What do you think?
Rate this book
Zero.Hero #1
Neon Dark
On Sale now for 99 cents! Now through 3/6!
The greatest Heroes have already fallen…
Now it’s up to Claire and her ragtag crew of Zeroes to save the city.
The greatest Heroes have already fallen…
Now it’s up to Claire and her ragtag crew of Zeroes to save the city.
Low-ranked contractors Claire, Elise, Norah, and Piper dream of making it to the top twenty with the Stewards of Light, but their weird RPG powers have them trapped near the bottom instead. Balancing college, part-time jobs, and family matters leaves the girls without much time to fight crime and grind out the experience they need to climb the ranks.
When a new threat emerges, the gamer girls are left standing in a city turned upside down with no hero to save them. The underclassmen are outclassed, but they're also the only ones who can stop the spread of chaos. Claire and her friends will have to unravel the mess with clever teamwork and determination, and find the top-rank heroes in themselves to save the city before it falls into darkness.
From J.D. Astra, author of the LitRPG Epic Viridian Gate Online: Firebrand, comes a new universe of heroes and monsters. If you loved Super Powereds by Drew Hays, I Alone Level-Up, or you crave more anime like One Punch Man and My Hero Academia (with a healthy serving of RPG elements) then Zero.Hero: Neon Dark is for you!
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2020
100 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 3, 2020
I love JD Astra's style of writing and this LitRPG adventure story is nothing less. The heroes had fallen and only the zeroes are left - the low ranked hero contractors Claire, Elise, Norah and Piper who dreamt of making it to the top, however, with all the demands life made on them they could not reach their goal until chaos hit and they were the only ones left to fight to stop the spread of chaos. The gamer girls just had to dig down deep and find the hero within to save the city before darkness over took it. Claire was the leader of the girl group, she was known in game as Raven Gressahla, she was determined and she never gave up not even when it seemed so reckless to everyone else to track monsters the way she did, but she was Skro, and part demon even if she didn't know it and it was this which drove her on relentlessly and her group just had to follow as they were teammates but more so friends. I love the scary adventure and the breath taking and nerve racking hyped up tempo the book reached as we were nearing the end. Now I know I will just have to read book 2 as the ending left us and Claire with a big decision to take and a big question mark. Well done on such an exciting and riveting 1st book in a new series.
Merged review:
I love JD Astra's style of writing and this LitRPG adventure story is nothing less. The heroes had fallen and only the zeroes are left - the low ranked hero contractors Claire, Elise, Norah and Piper who dreamt of making it to the top, however, with all the demands life made on them they could not reach their goal until chaos hit and they were the only ones left to fight to stop the spread of chaos. The gamer girls just had to dig down deep and find the hero within to save the city before darkness over took it. Claire was the leader of the girl group, she was known in game as Raven Gressahla, she was determined and she never gave up not even when it seemed so reckless to everyone else to track monsters the way she did, but she was Skro, and part demon even if she didn't know it and it was this which drove her on relentlessly and her group just had to follow as they were teammates but more so friends. I love the scary adventure and the breath taking and nerve racking hyped up tempo the book reached as we were nearing the end. Now I know I will just have to read book 2 as the ending left us and Claire with a big decision to take and a big question mark. Well done on such an exciting and riveting 1st book in a new series.
Merged review:
I love JD Astra's style of writing and this LitRPG adventure story is nothing less. The heroes had fallen and only the zeroes are left - the low ranked hero contractors Claire, Elise, Norah and Piper who dreamt of making it to the top, however, with all the demands life made on them they could not reach their goal until chaos hit and they were the only ones left to fight to stop the spread of chaos. The gamer girls just had to dig down deep and find the hero within to save the city before darkness over took it. Claire was the leader of the girl group, she was known in game as Raven Gressahla, she was determined and she never gave up not even when it seemed so reckless to everyone else to track monsters the way she did, but she was Skro, and part demon even if she didn't know it and it was this which drove her on relentlessly and her group just had to follow as they were teammates but more so friends. I love the scary adventure and the breath taking and nerve racking hyped up tempo the book reached as we were nearing the end. Now I know I will just have to read book 2 as the ending left us and Claire with a big decision to take and a big question mark. Well done on such an exciting and riveting 1st book in a new series.
