like it has to fall under non-canon. Safe to say that either way it crosses the 4th wall line to hell and back
Charts: There are full on charts with (minor spoiler) extreme plot relevance
Semi-Interactive Elements/Games: I touched on this, but to give a bit more detail, you get stuff like fill-in-the-blanks, finish this number sequence, and a game of rock paper scissors. Yeah, you read that last part right
Page Specific Clues: Like, Zero will explain a clue that helped him piece together the mystery and he’ll give you specific page numbers to flip to if you want to go back and see exactly what he’s talking about. I was gifted the hardback version, so I have no idea how it works in the ebook, but it really adds a lot to the reading experience so I’m assuming the author found a way around that.
A few more random things include parenthetical thoughts, crossing out lines/words mid scentence, footnotes (not sure what to call them tbh) with facts about the world, *double starred action descriptions that read like stage directions*, dialogue-only rundowns of events that read like a screenplay for short periods of time, and finally, the biggest SPOILER ….
POV Shift: But not a pov shift controlled by the book/author. A pov shift with narrative releveance. When Zero is incapacitated, “control of the story will pass to someone else,” though I won’t say why or to who. I’ll only say that it compeltely caught me off guard and changed the entire identity of the book, imo
I know that was a lot lol, but as I started the list I got really into it and just ended up making it a whole thing. I guess it might seem a little intimidating when listed like that so I hope it doesn’t turn you off because I really only did this for fun and I promise that it’s not overwhelming when you���re actually reading. The first time each of these things happen, it’ll probably jarr you a little, but you get used to it fast and will find that it really makes the whole experience a lot more fun. Almost like you’re actually participating with Zero as he goes along.
By the end, to me, Zero felt like an old friend that I really didn’t want to let go of. That author’s note was a really sweet way to end things off and tbh I needed that pick-me-up (if you can call it that). Before saying goodbye. Of course, the second volume is supposed to be out soon so I guess its not goodbye for long. But it's safe to say that Zero and the gang are going to be floating around in my mind for a while now. And I may or may not re-read that end of the note from time to time as I wait
I'm kinda new to this whole platform, so I don't really know how it all works, but I'm going to do my best and start by saying I was genuinely floored when I got to the end. And I really don’t want to give anything away about the plot because 1) it’s impossible to just get across in a few words, and 2) not knowing what’s going to happen next is my favorite part of going into any new story. However, part way through this book I started doing something that I thought I’d share here. And that something is a complete list of every single thing GCOASF does that is either incredibly unusual or that I straight up didn’t know a book even could/would do. So yeah this is technically a spoiler of sorts, too. So if you’d rather experience these elements blind you have been warned.
Still here? K, I’m just going to paste in the whole thing.
Images: Yeah, I know pictures aren’t totally uncommon in books, but I’ve never seen this many in one YA novel before. I counted and there are over fifty images in total. FIFTY. And these aren’t just little chapter break doodles, they’re full on, plot-relevant pictures of characters, settings, and stuff
[Names He Doesn’t Know]: Zero has this very interesting habit of describing characters he either doesn’t know or doesn’t care about in brackets that replace their name. Actually, he’ll just do it for the heck of it sometimes. Like, “Hey, [Troublesome Girl Whose Life I Am Now Forced To Be Responsible For], come over here” or something like that. Part of me thinks he’s doing it for fun, too
4th Wall Breaking: but not just your standard winks at the camera type of 4th wall breaking. He literally asks you questions, quizzes you, and plays games with you. There’s also some genuinely serious moments where he seems to speak to you as if he’s really trying to connect with you or tell you something he wants a serious response to. Plus, that author’s note …
Character Profiles: they come in at the end of each chapter, complete with pictures, statistics, and “personal comments”
Half Chapters/Third Chapters: Like Chapter 3 ⅔, etc
Bonus Scenes/Non-Canonical Scenes: Exactly what it sounds like (whether or not the scenes are canon or not is up to you?)
