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A review by limewheel
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
adventurous
funny
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
5.0
Project Hail Mary might have cemented its place in my favorites list in just 10 days. There's countless things I love about this book, but first and foremost was how the science was presented, because it plays a huge part in my enjoyment.
Despite loving almost all things sci-fi, some works are just out of my range of knowledge, considering I'm just a near high school graduate. While I'd never—even in a hundred years—be able to confirm if the science in this book was plausible or in any way accurate, I still have a good grasp of all the concepts because of how easily understandable Weir made them out to be. What's more is that every explanation adds to the plot in some way; there's always a reason for something to be unpacked, and if not, then it won't be.But I'd really love to know why Grace called the planet "Adrian". It's been on my mind ever since I first read it!! It feels good as a reader to be trusted to understand complex ideas that sci-fi is so chock full of. I've never been a fan of "dumbing things down", so seeing this book with crazy science keep its integrity while being accessible to the average person means so much to me.
Now, the conflict on Earth really did it for me. The problem is an unconventional one, and definitely wouldn't be my first thought when thinking of cosmic apocalypse, but the stakes are unimaginably high, and the consequences for failing to meet them make for a lot of pressure put on the world, and on Grace. Morality specifically gets challenged in ways I don't see very often, and reading through those challenges, I found myself holding my breath or biting my lip or wincing at what was happening. I adore how in depth the book went into showing the reader the gravity of the situation, and how every character responded differently, but at the end, did what they had to do. Very morally grey, and also very realistic. Amazing.
Since there are really only two characters (all the rest are introduced and only seen in memories), there isn't much character development. But what little there is, it's done extremely effectively, especially towards the end. That's all I can say about it without spoilers.
Speaking of the ending, it's fantastic. Beautiful. Every word of the last chapter made my heart ache in the best way possible and I cried real tears while reading it. It's the perfect conclusion to this book; it gives readers enough to be satisfied with while still leaving many parts to the imagination. It's just so spectacular.
There's nothing bad I can say about this book, honestly. It was immersive, funny, carefully crafted, emotional, and a billion other adjectives I can't think of right now. I loved it.
Despite loving almost all things sci-fi, some works are just out of my range of knowledge, considering I'm just a near high school graduate. While I'd never—even in a hundred years—be able to confirm if the science in this book was plausible or in any way accurate, I still have a good grasp of all the concepts because of how easily understandable Weir made them out to be. What's more is that every explanation adds to the plot in some way; there's always a reason for something to be unpacked, and if not, then it won't be.
Now, the conflict on Earth really did it for me. The problem is an unconventional one, and definitely wouldn't be my first thought when thinking of cosmic apocalypse, but the stakes are unimaginably high, and the consequences for failing to meet them make for a lot of pressure put on the world, and on Grace. Morality specifically gets challenged in ways I don't see very often, and reading through those challenges, I found myself holding my breath or biting my lip or wincing at what was happening. I adore how in depth the book went into showing the reader the gravity of the situation, and how every character responded differently, but at the end, did what they had to do. Very morally grey, and also very realistic. Amazing.
Since there are really only two characters (all the rest are introduced and only seen in memories), there isn't much character development. But what little there is, it's done extremely effectively, especially towards the end. That's all I can say about it without spoilers.
Speaking of the ending, it's fantastic. Beautiful. Every word of the last chapter made my heart ache in the best way possible and I cried real tears while reading it. It's the perfect conclusion to this book; it gives readers enough to be satisfied with while still leaving many parts to the imagination. It's just so spectacular.
There's nothing bad I can say about this book, honestly. It was immersive, funny, carefully crafted, emotional, and a billion other adjectives I can't think of right now. I loved it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Vomit