August 26, 2020
Good Start
The world's weakest and most unimpressive superhero team are not what you want when the world needs saving. They rush to the rescue on normal scooters and have such pathetic powers that I couldn't remember what they were half the time. Unfortunately the fate of the world is left in their hands when all other heroes are incapacitated. It is up to their pathetic RPG "superpowers" to save the day.
The author does a good job of conveying just how ragtag this team of "super"heroes is and I would have taken bets that the world is doomed for sure! As the nature of the threat is revealed, the reader is increasingly drawn into the story, wondering how Claire and her team will ever overcome. What I found especially nice is the way all the loose ends are tied up and pieces of the story accounted for at the end.
This novel is suitable for all ages and does not contain strong language, sex or cliffhangers.
The world's weakest and most unimpressive superhero team are not what you want when the world needs saving. They rush to the rescue on normal scooters and have such pathetic powers that I couldn't remember what they were half the time. Unfortunately the fate of the world is left in their hands when all other heroes are incapacitated. It is up to their pathetic RPG "superpowers" to save the day.
The author does a good job of conveying just how ragtag this team of "super"heroes is and I would have taken bets that the world is doomed for sure! As the nature of the threat is revealed, the reader is increasingly drawn into the story, wondering how Claire and her team will ever overcome. What I found especially nice is the way all the loose ends are tied up and pieces of the story accounted for at the end.
This novel is suitable for all ages and does not contain strong language, sex or cliffhangers.
August 27, 2020
Fun and exciting, yet still has good character development
This is one of the best blends of lit and rpg I have read recently. J.D. has created a deep post apocalyptic world that still retains hope and progress. And the mechanics are logical and stay consistent throughout the novel.
Great read and looking forward to the next in the series.
This is one of the best blends of lit and rpg I have read recently. J.D. has created a deep post apocalyptic world that still retains hope and progress. And the mechanics are logical and stay consistent throughout the novel.
Great read and looking forward to the next in the series.
March 5, 2020
Alert
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on K U, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 20 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on K U, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 20 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
March 15, 2020
If you're a fan of superhero type LitRPG stories, you'll probably enjoy this story.
Me personally, I could honestly care less for this kind of story, because there's nothing interesting in a bunch of overpowered people smashing through every obsticle in their path, and coming out on the other side victorious. I like stories where the main character not only has to physically work for the victory, but also has to use their brains to work out solutions on the way there. Most super hero stories are basically smash anything that gets in your way, and intimidate the rest into submission, that's not my kind of story.
This is the first super hero story LitRPG story I've actually read, because of my dislike of superhero type stories, and while it wasn't all smash, intimidate, and win the day because the world says we must, it was close enough that unfortunately, my non-LitRPG experiences with superhero stories really didn't lead me too far astray in this instance. To be perfectly honest, I actually picked up this book by accident, because it was recommended on Amazon because it was LitRPG, and I didn't recognize the title, so didn't realize it was a superhero story. To be fair, it wasn't a bad story, (as I mentioned in the beginning), it just isn't my kind of story, so I won't be continuing with this series.
Me personally, I could honestly care less for this kind of story, because there's nothing interesting in a bunch of overpowered people smashing through every obsticle in their path, and coming out on the other side victorious. I like stories where the main character not only has to physically work for the victory, but also has to use their brains to work out solutions on the way there. Most super hero stories are basically smash anything that gets in your way, and intimidate the rest into submission, that's not my kind of story.
This is the first super hero story LitRPG story I've actually read, because of my dislike of superhero type stories, and while it wasn't all smash, intimidate, and win the day because the world says we must, it was close enough that unfortunately, my non-LitRPG experiences with superhero stories really didn't lead me too far astray in this instance. To be perfectly honest, I actually picked up this book by accident, because it was recommended on Amazon because it was LitRPG, and I didn't recognize the title, so didn't realize it was a superhero story. To be fair, it wasn't a bad story, (as I mentioned in the beginning), it just isn't my kind of story, so I won't be continuing with this series.
March 30, 2020
Book one
Mistakes: I found nothing wrong with this book.
Plot: After the world is bombarded by meteors four friends wake up with the power to switch to the characters that they where playing at the time of impact. Others all over the world also have powers.
Characters: The focus is mainly on the Mc, but enough time is spent on the other three to make them all interesting.