Q&As With the Cast: there’s literally a recurring interviewer character that returns every now and then to have Q&As at the end of chapters. And they only show up for the purpose of intervewing. Impossible to say if its canon content or not, but it seems like it has to fall under non-canon. Safe to say that either way it crosses the 4th wall line to hell and back
Charts: There are full on charts with (minor spoiler) extreme plot relevance
Semi-Interactive Elements/Games: I touched on this, but to give a bit more detail, you get stuff like fill-in-the-blanks, finish this number sequence, and a game of rock paper scissors. Yeah, you read that last part right
Page Specific Clues: Like, Zero will explain a clue that helped him piece together the mystery and he’ll give you specific page numbers to flip to if you want to go back and see exactly what he’s talking about. I was gifted the hardback version, so I have no idea how it works in the ebook, but it really adds a lot to the reading experience so I’m assuming the author found a way around that.
A few more random things include parenthetical thoughts, crossing out lines/words mid scentence, footnotes (not sure what to call them tbh) with facts about the world, *double starred action descriptions that read like stage directions*, dialogue-only rundowns of events that read like a screenplay for short periods of time, and finally, the biggest SPOILER ….
POV Shift: But not a pov shift controlled by the book/author. A pov shift with narrative releveance. When Zero is incapacitated, “control of the story will pass to someone else,” though I won’t say why or to who. I’ll only say that it compeltely caught me off guard and changed the entire identity of the book, imo
I know that was a lot lol, but as I started the list I got really into it and just ended up making it a whole thing. I guess it might seem a little intimidating when listed like that so I hope it doesn’t turn you off because I really only did this for fun and I promise that it’s not overwhelming when you���re actually reading. The first time each of these things happen, it’ll probably jarr you a little, but you get used to it fast and will find that it really makes the whole experience a lot more fun. Almost like you’re actually participating with Zero as he goes along.
By the end, to me, Zero felt like an old friend that I really didn’t want to let go of. That author’s note was a really sweet way to end things off and tbh I needed that pick-me-up (if you can call it that). Before saying goodbye. Of course, the second volume is supposed to be out soon so I guess its not goodbye for long. But it's safe to say that Zero and the gang are going to be floating around in my mind for a while now. And I may or may not re-read that end of the note from time to time as I wait
September 19, 2025
Wednesday meets Dexter in this excellent teen story.
This is a well-written first-person narrative full of evocative visual descriptions that immediately give the reader a sense of the gloomy atmosphere surrounding the protagonist, Zero - great name. I liked Zero. He was a well-defined, complex character. An ‘A’ student but a troublemaker, he shows signs of possessing special powers that set him apart from the rest of the students. He is full of passion, yet at the same time, has a coldness of emotion that offers the reader a satisfying experience.
Zero reminded me of Dexter, not in being a murderer, but in his antisocial nature and condescending attitude towards his fellow man. Yet, he retains a sense of vulnerability right from the start when we are introduced to him as he contemplates suicide. However, he is prevented from doing so by an act of selflessness that surprises him and provokes much introspection. His cheeky, arrogant personality and getting the better of his superiors aptly showcase his intelligence. We are told he is very attractive, but he has inner qualities that make him more than just eye candy. I think teens will love him and want to know more about this rebel with a curse.
There is an undercurrent of something strange about to happen throughout the narrative to provoke a sense of uneasiness and mystery. Humour is used effectively to lighten some of the darker moments and to highlight the nature/personalities of Zero and the other characters.
My only criticism is that sometimes there is too much introspection/inner thought process in favour of action. There were a lot of conversations/dialogue between characters that often slowed the pace of the narrative in the middle of the book when the students met to discuss the possible traitor. I felt there was too much time taken up in quibbling amongst themselves. But that didn’t matter too much as I was thoroughly engaged with the story from start to finish.
I enjoyed the quirky writing using footnotes, page numbers to backtrack, beautiful visuals, and character profiles of the students Zero uses to enable the reader to get to know his classmates without long descriptions and character analysis. I wasn’t sure where the story was going sometimes, until the end, which was a satisfying experience, especially the exciting denouement.
I thoroughly recommend this book. A great read.
This is a well-written first-person narrative full of evocative visual descriptions that immediately give the reader a sense of the gloomy atmosphere surrounding the protagonist, Zero - great name. I liked Zero. He was a well-defined, complex character. An ‘A’ student but a troublemaker, he shows signs of possessing special powers that set him apart from the rest of the students. He is full of passion, yet at the same time, has a coldness of emotion that offers the reader a satisfying experience.
