Book Review: “Project Hail Mary” By Andy Weir


project hail mary

OK, I’ll put it out there before we start. Nothing Andy Weir will write will ever top “The Martian“. How could you possibly beat one of the best adventure novels that we’ve read in the past 20 years?

His follow up “Artemis” was a decent enough read, but the expectations were rather high after the geek-fest that was “The Martian”.

Even the film was fantastic. We’ve waited four years for Andy Weir’s next offering and it’s been well worth it with the interstellar adventure “Project Hail Mary“.

A lone astronaut

The story begins with an astronaut waking up from an induced coma. He’s very obviously on a space ship and he appears to be alone . . .

His memory is gone. But gradually he starts to piece things together as thoughts and events begin to fall into place. Once he realises why he’s there, the adventure really begins.

Space oddity

Andy Weir’s enthusiasm jumps out of the pages when you’re reading this.

There are so many science and engineering moments. But set against the adventurous backdrop of navigating space and time, they actually become rather enthralling.

And that’s coming from someone who is atrocious at maths!

Our intrepid astronaut is a humble man and once he remembers what his mission is, he gets down to business to solve the various hurdles that interstellar space travel can throw at you.

The reason he’s there in the first place is examined in a series of flashbacks that helps the story to not only unravel, but gives the reader a bit of breathing space between the physics of it all!

It’s hard to go into detail without giving away major spoilers, but let’s just say that you can achieve so much more in life when you work as a team.

Just like “The Martian”, this book is filled with humour and despite his extraordinary circumstances, our main character is an ordinary man (very clever though), who just wants to do his best.

Sit back, read it and enjoy the adventure.


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Or find more recommended space books here.

Tracey Steel

Having worked on a number of magazines over the years, Tracey has found her perfect place on The Friend as she’s obsessed with reading and never goes anywhere without a book! She reads all the PF stories with a mug of tea close by and usually a bit of strong cheese too!