Project Hail Mary,
by Andy Weir
Ballantine Books
5/4/2021
496 pages
Science Fiction
Goodreads
Like some other readers, awed by The Martian, I was very disappointed by Andy Weir’s next novel: Artemis.
Still, remembering my pleasure reading his previous scifi novel, I decided to give him another chance and requested Project Hail Mary.
I was still a bit hesitant though, as I didn’t know the expression included in the title and was afraid it would be dealing with religion. But for all of you knowledgeable in American football, the reference is obvious.
Anyway, forget all hesitations, this is again the fruit of a great writer!
And don’t let the number of pages discourage you, you will go through them at the speed of light 😉
The book opens when Ryland wakes up. Things are not going well for him. He has a hard time talking, moving, and cannot remember a thing. Not even his name nor his job. He can’t even identify the place he is in.
Little by little, he realizes he must be somewhere in space, living thanks to resources provided by a super computer. His two colleagues were not that lucky.
Little by little, by observing things around him, by regaining his memory progressively, he realizes he is the only chance left for our planet. But he was sent on a very dangerous last chance mission (hence the title), and really all the odds are against his success, or against his going back to Earth safely.
Like in The Martian, there are a lot of scientific details (and some stars data are real). Fascinating, but maybe too much in some parts. However, I still gave 5 stars to the book, as all the details turned out to be so cleverly thought out, and they made the book sound so realistic.
You know what strong magnetic fields and thick atmospheres are really good at? Radiation protection.
All life on Earth evolved to deal with radiation. Our DNA has error-correction built in because we’re constantly bombarded with radiation from the sun and from space in general. Our magnetic field and atmosphere protect us somewhat, but not 100 percent.
Chapter 14
If you wonder let’s say about space elevator or panspermia theory, yes these are also important scientific fields.
Plus, the plot is just fabulous.
The book gets even more fascinating at Chapter 7 (26% of the book), with a very special discovery. Which then brings on all kinds of fascinating new themes.
Of course, I can’t give you any details about this surprise, just that you really need to read this book. It contains so many layers and themes, both related to Earth and to space.
It has so many unexpected twists, including to the very end, with a fabulous last chapter, that may or may not point to a sequel.
The narrative is going back and forth between Ryland’s current situation, and what happened on Earth to send him and his crew on this mission. This alternation definitely added to the tension in the suspense!
I loved all the descriptions of the characters, all very complex people.
And I can’t wait to see it made into a movie, because it has to become a movie!
Andy, looking forward to your next novel, bring it on!
VERDICT: A jaw-dropping tale of survival and discovery. Clever science, humor, suspense: the great Andy Weir is back!
HAVE YOU READ THIS BOOK?
Or any other great recent scifi?
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS IN A COMMENT PLEASE
In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I received this ebook free of charge through Netgalley, for review. I was in no way compensated for this post as a reviewer, and the thoughts are my own.
Words And Peace 
I’ve not read Weir but my Eldest Child is a huge sci fi fan and enjoyed Weir books I’ve gifted him, so thanks for the heads-up – this should be an ideal gift! 😀
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Absolutely!
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I was moved by the interspecies friendship that was a core component of the storyline. And, as someone who sometimes struggled with science courses, I found the scientific explanations accessible and helpful.
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Yes, but it’s better if you don’t know about it at first. I considered that a spoiler, that’s why I avoided it! That’s what I referred to here:
“The book gets even more fascinating at Chapter 7 (26% of the book), with a very special discovery. Which then brings on all kinds of fascinating new themes.
Of course, I can’t give you any details about this surprise, just that you really need to read this book. It contains so many layers and themes, both related to Earth and to space.”
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I’ve been trying to make a determined effort to read more scifi this year. Not that it’s helping me much, seems to send me into a reading block every time! :O Still, this one looks interesting, so I’m adding it to my TBR. Thank you!
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Definitely awesome scifi. I also recommend The Martian. What about Chinese scifi, by Cixin Liu? Supernova Era is fabulous
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I still have to start Three Body Problem. I remember you recommending that one earlier. Heavy stuff, and I think I’ll need to get in the right frame of mind for that!
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Even though I enjoy Andy Weir, he is way below the refined and complex style of Cixin Liu. We are on two different planets here, lol.
By the way, the one I read and so loved is Supernova Era, I have yet to read The Three Body Problem
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That was very glowing review, Emma! I’ve yet to read The Martian although I have seen the movie and enjoyed it.
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Yes, both books are really good.
Looks like all your comments signed “journey-and-destination.blogspot.com.au” were in my spam. Not sure why, I never comment on other blogs from the app on my phone, always on my computer, so not sure what the problem is. I didn’t find any other blogger’s comments in my spam
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Couldn’t agree more Cheers
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So glad you enjoyed it as well
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I wouldn’t have understand the reference in the book title either – assumed it was part of a prayer.
Sounds interesting though all that scientific data would be baffling for me I’m afraid.
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I was indeed afraid it would be connected with the Christian prayer. I’m not a scientist by any means. This wouldn’t be a problem
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good to know that a non scientist wouldn’t be at sea with this book
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Definitely not
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