Zero reminded me of Dexter, not in being a murderer, but in his antisocial nature and condescending attitude towards his fellow man. Yet, he retains a sense of vulnerability right from the start when we are introduced to him as he contemplates suicide. However, he is prevented from doing so by an act of selflessness that surprises him and provokes much introspection. His cheeky, arrogant personality and getting the better of his superiors aptly showcase his intelligence. We are told he is very attractive, but he has inner qualities that make him more than just eye candy. I think teens will love him and want to know more about this rebel with a curse.
There is an undercurrent of something strange about to happen throughout the narrative to provoke a sense of uneasiness and mystery. Humour is used effectively to lighten some of the darker moments and to highlight the nature/personalities of Zero and the other characters.
My only criticism is that sometimes there is too much introspection/inner thought process in favour of action. There were a lot of conversations/dialogue between characters that often slowed the pace of the narrative in the middle of the book when the students met to discuss the possible traitor. I felt there was too much time taken up in quibbling amongst themselves. But that didn’t matter too much as I was thoroughly engaged with the story from start to finish.
I enjoyed the quirky writing using footnotes, page numbers to backtrack, beautiful visuals, and character profiles of the students Zero uses to enable the reader to get to know his classmates without long descriptions and character analysis. I wasn’t sure where the story was going sometimes, until the end, which was a satisfying experience, especially the exciting denouement.
I thoroughly recommend this book. A great read.
September 2, 2025
Immersive and Captivating
From the Summary: "Any resemblance to real life means you need help."
With that warning, I knew this book was going to be an experience, and I was not disappointed. The protagonist, Zero Hale, is the quintessential anti-hero, distracted from his stated mission of self-destruction as he steps in to save his fellow students at Kane Academy, a school for the gifted and elite. He steps out of his self-imposed isolation, brilliantly solving puzzles, working to solve a mystery at the school.
Readers are invited to participate in the adventurous story, as the author breaks the fourth wall, making the book an immersive experience. The prose, dialogue, cast of characters, setting, and plot each contribute to the success of the overall story. The gorgeous illustrations perfectly match the tone of the book, somewhat dark and mysterious, with a mix of manga and the supernatural added to full effect.
I especially liked the inclusion of character profiles and the often hilarious but always on-point use of descriptors, such as "Girl Who Will Soon Try To Undress Me" and "Girl Who Is Finally Letting Me Save Her." And though the author might argue with me (LOL), the Author's Note was perfect!
I highly recommend this book. Zero Hale is an unforgettable, magnetic character, and I'm looking forward to reading Volume II: Fatal Genius of an Arrogant Bastard.
From the Summary: "Any resemblance to real life means you need help."
With that warning, I knew this book was going to be an experience, and I was not disappointed. The protagonist, Zero Hale, is the quintessential anti-hero, distracted from his stated mission of self-destruction as he steps in to save his fellow students at Kane Academy, a school for the gifted and elite. He steps out of his self-imposed isolation, brilliantly solving puzzles, working to solve a mystery at the school.
Readers are invited to participate in the adventurous story, as the author breaks the fourth wall, making the book an immersive experience. The prose, dialogue, cast of characters, setting, and plot each contribute to the success of the overall story. The gorgeous illustrations perfectly match the tone of the book, somewhat dark and mysterious, with a mix of manga and the supernatural added to full effect.
I especially liked the inclusion of character profiles and the often hilarious but always on-point use of descriptors, such as "Girl Who Will Soon Try To Undress Me" and "Girl Who Is Finally Letting Me Save Her." And though the author might argue with me (LOL), the Author's Note was perfect!
I highly recommend this book. Zero Hale is an unforgettable, magnetic character, and I'm looking forward to reading Volume II: Fatal Genius of an Arrogant Bastard.
September 10, 2025
Story of a Mental Case
Zero Hale wants to die and is suicidal. He decides that he doesn't want to have a funeral. He just wants to be buried and see to the end of his life. A girl interrupts his suicide attempt by climbing onto the ice on an ice lake. She falls in, and then Zero dives in after her to save her. Zero finds a tree branch and is able to pull both of them to the shore. He saves Marina. Annie is kind to Zero, and he likes it. Jordan Adrian, class president, dislikes Zero; he could be jealous of the attention that the girls give to Zero. Marina starts to give Zero mixed messages, unsure if she is happy that he rescues her. She decides she still wants some of his time, and she requests that Zero tell her a scary story. Zero and Marina don't see eye to eye. Zero is very emo, and Marina thinks it's awful. Zero has memory flashes/hallucinations. Zero makes another friend, Briar Rose Thornswood, and they start hanging out with Miles Adrian.
