Library Staff Recommendation
Andy Weir makes a comeback with another critically and commercially successful space thriller.
Dr Ryland Grace wakes to find himself the sole living person on a spaceship. He initially has amnesia, but very quickly he starts to remember who he is, and his memories of the mission gradually recover. Humanity is in trouble and this mission may be their last chance for survival.
In many ways, this is very similar to *The Martian*, Weir’s debut novel. We have a hyper-competent scientist in extreme conditions finding ways to survive and to complete the mission. Thankfully, *Project Hail Mary* diverts from that formula enough to make it feel fresh — especially when the character Rocky is introduced.
Many readers may find the science-dumps that Weir delivers a little off-putting, but do not be concerned. When the science is important to the plot, Weir follows-up with a simplified explanation; when it is just to show off that the character knows their science, there is no harm in not following that sentence. These tend to be short, and you will not miss anything critical if your eyes glaze over them.
While I found the plot gripping, there were times I felt the pacing could have been a little better. I would prefer more ebbs and flows, while Weir has a tendency to sometimes just go straight from one crisis to another and to yet another. I still enjoyed the book despite this, but I would have found it more enjoyable with a few more breaks between major crisis points.
4/5 Stars
Reviewed by Rebecca