The Sun is dying. Scientists don’t know much, but one thing is certain: if left unchecked, the steady decline in temperature will render Earth uninhabitable. In a desperate attempt to find a solution, Earth sends a team of three astronauts on a journey through space to the one place they might be able to find a solution.
One of the astronauts, Ryland Grace, wakes from a coma to find that things have gone horribly wrong. He doesn’t remember who or what he is, and his two fellow astronauts have died. Earth’s fate unknowingly in his hands, Ryland Grace is hurtling through space with nothing but his knowledge of science. But space is a great mystery, and perhaps, despite the death of his companions, he need not face it all by himself.
Thus begins “Project Hail Mary,” the 2021 novel by Andy Weir and the inspiration behind the film of the same name releasing March 20, 2026. The author of “The Martian” returns with another brilliant novel that supersedes his previous work. While it is a lot more speculative than “The Martian,” the story and characters of “Project Hail Mary” create a thrilling adventure that stays with you long after you finish reading.
While the adventure differs a lot from “The Martian,” one thing remains constant: Andy Weir’s writing style that puts the Science in “Science Fiction”. Ryland Grace is a scientist, and all the science he does is either real science or based on real science. Physics students will recognize concepts from kinematics and beyond, and biology students will already be familiar with the parts of the cell and other important principals. Readers can rest easy, though, as all of Ryland’s science is explained without any assumed prior knowledge. Additionally, the heavy emphasis on science in no way drowns out the story to read like a science textbook. In fact, it has much the opposite effect by enhancing the story and providing a strong connection to the real world.
The connection to the real world is unique and wonderful, but it is a connection to a strong cast of characters that truly drives the novel. They have a profound impact on the story, and as the story shifts between Ryland’s mission and the events leading up to it, characters are made all the more real through their shortcomings and flaws. Ryland Grace is especially a complex character, and though he is not perfect, the reader grows a strong connection to him. His sarcastic sense of humor also betters the novel. While this does fall under the “Marvel humor” that has been scrutinized in recent years, and while it is commonplace throughout the book, Weir makes sure not to make it obnoxious and a detriment to the story.
And what a story it is. Inseparable from its characters, it can be funny at times while breathtakingly thrilling at others. It does take a little while to truly get good, but after a certain plot point the pace picks up and becomes something wonderfully unique. Additionally, the story is no “junk food” story; it offers some real food for thought to ponder after finishing the book.
That book will also be the basis of a film releasing this march, directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. While it is impossible to know the film’s quality or faithfulness to the book from the two currently available trailers, they do appear very promising. The casting was very well done and nearly all the shots in the trailers were accurate to the book. Additionally, the film will make use of practical effects by James Ortiz combined with some CGI. Considering the rather sloppy state of CGI in many modern movies, this is a welcome change of pace that can enhance the film if done right. The only downside so far is that, while for a reason that’s frustratingly understandable from a marketing perspective, the trailers do reveal an important plot point that occurs early in the book. While it would not ruin one’s appreciation of the work—I watched the trailers before reading the book and still enjoyed it—it would still be a better experience to go in blind and just to try reading the book if one is interested.
As a fan of the Martian, I came into Project Hail Mary with high expectations. Weir managed to surpass them all and wrote one of my favorite books in the process. While the inclusion of sarcastic “Marvel humor” may turn some away, overall it is a character-driven page-turner well worth the read.