Marina gets jealous of the time Zero is spending with Briar, and then, teacher Kyouka Kurima enters the picture. The book reads like a teen drama, dark/moody, and pictures are like manga with QR codes in the ebook. I think the women that Zero surrounds himself with are incredibly beautiful and drive him crazy. As Marina and Briar are going off, Zero finds Alina Carter attractive. If you're looking for a teen drama that is impulsive and a little bit reckless, this is a great book.
Zero Hale wants to die and is suicidal. He decides that he doesn't want to have a funeral. He just wants to be buried and see to the end of his life. A girl interrupts his suicide attempt by climbing onto the ice on an ice lake. She falls in, and then Zero dives in after her to save her. Zero finds a tree branch and is able to pull both of them to the shore. He saves Marina. Annie is kind to Zero, and he likes it. Jordan Adrian, class president, dislikes Zero; he could be jealous of the attention that the girls give to Zero. Marina starts to give Zero mixed messages, unsure if she is happy that he rescues her. She decides she still wants some of his time, and she requests that Zero tell her a scary story. Zero and Marina don't see eye to eye. Zero is very emo, and Marina thinks it's awful. Zero has memory flashes/hallucinations. Zero makes another friend, Briar Rose Thornswood, and they start hanging out with Miles Adrian.
Marina gets jealous of the time Zero is spending with Briar, and then, teacher Kyouka Kurima enters the picture. The book reads like a teen drama, dark/moody, and pictures are like manga with QR codes in the ebook. I think the women that Zero surrounds himself with are incredibly beautiful and drive him crazy. As Marina and Briar are going off, Zero finds Alina Carter attractive. If you're looking for a teen drama that is impulsive and a little bit reckless, this is a great book.
August 15, 2025
God Complex of a Suicidal Freak is a sharp, unpredictable blend of dark comedy, heartfelt moments, and anime-inspired energy. At its center is Zero—a sarcastic, self-destructive, and strangely endearing protagonist whose monologues swing from bleak cynicism to startling tenderness. He’s the kind of character who can irritate you one second and break your heart the next, often in the same paragraph. The supporting cast is equally memorable, with big personalities, snappy banter, and complex relationships that feel authentic. The chemistry between characters—romantic or not—is electric, and the addition of illustrations, character profiles, and even page-number footnotes for fact-checking the mystery makes the reading experience uniquely immersive. The mystery itself is cleverly constructed, with enough clues to keep attentive readers engaged and a final reveal that lands with impact. While the fast, anime-like pacing and dense narration may not suit every taste, the originality and emotional punch make it stand out. Equal parts thrilling, witty, and unexpectedly wholesome, this is a story that lingers long after the last page—and leaves you eager for Volume II.
February 9, 2025
"I’m sorry, is that too much to say to you right off the bat? I get that I may have come off a little strong. You can handle it, though. Otherwise, you never would have picked up this book, right?" - I really like when books do this sort of thing. Where they break the fourth wall to make comments or the reader.
~
"But you should know, you really don’t have to pretend, Zero. Not with me." - Goddamn bro. Ow.
~
Zero really is the very definition of an unreliable narrator. Especially through events at the end of the novel.
~
"What's that? Oh did you think I'd forgotten about my desire for suicide? Before your thoughts start running wild, I'll tell you right now that nothing's changed." - This whole thing is intriguing. The direct address to the reader. But also the phrasing 'desire for suicide'. You'd assume it'd say 'desire for death' or 'desire to die'. Either way it's curious, especially coupled with things that are mentioned in the last few chapters.
•
Thank you to BookSprout for sending me an ARC copy of this book.
~
"But you should know, you really don’t have to pretend, Zero. Not with me." - Goddamn bro. Ow.
~
Zero really is the very definition of an unreliable narrator. Especially through events at the end of the novel.
~
"What's that? Oh did you think I'd forgotten about my desire for suicide? Before your thoughts start running wild, I'll tell you right now that nothing's changed." - This whole thing is intriguing. The direct address to the reader. But also the phrasing 'desire for suicide'. You'd assume it'd say 'desire for death' or 'desire to die'. Either way it's curious, especially coupled with things that are mentioned in the last few chapters.