8/10
Mistakes: I found nothing wrong with this book.
Plot: After the world is bombarded by meteors four friends wake up with the power to switch to the characters that they where playing at the time of impact. Others all over the world also have powers.
Characters: The focus is mainly on the Mc, but enough time is spent on the other three to make them all interesting.
8/10
March 12, 2020
Fun read! Good ideas!
I hat sold this story for me is the female characters. It had solid leads that interacted in real ways to the situations that occurred.
It sold their relationships as teammates - and friends - “super” well.
Additionally the story was well put together with an engaging plot and a star system that made sense.
I’ll read book 2!
I hat sold this story for me is the female characters. It had solid leads that interacted in real ways to the situations that occurred.
It sold their relationships as teammates - and friends - “super” well.
Additionally the story was well put together with an engaging plot and a star system that made sense.
I’ll read book 2!
March 14, 2020
New spin fore the LitRPG world
Big fan of the Firebrand series so there was no way I was going to pass up a new book by an amazing author. I admit it started off a bit muddled for me but it all pooled together and I could see why it was written this way. Loved the story and look forward to the next one.
Big fan of the Firebrand series so there was no way I was going to pass up a new book by an amazing author. I admit it started off a bit muddled for me but it all pooled together and I could see why it was written this way. Loved the story and look forward to the next one.
Read
March 9, 2020A tiring grind of a story
The author is constantly interrupting the flow of the story to insert her personal opinion, the book is plagued with redundancies and useless parragraphs that turn what shoukd be a fun read in to slow boring read.
The author is constantly interrupting the flow of the story to insert her personal opinion, the book is plagued with redundancies and useless parragraphs that turn what shoukd be a fun read in to slow boring read.
December 30, 2020
An exciting beginning to an inventive gamer-lit series! a fun read, looking forwards to the next installment!
April 13, 2020
So very good!
A fantastic blending of herolit and standard litrpg fare. The plot was fantastically written, the pacing was spot on and the ending has left me salivating for more. One of the easiest to enjoy books I’ve read in a while!
A fantastic blending of herolit and standard litrpg fare. The plot was fantastically written, the pacing was spot on and the ending has left me salivating for more. One of the easiest to enjoy books I’ve read in a while!
August 6, 2022
awesome
I just got done with the first book and I just can’t wait to see read the next because it rules
I just got done with the first book and I just can’t wait to see read the next because it rules
August 26, 2020
This was my first book from Jess Astra. It's a fun, quick, rewarding read; it presents a first-person view of a superhero who's basically stuck at the beginning of a role playing game, so she and her compatriots are - shall we say - slightly underpowered compared to the superheroes surrounding them. The cool thing is that the story is really about THE STORY and not about how they gain powers or level up or anything, although there are things like that; instead, the story is really about an adventure that fits their context and environment.
This makes it an excellent read; if you're looking for "read this as the main character levels up and mows everything in front of her down," well... I guess you might be able to project that into this story, but that's not really what this story is, nor should it be. Instead it's a great read with a protagonist who's almost always having to fight above her weight class, with attitude and intelligence.
Recommended.
This makes it an excellent read; if you're looking for "read this as the main character levels up and mows everything in front of her down," well... I guess you might be able to project that into this story, but that's not really what this story is, nor should it be. Instead it's a great read with a protagonist who's almost always having to fight above her weight class, with attitude and intelligence.
Recommended.
September 14, 2020
Boring.
Zeros not heroes is right on so many levels. The main character is a horrible leader, horrible hero and the story is quite boring to boot. This was a slog to force through and at the end about four fifths in I just stopped. I did not care about the story or the characters. The other team mates were never interesting enough to even keep track of their names.
Zeros not heroes is right on so many levels. The main character is a horrible leader, horrible hero and the story is quite boring to boot. This was a slog to force through and at the end about four fifths in I just stopped. I did not care about the story or the characters. The other team mates were never interesting enough to even keep track of their names.
November 9, 2020
Liked it
I like super hero and action adventure stories but I don't usually love them. For someone who likes them more it would probably be great.
I like super hero and action adventure stories but I don't usually love them. For someone who likes them more it would probably be great.
December 30, 2020
An exciting beginning to an inventive gamer-lit series! a fun read, looking forwards to the next installment!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews