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Amazon.com: Project Hail Mary (Audible Audio Edition): Andy Weir, Ray Porter, Audible Studios: Audible Books & Originals
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Winner of the 2022 Audie Awards’ Audiobook of the Year
Number-One Audible and New York Times Audio Best Seller
More than one million audiobooks sold
A lone astronaut must save the earth from disaster in this incredible new science-based thriller from the number-one New York Times best-selling author of The Martian.
Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission – and if he fails, humanity and the Earth itself will perish.
Except that right now, he doesn’t know that. He can’t even remember his own name, let alone the nature of his assignment or how to complete it.
All he knows is that he’s been asleep for a very, very long time. And he’s just been awakened to find himself millions of miles from home, with nothing but two corpses for company.
His crewmates dead, his memories fuzzily returning, he realizes that an impossible task now confronts him. Alone on this tiny ship that’s been cobbled together by every government and space agency on the planet and hurled into the depths of space, it’s up to him to conquer an extinction-level threat to our species.
And thanks to an unexpected ally, he just might have a chance.
Part scientific mystery, part dazzling interstellar journey, Project Hail Mary is a tale of discovery, speculation, and survival to rival The Martian – while taking us to places it never dreamed of going.
PLEASE NOTE: To accommodate this audio edition, some changes to the original text have been made with the approval of author Andy Weir.
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Amazon.com: Project Hail Mary (Audible Audio Edition): Andy Weir, Ray Porter, Audible Studios: Audible Books & Originals
Jasmeet –
“Project Hail Mary” is a captivating blend of science fiction and human drama. The story is structured with a seamless flow between flashbacks and the present, which adds depth to the narrative and keeps the reader engaged. It helps unravel the mystery around the protagonist Ryland Grace’s mission.
I initially felt uncertain about how to relate to this non-human character when Rocky is introduced. I think I was hoping for a more human-like alien, perhaps even expecting a storyline where Grace might form a romantic attachment to a female alien character. This, in hindsight, was a naive and very predictable assumption. Rocky’s distinct personality, culture, and appearance were initially challenging to relate to, but as the story progressed, I found myself growing deeply attached to both Grace and Rocky. Their relationship is the highlight of the book, showcasing a beautiful, unconventional bond based on mutual respect and understanding.
The ending is both heartwarming and bittersweet. Without delving into spoilers, it left me reflecting on the themes of sacrifice, friendship, and the lengths some individuals will go to for the greater good of society. The story beautifully illustrates how some people dedicate their entire lives to science and the betterment of others, a message that resonates profoundly in today’s world.
Overall, it was a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read that I highly recommend.
Allie Hendrix –
From the first chapter to the last this book had me wanting to know more. The characters are so likeable, in my opinion, and the massive amounts of scientific data in this book are broken down in a way that makes them not only easy to understand but immensely interesting to read. I purchased the Kindle edition with the Audible add on and I can say that some parts had me wanting to turn off the audio so that I could read it faster on my own!!! As the title states, this was my first venture into sci-fi fantasy from my usual reads and I loved it. I have recommended it to all of my bookish friends.
Amazoner –
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir has been in our digital library for quite sometime now and so happy to finally have read/listened to it. It’s a wonderful Science fiction novel with some interesting, fresh and unique perspectives, both with the plot and with the ending. Even though it’s actually a fiction, it’s been written with nice interesting details about the space voyage and the experiences of Ryland Grace in first person, the interstellar traveling scientist, almost to a point that it felt very realistic. I appreciate the efforts Andy Weir has put into writing this book with such vivid elaboration.
A few years ago, I listened to the audiobook The Martian and really loved it. It was actually a very interesting and hearty reading. This book felt quite intense, especially compared to The Martian and yet it’s so well written that I am also planning on reading Artemis eventually. Also, this book is certainly longer than The Martian. And, while I read kindle books and listen audio books, this had been my first time reading a kindle book while simultaneously listening to the audiobook and the experience is certainly immersive, especially for Rocky’s musical notes and sounds. 🙂 Ray Porter did a great job of narration. Overall, it’s a wonderful book that got me interested in Tau Ceti and then Erid. Definitely one of the good books.
P.S. Not sure why there weren’t multivitamins for astronauts in this book while there were for The Martian. I am assuming there must be even if it’s not mentioned which doesn’t explain scurvy or beri beri. Also, I am unable to stop thinking of the ending especially from the part where Grace meets Rocky again and the story there after. The ending felt a little abrupt honestly and a bit short for the otherwise elaborately well written book that actually got most hows explained (except for the last part of course).
Jim Vandervelde –
This one has been on my reading list for a while and I’m glad I finally got to it. Very enjoyable book to read with a healthy dose of humor and a believable plot. The two main characters are expertly written – I haven’t read a book with such fully realized characters in a while. There were a few sections that I think some people will think get too deep into the science of what is happening, but I enjoyed the creative explanations and the ending was perfect. It will make you smile.
Momma Lowe –
This book appealed to the science nerd in me. The story line flowed well and the book was well edited. Weir again succeeds in holding our imagination captive and delivers another enjoyable read. The ending was moving and fills me with hope for humanity. The Fermi paradox seems a little less scary with Andy Weir in the world.
Ariel W –
Project Hail Mary is a gripping sci-fi novel that takes readers on an unforgettable interstellar journey. Written by a master storyteller, this novel showcases breathtaking imagination, compelling characters, and a captivating plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
Pros:
1. Stellar Sci-Fi Setting: The novel’s intricate sci-fi universe is richly detailed, offering an immersive and awe-inspiring experience for readers.
2. Engaging Plot: Project Hail Mary’s plot is filled with unexpected twists, intellectual challenges, and emotional depth, leaving readers enthralled throughout.
3. Complex Characters: The protagonist’s evolution and the supporting characters’ depth make them relatable and compelling, adding an emotional resonance to the story.
4. Thought-Provoking Themes: The novel delves into themes of resilience, discovery, and humanity’s place in the vastness of the cosmos, sparking contemplation and discussion.
5. Stellar Writing: The author’s masterful storytelling and evocative prose make Project Hail Mary a pleasure to read, even for those new to the sci-fi genre.
Cons:
1. None Noted: Project Hail Mary’s excellence has been widely acknowledged, and there are no reported drawbacks or shortcomings in its delivery.
In conclusion, Project Hail Mary is a remarkable sci-fi novel that captivates readers with its ingenious plot, well-developed characters, and compelling themes. From its riveting storyline to its thought-provoking concepts, this novel is a must-read for sci-fi enthusiasts and readers seeking a captivating literary journey.
With no reported drawbacks and widespread critical acclaim, I confidently rate Project Hail Mary with a perfect five stars. Embark on a thrilling adventure into the cosmos with this stellar sci-fi masterpiece – a journey that will linger in your mind long after the last page!
Wellington Amorim –
Andy Weir é uma das grandes revelações da FC. Com “Perdido em Marte”, grande e merecido sucesso, e “Artemis”, repercussão menor mas ainda assim um bom livro, Weir se estabeleceu como autor renomado, especialmente após a adaptação de Perdido em Marte para o cinema, num filme de Ridley Scott. “Project Hail Mary” retoma o espírito de seu primeiro sucesso, com o protagonista (Ryland Grace) acordando em um ambiente sobre o qual ele não tem a mínima informação, não se lembrando nem do próprio nome. À medida que a memória retorna, ao longo de todo o livro, descobrimos os detalhes que o levaram até a nave em que está; algumas conclusões já haviam sido tiradas pelo próprio Grace, usando a Ciência (e depois fica explicado porque ele não se esqueceu dos conceitos enquanto não se lembrava do seu nome…). Não posso dar mais detalhes pois estragaria as sucessivas surpresas que o livro proporciona, mas mencionarei que o foco do livro será a biologia, ou melhor, a exobiologia, ao contrário da Física que permeou “Perdido em Marte”. Há detalhes sobre Física, muito interessantes, mas não são o foco. Em suma, um livro que, principalmente a partir da chegada da nave ao seu destino, torna-se quase impossível de ser largado. Quanto às páginas finais, deixaram-me emocionado até as lágrimas, numa conclusão bela e épica sobre alguém que continua sendo um professor antes de tudo.
CESAR GONZALEZ JAUREGUI –
Gran historia, llena de emoción y descripción con detalles llenos de imaginación muy real. Me sentí inmerso en la aventura.
Jeff Gomske –
I consider The Martian my favorite fictional novel of the last 15-20 years. The movie was incredible in that they actually followed the book closer than 99% of other films based on books. It remains my favorite movie of the last 15 years or so as well. I don’t know anyone (personally) that loves either of them as much as I do.
With that said, I was REALLY looking forward to Artemis. It was good…but, it was certainly not in the same caliber as The Martian was (at least not for me). I enjoyed it a lot, however and appreciated how author Andy Weir chose to go in a completely different direction and not just rehash another similar story, which I am certain would have been great as well.
As a result, I was cautious regarding Project Hail Mary. It sounded a little too close to The Martian, but yet, also different in that the circumstances simply could not be more opposite and the stakes so much higher. I’m trying to figure out the best way to summarize without giving too much away from this utterly compelling novel. As I read several reviews, I noticed a recurring theme: SCIENCE. Lots and LOTS of science. Holy cow, they were right. Many years ago I read Apollo 13 and Jim Lovell and his co-writer, try as they might, simply could not dumb down Orbital Mechanics anywhere near enough for me to have even a minor clue as to what they were attempting to say…I just skipped 90% of it and hoped that the sentences written afterwards, would help to make sense of what I had just skimmed over. I’m a lot of things, but a math wizard is definitely not one of them. Michael Crichton (Jurassic Park) had an amazing talent for dumbing-down the science of what he was trying to explain in ways that genuinely made sense (most of the time). Not everyone has this talent, and I would say Andy Weir falls squarely in between. He’s certainly better than Jim Lovell, but not quite as good as Crichton. But then again, outside of a science textbook, I haven’t really read anything with quite as MUCH science as Project Hail Mary. So maybe he’s just as good, but he just puts more science into his books than Crichton, maybe that’s it…? Either way, be prepared for a lot of astonishingly interesting science within the pages of this novel…and I DO mean a LOT. I don’t say this to make you wary or steer you away…on the contrary, Andy Weir has a special talent for making hard science truly entertaining.