•
Thank you to BookSprout for sending me an ARC copy of this book.
August 21, 2025
Anime energy with emotional depth!
God Complex of a Suicidal Freak: Zero is one of the most original, immersive, and moving books I’ve read in a while. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, emotionally resonant, and full of surprises.
Zero, our sharp-tongued, self-destructive protagonist, narrates with cynicism, wit, and startling vulnerability. He will frustrate and amuse you in equal measures, before pulling at your heartstrings in ways you didn’t anticipate.
Zero’s vividly painted inner battles hit like a gut punch. However, the sharp humor offers a counterbalance to darker themes. Zero’s sarcastic commentary and dynamic banter with the supporting cast - particularly Marina and Briar - crackles with life.
The writing itself is lively, layered, and detailed with illustrations, character profiles, and page-number footnotes for mystery fact-checking. The central mystery scatters enough breadcrumbs to reward attentive readers, and the final reveal ties everything together with precision.
An excellent read!
God Complex of a Suicidal Freak: Zero is one of the most original, immersive, and moving books I’ve read in a while. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, emotionally resonant, and full of surprises.
Zero, our sharp-tongued, self-destructive protagonist, narrates with cynicism, wit, and startling vulnerability. He will frustrate and amuse you in equal measures, before pulling at your heartstrings in ways you didn’t anticipate.
Zero’s vividly painted inner battles hit like a gut punch. However, the sharp humor offers a counterbalance to darker themes. Zero’s sarcastic commentary and dynamic banter with the supporting cast - particularly Marina and Briar - crackles with life.
The writing itself is lively, layered, and detailed with illustrations, character profiles, and page-number footnotes for mystery fact-checking. The central mystery scatters enough breadcrumbs to reward attentive readers, and the final reveal ties everything together with precision.
An excellent read!
February 8, 2025
For me, this was a bit harder for me to read but only because I guess I am not as suited to what everyone else in the reviews is dubbing "anime" reads. I follow along much better to things that feel like a more fleshed out scene and writing, letting me draw the conclusions to the looks and attitudes of the surrounding characters, rather than it being put into the pages, but it wasn't a bad read at all.
Entertaining enough is the way that Zero tends to think. He's so negative and pessimistic and yet somehow he's come to the conclusion that not only does his life not affect anyone else's, but neither will his death. And that he should be the only one to die (if all these happenstance moments seem to mean anything).
While I wasn't a particular fan of the writing style itself, I still gave it a 4 out of 5 stars, because I feel like for the genre, it was portrayed well. I just didn't always understand it myself.
Entertaining enough is the way that Zero tends to think. He's so negative and pessimistic and yet somehow he's come to the conclusion that not only does his life not affect anyone else's, but neither will his death. And that he should be the only one to die (if all these happenstance moments seem to mean anything).
While I wasn't a particular fan of the writing style itself, I still gave it a 4 out of 5 stars, because I feel like for the genre, it was portrayed well. I just didn't always understand it myself.
March 28, 2025
This was a strong start to the Zero series, it had that element that I was looking for and thought worked as a dark academia mystery. Everything was what I was looking for and was glad I got to read this. The characters were wonderfully done and worked in this universe. J. Hunter has a strong writing style and am excited for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 2, 2025
He plans to jump off the bridge to his death but there he finds a woman ready to do the same thing. He decides he needs to help her before he returns to jump off. Will helping her help himself? See where they will travel
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and it is a very powerful tale
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and it is a very powerful tale
March 28, 2025
This book was very original. Different from what I normally read, and therefore very refreshing! This book is very cleverly written. Definitely recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 13, 2025
A Surprisingly Delightful Journey Through Darkness and Light
This review contains discussions of mental health struggles, read at your own risk
This review contains discussions of mental health struggles, read at your own risk
I finished this book a few days ago, but it took some time to gather my thoughts and put my feelings into words. Here’s the thing—I absolutely loved it. The experience was such a delightful surprise, especially because I didn’t expect to enjoy it at all. What a wonderful reminder to step outside of my comfort zone!
The addition of pictures, for example, was something I hadn’t anticipated loving. I’ve never been a fan of comics, anime, or graphic novels, but in this case, the illustrations added an undeniable charm that elevated the storytelling. They brought an extra layer of emotion and vibrancy to the story, making it even more engaging.
