Review: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

I was nervous about reading this. On the one hand, I was an early reader of The Martian and it turned out to be one of my favourite reads that year (2014). Then there was Artemis, the most disappointing read of 2017. Weir's third book Project Hail Mary was either going to be a stellar return to his earlier form, or another blazing disappointment. I'm pleased, relieved and excited to report that Project Hail Mary is a triumphant return to form for Andy Weir and I loved it!

Further enhancing my reading enjoyment was the fact my husband read this before me, so I could enjoy sharing the plot developments and favourite dialogue moments which we're still doing now! (Sad, amaze!)

Project Hail Mary is a science fiction space thriller, with many elements similar to those in The Martian; our main character Ryland Grace finds himself alone on a spaceship and part of an impossible mission. The early stages of the novel contains an element of memory loss (I usually avoid the amnesia trope like the plague) however thankfully it doesn't last long.

There are plenty of problems on the ship and complications with the mission and Grace uses all of his knowledge and resources to navigate his way through them. We also get flashbacks to his time on Earth before the launch which reminded me a little of a Matthew Reilly novel.

Project Hail Mary was published a year ago now and if you plan to read it at some stage and don't want any spoilers then close this tab or email now.... because what I loved most about this book was..... the main character's interactions with another being. Yep, you read that right. I'll always think of Project Hail Mary as Rocky's book.

If you loved the movie Arrival, this is for you.

My Rating:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★