Cover Image: Project Hail Mary

Project Hail Mary

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Member Reviews

This was a heck of a book. I first encountered Andy Weir through the movie "The Martian" and I loved it. My wife had been reading him for a while, and so when I saw this book available, I requested it.

I'm sad that I let it sit so long to read now. I had a blast. Even though harder (science-heavy) sci-fi isn't generally my thing, Andy Weir makes it really accessible and fun to follow along.

I was completely invested in the characters, and even enjoyed the flashbacks that happened frequently to give us the full story. I suspected some things about how it had happened, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment.

I also liked how the author played with things that aren't possible for us (yet), but are reasonably possible in the extreme situations that happen here.

All in all, I enjoyed myself and will be looking for more from Andy Weir.

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Here I am, a few years after receiving the ebook ARC finally finishing the book. I did start the ebook a few times but was never in the right frame of mind for it. So glad I used a credit at Audible to finally dive in.

Project Hail Mary is definitely one of those books that listening to will give a different experience than reading with eyeballs. The sound effects when Rocky talks are great. I have no doubt that they probably annoyed the hell out of others but, for me, they added to my enjoyment.

I don't want to say too much about the story because not knowing is so much more fun. What I will say is that I laughed, my face nearly leaked, and I fell in love with these characters. And I loved the way it ended on a few different levels that I can't mention here because spoilers...

The reason for the 4 stars instead of 5 is because I am not a science person. I appreciate all of the research and work that went into making the science authentic but it was hard to get into some of the longer, super science filled chunks of the book. I wanted more of the action and interaction and less of the science lessons.

I still loved the book and would happily listen to it again.

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Thankyou net galley for the chance to review this! Project hail Mary did not disappoint, being a huge fan I threw myself into this. It's very different from his previous work in a the way it has more fantasy but still heavily is based on reality and science. Loved it so much I grabbed the audiobook for myself!

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Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions contained within are my own.

My introduction to Andy Weir was unorthodox for me. As someone who swears by reading the book before seeing the movie, I’ve put off movies for years because I haven’t yet picked up the book. Something about The Martian, however, captured my attention, so I watched the movie. Then read the book. And then vowed to read anything else Andy Weir every publishes, haha. So far, I haven’t regretted that decision and I’m happy to say that Project Hail Mary held up to what I expect from this author!

We start the tale with an amnesiac in space which, under the best of conditions, is not ideal. Ryland Grace, however, is the only person left of the crew that was launched into space to save all of humanity. You can see how that makes the amnesia kind of a big deal! Now Ryland has to figure how to save Earth while slowly piecing his memories together.

I went into this expecting a great blend of science and heart and I was not disappointed. I mean, I can’t tell you whether or not the science holds up in the real world (leaning towards a no), but it was enough for me that it read like it possibly could. Besides, that was the mere backdrop to what truly made me love this story: the characters and their relationships with one another. I thought it was interesting watching Ryland rediscover himself and his memories while also just trying to survive. It touched my heart to watch him grapple with the concept that he is the only one that can hope to stop the destruction of everything and everyone he’s ever known. That’s some heavy stuff and damn did Weir handle it in such a compelling way. And can we talk about Rocky?! Well… in the interest of spoilers, we really can’t, but let me just say that Rocky has become one of my favorite fictional characters.

I think what eventually brought this story from a 5 star to a 4 star, for me, was the ending. It just felt so rushed to me, which, in a way, made sense for the plot. But it read like the author was realizing how long the book was getting already and decided it was time to wrap things up, whether the story was ready or not. It wasn’t bad, but it left me feeling a little underwhelmed. Overall, though, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I cannot wait for Andy Weir to thrill me once again!

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Andy Weir hits another home run with this one. There’s much familiar territory for Weir fans such as space travel and good hard science along with the drama and situations that keep you on the edge of your seat. Thoroughly entertaining

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Project Hail Mary is a heartwarming tale of a man lost in space with no memory of how he got there. No one is there to help him, and he needs to solve a riddle in the hopes of saving mankind. Like his previous book The Martian, Weir fills Project Hail Mary with heart, humor and lots of digestible science facts. There are a lot of flashbacks showing what happened and how Ryland Grace (our protagonist) got to where he is, and it unravels in a way that makes you feel for him and his plight even more. Oh, and by the way—if the ending doesn’t make you emotional, do you have feelings? 10/10, highly recommended 😊

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This was another winner from Weir! Weir makes science fun and humorous while also depending life on it. The flashbacks got confusing at times but I love how we got to see the lead up to the events. Their relationship was everything! I adored Rocky. There were so many oh shit moments and space is scary!