This book tackles heavy topics in a way I’ve rarely encountered. The main character’s struggles with his mental health are cloaked in sarcasm and nihilism, creating a tone that resonates throughout the entire narrative. Many stories that address this subject focus almost entirely on the protagonist’s pain, but here, while Zero’s challenges are treated with the seriousness they deserve, the narrative also weaves in compelling subplots and unforgettable characters that draw you into the bigger picture. It’s easy to get caught up in everything else—until the story circles back to Zero’s inner turmoil, hitting you with a sobering reminder of how it all began. These moments are grounding and impactful, a stark contrast to the lighter elements, and they keep the stakes clear without overshadowing the story’s heart.
There’s a constant tension running through the book, making you wonder how long Zero can keep balancing on the edge. Living for someone else is portrayed as both beautiful and precarious, a high-wire act that could lead to redemption or ruin depending on how things unfold. The central question becomes whether Zero will find the strength to see his own value and purpose—or whether the weight of everything will prove too much.
And yet, despite these serious themes, this book is unexpectedly, effortlessly funny. The humor was such a pleasant surprise and brought a much-needed balance to the heavier moments. Zero’s wit is razor-sharp; his quips and internal commentary had me grinning constantly. But the humor isn’t just confined to him—other characters bring their own unique comedic energy. Marina, for instance, is an absolute standout. Her dynamic with Zero is a highlight of the book, full of snarky banter and bickering sibling vibes that are pure gold. Every interaction between them sparkles with chemistry and charm, creating moments that are both hilarious and heartfelt.
This book is a masterful blend of weighty, emotional storytelling and light, laugh-out-loud moments. It’s a testament to the author’s skill that such a balance is struck so seamlessly. I’m thrilled to know there’s a Volume 2 because I’ll be diving into it with no hesitation. This is a reading experience I’ll treasure for a long time, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
This review contains discussions of mental health struggles, read at your own risk
This review contains discussions of mental health struggles, read at your own risk
I finished this book a few days ago, but it took some time to gather my thoughts and put my feelings into words. Here’s the thing—I absolutely loved it. The experience was such a delightful surprise, especially because I didn’t expect to enjoy it at all. What a wonderful reminder to step outside of my comfort zone!
The addition of pictures, for example, was something I hadn’t anticipated loving. I’ve never been a fan of comics, anime, or graphic novels, but in this case, the illustrations added an undeniable charm that elevated the storytelling. They brought an extra layer of emotion and vibrancy to the story, making it even more engaging.
This book tackles heavy topics in a way I’ve rarely encountered. The main character’s struggles with his mental health are cloaked in sarcasm and nihilism, creating a tone that resonates throughout the entire narrative. Many stories that address this subject focus almost entirely on the protagonist’s pain, but here, while Zero’s challenges are treated with the seriousness they deserve, the narrative also weaves in compelling subplots and unforgettable characters that draw you into the bigger picture. It’s easy to get caught up in everything else—until the story circles back to Zero’s inner turmoil, hitting you with a sobering reminder of how it all began. These moments are grounding and impactful, a stark contrast to the lighter elements, and they keep the stakes clear without overshadowing the story’s heart.
There’s a constant tension running through the book, making you wonder how long Zero can keep balancing on the edge. Living for someone else is portrayed as both beautiful and precarious, a high-wire act that could lead to redemption or ruin depending on how things unfold. The central question becomes whether Zero will find the strength to see his own value and purpose—or whether the weight of everything will prove too much.
And yet, despite these serious themes, this book is unexpectedly, effortlessly funny. The humor was such a pleasant surprise and brought a much-needed balance to the heavier moments. Zero’s wit is razor-sharp; his quips and internal commentary had me grinning constantly. But the humor isn’t just confined to him—other characters bring their own unique comedic energy. Marina, for instance, is an absolute standout. Her dynamic with Zero is a highlight of the book, full of snarky banter and bickering sibling vibes that are pure gold. Every interaction between them sparkles with chemistry and charm, creating moments that are both hilarious and heartfelt.
This book is a masterful blend of weighty, emotional storytelling and light, laugh-out-loud moments. It’s a testament to the author’s skill that such a balance is struck so seamlessly. I’m thrilled to know there’s a Volume 2 because I’ll be diving into it with no hesitation. This is a reading experience I’ll treasure for a long time, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
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