Reviews

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

shirley098's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Some big dumb sci-fi fun! Had to suspend my disbelief many times

how many alien species can one man bump into

, but with such an entertaining cast of characters (wise-cracking dorky narrator Dr Grace, takes-no-shit Dr Stratt, and the ever resourceful Rocky) it was still plenty easy to get through. Also enjoyed how each problem to solve was given time to breathe, going step-by-step through the working. The audiobook performance by Ray Porter was a tad goofy and took some time to get used to, but ultimately charming and fit the tone of the book. The man whips out a Dutch accent, then Russian, Chinese, New Zealander, Alexa, and random beeps and boops, so credit where credit is due.

Some favourite moments and quotes:

I penetrated the outer cell membrane with a nanosyringe."
"You poked it with a stick?"
"No!" I said. "Well. Yes. But it was a scientific poke with a very scientific stick."

I've gone from "sole-surviving space explorer" to "guy with a wacky new roommate." It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.

I’m smart enough now to know I’m stupid. That’s progress.

He waves to me with a free arm. He knows one human greeting and by golly he plans to use it.

Deadline-induced quality issues: a problem all over the galaxy.

'Adjust orbit while stupid. Good plan.'
I snicker. 'New word: "sarcasm."'

Dr Stratt going 1 vs. Multiple companies in a high-profile IP legal battle, showing up in court with pardons from the President, and walking out. "I only came here as a courtesy. And figured it'd be easiest to address you all in one place."

Dr Grace and Rocky's first meeting, and the slow progression into learning each other's languages

gvsl007's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

lwandastar's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

foxymardy's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

chianna's review against another edition

adventurous funny informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

nathanisagibbon's review against another edition

adventurous funny tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

jordann's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

juliaxreads's review against another edition

5.0

I LOVE LOVE this book! I loved The Martian as well and at this point I will read anything Andy Weir writes.

As a sci-if nerd it was everything I could hope for. Intense and intriguing all the way to the end. Love the characters. Love the lightness and humour. Love the science. Love space. Love aliens.

Although I kinda wish that it was a bit darker and that the ending was not all “unicorns and sunshine”. Felt a bit to family friendly and Disney so to say. A sad and dark ending would had made this book so much stronger. But maybe that’s just me.

reforming_dragon's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective tense

5.0

I loved suspending my belief for this one. It kept me thoroughly engaged and I consumed it faster than most books. Lots of interesting characters and themes.

breethedreamer's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0