The book opens with an absolutely amazing and frightening premise: an astronaut awakes from an induced coma to find the only other two people on board have died at some point along their journey…but it gets worse. He has no idea who he is, or why he’s on the ship, and oh yeah, they look to be a long way from home. A really, REALLY long way from home. In fact, the sun he sees isn’t actually OUR sun at all. He’s managed to leave our solar system entirely. And he has no idea why.
((Minor Spoilers)) The book goes through some clever flash-backs, which set the stage for why the mission happens, and slowly, carefully explains how they managed to get so far away from earth in such a short amount of time. Basically, earth’s sun seems to be dying. At the rate of decay, we have maybe 19 years left before the gradual cooling has catastrophic consequences resulting in the death of billions (best guess). Why the sun is dimming is quite the conundrum in the first place. Turns out it really isn’t dying, it’s being killed by an outside source…which turns out to be easily the greatest find in history. It’s alien life, and they are using the sun for food, essentially. It’s alien life, but not intelligent life. But still, wow! ALIENS, right???
After this monumental discovery, and some tremendous research done by the most improbable scientist, the investigation into what is happening and why and what to do about it expands exponentially to other nations in order to pool all the resources possible to hopefully save the sun, and by extension, the human race as well. They learn. A LOT. A plan is put together, and with the help of the newly discovered microscopic alien life, which can also double as a power source (along with a few other nifty surprises), they begin to create one last, Hail Mary that could very well be the last chance we might have to save earth. It’s audacious. It’s dangerous, and it is absolutely critical that it succeed.
As our astronaut’s memory slowly unravels, so does his identity: Ryland Grace. He’s a teacher on earth. Just a science teacher. Not even a college professor. He’s amazingly smart, though. But he’s no astronaut…and certainly not one who would volunteer to go on a one-way mission to another solar system to “try” and save humanity. Yet here he is. Alone. light years from earth, trying to solve the biggest riddle in all of human history. Ryland accepts his situation, such as it is, with relative indifference (for the most part). It doesn’t matter HOW he got here. He’s here now and he may as well use that time to be as productive as possible, right? Along the way, he unravels even more information regarding the microscopic alien life which is slowly dimming our sun during some additional flashbacks. The aliens, dubbed, “Astrophage” are quite the galactic plague as it turns out. Stars all over the galaxy are also losing their light, all due to the little buggers. All that is, except one particular star named, Tau Ceti. Now why would that one star be unaffected by Astrophage, when every single star around it has been affected to some degree. The plan is to go there and figure it out and send the information back, hopefully in time to save the sun before the damage to earth is beyond repair.
There is an incredible amount of stuff going on. The story switches from Tau Ceti to flashbacks of how the whole mission was planned and implemented (which is VERY entertaining, especially Director Stratt, who may actually be my favorite character in the entire novel). Weir is becoming quite adept at building tension, and abruptly switching the story from Tau Ceti back to earth and building more of the backstory then switching back to Tau Ceti. Keeping it all in check and most importantly, interesting all while mixing in a healthy dose of science, which I am to understand is pretty much all genuine, is quite the juggling act. I have long known science can be astronomically entertaining (see what I did there?) when done right…but unfortunately very few people in a position to teach science actually know the best way to create that interest in others. I can say without reservation, Andy Weir definitely knows how to do it…at least in written form.
There is so much I want to say more regarding this truly phenomenal story, but I simply cannot without ruining a lot of the fun and surprises revealed along the way…and it is killing me to keep it locked in. Though I labeled a spoiler warning earlier, I don’t think it gave away any more than what the author himself has revealed in interviews he has done regarding the book, and what you can glean from reading the summary here and just a couple other reviews. Tying all of that science together is truly astonishing to me. The creativity to put it into a novel that is remarkably exciting to read is nothing more than incredible talent. Kudo’s to Andy Weir for not just hitting a home run, Project Hail Mary is a Grand Slam all the way. I truly did not want this story to end. By the way, I enjoyed the ending quite a bit. I don’t know if everyone will. But it was fine for me. I think the ending screams “sequel” at some point too. A lot was left open-ended (IMO) and I wouldn’t mind reading a follow-up to this. It doesn’t HAVE to happen, but there are a lot of ways where the story could go if Andy chose to do it. Just sayin’.
Just run out and buy this book.
Jasmeet –
It becomes harder and harder to find real science fiction. This is the genuine stuff! Not some anything goes fantasy with no anchor in the real world. In addition its a great story. Bravo !
Stephanie Morley –
What a phenomenal book. I haven’t read Weir’s other novel, The Martian, but I may have to go there after reading this. This story was intriguing, inspiring, and uplifting. I couldn’t stop reading. I enjoyed the scientific aspects with experiments and math and such, but it wasn’t overwhelming. You’ll finish this book feeling smarter! The characters were presented well, easy to relate to, and made me smile every step of the way. If you’re looking for a smart, intriguing novel with a dash of space adventure, you need to read Project Hail Mary!