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Project Hail Mary kept me reading and kept me entertained.

The story is about Ryland Grace who wakes up in a spaceship light years from Earth. He doesn't remember how he got there and the others on board are dead.

Although some of the science in this one was hard to follow for me, I found myself drawn into the story in a way that many science books do not

The story is more about finding connections and getting through fear and rising to the challenge. Now that is my kind of story.

I'm not sure how Andy Weir came up with the idea for this book, It was compelling from the first page, and it just got better and better. It was hard to put down.

It is hard to find a book better than this one. Thank you #NetGalley for the chance to read this book.

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In "Project Hail Mary," Andy Weir takes readers on a breathtaking interstellar adventure that echoes the suspenseful brilliance of "The Martian." Ryland Grace, the sole survivor of a last-chance mission, wakes up millions of miles from home with a daunting task ahead. As his memories slowly return, Grace must unravel an impossible scientific mystery to save humanity and Earth itself.

Weir's storytelling prowess shines once again as he weaves a narrative filled with discovery, speculation, and the raw essence of survival. The protagonist's predicament, alone in space with only two corpses for company, creates a claustrophobic and intense atmosphere that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The story's strength lies not only in its gripping plot but also in Weir's ability to inject humor and wit into even the direst situations. Ryland Grace's journey becomes an irresistible page-turner as he navigates the challenges of space, unraveling the mysteries that threaten the existence of humanity.

Weir's scientific accuracy and attention to detail, a hallmark of his writing, add authenticity to the narrative. The story seamlessly blends suspense, scientific intrigue, and moments of quiet introspection as Grace grapples with the enormity of his task.

"Project Hail Mary" is a testament to Weir's mastery of the genre and his knack for creating relatable, engaging characters. The interplay of science and fiction is executed with finesse, making the novel both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.

While the story captivates with its suspense and ingenuity, there were moments when the narrative felt slightly formulaic, echoing themes from Weir's previous works. However, this familiarity doesn't diminish the overall enjoyment of the book.

In conclusion, "Project Hail Mary" is a thrilling and entertaining addition to Andy Weir's repertoire. It delivers an interstellar journey filled with suspense, humor, and the indomitable spirit of human resilience. I gave it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, solidifying Andy Weir's position as an immediate-buy author for fans of gripping science fiction adventures.

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An underdog hero set against all odds full of plausible science and compulsively readable- if you enjoyed the Martian you'll like Project Hail Mary.

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I want to thank #Netgalley for the providing me the opportunity to read this title in exchange for an honest review.
I physically could not stop reading this book. It became an obsession for me until I finally finished it. I recommend Andy Weir to everyone who comes to the library asking for Science Fiction. His characters never disappoint and this protagonist has a wonderful sense of humor as well as intelligent character. The story was rewarding and the ending was not as expected which I love.

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Yes, it's long. Yes, there's some sciency stuff in it. Just trust me. I couldn't put it down and I don't know squat about space.

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In Project Hail Mary, Andy Weir has retreated to his comfort zone. This would be a liability for most authors, and indeed it will become one for him if he ends up never really being able to break out of it. But for now, he understands what he’s good at, and Project Hail Mary plays to every one of his strengths. The book takes the premise of The Martian and remixes everything about it, broadening the scope and raising the stakes as high as they can go. Once again, we have a solo astronaut who seems to be at the mercy of fate, but this time, instead of the world rallying to save him, it’s up to him to save the world. And instead of confining the action to our neighbor in the sky, this novel sends us into deep space in a wildly entertaining race-against-time thriller that, scientifically, does quite a lot of work, incorporating a first-contact scenario and speculating on ontological origin-of-life questions. With a masterful command of pacing and tension, Project Hail Mary is a better book than The Martian on every front. And though it remains to be seen if there’s any other kind of story Andy Weir might ever be good at, he proves beyond doubt that he’s damn good at this kind.

(For the full text of this 4½ star review, see the attached link.)

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I thought this book was amazing and so unique in so many ways. I am definitely not into sci-fi per se; however, this book is true science fiction at its best in my non-expert opinion on sci-fi. There were a lot of sections that, to be honest, I had to take some time with due to the science and problem solving. That being said, it was so worth it! For me to say that I couldn't put down a science fiction book is (trust me) saying a lot! I loved the alien encounters as well.

There was also a lot of back-and-forth between flashbacks and present day, which for me was really helpful once I got used to it. It didn't really take a lot of getting used to and I really think that it added to the plot line quite well.

The characters (LOVED Rocky) were quite well-developed as well. Kudos to this author for making a non-science fiction lover love this book!

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I was afraid going into this one that it would go over my head, but I really loved it!! It you enjoyed The Martian, you'll love this!

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Andy Weir never misses. Had a lot of fun with this, though it's not my favorite when Artemis is still out there. Highly recommend for fans of The Martian!

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Prepare for an interstellar journey like no other with Andy Weir's "Project Hail Mary" – a science fiction masterpiece that has undoubtedly earned its place among the all-time greats in the genre. Bursting with ingenuity, heart, and mind-bending concepts, this novel takes readers on a breathtaking adventure through the cosmos, leaving an indelible mark on the sci-fi landscape.

From the very first page, "Project Hail Mary" grabs hold of your imagination and refuses to let go. Weir's storytelling prowess is on full display, delivering a narrative that effortlessly balances scientific accuracy with boundless creativity. The story's premise is nothing short of genius, and as the mysteries of space unfold, you'll find yourself riveted and immersed in the rich tapestry of possibilities.

The protagonist, Ryland Grace, is a revelation. As you follow his captivating journey of survival and discovery, you'll become deeply invested in his struggles, triumphs, and the emotional depth that Weir brings to his character. Grace's unique charm and humor make him an unforgettable hero, and you'll find yourself cheering him on through every twist and turn of the plot.

Weir's attention to detail is nothing short of extraordinary. The science behind "Project Hail Mary" is grounded in real-world principles, which adds a sense of authenticity that elevates the novel to a whole new level. As a reader, you'll feel like you're part of the astronaut team, experiencing the challenges and joys of space exploration firsthand.

The world-building in "Project Hail Mary" is awe-inspiring. From the vastness of the universe to the intricacies of alien civilizations, Weir paints a vivid and captivating picture of the cosmos. The way he blends cutting-edge science with imagination and creativity is a testament to his storytelling brilliance.

Beyond the awe-inspiring science and the thrilling plot, "Project Hail Mary" also touches on deeper themes of resilience, friendship, and the importance of cooperation in the face of adversity. Weir seamlessly weaves these elements into the narrative, giving the story an emotional weight that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.

In conclusion, "Project Hail Mary" is a crowning achievement in the realm of science fiction and space exploration literature. With its compelling characters, brilliant scientific concepts, and heartfelt themes, it cements Andy Weir's position as a modern master of the genre. If you're a fan of science fiction, this novel is an absolute must-read and is destined to be celebrated for generations to come. "Project Hail Mary" has firmly secured its place in the pantheon of science fiction classics, and rightfully so – it's a thrilling and unforgettable journey that will leave you in awe of the cosmos and the boundless possibilities of human ingenuity.

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This book started off slow and initially was a slog. As the story moved on, I became more engaged and I appreciated the science in this fiction. I'm glad I stuck to it, this story ended up being one of my favorites. This is my first Weir novel, and I was under the impression that there would be a more literary writing style, once I realized that was not the case in this journal style novel.

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Andy Weir has done it again!! This might be my new favorite book that he's written. As a scientist and engineer I loved the portrayal of how the characters thought through their space and used the basis of science to develop communication. The story was well developed from the current events, but also slowly unraveling the missing history from the amnesia, which helped build the suspense through the book. Loved it!

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Full disclosure, I ended up listening to Project Hail Mary on Audible and I do feel it impacted my overall rating of the book. That being said, I loved this book. When a terrible discovery is made that will change the future on Earth, Ryland Grace is just as scared as everyone else. A middle school biology teacher, he fears for the future and what it might look like for his students. When he is recruited by the woman in charge of coming up with a plan to save the world, he jumps in head first, not realizing how much he will eventually be asked to sacrifice. Told in current time as Grace is the sole occupant of the Hail Mary, the space ship designed to bring him to another solar system, and juxtaposed with the past memories that Grace begins to recollect, Project Hail Mary is a brilliant science fiction read that literally had me laughing out loud at parts and anxiously waiting to find out what happens next.

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